They played Rock the Garden last year, Cabooze Plaza in 2010 and the Basilica Block Party in 2009, so the Hold Steady had to look to Rochester to find a new, suitable outdoor bash for their almost-annual summer return this year. The Brooklyn-based, locally rooted quintet will headline the St. John's Block Party in downtown Rochester on July 13, same weekend as the Basilica shindig this year, and very similar in nature (it's a fundraiser for a big, old church, St. John the Evangelist).
SST twang-punk vets the Meat Puppets will also play the St. John's party this summer (their second time there!) along with Dead Man Winter, Lucy Michelle & the Velvet Lapelles, ex-BoDeans co-leader Sammy Llanas, Enemy Planes, Free Fallin', Actual Wolf and more, including kids entertainment. Advance tickets go on sale June 1 for $25. Kids 12 and under get in free to the party with a paid adult. More details on the party's site.
