The verdict is still out on whether or not the Twins stepped up their pitching this year, but the team did at least add a little muscle to their Midwest Music Showcase in 2014. Tapes n' Tapes, Trailer Trash, Mark Mallman, the Cactus Blossoms and a reunited Tina & the B-Sides are all on the roster for the 10 Wednesday live music performances at Target Field, which include pre-game warm-up sets from the bands as well as random songs between innings.
Here's the full lineup announced today by the team:
- May 14: Tapes 'n Tapes (7:10 p.m., Red Sox)
- May 28: Mark Mallman (7:10 p.m., Rangers)
- June 4: Pennyroyal (7:10 p.m., Brewers)
- July 2: The Odd Fathers (12:10 p.m., Royals)
- July 23: Trailer Trash (12:10 p.m., Indians)
- Aug. 6: Cactus Blossoms (12:10 p.m., Padres)
- Aug. 20: Crankshaft (7:10 p.m., Indians)
- Sept. 3: Special Guest TBA (7:10 p.m., White Sox)
- Sept. 17: Tina and the B-Sides (7:10 p.m., Tigers)
- Sept. 24: Local contest winner (12:10 p.m., Diamondbacks)
That last slot will be awarded to via KTWIN 96.3 FM's "Sound Factor" contest, judged by Prince & the Revolution drummer and the station's Sunday night host of "The Sound," Bobby Z. Those Tapes n' Tapes and Tina & the B-Sides gigs are of particular note, since those bands have been on hiatus -- although Tina Schlieske is also putting her old band back together for a First Ave gig on May 10.
As was chronicled in a story we ran last year off of 4onthefloor's appearance in the series, the bands perform up on a balcony in the left-field corner and are given some nice screen time on the Jumbotron (and free game tickets and beer!).
This won't be the only live music at Target Field this summer. KTWIN is reportedly planning a second installment of its Skyline Music Fest, which last year featured Soul Asylum and Big Head Todd & the Monsters on a stage along the third baseline. The perennial rumors of Paul McCartney performing there are also surfacing again with news of his summer tour plans. However, since the Twins are hosting the All-Star Game this year – when Kenny Chesney played there during the midseason break the past two summers – the timing of a Mac gig or any other big show could be difficult. But not impossible.
