The third annual Lyn-Lake Street Festival took place yesterday, May 15^th in the Uptown Minneapolis area. This area of town, the corner of Lyndale and Lake Street, is a pretty hip area. I don’t really come down here too often, but I did managed to swing by to catch Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Honey Stick, and Black Blondie. I wish I had time to stay for Haley Bonar, Peter Wolf Crier, Heiruspecs, or Chelsea Boys (mostly curious if their show will be more tamer and family-friendly). I mostly regret not seeing Haley Bonar, I love her voice.

HONEY STICK

BLACK BLONDIE

They had sectioned off two city blocks, with one the main stage in the center, while the Uptown VFW Stage is one the back end of the street. With previously similar setup, such as Bastille Day, once a band finish, the other stage starts up the music. Music is non-stop from noon to seven.

Here are the bands I did catch.

I didn’t really know much about Honey Stick, they seem mostly an instrumental band, except for a few songs. I think they are a fairly brand new band, they recycled one song and had some difficulties with the keytar. Best thing about them: they look goofy.

I thought I heard singer Samahra from
Black Blondie, say that they’ve been writing music for eight years now. Maybe I misheard, according to their biography, they’ve been around since 2006 (although I’ve still have never heard of them). Highlight of their set: a cover of Madonna’s “La Isla Bonita”.

Koo Koo Kanga Roo was, as usual, a riot. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a show with so many children, but it’s perfect for the music of Koo Koo Kanga Roo. Helping them dance were two helpers, one dressed as a mad scientist (later on as a man in black?) and a guy in a hotdog suit.

They did a full set (yes, complete with the rainbow tarp), including fan favorites such as “Rollin in the Minivan” and “Shake Yo Foot”. Set was similar (if not the same) to last month’s show. I love seeing these guys, I think they are on the right track, playing these big outdoor family-type shows.

KOO KOO KANGA ROO

PS, I was surprised to see that Secret Stash Records was one of the vendors. We’ve recently reviewed two of their albums. They had all their vinyls for sale, I picked up their reggae interpretation of Mile Davis’ Kind Of Blue, which came on beautiful blue vinyl.

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