Something for the Weekend: Art-A-Whirl

What’s happening this weekend.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

May 16, 2025 Friday
May 17, 2025 Saturday
May 18, 2025 Sunday
Art-A-Whirl
at Northeast Minneapolis
nemaa.org

NEMAA (Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association)’s Art-A-Whirl is celebrating their 30th Anniversary with a bang, throughout Northeast Minneapolis, this weekend: May 16-18, 2025.

This special anniversary will bring together more than 1,400 local artists… and with a projection of bringing in more than 120,000 attendees, local bars and venues around the area have also put together live music entertainment to attract visitors.

 

The big name is Cornbread Harris (courtesy of Minneapolis Sound Presents). We recently saw Cornbread in April 2025 and said, “Ahead of the show out front on the street, there was a sign stating: “No parking, Cornbread only”. It was obvious right away that most of the bar crowd was definitely regulars for Harris. Harris arrived and waited while warming his hands up with a coffee near the stage as the backing band (guitar, trumpet, drums and upright bass) got things set up at the small performance area up front. It was a prompt start, with Harris rolling right into his piano playing. Any signs of age were instantly erased as his fingers went to work, and it’s a joy to watch an expert ply their craft. The supporting band has definitely honed their sound around Harris. I was particularly impressed by the trumpet player’s ability to be loud enough to be heard while staying below the piano’s volume.”

There is also a special appearance by Andrea Swensson, bringing her book A Deeper Blues to the Cornbread show.

I think all the music events are free, but please check if you’re not sure. There are a few bands we’ve seen before that it might be fun to see again. Some local bands that I like are Dad Bod and Creeping Charlie.

I have compiled all the music events in the area, courtesy of The Current.

As usual with these things, bands and schedules may change at the last minute.

 

If your band is coming to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, please email details to vu@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time. Thank you.