Like a lot of fans, John Munson is headed to both the Aquatennial Block Party and the 24-hour marathon at Orchestra Hall today. Only he'll be in the shows.
Plenty of Twin Cities music lovers will be bouncing between today's two great free events in downtown Minneapolis, the Macy's Day of Music and the Aquatennial Block Party. But the guy bouncing the hardest is probably John Munson.
An hour after he finishes Semisonic's headlining set at the Aquatennial bash -- the band's first show in almost three years -- the bassist is to take the stage inside Orchestra Hall for a set by his current full-time group, the New Standards.
"I should be able to pull it off, as long as certain bandmates don't talk too much between songs," Munson said, taking a good-natured jab at Semisonic leader Dan Wilson.
Semisonic never officially broke up, so tonight's show isn't all that big a deal from the band's viewpoint. A friend sought out the group to play a private gig in Atlanta next weekend, and, said Munson, "We thought we might as well see if we can do something here, too."
"We've never said never," Munson explained. "We've always just said we'd play again when it fits in and feels right."
In this case, the gig just barely fit. Munson expects to be a little harried and hoarse after the Semisonic set, but, he anticipates, "I'll probably be rejuvenated the moment I walk into Orchestra Hall."
At right, a look at all the acts worth running out to see today.
DAY OF MUSIC Excelsior (6 p.m., Peavey Plaza): The Twin Cities-based contemporary gospel choir followed up its Stellar Award nomination for best new artist in 2001 with a Grammy nomination in 2003. Their concerts genuinely rock.
Big Surf (9 p.m., Peavey Plaza): Leaders of the Hexagon Bar's monthly surf-rock jam, this trio should be a blast outside on a hot summer eve.
New Standards (11 p.m., Orchestra Hall): John Munson formed the New Standards last year with former Suburbs co-leader Chan Poling and jazz vibraphonist Steve Roehm. The trio plays stripped-down, quirky but beautiful versions of classic hits by David Bowie, Beck, Kurt Weill and many others. The New York Times recently gave them a rave write-up.
Low (midnight, Orchestra Hall): Many fans still marvel at the Duluth indie-rock trio's performance in this same venue for the first Day of Music in 2001. With songs from last year's "The Great Destroyer" and a new bassist in tow this time, this reprise should be far from a rehash.
Minnesota Orchestra (8 p.m., Orchestra Hall): Oh yeah, can't forget them. A rare chance to hear the biggest band in town for free. And they usually play "the hits."
AQUATENNIAL HIGHLIGHTSSemisonic (8:35 p.m., Cities 97 stage): Since their last show (First Avenue, December 2003), the three guys who gave us "Closing Time" haven't exactly closed up shop. Munson started the New Standards after also winding down the Flops. Drummer Jacob Schlichter is working on a second book after his first one, "So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star," was a hit. Frontman Dan Wilson has produced albums for Mike Doughty, co-wrote songs with Dixie Chicks and Jason Mraz and recently finished his long-in-the-works solo debut.
Josh Gracin (9:30 p.m., K102 stage): A finalist on "America Idol's" second season -- he came in fourth behind Clay and Ruben -- the hunky ex-Marine is making a minor ripple as a mainstream country singer.
Sonya Kitchell (7:20 p.m., Cities stage): In the immortal words of Kip Winger, she's only 17, but she's old enough -- to be getting compared to Joni Mitchell and Janis Ian, that is, thanks to a hit album released via Starbucks.
Chris Riemenschneider • 612-673-4658
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