Music in the Zoo

This was my second time venturing across the river for the Music in the Zoo and this time around I did said venturing having never heard of the bands playing.  But as is often the case where Minnesota music opportunities are concerned, I was super grateful that the chance arose despite my ignorance. Robert Randolph and the Family Band and their opener, JJ Grey and Mofro, were absolutely fan-friggin-tastic!

Having moved here from New Orleans, I am of the opinion that there's a certain need for humidity and a touch of heat for certain types of music.  If there's a pedal steel guitar involved, there really needs to be a cold beer somewhere nearby and a thin sheen of sweat on most foreheads. Minnesota can leave a bit to be desired on the humidity front most years (which native Minnesotans would disagree with but the bulk of Minnesotans have not spent ample years in Arkansas, Missouri, Virginia, and Louisiana).  But the last few weeks have been pleasantly sticky and last night as just humid enough to really feel like summer but not so humid that you just wanted to lay on the concrete and play dead.  And that was a very good thing, because the music last night was definitely fit for dancing.

The venue is wonderful, big enough to draw a crowd that can get raucous but small enough to feel intimate.  We had seats at the very top, which I definitely recommend.  As a person of painfully short stature, I am frequently plagued with the Tall-Guy-Right-In-Front-of-Me issue. But if you're up top, you can stand on the benches to your heart's content without worrying too much about blocking any views behind you.  It's the perfect spot for people who are 1) short or 2) itching to dance or 3) a bit of both.

Perfect summertime music in a perfect summertime venue.

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