** Twin Cities ** FUN.....Here We Come....... :-)

Meatraffle SKA offers a mix of first wave ska, rock steady, afrobeat, and a maybe a few surprises. Led by the vocals and guitar work of Guy Messenger, the band is complemented by some of the most talented horn players in the area. They perform a unique, genre-spanning songlist that brings something fresh yet familiar.
https://meatraffleska.wordpress.com/
For a little sampling: https://www.facebook.com/meatraffleska/reels/
and
https://www.youtube.com/@mrbassman4/search?query=meatraffle%20ska

I will be dancing to at least some of the songs. I hope you'll join in (no pressure), with or without a partner. It sometimes turns into a fun group-dance at Minnehaha Falls.

Musical performance is 7:00-8:30 PM .
Get there early for: introductions, conversation, and to help save seating.
I'll be there by 6:00 PM.

Where to park
There is a pay parking lot. Food is available at nearby Sea Salt Eatery.
I think both take credit cards and cash, though I'm not sure. Best to bring both credit cards and cash with you.
I usually park for free in the neighborhood to the north of the park, on Nawadaha Blvd, and walk in.

How to find us
Look in the area where the benches are, in the shade, near the front, for easy access to the dance floor. Look for a balloon attached to the top of a 6 ft. long green pole with a dark blue pennant attached. I'll be wearing my red-orange-green-yellow baseball style cap with a jungle leaves and flowers design. I look like my photo.

What to bring
We'll be sitting in the bench area, close to the music for dance floor access, so a lawn chair shouldn't be needed. I'll be bringing one along anyway, just in case the crowd is crazy big (not really what I'm expecting) and bench space is in short supply.
A blanket could double as both padding for the bench (I'll probably bring a small cushion) or for sitting on if we aren't on benches.
I bring my own water, earplugs for when I'm close to the music, and I might have on hand some mosquito repellent (probably won't be needed). Having an umbrella with you is a good idea, just in case a passing rain shower blows through.
I recommend having both cash and credit card with you, not just one or the other.

In case of rain
Monitor the Minneapolis Music and Movies in the Park Facebook page for late breaking weather-related information: https://www.facebook.com/mplsmusicmovies/ .
If I find out about weather-related announcements, or if I get there and things aren’t looking good I'll post a comment here on this page.

The Riff Rangers are a highly versatile musical ensemble, renowned for their engaging performances. I've seen them in person, and they are good! They blend tight 3-part harmonies with a rich mix of jazz, blues, folk, western swing, and classic rock.
Highlights:
outstanding vocals, delivering fan-favorite, flawlessly blended harmonies
exceptional musicianship: a rock-solid rhythm section, driven by the bass
100+ song repertoire, spanning everything from Cole Porter to Bonnie Raitt and the Beatles.
Their website, where you can sample their sound:
https://daledahlquist.com/the-riff-rangers

Dred I Dread is a Minneapolis based reggae band. Known for mostly performing original songs, the band features talented musicians that come from Jamaica, New Orleans, Minnesota and Turkiye. The diverse heritage of these band members echo in their sound,
blending reggae with elements of jazz,
hip-hop, blues, calypso, and even Turkish music.
Dred I Dread creates a deep, groove-driven foundation that delivers a rich, immersive live experience.
Dread continues to carry the torch of conscious reggae music forward, and remains committed to uplifting communities and bringing positive vibrations to audiences around the world.
The band's website: [https://dredidread.com/ ](https://dredidread.com/) .
For further sampling:[ https://www.youtube.com/@dredidread/videos](https://www.youtube.com/@dredidread/videos)

Feel free to join in dancing or not, with or without a partner. It's typically a fun group-dance happening at Lake Harriet.

Parking:
Pay parking in nearby lots. I can usually find a free spot on the street on the neighborhood just to the west of the bandshell area, on Queen Ave. S.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket, water, cash and credit card (probably both is best) for parking, or food at the concession area (the Bread and Pickle), or possibly a food truck. "Cash is king" but sometimes credit cards are required for parking, and for vendors who don't like large sums of cash on hand.
Mosquito repellant may or may not be needed (your guess is as good as mine).
I use ear plugs when dancing near the band (your call, of course).

Weather:
In case of rain: monitor the Minneapolis Parks Music in the Parks Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mplsmusicmovies/ .
If/when I find out about any cancellation or go-ahead the day of this event I'll post a comment on this page with information as soon as I am able.

How to find us:
As you face the stage from the audience look to your right, and behind you, in a shaded area, by the small hill. I look like my photo. I'll be wearing my orange-green-red-yellow "jungle leaves" design cap. Look for a 5 ft. green pole with a dark blue pennant on it. It'll be near us.