Summer Guide: June 29-July 5

The MSR’s guide to summer festivals, concerts, and activities for foodies, stargazers, art and music lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy for the week of June 29-July 5.

Kathleen Johnson presents Hotter Than July: The Album
June 29 – 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
The Belvedere at Crooners Supper Club – 6161 Highway 65 NE, Minneapolis
This evening of live music was created and produced by Brad Steine of the Soul Tight Committee band in connection with Kathleen Johnson of “Musicians4musicians.” It is a complete rundown of Stevie Wonder’s “Hotter Than July” album and other Wonder classics performed in the month of June as a celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month, the national recognition of “Juneteenth,” and the continued uplifting of the 40th year anniversary of MLK Day. For more info, visit bit.ly/KathleenJohnsonHotterThanJuly.

Erykah Badu and Mos Def
June 30 – 7:30 p.m.
Xcel Energy Center – 199 West Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul
BaduWorld, Inc., has announced that Erykah Badu, Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and performance artist, is hitting the road on her nationwide “Unfollow Me” Tour, along with hip hop’s most introspective and insightful artist, yasiin bey (aka Mos Def). The predominantly arena concerts, produced by Outback Presents, promise an out-of-this-world, surrealist atmosphere. For more info, visit bit.ly/ErykahBaduMosDef.

Somali Independence Day Festival
July 1
West Lake between Blaisdell and Stevens Avenues, Minneapolis
The annual festival and parade—which features food, cultural activities, music and dance—is the highlight of Somali Week, beginning June 29. For info, visit www.somaliweek.org.

Talib Kweli
July 1 – 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
The Dakota – 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
The Brooklyn-based MC earned his stripes as one of the most lyrically gifted, socially aware and politically insightful rappers to emerge in the last 20 years. Whether working with Yasiin Bey as one-half of Black Star, partnering with producer Hi-Tek for Reflection Eternal, releasing landmark solo material or collaborating with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Just Blaze, J Dilla, or Madlib, Kweli commands attention by delivering top-tier lyricism, crafting captivating stories, and showing the ability to rhyme over virtually any type of instrumental. For more info, visit www.dakotacooks.com.

Taste of Canterbury – Tacos and Tequila
July 1 – 5:00 p.m.
Canterbury Park – 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee
Upgrade your racing experience with our special “Taste of Canterbury” event series, transporting you to the taste of Tacos and Tequila sponsored by Don Julio! This themed entertainment experience will show what Canterbury’s kitchen can bring to the table, with specialty food, cocktails, and pairings during an evening packed with themed fun and live racing action. Enjoy your favorite birria tacos with grilled vegetables and tres leches for dessert! Events include live racing admission, samplings of Bourbon craft cocktails, two drink tickets for our selection of Bourbon based cocktails for the full bar, as well as access to the appetizer pairings throughout the evening. Entertainment will be provided in-between live racing. For more info, visit bit.ly/CanterburyTacosTequila.

Community Quilt Project
Through July 1
MAAHMG – 1256 Penn Ave. N. (4th floor), Minneapolis
The “Community Quilt Project” features 14 quilts that symbolize themes including Black history, Black joy, love and family, racial justice, civil rights, Black liberation, healing and freedom. The exhibit also includes a quilt honoring Minneapolis’ favorite son, Prince Rogers Nelson, which was created during the painting of the Prince mural in May and June of 2022. The “Community Quilt Project” is open for viewing during MAAHMG’s regular hours (Tuesdays through Fridays, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) Admission is free and free parking is available in the ramp at the rear of the building. For more info, visit www.maahmg.org/exhibits.

Amythyst Kiah
July 5 – 7:30 p.m.
The Parkway Theater – 4814 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis
Grammy nominee and Folk Alliance International award-winner Amythyst Kiah and her band return to The Parkway in support of her critically acclaimed debut album release, Wary + Strange (Rounder Records), including the chart-topping single, “Black Myself.” For more info, visit bit.ly/AmythystKiahJuly5.