McNally Smith College of Music is honored to host the second annual Lowertown Guitar Festival — a free day of outdoor live music taking place Saturday, August 9th,2014 in Mears Park downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. Unlike other music festivals, which often cater to a specific genre (e.g., jazz, blues), Lowertown Guitar Festival celebrates one of America’s most beloved instruments — guitar — and the diverse artists who play it. Last year’s inaugural Lowertown Guitar Festival drew nearly 2,000 attendees to Saint Paul’s vibrant arts district, and this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better.
Offering something for all tastes, Lowertown Guitar Festival’s eclectic 2014 line-up features six-string greats such as five-time GRAMMY nominee and jazz/blues legendRobben Ford (Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, George Harrison), Fender clinician/bluesman Greg Koch, Jim Campilongo (Norah Jones, Bright Eyes, Cake), rockabilly/country player Rosie Flores and National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion Phil Heywood (Leo Kottke, A Prairie Home Companion).
St. Paul-based singer/songwriter Molly Maher will reprise her role as Lowertown Guitar Festival emcee. Maher will also be joined by slide guitarist/vocalist Gabriela Sweet to headline the fest’s Acoustic Stage, which features sets from indie-rock phenom Jeremy Ylvisaker (Andrew Bird, Alpha Consumer, Cloax Ox), and Minneapolis-based composer/guitarist Chris Beaty as well.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Black Dog Coffee & Wine Barand Summit Brewing. Multiple food trucks will be setting up shop at Mears Park to service hungry Festival attendees as well. Check back soon for details on participating food trucks.