Trampled by Turtles dodge storm at Cabooze Outdoor Plaza

Trampled by Turtles returned to Minneapolis on Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 for their long-awaited outdoor summer concert at the Cabooze Outdoor Plaza.  Joined by their northwoods foot-stomping friend Charlie Parr, and the local group Roma di Luna, Trampled by Turtles sold out the event earlier in the week.  That says a lot for the band, when arguably the biggest band in the world, U2, was just across town playing a sold out show to over 58,000 fans at TCF Bank Stadium.

The forecast showed strong storms coming later in the evening, but the fans who poured in steadily to the parking lot venue were all smiles.  Charlie Parr started the concert off at 5:30 PM, and unfortunately I wasn’t there early enough to get any photos of him.  Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles joined Parr for his final two songs, including the final soul-soaked bluesy tune “Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down” from his 2010 release When The Devil Goes Blind. Parr’s voice was fragile and pure.  He is a true Minnesota gem.

Roma di Luna hit the stage next, with a set of artsy Americana folk-rock.  The group, originally started as a husband and wife duo playing street corners for tips, didn’t seemed phased by the capacity crowd that spanned out across every corner of the lot.  Thinly framed singer, Channy Moon Casselle, sang with a soft soulful voice that was hard not to be intrigued by.  Roma di Luna’s set was thoroughly enjoyable, but it seemed much of the crowd was wishing for something more upbeat to riot to.

Trampled by Turtles took the stage around 8:00 PM, with the sun still trying to no avail to burn through the thick hazy clouds above.  Trampled by Turtles’ set hit on all of their five studio albums while focusing mostly on the band’s exceptional 2010 release, Palomino, which they covered almost in its entirety.  Midway through the set, singer and guitarist Dave Simonett, admitted he was feeling a little nervous before this one.  “But I feel good now,” he said, bringing a big cheer.

“Bloodshot Eyes” from Palomino was stunning.  With a Dylanesque harmonica starting the tune off, Simonett and gang strummed it out nice and slow as he sang out, “It’s empty where you were, just a big gaping hole, and I’ve tried every bottle, every pill that I know.” The band also cranked through their signature upbeat tunes like “It’s a War”, “Wait So Long”, “Arming of Infants” and mandolin player, Erik Berry’s slow/fast tune  “New Son/Burnt Iron”.  The crowd bounced along, fists full of tall boys held high.  Three new songs were mixed in through the night, each not jumping far from the band’s sound.

Towards the end of their set ominous clouds were forming with flashes of lighting and clashes of thunder getting close.  The winds picked up as the band wrapped up their set and returned quickly for the encore.  The night ended with bassist, Tim Saxhaug, on vocals singing fellow-Minnesotan, Bob Dylan’s 1975 song, “Shelter From the Storm”.  That seemed like a suitable way to end the evening.  It was a good concert full of fans who seemed to know each and every word.  But that no longer comes as a surprise at a Minnesota Trampled by Turtles concert.

Trampled by Turtles

Roma di Luna