The biggest challenge a local band faces here these days (besides a harsh climate, both literally and figuratively) is actually getting out of this proverbial midwestern island town and on tour. It usually takes many months (more likely years) of networking to be able to get decent touring gigs, as independent bands need to gain important contacts in the form of non-local clubs, promoters, or even just other bands in other places.

One of the most well-connected musicians in Minneapolis these days is Christy Hunt. Best known as the front-woman for decade-plus Minneapolis act Ouija Radio, she’s also in recent years joined Detroit’s The Von Bondies (best known for this song, which you do remember) and formed a new Minneapolis band called Pink Mink.

Christy and a large cast of Minneapolis musicians came together with a crew of Madisonian musicians a few years back to stage the first-ever Minne-Mad Festival, essentially a mass show-trade where bands from either city played big local shows in either location. It was most certainly a huge benefit to both cities’ music scenes to share a little bit of what the other had to offer, if only for one jam-packed weekend of music.

Now in 2010, an even more ambitious festival in the same vein has been born: the Minne-Motor Festival. Bands hailing from the Twin Cities and Detroit will be sharing bills with one another, beginning with 4 shows in Minneapolis July 24-26 and ending with at least one show in Detroit on the 31st. Madison returns to the fray as well, as they’ll be hosting an intermediary tour stop on the 30th and contributing to the festival lineup too.

Minneapolis’ flagship show in the festival is at The Hexagon Bar on July 24th, and features locals Pink Mink, The Guystorm, and Seated Heat (with members of Birthday Suits and more) alongside Detroit acts Silverghost (featuring original Von Bondies guitarist Marcie Bolen), Gardens, The Sugarcoats, and Marco Polio and The New Vaccines. Madison’s Screamin’ Cyn Cyn and The Pons will also perform at this FREE show, so you basically have no excuse not to be there. (Unless you’re under 21 of course. And if you are, hurry up and get older already!)

A huge swarm of bands will perform at the Chiang Banger Block Party and a secret after-show on July 25th. You’ll also have an opportunity to pick up the hot new single “Your Love is a Poison” by The Melismatics and see Detroit’s The Hounds Below (featuring Jason Stollsteimer from The Von Bondies; don’t you love all this awesome band crossover?) and more at the Kitty Cat Klub on July 26th.

For full details on all the shows happening as part of the festival, check out the event on Facebook, and plan on wearing your dancing/drinking/party shoes to whichever of these show(s) you plan on being at.

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posted July 7th, 2010 at 9:24 am MN Rock