THEY'RE NOT PLAYERS, THEY JUST CRUSH A LOT

THEY'RE NOT PLAYERS, THEY JUST CRUSH A LOT

Robyn Schindeldecker

With the explosion in the number of festivals and block parties over the past few summers, Minneapolis can certainly add “City of Celebrations” to its list of unofficial titles. Enter the second annual Crush Fest, a sonic smattering of established local acts, fresh arrivals to the music scene, and out-of-town bands connecting with the pulse of our own fair city. Hosted by Cause Spirits and Soundbar and anchored by the eponymous Dream Crusher, this event promises to pack more punch into two evenings than you thought possible. (SPOILER ALERT: It’s possible.)

Bleubird

Both nights feature Dream Crusher, a collection of musicians from various Minneapolis bands including Me and My Arrow, Fort Wilson Riot, and Hardcore Crayons (all of which also take stage this weekend). A rotating lineup of players that differs on any given night and a menagerie of instruments culminates in a constantly evolving sound. This “Choose Your Own Adventure” format lets its members experiment and indulge without consequence, while keeping listeners both engaged and electrified.

Friday showcases the heavily-tattooed and bespectacled Florida rapper Bleubird. Armed with a rapid-fire delivery and lyrical wit, you won’t want to miss him perform from Cannonball!!!, his debut release that truly merits that exclamation point trifecta. The following night, Ghost Army will help you unleash your drunken phoenix with its terrifying psychedelic prog punk sound. Equally as fearsome as it is exhilarating, GA will remind you that when they’re on stage, chilling out is never an option. Afterward, feast your ears on Saltee, the improbable amalgamation of beatboxing, cello, and guitar.

Ghost Army

This is one festival that isn’t for the faint of heart, so crush your inhibitions and come let your whiskey-fueled dreams take flight.

What? Crush Fest II, 21+, $7
When? Friday, August 17, 7:00 PM doors and Saturday, August 18, 6:00 PM doors

Where? Cause Spirits and Soundbar, 3001 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408