Everclear with Cindy Lawson – Mayo Park – Rochester, MN – July 14th, 2024

Everclear with Cindy Lawson live in Rochester Minnesota on July 14th 2024

Presented by Riverside Music Series

Rochester’s annual outdoor summer music series kicked off with a phenomenal night of music from alt rockers Everclear with an opening performance by Minnesota artist Cindy Lawson for a packed Mayo Park crowd under a beautiful, clear summer sky.  These free outdoor concerts, put on by the city music department and sponsored by Think Mutual Bank are part of a 5-week series, each with a local opener and local food vendors in the park.

Minneapolis rocker Cindy Lawson started the night off with a high-energy performance.  Joined by guitarist Jerry Lefkowitz, bassist Dave Randall, and drummer Mark Devaraj, she electrified the park with a mix of rock, punk, sweetness and sass.  Her fiery smile brought a joy and light to her playing, and her stage presence and personality shone through for the crowd of thousands that filled the park.  Her set was such a perfect way to start of the summer series.

The energized crowd was then treated to a hit-filled set from Everclear, who had also treated radio station winners to a fun meet and greet just prior to the show.  Playing favorites including “Father of Mine”, “Wonderful”, and “I Will Buy You a New Life”, they  delivered a flawless performance on a picture-perfect (albeit hot and humid) summer night.  Art Alexakis connected wonderfully with the large crowd, candidly speaking to his sobriety, his MS diagnosis, and his gratitude for his ability and enjoyment of continuing to perform.  They closed the night with their hit “Santa Monica”, leaving the crowd with an unforgettable night of music and community.

Review and photos by Kate Klaus