Music on the Mississippi – Treasure Island Amphitheater – Welch MN – July 26th 2025
Under the blazing July sun, Music by the Mississippi at Treasure Island Amphitheater brought together an impressive lineup of bands that made the heat well worth it. The atmosphere was electric, the setting scenic, and the music nothing short of unforgettable.
Kicking off the day was local favorite Mike Munson Trio, delivering a gritty and soulful performance that set the tone for an afternoon full of standout sets. Their bluesy sound resonated with early arrivers who were brave enough to face the heat.
Next up was Wild Horses, a rising Minnesota band from Grand Rapids—not to be confused with the 1971 UK rock group of the same name. Fronted by husband-and-wife duo Jed and Ariana LaPlant, Wild Horses captivated the crowd with a heartfelt performance blending folk, western, and rock. Their chemistry on stage was undeniable, and their sound felt both rooted and refreshingly original.
If you haven’t heard of Wild Horses yet, this is your cue to check them out. Their set was a highlight of the day and proved that the Minnesota music scene is thriving with talent.
Overall, Music by the Mississippi delivered exactly what you’d hope for from a summer festival: strong local acts, a welcoming crowd, and music that makes you forget just how hot it really is.
Next on stage was Minneapolis’s own Mason Jennings—a familiar name to many in the crowd and a personal favorite of mine. Having seen him live before, I was genuinely excited to catch his set again, and he absolutely did not disappoint.
Jennings delivered a warm, stripped-down performance that felt intimate and sincere, even on the expansive Treasure Island Amphitheater stage. His poetic lyrics and signature folk-rock sound provided a welcome moment of calm and reflection amid the energy of the day. Fans—many wisely seated in the shade—nodded along to every chord and lyric, clearly moved by his honest and grounded presence.
Following Mason Jennings was American country blues musician Charlie Parr, hailing from Austin, Minnesota. Armed with just a resonator guitar, a stool, and his unmistakable authenticity, Parr delivered a mesmerizing set that stood out for its raw simplicity.
There was no flash, no theatrics—just music. And that’s exactly what made his performance so powerful. Parr’s minimalist presence focused the audience’s attention squarely on his intricate fingerpicking and weathered vocals, which echoed with decades of tradition and soul. Each song felt like a story being passed down, worn and real, and by the end of his set, I found myself wishing he could’ve played just a little longer.
Charlie Parr proved that sometimes the most impactful performances come from those who let the music speak for itself.
As the sun started to dip, the crowd at Treasure Island Amphitheater grew noticeably thicker in anticipation of Soul Asylum. The legendary Minneapolis band—active since 1981—took the stage with the kind of energy and swagger that only comes from decades of experience. Their set was loud, passionate, and full of the gritty alt-rock sound that’s made them a cornerstone of Minnesota music.
Whether fans had followed them since the early days or were hearing them live for the first time, Soul Asylum gave a performance that felt like both a celebration and a reminder: this band still rocks, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
Closing out the night was the only non-Minnesotan on the bill: Shakey Graves. I’ll admit—I hadn’t heard his music before this show, but when I told a few people I was seeing him live, the reaction was unanimous: “You’re in for something special.” And they weren’t wrong.
Shakey Graves delivered a genre-blurring set full of charisma, talent, and unexpected twists. His mix of folk, blues, and rock—with a touch of theatrical flair—was the perfect way to end a day full of incredible music. It was a performance that not only won me over but sent me digging into his discography the moment I got home.
You must be logged in to post a comment.