56th Summer at Northrop Kicks off with THE ALARMISTS - June 11

Beginning June 11, the Department of Concerts and Lectures and the University of Minnesota Summer Session Office will host 24 free, outdoor concerts that showcase local talent and offer a variety of eclectic music from various cultures and genres.  All concerts will be played on the Northrop Plaza from noon to 1:00 pm, with the exception of five evening shows. The evening concerts are an exciting new addition this summer and will be hosted on the plaza from 7:00 to 8:00 pm with bands The Alarmists, Maria Isa, Innocent, Charanga Tropical, and Alison Scott. For details visit http://northrop.umn.edu/events/summer-northrop.

The 56th annual Summer at Northrop will officially launch on June 14 with a kick-off party hosting Romantica, an "Irish Americana Pop" band who will play lush, richly orchestrated pop-folk made rural by the twang of pedal steel.  Ice cream treats from University Dining Services, and sample sandwiches from Jimmy Johns will be served this day while supplies last. Attendees can also enter to win prizes.  Qdoba will be giving away free samples while supplies last during the shows for Maria Isa and Charanga Tropical.  Summer at Northrop is supported by student service fees and presented by U of M Summer Session Office with the Department of Concerts and Lectures.

The full line-up:

Fri, Jun 11 at 7:00PM The Alarmists
The Alarmists are an indie pop band from Minnesota who incorporate elements of Britpop and indie rock in their music.

Mon, Jun 14 at 12:00PM Romantica
Romantica plays lush, richly orchestrated pop-folk made rural by twangy pedal steel.

Tue, Jun 15 at 12:00PM Art Kistler
Minnesota based Art Kistler is one of the top professional "Elvis Tribute Artists" in the USA.

Wed, Jun 16 at 12:00PM Daddy Squeeze
The Daddy Squeeze Band is a fun and adventuresome group that believes having a good time makes great music even better

Thu, Jun 17 at 12:00PM Lehto and Wright
Lehto and Wright have a sound that is a unique blend of traditional and modern styles.

Fri, Jun 18 at 7:00PM Maria Isa
Born and raised in the Twin Cities to NuyoRican parents, emcee, singer, and songwriter Maria Isa is recognized for her dedication towards celebrating her cultural diversity through music and political activism.

Mon, Jun 21 at 12:00PM Minnesota Sinfonia
The Minnesota Sinfonia was formed in the fall of 1989, as a professional, community-based chamber orchestra.

Tue, Jun 22 at 12:00PM Twin Star Rocket
The members of Twin Star Rocket share a passion for music, but their influences couldn't be more different.

Wed, Jun 23 at 12:00PM Tex Pistols
The sound is classic yet new all at once.

Fri, Jun 25 at 7:00PM Innocent
A Rasta man who has managed to produce music balancing both reggae and his Tanzanian roots, Innocent has produced over 5 albums.

Mon, Jun 28 at 12:00PM Paul Christian
Paul Christian has performed over 700 shows from coast to coast.

Tue, Jun 29 at 12:00PM Tim Sparks and Phil Heywood
Two National Fingerpicking Champs team up to play acoustic guitar music that is both rootsy and far-flung, and the result is greater than the sum of its parts.

Wed, Jun 30 at 12:00PM The Poor Nobodys
The Poor Nobody's is composed of: Chris Hepola, Eric Struve, Chris Becknell, Aaron Cantine, Chris Duba, Brandon Hepola & Jenna Wyse

Thu, Jul 1 at 12:00PM Auto Body Experience
The Auto Body Experience is an alternative rock band with pop sensibilities, a horn section, harmony vocals, a sense of humor, and lots of guitar.

Tue, Jul 6 at 12:00PM Real Tyme
Real Tyme is a great new band featuring some of the Twin Cities' favorite singers and musicians.

Wed, Jul 7 at 12:00PM Café Accordion Orchestra
Dan Newton's Café Accordion Orchestra can be best described as "Berets and Bongos".

Fri, Jul 9 at 7:00PM Charanga Tropical
Charanga Tropical is a nine-piece salsa orchestra featuring three violins, flute, and a sizzling Latin rhythm section.

Mon, Jul 12 at 12:00PM Health Science Orchestra
Contrary to popular conception, Health Sciences Orchestra is not a "doctor's orchestra", but a community orchestra that functions in a health science atmosphere.

Tue, Jul 13 at 12:00PM Alpha Centauri
The Alpha Centauri have looked far and wide, searching for just the right tones to craft their iconic clinks and whooshes.

Wed, Jul 14 at 12:00PM West of Aldine
Hailing from the Twin Cities, West of Aldine began in the summer of 2008 as a small acoustic group.

Fri, Jul 16 at 7:00PM Alison Scott
Alison Scott is the strongest new voice to come out of the Minneapolis music scene in many years.

Mon, Jul 19 at 12:00PM CarolZ and Friends
She is known for her smooth jazz voice and funky rhythms.

Tue, Jul 20 at 12:00PM The New Riverside Ramblers
The New Riverside Ramblers band brings high-energy Cajun dance music from the prairies and bayous of south Louisiana up the Mississippi River to the Minneapolis.

Wed, Jul 21 at 12:00PM The May North
The group has played in many different musical settings and venues, not only in Minnesota, but also in Iowa and Wisconsin.