Common Roots Festival Features Scores of Local Artists

(KNSI) – Live music will fill the streets of St. Cloud during the sixth annual Common Roots festival.

Starting Thursday night, you won’t be able to go downtown without hearing a melody connected to the three-day event. Festival Coordinator Janna Idzerda told KNSI News the event is meant to celebrate local musicians and artists. “It’s 43 bands and artists totaling over 100 musicians, which is pretty awesome.”

She says all of them are from the area or have a connection to central Minnesota. Idzerda says all of those artists need support, and you can do that by buying a button and unlocking great deals for yourself. “Ten dollars per button helps us pay our musicians and our sound techs. And also, it will get you discounts at our participating button sponsors.”

The buttons will be available at all music venues and the Common Roots booth in front of Pioneer Place on Fifth.

Idzerda says this is the perfect time to go if you haven’t been downtown lately. “Sometimes people give our downtown a bad rep. But if you go there, you know it’s very safe and full of culture, music, and community.”

The music starts at 7:00 at the Olde Brick House and moves to the Red Carpet at 9:30 for the Common Roots Variety Show.

Friday is the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Art Crawl from 4:00 to 8:00, with locally-owned shops, businesses and eateries offering deals and live music downtown. West St. Germain Street will be closed from 5th Avenue to 10th Avenue due to the art crawl.

The Common Roots Bazaar is Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and features handmade works from local vendors and more live music. West St. Germain Street will be closed from 5th Avenue to 6th Avenue for the event.

If you would like more information on who’s performing at the festival, please click here.

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