Words by Lou Sassle
Photos by Alex Tepper and Morgan Pebble
A ten minute walk from the J Marcy station, in what I could only assume to be the average temperature in Minnesota, led me to Baby’s All Right for an Immigrant Defense Network benefit show. I entered to the sound of instruments being tuned and Bob Dylan “The Times They Are A-Changin.” Waiting in line, my glasses fogged immediately. I asked the door man to check the list for my name. It wasn’t on the list, so I was asked to wait outside. I went across the street to a bar to stay warm and use the toilet and maybe sneak a drink.
When I eventually made it inside Baby’s, I had missed the first band; Grumpy, which was a great descriptive word for how I was feeling since I missed their performance. The crowd was thick and the place was busy. I spotted a friend of mine and she introduced me to her friend who was from Minnesota. We made a bet on whether or not she was the only person from Minnesota in the crowd.
Truman Flyer
The second band, Truman Flyer, was setting up. I grabbed a beer at the bar and noticed the bassist wore a “Fuck Ice” t-shirt that appeared to be homemade. The music was heavier live than I thought it would be from what I listened to before the show, and I am excited for their upcoming album release. The songs were catchy and I ended up whistling one on the walk home. Truman ended the show by playing the guitar behind her head, which to me, an undereducated heathen, looked impressive.
Another beer, another conversation. I spoke with a friend who had arrived to support the cause and told my favorite joke, which I am not sure is allowed at something like this as no one could hear me through the diegetics.
sweet93, another female led band was darker and louder than the last. People swayed back and forth and took videos. Immediately, I was aware of the quality of their musicianship. Their first chord helped me shake off the insane amount of alcohol I consumed the night before. I yelled “fuck ICE” during a break between songs because I felt like it and no one cheered. I had a cigarette and another beverage and was introduced to Alex Tepper, one of the organizers of the show. He made sure his blackmagic was still recording and he took the stage to talk about why everyone was gathered at Baby’s All Right at midnight on a Wednesday. He explained the importance of the Immigration Defense Network, the last minute organization of the evening, and how amazing the turnout was, wall to wall. He then asked if anyone in the crowd was from Minnesota. Unfortunately not a single person yelled out or raised their hand, mostly because my new friend from Minnesota was in the bathroom.
sweet93
Then, Been Stellar took the stage. Their rock and roll presence was exaggerated through the lead singers gesticulations similar to the bucket hatted Gallagher. He slapped his tambourine and gripped onto the microphone with purpose. The New York youngsters commanded the backlit stage and gave the people what they wanted.
Been Stellar
All in all it was a great night, for a great cause, with great bands. Money was raised alongside drinks, which anyone with a head on their shoulders will tell you is the best way to do that. I don’t give star ratings, so I will spare you, but this bill was one to remember.
Music for Minnesota was organized by Feels Good To Do Things and 1-800-girlfriend. All tickets proceeds went to the Immigrant Defense Network and its network of 90+ organizations dedicated to protecting and advancing the constitutional rights of immigrant communities across Minnesota.