MacPhail Center for Music "Sounds of Summer" Festival Hits all the Right Notes!

By Doug Verdier

MacPhail Center for Music hosted their "Sounds of Summer" Festival of Music at Water Works Park Saturday, July 9. Musical performances included MacPhail students and faculty as well as guest performers, including the featured guest artist Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera who wrapped up the evening’s entertainment. Perfect weather brought out the crowds who enjoyed the music and visiting with friends on the lawn and the Bank of America City Steps, as well as refreshments from the food and beverage trailers provided by Owamni by the Sioux Chef in front of General Mills Plaza.

Between musical performances throughout the afternoon and early evening, the audience had an opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors and grab a snack and beverage at nearby refreshment trailers.

The schedule says it all. Music, Music, Music!

Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera got audience feet tapping (and some folks dancing) with his signature hot classic Cuban piano Latin jazz. Once described in the Minneapolis Star Tribune as, “Hotter than the burning tip of a contraband Cuban cigar. Stronger than a straight shot of Havana rum…,” he and his band mates kept up the pace for about 45 minutes of non-stop exciting music to close out the festival’s musical performances.

The lines at the food and beverage trailers next to General Mills Plaza moved quickly even during breaks in the musical performances.