Are you ready to hear some blues on the Root River Trail? Stop in at the Whalan Stand Still Parade on Saturday, May 19, in Whalan, Minn. The Stand Still Parade festivities begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. The parade will stand still from 11–12 noon. There will be musical performances throughout the day, including The RavensFire Band, Wellespring, and the Lanesboro High School band. But, hold on to your hats, because starting at noon the Rutabaga Brothers take the main stage with their brand of the rockin’ blues. The Stand Still Parade in the village of Whalan is the band’s kick-off performance for the 2018 season. When the parade stops standing still, get ready for the rockin’ blues of the Rutabaga Brothers.
The Rutabaga Brothers describe themselves as “an upbeat and danceable R & B combo that puts taps in your toes and smiles on your faces.” You can expect selections by such artists as Wilson Pickett, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Huey Lewis, Charlie Musselwhite, Eddie Floyd, Etta James, B.B. King, Jimmy Reed, and more. When you think of the blues, you may think about songs that are about loss or hard times. According to “A Brief History of the Blues,” the blues is also about “overcoming hard luck, saying what you feel, ridding yourself of frustration, letting your hair down, and simply having fun.” The Rutabaga Brothers agree with that assessment, “That’s the secret to the blues: Listening to it makes you feel happy.”
The Rutabaga Brothers is an eight-piece ensemble formed in 2011 and features some of Southeast Minnesota’s most seasoned musicians. Band members include: Damon Prestemon – keyboard, vocals; David Harrenstein – bass, keyboard, vocals; Craig Johnson – percussion, Gary Marcoux – guitar, John Gaddo – percussion, bass, keyboard; Keith Zeller – guitar, vocals; Lee Loerch – harmonica, Nathan Davidson – saxophone.
Come to the festivities starting at 10 a.m. and stick around to get a dose of the blues at this year’s Stand Still Parade — Saturday, May 19 in Whalan, Minn.