80s Music Explosion 2011
We're tearing up the hillside with an 80s Music Explosion!
This show is sure to rock your world. Arts in the Parks Pours Some Sugar on this crowd
favorite.
Extreme hair: check. Extravagant multi-colored outfits: you better believe it. The best 80's
bands in the Midwest: Cheeuh!
For six years and running now, Minnesota-based Brat Pack Radio has been performing far and wide
across the globe. From Midwestern venues & festivals near home, to the Russian coast,
European riverboats and 1,001 points in between, they continue to turn heads with a polished,
high-energy, non-stop Supershow that can only be described as seriously fun.
Mixing top-shelf musical performances with spoof and carnival theatrics, this is anything but
typical cover band fare, and it shows first and foremost in the personnel. Co-frontman Ryan
Lance is a 4-time Emmy® Award-winning songwriter, and also a founding member of a cappella
darlings The Blenders, who've produced 14 albums over the last 20 years, toured extensively
throughout the U.S., and scored a number one European hit with the 1998 Universal Records
release "I'm in Love with the McDonald's Girl." Co-fronting on vocals is Season 8 American Idol
Top 15 finalist Jesse Langseth, who also gigged nationally for six years as the Jesse Lang
Band, and in 2004 nabbed a Minnesota Music Award for Best Rock Band.
With the remainder of the band rounded out by top Twin Cities musicians, Brat Pack Radio's  airtight performances readily live up to the "radio-" and '80s-centric aura in the name. While
things center around poking excessive fun at excesses of the decade, this Supershow is also
infused with a healthy dose of 21st century sensibility, including sharply executed "time warp"
forays into present day homage (Beyonce, Timberlake, Gaga, to name a few). Lance is an expert
comic improviser who volunteers tongue-in-cheek one-liners and off-the-wall antics with
remarkable ease, while Langseth's gritty smarts, soulful pipes and diva-esque send-ups make her
a perfect foil to Lance's deliberate parody.
Rather than focusing on much of the arena metal and new wave that tend to characterize the era
(and, seemingly, many tribute bands), Brat Pack Radio slant strongly toward dance-pop favorites
and R&B hits. Add to that the visual spectacle – everything from knife-juggling and
spinning keyboards to stylish choreography and an impressive LED light show – and it's
evident Lance, Langseth and company have created a winning formula that continues to draw
flocks of Gen X-ers and non-80s fans alike out to shows and onto the dance floor!
Dig out your giant hair bows, pumps, and animal print jeans. Run a comb thorough your mullet, and sport your stuff at the Normandale Lake Bandshell as there will be a Best 80s Costume Contest where the winner will receive a gift certificate good for a one-night stay at Le Bourget Aero Suites . Food will be available for purchase throughout the evening from Olive Pizza , serving exquisite wood-fired pizzas and drinks.
No admission will be charged.
All schedules are subject to change. Follow the links or check the June issue of the Briefing
for this year's Arts in the Parks schedule.
For more information or in case of inclement weather, contact:
Parks and Recreation 24-hour information line
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
PH: 952-563-8878
E-mail: artsintheparks@ci.bloomington.mn.us
Arts in Parks HOME | |
Monday Mornings Kids' Series | |
At the Normandale Lake Bandshell:
Evening Performance Series |
Summer Blockbusters |
Summer Fete |
Jazz Festival | |
At other venues:
Sandcastles |
Sousa Band |
River Rendezvous
|
