2nd Street Stage

Description

Charlie Parr will bring his roots music to 2nd Street Stage Thursday, June 26. Many people play roots music, but few modern musicians live those roots like Minnesota's Charlie Parr. At his September concert at Armory Square, Parr played several tunes from his album, "Barnswallow." In January, he released a new album, "Hollandale" with new songs inspired by Minnesota's fields, swamps and woods. Recording since the earliest days of the 21st century, Parr's heartfelt and plaintive original folk blues and traditional spirituals don't strive for authenticity: They are authentic. It's the music of a self-taught guitarist and banjo player who grew up in Austin, MN, without a TV, but with his dad's recordings of America's musical founding fathers, including Charley Patton, Lightnin' Hopkins, Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly. Parr plays an 1890 banjo and vintage guitars and uses his own stomping foot to create a timeless sound. These days he draws sustenance from the large, thriving and mutually supportive music scene of Duluth. Sponsored by the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association and Itascatur, 2nd Street Stage continues from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 21 with free live bands, a beer garden and family activities. Please bring your own chair.