Jewish Concerts This Summer!

The summer weather already has us shvitzing — what the heck, Minnesota?! But summer in Minnesota means plenty of summer concerts to get to! And what better way to embrace being Jewish than attending a “Jewish” concert? We’ve rounded up all of the biggest Jewish headliners making their way to the Cities this summer and we give you the 4-1-1.

  • Barenaked Ladies: June 1 (that’s tonight!), 7 p.m. in Prior Lake. They’ll be performing with Better than Ezra and KT Tunstall at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. The Canadian rock group is known for their live performances, which often include comedic banter and freestyle rapping between songs. Plus, check out our review of when former BNL member Steven Page visited earlier this year.
  • Chelsea Handler: June 5, 8 p.m. at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis. Hosted by our very own Jana Shortal, enjoy a conversation with Chelsea.
  • Matisyahu: June 6, 7 p.m. in Minneapolis. Everyone’s favorite Jew-boy Matisyahu is coming, and will be performing at the Cabooze in Cedar-Riverside alongside Stephen Marley. If you don’t already recognize him from “One Day” or “King Without a Crown,” 38-year-old Matisyahu is known for mixing Orthodox Jewish themes into reggae, rock and hip-hop. We’ve written about him a lot over the years.
  • Six13 on 6.13, 7 p.m. Adath Jeshurun’s benefit concert will feature the Jewish acapella group Six13 in the gorgeous Adath sanctuary. We talked to Mike Boxer, one of the founders, about what to expect at one of their shows.
  • Beth El: June 17 Common Sound Music Festival in St. Louis Park. Doors 3 p.m., music 4-9 p.m. Featuring live music from The Gin Blossoms, The Big Wu, Amanda & Berek Awend With The Champions, and more! This is an inaugural outdoor neighborhood concert in partnership with Benilde Saint Margaret’s.
  • James Taylor: June 28, 7:30 p.m. at American Family Insurance Amphitheater at Summerfest in Milwaukee. He’s not Jewish, but who didn’t grow up singing his songs at camp?!
  • The Revolution at Basilica Block Party: July 6 at PreferredOne Stage. This may be a church benefit, but Prince’s band has historic Jewish roots.
  • Drake: Aug. 1, 7 p.m. at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul with Migos. Now, most people probably don’t think Jewish when they see him, but Drake is, in fact, a Member of the Tribe and was raised by his Jewish mother. He was Bar Mitzvahed and everything! What more could you ask for?
  • Kinky Friedman: Aug. 7, 6:30 p.m. at Turf Club in St. Paul. Friedman was born in Chicago to Jewish parents and found his cult fame as a country and western singer, but is also known for his satirical humor.
  • Marc Cohn: Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m. at Minnesota Zoo Weesner Amphitheater in Apple Valley. “Walking in Memphis” anyone? Check out our interview with Cohn before his 2016 visit.
  • Beach Boys: Aug. 27, 8 p.m. at the MN State Fair Grandstand. Okay, so the Beach Boys aren’t Jewish, but there is some Jewish history behind the band.
  • Culture Club & the B-52s: Sept. 3, 6:30 p.m. at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul. We’re throwing it back to the 80s at the State Fair Grandstand! British rock band Boy George and Culture Club are joined by the B-52s this year.
  • Amy Schumer: Sept. 15, 8 p.m. at the Treasure Island Casino Amphitheater in Welch, Minn. She’s half-Jewish, but we count it. Either way, she’s hilarious.
  • Maroon 5: Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m. at Xcel Energy Center with Julia Michaels. Who doesn’t love Adam Levine, right? And have you seen their new music video featuring some of our favorite Jewesses?
  • Ina Garten: Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m. at the Historic State Theatre. The Food Network star will be promoting her newest book this winter.