Arriving two months later than usual — with extra COVID precautions and one of its headlining acts missing — the Basilica Block Party at least still felt like a much-needed party on opening night Friday.
In its 25th year — not counting last year's canceled installment — the two-day festival outside the Basilica of St. Mary in downtown Minneapolis was bumped from its usual July slot to September, when the concert industry thought everyone would feel safer from COVID-19. So much for that plan.
Led by sibling pop trio AJR and hometown rockers Motion City Soundtrack, Friday's lineup was the largest music event yet in the Twin Cities to require proof of vaccination or negative test results for entry. So much for steering clear of politics this year.
Attendees made it through the gates as swiftly as any other year, though, thanks in part to added entry points.
"I don't think it could have gone any smoother getting in," said John Bonnes of Minneapolis, attending his umpteenth Basilica party with wife Chrissie — who was pleasantly surprised about another big change-up in 2021. "It's a lot nicer weather in September than July," Chrissie added.
Like most attendees, Sara Strien of St. Anthony said she probably would still have attended without the vaccine rule but was "very glad they made the requirement."
"Especially being outside, it feels nice and safe," Strien said.
Lower attendance also helped alleviate entry logjams. The 7,500 or so people on hand was about half of what the crowd is in a good year.
