Rochester Mom is starting a brand new resource series called Give Five. The idea of Give Five is simple. We are inviting you to Give Five minutes to read through each of these posts. The series will provide you with ideas, resources, lists, and suggestions on specific topics. We acknowledge that giving five minutes is just the start…a small step in a bigger journey we can all take to become allies to our BIPOC friends, family, and neighbors.
This series is intended to be a resource for YOU and your families. Topics will vary but all will be helpful as we work towards anti-racism and expand and diversify our understanding of race and diversity. Some resources will be collaborative with Rochester Mom writers, and for others, we’ll look to YOU! We want to know what you have learned on your own journeys and what resources have helped you along the way. Our goal with this series is to be a conduit of information: pulling together resources to help one another. We are learning ourselves and it’s been a challenging yet beautiful process. Will you join us?
This month, we’ve put together a list of BIPOC Minnesotan musicians. This list is in no way comprehensive, but just a starting point. What BIPOC artists would you add to the list? Tell us in the comments!
(Many of these artists were found via The Rochester Posse events)
Annie Mack (Rochester, MN)
Blues
Annie Mack is a powerful local blues singer. She recently released her new EP “Testify” available on her website and on all major music streaming platforms. Annie Mack has performed at Rochester’s forWARD Neighborhood Park Concerts, Thursdays Downtown, and popular Minneapolis venues such as Fine Line Music Cafe, Mill Ruins Park, and US Bank.
Bluedog (Minneapolis, MN)
Blues
This band consists of 5 members and performs the blues and rock with a Native American perspective. Bluedog Band has received many awards and their music is available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. This summer Bluedog performed at one of Rochester’s Down by the Riverside concerts. They have also performed at CHS Field, Minnesota Zoo, and many more stages.
Chastity Brown (Minneapolis, MN)
Singer/Songwriter
Chastity Brown has had her music featured on The Current and has performed all over the nation including First Avenue, Rochester’s Down by the Riverside, Little Thistle and more! You can listen to her music on all major music streaming platforms.
DJ LaidEe P (Rochester, MN)
DJ/Entertainer
DJ LaidEe P describes herself as a “versatile entertainer” who can adapt to or create any type of environment using an amazing selection of music. She has performed at Blue Duck Kitchen, Rochesters’s 4th Fest, and Canvas & Chardonnay
Jae Havoc (Rochester, MN)
Hip-Hop Artist
Recently collaborated with Fires of Denmark and Soul Train and has performed on stages at Thursdays Downtown, Taco Jed, and Canvas & Chardonnay. His latest album Mortals is available on all major music streaming platforms.
Kashimana (Minnesota)
Singer/Songwriter
Kashimana reflects her world travels into her music that she writes, composes, collaborates and performs. Her music is described as bluesy and pop acoustic. Kashimana performs across the state at places like Lake Harriet Bandshell, Downtown Rochester, Minneapolis Institute of Art and more. You can listen to her music on all major music streaming platforms.
Miloe (Minneapolis, MN)
Indie Rock & Pop
Bobby Kebeya as the front performer for the young duo, Miloe. He is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to Minnesota when he was 8 years old. His music is classified as indie rock and pop. Miloe’s most recent single “Winona” was released in 2020 and can be streamed on all major music streaming platforms.
Nur-D (Twin Cities, MN)
Hip-Hop
Nur-D is a fairly new Minnesota hip-hop artist who writes curse-free lyrics. He has performed all across the Midwest including venues such as: US Bank, Paisley Park, and First Avenue. You can listen to his music on all major music streaming platforms.
Los Rebeldes (Albert Lea, MN)
Tex-mex and conjunto band
Los Rebeldes is a Tex-Mex family band from Southern Minnesota that features vocals, accordion, trumpet, and guitars making their own twist on traditional conjunto music. Los Rebeldes has performed countless times for events such as: Rochester’s Global Music Series, Rochester’s forWARD Neighborhood Park Concerts, and Taco Jed’s.
Salsa del Soul (Twin Cities, MN)
Dance Music
Salsa de Soul is a 9-piece orchestra that performs dance music from the Spanish speaking regions of the Caribbean. They make you want to instantly move your hips and dance! This band has performed across the state at venues like the Rochester Civic Theater, Canterbury Park, Franconia Sculpture Park and more!
The Soul Train featuring LaSonya Natividad (Rochester, MN)
Southern Gospel / Jazz
This band has collaborated with Jae Havoc, Annie Mack, and more. They have performed on several local stages including: Thursdays Downtown, North Star Bar, Olmsted County Fair, and Rochesterfest.
