Summit Sponsored ‘Under the Canopy’ Concert Series Kicks Off at Hook & Ladder Theater & Lounge
On Friday, May 6 Minneapolis’ Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge’s Under the Canopy concert series will return for the 2022 season.
Last summer, in an effort to help bring music back into the community after the previous year of isolation and unrest, the Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge launched the “Under the Canopy” series.
Billed as “an urban, outdoor summer concert in the heart of Minneapolis,” the theater draped a large canopy tent over their parking lot to create their outdoor venue. Complete with a stage and pod seating so all patrons could be safely spaced, local artists performed shows Thursdays – Sundays ending around 10 p.m.
“The concept was started because we needed to do outdoor music during the pandemic,” Marketing Director and Talent Buyer Jesse Brodd said. “It soon became apparent that we needed to keep the idea going because people loved it.”
After an extremely successful first summer, the series is returning for a second run. The tent will once again cover the outdoor lot and 16oz Summit Summit Extra Pale Ale and Summit Sága IPA will again be available for purchase, but there will be some additions this year.
One major change is to the seating. With restrictions dropped, Brodd said they are able to offer general admission tickets this summer. Previously, patrons would have to purchase a pod of four tickets for each show. This summer, Brodd explained, they can change the seating to be specific for each performance. They can also allow for a general admission area.
Another exciting addition is Hook After Dark. Some evenings, following the outdoor concert, a smaller, more intimate indoor performance will take place. These shows will have a limited audience size and will run until 11:30 p.m.
“It’s a continuation of the show,” Brodd said. “By having both the outdoor and indoor concerts, we are really able to expand our programming in exciting ways.”
The last new piece for 2022 is the sale of additional Summit beer! Summit Slugfest Juicy IPA, Summit Triumphant Session IPA, Summit Twins Pils and Summit Cabin Crusher Kölsch-Style Ale with Lime in 16oz cans will also be for sale alongside EPA and Sága IPA.
Brodd said while the Under the Canopy series has helped the Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge expand its programming in many ways, it’s also been good for the surrounding neighborhood and music community in the city.
“The bands that we pick draw a crowd and bring business. The buildings that are still standing since the unrest are needing folks to come to our neighborhood and this is one awesome way to support them,” Brodd said. “It benefits the community because it brings business, but it also brings music.”
Brodd explained the eclectic lineup is chosen so that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
And as for Summit?
“Is it OK to say it’s because it’s the Marketing Director’s favorite beer,” Brodd laughed. “While that is true, in all honestly it is because of the relationship Summit has with its consumer. Summit is a stalwart in the community and has always supported local music throughout the years. We wanted to work with the Minnesota beer. The beer that is our neighbor and represents our town and state the best.”
Brodd added the whole series also wouldn’t be possible without the amazing group of volunteers they have, as well as their security company Sequeerity.
“They have a refreshing model in terms of how you can treat someone with positivity and respect and get the job done.”
Under the Canopy begins on Friday, May 6 with performance by James Samuel “Cornbread” Harris Sr. in honor of his 95th birthday. Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
Learn more from our Events page or at the Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge Under the Canopy online.
