Freak Folk Sweethearts

I encountered the term "freak folk" for the first time a little over a year ago by a particularly snobbish musician who turned his nose up at me and my musical tastes when he found out I hadn't heard the term before. Needless to say, I initially had some apprehensions about the new music terminology floating about, conjuring up images of unkempt hipster beards, lots of flannel, and plenty of snobbery like this fella. But then I discovered Lucy Michelle and The Velvet Lapelles through one of my friends, and they blew all my apprehensions away. While the band members may occasionally dress in flannel, and sport beards and John Lennon glasses, they are the definition of loveable. They've been called "Minneapolis klezmer," "freak folk sweethearts" and have gained a loyal following here in the Twin Cities and beyond. Their folky riffs feature accordion, ukulele, guitar, cello, drums, and, of course, Lucy's wonderfully natural vocals.

They are playing FOR FREE (yes, I said it!) this coming Wednesday night, June 15 at 7 pm as part of the Movies & Music portion of the Summer Music Festival at Northrop. Ryan Flannery & The Night Owls, a U of M student indie band will be opening - they're also fantastic, so don't miss their set! And of course, follow up this fantastic evening of tunes by grabbing a free movie (Superbad) over at the Coffman front Plaza, provided by Student Unions & Activites.

Check out this video of Lucy Michelle and The Velvet Lapelles performing in studio at 89.3 The Current.