Local Music Tap: 4 Shows To See This Week(end)

From an indie pop album release show at the Varsity Theater to a local-band-gone-national at a festival in Loring Park, here are the four shows and events to see this weekend!

FRIDAY: Bora York Album Release Show @ Varsity Theater, Mpls.

Minneapolis indie pop group, Bora York, is releasing its album, "Secret Youth," at the wondrous Varsity Theatre Friday.

Joining them on the bill are Verskotzi and Graveyard Club. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8.

FRIDAY: Mark Mallman @ 7th Street Entry, Mpls.

I'm not going to say Mark Mallman is great because he once worked at WCCO, but … it's true.

All kidding aside, Mallman -- aka "Mr. Serious" -- is bringing his energetic and slightly nutty show to the 7th Street Entry fresh off a recently released single, "Parasite Eyes."

Joining him on the bill are Tired Tongues, Jaedyn James and The Hunger and Ecid. Doors at 8 p.m. with tickets $8.

SATURDAY: Hippo Campus @ Cultivate Festival, Mpls.

Chipotle's one-day fest returns to Loring Park Saturday and features chef demos (Andrew Zimmern is one), great craft beer and, of course, great music.

There are a lot of national acts – Walk The Moon & X Ambassadors included – but Minnesota's very own Hippo Campus will also be there! Look for them to start shortly after noon.

Here's a more in-depth look at the festival from web producer/blogger Katie Fraser.

SUNDAY: Benefit & Birthday For Johnny Rey @ Amsterdam Bar, St. Paul

Come out and support longtime Minneapolis guitarist/singer Johnny Rey, who is struggling to pay his medical bills from his recent kidney cancer surgery.

There will be music from KYX, Curtiss A's Jerks of Fate and -- the man himself -- Johnny Rey and the Reaction.

A donation of $10 is requested with extra donations welcome!

As always, thanks to local music guru, Katie Wohlers, for providing assistance with this post!

Local Music Tap is a blog aimed at promoting Minnesota-based musicians, bands, shows and events. If you have music blog ideas, please email cepremo@wcco.com or leave a comment below. Also, follow Cole on