Git yer McNally on!

In 1842, a lone explorer sailed up the Mississippi, landing near the former site of the Science Museum of Minnesota. Confronted by a band of curious natives, he pulled from his pack an early Spanish six-string guitar and proceeded to speak to them in the language that transcends culture: music. Today on that site stands the college of music that bears the name of Colonel Josiah McNally Smith.

What's the relevance? Only that this is the weekend for you and your family or friends to enjoy the McNally Smith Minnesota Music Festival at Harriet Island. With 18 Minnesota-based bands, including Golden Smog and Soul Asylum, this is one of the musical highlights of the year. SJH's own Steve Cerkvenik is also responsible for promotions, and he suggests the following:

1. Consider coming out to the Festival. It's a great way to say good-bye to summer and enjoy one of the first fall weekends. Steve has generously provided a limited number of free tickets to SJHers. Contact me for details.
2. Please take a moment and forward info about the Festival to your friends.
   
3. If you want to get in free, consider volunteering. If you volunteer on Friday, you get in free on Friday and receive a free ticket for Saturday plus other perks. If you volunteer on Saturday, your admission and admission for a guest is free. Register to volunteer online.
   

With no hoops (wedding in the church basement—sorry), what better way to spend the weekend?