Fuel and P.O.D. at the Taste of Minnesota

Last night, I capped off a fun Fourth of July by making my way down to the Carver County Fairgrounds in Waconia, MN to see national rock artists Fuel and P.O.D. at the annual Taste of Minnesota Festival. It was one heck of a way to celebrate a holiday weekend with a bang, and I'm not talking about fireworks!

I got to the fairgrounds a little later than I expected because of road construction detours around the area, but I found a free spot to park and walked over just in time to hear one of my favorite Fuel tracks "Falls on Me" being played as I entered. I quickly made my way to the second row of the crowd, where I ran into another music-loving friend.

It was great to hear new songs from last year's album Puppet Strings, as well as classics like "Shimmer," "Bittersweet," and "Bad Day" live in concert for the first time. Frontman Brett Scallions and company fed off the crowd's energy, although I expected a lot more people to be there. They closed their set right on time with the huge radio hit "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)."

I left my spot for a restroom break and to hit up the merch table, coming back to find out my buddy had snagged a Fuel setlist. Just as the chatter was growing, the house lights went down, and the San Diego natives P.O.D. took the stage for their headlining set. They really got the crowd going early, as lead singer Sonny Sandoval jumped to the barrier in front of the stage, singing their hit "Here Comes the Boom" with the crowd.

I loved seeing the children who joined the band (relax, the kids were wearing big earphones, parents!) for the hit "Youth of A Nation." One of those rare special song performances where everyone watching and participating couldn't help but smile widely throughout the song!

The band mixed up heavier songs and softer songs like "Beautiful" before closing the night with their hit "Alive," a familiar favorite that had everyone instantly singing along. This was my first time seeing the band perform in person, and I have to say that I was impressed! Now I just need to add more of their music to my collection!

I left the fairgrounds last night winding my way through pesky detours again just as the fireworks were going off. Another fun night of live music on a gorgeous summer day!

Well, I'm finally all caught up now-whew! Next show will be Hoobastank with special guests Antistar and Ashes from Stone at the Turtle Lake Casino. Until then, have a great week, everyone!