SHOUT OUT MN RECAPS: DUSTIN LYNCH @ TARGET FIELD

The second and final postgame concert happened last night at Target Field featuring national country recording artist Dustin Lynch. Dustin has released 6 albums and 17 singles in which nine have reached number one on US Country Airplay. He has several ACM Awards which includes "Single of the Year", "Top New Artist", and "Music Video of the Year." Born in Tullahoma, TN. Dustin, who celebrated his 40th birthday back in May has been releasing country hits since January of 2012. His return trip to Minnesota has been emotionally satisfying considering his first trip to a Minnesota Radio Station helped give his career a liftoff. He talked about getting on a bus on an October morning and waking up in Minnesota the following day. It was the first time he went further North than Kentucky in his entire life, so Minnesota has a special place in Dustin's heart.

When Dustin talked about his first trip to a Minnesota radio station. He was promoting his new single at the time. A song that meant a lot to him. A song about family. Particularly his grandparents. The song was "Cowboys and Angels." A song that became a smash hit on the country charts and boosted him into a national spotlight. He went on to say that his grandfather (represented the "Cowboys") and his grandmother (represented "Angels"). Dustin continues (to this day) pointing up to the sky to acknowledge his grandparents every time he sings that song. Since Minnesota was part of that journey, it made that moment at Target Field even sweeter. It was the second time Shout Out Minnesota Entertainment has covered Dustin Lynch and both times he has exceeded our expectations. Great job last night Dustin Lynch.

It is the final homestand before the MLB All-Star break and it's also the first postgame concert of the season. The much-anticipated NELLY took the stage. With number one hits on the Pop, Dance, Country, and R&B charts; it was a show for all ages. Nelly (from St. Louis, MO) is a Jack of all Trades. He can sing, rap, act, and write hit songs. He is very proud of his midwestern roots and likes to let his fans know.

The largest attendance of the season happened on Friday night as 40,100 fans came through the gates. Not all stayed for the show, but what looked to be 3/4 stuck around for the show. Weather was initially a possible factor up until the day of, but ended up a beautiful Summer's night to have a live performance at Target Field. Having a big named artist like Nelly performing also comes with its shares of inconveniences. Nelly's camp took over the Media Dining area. Many were not accustomed or prepared for this, but it was one night and was truly worth having the staff put in the extra effort to help keep the night moving along.

CHEAP TRICK has been making music for over fifty years. Originally formed in Rockford, Illinois. Lead vocalist Robin Zander, songwriter / lead guitarist Rick Nielsen, and bassist Tom Petersson continue to tour and their latest stop was the 2025 Taste Of Minnesota.

Hearing the songs that helped get the band inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame in 2016, the Minneapolis fans embraced Cheap Trick's performance. In their set they performed top hits like "Surrender", "Dream Police", and "The Flame." It was great to also hear the classics "If You Want My Love" & "I Want You To Want Me." The energy was very real and acknowledged by many.

It's been twenty-five years since the Ludacris debut album was released. Many more albums later along with several acting roles, Ludacris hits the main stage at the 2025 Taste Of Minnesota. It didn't take long for the iconic Hip-Hop artist to get the "At Capacity" crowd involved in all the songs that hit the billboard charts over the years. "Stand Up" & "Get Back" seemed to be the fan favorites, but Ludacris likes to bring that energy from start to finish with his performances. It was a great sight to see so many hold the "ones" in the air in unison. The Atlanta Hip-Hop star has a way of giving the people what they want. A high-energetic good time. Great call "Taste Of Minnesota" on booking an impactful music artist like Ludacris. Looking forward to seeing on what the 2026 Taste Of Minnesota has instore.