Summer music festival season is always a brand marketing honey pot for companies. From block parties with major headliners to massive festivals like Lollapalooza, summer is always filled with events that help lucky sponsors reach innumerable consumers at once. Over the weekend, one of the top Twin Cities music events occurred that attracted thousands of attendees: The 2018 Basilica Block Party. Sponsored by the Cities 97 radio station and Bud Light beer, this event featured acts like Fitz and the Tantrums, Børns, and Now, Now.
Major music events are the perfect way to get local communities to rally around an important cause and give back, and The 2018 Basilica Block Party did just that. Proceeds from the block party were donated to The Basilica Landmark, which works to preserve, restore, and advance the historic and stunningly beautiful Basilica of Saint Mary. On top of that, a portion of all proceeds from The Basilica Block Party went to The Basilica’s St. Vincent de Paul outreach program, which provides services to those in need.
All of the incredible performances proved why The Basilica Block Party will continue its reign as one of the top must-attend summer events in the Twin Cities. On Friday, indie rock duo Now, Now (from Blaine, Minnesota) put on a fantastic show at the PreferredOne Stage and helped kick off a thrilling day of music. Kid Dakota, another Minnesota-grown band, also put on a fantastic, memorable performance at the Star Tribune Stage.
Later in the day, the crowd swelled at the PreferredOne Stage for performances by The Revolution and Fitz and the Tantrums. The crowd of Minnesotans had a blast singing along to The Revolution’s fantastic renditions of classic Prince songs. Fitz and the Tantrums then closed out the night with an exhilarating set complete with their most popular songs, including “Out Of My League”. Throughout the day, music lovers also swarmed the Great Clips Stage to catch Third Eye Blind, Jason Isbel and the 400 Unit, Delta Rae, more.
Friday was a phenomenal experience, and Saturday was just as exciting. Attendees took in wonderful performances by Lazy Scorsese (a psychedelic rock band) and Minneapolis singer-songwriter Reina del Cid at the Star Tribune Stage. At the PreferredOne Stage, Judah & the Lion put on a thrilling set and Andy Grammer closed out the night with a superb performance complete with his top hits like “Keep Your Head Up”. At the Great Clips Stage, the crowd went wild for the Børns and alternative rockers Cake.
The 2018 Basilica Block Party provided invaluable opportunities for sponsors to market themselves and enhance their brand awareness in the Twin Cities. Great Clips, the Star Tribune Twin Cities newspaper, and PrefferredOne (the affordable health insurance for individuals, families and groups) shined and boosted their brand recognition by each sponsoring one of the stages. Attendees also enjoyed Camp Cheesecake and other eats and sipped on Caribou Coffee, Coca-Cola beverages, and the main beer sponsor, Bud Light.
Other sponsors reached passersby by putting on engaging booths and brand activations. Attendees got to learn about the McKinney Roe dining hotspot in Minneapolis and then get a first-hand look at the latest vehicles available at Kline Volvo. Other drink sponsors were also popular at the event, including 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey and Prairie Organic Spirits. Attendees also interacted with Hilton Minneapolis and North Memorial Health.
One Simple Plan and AllOver Media also helped The Basilica Block Party promote its message all over the place. Other notable sponsors were AirVoz (United by Drone), Scout Workshop (which provides creative co-working space for God and others), Periscope, free rides from MetroTransit, City of Minneapolis + Minneapolis tap water (who provided water that kept party-goers hydrated), and Après Event Décor & Tent Rental.
The Basilica Block Party 2018 was a true brand marketing powerhouse that helped sponsors reach greater levels of recognition and success in the Twin Cities. If you’re looking for an event for your company to sponsor during the 2019 summer music festival season, definitely keep this first-rate event at the top of your marketing plan.
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