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Summer in the Twin Cities pretty much revolves around chance to hang out outdoors, via block parties, parades, movies-and-music-in-the-park events, street fairs, BBQs, and ballgames. And of all the block parties, St. Paul’s annual Grand Old Day is the biggest they come.

Doomtree performs Sunday at Grand Old Day

But it’s the seven music stages lining the 30-block-long avenue that are the real draw. This year, the music bookers seemed to have set their sights on a more national bent than in previous years, with hipster Philly act Free Energy and Detroit rockers The Von Bondies headlining. It’s pretty cool that both national acts have local connections - Free Energy is composed of former members of now-disbanded local act Hockey Night, and The Von Bondies features local musician Christy Hunt. Crowd-drawing local acts include Mark Mallman, Jeremy Messersmith, Doomtree (and a separate set by member Dessa), The Melismatics, First Communion Afterparty, Heiruspecs, Zoo Animal, Hookers $ Blow, and Red Pens round out the lineup. But so many stages, and so many great bands, what’s a local music lover to do? We’ll list out our top picks in a handy guide, from the start to end of the festival.

Chooglin' (Photo: John Behm)

Noon: Zoo Animal vs. First Communion Afterparty vs. Chooglin’
The day kicks off with three local bands worth checking out. Jangly pop trio Zoo Animal - a runner-up in City Pages’s 2009 Picked to Click best new bands competition - starts things off at the Green Mill stage (Grand & Grotto). The band’s strong songwriting, knack for melody, and engaging vocals by frontwoman Holly Newsom have made this band a local favorite. Over at the City Pages stage (Grand & Grotto), check out Brian Jonestown Massacre- and Mamas and the Papas-copping group First Communion Afterparty, which has worn off its initial novelty status thanks to strong musicianship and songwriting. If stripped-down pop and droning psych rock aren’t your deal, get thee to the Dixie’s stage (Grand & St. Albans) for hard-rockin’ Chooglin’. The band has had a fervant local fanbase since it hit the scene in ‘05, but recent recordings on Fat Possum Records (The Replacements, Husker Du) and Heart of a Champion (Har Mar Superstar) show the band’s potential breaking nationwide. Trouble deciding? You’re in luck - the three stages are within three blocks of each other.
Edge: Chooglin’

The Von Bondies

1-2 p.m.: The Von Bondies vs. Red Pens vs. Dessa
Hitting the stage around the same time will be Detroit rockers The Von Bondies (between 1 and 1:30 p.m., Dixie’s stage) and the equally-rocking Minneapolis duo, Red Pens (1:15 p.m., City Pages stage). Known referred to as a “buzz band,” the Von Bondies are more of a touring band that occasionally rides the buzz wave. Hailing from Detroit, the “rock city” itself, the band is perhaps best known for its long-ago feud with fellow Detroit rockers The White Stripes. But for fans of guitarist Christy Hunt, who plays locally with Ouija Radio, it’s a chance to see our hometown girl shine. Selected as last year’s winner for City Pages‘ Picked to Click contest, Red Pens employ a decidedly slower, fuzzy brand of rock - but one that’s not any less loud. But despite the rockin’ happening between the two aforementioned bands, it’s an emcee and R&B singer that may be the one to really ignite the stage. Before joining her Doomtree cohorts later on at the Salut Bar Americain stage, Dessa will hold her own at the Green Mill stage (1:30 p.m.). Hot off stints opening for P.O.S. on a nationwide tour earlier this spring, making an appearance during the heavily-buzzed GAYNGS prom-themed show at First Avenue in May, and a talked-about set at Soundset last weekend, Dessa is on a roll to say the least.
Edge: The Von Bondies

Heiruspecs

2-3 p.m.: The Melismatics vs. Heiruspecs
You’d be hard-pressed to come up with two local bands that could be any more different. Power-popsters The Melismatics have long been known for their upbeat, infectious tunes, and its lineup is filled with seasoned musicians that often do double-time on other notable bands (including that of Mark Mallman). On the flip side, St. Paul’s own Heiruspecs are known for their Roots-esque, jam-my R&B and hip hop stylings. But it does share the Melismatics’ longevity (ten years running) and penchant for side projects (Big Trouble). But for what the Melismatics have in energy, Heiruspecs have in being THE live hip-hop band in town.
Edge: Heiruspecs

Jeremy Messersmith

3:30-5 Hookers $ Blow vs. Doomtree vs. Jeremy Messersmith
The final act of the night on their respective stages, expect extra-long sets from this trio. In the “if you’re going with your parents” category is the hilariously-named Hookers $ Blow (Billy’s stage, Grand & Victoria), which is Adam Levy of the Honeydogs’ classic rock cover band. It gained infamy during the RNC when it played an RNC-sponsored party and the national news circuit caught on. For the indie hip hop camp, there’s Doomtree (Salut Bar Americain stage) - joined by Dessa, of course, not to mention cohorts P.O.S., Cecil Otter, Lazerbeak, Paper Tiger, Mike Mictlan, Sims, MK Larada, and Turbo Nemesis. Fresh from Soundset, it’s a sure bet they’re throwing it down. Finally, for the indie-pop lovers there’s Jeremy Messersmith (Green Mill Stage), hot off his nationwide tour to promote his third album, The Reluctant Graveyard. His alternately breezy, booming pop tunes with a dark edge should make for a perfect end to the festivities.
Edge: Jeremy Messersmith

Free Energy

3:45-5 p.m.: Mark Mallman vs. Free Energy
The manic piano balladeer Mark Mallman (4:10 p.m., City Pages stage) is known to own the stage when he wants to - take his 52-hour marathon concert, his ten-hour live performance inside a refrigerator box, and his epic New Year’s Eve concerts at the Varsity Theater, which have had him dancing with Rollergirls and hopping a ramp on a motorbike. Likened to being “the most famous non-celebrity in town” by local music journalists, Mallman presents a conundrum - but one that never gets tired, somehow, thanks to excellent songwriting that outshines his wacky demeanor. But it’s a tough spot to be cage-matched against a hot national act such as Free Energy (4:10 p.m., Dixie’s Stage), beloved locally for its hometown members formerly in the local band Hockey Night. That’s right - members Paul Sprangers and Nick Shuminsky hail from our very own St. Paul - and Shuminsky even once worked for the mayor’s office! The Pitchfork faves, DFA-signed Philly act is the perfect festival fodder - its good-time, ’70s-flavored rock should go over well with a sun-baked, beer-drinking crowd.
Edge: Free Energy

The full list of bands by stage (bands listed in order from opening to headlining):

ROCK THE CAUSE STAGE, US Bank lot - Grand & Oxford
Ari Herstand
Catchpenny
Roster McCabe

SALUT BAR AMERICAIN STAGE, Grand & Milton
DJ Verb X
Jason Shannon
Heiruspecs
Doomtree

BILLY’S STAGE, Grand & Victoria
Arc Flash Hazard
Orange Whip
Hookers $ Blow

WILD ONION STAGE, Grand & Avon
White Iron Band
G.B. Leighton

GREEN MILL STAGE, Walgreens Lot, Grand & Grotto
Zoo Animal
Dessa of Doomtree
Jeremy Messersmith

CITY PAGES STAGE, Pier 1 Imports Lot, Grand & Grotto
First Communion Afterparty
Red Pens
The Melismatics
Mark Mallman

DIXIE’S STAGE, Grand & St. Albans
Chooglin’
Von Bondies
Grand Idol Winner
Free Energy

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, June 6.
Time: Event 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m., with music from noon-5 p.m.
Location: Grand Avenue between the Mississippi River to downtown, St. Paul.
Cost: Free, $10 for wristband (required to purchase alcohol, gets you into the concerts)
More info: grandave.com, 651-699-0029.

Get your free Grand Old Day iPhone app here!

This weekend, a jazz drummer returns to his hometown, a renowned guitarist takes up the Haiti cause, and a ’60s soul singer is still hot.

Matt Slocum

Friday & Saturday: Matt Slocum Trio
One of St. Paul’s prodigal sons has returned - as a big-time jazz composer and drummer from the Big Apple. Though he was born and raised here, Matt Slocum has never performed in the Twin Cities until now. After high school, he went out of state to study, subsequently doing session work on both coasts and eventually moving to New York. He’s on the road promoting his debut recording of originals, Portraits, released just last month. Expect lush instrumentation, soulful saxophone, and intellectual subtleties. (9 p.m. Fri. & Sat. $15. 18-plus. Artists’ Quarter, 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-292-1359. www.artistsquarter.com”.)

illo Minn

Friday & Saturday: Illo. Minn: Volume Two

The opening party was last Thursday, but there’s still time to check out the must-see show if you didn’t make it out. The ROBOTlove-sponsored show features 28 local illustrators and two pieces from each, including their individual takes on the beloved Munny doll. (Though the dolls were purported to have sold during Thursday’s silent auction.) Next Thursday, hear from illustrators including DC Ice, Adam Turman, Nancy Carlson, Andy Powell, and Eric Hanson during a panel discussion. (Noon-6 p.m. Fri. Noon-4 p.m. Sat. Discussion: 6-7:30 p.m. next Thu. Exhibition runs through Mar. 6. Free. College of Visual Arts, 344 Summit Ave., St. Paul. 651-224-3416. www.cva.edu.)

Syl Johnson

Friday & Saturday: Syl Johnson
Soul singer/guitarist Syl Johnson has been around since the late ‘60s, when he made a name for himself with socially-conscious lyrics and a smooth, Al Green-esque voice. His vintage soul has since resurfaced via samples in classic hip hop tracks from the likes of Public Enemy and Wu-Tang Clan. Either way, his voice is sure to stir some familiarity within you. (8 p.m. Fri. & Sat. $12-15. Wilebski’s Blues Saloon, 601 N. Western Ave., St. Paul. 651-228-9959.)

Zoo Animal

Saturday: Zoo Animal, Hildur Victoria, Ten Centuries, Telepathos
Runners-up in City Pages’ Picked to Click in 2009, minimalist grunge-pop trio Zoo Animal are one of the hottest local acts in town coming into 2010. The band will be joined by some other up-and-comers - folksters Hildur Victoria and nu-gazers Telepathos. The new two-piece from Bill Caperton of Ela, Askeleton and One for the Team fame, Ten Centuries, also performs. (9 p.m. $5. 21-plus. Turf Club, 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486. www.turfclub.net.)

'Transylvania Television'

Saturday: ‘Transylvania Television’ Meet-and-Greet
Meet the cast and producers of Transylvania Television, a “retro monster comedy that’s not really for kids.” The show, about a television station run by monsters in the Carpathian Mountains, was conceived of by a Minneapolis-based filmmaker Michael J. Jeagle and special effects guru Gordon Smuder. We’re hoping to spy some of the Henson-esque puppets. (4-8 p.m. Sat. Free. Source Comics and Games, 1601 W. Larpenteur Ave., Roseville. 651-645-0386. www.sourcecandg.com.)

Hungary

Sunday: Urban Expedition: Hungary
If you’re looking for something a little more family-oriented, round up the kids and head to the Landmark Center for this event showcasing the best in Hungarian culture and customs. Everything from art and dance to food and music will be represented. (1 p.m. Sun. Free. Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul. 651-292-3293. www.landmarkcenter.org.)

Details Style Lab

Sunday: Charity Salon Service Jam for Haiti
The ever-charitable folks at Details Style Lab are giving you the chance to get pretty - for a good cause.The salon and spa host a charity salon service jam for one day only, with all proceeds going to White Bear Lake’s Healing Haiti organization. Call now to make your appointment.(Sun. Noon-5 p.m. Details Style Lab, 346 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-251-8700. www.detailsmn.com.)

Peter Lang

Sunday: Haiti Recovery Benefit Concert
Renowned acoustic guitarist Peter Lang is behind the latest Haiti concert in the Twin Cities. He’s joined by an impressive group of national and local blues and folk acts, including Pat Donohue, Peter Ostroushko, Nikki and the RueMates, Phil Heywood and others. The proceeds go to benefit the Friends of the Orphans organization, which provides pediatric medical care and run an orphanage in Haiti. (2-6 p.m. Sun. $50 suggested donation. Wellstone Center, 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul. 651-482-1703. www.friendsoftheorphans.org.)

"Under ther Cherry Moon"

Monday: “Under the Cherry Moon”
A little-known film directed by and starring Prince and Jerome from the Time, Under the Cherry Moon is receiving a rare screening thanks to underground film collaborative Trash Film Debauchery. The duo play gigolos who swindle rich women out of money; things get complicated when Prince falls in love. The romantic comedy-meets-drama-meets-musical film was best-known for its soundtrack, Parade, which featured the Prince hit “Kiss.” Unlike Purple Rain, the only performance by Prince in the film is for “Girls & Boys.” Prince is our hometown celeb, so it’s kind of required viewing. (10 p.m. Free. 21-plus. Turf Club, 1601 University Ave W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486.)