Successful Steel District Live Music Series Ready To Expand

There are still several chances left to enjoy live music over your lunch hour at The Steel District this summer – and more to come as the live music series expands to Tuesday evenings too.

Each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through September you’ll find a local musician performing live in the alley of The Steel District.

“It’s a unique location because they get to perform at three different restaurants at once,” said Nikki Johnsen, Property Management Experience Manager at Lloyd Companies.

“We love being able to work with the local artists while also activating the multiple patio spaces. The summer months go by so quickly so we love being able to provide an option for people to be outside!”

Live music over the lunch hour will continue through September, including Aug. 20 with Trever Knutson and Aug. 27 with Spencer Wahl and Isabella Kruthoff.

Musician Lexi McGee didn’t have far to go when she performed recently. In addition to supporting herself as a local acoustic guitar player and songwriter, McGee works part time at the front desk of the Canopy by Hilton at The Steel District.

She joins the lineup of artists featured in The Steel District’s live music series, which now includes performances on Tuesday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. in the same location.

“I’ll work until 3:30 p.m. and then perform,” said McGee, who calls her role at the hotel “perfect for me. I love customer service, and it’s the newest thing in town and it’s really fun. The people I work with are wonderful.”

She began performing at open mic nights and karaoke events downtown several years ago before realizing she could find paying opportunities. You’ll now find her sharing her talent across the region.

“I do a little bit of everything,” McGee said. “I started out doing covers and after my first summer I started writing my own. I take requests but do write my own and they’re more country – but just girly cute.”

She saw a social media post about applying to perform at The Steel District and submitted her information. It turned out Johnsen already had heard about her talent.

“It was actually really cool how it happened,” McGee said. “The day I performed was really special for me, because all my coworkers came out on their lunch break.”

Overall, “the live music series has been great,” Johnsen said. “Both the patrons and the artists are really enjoying this addition.”

McGee will perform on Aug. 19 from 5 to 8 p.m., and the Aug. 26 performance will feature Tyler VonEye.

The Tuesday night series also will run through September. Both live music events will continue beyond that if the weather allows.

Artists still are being accepted to perform at least through September. Email nikki.johnsen@lloydcompanies.com.