CONSPIRACY TO ROCK: An antifacist hootenanny to benefit the MN 15
Featuring Carsie Blanton, Ryan Cassata, The Taxpayers, and The Last Words
Saturday, August 1, 2026 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM
All Ages
Standing
Sliding Scale Tickets - $20-$200
NOT IN MINNEAPOLIS? DONATE TO BUY A TICKET FOR A COMMUNITY MEMBER!
Navigate to ticket options for instructions.
This is a general admission standing room show. To request seating or other accommodations, please go to The Cedar’s Access Page.
LISTEN
ABOUT THIS SHOW
On the morning of June 16th, fifteen anti-ICE organizers were indicted on federal conspiracy charges in Minnesota. Trump's DOJ has tried to smear these fifteen defendants by alleging that they are the ones who are really putting our community in danger.
We know that ICE and Trump's fascist forces are the ones putting our communities at risk. This concert is a chance to come together to demonstrate our continued solidarity and courage in the face of increasing repression.
The show will feature local heroes as well as artists from the broader community of antifascist musicians. All ticket proceeds go to the legal fund for the MN 15 (donate directly here).
carsie blanton
Carsie Blanton is a songwriter with hooks, chutzpah, and revolutionary optimism. A radical folk artist in the tradition of Woody Guthrie, her infectious melodies and lyrical wit keep listeners rapt while she conjures spirits of vaudeville, campfire singalongs, and punk rock. In addition to writing and performing music, Carsie works as a political organizer and activist.
Ryan Cassata
Ryan Cassata is a community-rooted, award-winning singer-songwriter, performer, and LGBTQ+ activist whose music lives at the intersection of folk punk, indie, and protest songwriting. Signed to Kill Rock Stars, Ryan has spent over a decade building a career through touring, activism/mutual aid, and connection, with more than 865 shows played across the U.S. and internationally and eight critically acclaimed albums released.
Ryan’s songs center queer and trans lived experience, resistance, and chosen family, blending raw acoustic energy with emotionally direct lyrics meant to be sung together in crowded rooms. Ryan made history as the first openly transgender performer at the Vans Warped Tour and has performed everywhere from DIY spaces and punk clubs to festivals like SXSW, Camp Punksylvania, Punk Island NYC, Compost Heap Festival, and Global Pride.
the taxpayers
The Taxpayers are a long-running DIY punk band noted for their commitment to inclusivity and social justice, for experimenting with different styles and instrumentation, and for writing narrative-based concept albums. They have been the subject of documentaries and musical stage plays, have had their songs used as themes for award winning podcasts and in feature films, and they are still completely fucking broke. Two of them can still do a cartwheel.
the last words
The Last Words is a rebellious folk group blending Irish, Appalachian, Klezmer, and punk influences. The three-member ensemble includes one of the Minnesota 15 defendants, Emmett Doyle.