'Willie Murphy Day' declared by St. Paul mayor

Painting by Jan Attridge

​Here's another reason to head down to today's Taste of Minnesota festivities (just in case sets by everyone from Atmosphere to Dawes to Haley Bonar and Justin Townes Earle isn't enough): The St. Paul mayor, Chris Coleman, will appear on the Red House Stage at 3:45 p.m. to introduce local blues and soul mainstay Willie Murphy and declare today "Willie Murphy Day."

Murphy was chosen as Best Blues Artist in this year's Best of the Twin Cities issue of City Pages, shortly after releasing a two-disc album of both new songs and unreleased tracks that spanned his impressive and lengthy career. Celebrate Willie Murphy Day by re-reading our interview with the musician from last February: "Veteran Performer Willie Murphy Reflects on His 40-year Career."