The Cities Blog

Candidates hold croon-off for Minneapolis council seat

Image courtesy of the candidate

After debating such weighty issues as police misconduct, jobs and education at a forum tomorrow, the four candidates running to replace Minneapolis City Council Member Don Samuels will get a chance to showcase their musical talents (or lack thereof.)

Rather than the traditional closing statements, the Neighborhoods Organizing for Change forum at the Capri Theater will close with a karaoke competition.

"It's a fun way to break the ice," said spokesman Josh Keller.

The candidates have all agreed to participate, with varying levels of trepidation. Here's a preview of what voters can expect to hear.

Brett Buckner

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Occupation: Community organizer

Favorite karaoke jam: "Don't Stop Believin'"

What he'll be performing: "The People" by rap artist Common, although Buckner plans to sanitize the lyrics a bit "to make it more inclusive."

Ian Alexander

ian alexander

Occupation: Attorney

Favorite karaoke jam: (pregnant pause) "I can hear you, I just decided not to answer that."

What he'll be performing: An original poem by northsider Shvonne Johnson with musical accompaniment. "That is what they're going to get from me. I can't sing. I can't dance. I have no talent, so I became a lawyer."

Blong Yang

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Occupation: Attorney

Favorite karaoke jam: Not really a karaoke connoisseur

What he'll be performing: "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour. "I picked something easy so I won't look foolish."

Green Party candidate Kale Severson will also be participating in the debate, but did not return calls and e-mails seeking comment in time for this hard-hitting work of investigative journalism.

Photos courtesy of candidates' websites or Facebook pages