As omens go, this isn’t a great one. The singer set to perform the national anthem on Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins has had to cancel.
Minneapolis hip-hop artist Dessa, of Doomtree fame, was set to take to the field with a brass quintet from the Minnesota Orchestra, but announced on Twitter Monday morning she’ll be unable to perform due to illness.
Seriously disappointed to announce that I won't be able to sing the anthem at the @Twins game today. Spirit is willing, stupid body is sick.
— Dessa (@dessadarling) April 3, 2017
Twins spokesman Dustin Morse told GoMN the Minnesota Orchestra members will perform the national anthem on their own.
There doesn’t seem to be any hard feelings from the Twins, with team president Dave St. Peter tweeting warm wishes to the unwell Dessa.
Get well @dessadarling. You will be missed today. Hope to have you back to Target Field soon. https://t.co/XFNN0BqUqr
— Dave St. Peter (@TwinsPrez) April 3, 2017
A full house is expected at Target Field as the Twins take on the Kansas City Royals, with the first 30,000 fans through the gates getting a free Twins hooded shirt.
Rick Stelmaszek, a member of the Twins coaching staff for 32 years, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and four F-16s will fly over Target Field at the end of the anthem.
Ervin Santana will take to the mound for the Twins in what is only the second Opening Day game at Target Field since it opened in 2010.
The Twins are looking to make a winning start following a 103-loss season in 2016.
If you’d hoped to catch Dessa at the opener, she will be performing again with the Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall on April 14 and 15.
