MUSIC MUSIC Get to Know the Minneapolis-St. Paul Music Scene By Keith Harris From the world-conquering funk of Prince to indie rock icons like the Replacements and Hüsker Dü to newer stars like Hippo Campus and Lizzo, Minneapolis-St. Paul has consistently turned out sounds that everyone else has wanted to hear. And you don’t get a legacy like that without a vital network of clubs, radio stations, record stores and labels. Here are some top ways to experience the metro area’s exciting, thriving music scene. LIVE MUSIC VENUES For decades, the center of Minnesota’s music scene has been First Avenue . A renovated bus depot in downtown Minneapolis, First Ave has been rocking for more than 50 years and remains a shining example of what it means to be truly independent. You may have seen First Ave even if you’ve never been to Minneapolis; it’s where the concert scenes from Prince’s “Purple Rain” were fi lmed. A smaller annex, the 7th St Entry, has become nearly as legendary as a launching pad for bands like the Replacements, Hüsker Dü and Soul Asylum. But there’s a lot more to Minnesota music than First Ave. For seated shows, you can’t beat the historic State and Orpheum theatres, also in downtown Minneapolis. For more intimate shows, swing by the non-profi t Hook & Ladder in south Minneapolis, the newly opened Zhora Darling in Northeast Minneapolis or the Cedar Cultural Center in Cedar-Riverside, which focuses on international and folk shows. Minneapolis also has plenty of jazz options. Try dinner and a show at the Dakota downtown, visit the experimentally focused Icehouse , take a short trip to Crooners Supper Club in Fridley for cabaret-style entertainment, or check out one of the newer additions to local nightlife, Berlin , in the trendy North Loop neighborhood. In St. Paul, the cozy Turf Club has long been a favorite local hang. The Palace Theatre , a restored vaudeville theater, is a large venue for touring bands, and just around the corner sits the iconic Fitzgerald Theater , where “Prairie Home Companion” was taped for nearly 40 years. Turning to classical music, the Minnesota Orchestra , led by music director Thomas Søndergård, not only presents the fare you’d expect from a world class orchestra (with concerts free for kids), but also reaches out to a broader audience with a pops series, performances of fi lm scores and other special events. The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra performs traditional and newly commissioned works across the metro area, and the Schubert Club presents an eight concert series throughout the year. If you’re here in summer, experience the Minneapolis-St. Paul festival scene with major block parties, outdoor concerts and more. Minneapolis’ popular Music in the Parks series brings live, local music to city parks several days a week, while St. Paul offers a great lineup of free music at Lowertown Sounds in Mears Park on Thursday nights. Chasing the big shows? You’ll probably fi nd yourself at Minneapolis-St. Paul venues like Target Center , Xcel Energy Center or U.S. Bank Stadium . CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 28 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2025 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 28
