MUSIC CLUB NIGHTS Whether you’re a fan of some specifi c musical style or just want to shake it to your favorite dance music, there’s a club night for you in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Ground Zero in Northeast Minneapolis keeps the Goth style alive, while The Saloon in downtown Minneapolis is a popular gay bar that’s open to all patrons. Some of the biggest EDM shows pass through the Armory in downtown Minneapolis. And for something a little more retro, there are swing dancing nights throughout the city. Among the most popular is TC Swing in Northeast Minneapolis. Then there are DJ nights that move from club to club. Jake Rudh’s popular “Transmission” night focuses on ’80s new wave and pop, and DJ Shannon Blowtorch spins a variety of styles, on her own and as part of the GRRRL PRTY collective. Techno promoters Intellephunk have been throwing parties since the ’90s, and neon-tinged dance nights at Gothess have become among the hottest in town. the Fetus boasts a knowledgeable staff, offers regular listening parties for new releases as well as in-store performances and attracts visiting musicians as well as locals. Ringo Starr once wore an Electric Fetus T-shirt onstage at the Grammys, and Prince, a long-time customer, made some Record Store Day purchases just fi ve days before his death. Old standbys like Cheapo (known for its extensive used CD and LP selection), Know Name , Roadrunner and Hymie’s (a vinyl haven) are still going strong. Specialty shops like Extreme Noise cater to punk fans, you can actually get your fi lm developed while you browse at the newer coffee shop/record store Disco Death Records , and don’t overlook little gems like the Record Spot in south Minneapolis. St. Paul has Urban Lights Music , a Black-owned store for over 30 years. And Agharta Records and Barely Brothers also have a great selection and are just blocks away from each other. Our suburbs get in on the action too: Swing by SolSta Records in St. Louis Park, Fly Vintage & Vinyl in Robbinsdale or Down in the Valley in Golden Valley. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 Denzel Curry, Palace Theater Credit: Mike Madison Roadrunner Records RECORD STORES At a time when brick-and-mortar record stores have disappeared from many major cities, Minneapolis-St. Paul is a haven for vinyl and CD shoppers alike. The granddaddy of Minneapolis record stores is Electric Fetus . Founded in 1968, Notable Minnesota Artists Minnesota has a proud legacy of legendary musicians and a steady stream of emerging talent. THE GREATS Bob Dylan, who was born in Duluth, passed through Minneapolis in 1959 during a key period in his musical development. We hardly need to mention Prince, but it’s worth noting his affi liates, such as Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, whose collaborations with Janet Jackson helped make her a star. ROCK & AMERICANA Among the newer rock bands getting national attention are Hippo Campus and Gully Boys. We’ve still got a strong Americana scene too, as evidenced by the brother duo Cactus Blossoms, and new singer/songwriter, Ber, who had her fi rst headlining tour last year. INDIE, POP & ALTERNATIVE The Replacements, Hüsker Dü, Soul Asylum and Semisonic gave Minneapolis-St. Paul a reputation for great indie and alternative rock. Pop star Lizzo launched her music career in Minneapolis. Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, who lives in nearby Eau Claire, often teams up with Minnesotans. 30 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM UP & COMING One of Minneapolis-St. Paul’s latest success stories, Dua Saleh is an innovative rapper/singer who recently signed to indie label Ghostly International. (You may also know Saleh as Cal on the Netfl ix show “Sex Education,” a role that landed them in Los Angeles.)
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2025 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 30
