Crowd surfing moment: lifted high at the concert!
In Minnesota, hot music creates a soundtrack for warm summer nights and a reason to be happy during the long, cold dark winters. Not only does the state produce a lot of hot music (Prince, Bob Dylan, etc…) but its venues draw artists from all over the globe. Some are among the best a touring act can find anywhere.
First Avenue and 7th St. Entry, Minneapolis, MN
Perhaps Minnesota’s best-known music venue, First Ave. featured prominently in the 1984 Prince vehicle, “Purple Rain,” and has long been known as the place artists play when they “make it.” Bands like the Replacements, the Jayhawks, Semisonic, and Husker Du played early major shows at First Ave. Meanwhile, local up-and-comers hone their chops at the adjacent, smaller 7th St. Entry.
Icehouse, Minneapolis, MN
The Icehouse is a unique venue that combines high-end food with a bar and music venue, which means that it’s popular local spot even when there’s no act on stage. It hosts several musical residencies per month, plus boasts a calendar containing artists like the Pines, Caroline Smith, Mark Mallman, and Reina del Cid.
Turf Club, St. Paul, MN
Long a no-frills music venue in a blue collar St. Paul neighborhood, the Turf Club’s ability to attract artists got a boost when it partnered with First Ave. to promote shows. Now, the Turf Club hosts acts that range from local favorites to national up-and-comers and artists trying to make a comeback.
Myth Live Event Center, Maplewood, MN
The Myth is a troubled, mid-sized venue that, in spite of problems like closures, manages to attract popular national acts to its unassuming suburban location. One advantage the Myth has over other locations is ample free parking, which definitely can add to the overall experience, especially when compared to downtown or on-campus venues. At Myth, you can expect to catch acts such as 50 Cent, Sting, and Snoop Dogg.
Dakota, Minneapolis, MN
A swanky restaurant and bar with a small stage and great sight lines, the Dakota (despite its name) attracts artists that play all sorts of music… not just jazz. With an award-winning menu, the venue takes as much pride in its food as it does its music offerings. Sonny Knight and the Lakers, Loudon Wainwright III, Judy Collins, and Rickie Lee Jones have all crossed the Dakota’s stage.
Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN
Yes, it’s the home to the Minnesota Wild hockey team, but the Xcel Energy Center also plays host to the state’s best arena shows. A combination of good acoustics, abundant amenities, and a cozy feel in a big venue lead to good concert-going experiences. When the likes of Adele, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars play in Minnesota, they are more likely to land at the Xcel than any other venue.
Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis, MN
The Cedar Cultural Center is a former movie theater on the West Bank in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Even though it’s a non-profit venue within blocks of several other live music offerings, the Cedar manages to pull in an eclectic combination of national acts and local favorites for its regular rotation of all-ages shows. Valerie June, Lake Street Dive, and Jeremy Messersmith have all been on the Cedar’s calendar.
Northrop Memorial Auditorium, Minneapolis, MN
After being closed for extensive renovations, the University of Minnesota’s Northrop Auditorium recently reopened and is luring big national acts away from similar downtown venues like the State, Orpheum, and Pantages theaters. Along with its regular season offering of dance companies, the Northrop offers a sprinkling of concerts by artists like Norah Jones and My Morning Jacket.
Key Insights at a Glance
- First Avenue & 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis is the state's most iconic venue, famously featured in Purple Rain. First Ave is where big names play once they've "made it," while the smaller 7th St. Entry supports rising local acts and new talent.
- Icehouse blends a high-end dining experience with a vibrant live music schedule. This Minneapolis venue is a favorite for food and tunes, with a rotating calendar of artists like The Pines, Mark Mallman, and Reina del Cid.
- Turf Club in St. Paul is a classic, no-frills venue known for its gritty charm. Since teaming up with First Ave, it's been hosting everything from local favorites to national up-and-comers looking for an intimate crowd.
- Myth Live in Maplewood is a mid-sized venue that has drawn big names like Sting, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent. Despite a rocky history, it remains a draw thanks to its suburban location and free parking.
- Dakota in Minneapolis combines great music with upscale dining in a cozy setting. Known mostly for jazz, its diverse lineup includes artists like Judy Collins and Loudon Wainwright III, all delivered with excellent sound and sightlines.
- Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul is Minnesota's premier arena for large-scale concerts. It offers solid acoustics, a polished experience, and a top-tier lineup, including acts like Adele, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars.
- Cedar Cultural Center is a nonprofit venue in Minneapolis with a global, genre-spanning focus. Housed in a former theater, it regularly hosts an eclectic mix of artists like Valerie June and Lake Street Dive in an all-ages environment.
- Northrop Memorial Auditorium at the University of Minnesota blends arts and music in a grand setting. It competes with downtown theaters after renovations, bringing in acts like Norah Jones and world-class dance performances.
