WEEKEND: DAY ONE - SECTION THREE
Updated: Aug 17
FIRST AVENUE:
YOUR DOWNTOWN DANCETERIA!
RECOMMENDED TIME WINDOWS:
SCENARIO 1 (7pm Show): 6:30pm - 10:00pm*
SCENARIO 2 (8pm Show): 7:30pm - 11:00pm*
SCENARIO 3 (9pm/9:30pm Show) 9:00pm - 11:30pm* *Or end of concert
Disregard if doing A La Carte or going at own pace
Just like people did it back in the day, there was always dinner . . . and a show!
Sitting in Indigena, take a gander at the following before skeedaddlin’ down to the next locale, and before ordering the Uber/Lyft:
We’re headed for First Ave,, arguably the most famous and celebrated music venue in the entire metro. This club holds up to the likes of “CBGB, Maxwell’s, Metro Chicago and the 9:30 Club.” (Carr, David [November 15, 2004] “First Avenue Is Dead [Long Live First Avenue!] The New York Times)
Built in 1937, the building used to be the Minneapolis depot for Greyhound Lines bus system. In 1970, it was purchased and converted into a nightclub. At first it was The Depot, specializing in psychedelic rock. Once Disco came onto the scene, the club morphed into Uncle Sam’s, part of a national franchise (American Avents Corporation), painted red, white and blue. Once American Avents left in 1979, the club became Sam’s in 1980, then First Avenue on New Years Eve 1981.
In the 80’s, the club was a resounding success, becoming a landmark and seminal establishment in entertainment. This was primarily relevant in the advent of the “Minneapolis Sound”, a funk rock sub genre shaped by the likes of The Time, Shiela E., Morris Day . . . and Prince! This was the site where they played live, shaping the Minneapolis Sound into an international musical style that defined the late 80’s and early 90’s pop.
Prince used First Ave. as his primary local venue. He even included it in his film Purple Rain, which filmed from November til December 1983, with “most of the club’s employees [as] extras in the film.” (Matos, Michaelangelo [March 14, 2016]. “Everybody is a Star: How the Rock Club First Avenue Made Minneapolis the Center of Music in the ‘80s” Pitchfork [Conde Nast])
Famous acts, national, international and local, would play here. First Ave. would also hold dance nights regularly, called Danceteria, after a club in New York with the same name. “The club has, through much of its existence, survived on the success of its dance nights.” (Riemenschneider, p. 65, 71, 75)
Outside the venue, more than 400 silver stars celebrate the various artists and important figures who have performed here. One star, painted gold after his death, commemorates Prince.
There are four venues within the complex: The Depot restaurant, a dance room, 7th. Street Entry (for smaller shows), and the Mainroom. This last is what I want us to visit.
This is THE epicenter of music in the Twin Cities. It’s respected, it’s where every band worth their mettle comes through when they’re up and coming, or celebrating something specific (like a homecoming show). Where people seek employment because they’re fans. Where Bruce Springsteen will show up unannounced to debut his new song “Streets of Minneapolis” during Metro Surge . . .
This is the home of Husker Du, Soul Asylum, Semisonic, The Jayhawks, Motion City Soundtrack, Babes in Toyland, etc. If you’re a musician or are a fan of music, First Avenue is the Twin Cities Holy Grail!!!
This is a cultural touchstone for us. You can’t have an Intro to the Twin Cities without it.
Whatever you’ve decided to see here, a touring band, a local band, a wrestling match, a political rally, a dance night, I hope you have the best time!!!!
Now, time to order that Uber/Lyft. Pick up at the Guthrie Theater, drop off at First Avenue.
Stay however long you’d like to stay, but make sure there’s ample time for a North Loop nightcap, if you’re wanting. Bar close is at 2:00am, FYI. Also, the first section of Day Two starts at 8:00am. Something to keep in mind.
See you after the show or after your feet can’t dance anymore!!!!
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