Best Ways To Support Minnesota's Local Music Scene
By Cortney Mohnk
Music lovers and most Minnesotans know that our state has bred iconic talents such as Prince, Bob Dylan and The Replacements. The sounds of Minnesota continue to captivate locals and draw in visitors. For those that want to support our thriving music scene, there are plenty of ways to do so. Here are a few ideas on how you can help keep our music community strong
The Hook And Ladder Theater & Lounge
Firehouse Performing Arts Center
3010 Minnehaha Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 345-7166
www.thehookmpls.com
The Hook and Ladder Theater is run by the non-profit Firehouse Performing Arts Center, with the goal of creating a space for local artists, including musicians, to perform. They frequently host live music acts, CD releases and community music festivals for the public. You can support the Hook and Ladder by attending these shows (with the lowest ticketing fees in the metro) or by donating to the organization. According to their website, they've helped over 2,000 artists by funding more than $150,000 thus far.
89.3 The Current
Minnesota Public Radio
480 Cedar St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 989-4893
www.thecurrent.org
For more than 13 years, The Current has been one of the premier radio stations in the Twin Cities playing local music. This member-supported, commercial-free broadcaster is great to rock out to in the car or while working out, or to have as a constant in the background at home or at work. The station is a nice mix of Minnesota artists as well as those outside our state, showcasing both new music and old favorites. You can also stream Minnesota-only music from The Local Current at thecurrent.org and even submit your own music to the station digitally via the site.
MN Music Summit
St. Catherine's University
2004 Randolph Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 347-1662
www.mnmusiccoalition.org
Date: Thursday, April 12, 2018 through Saturday, April 14, 2018
Three days of live music, panels and workshops will shine a light on Minnesota musicians and the issues facing them. Local artists will have the opportunity for speed mentoring with professionals in music booking and media, as well as attend a clinic to get free legal help specific to musicians. Minnesota voters are to thank for helping make this summit possible for local musicians with the passing of arts and cultural heritage funds and a Metropolitan Regional Arts Council grant. Tickets to various individual performances are open to everyone and can be purchased in advance online.
Related: Best Ways To Support Minnesota's Local Art Scene
MacPhail Center For Music
Five locations statewide
(612) 321-0100
www.macphail.org
For over 100 years, MacPhail Center for Music has been making access to music education and music therapy easier and more affordable for Minnesotans. This non-profit currently runs a variety of programs including school partnerships, summer camps, and individual or group classes for senior citizens. Budding musicians as young as 6-weeks and their caregivers can attend group sessions to enjoy the benefits of embracing music early on. Professional music talent can fine-tune their skills with private lessons from experienced instructors. Currently, nearly 60% of MacPhail students receive aid through donors to the center, which benefits those utilizing their online courses as well as at any of their locations, including in Austin, Minneapolis and White Bear Lake.
First Avenue And 7th Street Entry
701 N. 1st Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 338-8388
www.first-avenue.com
It is a rite of passage for local musicians to take the stage at this downtown Minneapolis landmark. The First Avenue main room and smaller capacity 7th Street Entry have been showcasing Minnesota talent since 1970, as well as legendary national acts. First Avenue also operates other live music venues in St. Paul with the Turf Club and Palace Theatre. These iconic spaces provide the ultimate experience for music lovers wanting to take in local talent and support our music scene.
