About
First Avenue provides a unique and innovative cultural environment.
First Avenue is celebrated as one of the longest-running, independently owned and operated venues in the United States. Our commitment to independence is led by the belief that unique, locally-owned live music rooms are imperative to the health of the community and economy. First Avenue is dedicated to promoting artistic expression in diverse voices old and new, to provide a community by offering artists a stage and a mic, and fans a place to gather. First Avenue owns and operates The Depot Tavern, the 7th St Entry, the Turf Club, the Fine Line, The Fitzgerald Theater, the First Avenue Mainroom, and co-operates the Palace Theatre.
As the musical epicenter of the Twin Cities, First Avenue—and by extension, the venues it owns and operates—opens its doors to all music lovers who are First Avenue’s past, present, and future.
We’re proud to foster relationships with artists and musicians at all stages in their careers, whether it’s playing their first show at the 7th St Entry, selling out multiple nights at First Avenue, or playing one of our other independently owned venues like Turf Club, Fine Line, The Fitzgerald Theater, and the co-operated Palace Theatre.
First Avenue has served as the launching pad for countless artists and bands like Hüsker Dü, the Replacements, Semisonic, Hippo Campus, Soul Asylum, Lizzo, Prince, and many more.
First Avenue’s Commitment to You:
We honor that “safe” and “safety” feel different for everyone. If you experience harassment, abuse, sexual assault, or if a perpetrator of harm is interfering with your experience at our venues, please approach a staff member to whom you feel comfortable talking. Please do not stay silent. We are here to help with any conflicts arising from the violation of our policies and this Code of Conduct, and our staff is trained by Calling All Crows to do just that. Read more about our Code of Conduct below.
Our History
First Avenue provides a unique and innovative cultural environment. Our musical vision is not limited by fashion, fortune, or fame.
Learn MoreOur People
More than just a building or a stage, meet the people behind the scenes at First Avenue.
Learn MoreMemberships
Better than a backstage pass, First Avenue Memberships gives you exclusive perks, giveaways, and hook-ups all year long.
Learn MoreWriters, artists, & photographers
Artists of all mediums take their place in the history of First Avenue.
With the original First Avenue In House magazine, many writers received their first chance at publication, with the fortunate task of writing about what they loved most.
Local artists have contributed original designs for show posters, magazines, flyers, and First Avenue inspired artwork. Additionally, photographers have shot iconic photographs over the years in our venues and outdoor festivals.
Check out this great piece from Pitchfork highlighting our very own Dan Corrigan (formerly a long time photographer by night and First Avenue caregiver by day):
Community Involvement
With the help of artists and musicians, First Avenue has been able to host countless benefit shows for local and national non-profit groups, including Pastor Paul’s Food Shelf, The Red Cross, the Twin Cities Music Community Trust, and many more. First Avenue has also worked with area schools to hold workshops and lectures for students interested in music and related fields.
First Avenue is a founding member of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA).
NIVA is securing financial support to preserve the national ecosystem of independent venues and promoters.
These entertainment hubs are critical to their local economies and tax bases as employers, tourism destinations, and revenue generators for neighboring businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail. Independent venues exist in every state across the country; they were the first to be closed, they will be the last to open. The economic recovery process will extend past just reopening the front doors, requiring solutions unique to the industry.
Link: www.nivassoc.org
First Avenue is a member of D TOUR, a network of independent venues and promoters offering national artists locally owned, unique venue experiences across multiple markets. D TOUR seeks to ensure artists reach the right audiences in the best spaces suited to them. The expertise of each market’s D TOUR representative enables them to advocate for the artist in their respective territory and across the D TOUR network. This marks one of the first unified efforts among independents to book multi-show deals throughout the country and create a new concept and approach to tour booking.
Link: d-tour.live
Politics
First Avenue has also been the place for local and national political events. Vice President Walter Mondale, Governor Jesse Ventura, Mayor RT Rybak, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and US Congressman Keith Ellison have used First Avenue as their soapbox during their runs for office. Many youth vote rallies have been held at the club, educating young voters on the importance of their vote and educating them on issues of local and national significance. First Avenue brings the fun back into politics and civic responsibility. Where else in the world could you see a city’s Mayor take a stage dive?
Our Venues
Since 1970, First Avenue has grown to include several unique venues throughout Minneapolis & St. Paul.
