GET TO KNOW: FAITH BOBLETT

Submitted by Emily on

Ahead of Faith Boblett's performance at our showcase of the Best New Bands of 2018 in the First Avenue Mainroom on Friday, January 4, we got to ask Faith Boblett a few questions. Read what she had to say below:

Kerry Gay: How has your creative process changed since the start of your career? Have you found that this process has changed from your 2013 album Oil & Water to Enough (released this month)?
Faith Boblett: I used to give others’ opinions about my songs a lot more weight. That’s not to say there’s no room for collaboration - because I think that is wildly important. However, I’ve learned to trust myself more when I’m writing a song. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some incredibly talented musicians and songwriters since the very beginning of my musical endeavors, and hope to continue to foster those relationships. I think there’s just more confidence in my own abilities now.

KG: Are there any other artists (local or not) that you would be interested in collaborating with in the future?
FB: I would love to collaborate with Caitlyn Smith. And Har Mar Superstar. And Sheryl Crow. And Kacey Musgraves. And Margaret Glaspy. I also really enjoy singing harmonies and backup vocals, too - so if you know anybody? Send them my way!

KG: Do you have a personal favorite song of yours to perform?
FB: I love playing “Clay”, which is on the new album (Enough). It feels almost visceral singing some of those lyrics; and in my head, I’m demanding that the men in the room listen to what I’m saying.

KG: Do you have any advice for aspiring local artists/bands that want to follow in your footsteps?
FB: My advice? Hmm. This might sound so cliche. But, my advice is to always write songs that genuinely mean something to you. At the end of the day, if you believe in what you are creating, I think things will fall into place. Sometimes that takes 3 months, and sometimes it takes 10 years. And nobody really knows what they’re doing! Be patient, have fun, love what you do. The rest shouldn’t matter. 

KG: Are you a fan of any bands/artists that may surprise your listeners stylistically?
FB: A few albums on repeat for me the last year or two that may (or may not) surprise people:

  • Sweetener by Ariana Grande (Do not hate. Listen and listen again, because the layers & talent are there.)
  • Good Thing by Leon Bridges (absolutely no explanation needed!)
  • Ctrl by SZA (again. no explanation necessary.)

Blog by Kerry Gay (Marketing Intern)

First Avenue To Purchase Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul

Submitted by First Avenue on

FIRST AVENUE TO PURCHASE FITZGERALD THEATER IN SAINT PAUL

First Avenue and Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) have entered into an agreement for First Avenue to purchase the Fitzgerald Theater from MPR. First Avenue, one of the longest running, independently owned clubs in the U.S., is continuing to extend its reach across city lines.

“Our goal is to bring together people with diverse interests and backgrounds, and part of that is expanding the First Avenue family to include other venues throughout the Twin Cities,” said Dayna Frank, First Avenue owner. “We’re excited about the opportunities for more events and performances in another iconic space in this community.”

MPR has owned and operated the historic theater since 1980. “After commissioning a Historic Structures Report several years ago, we focused on what’s best for this amazing facility, the community, and how we can best serve our audiences throughout Minnesota,” said Jon McTaggart, president and CEO, Minnesota Public Radio. “We were excited to find that First Avenue leaders share our vision to serve many more people. We’re pleased the theater will be in good hands with First Avenue.”

The transition from MPR to First Avenue allows MPR to broaden its reach in hosting events across the Twin Cities and the state while giving First Avenue fans another option on the east side of town. “Saint Paul is becoming a destination for many musicians, just as Minneapolis has been,” said Frank. “We’re committed to helping to grow Saint Paul’s music scene as well.”

“As we aim to serve more Minnesotans, one of the ways we are doing that is by going to where our audiences are,” McTaggart said. “We’ll still host plenty of events in Saint Paul. In fact, we anticipate that MPR will continue to use the Fitz. Now, we will have even more flexibility with our events and performances.”

First Avenue’s commitment to the community made it an ideal purchaser for this space. “Our roots in the community are far-reaching and I think MPR felt good about selling to another organization that is committed to the community, to local music, and to expanding perspectives in the entertainment space,” Frank said.

The deal is not finalized, and details are not yet available.

First Avenue owns and operates the 250-capacity 7th St Entry, the 350-capacity Turf Club, the 650- capacity Fine Line, 1550-capacity First Avenue Mainroom, and co-operates the 2400-capacity Palace Theatre. Additionally, First Avenue promotes concerts and events at numerous venues in Minnesota, including but not limited to, Amsterdam Bar & Hall, The Cedar Cultural Center, The Historic State, Orpheum, and Pantages Theatres in Minneapolis, as well as Surly Brewing Festival Field.

First Avenue is celebrated as one of the longest-running, independently owned and operated clubs in the United States. Its 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 voices old and new, to provide a community by offering artists a stage and a mic, and fans a place to gather.

As the musical epicenter of the Twin Cities, First Avenue—and by extension, the venues it owns and operates—opens its doors to all of the thousands of music lovers who are First Avenue's past, present, and future.

Job posting: Kitchen Manager (Depot Tavern)

Submitted by JLG on

Job description: Kitchen Manager – The Depot Tavern

To Apply:
Please e-mail your resume, cover letter and references to jobs@first-avenue.com.

First Avenue, the Twin Cities’ premier entertainment venue and music promoter, is seeking a dynamic and self-motivated individual to help lead the kitchen for The Depot Tavern with possible additional roles for the right candidate. The Kitchen Manager is detail-oriented, focused, and can work quickly and efficiently with distractions in a fun and fast-paced environment.

This position is part cooking, part staff hiring, development, and training, with an emphasis on Menu development, execution and ongoing training. The right candidate should have relevant experience in these fields. A passion for music is a must, as this position works directly for The Depot Tavern, First Avenue & 7th St Entry, Turf Club, and Palace Theatre, as well as other special events and festivals. This position reports directly to the Director of General Operations.

    Responsibilities & Duties
  • Assist with the creation and delivery of menu execution, and more
  • Hiring of staff and proper staffing level scheduling
  • Assist with research and analysis for upcoming menu changes, concerts and events
  • Responsible for the creation and execution of necessary restaurant and event specific procedural expectations.
  • Help manage physical food, supply, and beverage elements including ordering, inventory and quality food menu execution
  • Assist in researching menu option items and excellent food menu item execution.
  • Maintain relationships with key purveyors and local partners
  • Assist with quantifying success and efficiency of menu mix and menu offerings
  • Track and report food and supply costs; help manage to-budget on all areas of responsibility
  • Coordinate with various departments (booking, finance, box office, production, events)
  • Miscellaneous administrative tasks including filing, record keeping, and reporting as needed
    Job Requirements
  • 4-year degree or comparable relevant experience
  • Minimum of three years experience in a full-time relevant position
  • Multi Unit management a plus for possible immediate growth for right candidate
  • Experience creating and managing quality menu item executions
  • Traditional scheduling, ordering and new training planning experience a plus
  • Excellent communication skills required. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, as well as diligent attention to detail. Candidate will be collaborating with, presenting ideas to, and contextualizing results for a broad audience
  • Must thrive in a team environment, but be able to take initiative and work independently
  • Candidate must have strong computer knowledge of Excel, Word, various food system applications and excellent knowledge of relevant online industry ordering systems
  • Must be highly organized, detailed-oriented, and excited to work in an all-hands-on-deck team environment
  • We value motivated, creative, innovative folks
  • Be prepared to proofread
  • Must have a passion for music, and diversity in musical taste, the arts, and entertainment
    We Offer
  • Salary commensurate with experience
  • Health, Dental, and 401K benefits after 90 days
  • Health savings & flex savings medical accounts available through company benefits
  • 10 vacation days + sick/safe time days + birthday is a paid holiday
  • Paid holidays as identified by First Avenue
  • Fun and pleasant work environment
  • Downtown office on many bus lines and blocks from the light rail
    Hours
  • This is a full-time, exempt position. On occasion may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays in addition to normal business hours.

First Avenue Purchasing Fine Line

Submitted by Anonymous on

 

First Avenue is excited to announce the purchase of the Fine Line Music Café. First Avenue takes over ownership, management, and exclusive booking of the live music and event venue, located at 318 N 1st Avenue in Minneapolis, on October 1, 2018. Private events will continue to be organized by Minneapolis Event Centers. 

“We’re incredibly excited to add the Fine Line to the First Avenue family, and really—more importantly—to keep this local venue independently owned and operated,” said First Avenue Owner, Dayna Frank. 

The Fine Line is located in the heart of the Warehouse District in downtown Minneapolis. The club is in the main level of the historic Consortium building, which was built in 1907. Originally opened as a music venue in 1987, the Fine Line has hosted thousands of influential acts over their 30-plus year history, including the Pixies, Buddy Guy, and Lady Gaga. The 650-capacity room is a uniquely-sized venue, offering a platform for up-and-coming artists, and intimate underplays for major acts.  

Future bookings will be live-music driven, with the addition of dance parties, live comedy, and live podcasting performances. Upcoming September shows include toe., Japanese Breakfast, ABBARAMA, Blitzen Trapper, Frankie Cosmos, and HONNE.

“After nearly 20 years of promoting concerts at the Fine Line, we are very excited to take over the management of the venue. While there are no immediate major changes planned, we are really eager to get in there, assess the room, and start to make scaled improvements. We want to put the First Avenue mark on it, and we want to do it right,” notes First Avenue General Manager, Nate Kranz.    

First Avenue owns and operates the 250-capacity 7th St Entry, the 350-capacity Turf Club, the 650-capacity Fine Line, 1550-capacity First Avenue Mainroom, and co-operates the 2400-capacity Palace Theatre. Additionally, First Avenue promotes concerts and events at numerous venues in Minnesota, including but not limited to, Amsterdam Bar & Hall, The Cedar Cultural Center, The Historic State, Orpheum, and Pantages Theatres in Minneapolis, and the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul, as well as Surly Brewing Festival Field. 

First Avenue is celebrated as one of the longest-running, independently-owned and operated clubs in the United States. Its 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 voices old and new, to provide a community by offering artists a stage and a mic, and fans a place to gather. 

As the musical epicenter of the Twin Cities, First Avenue—and by extension, the venues it owns and operates—opens its doors to all of the thousands of music lovers who are First Avenue's past, present, and future. 

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