🎵 When First Ave shut its doors

First Ave’s Legacy

Do you remember the first concert you ever saw at First Avenue? (Mine was Julien Baker.) Before the danceteria (yes, that’s a word) became this company behemoth we know, it was on the verge of permanent closure in 2004. Mpls.St.Paul Magazine writer Steve Marsh joins the show to talk about how a deal brokered between former owner Allan Fingerhut and financial adviser Byron Frank saved it. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities / MSP Mag]

• Competing with Live Nation: The venue’s identity has shifted over the years as it began buying up other venues and theaters. But Marsh maintains First Ave still has the local music scene’s interests in mind, as an independent production company distinct from Live Nation. “ Is it [First Avenue’s] responsibility to hold these rooms open and to develop bands, or is it bands don't even realize that Seventh Street Entry is a possibility for them?”
• What’s changed: Marsh says concertgoers’ preferences have changed the financial picture for venues. ”Kids want to go see whatever the big wave that's crashing on their social media sites are,” Marsh said. “They want to go to stadium shows and spend all their money on one event during the summer rather than supporting local music.”
• Weigh in: How has First Ave impacted your concert experience? What could be better? Reply to this email and let us know.

Canceled appointment: After a century of cleaning teeth, Boynton Health Dental Clinic suddenly closed with little notice to patients and employees. According to Erin Adler’s report, the University of Minnesota says the clinic has been in a budget deficit for years. AFSCME Local 3800 held a rally on Wednesday morning, demanding that the university keep the clinic open. [Star Tribune]

Vintage fair stuff: If you want a piece of State Fair history, like a bronze moose statute or merry-go-round horse, here’s your chance. The fair is auctioning off its surplus stuff through March 16, Jared Kaufman reports. If I had $300 to spare, I’d go for the posters. [Pioneer Press]

To the mall! The Bronze Line, which would connect downtown St. Paul and the Maplewood Mall, has been approved by the St. Paul City Council. Fred Melo reports construction could begin in 2030. It seems pretty game-changing, with five miles of bus-only lanes, 22 stops, and two new bridges. Check out these renderings. [Pioneer Press]

Stew month: Consider celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by cooking up a delicious Irish stew. Roseanne Pereira, a writer for Heavy Table, joins today’s show to talk about her excellent recipe, adapted from an Irish cooking school. Her advice is to skip the russets and instead use less flour-y potatoes, such as Yukon golds. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities / Heavy Table]

Pre-eviction notice vetoed: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey shot down a proposal to extend the eviction notice period from 30 days to 60 days. The ordinance passed 7-5 in the City Council, and supporters pushed the measure to aid renters in light of Operation Metro Surge. The mayor argues rental assistance is more effective, and his office noted less evictions have been filed this year compared to last. [FOX 9]

Where are the tourists? Operation Metro Surge hit tourism hard this winter, Shadi Bushra reports. Explore Minnesota put out a survey of tourism businesses, and 42% said business was down compared to last year. Strained U.S. and Canada diplomacy has also contributed to the drop in travel. [MinnPost]

• 💐 Cirque De Fleurs | Bachman’s
• ⚰️ Death Cafe 🆓 | Lakewood Cemetery
• 🧑‍🍳 Women With Taste | Mill City Museum
• 🌈 Rainbow Pages Queer Book Club (WAITLIST) 🆓 | Tropes and Trifles
• 🎸 Jesse Welles | First Avenue
• 🌞 Mayday Ceremony Community Meeting | St. Paul's Church
• 😂 Brave New Workshop: Doing 90 Down Memory Lane | Dudley Riggs Theatre
• 😂 Good Ones! A Comedy Show | Comedy Corner Underground

Friday, Mar 13

• 🦆 National Loon Day (Sold Out) 🆓 | Larissa Loden
• 🎉 Minnesota 50501 First Birthday Party 🆓 | Hook and Ladder
• 🕺 Drone Night (MIRAC fundraiser) | Ivy Building
• 🥁 Brother Ruckus (Feat. L.A. Buckner) | Berlin
• 👻 Horror Movie Night 🆓 | Up-Down
• ☘️ Shamrock Shakedown | Green Room
• 🎶 Stand With Immigrants Benefit Concert | The Parkway Theater

• Vice President of Programs & Partnerships at Camp Fire Minnesota | $100k per year
• Director of Development at YouthLink | $105k - $120k per year
• President & Chief Executive Officer at Pillsbury United Communities | $165k - $185k per year
• Community Relations Specialist at City of Minneapolis | $66k - $92k per year
• Director, Major Gifts at Fresh Energy | $85k - $100k per year