🎤 Local music in crisis

“Minnesota Needs Music”

It’s getting harder and harder for independent venues to stick around, and for artists to make money touring and recording new music. The Minnesota United Performers (MNUP) is organizing more than 500 musicians to improve the working conditions of artists in the state. According to MNUP’s survey of local musicians, over 60% said they considered quitting due to financial challenges. More than 95% said they would not be able to tour within five years. Nadi McGill, drummer for Gully Boys, told City Cast Twin Cities they’re lobbying state legislators for a package of economic incentives for musicians and venues. “Coming out of the year that we just had … a lot of people turn to music as a space for community gathering,” McGill said. “These safe havens that we meet in need to be invested in, otherwise they will disappear.” [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

• Getting creative: Twin Cities musicians rallied behind First Ave venue workers in 2023, which laid the groundwork for Twin Cities United Performers. Since then, the coalition has expanded beyond the cities and organized musicians across genre lines.  McGill said they’re exploring a bill that would incentivize independent artists to record music in-state and release it. Advocates have found inspiration in the state’s already existing film production tax credit, e-bike rebate, and Texas’ rebate program for artists and venues. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]
• See a show: The coalition launched a concert series called “Minnesota Needs Music” at the beginning of the month, as part of their campaign for public investment in live music. The tour, which already stopped in Duluth and Rochester, concludes this Sunday with a performance at Amsterdam Bar & Hall. McGill has long been an outspoken social justice activist locally. They’re now trying to organize other artists as they tour the country. “ We have all complained in the back of green rooms and in alleyways,” McGill said. “But like, let's actually do something about it.” [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

“Save our homes”: Renters on Nicollet Island are banding together to buy their historic homes. Some have lived there for over 40 years, Susan Du reports. The nonprofit Twin Cities Housing Development Corporation is looking to sell six homes, and residents fear they’ll be kicked out or priced out. As one source told Du, co-owning property with other people is “not for the faint of heart.” [Star Tribune]

Doctor strike: After Allina Health doctors went on a four-day strike last week, perhaps the first of its kind, the union and hospital have reached a tentative agreement. The union won protections like a grievance process for doctors and release from noncompete agreements for laid off staff, but not paid sick leave. The contract covers doctors at Allina Unity Hospital and Allina Mercy Hospital. [Minnesota Reformer / KARE 11]

South St. Paul slay: Caldwell Tidicue, a.k.a. Bob the Drag Queen, is performing at the Fitzgerald Theater today, and you could call it a homecoming of sorts. Tidicue tells Kyra Miles he lived in South St. Paul for nine months and landed his first professional acting gig in the Twin Cities. “I like to brag that I had a 651 number for a very long time,” Tidicue said. [MPR News]

Win for water: The Science Museum of Minnesota has brought 130 acres along the St. Croix River under permanent protection. The acreage is protected by conservation easement, which limits how land can be used to safeguard the environment. The museum operates the St. Croix Water Research Station, and the new easement completes its goal of protecting more than 300 acres around the station. [Science Museum of Minnesota]

More budget woes: The U of M announced it’s making $225 million in cuts systemwide across two years. The university raised tuition as recently as June and slashed about 230 jobs. President Dr. Rebecca Cunningham attributed the move to declining enrollment and uncertain federal and state funding. [Star Tribune]

Number to go: The Pig’s Eye Park encampment closure cost St. Paul about $440,000. Most went to contractors hired to clean up the area. [KSTP]

• Bakers at Claddagh Coffee, Wee Claddagh location | $21-24 per hour
• Dental Hygienist at Southside Community Health Services | $50+ per hour
• Senior Custom Framer – Jerseys, Memorabilia & Fine Art at Frame Co MN (PT) | $21–$27 per hour
• Associate Vice President, Philanthropy, CFANS at University of Minnesota Foundation | $200k–$230k per year
• R&D Director, Global Dairy Ingredients at Land O’Lakes | $188k–$282k per year