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First Avenue is a true staple of Minneapolis. Seems silly to even review it, but if you haven't gone to a show here, well, you're a jackass and a horrible Minneapolitan. I'm sure you can find something to love on the calendar in the next month.
Some say 7th St. is intimate and cozy, but lately I'd go with cramped and sweaty. Depends on the band.
It had been nearly a decade since my last visit so I was eager to give another try since I really don't like most of the other clubs DT. We went on a Thursday night, Latin Night, totally not what I expected, I thought maybe Salsa, but if you're looking for that, this is not the right place.
We wandered upstairs where they have a reggea bar. This place was packed. Also, you pay extra to get in to this bar. Ordering a drink seems nearly impossible. Head to the bar where there is a ridiculously packed dance floor with people all over the place smoking weed, kinda funny since I've never seen anything like this before. No one was hiding. I had fun dancing but I didn't get why it was so frickin dark, oh wait, that could be because the 420. I quickly learned that if I wanted a drink I should just walk out to the bar on the 2nd floor to get one because it wasn't so busy.
This is definitely not what I remember and loved about the place of my youth, when I where I would go to hear Alice in Chain and Pearl Jam but it could just be that I went on the wrong night. I will definately give it another try, but I'll be sure plan better and pick a night that has a more appealing theme.
This is one of the best things about Minneapolis! First Avenue is almost everything a rock club should be! It is loud, dirty, and if you're at a good show... packed! It's a great place to perform and I've seen some of the best concerts of my life here. The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion! The Jesus Lizard, Elliott Smith, The Murder City Devils, The Hives, Arthur Lee, Iggy Pop, Shane MacGowan, Slayer, etc. The Entry is even better because you are right on top of the stage. This place is like home.
They now serve beer on tap, which seems so foreign for this place. I would typically order a Newcastle here because they came in extra large bottles and you wouldn't have to wait in line as much. Maybe it's a good thing, but it's also easy to spill a beer with this much of a crowd. The mixed drinks are stiff here; like almost gay bar stiff. The Entry is home to one of the worst bathrooms ever! It's fun, but don't sit down... ever.
Not only is First Ave. & 7th St. Entry the best club sized venue in Minnesota, but it's one of the best in the entire country, if not possibly the world! The sound and overall acoustics are phenomonal. It's great both on stage, and in the audience. Having the pleasure of not only seeing some of the most memorable shows,(i.e. Iggy Pop, Motorhead, Toots and the Maytals, Murder City Devils,Charged G.B.H., etc.) but also being able to play both the mainroom and the entry has made First Ave. feel like a sanctuary to me. I've been to clubs all over the country, and even other parts of the world that are comparable in size, structure, and capacity, but none of them hold clout over Minneapolis' own First Ave. For great, live music and entertainment, you simply can not beat it. PERIOD!!!!
I agree with the other guy. These two should be separated, in all fairness.
First Ave gets some decent shows. But, kind of a cavernous dump.
7th Street saves this place. Have seen some amazing stuff, here. Cramped and sweaty. And, sexy.
Generally this place is great. Its reputation and size allow it to get some really good shows. Good atmosphere and epitomizes the rock club.
Only negative is some bad experiences with the passive-aggressive bartenders.
First Ave is a pretty decent venue to go see a show at, as for the people working there, it sucks. They hate their lives, and make people attending shows there hate it too!
I really don't know what to say except do no order drinks from the servers walking around upstairs. They are horrible people!
I once ordered two Red Stripes from the bartender and it was like $11.00 or so, and then later on in the night, I order the exact same thing from a server walking around, and she charged me $15.00. I was sorta taken aback by it and when I asked her why the price went up from the bar, she just so rudly relpied saying, "thats my prices, if you don't like it, whatever". I refused to pay, and went to the bar, where the prices were still only $11.00...huh.
I've been to The Entry a few times and it's very easy for a crowd to fill the place, but the drinks are "well made" and there's no bad seat in the house because it's too small to be more than 100' from any other corner. The main room was great for a Strokes show and had good sound and the stage was well lit. The crowd was large, but you were still able to get a drink quickly. Return visits are definitely on the agenda.
A: *secretions*
Q: What is a word to describe Grace whenever something Prince-related is in front of her?
For those who know my obsession with Prince.... I was hella ekchited to da max and kilig to da bones when I stepped foot in the legendary 1st Avenue & 7th St Entry music venue (checkit.... it's the Fillmore of Minneapolis..mmmkay?).... the place where Purple Rain was filmed.
For $3, you get in with an orange wristband (to indicate you are 21+) and a stamp on your right wrist. You can peep the main floor, but the other rooms in this complex may have additional entrance fees, depending on whether they have different shows going on there.
Drink prices were pretty typical for this kind of venue (around $7).... I had a Jameson/Ginger Ale.. no ginger ale, so the bartendress created this thing that was too strong for my taste (not strong with Jameson.. but this syrup thing she used to create a makeshift ginger ale).
It was hella fun people watching... especially the different dancing styles of the youngin' pooties that heavily represented in this venue. Every time I saw an Asian person (4 other times.. which was a lot for that evening).... I'd exclaim "HEY! ASIAN PERSON!" I tried taking pictures in there to bring some proof of stereotypical white people dancing styles and presence of token asian people .... but it was too dim.
I kept wishing that Prince would just do an impromptu appearance while I was there... but alas.... the fantasy continues....
( | )
I have been to First Ave. many times, in which I have seen over twenty shows. It is a cesspool of scenesters and boozers not interested in seeing a show, but by being seen at the show . During a performance you can barely hear over the banter of the patrons, in which there is no escape. When you order a drink to lighten up from the patrons its overly expensive (even for a venue). I asked a couple of the employees why it has sold out, and they replied " Because that's how we make money". They pack too many people into a small location to boost there profits, and it ruins the band for me. So I stick my middle finger up at First Ave., for they have no interest in the experience, only profit.
First ave is the best venue in the cities almost by default, if there is a large national act you're hoping to see it'll be here. Always friendly bar staff serve pretty pricey drinks (just stick with the big bottles of beer) so have a few nips at home. Easy access to many buses, and cabs. Ticket prices are reasonable but patronize your local independent music store for advance tickets to be sure. 7th street has drink specials (the classic PBR tallboy has a place in my heart) on nights with shows.
Oh, and if you're ever in the mood to unabashedly berate people, and scream obscenities be sure to hit up F1rst Wrestling. I'm by no means a wrestling fan, but I've rarely had as much fun.
It was my 21st birthday and The Muffs (My favorite band) were opening up for Veruca Salt.
I drove up with a couple of buddies from Rochester, MN to see the show and The Muffs were awesome as always (I have seen them 3 times and each time has been great.)
During Veruca Salt I went up to the bar and got a free bottle of champagne and split it with my friends. Then happiness occurred.
The Muffs came upstairs and we bought Roy the drummer a vodka/cranberry. We hung out with the band for about 20 minutes and The Muffs were as cool as I thought they would be.
What a great 21st birthday!
Shouldn't First Ave and 7th Street Entry be listed as separate venues?
Was just here a few months ago for the Earl Root Tribute Show. It's a fairly complete venue with what, 4 bars, and plenty of space; if you don't mind a less than polished club.
Anyone who does not like or appreciate this venue is crazy! it is awesome and I have seen quite a few bands play at first ave. in my years of being in MN. My personal fave was Common! good show! There place has several levels, and full service bars. The parking is as any other place in down town Minneapolis... in other words, it kinda sucks, but the venue is worth it. Side note, get your tickets in advance so you are not stuck outside waiting in line in the snow. This place rocks!!
Although the now defunct "Quest" holds most of my concert-going memories, First Avenue and 7th St Entry hold THE BEST memories. The Offspring concert I won tickets to on 93X. My sister and I getting pulled from the crowd to meet and pretend to like "She Wants Revenge" because there weren't enough fans to make the band feel "special enough." The Motion City Soundtrack Christmas Show and CD Release Party I went to with my friend Paul. Melodious Owl...GOOD TIMES!
I hope to take my kids here someday...seriously.
Went to a show for the first time this past weekend. I have to admit - First Ave has some of the cleanest bathrooms in the city. By the looks of it you would think that "to each her own" in the bathroom on a crowded Friday night. Not at all - they have 2 staff members who were sweeping and pointing out which bathrooms were open that the wait was never very long and they were so clean! I enjoyed the concert. Drinks were not too pricey - considering you were downtown however I did pay 2 different prices for 2 rounds of the same drinks?!? Perhaps there was a price difference between the downstairs bar and the upstairs one - or maybe a time change after 11.
I dont get the appeal of this place. Its run down, dirty and the bathrooms are a disaster. The employees hate their life and they will hate your. I would never get a drink there as its just unsanitary. Maybe I just have high standards....
Its First Ave.!!!!!!!
The club I grew up in. The First Show I went to, The First time I was in a mash pit.My first kiss. My first Head banging "Look at me Everybody" Dance on The Stage. ok thats dramatic.
I would be at a Pixies show one night, and then Gwar the next. I love this place. It was like my babysitter for a decade. Every time Im in Minneapolis, I try to catch a show. Never a dull moment at First Ave.
Probably just reiterating what other people have said, but: great venue for seeing shows, I've seen some of the best concerts of my life here. When they open up the floor on Saturday nights for dancing, it's pretty great too.
Drinks are overpriced, so pre-gaming is necessary.
The Entry is a fantastic small stage to see a band on. Sometimes headliners will pop up on The Entry for a surprise show before doing the mainstage, and those are always great.
Note: The door time on the ticket is hardly ever right. It's probably the standard way to do business, but be aware, if the ticket says doors at 7, then the doors are likely to open at 7:30 if you're lucky, 8 if they're on time. If you go to a 7pm show, your band won't hit the stage until 9:30 if there's one opener, closer to 10:30 if there's two. Not a hard and fast rule, but it's been my experience. I show up to shows late now unless I really desperately want to see the opening act. I still usually catch the tail end of the opener's set. It's not a problem for me if the shows run late, but I know a lot of people work in the morning, and I've seen people leave early because the show didn't start until midnight on a Wednesday, so fyi and all that.
the sound is pretty good. sightlines are average. and i secretly love too much love.
You will always have my heart.
I can still remember my first shows at the Entry and at First Ave. I have since been to countless others and still return to the TC solely to attend shows here. Everything is always fantastic; from the crowd to the last stall of the girls bathrooms where you can watch people walking on the street while you pee. Not only can you go to shows but you can come to dance! If I could, I'd bring my bed here and call it home.
Really snazzy place to go to see some live music. It's a really modestly sized venue with a welcoming atmosphere. I've only been here once myself, but it was a fun experience. There's not much to say except that you should definitely come see a show here at least once, since it's practically a landmark and all.
Legendary, especially for any Prince fan. Despite the over-priced watered-down drinks, the dismal "VIP Room" and the bizarre restrooms (there are two stalls in the ladies restrooms where one wall is all window - while you're yanking yer drawers down you can watch the folks down below on the street) it's one of those establishments you have to visit at least once. Aside from all the history, it's just a really great live music venue.
- I've attended Prince Night parties in the upstairs VIP Room (which is so far from VIP it's laughable).
- I was there for the 20th Anniversary screening of Purple Rain.
- I just saw Prince play there for the first time in over 20 years last July during the 7/7/7 Purple Olympics.
You just gotta go. The temptation to recreate the dance scene in the balcony from Purple Rain will hit you. Trust me. It will.
Make sure to check out all the stars painted on the exterior. You may be surprised at all the bands who have come through First Avenue over the years.
I'm going to be unpopular by saying First Avenue is okay, at best. When they have all ages shows, you are forced to go upstairs to drink and most of the bar area is stuck behind glass that ruins the show experience. As a short person, I can almost never ever see. This is true at most venues but it's especially bad at First Ave. The only good things about First Ave are the legacy, the huge beers for sale, and the cute staff.
The facility is run-down. I've been going here since high school to see some of my favorite bands/singers/performers, and, I don't know if they make the lighting that dark all the time on purpose, but it's just not a great set up for so many people to be there all the time. Plus, the drinks are overpriced and Too Much Love is overrated.
If I could give this place 10 stars I would. Hands down the best place to see a show on the planet. Intimate yet spacious. There's not a bad seat in the house. Some of my favorite shows have been at this landmark. It's also land of the magical giant beers better known as bombers. Nothing says awesome like over sized beers to encourage binge drinking. I've never left that place disappointed but I guess I could also chalk that up to my impeccable taste in music. Yeah, lets go with that.
A major perk of living downtown is getting to walk to great venues like this. Awesome place to see shows (Black Kids!). Too Much Love makes for a fun Saturday night, but watch out for underagers and swarthy dudes who won't leave your friend Brittany alone.
Started going here when I was 16.. eleven years later I'd still stand in line to get inside. There is no other place that compares for live shows than First Ave. This locale is composed of two floors, a couple of bars, the VIP area, some pool tables and dirty phone booths. At least for the ladies room, it's roomie and has a waiting table if your stuck with a gal pal that's applying another coat of paint or praying to the porcelain god. Real people, think 90's grunge and rock and roll. Notsomuch on the hip-hop.
Bands seen here: Soul Coughing, KMFDM, CIV, Tripping Daisy. I've been to First Ave for dancing, and for a Halloween event. No matter what occasion draws you to First Ave, you're bound to have a good time.
First Avenue. My first Prince concert. My first Queen Latifah show. My first mosh pit. My first Long Island Ice Tea. My first punk rocker bf. And my last. Take a shower already! The best club in all of the land. First Avenue shot to international fame in the 80s with Prince and the movie Purple Rain. But it's been and always will be so much more than that. Friday nights in the 80s and 90s. First Avenue was a place where ALL could dance. Preppies. Punks. Suburbanites. Yes. Suburbanites even. Specific shows drew specific crowds. I saw EMF, Public Enemy, Husker Du, The Replacements, Erasure....oh, those were the days. Two floors, several rooms, the perfect stage and dance floor and drinks strong enough to hold your straw upright. Still going strong decades later, First Avenue helped put my Minneapolis on the map. I agree Dave B...Ten stars!
This place needs TEN stars!
I've been all over the country and this is BY far the best music venue I've ever been to! (this compared to: Chicago, Milwaukee, Seattle, New Orleans, Phoenix, Los Angles and San Diego ... trust me I've done my research!!)
If your hip/cool ... do not miss this place. I now live in Phoenix and miss this place terribly.
yup, a trough urinal here!
(oh, and great history of music, much nicer now you don't have to choke through the haze to see the stage, or hear the music)
When I was in college in Minneapolis, I used to be here a few times every month to see a show. We always got free tickets (do they still do that anymore?)
My band played in the Entry a couple times and on the big First Avenue main stage once. For the main stage show, they spelled the name of the band incorrectly on the fliers, put us on early enough so that nobody was actually in the audience, and drenched the vocals in crappy reverb!
BUT IT WAS SO COOL. Now whenever I watch Purple Rain I think of that night. We didn't have enough people in the crowd to sway their arms a la His Purple Badness, but it was fun.
I don't always like the shows I see here, but if you can get down on the floor, the music and the crowd carries you up into the mood. It's a great place to dance, to the point of being a tiny bit depressing to see a non-danceable act. But we can't choose where our bands are booked, can we? Avoid events that show First Ave in daylight - or any light actually. It's charm wears thin when you can see the years of grim. That said, there's not a whole lot of reasons to be there with the lights on. To the same effect, don't bother going to Too Much Love before 11:30 or midnight. I know it's self-perpetuating and someone has to start the party, but it's depressing to walk onto an empty dance floor. Do check out TML if you like to dance. Doesn't matter if you can dance. I've rarely seen a more eclectic, accepting group of people shaking their thangs.
I see what people mean about soft spots, history, and hey-days, but come on. Where's a better place to see shows in this city? In these cities? I'm sure it was a little different in the 80s, but that spirit's still alive and it makes First Ave what it is. That and the flow of great musicians and fans who continue to pass through the doors.
I've been here twice and like the venue. Once I saw Gnarls Barkley and the other time I came they had reggae night. There are two areas, the main one for larger performances and a smaller club to the back. The place is spacious and has two floors. Drinks served there are good and the people that come are a lot more friendly than some of the other clubs in the area.
My only complaint is that there is only one coat check, so if you come into the club in the back part then you have to walk all the way through that club to the second floor of the main club. From there you have to make it past all the people on the second floor to the first floor and to the coat check there.
All of my fond concert memories are found at this venue. I have been wrecked for life for shows, I suspect, as I went here to see bands like Garbage, Juno Reactor (who opened for Moby who sucked hard), KMFDM (when they were good), Social Distortion, and others.
It's a small venue with a very intimate feeling.
Scenes come and go, but hopefully headliners will always hit 1st ave along the way so that those fortunate enough to score tickets will be able to have a show to remember.
It is the alpha and the omega of the Minneapolis music scene.
My favorite place to see a show! First Ave offers different levels within the place if some tall Minnesota Nord or Swede is standing in front of you. And in a state where the women are taller than the men, I enjoy being able to move around to higher altitudes when necessary. The concerts are in your face, the views great, the staff works fast and furious, the venue offers coat check, and the club is in a great location. First Ave. has its private spots if you want to get cozy with your mate. The men's bathroom is above the typical dive in that they do have doors in the stalls and there is usually no waiting. It's a great place to get away from the typical crowd that will be singing "American Pie" 11pm in the bars just a couple blocks down the street. First Ave has to be one of the best gems in the country. I can't imagine it getting much better than this place!
I love seeing shows at the venue....one of the best in the nation!
I love First Ave.
Not only for it's legendary status but also because you can get giant bottles of Corona for like 7 bucks.
It is also a great place to watch a show, because of the aforementioned giant Corona bottles and because it's just a great venue to see a band.
I saw Travis here a few months ago and it was AWESOME!
First Ave also hosts a dance party on Saturday nights called "2 much love" which is really fun and very loud.
The entry is a great place to see both up and coming and local acts.
If you're visiting Minneapolis, it's a great place to visit simply because it's where they filmed Purple Rain.
Also check out the artist wall outside! (you can't miss it!)
i really only go there for Thursday night Latin music. i would love to be able to give them 2 and a half stars but that is not an option. i would give them 3 starts BUT it all happened one night on my birthday... there i was having a good time with my man, dancing the night away.... then i look up and there is a naked chick on the big screen "pleasing" herself with a shower head.... no I'm not joking. it got worse from there, i wont go into the details but i can tell you it was all chick and not much clothing. Not really something i want to see while I'm out dancing. I want to know who came up with this idea of showing porn on the TVs at first ave. Cuz last time i checked it is in the clubs best interest to cater to the women - hence ladies night- cuz that makes the guys come and buy beer. BUT if you put naked ladies up on the screen that makes us (women) NOT want to stay there, in fact it make me so pissed off that i got my coat and we left....
as we left i did notice all of the men mesmerized by the jiggly bits of the ladies on the screens... who's dumb idea was it to show a bunch of Latin, that have been drinking, naked chicks on a big screen... well if you've been to first ave anywhere you look there is a screen. i think this just spells disaster... you know- pent up energy... aggression... i can hear the sirens now.
Minneapolis, MN
Category: Museums
Minneapolis, MN
Category: Museums
Minneapolis, MN
Category: Performing Arts
Minneapolis, MN
Category: Dance Clubs
Minneapolis, MN
Category: Dive Bars
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