Theater / Concerts, Minneapolis

I attended events at the old Guthrie theatre back in the early 60s. The picture on top is of the original building, which will be replaced in by a new theater on the riverfront. At that point this building will be demolished for an extension of the Sculpture Garden.
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This is a street advertisement for their current [Sept 2004] production of Arthur Miller's "The Death of a Salesman"

TC Tix is a company that sells discount tickets to various events around town. Discounts are offered for theater, dance, comedy clubs, concerts and sometimes sports events.

You can find tix available for half price, or two-for-one. It's a great option for those on a budget! Listings generally change daily so you can't plan ahead but you can just pick up one night and go out on the town. Check out the offerings on their website http://www.minneapolis.org/tctix/ and be aware of the hours the ticket booth is open.

Before you pay full price be sure to check this one out. I've been able to see a basketball game, the broadway musical RENT, Aerosmith in concert, Camelot at a dinner theater, the Black Nativity dance production the week before Christmas...all at half price and with pretty decent seats each time. I love to go out to these things but could never afford the full price.

Dress Code: Varies depending upon the event.

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This modern hall is home for the Minnesota Orchestra. The building is next to Nicollett Mall and Peavy Plaza.
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In addition to classical concerts the hall hosts many other musical events including popular music and jazz. Please check the link below for the schedule.

---Every year, in the middle of July (unfortunately usually when my family vacation is too), twelve bands play on two stages over two nights in the Basilica Block Party at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis. It attracts quality artists like Marc Cohn, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Indigenous, Everything, Hootie & The Blowfish, and Los Lobos.
---Three bands play on each stage each night, starting with some good lesser known bands and working up to headliners. Bands play on both stages at the same time, so you might have to choose between two great bands that you want to see, but the times are a little staggered, so you could catch part of each.
---During the first bands there aren't very many people and you can lay back on the grass in the sun. It gets more crowded with the second bands, and by the last band it's packed solid with thousands of people. At a point before or during the second band, when the first person decides to go stand up against the stage, many others will follow and rush up there to get a good spot, so if you want a great spot up front, get there early and either be the first one up there or be ready for the rush. I've been up front each time and it's great. Also, keep your spot, people will be trying to squeeze up to the front.
---There are food, t-shirt, souvenir and other type stands too. After the concerts you can buy CD's of the bands you saw.
---Most of the parking is in the Dunwoody Institute parking lot and overflows and packs full, so get there early or you might have trouble finding a place to park.
---It has been sponsered by Cities97 (97.1 FM, a great radio station), and benefits things like the church's restoration. I've gotten my tickets at Borders book store. Tickets have been $40 for both nights and $25 for one night, and it's well worth it.

Dress Code: ---It's outdoors, so be prepared for rain or cold. A warm rain jacket should take care of that, or whatever you think you need, depending on the forecast. A lumbar pack is a good idea for keeping things you bring close to you when it's crowded.
---Cameras are not allowed, and if they will confiscate your camera and/or film if they see them. I didn't know this the first time until I was inside, and I was actually right up front and out in the open taking pictures, so they must have thought I was press or something. I did sneak some pictures of Hootie and other bands when it was crowded, but I wouldn't recommend it now because they've gotten more strict about cameras and I've seen plenty of people caught taking pictures, so just forget about the pictures and enjoy the music and everything else.

This is a small theatre with local actors/actresses who perform live improv. Becuase of its small size and energy every show is an experience. The shows are clean but still edgy so any age can enjoy. It's especially nice for the 16-20 crowd because there's no age limit. I spent many a weekend watching the shows.

Dress Code: Anything goes

Gay 90's
Four floor night club complete with drag shows, dancers, and good times. Gigantic gay dance club, welcoming all to the consternation of the MN Queer Nation. The only all-male strip show in town is here, as are packed dance floors with folks of all stripes. Eight bars and many dance floors; karaoke some nights, drink specials most nights. They have nightly drag shows in the La Femme Lounge. It was way out in the open when even the progressive, gay Twin Cities were not. Lots of parking, lots of flirting, some glamour. My friends and I go here for a fun time...You definitely don't have to be gay to enjoy it.

Dress Code: ANYTHING!!!

Acme Comedy Co.
Famous and not-so-famous comics work the crowd here. Best stand-up venue in the Cities, according to both comics and patrons alike. Dinner next door at Sticks, their restaurant, and decent drinks at the tables. They have night where locals can try thier hand at comic relief...My uncle had a great time doing that.

Triple Espresso is a locally produced act that is now global. It's a clean, fun show about three performers meeting up after 25 years and get into the history of the three. Lots of fun!!!