Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, and its county seat. With a population of 429,954 as of the 2020 census, it is the state’s most populous city. Located in the state’s center near the eastern border, it occupies both banks of the Upper Mississippi River and adjoins Saint Paul, the state capital of Minnesota. Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the surrounding area are collectively known as the Twin Cities, a metropolitan area with 3.69 million residents.

Arctic Monkeys and Rural Alberta Advantage at First Ave and 7th Street (9/25/09)

Unbelievable - how on earth did two of the hottest tickets in town, Arctic Monkeys and The Rural Alberta Advantage, came into town and basically played next door to each other at First Avenue and 7th Street Entry? For those outside of Minneapolis, First Ave and 7th Street are basically one big building. The mainfloor (First Ave) is definitely much larger than 7th Street, which is pretty much like a closet. So with some strategy, I was able to catch four bands last night at both sold-out shows, weaving in and out of bodies and having a pretty good time about it too.

Blitzen Trapper @ First Ave., MN 2/18/09

Originally scheduled to perform at the Varsity Theatre in Minneapolis, Blitzen Trapper outdid themselves with fan-age and the show was moved to the much larger First Ave. “Danceteria.”  Even so, the club was packed—not packed in the fun way, when a girl can casually rub against a sweaty young hipster and still play coy, but packed like a big awkward sardine tin, with the majority of the crowd standing, immobile, clutching Red Stripes and sort of doing the head bob.  Weird, huh.  I mean, Blitzen Trapper are certainly no Dance Band, but you’d think they’ve earned a few arm thrusts, maybe some leg spasms, at least a pogo or two (the shit’s going to rain on me for that comment; pogo = bad)*.