The Twin Cities have a rich and thriving old-time music scene. Whether you’re looking for concerts or jams, you can pretty much find it all right here! Read on for some tips and hot spots . . .
The Cedar Cultural Center — 416 Cedar Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55454 (map) • (612) 338-2674
The Cedar is host to off-the-charts good music from around the world, including the occasional concert by some of finest old-time musicians in the country. It is mainly a seated concert venue, but many a folk have been known to cut the rug when the music takes off! Two special bonuses: The Cedar is run mainly by volunteers AND they serve yummy, authentic Indian food made down the street.
Coffee Grounds — 1579 Hamline Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108 (map) • (651) 644-9959
Located in the North St Paul/Falcon Heights area, Coffee Grounds is a great, cozy venue for live music—plus, they sell ice cream! Members of the Wild Goose Chase Clogger band often grace the stage of the Coffee Grounds, as does the occasional clogger.
Ginkgo Coffee House — 721 N. Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104 (map) • (651) 645-2647
The Ginkgo is a local coffee house/concert venue that regularly hosts old-time and other acoustic music. With its mismatched tables and chairs, yummy cookies, and odd selection of fun, quirky toys to buy or play with, the Ginkgo is definitely worth checking out.
Lee’s Liquor Lounge — 101 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (map) • (612) 338-9491
Lee’s regularly offers rockabilly swing, western swing, and honky-tonk dance bands. Their dance floor is great, and regularly filled with fun and energetic dancers.
The Turf Club — 1601 University Avenue, St Paul, MN 55104 (map) • (651) 647-0486
A favorite bar for many of us, the Turf is often host to old-time bands and even the occasional square dance. The Geese actually performed there once—it was the closest we’ve ever come to actually stepping on our audience!
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Jams
A comprehensive list of the jams around town.
Bluegrass Saturday Morning
Radio program on FM 88.5 with host, Phil Nusbaum.
Twin Cities Acoustic Music Calendar
Where to find performances around town.
Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA)
Where to find out about local bands and festivals.
Homestead Pickin’ Parlor — 6625 Penn Avenue S., Richfield, MN 55423 (map) • (612) 861-3308
Where to find cds of all your favorite local bands, instruments, and classes.