First Avenue opened in 1970 and has hosted famous local artists like Prince and Bob Dylan, plus some of the biggest national and international performers. When the latest band comes to town, they play First Avenue. Local musicians, and those with links to the Twin Cities, like Atmosphere and the Hold Steady, play at First Avenue.
The space is a former Greyhound bus terminal. The conversion to concert venue, superficially at least, involved not much more than painting everything black and installing a stage and scads of speakers.
The main room in First Avenue has two levels. During all-ages shows, the upper level is only for those over 21 and all alcohol served has to stay upstairs.
There's also the Seventh Street Entry, a separate performance space where lesser-known acts play. The 7th Street Entry is a very intimate venue and acts playing totally take it over and make the whole space vibrate. The acoustics in the Entry are not great but it's forgivable considering it's almost just you plus a very cool band.
Seeing a band play at First Avenue is a must-do experience for anyone who spends time in the Twin Cities.
