My Top Five Twin Cities Music Venues

#5 Triple Rock Social Club

Today, I braved some nasty weather in order to show you my favorite music venues in the Twin Cities. I started close to the campus at the Triple Rock Social Club.  The Triple Rock is an intimate haven for punk music fans, but they also attract a huge variety of smaller time alternative artists.  Recently, I have seen Chelsea Wolfe and Four Fists at the venue and both shows were jam packed, but the beauty of this venue is that it accommodates fewer than 1000 fans which ensures an intimate experience.

#4 Varsity Theater

The second venue I visited today was the Varsity Theater in Dinkytown.  I hadn't been in the historic collegiate venue until recently when I saw that one of my favorites, Eagles of Death Metal, were set to headline the Varsity this past September.  For some reason, I had always regarded the Varsity Theater as a sub-par venue because of the acts they attract.  It serves as a mid-sized venue mostly booked out by heavier rock outfits and pop-punk bands.  When I first entered the venue, I was taken aback.  The interior seems like it has been newly revamped and the ambiance is impressive with multiple chandeliers hanging from the ballroom ceiling.  I was also surprised by how large the space was accommodating just shy of 1000 patrons.  My warm feelings of the venue were solidified by an electrifying performance by the Palm Desert outfit.

#3 Fine Line Music Cafe

#2 Mill City Nights

Number three on my list is the Fine Line Music Cafe. I first experienced the Fine Line before it underwent major renovations in 2003. Back then, it was a well-renowned jazz club with table service and a full bar. These days, the Fine Line hosts a large variety of different artists. It serves as another medium sized venue as is accommodates a little over 750 patrons.  I have had the pleasure of seeing a number of hip-hop acts at the Fine Line including Ab-Soul, PRhyme, and Vince Staple's first headlining show in the Twin Cities this weekend.

#1 First Avenue and 7th Street Entry

The number two venue on my list is the newest of the bunch. Mill City Nights was christened in 2012 with a major overhaul from the previous venue housed there, The Brick.  This venue is the perfect medium sized venue.  There are numerous seating options with a general admission floor, seated balcony, and other VIP viewing options depending on the show.  The thing that sets Mill City Nights apart from the competition is the sound system.  The state of the art equipment coupled with the excellent acoustics provide an excellent experience for the listener in multiple styles of music.  I have had the pleasure of seeing Mac Miller and Earl Sweatshirt at MCN and I look forward to my next visit.

Topping my list is the old favorite, First Avenue and 7th Street Entry.  The venue has served as the foundation of the Minnesota music scene for the past 45 years.  The venue has hosted thousands of acts and it serves as a large club venue with a capacity of just over 1500.  First Avenue is the place to see great acts before they make it huge.  They host a huge variety of artists and I have had the pleasure of seeing Of Monsters of Men, Run the Jewels, D'Angelo and the Vanguard, and numerous other legendary groups.  The viewing angles in this club are simply second-to-none and the club is routinely ranked as one of the greatest music venues in the nation year after year. It could not be more well deserved. First Avenue serves as the best of the Twin Cities music scene.