INFLUX Magazine Spring 2024

TWIN CITIES SOUND<br />

FINE LINE<br />

FIRST<br />

AVENUE<br />

By Sarah Horner<br />

First Avenue is a popular venue in the heart of downtown. It attracts a wide<br />

range of music lovers, young and old alike. Its biggest draws include the<br />

cool and spacious main room, the iconic stars decorating the building and<br />

the convenient, historic location. “I am a huge Prince fan and I love the<br />

history of the venue,” said Kate Nelson, a University of Minnesota student. She also<br />

noted that the crowd etiquette is generally good, perhaps because of the venue’s<br />

respected status and well-trained staff. Overall, it’s a top choice for seeing established<br />

artists while still maintaining a decent level of fan-performer intimacy.<br />

By Sarah Horner<br />

Owned by the same management as First Avenue,<br />

Fine Line Music Cafe is ideal for artists with more<br />

laid-back sets and production elements. Reviews from<br />

students are mixed. Some said they liked the smaller<br />

size, calling it “nice and intimate,” while others<br />

referred to it as “very cramped.” Concerns about sound<br />

quality were also mentioned. However, the kind staff<br />

give the venue a boost in terms of reputation. They’re<br />

often seen offering free cups of ice water during and<br />

after the show, which avid concert attendees know<br />

to be a lifeline. One student said, “They were very<br />

nice about accommodating someone in my group that<br />

needed a seat during the show.”<br />

The Beaches onstage at Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis on February<br />

28, <strong>2024</strong>. Photo by Sarah Horner (Above). The exterior of Varsity Theater<br />

in Dinkytown on February 22, <strong>2024</strong>. Photo by Sarah Horner (Below).<br />

VARSITY<br />

THEATER<br />

Stars outside of First Avenue in Minneapolis.<br />

Photo by Sarah Horner<br />

By Sarah Horner<br />

Varsity Theater’s sparkling yellow sign lights a landmark<br />

in Dinkytown. Students said they liked the convenient and<br />

familiar location. Its quirky interior also fits the studentfriendly<br />

vibe. “The ceiling lights and disco ball always make<br />

the show so much more fun!” said University of Minnesota<br />

student Sabrina Nelson. Another standout element is the grottolike<br />

bathroom featuring ornate mirrors,<br />

messily-laid brick and sprawling greenery,<br />

which was named America’s Best<br />

Restroom in 2013 by Cintas. Attendees<br />

also note the comfortable size of the venue<br />

and the attentive staff, recognizing it as a<br />

unique place to see smaller artists.<br />

46 <strong>INFLUX</strong> MAGAZINE SPRING <strong>2024</strong> <strong>INFLUX</strong> MAGAZINE 47