After almost two years in the making, the Diverse Emerging Music Organization (DEMO) Center For Music will finally be opening in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. Expected to be functional for many purposes, the space's proprietors hope to host music lessons, workshops, discussion groups, and live performances for all ages.

The driving force behind the center is Steve McClellan, the longtime general manager of First Avenue who started DEMO as a non-profit when he left First Avenue in 2004. Last November, Andrea Swensson talked to McClellan about what spurred his plans for the new center.

According to McClellan, “What I learned doing other clubs, was that even for the nonprofits, it was kind of all about bottom line. And it was just the realization that, you know what? This is not doing anything for developing music… To me, it’s the street level stuff that happens that’s important.”

McClellan hopes that the space will help kids that are going to make a difference. To see the new space and learn more about DEMO, you can stop by their open house on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. There will be live performances, as well as complimentary refreshments.

Mackenzie Martin is a podcast enthusiast and senior at Macalester College, where she majors in media & cultural studies.