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Photos: Twin Cities venues await the return of live music

February 15, 2021

The entry of the 7th St Entry in Minneapolis in January 2021. The doorway is cordoned off, and daylight shines through the square window on the door. Signs encourage viewers to wear face masks and cough or sneeze into their elbows.Emmet Kowler for MPR

It's not that venues aren't supposed to be empty. Most of the time, they are. There's a whole lot that happens before doors open. The day of the big show, the bar staff, janitors, roadies, handlers, bouncers, and performers see it. But we, the audience, aren't meant to.

Almost a year after crowds last filled these beautiful, quirky, often grimy rooms, they still feel wholly distinct from one another. From the cathedral-like architectural lighting of the State, to the quiet bustle of Icehouse's dining room, to the daylight streaming into the 7th St Entry...while strange and sad, it also – thankfully – feels only temporary.

Read more about the National Independent Venue Association and upcoming relief for music venues. Feature produced by Emmet Kowler and Cecilia Johnson.

Gallery

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Daylight shines onto Icehouse's stage and a bunched-up red curtain. — The interior of Icehouse in Minneapolis on Feb. 11, 2021. Daylight shines onto the stage and a bunched-up red curtain.
Emmet Kowler for MPR

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The interior of the 7th St Entry. The empty stage is lit purple. — The interior of the 7th St Entry in January 2021. The empty stage is lit purple, and the unused stools have been placed on top of the counters.
Emmet Kowler for MPR

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A set of empty, yellow-lit stairs inside the First Avenue Mainroom. — A set of stairs inside the First Avenue Mainroom in Minneapolis in January 2021. They're empty but lit yellow.
Emmet Kowler for MPR