Beloved local music venue First Avenue celebrated its 53rd anniversary this week. The bus-depot-turned-nightclub opened on April 3, 1970 with a concert event headlined by Joe Cocker. Since then, the world renown venue has hosted acts from all over and was the starting point for Minnesota bands including Prince and the Revolution, The Replacements, Babes in Toyland, Semisonic, Soul Asylum, Husker Du, Lizzo, and more.

Today, let’s reflect on all the wonderful talent that has graced the stage at this culturally significant Minneapolis landmark. Need a reminder? Here’s a list of all the stars painted on the building. What shows have you attended?

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear from artists with a First Avenue star?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played:
Love & Rockets – So Alive
Fugazi – Waiting Room
The Breeders – Wait in the Car
Jurassic 5 – Quality Control
Lucinda Williams – Minneapolis
The White Stripes – Conquest
Soul Coughing – Super Bon Bon
Prince – Let’s Go Crazy