March is Women’s History Month. Despite obstacles and discrimination, many brilliant women have guided the course of popular music and inspired cultural movements both around the world and here in Minnesota. The Current is highlighting stories of women who made revolutionary contributions to our local music scene.

Named for its location in Minneapolis at the corner of First Avenue and Seventh Street, First Avenue is a cornerstone of our local music community. Many incredible women have played key roles in making the venue a hub for cool music, including Chrissie Dunlap.  

In 1979, Chrissie was a mother of three young kids and avid music lover. She was often at shows supporting her husband, Bob “Slim” Dunlap, who was a sideman for local punk rocker Curtiss A and later a guitarist in the Replacements. Chrissie grew up in St. Louis Park listening to blues and R&B, and she brought that influence into her nine years at First Avenue. 

Her foot in the door was offering to help First Avenue booker Steve McClellan get organized. As the venue started booking more live music, McClellan needed someone in the office during the day to take calls from agents and radio stations. Eventually, Chrissie Dunlap was hired and found herself embedded in the operations and booking. 

Chrissie, with McClellan, booked R and B and rock pioneers alongside punks and hipsters. Her eclectic booking ranged from R and B legend Bo Diddley to heavy metal icons Anthrax and Ministry, from electro-funk act The S.O.S. Band to Latin-dance group Kid Creole and the Coconuts. 

Chris Osgood of the Suicide Commandos noted, “Chrissie deserves a big part of the credit for bringing in a lot of the bands that played there, but more so for being a big part of the chemistry that made that place go.” 

By 1988, her husband “Slim” Dunlap was on the road with The Replacements. At the same time, the demands of raising their three kids increased, and more was expected of her at work. After nine years, Chrissie’s time with First Avenue ended, but the impact of her work was lasting – she helped put First Avenue on the map. 

Learn even more about Chrissie Dunlap in First Avenue by Chris Riemenschneider, published by Minnesota Historical Society Press.

Women’s History Month on The Current is a collaboration with the Minnesota Historical Society. Dig deeper with resources, books, and The Siren Stream.