Tuesday February 9, 2010

A Guide to First Avenue Guide

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The undisputed epicenter of the Minneapolis music scene is First Avenue. It claims to be "the longest continual entertainment and music venue in the Twin Cities," and it's a place that many Minnesotans grow up listening to music.

I saw my first Real Concert at First Ave (Silverchair in '96) and I've seen bands play there as recently as last night. For that reason and many others, it will always hold a special place in my heart, but that doesn't mean it's my favorite music venue in the Twin Cities. I've had my problems with the place and I wanted to write this guide in the hopes of helping others get the best experience possible at First Ave.

Where to buy Tickets:

Obviously you can purchase tickets for nearly every First Avenue event on Ticketmaster, but the fees often make advance purchases more expensive than tickets bought at the door. You're definitely paying for the convenience of ordering over the phone or online. A cheaper way to purchase tickets is either at First Ave itself or at one of their local ticket outlets.

Choose the one that is most convenient for you, and you'll be supporting a local record store while purchasing tickets for face value as long as you pay in cash. (Treehouse Records charges $2 extra per ticket if you use a card and I assume that's what other local outlets charge. That fee is much less than Ticketmaster's.)

For those who collect ticket stubs, Ticketmaster prints the same ugly tickets for every event. The tickets you buy through local outlets and First Ave look a lot better.

When to get there:

Despite the fact that the door time is printed on your ticket, it can be a little tricky to decide exactly when to get to the show. Of course, if you love the band and really want the best view you'll want to get there at or before door time and try to stake out a spot on the rail at the center of the stage.

If you aren't that committed (and very few people are), you need to decide whether to see the opening acts or not. I personally recommend checking them out, because you may find a new band you like even better than the main performer. Even when I do want to catch the opening act, though, I don't show up at door time because I'd rather not stand around drinking overpriced beer for an hour.

I haven't completely worked out the time that acts start, and even if I did, it wouldn't be an exact science (bands sorta play when they're ready), but here some guidelines:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday Shows:
If doors are at 8 and there is one opener they will start around 9:15. If there are two, one will start as early as 8:30 and the other at 9:30. The main act will go on at 10:30. These shows end around midnight. Some weekday shows start earlier for various reasons and that can shift openers to earlier slots, but these weekday shows generally get out around 11:30-Midnight and main acts for 18 and up or 21 plus shows usually play for about an hour and a half. I recently realized all-ages shows can throw off my estimates, starting and ending much earlier, so watch out for that.

Thursday and Saturday Shows:
These nights are a little different because First Avenue hosts dance parties after the concerts so they will generally start and end earlier. Despite fact that the dance nights claim to start at 9 and 10pm, bands usually play into that time. I've notice Thursday shows can go until 10 and Saturday shows will play until 10:30 or later. This is why you'll see a few Latin Americans ready to dance as you leave a concert on a Thursday night. One of the vita.mn users below says that they've actually been able to slip in for the last song of a sold out show after only paying cover for Ritmo Caliente (which is free for students).

I apologize for not having better info in this section, but this is something I've been studying. If I can get this worked into a more exact science, I'll be sure to update this guide. I've messed up and missed most of a show because I thought I was good at estimating when bands would be playing on certain nights. It's better to be safe than sorry, so show up early if you have the time.

Where to get the best view:

As I'd mentioned before, you're getting an amazing view if you get as close to the band as possible, but it's not always the best concert experience. Everyone's got her preferences, but here's a few things to think about:

Some of the most coveted spots in First Ave are sitting on the low wall that runs down the left side of the main dance floor. You can get really close to the band, no one is rubbing against you, you can see fairly well and you get to sit.

Between opening bands or if you get there first, you can grab a spot on the front rail. I actually did this for the first time the other night and it wasn't a real loud and crazy band. But if the front rail is where you want to be, you need to be dedicated to being there and getting into the music. If you've never been that close, you may not realize that there might be some equipment on stage that obstructs your view of some of the band members. Another thing to consider is that if you are tall, or even average height, it's a little awkward up there because the railing is attached to a platform that is raised another 3 or 4 inches above everyone on the dance floor behind you, but when you lean forward on the railing you probably aren't obstructing anyone's view.

Depending on the show, there might be what they call Sightline Seating available for $35. These are the tables that sit a maximum of 3 people and are located along the railing on the upper level. They sell out pretty quickly, but can definitely be worth it if you'd like to sit and enjoy a good view of a show. Occasionally I've seen these tables either not completely sell out or get reserved by someone who doesn't show up. I assume you don't into much trouble when you are camping out a table until someone shows up who bought it.

Every once in a while I end up in a crowded show with no where to see the band. I've found that there is often a little room under the stairs on the right side of the dance floor. I've also done alright if I spend a little time walking around upstairs looking for a place.

If you've got earplugs in and you're willing to be sort of a jerk in order to get close to a band at a sold-out show, I'd suggest going around the right side of the main floor, back by the pool tables and around to the front where the huge speakers sit. No one can really handle standing right in front of those speakers because it's so loud, but with earplugs on you should be able to slide in past them and start moving sideways to the middle of the main floor.

What to Drink:

Like most bars in downtown Minneapolis, drinks are expensive at First Avenue. They can charge more because you are really there for an event. It's the same principle that makes beer at sporting events and popcorn at the movie theater cost so much. I recommend sticking to buying the 22-oz bottles because although they do get all warm and gross by the time you get to the bottom, they're only $7.25. A 12-oz beer will cost as much as $4.75. It's basic math and if you like Heineken, that's supposed to be served a little warm anyway. Personally I'm a bigger fan of Red Stripe or sometimes Sierra Nevada, but warm Sierra Nevada gets a little gross. If you are into getting really buzzed for concerts, I recommend drinking elsewhere and arriving right when you know the band will start.

Where to Park:

There is no valet parking at First Ave, but if you are into dropping the cash on that, I assume the Graves 601 Hotel valets a half-block away would be happy to take your money. If you get stressed out by downtown driving, the light rail or bus are cheap options and both stop a few blocks from First Ave.

I usually just end up in one of the ramps and pay the $5 or walk from an area on Minneapolis with free on-street parking, but that's not a great option in the winter. I hesitate to even mention this, but I have gotten away with parking for free at Lee's Liquor Lounge (another good music venue) and walking from there, but that's not the safest option for any number of reasons.

Final Note:

There was a period of time when I sort of refused to go to any concert alone. I'm sure there are other people that feel the same way. How much do you really talk to your friends when you go to a concert? Consider how many shows you missed because you couldn't find a friend who liked the band enough to shell out the money for a ticket. Try going solo at First Ave. It's a great time and you'll undoubtedly meet people and possibly run into someone you know. I also find that I have a better time when I'm not worried about everyone else having a good time and is able to see the band. Seriously, try it.

<img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/482922394_ec4e0b69b7_m.jpg" align="right" hspace="10" />The undisputed epicenter of the Minneapolis music scene is First Avenue. It claims to be "the longest continual entertainment and music venue in the Twin Cities," and it's a place that many Minnesotans grow up listening to music. <br /><br />I saw my first Real Concert at First Ave (Silverchair in '96) and I've seen bands play there as recently as last night. For that reason and many others, it will always hold a special place in my heart, but that doesn't mean it's my favorite music venue in the Twin Cities. I've had my problems with the place and I wanted to write this guide in the hopes of helping others get the best experience possible at First Ave. 
<h2>Where to buy Tickets: </h2>Obviously you can purchase tickets for nearly every First Avenue event on <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/49474">Ticketmaster</a>, but the fees often make advance purchases more expensive than tickets bought at the door. You're definitely paying for the convenience of ordering over the phone or online. A cheaper way to purchase tickets is either at First Ave itself or at one of their <a href="http://www.first-avenue.com/buy/localoutlets.aspx">local ticket outlets</a>.<br /><br />Choose the one that is most convenient for you, and you'll be supporting a local record store while purchasing tickets for face value as long as you pay in cash. (<strong>Treehouse Records</strong> charges $2 extra per ticket if you use a card and I assume that's what other local outlets charge. That fee is much less than Ticketmaster's.) <br /><br />For those who collect ticket stubs, Ticketmaster prints the same ugly tickets for every event. The tickets you buy through local outlets and First Ave look a lot better.
<h2>When to get there: </h2>Despite the fact that the door time is printed on your ticket, it can be a little tricky to decide exactly when to get to the show. Of course, if you love the band and really want the best view you'll want to get there at or before door time and try to stake out a spot on the rail at the center of the stage. <br /><br />If you aren't that committed (and very few people are), you need to decide whether to see the opening acts or not. I personally recommend checking them out, because you may find a new band you like even better than the main performer. Even when I do want to catch the opening act, though, I don't show up at door time because I'd rather not stand around drinking overpriced beer for an hour. <br /><br />I haven't completely worked out the time that acts start, and even if I did, it wouldn't be an exact science (bands sorta play when they're ready), but here some guidelines: 
<ul>
<li><strong>Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday Shows: </strong><br />If doors are at 8 and there is one opener they will start around 9:15. If there are two, one will start as early as 8:30 and the other at 9:30. The main act will go on at 10:30. These shows end around midnight. Some weekday shows start earlier for various reasons and that can shift openers to earlier slots, but these weekday shows generally get out around 11:30-Midnight and main acts for 18 and up or 21 plus shows usually play for about an hour and a half. I recently realized all-ages shows can throw off my estimates, starting and ending much earlier, so watch out for that.</li>
<li><strong>Thursday and Saturday Shows: </strong><br />These nights are a little different because First Avenue hosts dance parties after the concerts so they will generally start and end earlier. Despite fact that the dance nights claim to start at 9 and 10pm, bands usually play into that time. I've notice Thursday shows can go until 10 and Saturday shows will play until 10:30 or later. This is why you'll see a few Latin Americans ready to dance as you leave a concert on a Thursday night. One of the vita.mn users below says that they've actually been able to slip in for the last song of a sold out show after only paying cover for Ritmo Caliente (which is free for students). </li>
</ul>I apologize for not having better info in this section, but this is something I've been studying. If I can get this worked into a more exact science, I'll be sure to update this guide. I've messed up and missed most of a show because I thought I was good at estimating when bands would be playing on certain nights. It's better to be safe than sorry, so show up early if you have the time.
<h2>Where to get the best view: </h2>As I'd mentioned before, you're getting an amazing view if you get as close to the band as possible, but it's not always the best concert experience. Everyone's got her preferences, but here's a few things to think about:
<ul>
<li>Some of the most coveted spots in First Ave are sitting on the low wall that runs down the left side of the main dance floor. You can get really close to the band, no one is rubbing against you, you can see fairly well and you get to sit. </li>
<li>Between opening bands or if you get there first, you can grab a spot on the front rail. I actually did this for the first time the other night and it wasn't a real loud and crazy band. But if the front rail is where you want to be, you need to be dedicated to being there and getting into the music. If you've never been that close, you may not realize that there might be some equipment on stage that obstructs your view of some of the band members. Another thing to consider is that if you are tall, or even average height, it's a little awkward up there because the railing is attached to a platform that is raised another 3 or 4 inches above everyone on the dance floor behind you, but when you lean forward on the railing you probably aren't obstructing anyone's view. </li>
<li>Depending on the show, there might be what they call <a href="http://www.first-avenue.com/buy/sightlineseating.aspx">Sightline Seating available for $35.</a> These are the tables that sit a maximum of 3 people and are located along the railing on the upper level. They sell out pretty quickly, but can definitely be worth it if you'd like to sit and enjoy a good view of a show. Occasionally I've seen these tables either not completely sell out or get reserved by someone who doesn't show up. I assume you don't into much trouble when you are camping out a table until someone shows up who bought it.</li>
<li>Every once in a while I end up in a crowded show with no where to see the band. I've found that there is often a little room under the stairs on the right side of the dance floor. I've also done alright if I spend a little time walking around upstairs looking for a place. </li>
<li>If you've got earplugs in and you're willing to be sort of a jerk in order to get close to a band at a sold-out show, I'd suggest going around the right side of the main floor, back by the pool tables and around to the front where the huge speakers sit. No one can really handle standing right in front of those speakers because it's so loud, but with earplugs on you should be able to slide in past them and start moving sideways to the middle of the main floor. </li></ul>
<h2>What to Drink: </h2>Like most bars in downtown Minneapolis, drinks are expensive at First Avenue. They can charge more because you are really there for an event. It's the same principle that makes beer at sporting events and popcorn at the movie theater cost so much. I recommend sticking to buying the 22-oz bottles because although they do get all warm and gross by the time you get to the bottom, they're only $7.25. A 12-oz beer will cost as much as $4.75. It's basic math and if you like Heineken, that's <a href="http://jeremy.zawodny.com/blog/archives/000783.html">supposed to be served a little warm</a> anyway. Personally I'm a bigger fan of Red Stripe or sometimes Sierra Nevada, but warm Sierra Nevada gets a little gross. If you are into getting really buzzed for concerts, I recommend drinking elsewhere and arriving right when you know the band will start.
<h2>Where to Park: </h2>There is no valet parking at First Ave, but  if you are into dropping the cash on that, I assume the <a href="http://vita.mn/venue_detail.php?venue_id=3318">Graves 601 Hotel</a> valets a half-block away would be happy to take your money. If you get stressed out by downtown driving, the light rail or bus are cheap options and both stop a few blocks from First Ave. <br /><br />I usually just end up in one of the ramps and pay the $5 or walk from an area on Minneapolis with free on-street parking, but that's not a great option in the winter. I hesitate to even mention this, but I have gotten away with parking for free at <a href="http://vita.mn/venue_detail.php?venue_id=401">Lee's Liquor Lounge</a> (another good music venue) and walking from there, but that's not the safest option for any number of reasons.
<h2>Final Note: </h2>There was a period of time when I sort of refused to go to any concert alone. I'm sure there are other people that feel the same way. How much do you really talk to your friends when you go to a concert? Consider how many shows you missed because you couldn't find a friend who liked the band enough to shell out the money for a ticket. <strong>Try going solo at First Ave</strong>. It's a great time and you'll undoubtedly meet people and possibly run into someone you know. I also find that I have a better time when I'm not worried about everyone else having a good time and is able to see the band. Seriously, try it.

created by thejackal on May. 3, '07 at 1:45 PM
last updated by thejackal on Sep. 17, '08 at 9:38 AM

[edit guide]

Comments

posted by matt on May. 3, '07 at 5:17 PM

I totally ♥ this guide.

posted by sopheava on May. 3, '07 at 5:36 PM

I ♥ ^ infinity this guide.

posted by thejackal on May. 4, '07 at 9:24 AM

I'm glad you guys like it... I had the idea early in April and kept it around until I decided to finally put pen to paper (fingers to keys) yesterday. I've got a few ideas for additional sections I'll write, but if anyone wants to contribute, please feel free.

Also, constructive criticism is welcome.

posted by nitrojen on May. 9, '07 at 11:55 AM

I ? this guide infinity INFINITY. Even from my aging hipster perspective, this info is spot on, Jackyl. 1st Ave. was the venue for my first REAL concert as well - Sonic Youth: 1988, and was pretty much the only gig other than The Uptown to regularly host good bands, back when they were called "alternative". I was a patron for dance nites (sex-o-rama, anyone?) and shows 2-3 nites a week for a huge chunk of the 90s. *snif*

posted by thejackal on May. 23, '07 at 10:08 AM

Damn and I made the Front Page... I seriously need to do some proofreading now... Thanks You Guys!

posted by s4xton on May. 23, '07 at 11:10 AM

Regarding when to show up: If you're trying to get there right on time, it's better earlier than later. While the timetables mentioned above are in my opinion, pretty spot on, sometimes it's not always the case. I missed Dosh before the recent Andrew Bird show because I was trying to show up right on time. First Avenue has re-entry, primarily for people that wish to go out side and smoke, but you can utilize this to get a pint at O'Donovan's Irish Pub across the street or a number of places within a block or two if you get in too early.

Also, I agree with thejackal on buying your tickets in advance from a local outlet. I've been burned a couple times showing up to a show that wasn't sold out that sells out by the time I get there.

When entering First Avenue, sometimes they'll have more than one line to get in. The line on the left is almost always the longest and slowest because it's the line you must take if you need to purchase tickets at the door. If you already have tickets and the weather is adverse, hit another line to get in the fastest.

posted by staciaann on May. 23, '07 at 12:57 PM

Re: going by yourself to 1st Ave...

I do this all the time. Hopefully you are wililng to talk to people you don't know if you do this. I've always found people willing to hold my spot when I've gone to get a drink (or nachos) as I'm usually on the rail or close to it. I tend to lurk on the left side by the snack bar at the bottom of the stairs, but I do generally get there early.

Here's my tips for gettng a closer/rail spot:
AA shows - get there early. Early early early... At least be there when the doors open. These shows fill up faster with ticketholders that can't drink and they usually show up super early to the show in order to get prime spots.

18+ - usually if you have a ticket already you can show up about 30 minutes after doors and still get a decent spot. But if it's a bigger artist or a buzz band (like Andrew Bird) you should follow the AA suggestion.

21+ - Generally you can almost get there after the first opener and still be ok. These shows are generally full of people who've been there, done that, and know the drill.

I agree that 1st Ave isn't my favorite venue, but it's still amazing and I've seen some killer shows there.

Great guide! Good work. :)

posted by alexism on May. 23, '07 at 1:26 PM

Great guide. I go to First Ave alone all the time; Minneapolis is such a small town that I know I'll run into people I know there, anyway. And my mad parking fu occasionally gets me a meter spot on 8th, otherwise I prefer the easy in/easy out of the two lots on the corner of 1st & 8th.

posted by CRocka on May. 23, '07 at 3:54 PM

Under the drinks section it should be added that First Ave's hard liqour drinks are always made right and well worth the 3.75 or more.

posted by thejackal on May. 23, '07 at 5:08 PM

staciaann, I had a ticket for Andrew Bird, but didn't realize it was all ages, went out to dinner and completely miscalculated the time. I missed most of the show and just ended up doing something else... Learned a lesson that night, but I have a feeling all those guys will be playing things like Grand Old Days next year, like we see last years buzz band tapes and tapes doing this year. I love Tapes and Tapes, but I'm just saying...

posted by FirstAvenueInsider on May. 23, '07 at 8:00 PM

First Avenue Guide (Insider information)

Tickets: Most tickets $10 and under can be purchased through First Avenue?s web site via PayPal. This includes dance night events and entry concerts.
www.first-avenue.com

Sightline Seating: Not only is it extremely rude to take somebody else?s reserved table, it will get you a visit from the security staff since they have somebody monitoring the tables at all times.

Drink Prices: Drinks downtown are always more expensive than drinks in other parts of the city. But First Avenue is as cheap if not cheaper than most of the other places downtown.

Parking: Radisson ramp, enter on 7th or 8th St. between Hennepin and Nicollet. They have $4 evening parking (after 4pm) and First Avenue has a $1 parking voucher for that ramp (ask the front cashier for a voucher.) Target Center ramp is a good place to park (w/1 block, security, lights) and they charge $4 for evening rate unless there is an event at the Target Center in which case they charge between $7 and $11.

Entrance: There are 4 big doors at the front of First Avenue. The two doors on either side are exactly the same and you can purchase tickets at both doors. Often times if there are a lot of pre-sale tickets, a middle door will be opened for ?tickets in your hands only? this is a VERY fast express line.

posted by thejackal on May. 24, '07 at 9:44 AM

I knew I was going to get in trouble for making a few of these suggestions...

I really appreciate the feedback and will edit the guide later to take all this new "insider" information into account.

posted by staciaann on May. 24, '07 at 2:18 PM

jackal - that sucks. The problem with Bird is that they also sold a crapton of tickets at the door (which I wasn't expecting as even ticketmaster as out of them). I think that made for an early overload of the venue.

You maybe be right that MN buzz bands will be playing things like Grand Old Day (or in-store Urban Outfitters performances - weird) next year at this time, but they'll still sell out venues here. Tapes sold out the main room pretty quickly this December... I guess we'll wait and see what their new album holds.

Also mention somewhere if you're gonna edit that 1st Ave has a decent, inexpensive food selection. It's saved my belly more than once! ;)

posted by thejackal on May. 24, '07 at 3:32 PM

Yeah I was at that show in December and I assume Tapes and Tapes could get close to selling out First Ave if they played tonight, but I'm just hoping to see a lot more Andrew Bird playing all over the place. I happened to catch him last Fall doing a sort of surprise performance with Dosh at Dosh's CD Release show. It really wasn't a big deal that I missed this last show, but I was out $20 for the ticket.

I've them have restaurants come in and set up back by the Pool Tables, but I don't think I've ever eaten anything while I was at First Ave. This is something I'll need to look into.

posted by Molue on May. 25, '07 at 10:07 PM

When it comes to FIrst Ave, it's all about Too Much Love! While it really is "too much" (they used to just have it once a month, and now it's once a week) as it gets to be a bit much going there week after week, it is definitely something everyone should do at least once. It's a chance to go dance with your friends to music you don't hear at every other bar, club or on the radio for that matter. The dancing is rad, theres the floor and then a stage as well, and if you get there before midnight the drinks are totally cheap. If you can get past the fact that there will be some hipster regulars there, as with any place, really, you'll have a great time. Free with a student ID as well!

posted by Aurinko on May. 31, '07 at 8:40 PM

Standing at the window behind the upstairs bar gives a great view, but the sound isn't the best and there tends to be masses of talking people surrounding you.

posted by Dib432 on Jun. 2, '07 at 1:29 AM

As far as I'm concerned, you've never experienced a rock show until you've been there alone.

posted by janekelly on Jun. 7, '07 at 9:26 AM

My boyfriend and I usually head over to O'Donovans for a few drinks and some food before a show, especially if we are heading downtown directly after work.

It seems like the doors often open 15-20 minutes later than posted times.

posted by ultrasassy on Aug. 11, '07 at 11:57 PM

This is a GREAT guide, and spot on. Loved, loved the suggestion of starting by the pool tables and navigating the speakers and casually pushing to the center of the front row. Who hasn't done that?

posted by buflo on Oct. 5, '07 at 12:35 PM

It may seem obvious but the best way to time getting to a concert just in time is to call the venue the night of.

posted by cphillipps on Oct. 17, '07 at 3:33 PM

The first time I went to First Avenue it was to see Prince in the early '80s. (yes, I'm that old...) I met my first husband there (totally the worst mistake of my life) and still remember the horrid split beer in the carpet smell as you walk in...

posted by jenna2759 on Nov. 15, '07 at 1:26 PM

As for you question about getting in with the dancing cover and then seeing a show: I go salsa dancing sometimes, and one night I showed up around 9:30 (early for me) and happened to get in for free with my college I.D. and saw the end of Common performing! I hadn't even known there was a show that night, so I just got lucky...