Events

The earliest known hot spot for entertainment in the Twin Cities was the Mazourka Hall, built in 1850 at Third and Exchange Streets

Russ Hanson provided this very early musical event at the Mazourka Hall:  

In 1856, Adelina Patti and Ole Bull appeared together in Fletcher’s Hall for a concert.  Patti was just 13 years old at the time ,

An article by Irv Letofsky in Select Magazine (March 1961), tells the story of the Minnesota connection to the very Southern song “Dixie.”

A tune called “Minnesota Cadet Lancers” was written by Lawrence Schaich in 1883.  The tune was “Respectfully Dedicated to Gov. L.P. Hubbard, St.

In 1886 Gabriel Garzon published the “Fair Minneapolitan Waltz” for piano, “Respectfully Dedicated to the Ladies of Minneapolis.”  Garzon was apparently from the

The biggest musical event of the decade was the return of  Adelina Patti.  Although advertised as her first and last visit to Minneapolis,

According to the Minneapolis Tribune, Quite the biggest affair of 1889 was the northwestern sangerfest, at the Exposition building, where a chorus of

From the Minneapolis Tribune, February 17, 1935: The grandest musical event in the history of Minneapolis to that date occurred when Arthur Nikisch

Ion Arnold composed “The Minneapolis Journal Waltzes,” as played by the Reeves American Band at the Minneapolis Exposition in 1890.  The tune was

The Minneapolis Musicians Union Local 73 was organized on April 30, 1891.  It was chartered on June 8, 1901.

The phenomenon of Minstrel Shows is beyond controversial and apparently came late to Minnesota.  Wikipedia gives the peak years of the genre as

William A. Weir wrote a song called “The Appeal,” “Respectfully Dedicated to J.Q. Adams, editor of The Appeal, the leading Afro-Amierican journal of

“The Minnesota Boat Club March” was written by Emile Oberhoffer in 1893.  The song was dedicated to the Minnesota Boat Club of St.

On May 17, 1897, Norwegian Independence Day, the statue of Ole Bull was dedicated in Loring Park.

James H. Morrison, Jr. composed the “University Two-Step” in 1897, dedicated to the faculty and students of the U of M.  Other than

“The Minneapolis Journal March,” a two-step or cake walk, was composed by Edmund Braham in 1899.

“The Minneapolis Song” was published in 1903, word and music by “Monssini.”  Inside it says acc. by L.O. Shibley.  The chorus goes: “Minneap’lis,

“Snelling,” a march and two-step composed by Schurer Werner, was published in St. Paul in 1904.  Photos of both the Fort and the

Floating Dancing Pavilion on the Mississippi River.

A new song in 1908 was “Ski-U-Mah, an Indian Intermezzo,” dedicated to the U of M’s football team.  Words by Peter Fandel, music

“Crossing the Desert,” a march and two-step for pianoforte, was composed by Arthur Wasshausen of Minneapolis.  The song was “Respectfully dedicated to Zuhrah

Assuming this is in St. Louis Park:  “Odd Fellows and Rebekahs and their friends enjoyed a very pleasant social dance in the IOOF

The Married Folks Dancing Club held their events in Olson’s Hall in Hopkins starting on January 9, 1915. The Hennepin County Enterprise had

A dance was held at Opera Hall in Hopkins after a basketball game between the Hopkins AA “quint” and the Apex quint of

St. Louis Park held an “all star home talent minstrel show” at the High School Auditorium on December 1, 1915, under the auspices

If you thought these rural dances were all civilized and proper, apparently you were wrong.  The good ladies of Hopkins had had enough

The Married Folks Dancing Club held their 1916 Opening Ball on January 22, 1916 at Olson’s Hall, Hopkins.  Music furnished by the Hopkins

The song “Minnesota Mine” was presented to the Minnesota Federation of Women’s Clubs by the Federation’s Fifth District in 1918.  Words were by

On April 17, 1920, Dick Long conducted the United Artists’ Symphony Orchestra at the Minneapolis Auditorium.  They may have been showing movies at

Clarence William Miller remembered the following musicians who performed in the North Side night clubs: Eli Rice Rook Ganz Ray Dyset Leon Lewis

A male trio “will sing every day at Gopher Gunners’ Carnival,” advertised the Minneapolis Morning Tribune in March 6, 1921.  “Every conceivable brand

A male trio “will sing every day at Gopher Gunners’ Carnival,” advertised the Minneapolis Morning Tribune in March 6, 1921.  “Every conceivable brand

In 1921 the song “By the Waters of Minnetonka, An Indian Love Song” by Thurlow Lieurance was published.  The song was dedicated to

Another Minnesota number from 1921 was “Minnie from Minnesota,” a one step, fox trot ballad. Words, music, and all arrangements by Ed Chenette.  “As Refreshing

And still another local tune from 1921 was “Shores of Minnetonka,” a sweet love song with words by Gus Kahn and music by

A look into what the black community was listening and dancing to in the 1920s comes from the Northwestern Bulletin, a weekly out

As for the songs of the time, here’s a list available from the Peyer Music Co.  See Record Stores for ads for more

A big activity in the summer was the Moonlight River Excursion, taking off from Jackson Street.  Each excursion advertised in the Northwestern Bulletin

As for the bands, one stood out head and shoulders above the rest – apparently the crowds either never tired of the many

In October 1922 you could hire the Bluettes, a five piece girl orchestra, playing music for all occasions.  The novelty band emphasized harmony

Many of the dances were fundraisers – the one below was to buy uniforms for musicians.  The South Side Auditorium, located at 12th Ave.

On December 10-11, 1923, the St. Paul Negro Business League sponsored the Second Grand Exposition and Style Show at the St. Paul Auditorium. 

The Woman’s Club of Lake Minnetonka put on a dinner dance on February 16, 1924, at the Community House.  Music was provided by

Ukuleles were all the rage in 1925, and Wendell Hall, the “Red Headed Music Maker” and the “Pineapple Picador,” played one on WCCO

In July 1926 you could buy a 59 cent Perfect Record – Plays on all Phonographs – at the Minnetonka Electric Co.  Recording

The 20th Annual Hennepin County Fair, August 26-28, 1926,  featured the usual band concerts by the Hopkins, Osseo and Robbinsdale bands, but also

In May 1927 the Gennett Record Company recorded local artists at the Lowry Hotel. It was during these sessions that “Moonshiner’s Dance Part

The Minnesota Historical Society’s photo below shows the apparatus that recorded the first phonograph recording in St. Paul, May 1927.  In it are Harold

Richard Raichelson describes the musical tenor of the 1920s in the notes of a record he released in 1984 called “Twin Cities Shuffle

The Scott County Fair in Shakopee took place September 1-3, 1927, reported the Hennepin County Enterprise.  Musical features included: Free Vaudeville attractions twice

The Northwest Radio Show at the Minneapolis Auditorium in September 1927 featured the music of the Buick Gold Seal Vagabonds and soloist Walter

Denizens of Hopkins could now go to Matt’s Sweet Shop, which boasted an “Amusement Room, Dance if you like.  A delightful place to

The Richfield Lutheran Brotherhood gave a minstrel show on October 21, 1927 at the Richfield Roosevelt School auditorium, 58th Street and Blaisdell Ave. 

Here’s something weird:  Art students in the Palettite Society staged a “Demonic Dance in Red” at the Minneapolis School of Art on April

From the Hennepin County Review comes this notice of public dances at the F.J. Kopesky Place starting on June 23, 1928.  

Louis Armstrong played the Minnesota Theater during the week of June 23, 1928.   Paul Whiteman appeared at the Minnesota Theater the week

In an article about jazz in the Twin Cities, written for Select Magazine in 1960, Leigh Kamman wrote: According to Alan Doerr, “A

In 1928 Charles Thompson taught a 10-course lesson in modern jazz piano – Studio 110, Studio Building, 64 So. 11th Street, Minneapolis.

On May 26, 1928, there was a dance at Olson’s Hall in Hopkins, featuring the University Troubadours, a Hot Six-Piece Band.  No apparent

The autumn, 1928, dancing season opened in Hopkins on September 22 when the Eagles Aerie No. 76 held the first dance of a

The 31st Annual Scott County Agricultural Society Fair was held in Shakopee, August 30-September 2, 1928.  Entertainment included free Vaudeville Attractions, the Shakopee

The Bear Cat Dance Marathon took place at the Kenwood Armory starting on September 5, 1928, apparently going on for 104 hours with

Bren Brothers’ Hardware Store in Hopkins sponsored a free public dance at Olson’s Hall on September 8, 1928, featuring the “Clever, Talented Entertainers”

The first of several delightful dancing parties was given at the Masonic Temple, Albert Pike Lodge, Hopkins on November 23, 1928.  Prizes of

In June 1929 Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra made a repeat appearance to the Minnesota Theater.  The three night stand also featured the

The Minnetonka Record advertised dances at Fink’s Pavilion at Tonka Bay for two weekends in August 1931.  The band was the Bert Betters

Bing Crosby appeared at the Minnesota Theater from May 27 to June 2, 1932, “in a cine-variety show,”  according to Bing Crosby:  Day

  Disc courtesy of The Rick Colom Collection, digitally processed from the original 78rpm: Brunswick 6486 – The Lady From St. Paul (Gifford)

Disc courtesy of The Rick Colom Collection, digitally processed from the original 78rpm: Brunswick 6486 – The Lady From St. Paul (Gifford) by

The Minneapolis Spokesman, the city’s African-American newspaper, began publication on August 10, 1934. One of the first great features was the “Amateur Man

Ethel Waters made a visit to the Twin Cities in May 1935, appearing in a Broadway production.

On February 17, 1935, a matinee dance at Apex Hall featured Robert Freeman and Willie Davenport and their Brownskin Follies, Sizzling Star Ethel

Here is the dance team of Williams and June, 1935.  John Williams was apparently well known; June (aka Beulah Gleason) doesn’t look too

Leigh Kamman remembers that when he was in Jr. High and High School in St. Paul (about 1935-’39), there was a show on

On May 15, 1935, Eli Rice and his New 11-Piece Band gave their Farewell Appearance at the Deutsch Haus in St. Paul, a

In August 1935, saxophone player Larry Lyons of the Carlos Molina Orchestra drowned in Christmas Lake.  The band had been playing a two-week

The Vine Hill Tavern offered a Real Italian Spaghetti Dinner for 15 cents, with Excellent Dance Music, and as an added attraction, the

On May 11, 1936, the Minnesota-Iowa Club gave its first cabaret dance party, “A Night in Spain,” at Norway Hall, with music by

On May 15, 1936, a Sterling Minstrel Show was presented at the Hallie Q. Brown House, featuring St. Paul’s best song artists, six

On May 22 the Waiters’ Union Local 614 sponsored the Coming Out Party as Host to the following social clubs: Cameo Jr. Cameo

A publication called “KSTP Market Data”  gives a list of NBC Network broadcasts originating at the KSTP studios during the last six years. 

Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra came to the Coliseum Ballroom in St. Paul on January 22, 1940.  Featured were the Lunceford’s Glee Club

The Minneapolis Aquatennial is a summertime celebration that started in 1940 as a way to boost the profile of the city.  At the

Les Saefke described a big Swing show at the Orpheum in the fall of 1940:  (Hennepin History, Fall 1991) [Harry] James formed his

Contralto Marian Anderson made her annual appearance in the Twin Cities on March 20, 1940, at the Minneapolis Auditorium.  Her program was predominantly

Originally from Mound, Minnesota, the Andrews Sisters were big stars by 1941.  On February 5, 1941, the came home to the Orpheum Theater

After the remark about the Ink Spots’ “Uncle Tom” clowning, it is odd to see two subsequent ads in the paper: Stepin Fetchit

The Second World War saw the advent of what Stebbins calls Stage Bars, a significant event in the jazz community. A stage bar

Still a teenager, Leigh Kamman was hired to do studio clean up at WMIN Radio, and eventually talked his way into a late-night,

In his autobiography, Overcoming, W. Harry Davis described how vocal quartets would be formed at the Phyllis Wheatley Settlement House.  His group, formed

Frank Sinatra appeared at the Prom Ballroom on March 25, 1942.

Rick Shefchik provides a fun backstory on the photo above from his book From Fields to Fairways: In the chapter on Midland Hills

This one looks a little dull.

From the Minneapolis Spokesman: NAACP Dance Tonight at St. Paul Auditorium Minnesota’s Negro draftees who are being inducted into service this July are

A Fourth of July Picnic was held at Bass Lake (5 miles west of Robbinsdale) for the black community, featuring: Double Header Soft

On August 1, 1942, the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) went on strike against major record companies due to a dispute over royalty

St. Louis Park High student Mary Ellen Erickson procured the autograph of Frankie Carle (sigh).  But there were some at Park who were

Don Leary’s Automatic Sales Co. (Nicollet Island record shop) sold “Everything from Bach to Boogie Woogie.”  Artists in the ad included: Bing Crosby

In January 1943 you could see the Ink Spots, the Lucky Millinder Band, and the movie “Nightmare” with Diana Barymore, all at the

Here’s some 1943 holiday fun at the Rhumboogie Club.

“Blues, Part 2” by Jazz at the Philharmonic was the first of 50 nominations for the first rock ‘n’ roll record, according to

“Zoot Suits!  Full Drape – Single and One Button Roll.  Also Full Drape Zoot Sport Coats and a complete line of Full Peg

Appearing at the Orpheum Theater in February 1944: The Ink Spots Ella Fitzgerald Cootie Williams Movie “Around the World” with Joan Davis  

The Royal Arcanum, at Lake Street and First Ave. So., hosted a series of dances, starting with the premier full dress appearance of

A Football Jamboree was held on September 28, 1944,  with 600 students from St. Louis Park and Hopkins high schools at Donaldson’s Tea

Famed dancer Katherine Dunham presented her Tropical Revue at the Lyceum Theater, September 28-October 1, 1944. Dunham was a dancer, choreographer, author, educator,

A full-length musical/campaign for Roosevelt called “Bandwagon” came to the Lyceum Theater on October 14 and 15, 1944.  Producer Eddy Royce sent out

The St. Paul Branch of the NAACP presented “Top Flight, a Musical Fantasia” on October 25, 1944, in the theater section of the

Tommy Dorsey, His Trombone, and His Orchestra (49 people) were busy in December 1944.  On Saturday the 16th they played a dance at

An extraordinary program of music was presented on December 12, 1944: BALLAD SINGERS TO OFFER PANORAMA OF FOLK SONGS Seated around a table

A Harvest Moon Ball was held at the St. Paul Auditorium.

A sign that teenagers were coming into their own was an ad introducing the “Hep Shop For High-Schoolers” at Brown’s Bon-Art Clothes at

Sometime in 1944 or 1945, the Roberts Brothers recorded the immortal “Minneapolis Ain’t Talkin’ to St. Paul.”  Well, maybe not immortal, but kind

The 1945 candidates in What Was the First Rock ‘n’ Roll Record? by Jim Dawson and Steve Propes are: “The Honeydripper” by Joe

Hazel Scott appeared at the Minneapolis Auditorium Concert Bowl on October 12, 1945.  This acclaimed jazz pianist and singer had recently married Congressman

On February 24, 1946, WCCO observed the Fifth Annual Negro Newspaper Week with a special CBS program, featuring: Helen Hayes, narrator Josh White

Seven year old phenom Frankie “Sugar Chile” Robinson appeared at the Minneapolis Auditorium on May 8, 1946, presented by C.C. Milkes.  Sugar Chile

The Merrymen of Rhythm, featuring Dorothy Ashby, billed as the newest sensation band to hit the Twin Cities, appeared on April 13 at

Snookum Russell and His Hollywood Orchestra, featuring Alice Rose, Southland’s First Lady of Song, came to the CIO Hall on May 4, 1946. 

The second national tour of Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts came to the Twin Cities on May 17, 1946.  The ad was difficult

Bruce Dybvig’s Big Band won the Look Magazine All-American amateur jazz band award at Carnegie Hall in 1946.  Most of the band members

Nat Towles appeared at the St. Paul Auditorium on January 2, 1946.   Duke Ellington and His World Famous Orchestra appeared at the

In 1946 saxophonist Percy Hughes returned from the military to his native Minneapolis and joined the Wold Chamberlain Navy Band, a/k/a the X-Navy

The 1946 candidates in What Was the First Rock ‘n’ Roll Record? by Jim Dawson and Steve Propes are: “House of Blue Lights”

Twin Cities Jazz Musicians Awards, 1946:  Stem Hall, St. Paul.  Wish we had the names!

Songs featured in ads for the Melodee in the Minneapolis Spokesman in 1946 indicate that Rhythm & Blues was moving in quickly on

On August 4, 1946, the X-Navy Band performed at a dance at the CIO Hall, with proceeds to help the Ames Elks Lodge

Count Basie and James Rushing appeared at the RKO Orpheum on September 19, 1946.  The show also included: Ann Moore, Vivacious Vocalist Bob

Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and His Concert Revue appeared at the Minneapolis Auditorium on October 6, 1946.  Robinson was 68 at the time.  The

Modern dancer Katherine Dunham appeared at the Lyceum Theater with her show called “bel negre” with “Voodoo to Jive!”  The show was presented

An ad in the September 27, 1946, Spokesman reported that the Merry Men of Rhythm had a standing gig at the Rochester, 1691

Duke Ellington and His Orchestra made its second appearance in Minneapolis on November 13, 1946, at the Minneapolis Auditorium.  Ellington would perform his

Jazz at the Philharmonic was back at the Minneapolis Auditorium on October 28, 1946, again presented by Norman Granz and locally by C.C.

The Southernaires appeared in concert in the theater section of the St. Paul Municipal Auditorium on December 3, 1946, sponsored by the St.

Percy Hughes and the X-Navy Band performed at the Treasure Inn in St. Paul on January 11, 1947, with vocals by his (soon-to-be

Bands employed in July at the Treasure Inn included: Prince Rogers Combo Dave Faison Band Percy Hughes and His Orchestra

Songs advertised in the Spokesman by the Melodee Record Shop in 1947 include: Time to Change Your Town, Wynonie Harris I’m the Drummer

The Ravens were a New York based R&B vocal group that included Leonard Puzey, whose career began when he won an amateur talent

On May 8 Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden appeared at the St. Paul Auditorium for a jam session.  The next night the two

Norman Granz’s Jazz at the Philharmonic’s Sixth national tour came to the Minneapolis Auditorium’s Concert Bowl on May 2, 1948.  The show featured:

On January 1, 1948, a recording ban went into effect, started by James Petrillo of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).  This was

From the July 28, 1948, Southwest Shopper: Record Buyers Test Choices Over Phone at Edina Shop Ever try picking your phonograph records over

Percy Hughes had spent the winter of 1948-49 as the house band at Snyder’s Night Club in downtown Minneapolis and the summer of

The 1949 candidates in What Was the First Rock ‘n’ Roll Record? by Jim Dawson and Steve Propes are: “Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee” by

On March 14 St. Louis Park High School janitor Carl J. Chrest won a television set on the national “Stop the Music” radio

The 1950 candidates in What Was the First Rock ‘n’ Roll Record? by Jim Dawson and Steve Propes are: “The Fat Man” by

In the September 16, 1950, St. Louis Park Echo, there is an ad for John K. Sherman’s “Toast-and-Jam Session – a New Saturday

Also on September 17, 1950, at the St. Paul Auditorium Theater Section: Don’t Miss the Big REPUBLICAN TALENT SHOW Cedric Adams (in person

Marian Anderson sang with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra at Northrop Auditorium on January 18, 1951, an Annual Pension Fund Benefit Concert.   Percy

The 1951 candidates in What Was the First Rock ‘n’ Roll Record? by Jim Dawson and Steve Propes are: “Rocket 88” by Jackie

A big jazz show came to the Minneapolis Auditorium on November 21, 1951.  Featured artists were: Duke Ellington Nat King Cole and His

Jack Benny’s singing group the Sportsmen appeared at the Builders’ Show at the Minneapolis Auditorium, February 16-24, 1952.   Jimmy Dorsey appeared at

The Biggest Show of 1952 was presented at the Minneapolis Auditorium on May 7, starring: Frankie Laine Patti Page Billy May Illinois Jacquet

The Twin Cities Division of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters gave their annual dance at the CIO Hall on May 17, 1952. 

his may have a tenuous connection to music, but I’ll bet these crazy kids liked their tunes.  On Monday night, May 20, 1952…

There was some excitement in July 1952, when Johnnie Ray, the “Prince of Wails,” came to town for a week at the Radio

The 1952 candidates in What Was the First Rock ‘n’ Roll Record? by Jim Dawson and Steve Propes” are: “One Mint Julep” by

The Key Club promised “They Key to Pleasure in Fullest Measure.”  Acts in 1952 included: Cozy Eggleston’s Combo Irv Williams’ Combo The Delta

Norman Granz’s Jazz at the Philharmonic came to the Minneapolis Auditorium on October 10, 1952.  Artists were: Ella Fitzgerald Flip Phillips Lester Young

The “Biggest Show of 1952” took place on November 9 at the Minneapolis Auditorium.  Acts included: Nat King Cole Stan Kenton Sarah Vaughan

Vaughn Monroe appeared at the U of M Convocation on January 8, 1953, at Northrop Auditorium. Kenn Harlan and the Fools For Fun

Jill Corey was well-known for singing American pop standards during the 1950s. She sang with the Percy Faith Orchestra and was a regular

The 1953 candidates in What Was the First Rock ‘n’ Roll Record? by Jim Dawson and Steve Propes are: “Kaw-Liga” by Hank Williams

Bill Haley and His Comets’ “Crazy Man Crazy” also came out in 1953, entering the Billboard Pop Chart in June.  It was featured

“Always something new at the Key Club, where we make things happen:” Ever Modern Jazz Group, with members formerly with Woody Herman’s Band. 

On October 28, 1953, the St. Paul Auditorium hosted a night of singing American Familiar Music with a company of 38 voices.

Jazz at the Philharmonic came to the Minneapolis Auditorium on October 9, 1953.  Performers included: Gene Krupa Ella Fitzgerald Oscar Peterson Flip Phillips

The Festival of Modern Jazz played two shows at the RKO Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis on December 1, 1953.  The Minnesota Daily reported

Stan Kenton gave a concert (January 8) and a dance (January 9) at the Prom.  (1954)   Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra

The Park High Echo had an ad for the Disc and Needle Record Store in its January 13, 1954 issue.  The ad gave

The film “The Wild One” starring Marlon Brando as a motorcycle tough was released in February 1954.  The movie was based on a

Many contenders for the first rock ‘n’ roll record in 1954, according to Dawson and Propes: In July 1954 Elvis released his first

1954 Shows at the Key Club: Five Cats and a Kitten “Peewee” Glover, sensational sax player Earl Jackson and His Trio, D.P. Black,

Unlike many large metropolitan areas, the Twin Cities did not have a large enough African-American community to support a black radio station until

Jazz at the Philharmonic came to the Minneapolis Auditorium on October 15, 1954.  This 14th tour included: The Oscar Peterson Trio Buddy Rich

Don Leary’s record shop in Miracle Mile published its 8 Top Hits in the March 28, 1955 issue of the Trib: “Mr. Sandman”

This seminal film came to Minneapolis’s Gopher Theater on April 27, 1955.  It starred Glen Ford as a teacher at an all-male technical

Elvis released three records on the Sun label in 1955: “You’re a Heartbreaker”/”Milkcow Blues Boogie” (January) “Baby Let’s Play House”/”I’m Left, You’re Right,

Lewis Buggs and His Combo, featuring Prince Rogers at the piano for your dancing pleasure, appeared at the Ebony Social Club in the

Meanwhile, WDGY was starting to play covers.  In with Perry Como and Doris Day, scripts saved all these years by DJ John Evans

The 1955 candidates in What Was the First Rock ‘n’ Roll Record? by Jim Dawson and Steve Propes are: Chuck Berry’s “Maybelline,” which

Boyd Moore Combo featuring Eva Gee, blues and torch singer, fresh from extensive eastern tour “Nature Boy” Brown sax and his Harlem Playboys,

Slim Jim and the Westerners were featured at the Hennepin County Fair, held on July 29-31, 1955.  

On July 29, 1955, the RKO Orpheum offered a special midnight movie, one night only, called “Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue.”  The star-studded lineup

Norman Granz’s Jazz at the Philharmonic came to the Minneapolis Auditorium on September 30, 1955.  Appearing were: Ella Fitzgerald The Gene Krupa Quartet

A November 1955 list of favorite songs in the St. Louis Park Echo: Autumn Leaves Moments to Remember Love is a Many-Splendored Thing

The film “Rebel Without a Cause” starring James Dean as a disaffected teen opened in Minneapolis at the RKO Orpheum Theater on November

Before WDGY went to real rock ‘n’ roll, it still had some covers and pretenders to play: What is “A Teen Age Prayer”

The film “Rock Around the Clock” premiered at the Gopher Theater in downtown Minneapolis (619 Hennepin Ave.) on March 23, 1956.  It was 

Dick and Don Maw organized the Second Annual State Basketball Tournament Dance at the Minneapolis Armory, March 23 and 24, 1956.  Entertainment was

Vol. 1, No. 1 of dee jay Magazine came out in April 1956.  Right off the bat, there is an editorial about how

On May 13, 1956,  Elvis performed two shows in the Cities. The ad promised singers, dancers, and comedians as well.   Bill Diehl reports

The May 16, 1956, St. Louis Park Echo proclaimed “Elvis Presley Hits Top.”  “With spring’s arrival, new record releases appeal to the ‘be-bop

Liberace rolled into town on May 26-27, 1956. The flier below is from a previous appearance, since he looks very young and it

The Minneapolis Spokesman advertised a “Rhythm and Blues Revue” film to be shown one time only at midnight at the RKO Orpheum on

The Goodfellows Club held a New Year’s Dawn dance at 2 am on January 1, 1956, at Eaton’s Ranch, featuring C.V. Williams and

To call attention to its new identity, on its first day as the new Top 40 station, WDGY kicked off a cash giveaway

The new St. Louis Park Senior High School opened in the fall of 1956. Things got off to a rough start, as the

This is hilarious.  The Minnesota Historical Society labels this photo, Pop Concert Committee, 1956.  Don’t these guys look like they could really shake

On July 31, 1956, Will Jones of the Trib reported that Leigh Kamman at WLOL was playing Teresa Brewer’s recording of “Sweet, Old-Fashioned

Although WMIN’s Merle Edward had been playing some rhythm ‘n’ blues back in 1955, and 1958 hit lists show that they were playing

Norman Granz’s Jazz at the Philharmonic appeared at the Minneapolis Auditorium on Friday, September 28, 1956, featuring: Ella Fitzgerald Gene Krupa Quartete Modern

“The Biggest In-Person Show of ’56” came to the Minneapolis Auditorium on Wednesday, November 21, 1956, featuring: Bill Haley and the Comets The

On January 17, 1957, Alan Freed’s movie “Rock Rock Rock” appeared at the Tower Theater in St. Paul.  The movie introduced Tuesday Weld,

The film “Rock, Pretty Baby!” opened on January 16 at the RKO Orpheum in Minneapolis, promising “The Whole Wonderful Story of Today’s Rock-And-Roll

Jimmy Rogers was a “Marathon Drummer” who could play for 80 hours straight, supposedly.  He began an extended appearance at the Key Club

On January 19, 1957, RCA-Victor sent a trainload of its top talent to the Cities as part of its national tour on behalf

Dick and Don Maw brought in a “Modern Jazz for 57” show to the Minneapolis Auditorium on January 20, 1957.  On the bill

The “Birdland Stars of ’57” show was came to the Minneapolis Auditorium on May 25.  Performers on the tour were: Billy Eckstine Sarah

At the Boulevard Beauty Shop at Minnetonka Blvd. and Dakota Ave. in St. Louis Park, one could get an “Elvis Presley Haircut” for

Red Foley and his Ozark Jubilee cast flew to Minneapolis for their appearance at Metropolitan Stadium on July 21, 1957.  Apparently flying was

“Teenagers Go ROCKALYPSO Wild…  UNTAMED YOUTH” started its run at the Lyric Theater on July 27.  Mamie Van Doren starred in this film

The Jazz for Moderns fall tour came to the St. Paul Auditorium Theater on November 10, 1957.  Performing were: George Shearing Gerry Mulligan

On Wednesday, January 28, 1959, the ill-fated “Winter Dance Party” came to the Prom Ballroom in St. Paul.  The show was emcee’ed by

In February 1958, the “Four Laddies” performed on the local show “Record Hop” (see Rock ‘n’ Roll TV Shows).  These youngsters were St.

On March 2, WDGY disk jockey Stanley Mack was “fired” for playing a “shock record” that management had banned.  The record was called

In 1958 an unfortunate fashion fad was the “sack dress,” also known as the chemise.  Apparently a ’20s look was the intention, as

The Storz Stations, which included WDGY, hosted the first-ever Pop Music Disk Jockey Convention & Radio Programming Seminar in Kansas City at the

T.J. Skarning brought “The Biggest Show of Stars for ’58” to the Minneapolis (8pm) and St. Paul (3pm) Auditoriums on Sunday, May 4,

In 1958 E.F. Sandberg bought Don Leary’s record store at Miracle Mile for his son Don to operate, and it became Don’s Records

On April  25, 1958, Alan Freed’s Big Beat show rolled into Minneapolis.  Tickets were $2.75. On the bill that night at the Minneapolis

Part of Minnesota’s celebration of its Centennial was a musical performance by Judy Garland.  Born Frances Ethel Gumm, Judy was born on June

KRSI radio debuted in June 1958, but it promised “no long commercials, soap operas, kiddie shows, rock ‘n’ roll, ‘top 40,’ or ‘over-enthusiastic’

Famed songwriters Sid Lippman and Sylvia Dee won a contest to compose the official centennial song, “They Named it Minnesota,” which was performed

Found!  In the book Wall of Pain, the Biography of Phil Spector by Dave Thompson (2003):  The story is about the song “To

On September 19, 1958, the Minneapolis Spokesman reported that “300 St. Paul Youngsters ‘Rock’ For Freedom & NAACP.” “WE’RE GONNA ROCK FOR FREEDOM”

On November 13, 1958, jazz writer and historian Leonard Feather emcee’ed a show called “Jazz for Moderns” (venue unknown).  The featured acts were:

The St. Paul Auto Show took place on November 26-30 at the St. Paul Auditorium and featured: The Four Lads The Three Suns

In 1959 the Key Club took over where the Labor Temple had left off a few years before, bringing major Rhythm & Blues

Big names at the 1959 Auto Show: Nat King Cole, January 9-12 Frankie Laine, January 13-18.  Reporters at St. Louis Park High continued

A national dance contest was sponsored by the American Federation of Musicans to find the best new dance band of the year.  On

Junior Miss at Knollwood Plaza held an Open House on April 2 and 3, 1959. Advertised were door prizes, entertainment, a disk jockey

On April 25, 1959, the Tonka Bay Village Hall opened its doors for a series of teen dances for teenages from 14 to

The notorious Second Annual International Radio Programming Seminar and Pop Music Disk Jockey Convention, which became synonymous with “Babes, Booze and Bribes,” was

Mahalia Jackson appeared at a concert at the St. Paul Auditorium on May 1, 1959.  It was sponsored by the Elks, with proceeds

Bobby Vee, a Fargo kid, put together a band called the Shadows and performed at the Moorhead show that night.  Later that year

David Hersk built a recording studio in his parents basement in the mid-fifties, which became Gaity Records. David’s friend Derik Olson tells a

The October 1, 1959 Trib posed the question:   “Does the Twin Cities have its share of beatniks?  The people interviewed were skeptical: Suzanne

On October 28, 1959, the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars was scheduled to come to the Minneapolis Auditorium.  The show was to include

Rollie Williams was a presence in St. Louis Park for many years. From November 1959 to November 1960, Northwest Guitar and Organ Studio

From the Little Sandy Review Issue 11: The year 1960 was, among other things, the Year of the Folk Boom.  Folk LPs and

Illinois Jacquet appeared at the Key Club, starting January 4, 1960.   The Weavers appeared at Northrop Auditorium on January 30, 1960.  

Appearing at the Key Club: Etta James, February, 1960 Billy Eckstine, February 26, 1960 The Flamingos – March 28, 1960 Step Brothers, April

St. Louis Park High spawned the folk group the Diablos, featuring Jerry Roberts on vocals, piano, and ukelele and Vicki Dulac on drums. 

A three-day jazz festival was held at Northrop Auditorium in 1960, sponsored by the University of Minnesota’s Department of Concerts and Lectures in

The Johnny Cash Show rolled into town, performing at the Minneapolis Auditorium on May 15, 1960. Other performers were Johnny Horton, Kitty Wells,

Ron Johnson, from Deephaven, and Gordon Ramsey, from St. Paul, went to Hamline University and on May 19, 1960, the Minnetonka Record reported

MAKING THE TAPE Thanks to Minneapolis resident Cleve Pettersen, the original recording of what fans and music buffs know as the “Minnesota Party

On the subject of records, in the January 18, 1961 Echo, Park High reporter Linda Weiner wrote “LPs Offer Wide Variety of Subjects,

From the Little Sandy Review, Issue 13: The Minnesota Folk Song Society got off to an enthusiastic start with a Hootenanny that featured

Rock ‘n’ roll and muscle cars go together, so here’s a graphic from the 5th Annual Rod and Custom Show:  

Key Club Shows: Earl Bostic, November 14, 1961 International Jazzmen, November 20, 1961 The Flamingos, November 24-December 3, 1961 Bill Doggett, December 4,

On January 5, 1962, dance instructor David La Vay held an all-city “Twist” Night at the Marigold Ballroom featuring that perennial rock ‘n’

On January 12, 1962, the film “Twist Around the Clock” came to the Lyric theater on Hennepin Ave. near 7th Street.  

St. Louis Park High held a twist contest on January 20, 1962, won by Jackie Dubbe and Jack Beaudoin.  The Echo reported that

The Harlem Globetrotters were in town on February 25, 1962 for two big shows.  The event also featured: Cab Calloway Two Table Tennis

On March 3 Dee Dee Sharpe’s “Mashed Potato Time” hit the airways and reached #2 for two weeks on the pop chart and

The Northwest Boat, Sports and Travel Show took place at the Minneapolis Auditorium from March 30 to April 8, 1962.  A 15-act stage

THE LOON CLUB hosted a series of big name acts in the summer of 1962: Jerry Lee Lewis, April 12 Kalin Twins, May

Even Blondie and Dagwood were twisting in May 1962!

A big Twist show came to town on May 3, 1962, performing at the St. Paul Auditorium (7 pm) and the Minneapolis Auditorium

May 12, 1962, was WDGY High School Fun Day & Night with music by Mike Waggoner and the Bops and the Doradoes from

1962 was all about the Twist.  Hank Ballard had recorded the song in 1959, and Chubby Checker covered it in 1960, when it

KDWB gave an annual Thank-Going Hop at the Armory, with profits going to Cerebral Palsy. The November 23, 1962, lineup included the one and

The Ninth Annual Upper Midwest Auto Show brought in first class entertainment: The McGuire Sisters, January 11 – 14, 1963 Rusty Draper, January

By March 8, 1963, Entertainment columnist Will Jones of the Tribune stated that the Twist was dying, but the Jockey Club, which had

Click here for this epic event that took place on May 3, 1963.

WTCN’s 1963 Annual Report published an article from Variety that said that some of the radio station’s “elder rock ‘n’ roll stamper outer

“The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” was released on May 27, 1963.  Although his first LP failed to chart, this second release reached Number 22

On June 1, 1963, The Sam Cooke show came to the Minneapolis Auditorium Concert Bowl, with Gorgeous George as emcee.  Featured acts were:

“Six Days on the Road” by Dave Dudley made its debut on the Billboard pop chart on June 8, 1963.  The song was

The British movie “Play it Cool” was released here at the Lyric Theater on June 13, 1963, featuring Brits Helen Shapiro and Billy

Will Jones reported that Mercury Records released seven folk albums at once: The Smothers Brothers Knob Lick Upper 10,000 Inman and Ira Flatt

What you can learn on Facebook:  In about 1963 the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce ran a contest to write a song about the

1963 was the year that New York native Doris Hines came to the Twin Cities.  Doris’ talent was discovered early when she won

Will Jones of the Tribune reported that Meade Lux Lewis was drawing crowds at the piano bar at the  Chateau de Paris in

The cast and crew of the hip show Route 66 came to town in July 1963 to film three episodes in Minneapolis.  By

Ray Charles appeared at the Minneapolis Auditorium on October 6, 1963.  Joann Neumer, reviewer for the Echo, was NOT impressed: [His] inimitable styling

On August 8, 1963, the traveling American Outdoor Hootenanny Festival came to Parade Stadium, produced locally by Ray Colihan.  Participants were encouraged to

More St. Louis Park music, this time Rock ‘n’ Roll!  In September 1963 the Chancellors played a dance at St. Louis Park High

From the St. Louis Park Echo, September 1963: Hootenanny For Dancers What is a hootenanny?  The dictionary’s slang definition is “a meeting of

Jack Linkletter, host of the national “Hootenanny” TV show, brought a traveling show to the Minneapolis Auditorium on October 22, 1963, featuring: The

An Inter-University Hootenanny was planned for the Minneapolis Auditorium on November 10, 1963, but it was cancelled because of a disappointing advance sale. 

A feature in the Tribune dated November 10, 1963, by Allan Holbert was titled “Folk Music Revival Has America Singing – And Minneapolis

Johnny Mathis, with Sy Zenter and His Nationally Famous Orchestra, played the Minneapolis Auditorium on November 15, 1963.  Zola Thompson has this memory:

We have three accounts of what happened musically on that tragic day when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on November

KDWB presented the annual 13-hour Thanksgiving Hop on November 29, 1963, at the Minneapolis Armory.  Admission was $1 donation at the door with

The Auto Show was held in the Minneapolis Auditorium from January 10-19.  Entertainers included: Roger “Mr. Piano” Williams – January 10 and 11

The biggest record to come out of Minneapolis to date was “Surfin’ Bird” by the Trashmen.  The record was released in December 1963,

The New Christy Minstrels appeared at Northrop Auditorium on January 25, 1964.   The local folk group the Goldebriars made its network debut

Beatlemania hit big when the Fab Four crossed the pond and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964.  Local reaction

“Drums, Guitars Resound as Parkites Go Musical,” read the headline of an article in the St. Louis Park High School Echo on March

The Castaways were one of the big local rock bands in the Twin Cities, playing all over the urban, suburban, and exurban areas,

Koerner, Ray, and Glover released “Lots More Blues, Rags and Hollers” in June.  As with their first album, it was well received by

June 12, 1964: The Rolling Stones performed at Danceland.  There are so many versions of this story that I’ve made a separate page

Meade Lux Lewis was a boogie-woogie piano player and composer who had been appearing in the Twin Cities since at least 1946. From 

On July 14, 1964, KDWB sponsored a “Super Colossal Midsummer Hop!” aka “Battle of the Bands in the Round” at Aldrich Arena.  Appearing

On July 17, 1964, WDGY sponsored a rock ‘n’ roll show at Parade Stadium in conjunction with the Aquatennial.  Acts included: Jan and

August 28, 29, and 30, 1964,  were big nights at Mr. Lucky’s: On Friday, August 28, there was a Battle of the Bands

Big Al’s became a force in jazz shows, presenting: Jimmy McGriff Ahmad Jamal Juaria Moore Jimmy Smith, September 17-26, 1964

The Dave Clark Five Came to the Minneapolis Armory on November 17, 1964.  Kevin Odegard says that they “rocked the rafters. Best sound

The Gestures’ big hit, “Run Run Run,” hit the Billboard chart on November 14, 1964 and had an 8 week run, peaking at

Local group the Escapades played their first job on New Year’s Eve, opening up for Chuck Berry at the St. Paul National Guard

On January 9, 1965, the Novas debuted their seminal recording, “The Crusher.” For better or worse, it followed the tradition of novelty records

The KDWB-a-Go-Go dance party was a happening at the Minneapolis Armory on Saturday night, January 16, 1965.  As this vintage radio aircheck of

Liberace was the entertainment at the Builders’ Show at the Minneapolis Auditorium, March 12-21, 1965.  Here he is with Princess Kay (Karen Bracken)

Blogger Jerry Fuentes says that the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars came to Minneapolis (venue unknown) on June 2, 1965: Dick Clark’s Caravan

Hal Witzman provided this description of the H.T. Three and their hit, “Cool Breeze:” Back in 1965, I was in a “studio” band

Think of the Wolfman and you may think Mexico, but Bob Smith had several ties in Minnesota.  In January 1965, the Wolfman made

Also from the Echowan, here are the Goliards:  Al Strand, Bob Lidfors, lead singer Ed Holland, and Terry Rentz (sitting).  At a youth

The Coronados played for the Sadie Hawkins dance at St. Louis Park High School in October 1965.  Did someone say that James Walsh on

On November 19, 1965, the “KDWBeach Boys” performed at the Minneapolis Auditorium.  Also appearing were the Gentrys, the Strangeloves, and the Castaways.  Ticket

Bob Dylan appeared at the Minneapolis Auditorium on November 5, 1965, before an audience of 9,000. He refused any contact at all with

A November 25, 1965, ad in the Minnetonka Record offered organ lessons by Frank Cammarata, ABC-Paramount Recording Artist.  Cammarata did indeed make two

Louis Armstrong was back at the Auto Show at the Minneapolis Auditorium, January 7-16, 1966.   The Kingston Trio’s scheduled performance at Northrop

Dixieland clarinetist Pete Fountain performed at Northrop Auditorium on July 5, 1966.

Dee Jay and the Runaways hit the national Billboard chart with the fun song “Peter Rabbit” in May 1966.  The group was from

Joey Dee and the Starlighters had a one week stand at the Whisky Go Go in St. Paul.  Joey Dee’s Starlighters came and

The Flinthill Singers did the rounds at the local shopping malls in 1966.   Why “Folk Music” is in quotation marks in this ad

Hey Hey, it’s The Brique!  An Edina band that undertook a 100-hour marathon in a garage at the Elmer Schueneman farm, 5720 Dewey

Not to be confused with the Ray Charles Singers, who put out an album in 1966 called “What the World Needs Now is

Pam Schmitz found this fabulous poster, advertising a six-hour marathon of the Cities’ favorite bands, playing at the Marigold Ballroom on September 9,

The Mamas and Papas made their only appearance in the Twin Cities on October 24, 1966, at Convention Hall in the Minneapolis Auditorium. 

Rod Eaton of T.C. Atlantic, as posted on Facebook: In January, 1967 T. C. Atlantic recorded a live album at the Bel-Rae Ballroom.

The group We Five appeared at Northrop Auditorium on January 14, 1967.  The concert was the finale to Greek Week at the U

Remember Elvis?  WDGY did on March 31, 1967, hosting a triple feature at the France Ave. Drive-In.  Must have been a warm spring.

Johnny Cash came to the Minneapolis Auditorium on April 22, 1967, with the entire family.  Cash would return on June 22, 1967, sez

James (Dynamite) Brown – “Mr. One-Man Riot” – played the Minneapolis Auditorium on April 25.  The show included his 18-piece orchestra and several

On May 7, 1967, the “Psychedelic Soundburst” (or Sound-Burst) took place at Aldrich Arena. The show, emcee’ed by KDWB’s Charlee Brown and Earl

The Del Counts never made an appearance on any of the national charts, but they had regional success in the Twin Cities of

Danny’s Reasons appeared on Bill Carlson’s show “This Must be the Place” on June 10, 1967.  On the show Danny crowned “Miss 16:”

The Ike and Tina Turner Revue hit the stage on July 10, 1967,  at the Minneapolis National Guard Armory for a dance and

Sonny and Cher were scheduled to perform at at an Aquatennial show at the Minneapolis Convention Hall on July 14, 1967.  WDGY’s Johnny

On July 19, 20, and 21, 1967, KDWB and the Aquatennial sponsored “Happening ’67” at the Minneapolis Convention Hall.   The T.M.C. Insider

On July 19, 1967, sparked by an incident at the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade, racial unrest erupted along Plymouth Avenue in North Minneapolis. Crowds

It was the Summer of Love, and Minneapolis joined in with a series of Love-Ins in Loring Park. JUNE 18, 1967 The first

The movie “The Trip” opened at four drive-ins around town on July 26, and Peter Fonda was making the publicity rounds.  In an

KDWB presented “Super Sunday,” starting with their third annual Drag Race Festival at Minnesota Dragways (Highway 242 in Coon Rapids) on August 20,

On August 21, 1967, a 12-hour Back to School dance was held at the Aldrich Arena, featuring the following local bands:  (Thanks to

In October 1967, boys ages 8 to 15 could join the WDGY/Minnesota Vikings Huddle Club, co-sponsored by the breakfast drink “Beep.”  For $1.00

On September 16, 1967, KDWB DJ Earl L. Trout III was jailed for obstructing traffic, and he refused to be bailed out until

The Sing Out Troupe came to town in October 1967 to perform an original musical, “Up With People,” at the Minneapolis Auditorium, the

October 8, 1967, saw a huge Night of Stars at the St. Paul Auditorium.  Participants were: Frank Sinatra Dean Martin Milton Berle, Master

The Metropolitan Sports Center was built for the new National Hockey League expansion team, the Minnesota North Stars.  The first game of the

December 1, 1967, Minneapolis Auditorium:  “Teensters!  Here is what’s next in YOUR Music:  hear a dynamic new dimension in sound:  BILL PAGE and

Magoo’s/New City Opera House hosted two New Year’s Eve Party extravaganzas that featured eight local bands.  All those bands and a Magooburger –

The Lemon Pipers appeared at the New City Opera House on January 12, 1968. Julian “Cannonball” Adderley appeared at Northrop Auditorium on January

The Dave Rooney Trio recorded their album “A Different Breed of Cat” at Diamond Lil’s on February 2 and 12, 1968.  Leigh Kamman

Buck Owens and his Buckaroos appeared at the Minneapolis Auditorium on February 17.  Now you may say that Buck Owens isn’t rock ‘n’

Bob Mecay and Tom Casteneda organized a giant Easter Fair at the Minneapolis Auditorium, April 9 – 14, 1968.  Music stores had booths

Cream performed at the New City Opera House on May 5, 1968. MAGOO’S Magoo’s was next to the NCOH, and was open to

Rufus Lumley recorded this single, but where and when is up for debate.  One site said he recorded it in a bowling alley

In his autobiography, Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride With Tommy James and the Shondells, Tommy describes his active role

Dick Clark Action Tours sponsored a “Summer ’68 Action Tour for Teenagers,” from August 9 to 29.  Stops included Hollywood, Hawaii, and Mexico. 

Jimi Hendrix was slated to play the Minneapolis Armory on August 11, 1968, but the date was moved to November 2, 1968, at

The Doors played the Minneapolis Auditorium on November 10, 1968. The opening act was Midwest Hydraulic Company. Reports are that Jim Morrison drank

KDWB, in conjunction with MGM Records, held a talent contest in an extensive campaign to promote the film “The Impossible Years,” a film

Concert promoter and local music industry giant Marsh Edelstein held the first of his annual Christmas parties at Magoo’s on December 18, 1968. 

“Big Daddy Wagg” owned Wagener Music, the Vox dealership in Minneapolis, with one store on Penn Ave. No. and another in on Highway

The Insider reported that all the teen clubs except Magoos’ and Dania Hall were closed, citing too much trouble controlling underage drinking.  

Johnny Matthews did his KDWB Underground Show from the New City Opera House on January 5, 1969, in front of 700 fans.  Appearing

Deep Purple appeared at Dania Hall in 1969, someone remembers.   Andy Williams and Roger Miller performed at the Met Sports Center on

THE HOUSE OF LEATHER 1969 was the year that Dale Menten (music) and Frederick Gaines (script) wrote and produced the rock musical “House

The Minnesota Orchestra Summer Pops Jubilee featured: Chet Atkins and the Nashville Sound at the Minneapolis Auditorium Concert Bowl on June 17, 1969

An ambitious show billed as the “greatest night in the history of local music” was held at the Minneapolis Auditorium on June 30,

Big Daddy Wags Night was at the Prison on July 19th, 1969.  Bands participating included The 19th Amendment Bananas Pure Honey Pride &

The Midwest Rock Festival took place at State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisconsin (suburb of Milwaukee), on July 25-27, 1969. A huge

Steppenwolf played the Minneapolis Armory on August 8, 1969.  Rod Wallace remembers:  “I was at that concert and it was the first time

The American Breed, the Del Counts, and Danny’s Reasons played the New City Opera House on August 15, 1969.

Triangle Productions presented Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Minneapolis Auditorium on August 22, 1969.  The Litter opened.   Dave Marrs remembers: My buddies and

Michael’s Mystics hit Billboard’s Bubbling Under chart with their local hit “Pain” on August 23, 1969.  It languished there for two weeks, only

Local band Phantasmagoria provided the music at an anti-war dance/fund raiser at the U of M on October 31, 1969. Arne Shulstad says,

The International Student Strike Against the Vietnam War took place on November 13, 1969.   Music played a part in this all-day event

Ray Charles played the Minneapolis Auditorium on November 19, 1969.  The show was billed as a WDGY Thanksgiving Holiday Spectacular, promoted by Arnie

The Association appeared at the College of St. Thomas on November 20, 1969.  Tickets were $3.50.  

Janis Joplin and the Kozmic Blues Band played the Minneapolis Armory on November 22, 1969, to a crowd of 8,000.  For a change

Joe Cocker braved a snowstorm to perform at the Prison (at the Burnsville Bowl) on December 14, 1969, his last appearance in the

The Insider applauded Northwestern National Bank for using John Denver’s music in their commercials, 1970 – 1971. Pepper Fog at Coffman Union, January

The film “Airport” was released on March 5, 1970, starring our own WDGY DJ Johnny Canton!  Well, he had one line.  But without

On May 9, 1970,  there was a March for Peace from Hamline University to the State Capitol, organized by Barry Knight.  The Paisleys

Rod McKuen appeared at the Minneapolis Auditorium on April 17, 1970, before a crowd of 5,000.  Bonnie Usan, journalist for the St. Louis

The Eau Claire Peace Festival was held at the University of Wisconsin on April 18, 1970, Vietnam Moratorium Day, as reported by the

The Sound Storm Rock Revival took place on April 24-26, 1970, near Madison, Wisconsin, billed as the Midwest’s First Great Freak Festival and

Jefferson Airplane played at the Minneapolis Auditorium on Friday, May 15, 1970, with local – now national – band Crow playing warmup. Jayme

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were scheduled for the Minneapolis Auditorium for May 24, 1970, with ticket prices at $5, $6, $7, and

Advertised in the Insider was the Bacchanlia (sic) Revival, scheduled for May 30, 1970, indoors at the State Fair Hippodrome, organized by John

A People’s Fair held near Steven’s Point, Wisconsin on June 26-28, 1970, was marred by band no-shows and bad behavior, according to an

Alwin Lopez “Al” Jarreau (March 12, 1940 – February 12, 2017) was originally from Milwaukee.  In 1970 he briefly moved to Minneapolis and

Sometime in 1970 or 1971, Dale Menten wrote the song “Downtown Bloomington,” the joke being that there is really no such thing.  Dale

And this, just because someone posted it on Facebook, the Mighty Tiny!  See demonstration here.

An Open Air Rock Festival was held at Parade Stadium on July 19, 1970, attended by 6,000 people.  150 cops made 20 arrests

The 1970 Soul of a City Festival, August 20-23, 1970, was organized by Lonnie Morgan of F&M Bank, and took place on Nicollet

Eric Burdon and War, Crow, and White Lightning appeared at the Minneapolis Auditorium on August 23, 1970. Neal Bond tells this story about

The Association appeared at the St. Paul Civic Center on October 17, 1970.  Ads started appearing in July.

A Festival of Hope was held on December 23, 1970, at the Minneapolis Convention Hall.  It was organized by Rev. Roger Paine and

Spider Man, and Donna Wandrey, an actress on “Dark Shadows.”

PLEASE NOTE: Although performances are noted here, all shows for the following venues are described in more detail on their venues pages: O’Shaughnessy

Ten Years After appeared at the St. Paul Civic Center on April 9, 1971, opened by Humble Pie.  Some source I can’t find

In late 1970 Magoo’s had become the Cafe Extraordinaire, owned by Bobby and Doris Jackson. They started with a Jazz Festival, bringing in

A rock festival was planned near Hibbing for May 14-16 [28-31], 1971, organized by one John Grimes.  The April 17, 1971, issue of

Poco and a “special performance” by Shawn Phillips came to the St. Paul Auditorium Theater on May 21, 1971.  

A free Music Festival took place on May 21 and 22, 1971, in Loring Park, sponsored by Metro State Jr. College.  Performing were:

The first of three planned open air concerts was held at Midway Stadium on June 26, 1971. Performers were, in order of appearance:

The Faces, Deep Purple, and Southern Comfort, Minneapolis Auditorium, July 11, 1971.  This lineup of the Faces included Rod Stewart, Ronnie Lane on

Bob Burtis writes:  “Back in the early ’70s, Twin Cities composer and musician Nate Bucklin won a contest when he wrote a jingle

Open Air Celebration II was held on July 24, 1971, also at Midway Stadium. It was one of three Open Air Celebrations, two

Leon Russell, July 30, 1971, Minneapolis Auditorium. Paul Strickland recalls that “the great Freddie King was the opening act. He had just signed

Open Air Celebration III was scheduled for Midway Stadium on August 22, 1971. Performers were to be: Jefferson Airplane Hot Tuna Leo Kottke

Elton John played the Minneapolis Auditorium on August 31, 1971.  Facebook fact:  his sidemen included the former rhythm section of the Spencer Davis

Jeff Lonto offers this interesting item: On September 7, 1971, the Doobie Brothers performed the first rock concert to air live on a

On September 21, 1971, there was a Blues and Folk Marathon held at Memorial Stadium at the U of M. Scheduled performers were:

Allman Brothers, Minneapolis Auditorium, September 30, 1971. David Tanner recalls that it was a snowy night and the opening band didn’t show.  He

Moody Blues, Minneapolis Auditorium, October 9, 1971.  The first show sold out so they added a second midnight show.  Dwight L. provides the

PLEASE NOTE: Although performances are noted here, all shows for the following venues are described in more detail on their venues pages: O’Shaughnessy

Bill Haley appeared at f. david’s on February 13.  Kudos to Jim Froehlich for finding this Pioneer Press ad!

Black Sabbath appeared at the St. Paul Civic Center on March 21, 1972, presented by Howard Stein.  The tour was to support the

Gypsy  played a benefit concert on May 10, 1972, at Aldrich Arena, 1850 White Bear Ave. in Maplewood.  Profits were to go to

The original Menards jingle that we all know and love was originally created in 1972.  John Menard Jr. founded the company in 1960,

Black Sabbath with Jo Jo Gunne and Gentle Giant were scheduled to perform at the Minneapolis Armory on August 28, 1972, presented by

Yes, the Eagles, and Gentle Giant at the Minneapolis Armory on September 23, 1972, presented by Howard Stein and Owen Husney.  The Eagles

The Blues and Folk Marathon II was held on September 24, 1972, at Memorial Stadium at the U of M, presented by UPC

Pete Seeger appeared at Northrop Auditorium on October 1, 1972.  Here is a touching story from Alan Freed: During his visit he stayed

When the Northtown Mall opened in Blaine on October 12, 1972, Peggy Lee and Johnnie Whittaker (from the show Family Affair) were on

Stephen Stills and his band Manassas (spelled wrong in the ad) and including Chris Hillman played the Minneapolis Auditorium on October 22, 1972. 

The Beach Boys appeared at the Minneapolis Armory on November 8, 1972.

John Mayall appeared with Delbert McClinton and Glen Clark at the Orpheum Theater on November 13, 1972. Dan Rheaume says: I was at

Rare Earth with Special Guest Star Poco, November 25, 1972, at the Minneapolis Armory, a Greathall Production.  According to a published review by

PLEASE NOTE: Although performances are noted here, all shows for the following venues are described in more detail on their venues pages: O’Shaughnessy

Fleetwood Mac tickets for the Orpheum Theater on March 5, 1973, sold out in three days so a second show was added.  

April 1, 1973, brought Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show and Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kids to a less than one-quarter full

Jack Costanzo and Gerrie Woo appeared at the Kobbersted in April, 1973.  Costanzo was known as “Mr. Bongo.”  I think I have one

  ORPHEUM THEATER:  April 10 and 11, 1973 Shawn Phillips played four shows over two nights on April 10 and 11, 1973, at

A “Festival of Music” was presented at the Minneapolis Auditorium on May 12,1973,  starring: Boots Randolph Floyd Cramer and the Boots Randolph Orchestra

Mankato State College held a free concert on May 16, 1973.  It was an annual fundraiser for Native American students called the Little

The Doobie Brothers, Argent, and Bob Seger played the St. Paul Auditorium on May 25, 1973.  Show produced by (and image provided by)

A British Invasion Reunion show came to Minneapolis on July 11, 1973.  From the blog of Jerry Fuentes: The 1973 British Invasion tour

Mike Evangelist thinks the photo below came from Apache Plaza’s annual Tomahawk Days in 1972 or ’73. Kids got a little headband with

WCCO never gets much air on this site, but Bob says: ‘CCO made a bit of an effort in the early ’70s to

KDWB sponsored an Aquatennial Beach Party/Rock Festival at Lake Calhoun on July 19, 1973.  It was organized by Don Cline and Chuck Buell

A rock festival took place at the Donnybrooke Speedway in Brainerd on September 2, 1973.  It was a 425-acre site with an 80

Marathon III, part of Welcome Week, took place at Memorial Stadium at the U of M on September 23, 1973, according to the

In January KDWB published an apology about some unspecified remark that DJ Bob Shannon had said on the air.  It turned out to

T.J. Skinner: “In 1974, I starred in the rock musical “Tooth Of Crime” at the old Cricket Theater.  My poster along with Mike

KDWB sponsored the “Great Kiss-Off” contest in May 1974 in the nursery area of the Southdale Bowl.  Police busted it up at 2

In September 1974, Bob Dylan recorded the tracks for his album “Blood on the Tracks” in New York.  During a visit home to

A special “Sounds of the ’40s” Show was presented at Orchestra Hall on November 7, 1974.  Performing were: Anita O’Day Cab Calloway Ray

From Facebook:  “Minnesota,” this mostly-forgotten, Beach-Boys-in-flannel-shirts tribute to the North Star State debuted at number 98 on Billboard’s Hot 100 on May 10,

On October 3-5, 1975, U-100 was one of 200 stations that broadcast the syndicated “Fantasy Park: a Concert of the Mind.”  It was

David Solberg was born on August 18, 1943 in Chicago.  In the early ’60s he was a bank teller in Bloomington and spent

From Wikipedia: “The Suburbs were formed in the western suburbs of Minneapolis in 1977 following introductions by Chris Osgood of the Suicide Commandos.

1977-85 were big years for Sussman Lawrence. Members, who had all gone to junior high together in St. Louis Park, were: Peter Himmelman

On March 14, 1981, Eric Clapton was admitted to St. Paul’s United Hospital where he was confined for several weeks for a perforated

In the 1980s Cliff Siegel of the High Spirits worked for Warner Brothers, and at some point Prince stayed at his house in

The Replacements, purveyors of “Trash Rock,” released their first record, “Ma, I Forgot to Take Out the Trash,” in August 1981.  The band

On September 1, 1988, the Medina Ballroom was the site of a show called the 30th Anniversary of Rock ‘n’ Roll.  Among the

You may wonder what this topic has to do with local music, but for years I thought they had torn down the Scholar

SOME HISTORY The St. Paul Winter Carnival goes back to 1886, making it the oldest winter festival in the United States. It predates

In the summer of 1971, students at the U of M’s Minneapolis campus were treated to  a series of performances by some of

An Open Air Pop Festival was held at Parade Stadium on July 19, 1970, attended by 6,000 people.  This is not to be

There were four events that could fall under the category of “Open Air” Celebrations. The Open Air Pop Festival, July 19, 1970 Open

On February 9, 1969, a Super Sunday Spectacular band marathon was held at the New City Opera House, sponsored by Traficante Music Store.