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First Avenue at 50: staff from The Current share favorite stories

In April 2016, First Avenue was a gathering place for mourning and celebration in the days following the death of Prince, who had a long history with the club.
In April 2016, First Avenue was a gathering place for mourning and celebration in the days following the death of Prince, who had a long history with the club.Jordan Abhold | Courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society Press

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April 03, 2020

To mark the 50th anniversary of the landmark Minneapolis music venue First Avenue, staff members at The Current share some of their favorite First Avenue memories.

The stories are varied and fascinating: seeing memorable shows, meeting favorite artists — even the opportunity to perform on stage in the First Avenue Mainroom.

Watch this series of stories right here:

On Friday, April 3 — the club's 50th anniversary — The Current joins radio stations across the Twin Cities in honoring First Avenue by playing "Purple Rain" in unison at 5 p.m. CDT.

First Avenue - official site

First Avenue: stories from Minnesota's Mainroom - Minnesota Historical Society