Most casual Prince fans know 'Purple Rain' was partially filmed at First Avenue. But did you know the title song is a live recording, taped at First Ave a few months before filming started? In this episode, we meet Prince and the Revolution at a benefit show for Minnesota Dance Theatre, where they debuted "Purple Rain" in support of dance and community.

Most casual Prince fans know 'Purple Rain' was partially filmed at First Avenue. But did you know the title song is a live recording, taped at First Ave a few months before filming started? In this episode, we meet Prince and the Revolution at a benefit show for Minnesota Dance Theatre, where they debuted "Purple Rain" in support of dance and community. [Songs sampled: Prince - "Purple Rain," Purple Playground - "Purple Playground"]

Almost 40 years ago, D.C. rockers Bad Brains played First Avenue with two Minnesotan openers: Sweet Taste of Afrika and Husker Du. In this episode of 'The Current Rewind,' we tease out the complicated relationship between the three bands on the bill, their genres, and their identities.

Almost 40 years ago, D.C. rockers Bad Brains played First Avenue with two Minnesotan openers: Sweet Taste of Afrika and Husker Du. While Husker Du are relatively well-known today, Sweet Taste of Afrika are all but forgotten. Meanwhile, Bad Brains are world-famous, but their hurtful behavior has flown under the radar. In this episode, we tease out the complicated relationship between the three bands on the bill, their genres, and their identities. [Songs sampled: Bad Brains - "Banned In DC," Husker Du - "Pink Turns To Blue," Sweet Taste of Afrika, "Children Of The Nile," Gully Boys - "New Song No. 2," The Smokes - "2 I Luv"]

Disco was the ticket at Uncle Sam's in the late '70s. But the club's destiny changed course in November 1979, when the Ramones and Pat Benatar rocked the Mainroom on back-to-back nights. In this episode of The Current Rewind, former GM Steve McClellan and his fellow First Ave vets explain how First Avenue became a rock 'n' roll sanctuary.

Disco was the ticket at Uncle Sam's in the late '70s. But the club's destiny changed course in Nov. 1979, when the Ramones and Pat Benatar rocked the Mainroom on back-to-back nights. In this episode, hosted by Zoo Animal's Holly Hansen, we learn how First Ave became a rock 'n' roll sanctuary. [Songs sampled: Pat Benatar - "Heartbreaker," Zoo Animal - "Black And Charred," Starland Vocal Band - "Afternoon Delight," Ramones - "Blitzkrieg Bop - Live at Rainbow Theatre, London, 12/31/77," Prince - "Head," Curtiss A, "Land Of The Free," Icetep - "Hive Sound"]

Grab a carnation and travel back to the dawn of the '70s, when Joe Cocker and his "Mad Dogs & Englishmen" packed the room that would later become First Avenue. The club's rookie owners had a lot to learn, but thanks to this show, they earned the attention of Minnesotan music fans and media. [Songs sampled: Joe Cocker - "With A Little Help From My Friends," Joe Cocker - "The Letter," The Del Counts - "Let The Good Times Roll," Icetep - "Hive Sound," APM Music - "Feel This Way"]

Your favorite Minnesota music history show is back! In our second season, we're exploring 10 pivotal days in the history of First Avenue, the Minneapolis club that has hosted life-changing shows for the past 50 years. Episodes air on Tuesdays starting Sept. 22.

In this episode, you'll meet a family of pastors hell-bent on saving souls. A pro-sticker Washington wife. A B-horror blood-gusher with a heart of gold. Plus...Prince's photographer? This cast of characters is just a peek into the unbelievable story of the Peters Brothers, the evangelical crusaders who preached against rock throughout the 1980s. [Songs sampled: KISS - "Plaster Caster"; Prince - "Darling Nikki"; Impaler - "It Won't Die"]

Ever watched your grandmother spit verses for a crowd? Tou SaiK Lee has. He's one of several younger Hmong-Minnesotans who have collaborated with elders in the last decade, combining folk traditions and newer sounds. In this episode, we ask folks including Tou SaiK, Lis Pos, Shawn Mouacheupao, and Ernest and Missy Whiteman why and how they've reached across generations. [Songs sampled: Tou SaiKo Lee - "United Worldwide"; PosNoSys - "Sunshine"; Shawn Mouacheupao - "Forever, My Dear (feat. Lis Pos)"; Phooj Ywg - "Hlub Tso Cia"; Jasmine Tierra - "Our Love Was Real"]