State of the Arts Blog

First Avenue then and now

Tonight on All Things Considered, Chris Osgood of the Suicide Commandos (and more recently of McNally Smith College of Music) reminisced about his first time on the First Avenue stage, early in its 40 year history. And he talked about how the venue has changed over time. One revelation? How the building's more "nuanced" smells became apparent after the smoking ban was enforced.

Osgood went on to say that he's struck by how a venue once known for its "anti-establishment" status has become a cultural institution. Forty years later, he says live performances are more important than ever to the success of a band.

Click on the link above to hear the entire interview.

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