Live music in Minneapolis, MN

This event spotlights Shoshana Bean, a Grammy Award winner and three-time Tony Award nominee recognized for standout work on Broadway and beyond. She is currently starring in The Lost Boys musical on Broadway, following her role as Jersey in Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, which earned her a Grammy, a second Tony nomination, and nominations from the Drama League and Drama Desk. Her performance in the Public Theater’s Off-Broadway production of Hell’s Kitchen received a Lucille Lortel nomination. In 2022 she garnered Tony and Grammy nominations, along with recognition from the Outer Critics Circle and the Drama League, for portraying Susan Young opposite Billy Crystal in Mr. Saturday Night. Her Broadway credits also include serving as the first replacement for Elphaba in Wicked and playing Jenna in Waitress. Her six independent studio albums and EPs have topped the iTunes and Billboard charts. Her voice can be heard in The Boys, Sing, Sing 2, Enchanted, Jersey Boys, Glee, and Galavant. She made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Hairspray, appeared Off-Broadway in the 2000 revival of Godspell, and performed in Songs for a New World at City Center Encores. Regional work includes Sarah Silverman’s The Bedwetter, an IRNE Award-winning turn in Funny Girl, and a Jeff-nominated performance as CeeCee Bloom in the pre-Broadway production of Beaches. Additional screen appearances include Bloodline, Bill and Ted Face The Music, and Great Performances: 50 Years of Broadway’s Best. She recently filmed a solo concert special for PBS.

Hall of Fame musician Moses Oakland leads a live blues jam that puts the music front and center. The Midway Blues Jam focuses on real-time interplay, soulful energy, and the timeless sound of the blues, all guided by an accomplished bandleader who keeps the session flowing.

Start your hand drumming journey in a friendly, drop-in class led by Bettie. It is designed for beginners and anyone revisiting the basics, with no prior experience required and drums provided. The atmosphere focuses on comfort and community. Participation is limited to women and gender expansive folks only. The cost is $15 per person per class, and walk-ins are welcome. Contact the Women’s Drum Center to connect with the instructor and to confirm whether sessions are held when a holiday coincides with the class. Please be prepared to remove street shoes at the door, and feel free to bring slippers or other non-street shoes. A limited supply of clean socks is available to borrow. The center is located in the basement of the Dow Building and is accessed by one flight of stairs.

Croz Boyce, the collaborative project of Avey Tare and Geologist of Animal Collective, takes the stage at The Cedar alongside the Powers/Rolin Duo. This concert is open to all ages.

Brian Fallon & The Painkillers bring their show to Varsity Theater. Entry is for ages 15 and up with a valid ID, and anyone younger than 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Opening performers may change. For ADA seating, purchase general admission tickets first, then email varsityinfo@livenation.com for assistance. Ticket access includes a public on sale, an artist presale, a Live Nation presale, a Citi Cardmember presale, and Citi Cardmember Preferred tickets.

Zach Bellas brings a live show to The Underground Music Cafe in Minnappolis, Minnesota as part of a fall tour across the United States. Additional information about this stop will be shared soon.

Dirty Shorts Brass Band performs at Minnesota Music Cafe as part of a jazz night. There is no cover charge.

International Reggae All-Stars bring island grooves and live reggae to Bunkers Music Bar & Grill in Minneapolis. Expect upbeat energy, dancing, and ice-cold drinks as this tradition carries on the Twin Cities longest running reggae night.

Each Tuesday, this weekly party brings DJs spinning current and classic hip hop and R&B, curated by DJ Dimitry Killstorm of Cheap Thrills. It takes place in the Lyndale bar at the Uptown VFW, features two-for-one drink specials, and has no cover charge.

Tunes on the Plaza returns in 2026 with free concerts at Peavey Plaza that highlight a broad mix of local talent, spanning Americana, jazz, soul, hip hop, and more. This installment spotlights Minneapolis singer-songwriter Hibah Hassan, whose sharp lyrics and lilting, sometimes punchy melodies offer a window into the experiences of a hopelessly romantic twenty-something. Her debut album, hopeless romantic, is currently available. The 2026 series is presented in partnership with the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, and the Minneapolis Downtown Council, with talent booking managed by Ostrom Entertainment LLC.

Hail the Sun headlines an evening at Varsity Theater with an age policy that welcomes fans 15 and older with a valid ID, while those under 15 can attend with a parent or legal guardian. Supporting performers may be adjusted. For ADA seating, purchase general admission tickets first, then email the venue using the contact provided by Varsity Theater. Ticket access includes several options, with artist and Live Nation presales and Citi cardmember offerings, followed by a public onsale.

Grammy-winning guitarist Pat Donohue leads a night of top-tier live music at The Midway Saloon in St. Paul, MN, joined by a changing lineup of his talented friends. Each performance features a different guest, ranging from standout local musicians to touring professionals, so every show brings something new. Expect brilliant guitar playing, easygoing stories, and a relaxed vibe that helps you unwind. Admission is free and the setting is family friendly.

Berlin in Minneapolis hosts a night of Latin jazz led by saxophonist and flutist Doug Little with the Havana Highlife Quintet, joined by Miami-based percussionist Yuya Rodriguez. Rodriguez won the 2019 Fiesta del Tambor award for best young percussionist in Cuba and has toured internationally with Orquesta Akokán and with Jane Bunnett and Maqueque. She has previously performed in Minneapolis with larger ensembles at the Dakota Jazz Club and at the Minnesota Salsa Fiesta, and this appearance marks her first time here in a small group setting. The program focuses on Latin jazz that weaves Caribbean rhythms with the harmonic depth of jazz. Little has performed across the United States and internationally, including performances and recordings in Cuba, and he leads the local salsa band Charanga Tropical. The ensemble features Doug Little on saxophone and flute, Yazmín Bowers on piano, Yuya Rodriguez on congas and percussion, Graydon Peterson on bass, and Andrew Gillespie on drums and percussion.

Green Room hosts The Tear Garden, connected with The Legendary Pink Dots and cEvin Key. Doors open before the performance begins, with the show to follow. Ticket access is phased, starting with early access through the artist, then a Live Nation window, and finally a general public sale.

Cowboy Rogue sends a big thank you to everyone who came out to Minnesota Music Café. The band returns to the venue to do it again.

For more than five decades, Pure Prairie League has carried the country rock tradition forward, evolving from an Ohio crew of friends covering songs into a seasoned band with a celebrated catalog. The current lineup features drummer Scott Thompson and bassist Jared Camic, with Randy Harper on keyboards, Jeff Zona on guitar and vocals, and John Heinrich on pedal steel and saxophone. Reviewers have noted a mix of warm nostalgia and modern drive, with powerful harmonies and sharp, polished playing. Their self-titled debut helped fuel the rise of country rock, and the follow-up Bustin’ Out achieved multi-platinum status with Craig Fuller’s classic Amie. Over many albums and years on the road, the group has been shaped by contributors including co-founder George Ed Powell, the Goshorn Brothers, Country Hall of Famers Gary Burr and Vince Gill, hit songwriter Jeff Wilson, and top Nashville vocalist Curtis Wright, along with guest appearances by Chet Atkins, Johnny Gimble, Emmylou Harris, David Sanborn, and Don Felder. A new generation of artists, among them Keith Urban, Nickel Creek, Wilco, and Counting Crows, has cited the band as a key influence. With the 2024 release Back On Track, the group offers twelve new songs that reconnect with its roots and continue a legacy that began in 1970.

Open to all ages, this show offers multiple ways to secure tickets. Early access is available through an artist presale and a venue presale, followed by a general on-sale.

A longstanding club night at James Ballentine "Uptown" VFW - Post 246 built for music lovers who appreciate range, blending new wave, indie rock, British pop, funk, garage, punk, post-punk, synth pop and electro, with plenty of surprises in between. It is also heard as a weekly program on Minnesota Public Radio’s 89.3 The Current, where each edition centers on a new theme. There is no cover charge.

Music Mayhem brings its live music trivia to Camp Bar, featuring the fast paced format known around the Twin Cities and beyond. Hear songs, enter the title and artist on your phone, and rack up more points by answering quickly. Live Trivia Jockeys keep the energy up throughout the event, with opportunities for prizes between rounds and grand prizes as well.

Hosted by the Masonic Cancer Center on World Cancer Research Day, the Illuminate Gala is a new signature fundraiser that supports pioneering cancer research focused on reducing the burden of cancer in Minnesota and beyond. The program features science spotlights that share the center’s latest breakthroughs, along with live music, a silent auction, and a gourmet dinner with libations. Appreciation is extended to the sponsors who make this event possible, including Natera, Midwest Radiology, Pfizer, Big Spirit Promotions, BeOne, S. Fautsch, and Caris Life Sciences.

Modern American troubadour Mary Cutrufello teams with Mikkel for an acoustic Thursday happy hour performance at The Dubliner Pub in St. Paul.

Jon B steps into the spotlight as a singer, songwriter, and producer with a career marked by multiple gold and platinum releases and a deep foundation in soul. His early inspirations span Duran Duran, INXS, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Babyface, Prince, and Sade. After high school he wrote, produced, and recorded forty songs, a creative surge that led to meeting Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Tracy Edmonds and signing with Edmonds Record Group. His debut, Bonafide, went platinum, and the single Someone to Love earned a Grammy nomination. The follow-up, Cool Relax, also reached platinum status and received multiple Billboard Music Award nominations, and he was nominated for a Soul Train Music Award for Best Male Single for Are U Still Down, featuring Tupac Shakur in the studio. Beyond his own hits, he became a sought-after producer for artists including Nas and Faith Evans, and he broadens R&B by weaving in elements of hip hop, rock, reggae, and jazz. His songwriting and production credits extend to Luther Vandross and Toni Braxton, along with work with Gina Thompson, Color Me Badd, and Az Yet, plus a remix of Michael Jackson’s You Are Not Alone.

Ultra Sunn appears with Soft Vein for a night of dark, propulsive electronics. Led by frontman Sam Huge and keyboardist Gaelle Souflet, the duo blends modern EBM and new beat, collaborates with artists such as Front Line Assembly, Violet Chachki, Twin Tribes, and Kontravoid, and nods to pioneers like Front 242 and Nitzer Ebb. Their track Keep Your Eyes Peeled sparked wide recognition, taking their performances from Los Angeles to São Paulo to Berlin. A new album and a far-reaching European and North American tour have been announced, with fresh momentum from the single The Beast in You. On stage they deliver commanding vocals over hard-hitting beats in an inclusive atmosphere where everyone is celebrated, seen, and loved.

Jack Yoder brings a night of roots-rich Americana, blues bite, and alt-country swagger to Driftwood Char Bar in Minneapolis with his band, The Doublewide Disaster. Backed by Tony Hecker on drums and Joe Colomb on bass, the trio spins lived-in stories into energetic, full-band moments that balance grit with groove, equally suited to dancing, singing along, or settling in to listen. The set draws from Yoder’s catalog, including Dumpster Fire, Wagonload, and the Southern Crescent 4-Track EP, alongside the band’s single Drunken Lament and a heartfelt take on R.E.M.’s Driver 8. Expect songwriting steeped in American traditions, shaped by years on the road across rockabilly, cowpunk, rock, and outlaw country. Additional lineup details will be announced.

Salsa Night at Icehouse features salsa orchestra Charanga Tropical performing a mix of salsa, classic boleros, and romantic danzones. After the live band, DJONE of Salsa Police Entertainment continues with bachata, merengue, and more. The venue offers a dance floor with booth and balcony seating, along with a menu of food and drinks. Cover is $20 at the door, and advance purchases may include ticket fees.

As part of the Oktoberfest celebrations at Waldmann Brewery, BrassZilla delivers a lively set of brassy, drum-driven beer jazz with the chance of a few German tunes. Alongside the music, the festivities offer live entertainment and traditional dancing, a covered biergarten, German dishes, seasonal Oktoberfest beers, freshly brewed root beer, and salt-glazed steins with glass tankards. Admission is $10 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger. If the venue reaches capacity, visits may be limited to about three hours to ensure everyone can take part. Parking is tight, so plan on ride sharing, a car service, scooters, or a bicycle.

Century Brass presents a program of social dance tunes from the 1850s through the 1950s at Waldmann Brewery’s 8th Annual Oktoberfest. Expect polkas, waltzes, schottisches, laendlers, and galops performed live in a festive setting. The celebration features live music, traditional dancing, a tented biergarten, German food, Oktoberfest beers, fresh brewed root beer, and salt glazed steins and glass tankards. Admission is $10 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger. If capacity is reached, visits may be limited to three hours. Parking is limited, so consider Uber, Lyft, Lime, ride sharing, or biking.

Warm up for the Minnesota Twins versus Texas Rangers matchup with a pre-game live music set from Reese Glover at Cowboy Jacks Downtown Minneapolis. The performance draws on the country and Americana styles favored by listeners of Tyler Childers, Zach Bryan, Charles Wesley Godwin, Colter Wall, Ryan Bingham, Turnpike Troubadours, Caamp, George Strait, and Alan Jackson, setting an upbeat atmosphere for game day sing alongs.

Mia Dorr and DJ Didi appear at Burger Moe's for an outdoor event on the patio.

Nikki Walsh and Ben Siems return to The Finnish Bistro Cafe & Coffee for another live music outing. They note that the bistro is a setting they enjoy, with food and beverages available and attentive staff.

Skye Consort & Emma Björling unites noted artists from Canada and Sweden for a performance of traditional and original music. The program spans Scandinavian, Irish and British Isles, and French Canadian roots, reimagined in contemporary chamber folk arrangements. With nyckelharpa, fiddle, cello, bouzouki, banjo, percussion, and rich vocal harmonies, the group moves through lively polskas, driving reels, heartfelt love songs, reverent hymns, and new pieces. Admission at the door is $30, and attendees 18 and under are admitted free.

Warm up those vocal cords for a lively karaoke night filled with music and plenty of laughs. Happy Hour brings extra cheer with the option to double up on domestic beers and rail drinks for just $1, and Jell-O shots are available. Beyond the mic, enjoy darts, pizza, pull tabs, and a full bar. Take on the bonus challenge by singing a tune from Tammy’s Mystery Trivia Artist to earn a free drink. Whether you belt out ballads, prefer to sing in the shower, or simply enjoy the show, there is fun for everyone.

Skyway Theatre presents Combichrist on The Venom in the Mouth of God North American Tour, with support from Ludovico Technique and Dead Animal Assembly Plant. The performance takes place in Studio B at Skyway Theatre. All ages are welcome, and advance tickets are $25.

SALSA BRAVA returns to Eat Street Crossing and the ESC Bar with a Latin dance party. Enjoy indoor and outdoor spaces, free admission, and a mix of salsa, bachata, timba, cumbia, merengue, reggaeton, and more.

Neighborhood Roots’ Southwest Farmers Market is a lively Saturday gathering in South Minneapolis where local farmers and makers offer seasonal produce, meats, fish, eggs, artisan cheeses, baked treats, flowers, handcrafted items, natural body and hygiene products, pantry essentials, and more. There are plenty of ready-to-eat choices, fresh coffee, and refreshing beverages to enjoy while browsing. Each market features live performances from a rotating roster of local musicians and artists, adding to a friendly community atmosphere for all ages. The Power of Produce Club is held on the first and third Sundays of each month, inviting kids to engage with local food through fun activities and providing a $2 token to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables.

The annual fundraiser returns to Highland Park Picnic Pavillion with an auction, a food truck, and live music. Additional details will be announced.

At Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, Lumen Antiqua and Kaleidoscope Quartet unite for Refractions, blending seven voices in a seven-part vocal program that celebrates beauty found in contrast and features music from artists across the centuries. The collaboration sparkles with prismatic color, revealing fresh textures in sound. Advance purchase offers a lower ticket price than at the door, and youth 17 and under attend for free.

Queen and ABBA classics are reimagined for string quartet in a candlelit setting at Granada Theater in Minneapolis. The Listeso String Quartet performs favorites such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Don't Stop Me Now, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo, Gimme Gimme Gimme, SOS, Money Money Money and Voulez Vous. This tribute experience is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the artists, their estates or official representatives. Seating is assigned within each zone on a first come, first served basis, and late arrivals are not admitted once the performance begins. Guests 8 and older are welcome, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The venue is ADA compliant.

This event features Mac Ayres and MarcLo. Tickets will be offered in a general public sale, with a VIP package sale available as well.

Them Heathen Hordes returns to Acadia Café with a 2.0 edition from Manitou Studios, following a previous installment that served as a fundraiser to help them regain momentum. Even after a midstream shakeup that required four band replacements, the lineup is locked in and ready to roll. Greenvale Manitou opens, followed by the alt rock five-piece Shaping Flame. Trampoline Gorilla delivers an instrumental jazz punk surge, and Ländfillharmonik channels punk through strings. Nu metal outfit milwaukee.deep brings the finale. The night is billed as loud, melodic and a touch romantic.

A newly announced event features Mickey Avalon at The Cabooze.

Chelsea Wolfe brings THE DARK World Tour to The Fitzgerald Theater, joined by Jonathan Hultén. This event welcomes all ages. There is a strict per-customer and per-household ticket limit, and orders that attempt to exceed or circumvent it may be canceled without notice. A transfer delay is in place for all tickets leading up to the performance.

Presented by The Current, this all-ages concert welcomes acclaimed UK singer and songwriter Beth Orton back to Minneapolis for a rare appearance celebrating her new album, The Ground Above. A pioneer of folktronica with a voice that has deepened over three decades, Orton traces a path from Trailer Park and Comfort of Strangers through 2022’s self-produced Weather Alive to a new collection that feels more direct and urgent, marked by resilience and midlife perspective. The Ground Above unfolds in two parts, pairing love and grief as parallel truths, and reflects a collaborative spirit with contributions from Shahzad Ismaily, Sam Beste of Vernon Spring, drummers Tom Skinner and Chris Vatalaro, and bassist Tom Herbert. Michigan-born multi-instrumentalist Kenny Stahl opens the night after years helping shape the sounds and live shows of artists such as Chance the Rapper, Mac Miller, Dijon, and Nathaniel Rateliff, and after backing Paul Simon at the Newport Folk Festival, now stepping forward with his dark-folk debut I couldn’t not do this for an intimate set built on cinematic textures, precision, and raw storytelling.

Learn foundational West African rhythms in a welcoming Level 1 drumming class led by Dan. This weekly drop-in session is designed for beginners and advanced beginners, with drums provided. Instruction focuses on core techniques and rhythmic patterns while building confidence and musical understanding. The class welcomes participants of all gender identities. The cost is $15 per person per class, and you can simply show up. Please plan to remove street shoes when you arrive to help protect the floor. Indoor-only footwear or slippers are fine, and a small supply of clean socks is available to borrow. The center is on a lower level reached by one flight of stairs.

Sunday Fundays returns to Gustavus Lutheran Church for its seventh season, bringing a full day of delicious options, live music, and plenty of tables and chairs for comfort. Food trucks scheduled to serve include Hydration Shuttle, Long’s combo Roll cuisines, California Dip & Eat, Xai the corn guy, El Mexicano, Twin Cities Gyros, Casanova Rice and Shawarmin, Fire Cream, and Eggroll Queen, with more vendors expected. This gathering is free for both the public and participating food trucks. Vendors should avoid sending money or personal information in response to unsolicited invitations.

The Finnish Bistro Cafe & Coffee in St. Anthony Park hosts a family-friendly, all-ages open mic that welcomes musicians, poets, and performers at every experience level. The stage is equipped with a full sound system and an 88-key electric keyboard to make performing simple and enjoyable. Participants typically share two or three songs, with the number adjusted based on how many people sign up. A rotating team of experienced local musicians leads the event, including Ry Edwards, Caley Factorial, Lexi Modica, and Jun Sugiyama. Throughout the season, the lineup also features 30-minute sets from standout guest artists. The cafe offers a full menu of food, drinks, and desserts to enjoy alongside the performances.

Stephen Dawes brings the Skin to Skin Tour to 7th St Entry, joined by Jojomber. This performance is open to all ages.

Alicia Witt presents the heart of Between Heaven and Earth, a new collection recorded live in New York City with producer Joe Henry and a band gathered specifically for the sessions. The music moves between closeness and transcendence, shaped by her deep connection to David Lynch, whose influence dates back to her first role in Dune and whose presence was felt throughout the making of the record. A classically trained pianist with an acclaimed career across film, television, and stage, Witt continues a musical path that includes earlier releases such as Revisionary History, The Conduit, and I Think I’m Spending Christmas With You. Captured over four days with vocals and instruments performed together, the album embraces instinct, minimal overdubs, and a visceral energy inspired by meditation, prayer, creativity, and the art that has guided her. Themes of longing, fate, healing, surrender, nostalgia, gratitude, and connection run through the songs with an insistent optimism. The title track celebrates a mystical new bond rooted in childlike faith. Artifacts lets go of outdated lessons to make room for learning how to love. Kindred evokes barriers dissolving in a fabric of light and destiny, while Build Me A Dream reflects on creating the reality we wish to inhabit and recognizing an enduring soul connection. Elsewhere, Freeze Frame, Test Drive, and Blue Moon consider alternate timelines, memory, and the peaceful acceptance of connections not meant to remain. Thank You, featuring John Paul White, turns heartbreak into gratitude for what it cleared the way for. Love Anyway centers on giving love without condition, even when it is not returned. The Director closes the album as a bonus track, recorded in one uninterrupted take as a personal communication with Lynch. A limited pre-show meet and greet reception is available and includes a photo with Alicia and autographing of up to five brought items or merchandise purchased at the table.

A rare Sunday night summer celebration unfolds as a rooftop poolside party. Expect a relaxed, poolside atmosphere in a rooftop setting that highlights the spirit of the season.