The historic and Iconic First Avenue is a world famous venue thanks to all the bands that have performed there, and of course Prince filming Purple Rain in the bar did not hurt much either.

But, like music venues all over the country their doors have remained shut and the stage has gone dark since the pandemic. How can you stay open when you can only operate at 25% capacity? I have seen so many shows at First Avenue that I have lost count, and it is truly an amazing experience to be in there and we need to do whatever we can to save it.

First Avenue marketing director Ashley Ryan explained that October through December is normally their busiest time of the year. She went on to say to KARE11;

We have staff who have worked here for 20-30 years and since mid-March they've been out of work. So any kind of event that we can do to get people back into the building, we're interested in. We want people to feel connected.

So what can you offer to get people in the door safely and make them feel connected? How about a wedding? Now of course their are restrictions and protocols in place. As far as dancing they have allowed a bride and groom or family members to all dance together, but a big crowd on the dance floor is not allowed.

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One annual event is still happening and that is The Halloween Party. Except this year they will have tables six feet apart on the dance floor and everyone must wear a mask. A much more toned down affair for sure than in years past, but everyone is trying to think outside the box.

Also singer Dizzy Fae will be the first musician to take the stage in months at the First Avenue Main Room as part of the Save Our Stages virtual Festival which will be broadcast on YouTube. The festival, which will feature performances from artists across the country, like JP Saxe, Macklemore, Demi Lovato, Marshmello and more. It is FREE to watch, but donations will be excepted to the National Independent Venue Association. The fund is going directly to offer grants to venues all across the country.

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