Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Cathy Wurzer

New exhibit at the MN History Center tells the story of legendary venue First Avenue

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

In 1970, Joe Cocker, Leon Russell and 25 other musicians shared a stage for the first live show at a bus station-turned-venue called The Depot.

That club eventually became famous as First Avenue, and a new exhibit opening Saturday at the Minnesota History Center explores its history.

A few years after the Joe Cocker show, the venue was renamed Uncle Sam's, and live shows were mostly replaced by a DJ spinning records. Live music returned with a vengeance in 1979, when a capacity crowd turned out to see the Ramones.