events
PHOENIX FLIGHT Presents UNDER THE FULL MOON
Join Phoenix Flight Studio for a bewitching Halloween showcase at the Cedar! The evening opens with aerial artistry on lyra, trapeze, sling, and flying pole, followed by an electrifying second act of pole, chair, and floor performances. Featuring choreography by students and instructors, this night of spooky, seductive talent is not to be missed.
NOISE PARTY Vol. 12
NOISE PARTY has returned once again to its new home at The Cedar Cultural Center. Continuing the tradition of showcasing the best local acts within the fields of ambient, drone, noise, and experimental music, Noise Party Vol. 12 pulls no punches with this upcoming lineup. Come and experience a one of a kind musical adventure paired with hypnotic live visuals. Whether it’s your first time experiencing a “noise” show or your hundredth, come and join an attentive audience and bathe in soundscapes sent from another galaxy.
THE ALTONS & THEE SINSEERS: CLUB HEARTACHE TOUR with The McCharmlys
Thee Sinseers and The Altons deliver modern soul from East L.A., deeply rooted in the souldies scene for the “CLUB HEARTACHE TOUR.”
The Cedar Presents An Evening with COLIN HAY - AT Pantages Theatre
The Cedar Presents the return of COLIN HAY to the Pantages Theatre!
DAVID HUCKFELT & THE UNARMED FORCES with special guest Nona Invie
Songwriter & folk activist David Huckfelt presents this in-person preview of his new album "I Was Born, But..." with a special live listening party, joined by his all-star band The Unarmed Forces: JT Bates, Jeremy Ylvisaker, and Mike Lewis.
ST. RANGERS with LaPlant Road
St. Rangers celebrates the release of their debut EP Witness Marks, a collection of new folk tunes perfectly suited to autumn's final weeks. Formed by Garret Nasset and Rachel Bearinger within the vibrant Twin Cities songwriter scene, St. Rangers offers songs crafted with the precision of a chisel, with arrangements that lock into place with satisfying comfort. The band is delighted to share the stage with local folk-bluegrass duo LaPlant Road.
PRAIRIE FIRE CHOIR with Barbara Cohen & Little Lizard - Great Big Hill Of Hope 14th Season Finale
Prairie Fire Choir with Barbara Cohen & Little Lizard - Great Big Hill of Hope.
MEREDITH MOON and CREEKBED CARTER
Folksingers Meredith Moon (Ontario) and Creekbed Carter (MN) join together for a special evening, sharing both of their unique stories in song.
An Evening with Justin Adams and Mauro Durante
Guitarist and producer Justin Adams’ credits include working with Jah Wobble, Sinéad O’Connor, Robert Plant, and Tinariwen. Joined by Italian percussionist Mauro Durante, the two make music described as “Mediterranean trance blues.” This is the duo's second performance at The Cedar.
FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: AN EVENING WITH EAST FOREST
East Forest is a multidisciplinary artist, producer, speaker, and ceremony guide. Since 2008, East Forest’s “lush” (Rolling Stone) and “blissful” (NPR) music has blended ambient, neoclassical, electronic, and avant-pop to explore sound as a tool for inner journeys and consciousness expansion.
Remembering John Trudell with Annie Humphrey, Keith Secola, Jeremy Ylvisaker, and S. Carey
John Trudell has been physically gone for ten years now. His life and words continue to matter. John reminds us that if we use our intelligence and stay coherent, we will outlast them. This evening will not only celebrate his memories, wisdom, heart and love, but will revive his voice to make his words part of our own truth. This will help the powerless realize that they are anything but.
EL KHAT with American Cream Band
El Khat perform Arabic tunes of Yemeni origin, led by multi-instrumentalist Eyal El Wahab. Experimenting with DIY homemade instruments, the trio’s psychedelic stomps fit comfortably in the global groove of similar artists like BALTHVS, Glass Beams, and Khruangbin. The Cedar welcomes El Khat back to the Twin Cities for their third performance in our room.
An Evening with ALUNE WADE
Senegalese singer and bass virtuoso Alune Wade brings his distinct sound to The Cedar stage for the first time this Fall. Blending Afrobeat and jazz, Wade traces the deep connections between West African rhythms, Lagos grooves, and the bold brass sounds of New Orleans. In addition to his performance, The Cedar will screen the short documentary Tukki: From Roots to the Bayou, telling the story of the creation of Wade’s new album, New African Orleans, and highlighting African cultural traditions and their journeys to Louisiana.
❗️LOW TICKET ALERT❗️Corpse Reviver, Charlie Parr, Pop Wagner, Mikkel Bee play songs of Lead Belly, Remembering the 1948 MPLS House Concert
A group of folk musicians will gather on the exact date of the original concert, 77 years later, in memory of that concert and to play their favorite Lead Belly songs.
BRIGHDE CHAIMBEUL with Sara Pajunen
Brìghde Chaimbeul is a leading purveyor of celtic experimentalism and a master of the Scottish smallpipes – the bellows-blown, mellower and more emotive cousin to the famous Highland bagpipes – and she’s taken them to the global stage.
Carlisle Evans Peck “The Lines in my Hands” Album Release Show
2022 Cedar Commissions artist Carlisle Evans Peck returns to The Cedar stage to celebrate the release of their new album, with support from McKain Lackey and Proper-T.
Black Market Brass featuring Obi Original with PURPLE FUNK METROPOLIS and BMB DJs
Black Market Brass is back again to showcase their continuing collaboration with Minnesota’s own Obi Original. Following a sold out night celebrating the initial release, ‘Battle Ready,’ they’re returning just as hard-hitting as they’ve started it. It’s going to be a dance-heavy evening making sure to turn the heat up on a cold MN night.
An Evening with JOHN GORKA
"Rules of art were made to be shattered. When broken by accident, that's gaucheness. When broken on purpose, well, that's style. John Gorka's technique breaks free from the rules of modern music". - Huffington Post
FRANCK VIGROUX with IOSIS // splitta
Cascades is a live audiovisual project inspired by the concept of waterfalls, here represented by flows of pixels whose movements are generative, meaning never the same. For the music, this same concept is used as inspiration to compose music using electronic instruments, a sort of continuum reminding of surge and immutability… Fruit of a decade-long collaboration between two artists, Cascades represent both infinite movement and stability, but where catastrophes can happen: a synesthetic artwork, both contemplative, reflexive, and a physical experience.
RED THREAD AND PONYFOLK SING JINGLE BELLS
Red Thread and Ponyfolk are two Minnesota-based ensembles devoted to building community around Midwestern European roots music. The two bands team up to present an “alternative” holiday celebration, sharing new and old songs of winter, luck, and family from Scandinavian, Yiddish/Klezmer, Slavic, English, and Irish roots.
LAKE DAVI with Spaceport and Second Spring
Come out and celebrate the release of Lake Davi’s debut album, Bloody Mary. The local indie Americana band will be playing the entire album in full for the first time, supported by Spaceport and Second Spring.
BEN COOK-FELTZ'S HOLIDAY SHINDIG with ANN REED and ZIPPY LASKE
Celebrated singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and long-lost Christmas elf Ben Cook-Feltz hosts his 5th annual Holiday Shindig on December 14, a family-friendly event benefiting Rein In Sarcoma.
ADAM BOHANAN Presents A Very Funky Hanukkah Show
December is a joyous holiday season for all. Though the best music so far has been Christmas music... NOT ANYMORE!! This show will celebrate Hanukkah music!
WINTER SOLSTICE SOUND BATH with Marc Anderson and Natalie Nowytski
Celebrate the longest night in soothing, rich vibrations and the warm glow of joyous community. Sound artists Marc Anderson and Natalie Nowytski weave in real time the dream song of our collective heart.
VOPLI VIDOPLIASSOVA with Ukrainian Village Band
After their packed 2025 Minneapolis debut, Ukraine’s legendary Vopli Vidopliassova return on January 15, 2026 for an unforgettable Malanka Night at The Cedar Cultural Center!
ONDARA PRESENTS THE JET STONE CONSPIRACY
Ondara returns to The Cedar stage with his new band The Jet Stone Conspiracy, which he describes as, “the culmination of my rebirth- It’s a surrender to the currents of free expression- an invitation to explore new realms of sound, movement, and poetry.”
An Evening with ALASDAIR FRASER & NATALIE HAAS
Cutting-edge fiddle and cello explorations of Scottish and global music.
DAR WILLIAMS with Joy Clark
The Cedar is proud to welcome back folk songwriter Dar Williams, described as "one of America's very best singer-songwriters" by the New Yorker. Her new album is out this September on Ani DiFranco's Righteous Babe Records.
MALIBU with ESP
Malibu’s music is deeply meditative and serene. Drone, neoclassical, and dance intertwine to take listeners on a contemplative journey. The French composer’s latest single, “So Sweet & Willing” is one of 2025’s best, previewing her long-awaited debut album Vanities.
FANTASTIC NEGRITO
Fantastic Negrito is carrying the mantle for all the soulful bluesmen who came before him. The singer’s 2024 album Son of a Broken Man is gritty, raw, and full of fire and brimstone.
An Evening with ALASH
The masters of traditional Tuvan instruments, as well as the ancient art of throat singing, ALASH return to The Cedar stage for the 7th time in their history.
Believing that traditional music must constantly evolve, the musicians of Alash subtly infuse their songs with Western elements, citing influences from otherworldly artists like Sun Ra and Jimi Hendrix, creating their own unique style that is fresh and new, yet true to their Tuvan musical heritage.
CARSIE BLANTON with Nathan Evans Fox
Philadelphia pop-folk songwriter Carsie Blanton takes her cues from legends like Nina Simone, Cleo Brown, Joni Mitchell and John Prine. She’s a ferocious wordsmith who pulls no punches on her 2024 full-length After the Revolution. This is Carsie’s second time performing at The Cedar, and we welcome her back in time when her words are more poignant than ever.
An Evening with Väsen + The Fretless
Swedish folk from Upsala, Väsen return to The Cedar for a co-headlining show with Canadian folk quintet The Fretless.
THE WILDWOODS with Emmy Woods
The Wildwoods are a folk/Americana trio crafting rich harmonies & heartfelt tales. Dear Meadowlark (2025) honors their Nebraska roots.
BRUCE HENRY & DEAN MAGRAW Album Release Concert
Musical masters Bruce Henry (vocals) and Dean Magraw (guitar) celebrate the release of their new acoustic album A New Song with a special concert, welcoming Bruce back to his former Twin Cities home. Although the two artists have collaborated over the years, this is their first duo project and reflects an unexpected musical alchemy. Rooted in Black history, Bruce’s rich storytelling and three-and-a-half octave range weaves seamlessly with Dean's spacious and soulful guitar stylings.
PACHYMAN + MNDSGN with MICHI
Making their Cedar debut, the kings of smooth beats -Pachyman & MNDSGN- bring an evening of reggae-infused notes and sun-kissed percussion.
COLE PULICE with MOLLY RABEN
Saxophonist, composer and improviser Cole Pulice traffics in shimmering, otherworldly beauty.
Volunteer Orientation
Have you ever wanted to peek behind the scenes at the Cedar? Learn more about how to participate at our venue by attending our monthly Volunteer Orientation led by volunteer coordinator Jared Hemming!
BETTY WON'T Album Release Party with Makin' Out, Stolyette, and Little Fevers
Piñata Records presents a Betty Won't Album Release Party ;)
TROUBLE, the premiere LP from Minneapolis' own twang rockers BETTY WON'T has been in the slow cooker long enough ! A local dish, totally created through massive collaboration all across our city -- now with the flavors melded, the wax melted, it's time to turn the lights down and have a taste. Recorded in N.E. at Soft Cult Studio, mastered by Mother of all Music in midtown, & pressed by our very own Outta Wax, TROUBLE is without doubt a plate full of Minnesota Rock n' Roll.
The Cedar Presents TALISK and GARDINER BROTHERS: UNLEASHED
The Cedar Presents TALISK and GARDINER BROTHERS: UNLEASHED at Hennepin Arts' Pantages Theatre. UNLEASHED unites the award-winning folk trio Talisk with the electrifying Gardiner Brothers, whose Irish dance performances have garnered over 1 billion views on social media. This high-energy showcase blendsTalisk’s ground breaking melodies with the Gardiners’ viral choreography, celebrating tradition and innovation in an unforgettable fusion of music and dance.
NIDIA GÓNGORA with Colombia Live
Nidia Góngora blends Afro-Colombian roots with modern funk, earning a Latin Grammy nod and global acclaim as a marimba music guardian.
An Evening with JOHN McCUTCHEON
Behind a new release considered "the best of his career" folk music's renaissance man, master instrumentalist, powerful singer-songwriter, storyteller, activist, and author - JOHN McCUTCHEON returns to The Cedar stage.
Celtic Junction Arts Center presents: KINGFISHR with Scout Willis
Limerick-based 3-piece Kingfishr have quickly established themselves as one of the rising prospects in Irish music
An Evening with SYMBIO
Symbio is regarded as one of the most prominent new bands from the Nordic Folk & World music scene. With a magical interplay of hurdy-gurdy & accordion, an electrifying stage presence and captivating original compositions - the duo has become known as a phenomenon having toured in more than 20 countries.
MIZNA AND THE CEDAR PRESENT: CATHARSIS: ARAB FILM FEST DANCE NIGHT
Join Mizna at The Cedar Cultural Center for a night of purging our grief and anger on the dance floor, featuring local DJs Jacques, Jamal, and Talia Knight. Mizna merch and journals will be available to purchase on site. Free for Arab Film Fest pass holders.
MAMA'S BROKE with Chris Acker
“Mama’s Broke may seem traditional, but their tales of modern life have too much bite to be nostalgic; they are new and unique voices in modern, rootsy Americana that must be heard.” - Folk Radio UK
An Evening with ZAR ELECTRIK
ZAR ELECTRIK, a Franco-Moroccan trio, has created a marriage of Gnawan trance with loops of sub-Saharan music and bewitching electro. The result is an engagingly dynamic celebration!
An Evening with PUULUUP
Our favorite Estonian duo return to The Cedar stage: Puuluup! Two talharpa enthusiasts, Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson, in midlife crisis living a rock & roll lifestyle.
ART + MEDICINE: DISABILITY, CULTURE and CREATIVITY FILM & PANEL DISCUSSION
Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) Documentary Film Screening of Art + Medicine: Disability, Culture and Creativity followed by a Post-Show Panel Discussion with Jessica Horvath Williams, PhD, Kevin Kling and Elizabeth McLain, PhD.
FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: Mipso with Courtney Hartman and Shane Leonard
“hewing surprisingly close to gospel and folk while still sounding modern and secular” (Acoustic Guitar)
FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: DARREN KIELY with Ryan McMullan
Hailing from a quaint town in Co. Cork, Ireland, Darren Kiely's folk-infused pop sound originates from his inherited love of traditional Irish music, intertwined with modern influences such as The Lumineers, Mumtord & Sons, and Noah Kahan.
EAR COFFEE VIII FEAT 26 BATS!, THE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS, HEY, ILY, AND MOUTHFUL
Aly Muilenburg and Joe Keyport founded Ear Coffee in 2017 and since then it has been many things: a blog, a radio show, a podcast, live sessions, a newsletter, and more. Please join us in celebrating their 8th year with 26 BATS!, The Briefly Gorgeous, hey, ily, and Mouthful!
BERNADETTE SPRAY & FRIENDS- BENEFIT SHOW FOR OPEN CITIES HEALTH CENTER
For this show, Bernadette will be singing an eclectic mix of new and old jazz arrangements. She will be sharing her own journey of how jazz can be a powerful and positive way to exercise and build social connections through music.
The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis with Yr Knives
"the intersection of free improvisation and the spirit of punk-infused rock n’ roll" - Glide Magazine
MARC RIBOT: Map of a Blue City (Record Release)
Marc Ribot released Map of a Blue City on May 23, 2025 via New West Records. Most renowned as a wildly inventive guitarist who has collaborated with Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, John Zorn, Wilson Pickett, Marianne Faithfull, Caetano Veloso, Solomon Burke, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Neko Case, among many, many others, Map of a Blue City features Ribot’s imaginative playing and leads to what may be his definitive statement as an instrumentalist, as a songwriter, and even as a singer.
KAITLIN CASSADY ~ALBUM RELEASE SHOW~ WITH EMMY WOODS, AND LEXIE MODICA
Kaitlin Cassady is releasing her second album, "North Star", on August 22nd and celebrating with a show at The Cedar with Emmy Woods and Lexie Modica
Extreme Noise Records Presents: LiFE with BLAZING EYE and more!
After a successful run of shows to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the store, Extreme Noise is back for one blow out show at the Cedar. This year’s show features long running Tokyo legends LiFE, alongside Blazing Eye, Destruct, Alement, HOPE?, and Giallo.
THE CEDAR PRESENTS: THE GLOBAL GET TOGETHER with BRASS SOLIDARITY
The Cedar is back for our third year with two nights of entertainment at the Minnesota State Fair's International Bazaar! We will feature ALMA ANDINA on Wednesday, August 27th and BRASS SOLIDARITY on Thursday, August 28th, 2025.
THE CEDAR PRESENTS: THE GLOBAL GET TOGETHER with ALMA ANDINA
The Cedar is back for our third year with two nights of entertainment at the Minnesota State Fair's International Bazaar! We will feature ALMA ANDINA on Wednesday, August 27th and BRASS SOLIDARITY on Thursday, August 28th, 2025.
YALLA DRUM + COYLE CENTER YOUTH SUMMER DRUMMING FINALE on The Cedar Plaza
Yalla Drum brings music from the Middle East to life through dynamic, group performances. Their shows are lively, interactive, and rooted in shared groove and connection. With call-and-response, group drumming, and spontaneous moments, they invite audiences to listen, clap along, and feel part of the experience.
☀️Summer at The Cedar #7 : UKRAINIAN VILLAGE BAND☀️
The Summer at The Cedar series wraps up with the Twin Cities' own, UKRAINIAN VILLAGE BAND!
CEDAR CYPHER
Summer Cypher is back on the block! For our 4th Annual Cedar Cypher, we will be joining Cedar Fest for an Open Streets cultural activation!