Marking 50th anniversary, Gov. Walz declares Friday First Avenue Day
[KSTP]
As the historic music venue celebrates its 50th anniversary, Gov. Tim Walz proclaimed Friday First Avenue Day.
"Cheers to 50 years of bringing Minnesotans together, First Avenue," Walz said in a tweet. "During times like these, it's even more important to take a moment to recognize what defines the Minnesota we know and love."
Cheers to 50 years of bringing Minnesotans together, @FirstAvenue! During times like these, it’s even more important to take a moment to recognize what defines the Minnesota we know and love.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) April 3, 2020
First Avenue made its debut in the refurbished old Greyhound Bus Depot on the corner of First Avenue and Seventh Street on April 3, 1970.
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The opening night performer was Joe Cocker. The debut performance was a sellout with people paying $10 for a table and $4 for standing room.
The venue was set to have an anniversary show Friday night. However, the show was canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Looking for a way to celebrate while people are quarantining, the celebration is set to move online.
In another move to recognize the iconic venue, a number of radio stations – including Hubbard Broadcasting's KQRS – will play Prince's Purple Rain at the same time at 5 p.m. Friday.