Growing up here in the Twin Cities, I couldn't wait to get out. Out of Minnesota, the Midwest, the whole shebang. That changed nearly overnight when I spent a semester in Italy. I loved it there, don't get me wrong, but I realized rather quickly just how lucky I am to be living in a city that has a great local music, art, & theater scene, a cool metro area, and trees & lakes! People tend to take it for granted how unique it is to have that all in one place.
So on the topic of my "Yay, Minneapolis!" ramblings, you can't hang out in the cities for long before you end of going to some music shows. Within the past year and a half (or so), I've been getting more into the local music thing. Some bands are amazing, while others make you glad there are drink specials while they're playing...but it's always awesome to see people so passionate about what they're doing.
I've made some great friends in some of those fun groups, and it makes me a little jealous every time I see them. I've harbored a semi-secret yearning to be a musician for years (well decades, really), but I've never put forward a really serious effort. For now I'll be happy just singing along with my friends in the audience, sipping a pint of whatever's on special that night.
Moral of the story? Go see shows! It's a great way to explore new places within your hometown, and you'll learn that First Ave is not the only place that has music...
~KK
