More about Sage
"Through the Cedar, I've been introduced to music from all over the world and befriended people from all walks of life." -Sage
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Spotlight on Sage
Show she's most excited for:
Mirah and Spectratone International, May 6
Most memborable Cedar performance:
Mike Doughty, May 2005
Favorite Cedar-Riverside Restaurant:
Chai's |
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An interview with Sage Dahlen, Cedar volunteer, intern, donor, and house manager by Cedar Director of Development Adrienne Dorn
I remember first meeting Sage in 2004. This was back when I was a house manager, and it was Sage’s first time volunteering. I remember it clearly. Ozzy Osbourne was performing. Or maybe that was something else. I don’t really remember now. Whatever, that’s not the point. Either way, Sage was dressed as a tree. I thought that was kind of weird. I said, “Hi Sage, nice to meet you. Why are you dressed like that?” She said, “Like what?” I said, “Like a tree, I guess.” She said, “Oh! It’s because I’m made of Cedar.”
I mean, I realized that the Cedar is a really cool place, but I sort of thought the whole dressing as a tree thing was over the top. The deeper involved I got with The Cedar, though, the more I realized just how awesome The Cedar is and how awesomer it’s getting as more and more people show their support and step up as donors. The more I got to know Sage, the more I was convinced that she really is “made of Cedar.” Because of her generosity, passion, and commitment to The Cedar (and also because she’s cute), I asked her for an interview. I requested that she not wear the tree costume.
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A: How did you first get involved at The Cedar?
S: My relationship with the Cedar began when I started as a volunteer during my junior year of high school. Volunteering allowed me to see music without breaking the bank. It also provided a way for me to give back to the community while also being able to expand my musical tastes and exposure to local music. I immediately felt welcome at the Cedar. It was as though I had instantly made a whole new group of friends. After volunteering as often as I could for about two years, there was an opening for a House Manager position, and I leapt at the opportunity.
A: What is your favorite Cedar experience?
S: This past summer, The Cedar hosted Fringe Festival performances. I worked a few of the shows, but one night was really memorable. I had a really disastrous day (I think the highlight was biking through the rain on a flat tire down Cedar Ave.) but once I got to work, everything was better. That is pretty representative of the impact the Cedar has on my life.
A: What’s the most challenging thing about being a house manager?
S: Remembering the selection of beers.
A: What’s the most underappreciated part of The West Bank (besides The Cedar, of course?)
S: Tam Tam’s African Restaurant (supposedly pronounced Tah-m Tah-ms, but we’re in Minnesota, so I think that the nasally “Tyam Tyams” is perfectly acceptable) Steven the owner is so friendly and inviting! It’s right down the street on Cedar.
A: Do you know how to get on those bikes that are really tall?
S: No.
A: Which West Bank business do you wish would open back up?
S: Hard Times. Now.
A: If you had to be a groupie for any band in history, which one would you choose?
S: Balkan Beat Box. Have you seen their videos on YouTube? I think I’d be good at dancing through those hoops that hang from the ceilings.
A: What’s your favorite fried food at the MN State Fair:
S: Cheese curds, obvs.
A: What’s your favorite Twin Cities coffee?
S: Peace Coffee. At the Cedar we serve the Guatemalan blend, but they are all good. Mapps Coffee & Teas has some of the best chai.
A: What’s the first thing you would do at The Cedar with charitable donations from a successful campaign?
S: I would like to see more publicity for shows in different locations so that we can expand the Cedar community even more. And maybe a hot tub for VIP guests (or just me.)
A: Why do you think people should donate to The Cedar?
S: People should contribute to the Cedar to show their support for a unique venue. There is nowhere else like it in the Twin Cites – or even in the country.
A: Which place in the city knows your face?
S: I’m at the Cliquot Club Café in Seward pretty regularly. Their desserts are almost too delicious, and sometimes I run into Ray, The Cedar Sound Engineer there.
A: Which Cedar staff member are you secretly jealous of?
S: Mark Johnson. All his outfits are cuter than mine. Damn him.
A: What’s your favorite proposed city improvement?
S: It’s a tie. The new Central Corridor light rail route, and the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Project, which is providing something like $7 million dollars for new pedestrian and bike paths.
A: Which Cedar jam can you just not get enough of?
S: The Pines’ latest album “Sparrows in the Bell” is really good. I’m looking forward to their next show at The Cedar with Jeremy Messersmith and Roma di Luna on December 29. Also the Carolina Chocolate Drops, who are coming back to The Cedar in January. I saw them up at the Winnipeg Folk Festival this past summer.
A: Who would you like to see at The Cedar?
S: Joanna Newsom. That would be right up The Cedar’s alley.
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