"Quite simply, the Cedar Cultural Center is a great place to play. Another sold out show filled with folks who don't care about the cold. God bless them." Jorma Kaukonen (12/10/05)

Getting to The Cedar
About Us
Mission
History
Venue
Cedar Space Photos
Access
Refreshments

Getting to The Cedar
(Driving Map) (Light Rail Map)

Driving to the Cedar
The absence of the I-35W bridge only affects those driving to the Cedar from the north. All others can follow the customary path to enlightenment:

From the North

Take the official detour, MN-280 South to I-94 West. From 94 take the Cedar Avenue exit (234C). Take a right at the bottom of the ramp. The Cedar
Cultural Center is three blocks North.

From the South

Go North on 35W to the University of Minnesota exits (17C). Follow the West Bank sign. Turn right at the top of the ramp onto Washington Avenue. Go through the next stop light and follow the road as it curves right. You are now on Cedar Avenue, three blocks north of the Cedar Cultural Center.

Travel on 94 West to the Cedar Avenue exit (234C). Take a right at the bottom of the ramp. The Cedar Cultural Center is three blocks North.

Take 94 East to 25th Ave/Riverside Ave exit (235A). Turn left at the light on 25th Ave., then left two lights ahead onto Riverside Ave. Take Riverside about 6 blocks to Cedar Avenue. Park at the 19th Avenue Ramp on the right side just before Cedar. The Cedar is 1/2 block south on Cedar from Riverside.

Parking is available at the University of Minnesota 19th Avenue Ramp Just 1/3 block east of the Cedar Cultural Center on Riverside Avenue.

The Cedar (also known as the Cedar Cultural Center) is a highly eclectic music venue located in the vibrant West Bank district of Minneapolis. Renowned for hosting some of the best acts in folk, blues, jazz, indie rock and world music in an intimate space, the Cedar is a 501(c)3 non-profit, largely volunteer-driven organization and welcomes your support!

The Cedar's mission is to promote inter-cultural appreciation and understanding through the presentation of global music and dance. The Cedar is committed to artistic excellence and integrity, diversity of programming, support for emerging artists, and community outreach.

The Cedar is located in the historic Cedar Theater building, which opened in 1948 and operated as a movie theater until the 1970’s before falling into disuse. The Cedar Cultural Center was established in 1989 when local real estate magnate Keith Heller donated the theater to a non-profit started by Deb Martin and Mary Ann Dotsen, Minnesota STAR (Society for Traditional Arts and Resources). Their mission was “to support the preservation of cultural diversity by promoting and presenting traditional music and dance of many cultures.” Bill Kubeczko has been the artistic director since 1993, and with the help of a small, dedicated staff and a legion of energetic volunteers, the Cedar has been presenting 150 or more high-quality shows every year since.

Music lovers come to the Cedar to listen to music, not talk throughout a performance. Our state-of-the-art sound system provides excellent sound quality anywhere within the 465-seat capacity hall, with the clean aural experience augmented by clear sight lines. Most concerts offer general admission, concert-style seating in comfortable padded chairs, with space for dancers around the perimeter. A few concerts have limited seating in order to facilitate dancing. Dances are typically presented with a large central dance area on the superb sprung maple floor, with seating around the periphery.

 
Cedar Space Photos

View photos of the Cedar's venue from the sides, of the stage, and green room.

We strive to make our programming and facilities available to as many sectors of the community as possible. The Cedar does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to its programs or activities. Upon request, accommodations will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all Cedar programs and activities. People of all ages are welcome to ALL events, with children under age 12 and seniors over 65 typically admitted at discounted-price (purchase tickets at the Cedar for this discount). Student rush discounts are available for many concerts. These admission policies, along with other practices - such as offering free lessons prior to dances - reflect the Cedar's belief that participation in music and dance should be an everyday reality for people everywhere.

We sell a fine range of domestic (emphasis on microbrews) and imported beers, several good quality wines, sodas and juices, along with hot coffee, chai, herbal and Irish tea, and hot chocolate. A limited supply of hot food (typically curry and accompaniments from the Jewel of India) is available for purchase during most concerts, as well as tasty snacks (nuts, chips, chocolate, and more). An attractive garden patio provides a haven for smokers and non-smokers alike. Patrons may bring food and drinks into the concert hall. Many interesting restaurants and bars in the neighborhood offer before and after show dining and wining.