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Letter from The President

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going” could have been The Cedar’s motto in 2008 and 2009. Major shifts in the music industry, the funding community, and the economy have made tough times the order-of-the-day. Although these circumstances have presented a number of challenges, I am proud to say that The Cedar’s patrons, volunteers, staff, and board have risen to the occasion.

The Cedar has emerged as a destination in the “flight to quality” trend that has become popular in this recession. As individuals and families are forced to tighten their purse strings, we are being pickier about how we spend our discretionary dollars. The quality of The Cedar’s work as well as the affordability of our ticket price has made us a venue of choice for many who are seeking the most favorable cost-benefit in entertainment. This resonates with a focused mission, striving to uphold and improve our already stellar reputation, and our ability to execute strategic priorities, including: 

• continued commitment to excellence in local, regional, and international performing arts realized with more shows and larger audiences.

• year-over-year growth of our annual fund – more important now than ever before given unfavorable trends in foundation support – demonstrating that the community values and supports The Cedar’s work.

• successful outreach to targeted audiences, including youth, to ensure that our programs are accessible and serving community members who can benefit most.

The Cedar has emerged as an institutional leader in our local, regional, and global arts community. But continued success requires attention to day-to-day activities as well as strategic goals. This is ensured by an efficient operational model as well as by financial support in the form of donations and ticket purchases from audience members like you.

Now is the time to recommit to what you value today and in the future. We’re confident that staying focused on our mission and pursuing our vision for continued success will enable The Cedar to thrive. This is a call to our entire community to invest in something that has and will continue to increase the quality of life in our Twin Cities. Click here to donate today. 

-Hugh Pruitt, Cedar Board President

Cedar History and Mission

The Cedar Cultural Center, commonly known as The Cedar, is a non-profit performing arts organization that presents the best in local, national, and international music. 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 hosts almost 200 events each year including music performances in all genres, dances, workshops, and benefits. The only all-ages venue of its kind in the Midwest, The Cedar was established in 1989 and operates in a building that was constructed as a movie theater in 1948. The hall seats 465 audience members and provides high-quality sound in an intimate concert environment. Minnesota Public Radio has said, "The Cedar is regarded as one of the best venues in the country to be able to see and hear an artist as though you were in their living room." Many now-well-known artists such as Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Ani DiFranco, Ryan Adams, Dan Wilson, Andrew Bird, and Greg Brown have performed on The Cedar’s stage, which demonstrates both the quality of The Cedar’s programming and its role in artists’ growth. 

Located in the heart of Cedar-Riverside, the most prolific neighborhood for live music in Minneapolis, The Cedar plays a key role in maintaining the vibrancy and diversity of the Twin Cities’ arts scene. The Cedar supports innovative local artists, hosts international performers who may not otherwise visit Minnesota, brings communities together under a common appreciation for music, offers unique educational opportunities, and facilitates artist collaborations. Charitable funding allows The Cedar to maintain its mission-driven programming and to focus on initiatives that further accessibility and outreach, allowing us to serve the largest and most diverse group of people. 

In its 20th season, The Cedar made considerable progress towards expanding our capacity, furthering our mission, and serving a larger community. Our budget increased by 45% since 2006, and 2009 saw the largest number of events in Cedar history. We are also on track to serve more people than ever before, which will reflect an 85% increase from our 2005 audience numbers. Our audience now includes more underserved community members, youth, and college students. These accomplishments are a result of diversified programming, improved event marketing, new programs, and new partnerships. The Cedar saw these successes in the face of a difficult economy, which demonstrates effective leadership and strong community support. 

The Cedar’s recent growth and dynamic programming is made possible by support from our patrons – in the form of both ticket purchases and donations. Your support ensures that The Cedar will continue to play an essential role in the Twin Cities’ arts community.

Click here to support live music at The Cedar!