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UPCOMING
EVENTS

NEXT UP At The Cedar

Events
BERNADETTE SPRAY & FRIENDS- BENEFIT SHOW FOR OPEN CITIES HEALTH CENTER
Sep 10
BERNADETTE SPRAY & FRIENDS- BENEFIT SHOW FOR OPEN CITIES HEALTH CENTER

For this show, Bernadette will be singing an eclectic mix of new and old jazz arrangements. She will be sharing her own journey of how jazz can be a powerful and positive way to exercise and build social connections through music.

EAR COFFEE VIII FEAT 26 BATS!, THE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS, HEY, ILY, AND MOUTHFUL
Sep 12
EAR COFFEE VIII FEAT 26 BATS!, THE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS, HEY, ILY, AND MOUTHFUL

Aly Muilenburg and Joe Keyport founded Ear Coffee in 2017 and since then it has been many things: a blog, a radio show, a podcast, live sessions, a newsletter, and more. Please join us in celebrating their 8th year with 26 BATS!, The Briefly Gorgeous, hey,ily, and Mouthful!

FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: DARREN KIELY with Ryan McMullan
Sep 14
FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: DARREN KIELY with Ryan McMullan

Hailing from a quaint town in Co. Cork, Ireland, Darren Kiely's folk-infused pop sound originates from his inherited love of traditional Irish music, intertwined with modern influences such as The Lumineers, Mumtord & Sons, and Noah Kahan.

Volunteer Orientation
Sep 15
Volunteer Orientation

Have you ever wanted to peek behind the scenes at the Cedar? Learn more about how to participate at our venue by attending our monthly Volunteer Orientation led by volunteer coordinator Jared Hemming!

FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: Mipso with Courtney Hartman and Shane Leonard
Sep 18
FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: Mipso with Courtney Hartman and Shane Leonard

“hewing surprisingly close to gospel and folk while still sounding modern and secular” (Acoustic Guitar)

ART + MEDICINE: DISABILITY, CULTURE and CREATIVITY FILM & PANEL DISCUSSION
Sep 21
ART + MEDICINE: DISABILITY, CULTURE and CREATIVITY FILM & PANEL DISCUSSION

Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) Documentary Film Screening of Art + Medicine: Disability, Culture and Creativity followed by a Post-Show Panel Discussion with Jessica Horvath Williams, PhD, Kevin Kling and Elizabeth McLain, PhD.

RECENTLY ANNOUNCED

Events
An Evening with Justin Adams and Mauro Durante
Nov 13
An Evening with Justin Adams and Mauro Durante

Guitarist and producer Justin Adams’ credits include working with Jah Wobble, Sinéad O’Conner, Robert Plant, and Tinariwen. Joined by Italian percussionist Mauro Durante, the two make music described as “Mediterranean trance blues.” This is the duo's second performance at The Cedar. 

An Evening with ALUNE WADE
Nov 19
An Evening with ALUNE WADE

Senegalese singer and bass virtuoso Alune Wade brings his distinct sound to The Cedar stage for the first time this Fall. Blending Afrobeat and jazz, Wade traces the deep connections between West African rhythms, Lagos grooves, and the bold brass sounds of New Orleans. In addition to his performance, The Cedar will screen the short documentary Tukki: From Roots to the Bayou, telling the story of the creation of Wade’s new album, New African Orleans, and highlighting African cultural traditions and their journeys to Louisiana.

DAR WILLIAMS with Joy Clark
Mar 6
DAR WILLIAMS with Joy Clark

The Cedar is proud to welcome back folk songwriter Dar Williams, described as "one of America's very best singer-songwriters" by the New Yorker. Her new album is out this September on Ani DiFranco's Righteous Babe Records. 

CALENDAR

Featured
BERNADETTE SPRAY & FRIENDS- BENEFIT SHOW FOR OPEN CITIES HEALTH CENTER
Sep 10
BERNADETTE SPRAY & FRIENDS- BENEFIT SHOW FOR OPEN CITIES HEALTH CENTER

For this show, Bernadette will be singing an eclectic mix of new and old jazz arrangements. She will be sharing her own journey of how jazz can be a powerful and positive way to exercise and build social connections through music.

EAR COFFEE VIII FEAT 26 BATS!, THE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS, HEY, ILY, AND MOUTHFUL
Sep 12
EAR COFFEE VIII FEAT 26 BATS!, THE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS, HEY, ILY, AND MOUTHFUL

Aly Muilenburg and Joe Keyport founded Ear Coffee in 2017 and since then it has been many things: a blog, a radio show, a podcast, live sessions, a newsletter, and more. Please join us in celebrating their 8th year with 26 BATS!, The Briefly Gorgeous, hey,ily, and Mouthful!

FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: DARREN KIELY with Ryan McMullan
Sep 14
FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: DARREN KIELY with Ryan McMullan

Hailing from a quaint town in Co. Cork, Ireland, Darren Kiely's folk-infused pop sound originates from his inherited love of traditional Irish music, intertwined with modern influences such as The Lumineers, Mumtord & Sons, and Noah Kahan.

Volunteer Orientation
Sep 15
Volunteer Orientation

Have you ever wanted to peek behind the scenes at the Cedar? Learn more about how to participate at our venue by attending our monthly Volunteer Orientation led by volunteer coordinator Jared Hemming!

FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: Mipso with Courtney Hartman and Shane Leonard
Sep 18
FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: Mipso with Courtney Hartman and Shane Leonard

“hewing surprisingly close to gospel and folk while still sounding modern and secular” (Acoustic Guitar)

ART + MEDICINE: DISABILITY, CULTURE and CREATIVITY FILM & PANEL DISCUSSION
Sep 21
ART + MEDICINE: DISABILITY, CULTURE and CREATIVITY FILM & PANEL DISCUSSION

Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) Documentary Film Screening of Art + Medicine: Disability, Culture and Creativity followed by a Post-Show Panel Discussion with Jessica Horvath Williams, PhD, Kevin Kling and Elizabeth McLain, PhD.

An Evening with PUULUUP
Sep 23
An Evening with PUULUUP

Our favorite Estonian duo return to The Cedar stage: Puuluup! Two talharpa enthusiasts, Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson, in midlife crisis living a rock & roll lifestyle. 

An Evening with ZAR ELECTRIK
Sep 24
An Evening with ZAR ELECTRIK

ZAR ELECTRIK, a Franco-Moroccan trio, has created a marriage of Gnawan trance with loops of sub-Saharan music and bewitching electro. The result is an engagingly dynamic celebration!

MAMA'S BROKE with Chris Acker
Sep 25
MAMA'S BROKE with Chris Acker

“Mama’s Broke may seem traditional, but their tales of modern life have too much bite to be nostalgic; they are new and unique voices in modern, rootsy Americana that must be heard.” - Folk Radio UK

MIZNA AND THE CEDAR PRESENT: CATHARSIS: ARAB FILM FEST DANCE NIGHT
Sep 27
MIZNA AND THE CEDAR PRESENT: CATHARSIS: ARAB FILM FEST DANCE NIGHT

Join Mizna at The Cedar Cultural Center for a night of purging our grief and anger on the dance floor, featuring local DJs Jacques, Jamal, and Talia Knight. Mizna merch and journals will be available to purchase on site. Free for Arab Film Fest pass holders.

An Evening with SYMBIO
Sep 30
An Evening with SYMBIO

Symbio is regarded as one of the most prominent new bands from the Nordic Folk & World music scene. With a magical interplay of hurdy-gurdy & accordion, an electrifying stage presence and captivating original compositions - the duo has become known as a phenomenon having toured in more than 20 countries.

FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: Kingfishr
Oct 3
FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: Kingfishr

Limerick-based 3-piece Kingfishr have quickly established themselves as one of the rising prospects in Irish music

An Evening with JOHN McCUTCHEON
Oct 4
An Evening with JOHN McCUTCHEON

Behind a new release considered "the best of his career" folk music's renaissance man, master instrumentalist, powerful singer-songwriter, storyteller, activist, and author - JOHN McCUTCHEON returns to The Cedar stage.

An Evening with NIDIA GÓNGORA
Oct 5
An Evening with NIDIA GÓNGORA

Nidia Góngora blends Afro-Colombian roots with modern funk, earning a Latin Grammy nod and global acclaim as a marimba music guardian.

[RESCHEDULED] The Cedar Presents TALISK and GARDINER BROTHERS: UNLEASHED
Oct 9
[RESCHEDULED] The Cedar Presents TALISK and GARDINER BROTHERS: UNLEASHED

The Cedar Presents TALISK and GARDINER BROTHERS: UNLEASHED at Hennepin Arts' Pantages Theatre. UNLEASHED unites the award-winning folk trio Talisk with the electrifying Gardiner Brothers, whose Irish dance performances have garnered over 1 billion views on social media. This high-energy showcase blendsTalisk’s ground breaking melodies with the Gardiners’ viral choreography, celebrating tradition and innovation in an unforgettable fusion of music and dance.

BETTY WON'T Album Release Party with Makin' Out, Stolyette, and Little Fevers
Oct 11
BETTY WON'T Album Release Party with Makin' Out, Stolyette, and Little Fevers

Piñata Records presents a Betty Won't Album Release Party ;)

TROUBLE, the premiere LP from Minneapolis' own twang rockers BETTY WON'T has been in the slow cooker long enough ! A local dish, totally created through massive collaboration all across our city -- now with the flavors melded, the wax melted, it's time to turn the lights down and have a taste. Recorded in N.E. at Soft Cult Studio, mastered by Mother of all Music in midtown, & pressed by our very own Outta Wax, TROUBLE is without doubt a plate full of Minnesota Rock n' Roll.

COLE PULICE with MOLLY RABEN
Oct 17
COLE PULICE with MOLLY RABEN

Saxophonist, composer and improviser Cole Pulice traffics in shimmering, otherworldly beauty.

PACHYMAN + MNDSGN with MICHI
Oct 18
PACHYMAN + MNDSGN with MICHI

Making their Cedar debut, the kings of smooth beats -Pachyman & MNDSGN- bring an evening of reggae-infused notes and sun-kissed percussion.

BRUCE HENRY & DEAN MAGRAW Album Release Concert
Oct 19
BRUCE HENRY & DEAN MAGRAW Album Release Concert

Musical masters Bruce Henry (vocals) and Dean Magraw (guitar) celebrate the release of their new acoustic album A New Song with a special concert, welcoming Bruce back to his former Twin Cities home. Although the two artists have collaborated over the years, this is their first duo project and reflects an unexpected musical alchemy. Rooted in Black history, Bruce’s rich storytelling and three-and-a-half octave range weaves seamlessly with Dean's spacious and soulful guitar stylings.

THE WILDWOODS with Emmy Woods
Oct 23
THE WILDWOODS with Emmy Woods

The Wildwoods are a folk/Americana trio crafting rich harmonies & heartfelt tales. Dear Meadowlark (2025) honors their Nebraska roots.

An Evening with Väsen + The Fretless
Oct 24
An Evening with Väsen + The Fretless

Swedish folk from Upsala, Väsen return to The Cedar for a co-headlining show with Canadian folk quintet The Fretless.

NEWS

The Cedar News Blog
Introducing Our New Program Director: James Taylor
Introducing Our New Program Director: James Taylor

The Cedar Cultural Center is thrilled to announce the appointment of James Taylor as its new Program Director. James brings extensive experience in live music, artist development, and venue management to the position.

From the Desk of Michelle
From the Desk of Michelle

Thank you for a wonderful 2024!

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Yungchen Lhamo: One Drop of Kindness (Interview)

About The Cedar

The Cedar’s mission is to promote intercultural 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.

Located in the heart of Cedar Riverside, one of the most prolific neighborhoods for live music in Minneapolis, and the home to the largest Somali diaspora in the U.S., The Cedar plays a key role in maintaining the vibrancy and diversity of the Twin Cities’ arts scene.

 

 

Get Involved

As a non-profit organization, volunteers are crucial to keeping the Cedar running. At each event, as many as 20 volunteers perform a variety of tasks such as setting up the theater before shows, selling tickets, serving concessions, staffing the merchandise table, and cleaning up the theater after shows. And they also have a lot of fun!

The Cedar Presents An Evening with JUSTIN ADAM and MAURO DURANTE Thursday, November 13, 2025 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 7:30 PM All Ages Seated 🎟️ Tickets on sale now! Head to our Linktree!
An extra treat for the Cedar audience at Zār Electrik’s upcoming show will be Arthur Peneau’s electric kora. While there have been many excellent kora players performing on The Cedar’s stage, the koras played have all been tradition
The Cedar Presents DAR WILLIAMS with Joy Clark Friday, March 6, 2026 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM All Ages Seated 🎟️ Tickets on sale September 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM CT! Head to our Linktree!
Piñata Records presents BETTY WON'T Album Release Party with Makin' Out, Stolyette, and Little Fevers Saturday, October 11, 2025 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM All Ages Standing 🎟️ Tickets on sale now! Head to our Linktree!
Emmy Woods will be opening for THE WILDWOODS at The Cedar! Thursday, October 23, 2025 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 7:30 PM All Ages Seated 🎟️ Head to our Linktree for tickets!
Three back-to-back Cedar shows featured in this week's Racket! Thank you, Keith + The Racket Team! Read more about them at the link in our bio!
The Cedar Presents An Evening with ALUNE WADE Wednesday, November 19, 2025 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM All Ages Seated 🎟️ Tickets on sale now! Head to our Linktree!
The Cedar Presents BRUCE HENRY & DEAN MAGRAW Album Release Show Sunday, October 19, 2025 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 7:30 PM All Ages Seated 🎟️ Tickets on sale now! Head to our Linktree!

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THE CEDAR’S PROGRAMS

HELP US MAKE MORE MEMORIES: SUPPORT THE CEDAR

Our audience members and artists make The Cedar what it is: a home for music that values cultural connections, that embraces artists from all over the globe, and welcomes all.

We depend on generous supporters like you to keep global music thriving in the heart of Minneapolis. With your contribution, you can empower local emerging artists as they compose new works and bring 100+ musicians from around the world to our stage each year.