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THE WORLD’S MUSIC. HERE.

UPCOMING
EVENTS

NEXT UP At The Cedar

Events
YALLA DRUM + COYLE CENTER YOUTH SUMMER DRUMMING FINALE on The Cedar Plaza
Aug 21
YALLA DRUM + COYLE CENTER YOUTH SUMMER DRUMMING FINALE on The Cedar Plaza

Yalla Drum brings music from the Middle East to life through dynamic, group performances. Their shows are lively, interactive, and rooted in shared groove and connection. With call-and-response, group drumming, and spontaneous moments, they invite audiences to listen, clap along, and feel part of the experience.

THE CEDAR PRESENTS: THE GLOBAL GET TOGETHER with ALMA ANDINA
Aug 27
THE CEDAR PRESENTS: THE GLOBAL GET TOGETHER with ALMA ANDINA

The Cedar is back for our third year with two nights of entertainment at the Minnesota State Fair's International Bazaar! We will feature ALMA ANDINA on Wednesday, August 27th and BRASS SOLIDARITY on Thursday, August 28th, 2025.

THE CEDAR PRESENTS: THE GLOBAL GET TOGETHER with BRASS SOLIDARITY
Aug 28
THE CEDAR PRESENTS: THE GLOBAL GET TOGETHER with BRASS SOLIDARITY

The Cedar is back for our third year with two nights of entertainment at the Minnesota State Fair's International Bazaar! We will feature ALMA ANDINA on Wednesday, August 27th and BRASS SOLIDARITY on Thursday, August 28th, 2025.

Extreme Noise Records Presents: LiFE with BLAZING EYE and more!
Aug 30
Extreme Noise Records Presents: LiFE with BLAZING EYE and more!

After a successful run of shows to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the store, Extreme Noise is back for one blow out show at the Cedar. This year’s show features long running Tokyo legends LiFE, alongside Blazing Eye, Destruct, Alement, HOPE?, and Giallo.

KAITLIN CASSADY ~ALBUM RELEASE SHOW~ WITH EMMY WOODS, AND LEXIE MODICA
Sep 4
KAITLIN CASSADY ~ALBUM RELEASE SHOW~ WITH EMMY WOODS, AND LEXIE MODICA

Kaitlin Cassady is releasing her second album, "North Star", on August 22nd and celebrating with a show at The Cedar with Emmy Woods and Lexie Modica

MARC RIBOT: Map of a Blue City (Record Release)
Sep 5
MARC RIBOT: Map of a Blue City (Record Release)

Marc Ribot released Map of a Blue City on May 23, 2025 via New West Records. Most renowned as a wildly inventive guitarist who has collaborated with Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, John Zorn, Wilson Pickett, Marianne Faithfull, Caetano Veloso, Solomon Burke, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Neko Case, among many, many others, Map of a Blue City features Ribot’s imaginative playing and leads to what may be his definitive statement as an instrumentalist, as a songwriter, and even as a singer.

RECENTLY ANNOUNCED

Events
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 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.

THE ALTONS & THEE SINSEERS: CLUB HEARTACHE TOUR
Oct 28
THE ALTONS & THEE SINSEERS: CLUB HEARTACHE TOUR

Thee Sinseers and The Altons deliver modern soul from East L.A., deeply rooted in the souldies scene for the “CLUB HEARTACHE TOUR.”

CALENDAR

Featured
YALLA DRUM + COYLE CENTER YOUTH SUMMER DRUMMING FINALE on The Cedar Plaza
Aug 21
YALLA DRUM + COYLE CENTER YOUTH SUMMER DRUMMING FINALE on The Cedar Plaza

Yalla Drum brings music from the Middle East to life through dynamic, group performances. Their shows are lively, interactive, and rooted in shared groove and connection. With call-and-response, group drumming, and spontaneous moments, they invite audiences to listen, clap along, and feel part of the experience.

THE CEDAR PRESENTS: THE GLOBAL GET TOGETHER with ALMA ANDINA
Aug 27
THE CEDAR PRESENTS: THE GLOBAL GET TOGETHER with ALMA ANDINA

The Cedar is back for our third year with two nights of entertainment at the Minnesota State Fair's International Bazaar! We will feature ALMA ANDINA on Wednesday, August 27th and BRASS SOLIDARITY on Thursday, August 28th, 2025.

THE CEDAR PRESENTS: THE GLOBAL GET TOGETHER with BRASS SOLIDARITY
Aug 28
THE CEDAR PRESENTS: THE GLOBAL GET TOGETHER with BRASS SOLIDARITY

The Cedar is back for our third year with two nights of entertainment at the Minnesota State Fair's International Bazaar! We will feature ALMA ANDINA on Wednesday, August 27th and BRASS SOLIDARITY on Thursday, August 28th, 2025.

Extreme Noise Records Presents: LiFE with BLAZING EYE and more!
Aug 30
Extreme Noise Records Presents: LiFE with BLAZING EYE and more!

After a successful run of shows to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the store, Extreme Noise is back for one blow out show at the Cedar. This year’s show features long running Tokyo legends LiFE, alongside Blazing Eye, Destruct, Alement, HOPE?, and Giallo.

KAITLIN CASSADY ~ALBUM RELEASE SHOW~ WITH EMMY WOODS, AND LEXIE MODICA
Sep 4
KAITLIN CASSADY ~ALBUM RELEASE SHOW~ WITH EMMY WOODS, AND LEXIE MODICA

Kaitlin Cassady is releasing her second album, "North Star", on August 22nd and celebrating with a show at The Cedar with Emmy Woods and Lexie Modica

MARC RIBOT: Map of a Blue City (Record Release)
Sep 5
MARC RIBOT: Map of a Blue City (Record Release)

Marc Ribot released Map of a Blue City on May 23, 2025 via New West Records. Most renowned as a wildly inventive guitarist who has collaborated with Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, John Zorn, Wilson Pickett, Marianne Faithfull, Caetano Veloso, Solomon Burke, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Neko Case, among many, many others, Map of a Blue City features Ribot’s imaginative playing and leads to what may be his definitive statement as an instrumentalist, as a songwriter, and even as a singer.

The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis with Yr Knives
Sep 6
The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis with Yr Knives

"the intersection of free improvisation and the spirit of punk-infused rock n’ roll" - Glide Magazine

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
Sep 14
FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: DARREN KIELY

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.

FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: MIPSO
Sep 18
FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: MIPSO

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

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. 

ZAR ELECTRIK
Sep 24
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.

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

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

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!

Sara Pajunen will be opening for BRIGHDE CHAIMBEUL at The Cedar! Saturday, November 22, 2025 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM All Ages Seated 🎟️ Head to our Linktree for tickets!
MIZNA AND THE CEDAR PRESENT: CATHARSIS: ARAB FILM FEST DANCE NIGHT Saturday, September 27, 2025 / Doors: 8:30 PM / Show: 9:00 PM All Ages Standing 🎟️ Tickets on sale now! Head to our Linktree!
The Cedar Presents An Evening with Väsen + The Fretless Friday, October 24, 2025 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 7:30 PM All Ages Seated 🎟️ Tickets on sale now! Head to our Linktree!
Two incredible shows for $35! See BOTH Marc Ribot + The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis for just $35. Limited availability, link in bio. Click on either show to access the offer in the ticket selection! See you here at The Cedar soon!
DJ Jake Rudh will be opening for COLIN HAY at Pantages Theatre! Thursday, October 30, 2025/ Doors: 6:30 PM / Show: 7:30 PM All Ages Seated 🎟️ Head to our Linktree for tickets!
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. James can be reached at jtaylor
The Cedar Presents EAR COFFEE VIII FEAT 26 BATS!, THE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS, HEY, ILY, AND MOUTHFUL Friday, September 12, 2025 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM All Ages Standing 🎟️ Tickets on sale now! Head to our Linktree for tickets!
The Cedar Presents THE ALTONS & THEE SINSEERS: CLUB HEARTACHE TOUR Tuesday, October 28, 2025 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 7:30 PM All Ages Standing 🎟️ Tickets on sale Friday, August 15, 2025 at 10AM CT! Head to our Linktree for tickets!
FIRST AVENUE PRESENTS: AN EVENING WITH EAST FOREST Friday, November 14th, 2025 / / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM All Ages Seated 🎟️ Tickets on sale Friday, August 15, 2025 at 10AM CT! Head to our Linktree for tickets!

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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.