Folk Music in Minneapolis

Looking for some live folk music in Minneapolis? Check out our list of the best venues for catching a show!

The History of Folk Music in Minneapolis

Folk music has been an integral part of the musical landscape of Minneapolis for over a century. The city has long been a hotbed for folk musicians and has produced some of the genre’s most iconic performers, including Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, and John Prine.

Folk music first began to take root in Minneapolis in the late 19th century with the arrival of German and Irish immigrants. These new residents brought with them a rich tradition of folk music, which quickly began to take hold in the city’s bars and dance halls. In the early 20th century, Minneapolis became a major stop on the vaudeville circuit, and many of the era’s most popular folk musicians, including Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie, performed in the city.

The 1950s saw a resurgence in popularity for Folk Music, due in part to the commercial success of artists like Pete Seeger and The Weavers. The 1960s saw Folk Music reach new heights of popularity, thanks in large part to the work of Bob Dylan, who got his start performing at coffeehouses in Minneapolis’ Dinkytown neighborhood. Dylan would go on to change the face of Folk Music forever with his electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.

Today, Minneapolis is home to a vibrant folk music scene, with venues like The Dakota and The Cedar Cultural Center hosting regular performances by both local and national artists. The annual Minnesota Folk Festival is one of the city’s most popular events, drawing tens of thousands of music lovers from all over the world each year.

The Different Types of Folk Music in Minneapolis

In the United States, folk music is a genre of popular music that originated in the 18th century. It takes its roots from the traditional music of Britain and Ireland, as well as the music of Africa and America. Folk music is often passed down orally from one generation to the next. This type of music typically includes songs about everyday life, love, work, and death.

There are many different types of folk music in Minneapolis. Some of the most popular genres include bluegrass, country, blues, gospel, and rockabilly. There is also a growing resurgence of interest in traditional folk music from other parts of the world, such as Celtic and Scandinavian folk music.

The Popularity of Folk Music in Minneapolis

Folk music has been making a comeback in recent years, and Minneapolis is no exception. This genre of music has always had a strong presence in the city, dating back to the early 20th century when folk musicians like Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie were touring the country. In more recent years, artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez have brought folk music back into the mainstream.

Today, there are numerous venues in Minneapolis that host folk music performances. The Cedar Cultural Center is one of the most popular, featuring both local and touring artists. The Dakota Jazz Club is another popular spot for folk music, particularly on Wednesday nights when they host an open mic night.

If you’re looking to catch a folk show in Minneapolis, be sure to check out one of these venues!

The Future of Folk Music in Minneapolis

folk music has been a part of the Minneapolis music scene since the early days of the city. In the 1940s and 1950s, a number of folk clubs sprang up, featuring local and touring artists. The 1960s saw a renewed interest in folk music, particularly in the work of Bob Dylan, who was born in Duluth, Minnesota. Dylan’s success helped to bring about a resurgence of interest in folk music, both in Minneapolis and around the world.

Today, there are a number of folk clubs and festivals in Minneapolis, and the city is home to a number of successful artists, including Trampled by Turtles, John Prine, and Bonnie Raitt. Folk music continues to be an important part of the city’s musical culture, and it seems likely that it will continue to play a role in Minneapolis’ musical future.