By Alyssa Hayes, Courtesy of Explore Minnesota

Over the years, Minnesota’s music marvels have played a major role in shaping popular music history, with the sounds of artists such as the legendary Prince, Bob Dylan, The Replacements, Atmosphere and more.

The Twin Cities music scene gets a special shout-out by locals and visitors alike for its rich diversity, varied venues, local talent and outdoor festivals. Travel + Leisure magazine ranked Minneapolis eighth among “America’s Best Music Cities.”

“Cross-pollination makes the Twin Cities music scene a vital one. ‘Local’ is not a genre, but a fierce, hard-working streak found among our area talent,” notes Reed Fischer, former City Pages music editor. “Folk singers end up as guest vocalists on hip-hop records, there are a dozen venues that sell out regularly with local headliners, radio stations love to play Minnesota artists and there’s a good chance that the person standing next to you at a show has a band of their own.”

First Ave

Whether you groove to jazz and blues, indie, punk, reggae, rock, country or classical, you’ll find live music anywhere from small coffeehouses and bars to auditoriums and big-name venues. Check out the music scene at local favorites, including First Avenue, Icehouse, The Amsterdam, Triple Rock Club, Palace Theatre, Turf Club and the Cabooze.

The Amsterdam

Jazz fans shouldn’t miss The Dakota Jazz Club in downtown Minneapolis or the new Vieux Carre in Saint Paul. The Fine Line Music Cafe features eclectic lineups and The Cedar Cultural Center is renowned for world music.

Cedar Cultural Center

With the region’s countless venues, there’s not a night in the week you can’t find live music. If jazz music is more your scene, read more about Minneapolis-Saint Paul area jazz venues.