
NEXT UP At The Cedar
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.
Nidia Góngora blends Afro-Colombian roots with modern funk, earning a Latin Grammy nod and global acclaim as a marimba music guardian.
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.
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.
Saxophonist, composer and improviser Cole Pulice traffics in shimmering, otherworldly beauty.
Making their Cedar debut, the kings of smooth beats -Pachyman & MNDSGN- bring an evening of reggae-infused notes and sun-kissed percussion.
RECENTLY ANNOUNCED
St. Rangers celebrates the release of their debut EP Witness Marks, a collection of new folk tunes perfectly suited to autumn's final weeks. Formed by Garret Nasset and Rachel Bearinger within the vibrant Twin Cities songwriter scene, St. Rangers offers songs crafted with the precision of a chisel, with arrangements that lock into place with satisfying comfort. The band is delighted to share the stage with local folk-bluegrass duo LaPlant Road.
John Trudell has been physically gone for ten years now. His life and words continue to matter. John reminds us that if we use our intelligence and stay coherent, we will outlast them. This evening will not only celebrate his memories, wisdom, heart and love, but will revive his voice to make his words part of our own truth. This will help the powerless realize that they are anything but.
El Khat perform Arabic tunes of Yemeni origin, led by multi-instrumentalist Eyal El Wahab. Experimenting with DIY homemade instruments, the trio’s psychedelic stomps fit comfortably in the global groove of similar artists like BALTHVS, Glass Beams, and Khruangbin. The Cedar welcomes El Khat back to the Twin Cities for their third performance in our room.
CALENDAR
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.
Nidia Góngora blends Afro-Colombian roots with modern funk, earning a Latin Grammy nod and global acclaim as a marimba music guardian.
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.
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.
Saxophonist, composer and improviser Cole Pulice traffics in shimmering, otherworldly beauty.
Making their Cedar debut, the kings of smooth beats -Pachyman & MNDSGN- bring an evening of reggae-infused notes and sun-kissed percussion.
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 are a folk/Americana trio crafting rich harmonies & heartfelt tales. Dear Meadowlark (2025) honors their Nebraska roots.
Swedish folk from Upsala, Väsen return to The Cedar for a co-headlining show with Canadian folk quintet The Fretless.
Join Phoenix Flight Studio for a bewitching Halloween showcase at the Cedar! The evening opens with aerial artistry on lyra, trapeze, sling, and flying pole, followed by an electrifying second act of pole, chair, and floor performances. Featuring choreography by students and instructors, this night of spooky, seductive talent is not to be missed.
NOISE PARTY has returned once again to its new home at The Cedar Cultural Center. Continuing the tradition of showcasing the best local acts within the fields of ambient, drone, noise, and experimental music, Noise Party Vol. 12 pulls no punches with this upcoming lineup. Come and experience a one of a kind musical adventure paired with hypnotic live visuals. Whether it’s your first time experiencing a “noise” show or your hundredth, come and join an attentive audience and bathe in soundscapes sent from another galaxy.
Thee Sinseers and The Altons deliver modern soul from East L.A., deeply rooted in the souldies scene for the “CLUB HEARTACHE TOUR.”
The Cedar Presents the return of COLIN HAY to the Pantages Theatre!
Songwriter & folk activist David Huckfelt presents this in-person preview of his new album "I Was Born, But..." with a special live listening party, joined by his all-star band The Unarmed Forces: JT Bates, Jeremy Ylvisaker, and Mike Lewis.
A local, midwestern indie folk showcase! Come enjoy a pleasant evening of beautiful music and great atmosphere.
St. Rangers celebrates the release of their debut EP Witness Marks, a collection of new folk tunes perfectly suited to autumn's final weeks. Formed by Garret Nasset and Rachel Bearinger within the vibrant Twin Cities songwriter scene, St. Rangers offers songs crafted with the precision of a chisel, with arrangements that lock into place with satisfying comfort. The band is delighted to share the stage with local folk-bluegrass duo LaPlant Road.
Prairie Fire Choir with Barbara Cohen & Little Lizard - Great Big Hill of Hope.
Folksingers Meredith Moon (Ontario) and Creekbed Carter (MN) join together for a special evening, sharing both of their unique stories in song.
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.
East Forest is a multidisciplinary artist, producer, speaker, and ceremony guide. Since 2008, East Forest’s “lush” (Rolling Stone) and “blissful” (NPR) music has blended ambient, neoclassical, electronic, and avant-pop to explore sound as a tool for inner journeys and consciousness expansion.
John Trudell has been physically gone for ten years now. His life and words continue to matter. John reminds us that if we use our intelligence and stay coherent, we will outlast them. This evening will not only celebrate his memories, wisdom, heart and love, but will revive his voice to make his words part of our own truth. This will help the powerless realize that they are anything but.
NEWS
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.
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!
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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.