The Cedar Cultural Center: Celebrating Music, Art, and Culture in Minneapolis

The Cedar Cultural Center: Celebrating Music, Art, and Culture in Minneapolis

The Cedar Cultural Center, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Cedar-Riverside, Minneapolis, is a non-profit arts organization that has been celebrating music, art, and culture for over 30 years. With its mission to promote intercultural appreciation and understanding through the arts, The Cedar Cultural Center has become a beloved institution in the Minneapolis community.

A Brief History of The Cedar Cultural Center

The Cedar Cultural Center was founded in 1989 by Brian “BT” Turner and executive director Emeritus Steve Woldum. Originally, the space was used as a movie theater but was transformed to a music venue to showcase the richness of diversity in the Twin Cities. The Cedar has presented an eclectic range of shows from around the world and emerging local acts, gaining a reputation for booking some of the most genre-bending, innovative, and renowned performers in the world.

The Venue and Program

The Cedar Cultural Center’s intimate listening room has a capacity of 465 and features a balcony with two rows of seats, perfect for an unforgettable view of the stage. The venue is renowned for its excellent acoustics, making it a sought-after spot for musicians. On any given night, you can expect to see a diverse range of performances, artists that are both local and international, from traditional and roots-based performances to contemporary music and dance. The Cedar also has a strong commitment to community outreach, partnering with schools and community organizations to offer educational programs, workshops, and free events.

The Cedar Commissions Program

One of the most exceptional programs The Cedar Cultural Center has to offer is the Cedar Commissions, providing a platform for artists to create and premiere new works that reflect the changing face of American culture. Created to support the rich, artistic community in the Twin Cities, the program presents eight awardees each year with a financial grant to create a new performance piece, which is then debuted at the Cedar’s annual Global Roots Festival every fall.

The Global Roots Festival

The Cedar’s free Global Roots Festival, held every year in September, is one of the most celebrated events in the Twin Cities music calendar, presenting an array of artists from around the world. The festival features a diverse range of music such as folk, indie-pop, gospel, jazz, and traditional and contemporary world music, providing music lovers with an unmatched opportunity to experience a vast range of cultures in one place.

Conclusion

The Cedar Cultural Center is an essential gem in the Minneapolis community, dedicated to showcasing the world’s diversity through the arts. It provides not only a space for music enthusiasts to indulge in their passion but a stage for emerging and established artists from diverse communities worldwide. The organization’s impact extends beyond the music scene into the social fabric of Minneapolis, promoting values of inclusion, understanding, and mutual respect. The Cedar Cultural Center demonstrates that art transcends borders and makes us all richer for the experience.