For as long as I can remember, Minnesota has quietly been carrying its weight when it comes to music.
So when I saw a new national ranking of the top musical cities in the U.S. and spotted Minnesota landing in the Top 10, I had a feeling of pride come over me. We love our music here all across our state, and we’ve got musicians performing all over to prove it.
WHAT MAKES A CITY A ‘TRUE MUSIC HOTSPOT’
A new study from Spin Genie examined what makes a city a ‘true music hotspot’, analyzing factors such as live venues, festivals, working musicians, events, Google searches, and music-related jobs. We know that we rock outdoor concerts in the summer, but year-round musicians are filling the air with music at fairs, festivals, and in breweries, bars, and coffee shops, which keep us musicians going through the cold winter months. We so appreciate that!
SOUTHERN STATES DOMINATE THE TOP RANKINGS
Southern cities dominated the very top of the list, with Atlanta taking the crown, followed closely by New Orleans and Miami. Those cities wear their music culture on their sleeves, and we love them for it. A visit down south is a great way to build our skill sets.
[Spin Genie] {America’s Music Hotspots} – Digital PR Campaign[/caption]
WHERE DOES THE NORTH STAR STATE SHINE?
But then there’s Minneapolis, Minnesota. A hotspot of musicians from all over our land of 10,000 lakes.
Not flashy. Not loud. Just consistently excellent. Just think about some of our local talent in central Minnesota! The Fabulous Armadillos, Michael Shynes, DGS, Pamela McNeill, If Nothing Else, DiamondBack, and so many more.
OTHER STORIES: Alison Young Invites You To Listen To Minnesota’s Wild Beauty
WHEN IN COMES TO LIVE PERFORMANCES…WE ARE ON IT
Minneapolis ranked third in the entire country for upcoming live music events per capita, trailing only Las Vegas and Atlanta. Let that sink in. Only two cities nationwide have more live music activity happening right now than Minnesota’s largest city!
Las Vegas, with its residencies and mega-shows, topped the category, but Minneapolis wasn’t far behind, with 155 upcoming music events per 100,000 people.
That stat alone tells you everything you need to know about our music scene.
MINNESOTA MUSICIANS ROCK
Music here isn’t just something you buy tickets for once a year. It’s woven into our neighborhoods. It’s First Avenue and tiny basement shows. It’s breweries hosting bands on random weeknights. It’s the local artist opening for the national act and sometimes stealing the show.
And of course, Minnesota’s musical DNA runs deep. Prince didn’t just come from here…he built something here.
While cities like Atlanta and New Orleans may lead the national conversation, Minnesota proves you don’t need to be the loudest to be one of the best. We show up. We support our artists. We go to shows even in the dead of winter.
So yes, the South may dominate the rankings. But Minnesota being in the Top 10? That’s not a surprise. That’s just the sound of home.
Celebrating Harrison Smith’s Career with the Vikings.
Harrison Smith spent 14 years in the NFL, all with the Vikings. Take a look at some of his top moments with the team.
Gallery Credit: Paul Habstritt
6 GREAT THINGS ABOUT A MINNESOTA WINTER
Instead of complaining about winter, let’s think about things that are awesome about Winter in Minnesota
Gallery Credit: Laura Bradshaw
Earth, Wind and Fire at the Ledge Amphitheater.
The 70s group Earth, Wind, and Fire wrapped up a great week of shows at the Ledge in August of 2025.
Gallery Credit: Paul Habstritt
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