It's the hottest thing going for the younger crowd. It's EDM, which is basically electronic dance music showcasing the artistic talents of the DJ doing the mixing.
Now, a two-night event is expected to draw thousands to Minneapolis this weekend. The Armory might be one of the city's oldest buildings, but it's definitely hosting one of the hottest events.
Artist Excision's "Nexus tour" is in town and it's drawing out Minnesotans, scantily clad in early March. Event Promoter Jack Trash says shows like this have largely put the iconic Minneapolis Armory back on the map.
"The Armory is a destination point much like a Red Rocks in Colorado, or the Gorge Amphitheater on the West Coast," Trash tells WCCO Radio. "People are now flying in from around the country. They're supporting the local economy."
As for why the scene hasn't gone mainstream yet, Trash, who is in his 50's and works as a teacher by day, says some of it is the age demographic.
But some of it is being comfortable with a venue full of sweaty - or very sweaty - bodies.
"They're just different thinkers, you know," explains Trash. "And people live their lives differently."
The shows this weekend are expected to bring out more than 15,000 fans for the shows.
Minneapolis has long had a healthy DJ scene, and Trash says its on its way to becoming a full stop destination for electronic artists.
"You know, it's not a radio music, it's a Spotify culture," says Trash. "People are listening to it in their cars, at the gym when they're working out, when they're going hiking. It's literally everywhere. And is it seen that way? Not yet, but if you don't see it then it's really just culturally, not the world you're living in."
The Armory was the most expensive building in Minnesota at one time. The building was designed by St. Paul architect P.C. Bettenburg, who was also a major in the Minnesota National Guard. From the late 1930s through the 1970s, it was a venue for civic events, including concerts, political conventions and sporting events including the Minneapolis (now Los Angeles) Lakers.
In 2017 the Armory was given a new life as a concert and event venue hosting music, boxing and more.
