First Avenue Reopens Tonight

The landmark Minneapolis concert venue First Avenue is set to reopen 16 days after part of the ceiling collapsed during a show.

Hip-hop trio Grrrl Prty is scheduled to perform Friday night in the club’s main room. A 20-by-30 foot section of the ceiling came down during a concert Aug. 12, and three people were treated at a hospital for injuries that weren’t life-threatening.

The Star Tribune  reports that crews repairing the ceiling tore out old lath and plaster that was believed to date back to the venue’s former life as a bus depot. The ceiling is about 3 feet higher now.

Photo: Carlos Gonzalez/Star Tribune via AP
Police tape blocks the entrance to the Minneapolis venue after patrons were evacuated when part of the ceiling collapsed.

Acts that have played First Avenue include U2, Tina Turner, Eminem and The Ramones. Much of Prince’s 1984 film “Purple Rain” was filmed there.