We talked to James Taylor, Program Manager at The Cedar, 416 Cedar Avenue S, about why this was a dream job, bringing community together in a shared space, and what’s on the horizon at our treasured music hall. Sound baths – yes! World Cup programing – yes! Keep reading to learn more.
Q: Congratulations on the position as Program Manager! Can you share what drew you to The Cedar and what excites you most about your new role?
A: The best thing about The Cedar as a venue is its versatility. I’ve seen all sorts of events here, from solo songwriters to large Afrobeat bands, podcasts, and comedy. Programming a room that can do so much is a dream, and that’s what drew me to the role.
Q: What are your top priorities as the Program Manager?
A: Keeping the calendar full of exciting and interesting events that bring people to the West Bank neighborhood! The world is chaotic, especially for our immigrant neighbors in this community we share. If I can bring people together to share joy through music and dance, I’ve succeeded.
Q: Do you have programs or outcome models from other venues or cities that inspire your vision for The Cedar?
A: I’m a big fan of the eclectic booking at Lodge Room in Los Angeles. SAMA Music & Art in Seattle is a big source of inspiration. The Englert Theatre in Iowa hosts the world’s best songwriters, usually before or after they play The Cedar on tour. Ars Nova Workshop in Philadelphia is crushing it. Those are spaces I admire.
Q: What do you believe is The Cedar’s unique artistic identity within Minneapolis – and how do you see it evolving?
A: For as long as I’ve lived in the Twin Cities, certain artists or events come through town, and when I hear about them, my first thought is, “Oh, that show must be at The Cedar.” Strengthening that brand identity and reminding people what The Cedar means is my top priority. There are so many great ‘music towns’ in this country, and very few of those cities have a space like The Cedar. We are fortunate to connect artists from around the world with this community.
Q: How do you envision your position shaping The Cedar’s mission of cultural diversity and artistic expression?
A: The music people are listening to these days is so culturally diverse because we literally have music from around the world at our fingertips. And the connections we can make, the barriers we can break down when we hear the world’s music, can be really profound. When you listen to Nordic folk music back-to-back with Appalachian bluegrass, or Indian Carnatic music alongside Scottish smallpipes, the sonic threads that connect us all become increasingly apparent. Giving artist and fans a space to feel those connections is a gift.
Q: Are you planning any new programs or series that will be unveiled soon? Anything tied to specific genres or communities?
A: Maybe! We plan to host events around the World Cup in June and our outdoor Summer at The Cedar concerts in July and August returns for its third year.
Q: What are the main challenges you anticipate in your role, and how do you plan to tackle them?
A: Finding a balance between keeping our ticket prices affordable and paying artists what they deserve is the biggest challenge we, and loads of other music venues, face.
Q: Are there technological or digital initiatives (like livestreaming, recordings, workshops) that you’d like to expand?
A: We’re always looking to host more workshops. Interestingly, we are booking more sound baths, which work well with the acoustics in our room.
Q: Oh, a sound bath would be great at The Cedar! How may we follow your news?
A: Please follow us on Instagram or Facebook. Visit our website to sign up for our newsletter, too.
