Minneapolis Music Scene: 1975-1980
Written & Produced by Cyn Collins

The Twin Cities has had a vibrant music scene for decades, but in the early to mid-1970s there was almost no original music being performed. Only a few bands dared to be different, and thanks to their creative diligence, the Minneapolis punk/rock scene was born.

This two-part documentary describes the Minneapolis music scene between 1975 - 1980, and features interviews and music by Curtiss A (Thumbs Up/the Spooks), Chris Osgood (the Suicide Commandos), Robert Wilkinson (the Flamin' Oh), Chan Poling (the Suburbs), Kevin Cole (Rev 105), Peter Jesperson (Twin Tone/New West Records) and many more.

Part I explores what inspired these musicians, which bands formed, and where they ultimately performed. It also focuses on the impact of Oar Folkjokeopus, the CC Club, and Jay's Longhorn Bar.

Part II further describes Jay's Longhorn Bar, features music and interviews with members of the Flamin' Ohs and the Suburbs, and explores the birth of Twin/Tone Records.

Today Minneapolis has a vibrant and sustainable music scene thanks to the efforts of musicians and music lovers who dared to be different at a time when cover bands were the norm. Meet the players, who in the mid- to late-70s, paved the way for the next generation of bands--from Husker Du to the Replacements and beyond.

Interviews & Production Assistance from:

Curtiss A. (Curt Almsted)
Dave Ahl (Suicide Commandos)
Steve Almaas (Suicide Commandos)
Lori Barbero (Babes in Toyland, DJ, booking agent, and former Jay's Longhorn Bar staff)
Richard Champ (NNB)
Kevin Cole (Sr. program director, DJ KEXP Seattle, DJ REV 105)
Bob "Slim" Dunlap (guitarist in Thumbs Up, the Spooks, the Replacements)
Robert Henry (Fingerprints)
Peter Jesperson (Sr. vice president of A&R at New West Records, former manager of Oar Folkjokeopus, DJ at Jay's Longhorn Bar, co-founder Twin/Tone Records)
Terry Katzman (Garage D'Or Records)
Martin Keller (journalist, author)
Chris Osgood (Suicide Commandos)
Chan Poling (The Suburbs)
Nancy Sartor (project manager & executive producer)
Paul Stark (co-founder Twin/Tone Records)
Robert Wilkinson (Prodigy and Flamin' Oh's)
Daniel Zamzow (production assistant)

Minneapolis Music Scene: 1975-1980
Written & Produced by Cyn Collins

The Twin Cities has had a vibrant music scene for decades, but in the early to mid-1970s there was almost no original music being performed. Only a few bands dared to be different, and thanks to their creative diligence, the Minneapolis punk/rock scene was born.

This two-part documentary describes the Minneapolis music scene between 1975 - 1980, and features interviews and music by Curtiss A (Thumbs Up/the Spooks), Chris Osgood (the Suicide Commandos), Robert Wilkinson (the Flamin' Oh), Chan Poling (the Suburbs), Kevin Cole (Rev 105), Peter Jesperson (Twin Tone/New West Records) and many more.

Part I explores what inspired these musicians, which bands formed, and where they ultimately performed. It also focuses on the impact of Oar Folkjokeopus, the CC Club, and Jay's Longhorn Bar.

Part II further describes Jay's Longhorn Bar, features music and interviews with members of the Flamin' Ohs and the Suburbs, and explores the birth of Twin/Tone Records.

Today Minneapolis has a vibrant and sustainable music scene thanks to the efforts of musicians and music lovers who dared to be different at a time when cover bands were the norm. Meet the players, who in the mid- to late-70s, paved the way for the next generation of bands--from Husker Du to the Replacements and beyond.

Interviews & Production Assistance from:

Curtiss A. (Curt Almsted)
Dave Ahl (Suicide Commandos)
Steve Almaas (Suicide Commandos)
Lori Barbero (Babes in Toyland, DJ, booking agent, and former Jay's Longhorn Bar staff)
Richard Champ (NNB)
Kevin Cole (Sr. program director, DJ KEXP Seattle, DJ REV 105)
Bob "Slim" Dunlap (guitarist in Thumbs Up, the Spooks, the Replacements)
Robert Henry (Fingerprints)
Peter Jesperson (Sr. vice president of A&R at New West Records, former manager of Oar Folkjokeopus, DJ at Jay's Longhorn Bar, co-founder Twin/Tone Records)
Terry Katzman (Garage D'Or Records)
Martin Keller (journalist, author)
Chris Osgood (Suicide Commandos)
Chan Poling (The Suburbs)
Nancy Sartor (project manager & executive producer)
Paul Stark (co-founder Twin/Tone Records)
Robert Wilkinson (Prodigy and Flamin' Oh's)
Daniel Zamzow (production assistant)