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Music scene more diverse than ever
 Media Credit: Jessica Tonsfeldt The Paramount Arts District hosts many talented artists year-round. Their musical repertoire includes many acts which appeal to a variety of audiences, including Cheap Trick, Mason Jennings and the Big Wu.
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Though the St. Cloud music scene doesn’t show Minneapolis much, it has become increasingly diverse, with a plethora of acts to see at a wide array of venues. Each year St. Cloud brings new, exciting acts, increasing its diversity factor as the months go by.
One great reason that St. Cloud has become so diverse is because the venues have become more dependable and interesting, offering a wider variety of events to attend, bringing in a bigger, more diverse audience.
A great venue to regularly attend is the ever-popular Red Carpet Night Club. With nightly drink specials and other events, music is the main attraction that brings in a diverse array of citizens from all over St. Cloud and the surrounding area.
“I think (the music scene) is bigger and better in St. Cloud than it has ever been,” said Red Carpet’s manager, Troy Rahn. “We try to provide the best out of local and national acts. We feature everything from jam bands to reggae to pop rock to for our clientele.”
Some of their regular acts include a Dave Matthews Band cover band, and several local artists such as Roger and Sliptwister, which have created a decent following. Some of the Red Carpet’s bigger acts include Flipp, Semisonic, Soul Asylum and the Gear Daddies.
Another high-quality venue for providing big-name acts and interesting music is the Paramount Arts District. Aside from regularly putting on theatrical performances, the Paramount brings in acts such as the Big Wu and Mason Jennings.
“Part of our role (in the St. Cloud music scene) is to provide a diverse variety of musical events,” said Millward Simpson, executive director of the Paramount Arts District. “We hope to see (more students) attending these events. I am very pleased that we can provide these interesting acts. (St. Cloud) is very fortunate (that its) scene (has become) so enhanced.”
As far as the local music scene without the option of consuming alcoholic beverages, the Java Joint is a great place to be. Not only do they provide an option for those that do not, or cannot, drink alcohol, but they provide options for those that want the genre of music that other venues just don’t provide, such as hard rock and punk.
“I think (the St. Cloud music scene) is lacking.,” said Rob Ward, manager of the Java Joint. “(The Java Joint) tries to create a scene (that includes) local bands. We’re (also) like the big brother (to the new) bands who are (just creating) a scene.”
One band that started a scene in St. Cloud is Endahl, a rock band who has recently released their debut CD, entitled “Or does it explode.” Inspired by bands such as Hot Water Music, Libido Boys and Fugazi, singer and SCSU student Isaac Arvold knows just what to say about their music.
“Our music is socially conscious. It’s there to make you think. Take it as you will,” Arvold said.
These guys met in St. Cloud, through friends who knew friends that played regularly at the Java Joint. Without those connections, who knows where Endahl might be today. Due to interband issues, second guitarist Paul Nicholes has recently quit. But it’s not over for the guys in Endahl; they will continue their endeavors in music, and they can honestly say that their road to success began in St. Cloud, at the Java Joint.
And of course, the music scene at SCSU continues its progression to achieve the utmost diversity and student interest.
With available venues such as Halenbeck Hall, Atwood Quarry, the hockey center and Ritsche Auditorium, there are many bands, ranging from locally admired to nationally acclaimed that have the opportunity to perform to a diverse and varied public.
“We try to (bring diversity) to SCSU, and our goal is to bring affordable concerts,” said Kim Bruemmer, University Program Board’s program adviser. “We try to bring the music scene to the students, (making it) very accessible.”
St. Cloud should be very proud of its accessibility. Acts to expand horizons or enthrall are only a short drive or a brisk walk away. Akin to the acts that are presented, St. Cloud deserves a round of applause.
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