Twin Ports Music and Arts Collective
Encyclopedia
The Twin Ports Music and Arts Collective commonly referred to as "The MAC", was an all-ages venue in Duluth, Minnesota
from 2004-2005. The organization was formed by a group of 10 musicians and artists from the Duluth/Superior area who saw the growing need for an open, non-genre specific, performance and gallery space. After originally considering moving into an empty space beneath Duluth's Electric Fetus
, The MAC found more conducive space in a 3000 sq ft (278.7 m²). building that was once home to the Minnesota Ballet
. The space was large enough to support two performance stages, a large "green room" area, and an impressive amount of wall and floor space for art installations. The young organization raised its initial startup funds by holding two benefit concerts featuring such bands as Trampled By Turtles
, The Black Eyed Snakes, and The Dames, as well as from generous donations from supportive community members including then Mayor Herb Bergson
.
In its short lifespan, The MAC played host to over 250 bands and performers, both local and national, including Low
, Calvin Johnson, and Magnolia Electric Co. It was also honored by being the first all-ages venue to be included in the 6th annual Homegrown Music Festival
in 2004. In addition, The MAC gallery showed the works of 10 local artists on its spacious walls throughout the year it was open.
The venue was forced to close its doors in January 2005, due to a growing decline in admission and participation by its founding members.
Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth is a port city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and is the county seat of Saint Louis County. The fourth largest city in Minnesota, Duluth had a total population of 86,265 in the 2010 census. Duluth is also the second largest city that is located on Lake Superior after Thunder Bay, Ontario,...
from 2004-2005. The organization was formed by a group of 10 musicians and artists from the Duluth/Superior area who saw the growing need for an open, non-genre specific, performance and gallery space. After originally considering moving into an empty space beneath Duluth's Electric Fetus
Electric Fetus
The Electric Fetus is a record store with locations in Minneapolis, Duluth and St. Cloud in Minnesota. It was founded in June 1968 by partners Dan Foley and Ron Korsh. Minnesota Public Radio said of the Electric Fetus that it is "widely regarded as the pre-eminent indie record store in...
, The MAC found more conducive space in a 3000 sq ft (278.7 m²). building that was once home to the Minnesota Ballet
Minnesota Ballet
The Minnesota Ballet is a ballet company and school located in Duluth, Minnesota. Founded in 1965 by Donna Harkins and Jan Gibson as the Duluth Civic Ballet, the company has since expanded into a touring company with fourteen professional artists, who are locally based...
. The space was large enough to support two performance stages, a large "green room" area, and an impressive amount of wall and floor space for art installations. The young organization raised its initial startup funds by holding two benefit concerts featuring such bands as Trampled By Turtles
Trampled By Turtles
Trampled By Turtles is a progressive bluegrass band from Duluth, Minnesota. The group is most famous for its high-tempo, fast-paced songs but also features lead vocalist Dave Simonett's lyric writing abilities in slower ballads. Their high-energy concerts have attracted an ever-growing,...
, The Black Eyed Snakes, and The Dames, as well as from generous donations from supportive community members including then Mayor Herb Bergson
Herb Bergson
Herb Bergson is an American politician from Duluth, Minnesota, and the most recent former mayor of that city. He lost his bid for re-election in a crowded 12-candidate primary in September 2007....
.
In its short lifespan, The MAC played host to over 250 bands and performers, both local and national, including Low
Low (band)
Low is an American indie rock group from Duluth, Minnesota, formed in 1993. As of 2010, the group is composed of Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker , both founding members, and Steve Garrington ....
, Calvin Johnson, and Magnolia Electric Co. It was also honored by being the first all-ages venue to be included in the 6th annual Homegrown Music Festival
Homegrown Music Festival
The Homegrown Music Festival is Duluth, Minnesota's annual showcase of local bands. The event has grown from featuring 10 acts in 1999 to 156 in 2011...
in 2004. In addition, The MAC gallery showed the works of 10 local artists on its spacious walls throughout the year it was open.
The venue was forced to close its doors in January 2005, due to a growing decline in admission and participation by its founding members.