Local teen club TC Underground closes

Under-22 music club Twin Cities Underground has closed, citing lack of funds despite overwhelming turnout for its recent battle of the bands contests, and the longtime support of the youthful ska scene. "[W]ithout the umbrella of a municipal entity such as the School District, Police Department or the city of Minneapolis itself, funding and support for a teen center is extremely difficult to obtain," said the volunteer organization's board in a press release, which estimates some 12,000 youth have passed through its doors. Founders are looking to create a new club. Meanwhile, there's still the Toybox and newly reopened Eclipse Records (with shows to come soon) in Minneapolis, along with the Christian-oriented Fallout and Club 3 Degrees; the Garage in Burnsville; the Depot Coffeehouse in Hopkins; Rudie's Coffeehouse in St. Paul; and the Java Joint in St. Cloud; while adult clubs such as the Triple Rock, Station 4, the Red Sea, and the 7th St. Entry still hold all-ages shows. (Some of these venues were profiled, along with TC Underground, in this 2004 City Pages article. Pictured: DJ Elex, 21, and rapper Ariel, 19, at TC Underground in 2004.)