Prepared for

Minnesota Blues Society

December 2015

Prepared by Penny A. Petersen Charlene K. Roise

Hess, Roise and Company The Foster House

100 North First Street Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401

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PAY YOUR DUES AT THE UNION

A History of the Union Bar

Note: The building that housed the Union Bar is located at the intersection of East Hennepin and

Central Avenues Northeast. Both street names are used interchangeably in primary sources that

refer to this site, but the address of the Union Bar is most commonly 507 East Hennepin. For the

sake of consistency, this account will use East Hennepin for the building numbered 505–507 and

Central Avenue Northeast for the building numbered 509–513, even though the name “East

Hennepin” was not adopted until 1913.

1852 James Sargent Lane, age nineteen, settles in Saint Anthony. There, he joins his older brothers Silas and Isaac, who had arrived in 1848. The brothers work in the lumber business.1

The Lane brothers were born in New Brunswick, Canada, although both their parents are natives of Maine. Their father, Silas Nowell Lane, a veteran of the War of 1812 and a lumberman, moved to Canada, continuing to harvest the pine forest across a national border.2

1855 The Lane brothers are joined in Saint Anthony by their parents, Silas and Velona (or Velma in some sources), and younger brother, Leonidas.3

1856 By this year, the entire family lives on a parcel of land at the corners of Fifth Street, Bay Street (present-day East Hennepin), and Mill Street (present-day Central Avenue Northeast). Silas Lane purchases Lot 1 in Block 15 of the Mill Company Addition to Saint Anthony from the Saint Anthony Water Power Company.4

1859 Leonidas Lane purchases Lot 2 in Block 15 of the Mill Company Addition to Saint Anthony from the Saint Anthony Water Power Company. The Lane family members own the entire corner at Fifth Street and present-day Central Avenue Northeast and many members of the family reside on this property. In time, a portion of this land will become the site of the Union Bar.5

1860 James Lane marries Aubine Dorman. Over a period of twenty years, the couple will produce seven children. The first five are girls. The sixth, the first son, is born in 1877 and named Mark; his brother, Frank, follows three years later.6

1866 James Lane purchases Lots 1 and 2 in Block 15 of the Mill Company Addition from Silas and Leonidas Lane.7

1 George E. Warner and Charles M. Foote, History of Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis (1881; reprinted, Marceline, Mo.: Walsworth, 1977), 579; Alonzo Phelps, Biographical History of the Northwest: Being

Volume Four of American Biography of Representative Men (Boston: Ticknor, 1890), 114–15. 2 Phelps, Biographical History of the Northwest, 114–15. 3 Warner and Foote, History of Hennepin County, 579. 4 Hennepin County Deeds Book D, page 735 (recorded December 9, 1856). 5 Hennepin County Deeds Book N, page 468 (recorded July 9, 1859). 6 Phelps, Biographical History, 114–15. 7 Hennepin County Deeds Book 10, page 423 (recorded April 27, 1866); and Book 10, page 512 (recorded May 22, 1866).

A History of the Union Bar—Page 2

1872 The town of Saint Anthony on the east side of the Mississippi River votes to become part of the town of Minneapolis across the river.

1881 James Lane builds a large brick house that still stands at 625 Eighth Avenue Southeast. He and his large family move from Fifth and Mill Streets, but he retains the property there. By this time Lane is a very successful lumberman as partner of Merriman, Barrows, and Company and has extensive real estate holdings.8

1884 The Minneapolis City Council establishes the Minneapolis Liquor Patrol Limits. The patrol restricts saloons to the city’s core along the riverfront and parts of several residential neighborhoods. The boundaries are determined by the area that can be monitored by a horse patrol starting from city hall on an evening’s rounds. One of the neighborhoods with a large area in the limits is Cedar-Riverside, which has a strong contingent of Scandinavian immigrants; another is northeast Minneapolis, where many immigrants with drinking traditions, such as the Germans, reside. On the east side of the river, the patrol limits stretch to the northern city limits west of Fourth Street Northeast. The boundary runs east on Spring Street, turning on Tyler Street to Division Street, then turning at Ninth Street Southeast to Second Avenue Southeast, and continuing along Second until reaching the eastern shoreline. While the boundaries expand somewhat over time, the patrol limits remain in force for the next ninety years.9

1888 James Lane erects a wood dwelling and store at 505–507 East Hennepin, the site where the Union Bar will eventually stand.10

1895 James Lane takes out an $18,000 construction permit for 509–513 Central Avenue Northeast. He hires prominent local architect Adam Lansing Dorr to design the building and contractor F. G. McMillan to erect it. Lane spends almost $20,000 to complete the three-story brick building, which has stores on the first level and apartments above. A newspaper article pointed to this development as “another indication of the confidence which Minneapolis property owners have in the future of the city as a place for investment.” This building is well within the Liquor Patrol Limits. In time, after being put to many other uses, it will house a portion of the Union Bar.11

Dorr, a native of New York, was born in 1854. He received his professional training in architects’ offices in Canada and New York. He and his wife moved to Minneapolis in 1882, and he worked for Plant and Whitney as a draftsman and later for George and Fremont Orff. By 1886, he had his own practice. His son William later joined him and the firm became Dorr and Dorr in 1910. Scholar Alan Lathrop notes, “The firm specialized in designing fine residences and commercial building, including hotels and

8 Warner and Foote, History of Hennepin County, 579; “Real Estate—Building Matters,” Minneapolis Tribune, April 2, 1881. 9 Proceedings of the City Council, Minneapolis, Minn., 1884–1885 (Minneapolis: Minneapolis City Council, 1885), 59–60; “The City Circuit—Patrol Limits,” Minneapolis Tribune, February 13, 1893; Jim Hathaway, “The Liquor Patrol Limits of Minneapolis,” Hennepin History, Fall 1985, 3–7; Jay Edgerton, “Patrol Limits—A Lumberjack ‘Hangover,’ ” Minneapolis Star, September 26, 1956. The Tribune article includes a map of the entire Liquor Patrol Limits. Some of the streets that were boundaries no longer exist. 10 Minneapolis Building Permit No. B13583 (dated January 3, 1888). 11 Minneapolis Building Permit No. B33994 (dated January 28, 1895); “The Lane Building,” Minneapolis Tribune, January 29, 1895.

A History of the Union Bar—Page 3

apartment houses.” Some of Dorr’s designs include the Bull residence, 1628 Elliot Avenue South (1887); C. F. Keyes residence, 2225 East Lake of the Isles (1904); and the Continental Hotel, 66–68 South Twelfth Street (1910).12

1896 James Lane calls the new building the “Nowell Block,” apparently using the maiden name of his paternal grandmother. A hardware store owned by Otto Rood is among the first commercial tenants. Lane’s sixteen-year-old son Frank is listed as the manager of the Nowell Block.

1898 In March, James Lane and his sons Mark and Frank incorporate the Lane Company, and this entity, which sells hardware, soon occupies the storefronts at 509–511 Central Avenue Northeast. About the same time, James and Aubine Lane sell Lots 1 and 2 in Block 15 of the Mill Company Addition to the Lane Company for $45,000.13

1900 The Lane Company hardware store sells, among other items, bicycles. A newspaper remarks that “this concern caters to the East Side trade and expects to get its share of it during the season.”14

1903 Mark Lane, acting for the Lane Company, begins to sell off the holdings at Fifth and East Hennepin. This year a portion is sold to the Gluek Brewing Company.15

1906 In June, James Lane dies from complications of a stroke. Prior to this, he has served eight years on the Minneapolis City Council.16

Mark Lane sells off more of the land at Fifth Street Northeast to the Gluek Brewing Company. Before Gluek Brewing buys the rest of the property at 505–507 East Hennepin Avenue, it apparently holds a grocery store run by F. J. Hogan.17

1907 By this year, the Gluek Brewing Company owns the property at 505–507 East Hennepin and razes the wood buildings that stand there. In their place, Gluek erects a two-story brick building with two storefronts, hiring architects Boehme and Cordella to design what will be a saloon. In time, the Union Bar will occupy both of these storefronts.18

By late November, Charles A. Swenson is operating the building at 507 East Hennepin Avenue Northeast as a saloon.19

Established in 1903, the firm Boehme and Cordella designed number of saloons for Gluek including buildings that still stand at 15 North Sixth Street (which continues to

12 Alan K. Lathrop, Minnesota Architects: A Biographical Dictionary (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, 2010), 60–61. 13 Minnesota Secretary of State File number 14859-AA, March 7, 1898; Hennepin County Deeds Book 488, page 386 (recorded March 31, 1898). 14 “The Whirr of the Wheels,” Minneapolis Tribune, March 25, 1900. 15 Hennepin County Deeds Book 567, Page 278 (recorded December 24, 1903). 16 “Former Alderman Lane Is Stricken,” Minneapolis Journal, June 4, 1906. 17 Hennepin County Deeds Book 615, page 491 (recorded November 24, 1906); and “F. J. Hogan, 507 Central” (advertisement), Minneapolis Tribune, March 30, 1906. 18 Minneapolis Building Permit No. B71545 (dated May 15, 1907); “Building Permits,” Minneapolis Tribune, May 19 1907; and Minneapolis Building Permit No. B74174 (dated November 12, 1907). 19 “Hold-up Men Foiled,” Minneapolis Tribune, November 25, 1907.

A History of the Union Bar—Page 4

carry the Gluek name), 219 Third Avenue North (now the Monte Carlo Club), 1500 South Sixth Street, and 915-815 Cedar Avenue (now The Joint). The firm also gained prominence for its design of the Swan Turnblad mansion at 2600 Park Avenue South (now the American Swedish Institute).20

1908 In September, Charles A. Swenson applies for a liquor license at 505 East Hennepin, apparently as an expansion of his saloon at the adjoining storefront.21

1909 Mark Lane, acting for the Lane Company, sells the remainder of the heavily mortgaged Lane holdings at Central Avenue to John D. Fagan.22

1911 In February, thirty-one-year-old Frank Lane dies.23

In July, the Lane Company remodels the space at 509 Central Avenue Northeast with a new storefront.24

By year’s end, another saloon appears at Fifth and Central Avenue Northeast. This one, at 501 East Hennepin, is owned by the Minneapolis Brewing Company. Meanwhile, the saloon at 505 East Hennepin, still owned by Gluek Brewing Company, is operated under the name of Olson and Aretander.25

1912 County Attorney James Robertson reports that 159 of the city’s saloons are owned by brewing firms such as the Minneapolis Brewing Company, Gluek Brewing Company, and Schlitz. While operated by individual saloonkeepers, these are “tied houses” that serve only the product of the brewery that controls them. Robertson’s list shows that it is not difficult to get a drink on Central Avenue as at least fourteen saloons are located there—from J. S. O’Keefe’s place at 3 Central to P. Ludwig’s establishment at 965 Central.26

The Lane Company hardware store is still in business at 509 Central Avenue Northeast when it is robbed by two armed young men.27

1913 The Lane Company at 509 Central Avenue Northeast offers garden tools, seeds, and “everything in the Garden Tool line at popular prices.”28

20 Penny Petersen and Charlene Roise, “The Joint and the Cabooze,” January 2005, prepared by Hess, Roise and Company for the Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society. 21 “Official Publication,” Minneapolis Tribune, September 11 and 18, 1908. 22 Hennepin County Deeds Book 678, page 243 (recorded November 15, 1909). 23 Death Certificate for Frank S. Lane, February 18, 1911, Certificate Number 1911-MN-000111. 24 Minneapolis Building Permit No. B94013 (dated July 10, 1911). 25 “Building Work in 1911 Cost Over $13,000,000,” Minneapolis Tribune, December 10, 1911; “Fred Briggs’ Defense Enters Insanity Plea,” Minneapolis Tribune, November 8, 1911. 26 “Drink Shops Lined Up as Brewery Controlled,” Minneapolis Tribune, July 20, 1912. 27 “Walking Arsenals Caught,” Minneapolis Tribune, June 21, 1912; “Youthful Robber Dying; Owns Up to Other Thefts,” Minneapolis Tribune, October 21, 1912. 28 “Garden Tools and Seeds” (advertisement), Minneapolis Tribune, April 11, 1913.

A History of the Union Bar—Page 5

By December, plans are afoot to straighten and extend Central Avenue to Division Street. The extension will be renamed “East Hennepin.”29

1919 The Lane Company hardware store is bankrupt and holds going-out-of-business sales. By year’s end, it appears as if a different store with another name, “The Cash Hardware Store,” is also holding going-out-of-business sales at 509 Central Avenue Northeast.30

1920 On January 17, the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which bans the manufacture, sale, or transportation of alcohol, goes into effect. During Prohibition saloons cannot sell alcohol, although the sale of “near beer” (containing less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume) is allowed. Saloons, such as those at 501 and 505–507 East Hennepin, can no longer legally sell alcohol.31

The Western Importing Company at 509 Central Avenue Northeast suffers a fire. The twenty-four families living upstairs make plans to leave, but the flames are contained before they spread.32

1923 By this year, the space at 509 Central Avenue Northeast is occupied by Western Importing Company, importers of Swedish Hardware Specialties. The store is managed by Bendix Skrutvold.33

1925 Western Importing Company, still at 509 Central Avenue Northeast, expands its line to include Swedish Steel Edge Tools, Tool Steel, and Scandinavian Cooking Utensils. Harold Johnson Wicks is the manager.34

1929 Western Importing Company remains at 509 Central Avenue Northeast.35

1930 The city directory shows Gamble Stores, Inc. at 505 East Hennepin, the Empire Hotel at 505-1/2 East Hennepin, and the East Hennepin Cafe at 507; the storefront at 509 Central is vacant.36

1931 E. J. Fagan and D. S. Delvin pull a building permit worth $900 for remodeling and repairs at 509–511 Central Avenue Northeast.37

29 “New Street Names Talked,” Minneapolis Tribune, December, 19, 1913; “Great Boulevard Prospects Opened,” Minneapolis Tribune, April 12, 1914; “Ordinance Changing Central Avenue into East Hennepin Is Upheld by Council Committee,” Minneapolis Tribune, January 12, 1916. 30 “Complete Closing Out of Hardware Stock” (advertisement), Minneapolis Tribune, May 3, 1919; “Finished!” (advertisement), Minneapolis Tribune, December 24, 1919. 31 “Many Events on Program to Mark J. Barleycorn’s Demise,” Minneapolis Tribune, January 16, 1920. The article noted that nationwide enforcement of Prohibition begins at 12:01 a.m. on January 17, 1920. 32 “Storekeeper Fires on Two Arsonists,” Minneapolis Tribune, November 25, 1920. 33 Davison’s Minneapolis City Directory 1923 (Minneapolis Directory Company, 1923), 2313. 34 Davison’s Minneapolis City Directory 1925 (Minneapolis Directory Company, 1925), 2372. 35 Minneapolis Directory Company’s Minneapolis (Minnesota) City Directory, 1929 (Minneapolis: Minneapolis Directory Company), 2443. 36 Minneapolis Directory Company’s Minneapolis (Minnesota) City Directory, 1930 (Minneapolis: Minneapolis Directory Company, 1930), 1767. 37 Minneapolis Building Permit No. A20504 (dated June 20, 1931).

A History of the Union Bar—Page 6

1932 E. J. Fagan takes out a building permit worth $90 for alterations to the store at 513 Central Avenue Northeast.38

The storefront at 509 Central Avenue Northeast is now occupied by LaFrance Industries, which apparently sells upholstery fabrics.39

1933 In March, the manufacture and sale of beer and wine is made legal when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Cullen-Harrison Act. By year’s end the Eighteenth Amendment establishing Prohibition is repealed by the Twenty-First Amendment, and on the national level alcohol becomes legal again.40

The space at 509 Central Avenue Northeast is still vacant, according to the city directory.41

1934 In February, Henry Mitchlin, who operates the East Side Liquor Store now located at 509 Central Avenue Northeast, takes out a building permit worth $500 to alter the storefront and add a partition. The architects for this project are Liebenberg and Kaplan.42

1935 In April, the East Side Liquor Store, Inc. files articles of incorporation with the Minnesota secretary of state. Its address is listed as 509 Central Avenue Northeast in Minneapolis.43

The East [Side] Liquor Company receives a permit for $200 worth of changes to the storefront of 509 Central. The permit indicates that the company is the owner.44

In addition to the East Side Liquor Store, the city directory shows several businesses at 505 East Hennepin: Cole Combination Service Company, an oil business; Gamble Stores Agency, a broker; and Gopher State Fuel. The Empire Hotel remains at 505-1/2. Charles Olson operates a restaurant at 507 East Hennepin, which will soon offer beverages of an alcoholic nature.45

1938 By this time, the East Side Liquor Store has relocated to 429 East Hennepin, while the East Side Sports Center, previously at 503 East Hennepin, moved into the 509 Central Avenue Northeast space. East Side Sports offers “beverages” (alcohol), according to the

38 Minneapolis Building Permit No. A20857 (dated June 18, 1932). 39 Minneapolis Directory Company’s Minneapolis (Minnesota) City Directory, 1932 (Minneapolis: Minneapolis Directory Company), 1394. 40 “Bottling to Start Now,” New York Times, March 23, 1933; “Final Action at Capital,” New York Times, December 6, 1933. 41 Minneapolis Directory Company’s Minneapolis (Minnesota) City Directory, 1933 (Minneapolis: Minneapolis Directory Company, 1933), 1443. 42 Minneapolis Directory Company’s Minneapolis (Minnesota) City Directory, 1934 (Minneapolis: Minneapolis Directory Company, 1934), 335; Minneapolis Building Permit No. A21419 (dated February 2, 1934). 43 Minnesota Secretary of State File No. B-406 (April 30, 1935). 44 Minneapolis Building Permit No. A22216 (dated September 27, 1935). 45 Minneapolis Directory Company’s Minneapolis (Minnesota) City Directory, 1935 (Minneapolis: Minneapolis Directory Company, 1935), 1526.

A History of the Union Bar—Page 7

city directory. There is also a barbershop in part of the 509 Central Avenue Northeast space.46

1943 Owner E. J. Fagan takes out a building permit for $250 to make “minor repairs to [the] store and apartment” at 511–513 Central Avenue Northeast.47

1946 In August, E. J. Fagan takes out a building permit to make $1,800 worth of alterations to the store at 509 Central Avenue Northeast. In October, he takes out another permit for $1,000 to make alterations and repairs to the storefront at 509.48

The city directory shows the 501 Building at 501 East Hennepin houses the offices of many local unions. Ideal Plumbing, Gopher State Fuel, and Sewell Manufacturing (lightning rods) are at 505 East Hennepin, with the Empire Hotel on the upper floors at 505-1/2. Mrs. Sadie Collins has a restaurant at 507 East Hennepin, and she apparently shares the space with Chris Olson, who sells “beverages.” Meanwhile, the East Side Sports Center, operated by George Geankoplis and Anthony DeMuse, is at 509 Central Avenue Northeast, and Leon V. Barnum has a barbershop at 509-1/2 Central Avenue Northeast.49

1948 The upper floors of the 501 Building at 501 East Hennepin serve as offices for several unions, such as the International Union of Electrical and Radio Machine Workers and the United Mine Workers. Possibly, it is this association that inspires the name of the Union Bar, which will soon be located nearby. Sewell Manufacturing Company, which makes lightning rods, occupies the storefront at 505 East Hennepin; its neighbor at 507 is a restaurant.

1950 The Union Bar is now listed at 507 East Hennepin, and John J. Enright is the proprietor. There are several electrical permits taken out for neon signs that suggest the space had new use or ownership. There is one sign permit as well.50

La France Industries, a supplier of upholstery, occupies the storefront at 509 Central Avenue Northeast.51

1951 The Sanborn Insurance Map shows a hotel (Empire Sleeping Rooms, 505-1/2) on the second floor of 505–507 East Hennepin and unnamed “shops” at 509–513 Central Avenue Northeast.52

46 Minneapolis Directory Company’s Minneapolis (Minnesota) City Directory, 1938 (Minneapolis: Minneapolis Directory Company, 1938), 1681. 47 Minneapolis Building Permit No. A25304 (dated September 1, 1943). 48 Minneapolis Building Permits No. A26924 (dated August 9, 1946); No. A27021 (dated October 7, 1946). 49 Minneapolis Directory Company’s Minneapolis (Hennepin County, Minn.) City Directory, 1946 (Saint Paul: Minneapolis Directory Company, 1946), 1470, 345. 50 Minneapolis Electrical Permits No. F440432 (dated March 16, 1950); No. F447167 (dated August 8, 1950); No. F457341 (dated January 26, 1951); Minneapolis Sign Permit No. H26995 (dated March 17, 1950). 51 Minneapolis Directory Company’s Minneapolis (Hennepin County, Minn.) City Directory, 1950 (Saint Paul: Minneapolis Directory Company, 1950), 1310, 1583. There is no city directory for 1949, so it is possible the Union Bar was there before 1950. 52 Sanborn Insurance Map, 1912–1951, 754.

A History of the Union Bar—Page 8

1955 In December, World Enterprises takes out a permit to make “miscellaneous alterations” to the third floor of the building at 511 Central Avenue. Meanwhile, the Union Bar remains at 507 Central Avenue Northeast and La France Industries at 509.53

1957 The owner of the Poko Apartments takes out a building permit to repair fire damage at 511 Central Avenue Northeast.54

1960 The Union Bar remains at 507 East Hennepin, and Mack Furniture is in the 509 storefront. A father and son, Joseph M. and Joseph L. Elsen, are now the proprietors of the Union Bar.55

1970 The Union Bar is at 507 East Hennepin, while the space at 509 Central Avenue Northeast is occupied by the Minnesota Veterans of World War I, 5th District.56

1972 Owner Carl Herman takes out a $500 building permit to erect a smoke enclosure between the second and third floors at 511 Central Avenue Northeast, as ordered by the fire marshal.57

1973 In June, the Union Bar files as a domestic corporation with the Minnesota Secretary of State.58

1974 In July, Joseph M. Elsen, 76, dies. He is survived by his wife, Rose, son, Joseph L., daughter, Mrs. Gerald (Lil) Piper, and daughter-in-law, Mavis Elsen. Perhaps this event precipitates the sale of the Union Bar about a year later.59

1975 The Union Bar remains at 507 East Hennepin. The space at 505 East Hennepin is occupied by the International Molders and Allied Workers Local Union 63 and the storefront at 509 Central Avenue Northeast houses the Minnesota Veterans of World War I, 5th District.60

Bernice E. Mus and her son Daniel F. Mus buy the Union Bar at 507 East Hennepin, later described as “your average northeast Minneapolis blue-collar neighborhood bar.” The pair has no experience in bar management.61

53 Minneapolis Building Permit No. B350249 (dated December 2, 1955); Minneapolis Directory Company’s

Minneapolis (Hennepin County, Minn.) City Directory, 1955 (Saint Paul: Minneapolis Directory Company, 1955), 1709. 54 Minneapolis Building Permit No. B358135 (dated July 10, 1957). 55 Polk’s Minneapolis (Hennepin County, Minn.) City Directory, 1960 (Saint Paul: R. L. Polk and Company, 1960), 193 (reverse section), 1527. 56 Polk’s Minneapolis (Hennepin County, Minn.) City Directory, 1970 (Saint Paul: R. L. Polk and Company, 1970), 267 (reverse section). 57 Minneapolis Building Permit No. A39407 (dated March 22, 1972). 58 File No. H-162 (http://mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us, accessed June 22, 2012). 59 “Obituaries and Funerals—Elsen,” Minneapolis Star, July 11, 1974. 60 Minneapolis (Hennepin County, Minn.) City Directory, 1975 (Saint Paul: R. L. Polk and Company, 1975), 1180, 235 (reverse section). 61 Karin Winegar, “Union Bar’s Latest Pitch Is a Big Hit,” Minneapolis Star, October 27, 1978. Apparently, Bernice and Daniel Mus were assigned the mortgage for the Union Bar in in 1975 (Document No. 4155859, Book 75, recorded July 11, 1975). Oddly, Bernice Mus received a Warranty Deed from Joseph L. Elsen, Lillian Piper, Gerald

A History of the Union Bar—Page 9

1976 In January, co-owner Bernice Mus takes out a $500 permit for the removal of an interior partition at 505–507 East Hennepin. The Union Bar has begun to expand.62

By May or perhaps earlier, the Union Bar is offering live music. An advertisement in the Minnesota Daily notes the West Bank Trackers will play May 5 through 9 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. By this time, the bar also has a “game emporium” for its customers.63

In June, the Explodo Boys appear at the Union Bar and Game Emporium Wednesday through Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.64

Charlie Campbell, who has been involved with the Minneapolis music scene since 1967, recalled that the Union Bar had a great setup for music and a good sound system. There was one large room with a stage, and on either side was a room with a bar. Among other capacities, Campbell served as the musical director for the Cabooze and for a time was the manager and booking agent for Lamont Cranston. Campbell recalled that about 1976, Lamont Cranston started playing at the Union Bar. He also noted that the Cabooze, the Tempo on Franklin Avenue, and the Union Bar were part of a regular circuit for many local bands.65

Harmonica player Pat Hayes, an original member of the Lamont Cranston band, recalls that the Union Bar was the first real competition for the Cabooze, which had opened a few years earlier. Hayes remembers that “you could play the blues at those places [the Union and Cabooze]; otherwise it was Top Forty music only.”66

1977 The city directory suggests more changes at the Union Bar. It is still listed at 507 East Hennepin, but now 505 East Hennepin is called the Union Bar Dining Room. The organization representing World War I veterans remains at 509 Central Avenue Northeast.67

In June, the Union Bar presents the Mystics (June 1–4); the Explodo Boys (June 8–11); and Danny’s Reasons (June 15–18).68

During the first half of July, the Union Bar offers Herman Jones and the X-citiers, Flamingo, George “Mojo” Buford, as well the “New Giant Game Room.” Later in the month, Free & Easy and the Explodo Boys play, and one advertisement publicizes “Wet-Shirt Contests Every Wednesday” with a $75 first prize. Buford, a native of Mississippi, who plays blues harmonica, relocated to Chicago in 1952 at age twenty-three. In 1959, he joined Muddy Waters’s band. In 1963, Buford had settled in Minneapolis, and this is apparently where he received his nickname “Mojo,” “because concert goers at Mattie’s

Piper, and Mavis M. Elsen (Joseph’s wife) that was not recorded until March 7, 1989, at the Hennepin County Property Records office. 62 Minneapolis Building Permit No. A41792 (dated January 27, 1976). 63 “Union Bar and Game Emporium” (advertisement), Minnesota Daily, May 5, 1976. 64 “Union Bar” (advertisement), Minnesota Daily, June 3, 1976. 65 Telephone interview with Charlie Campbell, conducted by Penny Petersen on July 23, 2012. 66 Telephone interview with Pat Hayes, conducted by Penny Petersen on July 27, 2012. 67 Minneapolis (Hennepin County, Minn.) City Directory, 1977 (Saint Paul: R. L. Polk and Company, 1977), 231 (reverse section). 68 “Union Bar” (advertisement), Minnesota Daily, June 3, 1977.

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Barbeque on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis constantly requested that his new band play ‘Got My Mojo Working.’ ”69

During August, Whiskey River, Gypsy, and Lamont Cranston perform at the Union Bar.70

In December, the Union Bar presents Gypsy, Willy and the Bees, and the Mission Mt. Wood Band.71

1978 The city directory shows another expansion of the Union Bar. It occupies 505 and 507 East Hennepin, and the Union Bar Game Room is located at 509 Central Avenue Northeast. Mrs. “Beatrice” [Bernice] Mus manages the Empire Sleeping Rooms upstairs at 505-1/2.72

An advertisement for the Union Bar appears in the Minnesota Daily, noting that Whiskey River, Gypsy, and Lamont Cranston will perform during the month of August.73

A newspaper article recounts the transformation of the bar to a venue for live music, because “without bands, the Union Bar wasn’t exactly setting attendance records.” At some point, “Dan Mus let a friend hold a softball team benefit dance in the bar; the celebration packed the house with jocks, dancers and the curious. The next day, the partners scurried downtown to apply for an entertainment license.” The Union has two distinct sets of customers. It “remains the province of the bowling-jacket set from 8 a.m. until midevening,” then it “turns up the volume after dark and the clientele becomes younger, louder and decidedly boisterous.” One customer explains: “ ‘The Union Bar is a good place to hear music for people who don’t analyze things.’ ” A reporter calls the bar a “three-room establishment” with “all the swank of plastic, beer-company chandeliers, and at night the air is horrendously close and smoky. The congestion between the stage, the bar and the tables is bruising, and there is just enough space on the dance floor to wiggle in place.” The game room, equipped with pinball, foosball, and video-game machines, has a tin ceiling, and the entire bar has a capacity of 600 people, although sometimes it seems to hold more. The newspaper reporter notes that a variety of performers, ranging from national celebrities to local musicians, have performed at the Union Bar. Bonnie Raitt and Gary Busey dropped in to play there after their advertised shows elsewhere. Others, such as country-rock bands Daisy Dillman, Gypsy, Lamont Cranston, City Mouse, and Whiskey River, or Shangoya, a local reggae group, and the West Bank blue-jazz-rock band, Willie and the Bees, regularly appear at the Union Bar.74

69 “Union Bar” (advertisement), Minnesota Daily, July 6 and 15, 1977; “Mojo Buford,” Twin Cities Funk and Soul, September 25, 2012, 4. 70 “Union Bar” (advertisement), Minnesota Daily, August 11, 1978. 71 “Union Bar” (advertisement), Minnesota Daily, December 2, 1977. 72 Minneapolis (Hennepin County, Minn.) City Directory, 1978 (Saint Paul: R. L. Polk and Company, 1978), 229 (reverse section). 73 “The Union Bar Presents” (advertisement), Minnesota Daily, August 11, 1978. 74 Winegar, “Union Bar’s Latest Pitch Is a Big Hit.”

A History of the Union Bar—Page 11

The Union Bar is recalled by one reporter as one of the serious competitors of the Cabooze Bar on the West Bank.75

1979 On January 20, Big Walter “Shakey” Horton plays at the Union Bar and is recorded live. One source describes his blues harmonica performance as “blowing with inventiveness that only he possessed and mumbling his way through the vocals in his own inimitable way.”76

Dan Emerson, self-described as having “Rainman-like, musical geek recall for this trivia stuff,” recounted that in the summer of 1979, “James Brown (with entourage) showed up [at the Union Bar] and sat in on organ with Lonnie Brooks.” Brown was in town to play the Carlton Celebrity Room.77

In August, an advertisement for the Union Bar appears in the very first issue of Sweet

Potato, a monthly arts and entertainment newspaper. The ad lists the variety performers and musical styles scheduled for the month: Short Stuff, “The Wisconsin Boogie Kings”; Downchild Blues, “Canada’s Most Popular Blues Band”; Daisy Dillman, “The Midwest’s Most Popular Group”; Eddie Harris, “an All-time Jazz Great on Saxophone”; Albert Collins, “The Boss of Blue’s Guitar”; Salt Creek, “Goodtime Country/Rock”; and Willie and the Bees, “Twin Cities’ Legends.”78

In September, an advertisement lists artists that will perform at the Union Bar over the course of the month including Vassar Clements, “the King of Fiddlers”; Papa John Creach, “formerly with the Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna”; John Lee Hooker, “The Greatest Living Delta Bluesman”; and Marshall Chapman, “The Rock and Roll, Rave Epic Recording Artist.”79

On September 25 and 26, Hank Williams Jr. plays at the Union Bar. Reviewer Deborah Miller writes, “His best song of the night was his current chart hit, ‘Family Tradition,’ a song that gives the title as an excuse for his hard-drinking, hard-living habits. It’s a song that steals a bit, lyrically, from Waylon Jennings’ outlaw stance, just as it takes his chirping guitar patterns.” Miller opined, “When Williams stayed close to a humping, gritty country style, when he was raising a foamy beer to the wanderers and good ole boys, he seemed in inherited territory he could finally claim as his own.” She thought Williams was weaker when “he tried to weave some blustery blues into the country sound.”80

Performers in October include the Guy Clark Band, “Honky Tonk Rock”; Mercury Recording artist Carolyne Mas; Mose Allison, “America’s Foremost Jazz Blues Fusion

75 R. T. Rybak, “Cabooze Returning to Original Success Formula,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, June 6, 1986. 76 Big Walter Horton Live Blues website, (http://h33t.com/details.php?id=c2c008246e394964756c668b94ffeb8ab56719a9; accessed July 10, 2012). 77 E-mail from Dan Emerson to Penny Petersen, dated July 23, 2012. 78 “The Union” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, August 1979. 79 “The Union” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, September 1979. 80 Deborah Miller, “Bars Serve Up Blues, Country Tunes,” Minneapolis Star, September 26, 1979.

A History of the Union Bar—Page 12

Artist”; Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, “The Real Sultan of Swing—The Midnight Cowboy”; and Carl Perkins, “The Founding Father of Rockabilly.”81

In a subsequent interview, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, “guitarist, drummer, harmonica player, bassist, fiddler, songwriter and arranger extraordinaire” explained, “I don’t like to play one thing. I can’t stand to play one style of music—I just can’t man.” The writer calls Brown “one of America’s grand national resources, a living compendium of American music from the heyday of jazz and swing in the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s to the contemporary threshold of ‘fusion music.’ ” Brown grew up playing Cajun music that he learned from his musician father. Later, he fell under the guiding light of T-Bone Walker, who was one of the pioneers of guitar amplification. In turn, Brown served as “an inspiration to David Bromberg, Frank Zappa, Elvin Bishop and others.”82

On November 1, Asleep at the Wheel, an American country music band, along with special guests, the Bees’ Knees Swing Band, gives a concert at the Union Bar.83

In December, a variety of musicians appear at the Union Bar including Freddy Fender, “The King of Tex-Mex Music”; the Dallas Alice Cowboy Band; Marshall Chapman; blues man Albert Collins and the Ice Breakers; Willie and the Bees; the Flying Burrito Bros; and Shangoya. Mid-month is the “Super Jam ’79” that features “the Twin Cities Finest Musicians” playing a benefit for Eddie Lovejoy, a local guitarist.84

1980 At the Union Bar, the year starts off with local bluesman Big Walter Smith and the Crossroads. Some others who perform in January were the Lynwood Slim Blues Band, Billy Joe Shavers (“Outlaw Country at its best”), Dallas Alice Cowboy Band, Big Walter Horton (a blues harmonica player who helped define the Chicago amplified style), Marcia Ball (“The Swan of Texas Swing”), Both Barrels Band, and Lamont Cranston.85

Later in January, Paul Butterfield, “the distinguished blues harmonica who is best known for his great blues band of the 1960s,” and Rick Danko, who also played in the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, perform at the Union Bar. One reviewer notes, “Though viciously cold outside, the interior of the Union Bar was practically steamy Tuesday night as a band consisting of Rick Danko, Paul Butterfield and friends played an opening set before a more-than-capacity crowd.” In a performance he called “the emotional center of the 60-minute set,” the reviewer noted that Danko sang ‘Stage Fright,’ with wailing harmonica backing from Butterfield, in addition to ‘Unfaithful Servant.’ ” This was followed “without pause by Butterfield’s beautiful solo treatment of the tune on harmonica.”86

Jon Bream notes that “Johnny Rodriguez, the handsome young rhinestone cowboy, is a popular country music attraction, best known for such hits as ‘Pass Me By,’ ‘You Can

81 “The Union” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, October 1979. 82 Martin Keller, “The Gift and Grit of America’s Musical Melting Pot Gatemouth Brown,” Sweet Potato, December 1979. 83 “The Union” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, October 1979. 84 “The Union” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, December 1979. 85 “The Union” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, January 1980. 86 Preview/Top of the Week—Nightlife,” Minneapolis Star, January 18, 1980; Michael Anthony, “Danko, Butterfield et al Use Blues to Steam up Cold Winter Nights,” Minneapolis Tribune, January 24, 1980.

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Always Come Back,’ and ‘What Will I Tell Virginia,’ ” will appear at the Union Bar and asks, “How will he fare in the more intimate confines of a rowdy bar?”87

In February, the Union Bar offers a variety of music and performers including the F-Troup, Inside Straight, Marshall Chapman, and Daisy Dillman. Willie and the Bees appear twice. The Fenton Robinson blues band plays for a Valentine’s Day party. Folk singer Steve Goodman gives a concert on February 20, and “blues legends” Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee and perform late in the month. There is square dancing every Monday night with Mad Jack and the Black Label Boys.88

In March, the lineup at the Union Bar offers more country music with appearances by Billy Joe Shaver and the Honky Tonk Heroes, New Riders of the Purple Sage, and Bobby Bare and Lacy J. Dalton. Mad Jack and the Black Label Boys still provide music for Square Dance Mondays. The blues, however, are not entirely neglected as the Lynwood Slim Blues Band, Lamont Cranston, Willie and the Bees, and the Jimmy Johnson Blues Band perform too.89

During April and May, several performers with national reputations play at the Union Bar: Big Walter Horton, Maria Muldaur, John Lee Hooker, Ben Sidran, Son Seals, and Albert Collins.90

In July, music critic Martin Keller notes that “when all else fails, blues records remain reliable. There is no need to dwell on how feeling lowdown can feel so good when set inside a moaning harp, a Texas shuffle, or a good set of Chicago blues licks.” However, many blues players do their best in a bar setting, which may explain the appeal of places like the Union Bar. “Journalists like to call many blues combos ‘bar bands,’ simply because most of them don’t fare as well on a concert stage. Nor do they usually find work on concert stages. And on record, the smoky grit and drunk-sliding feeling sometimes gets trimmed off in clock punching studios.”91

In August, Martin Keller (using his pen name, Martian Colour) observes that “the Union Bar, becoming more and more the home of the blues in Mill City, played host to the event [a fund-raiser for a memorial for the late Dick Perna, the Lamont Cranston sax player] that saw a gaggle of old friends, familiar music makers,” including Willie Murphy and his Bumblebees, Doug Maynard’s band Inside Straight, and Larry Hayes’s Tonearms. A few weeks later, after Lamont Cranston finished its set, “Bonnie Raitt hit the stage, sending an already overheated crowd into a sweaty tizzy.” On July 24, “ ‘it looked like a blues summit’ were the sentiments intimated by those attending Chicago blue harper Walter Horton’s open at the Union Bar.” In addition to Horton, “Smokey Smothers, a blues guitarist just recently out of retirement and the recent cover story of the

87 Jon Bream, “Nightlife,” Minneapolis Star, January 18, 1980. 88 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, February 1980. 89 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, March 1980. 90 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, April 1980 and May 1980. 91 Martin Keller, “Summer Bluesbreakers,” Sweet Potato, July 1980.

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latest Living Blue Magazine,” Lynwood Slim’s Blues Band, Baby Doo Caston, and Lazy Bill Lucas appeared the same night.92

In August, a variety of artists appear at the Union Bar: Mary Jane Alm, Rockin’ Hollywoods, Marcia Ball, Lonnie Brooks, Behringer, City Mouse, Muddy Waters with Willie and the Bees, d’Gadband, Metro All Stars, and Whitesidewalls.93

In October, an advertisement announces the upcoming musical lineup for the Union Bar: Willie and the Bees, Papa John Creach, Better Day Blues Band, Maria Muldaur, Sussman Lawrence, Behringer, and the Carey Bell Blues Band.94

A reviewer notes that Maria Muldaur “put on a rousing show at the Union Bar Tuesday night, performing a set that ranged from jazz ballads to gospel to rock and roll.” One reviewer noted that Muldaur, “without a record label and her career at a low point, is ‘playing the bar circuit.’ And it could be argued that Muldaur’s light-textured seductive-sounding soprano, while so effective in jazz materials, fit into neither the blues-rock mode nor the kind of raucous rock clubs (like the Union Bar) that she is playing these days.” However, “she does rock and roll tunes and R&B numbers like the first set’s ‘That’s the Way Love Is’ in her own distinctive way but with a surprising toughness and vigor.”95

1981 During January, the Legendary Blues Band, formerly the backup band for Muddy Waters, the Doug Maynard Band, Mary Jane Alm Band, Better Days Blues Band, and the Flamin’ Oh’s play the Union Bar.96

That same month, guitarist Roy Buchanan appears at the Union Bar. Writing a preview, Jon Bream notes, “Nearly a dozen years after he turned down offers to join the Rolling Stones, Buchanan’s success and popularity are finally catching up with his reputation. His ninth and latest album, ‘My Babe’ is getting more radio play than any of his other records.” In 1971, Rolling Stone magazine named him the world’s greatest guitarist. Another reviewer, Dan Emerson, conducts an interview with Buchanan in the Union Bar’s basement dressing room. Buchanan explains his passion: “I’ve tried to quit before; I about lost my mind. I had no choice but to play. It is how I express myself.” A native of Arkansas, Buchanan first encountered the blues when his preacher father held revivals “about once a month, which meant that black churches and the white churches would get together. That’s the first time that I heard the blues because if you’ll listen to black gospel music, you’ll hear that’s definitely where the blues comes from.” Buchanan, who calls himself the first white bluesman, began going on the road with the Johnny Otis Show in the mid-1950s.97

92 Martian Colour, “Martian’s Chronicles,” Sweet Potato, August 1980. 93 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, August 1980. 94 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, October 29, 1980. 95 Michael Anthony, “Muldaur Offers Rousing Show at Union Bar,” Minneapolis Tribune, November 6, 1980. 96 “Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, January 7, 1981. 97 Jon Bream, “Legend in Guitar,” Minneapolis Star, January 9, 1981; Dan Emerson, “Roy Buchanan Finds a Groove,” Sweet Potato, January 21, 1981.

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On March 5–8, Albert Collins and the Icebreakers appear at the Union Bar and are recorded live for Alligator Records. Other artists such as Doug Maynard, Ben Sidran, Richie Cole, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, John Kay with Steppenwolf, and John Bayley also perform at the Union Bar during the month.98

In late April and into May, the Union Bar features such performers as the Bees Knees, the Mary Jane Alm Band, Albert Collins, Doug Maynard, and Koko Taylor. Music critic Martin Keller observes, “Koko Taylor is part of a long line of blues queens that extends from Lulu Jackson and Memphis Minnie up through Big Mama Thornton, Victoria Spivey and Janis Joplin. The fabulous Alberta Hunter may have many more stylish years of classy jazz behind her than does Koko, but for sheer get-down-low-and-party-hearty fierceness, nobody alive today comes close to Koko Taylor. Her trademark intensity and deep-throated vocal growl just last year earned her the Memphis-based Blues Foundation award for Best (contemporary) Female Blues Singer.” Taylor, a native of Tennessee, moved to Chicago at age eighteen and soon began singing in Chicago blues clubs. She said she was “discovered” by Willie Dixon and in time recorded “Wang Dang Doodle,” a song that Dixon had written for Howlin’ Wolf, which became one of her big hits.99

On May 19 and 20, Muddy Waters plays at the Union Bar. Born as McKinley Morganfield in 1915 on the Mississippi Delta, Waters began playing music as a small boy. As a young man he absorbed influences of Robert Johnson, Son House, Memphis Minnie, Lonnie Johnson, Tampa Red, and Blind Lemon Jefferson. In the 1940s, he moved to Chicago, where he “played a key role in the development of electric blues and rock-and-roll and was the greatest contemporary exponent of the influential Mississippi Delta blues style.”100

In June, featured artists at the Union include Inside Straight, with “the biggest horn section in town”; Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows, “’50’s and ’60’s Rock and Roll”; 5th Ave. Band; Steve Vaughan (better known as Stevie Ray Vaughan), “Rock ’em, Sock ’em hard drinking Rhythm and Blues”; and the Red Willow Band. In a review of a previous performance, Martin Keller interviewed Marley Foreman, the bass player for the Red Willow Band, based in Sioux Falls, who “exudes an unassuming confidence when talking about the trendy cowboy fad sweeping through both fashion and music these days.” Foreman states his band will “just keep playing like we always did before this whole thing started.” Keller writes that when the band performed at the Union Bar in November 1980, Red Willow was “potently mixing enough styles to wear your boot heels out in a single set. Gospel, bluegrass, waltzes, folk rock, jazz, country and western swing rise from the stage like a good soufflé.”101

98 http://www.alligator.com/albums/Frozen-Alive, accessed June 7, 2012; “Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet

Potato, March 4, 1981, and March 18, 1981. 99 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, April 29, 198; Martin Keller, “Koko Taylor’s Hard Blues,” Sweet

Potato, April 29, 1981. 100 Muddy Waters website (http://www.muddywaters.com/1981.html, accessed June 11, 2012); Robert Palmer, “Muddy Waters, Blues Performer, Dies,” New York Times, May 1, 1983. 101 “Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, June 24, 1981; Martin Keller, “Hot Red Willow,” Sweet Potato, November 26, 1980.

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Union Bar regular Dan Emerson recalled that on June 30 and July 1, Stevie Ray Vaughan played his first gig in Minneapolis at the Union Bar to “tiny crowds,” as this was before Vaughan became well known. Tony Glover’s review pronounces that “there’s no doubt that Vaughan is a damn accomplished technician, the cat’s got soul and uses it. He worked as hard for a handful of people as he would’ve to a sold-out house—he’s a musician, not a star.” Glover predicts that Vaughan will have huge audiences in the future.102

Pat Hayes remembers seeing Stevie Ray Vaughan in Washington, D.C., a few months before he appeared at the Union Bar and thought he was going to be a notable musician. Hayes recalls asking Vaughan to play on Lamont Cranston’s Shakedown album (released in 1981). Vaughan agreed, but Hayes never followed up on the offer and claims “this was the biggest mistake of my life.”103

In July, a variety of musicians perform at the Union Bar: Wet Behind the Ears, “Wisconsin’s best rockin’ Country Western”; the McCabe Bingham Band, “Hometown Blues”; the Michael James Band; Gypsy; Johnny Rey and the Reaction; and Mercury Recording artists the Nighthawks.104

In August, “Gatemouth” Brown, Brian Auger and Search Party, Sussman Lawrence, and the Son Seals Blues Band play the Union Bar. Late in the month, the Union hosts the Chicago Blues Festival, which features Big Walter Horton, the Jimmy “Fast Fingers” Dawkins Blues Band, Johnny “Big Moose” Walker, Smokey Smothers and Barrels, and Lazy Bill Lucas. Square dancing is still offered on Mondays.105

In mid-September, Texas blues guitarist Albert Collins performs at the Union Bar. The New York Times will later note that Collins “made his reputation by combing savage, unpredictable improvisations with immediately identifiable tone, cold and pure. His shows were often wild rides, intense performances that burst with his almost endless imagination. He was a master of ecstatic moment, and made use of his imagination, volume of playing, and his chilly sound.” Collins’s career took off in 1968 “after a series of albums on the Imperial label that finally captured his sound and improvisational fury.”106

Other artists appear at the Union during the same month, such as the Mary Jane Alm Band, Lamont Cranston, Wet Behind the Ears, the Doug Maynard Band, Big Walter Smith, 5th Avenue Band, Meridian, and the Red Willow Band. Mondays at the Union still feature square dancing, and the Second Annual KFAI Fresh Air Blues Fest is held September 30.107

102 E-mail from Dan Emerson to Penny Petersen, dated July 23, 2012; Tony Glover, “Stevie Vaughan” (review), Sweet Potato, July 8, 1981. 103 Hayes interview. 104 “Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, July 22, 1981. 105 “Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, August 5 and 27, 1981. 106 Mike Steele, “What’s Doing,” Minneapolis Tribune, September 13, 1981; Peter Watrous, “Albert Collins, Guitarist, Dies; Influential Blues Stylist Was 61,” New York Times, November 25, 1993. 107 “Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, September 3, 1981, and September 10, 1981.

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In October, artists such as John Kay and Steppenwolf, Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Michael James Band, the Nighthawks, the Booze Brothers, Rod Piazza (“West Coast Master of the Blues Harp, Jump Blues, Boogie Woogie, and Blues Ballads”), and Sussman Lawrence perform at the Union. At month’s end, Exuma the Obeah Man performs for the first annual New Orleans Rockin’ Rhythm Fest. Exuma, a Bahamian, was born Macfarlane Gregory Anthony Mackey.108

In November, in addition to the usual Monday night square dancing, the Beatles Forever, “Gatemouth” Brown, the Greg Brown Band, Lonnie Brooks (“from the Cajun swamps to downtown Chicago—smokestack lightning all the way”), and Son Seals Blues Band all perform at the Union.109

On December 3, Muddy Waters performs for one night at the Union Bar. Muddy Waters is considered by many to be the “father of modern Chicago Blues.”110

Other December performances at the Union Bar include the Dillman Band, Proper English, Will Sumner and Tropic Zone, Doug Maynard and the T. C. Jammers, Johnny Rey and the Reaction, the Suburbs, Lamont Cranston, Metro All Stars, and Mary Jane Alm. A.C.R.A. presents crab racing (“America’s #2 indoor sport!”) on Wednesdays.111

1982 About this time, Paul Metsa and his group Cats Under the Stars begin to perform at the Union Bar during the week. Metsa recalls that “on the weekend it had acts like Albert Collins, Lonnie Brooks, Gregg Allman and had featured Stevie Ray Vaughn in his first Minneapolis show.”112

In March, Albert Collins and his band, the Ice Breakers, return to the Union Bar. That same month other performers include Cats Under the Stars (a “5-piece electric Dance Band”), Crash St. Kids, the Doug Maynard Band, plus Willie and the Bees and the Flamin’ Oh’s.113

In early June, an advertisement for the Union Bar notes the upcoming artists who will appear: Shangoya, Son Seals (the Alligator recording artist who plays electric guitar and sings), Big Boy, Lynwood Slim, Madison Band Riders on the Storm (playing tribute to the Doors), Mary Jane Alm, Sussman Lawrence, and Albert Collins.114

Late in June, Clifton J. Chenier’s Red Hot Louisiana Band plays at the Union Bar. Reviewer Jon Bream reports, “Chenier is the king of zydeco, a Louisiana stew of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, blues and Cajun music. As Chenier says, ‘If you can’t dance to this music, you can’t dance period.’ ” Bream explains, “Zydeco is a byproduct of the French and black Cajun cultures of Louisiana. Its roots reach back a couple hundred years, but it was Chenier, now 57, who was responsible for expanding this simple

108 “Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, October 1, 1981, and October 15, 1981. 109 “Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, November 12, 1981. 110 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, December 3, 1981; “Union Bar” (advertisement), Sweet Potato, November 19, 1981. 111 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, December 3, 1981, and December 10, 1981. 112 Paul Metsa, Blue Guitar Highway (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2011), 35. 113 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, March 11, 1982. 114 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, June 3, 1982.

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acoustic sound in the 1950s; the former R&B star introduced a rhythm section (drums and bass), horns and a piano accordion (as opposed to a traditional squeeze-box type).”115

In July and August, Riders on the Storm, Cats Under the Stars, Willie and the Bees, Les Rue, Flyin Ace, Johnny Rey and the Reaction, the Doug Maynard Band, Mudsharks, Inside Straight, Jimmy Rogers and Hip Linkchain, Lynwood Slim, Sticky Fingers, Whiskey River, Papa John Creach, the Surf Boys, and the Dillman Band play at the Union Bar.116

In September, the Union Bar plays host to the Cats Under the Stars’ record release party. It is also the venue for a reunion party of the original members of the Crazy Legs band with special guests Dave Snaker Ray and the Kingsnakes.117

During October, the Union Bar is the venue for the “Second Annual New Orleans Rockin’ Rhythm Fest,” featuring The Radiators.118

In November and December, the Union Bar offers a broad range of music, including Jan Berry with the Aloha Band, described as “formerly of Jan and Dean fame”; patrons receive a dollar off the cover charge if they are dressed in surfing clothes or free admission if wearing a bikini. Duke Tumatoe and the All-Star Frogs, the Doug Maynard Band, and Lynwood Slim provide rhythm and blues. Queen Ida and the Bon Temps Zydeco Band play Cajun music in a benefit for the Coffee House Extempore.119

1983 Early in the year, the Union Bar features Cats Under the Stars, Both Barrels Band, Sussman Lawrence, and Duke Tumatoe and the All-Star Frogs.120

In March, performers at the Union include Mary Jane Alm, Juke Jumpers (“from Texas”), New T. C. Jammers, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, blues singer Koko Taylor, Queen Ida and the Bon Temps Zydeco Band, Lynwood Slim, the Blues Shadows, Cats Under the Stars, and Willie and the Bees.121

Pat Hayes recalls that he put together the Blue Shadows band with other members of Lamont Cranston to serve as an opening act for Paul Butterfield at the Union Bar. Hayes called Butterfield a great influence on his music. He was delighted to meet Butterfield at the Union and thrilled when Butterfield said he thought Hayes was good.122

In April and May, the Union Bar offers Paul Cebar and the R & B Cadets, Albert Collins and the Icebreakers, and a tribute to Muddy Waters “featuring local blues players.” Muddy Waters died April 30, 1983.123

115 Jon Bream, “Chenier’s Red Hot Louisiana Band Slips on Material but Not on Quality,” Minneapolis Star and

Tribune, June 24, 1982. 116 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, July 1, 1982, and August 5, 1982. 117 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, September 16, 1982. 118 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, October 20, 1982. 119 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, November 17, 1982, and December 1, 1982. 120 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, January 26, 1983. 121 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, March 2 and 23, 1983. 122 Hayes interview. 123 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, April 6 and 27, 1983, and May 18, 1983.

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During the summer, the Union Bar features Clifton Chenier and “his Red Hot Louisiana Band,” Shangoya, the Michael James Band, and the Phones.124

August at the Union Bar sees “the last two shows at the Union” of the Lamont Cranston farewell tour as well as Both Barrels Band, Johnny Rey, Limited Warranty, the Blue Shadows, Commander Cody, Rue Nouveau, Doug Maynard, and the Wallets.125

On September 4, the Union Bar holds the Third Annual Chicago Blues Festival. The Legendary Blues Band, formerly Muddy Waters Band, is the featured act. This band is composed of Chicago bluesmen Smokey Smothers (guitar, vocals), Sunnyland Slim (piano), and Eddie Taylor (guitar, vocals). The Checkers and the Kingsnakes, another Chicago blues group, perform as well.126

That same month, Queen Ida and the Bon Temps Zydeco Band return for two nights at the Union Bar.127

1984 In January and February, the “newly remodeled” Union offers such acts as Michael James, Willie and the Bees, Daisy Dillman, B. B. Spin, Limited Warranty, Jumpstreet, Albert Collins, and Steel Cats.128

During March and April, performers include Willie and the Bees, Rue Nouveau, Nitro Brothers, Metro All Stars, Blue Shadows, the Michael James Band, and T. C. Jammers.129

In May, Duke Tumatoe returns to the Union Bar.130

In October, Cats Under the Stars, led by Paul Metsa, performs “one last big gig, the Last Meow, at the Union Bar. The place was packed tighter than a carton of Marlboro reds,” Metsa later recalled.131

On December 19, Paul Metsa debuts his new record, “Paper Tigers,” and new band, the Paul Metsa Group, at the Union Bar. During this period, Metsa describes the Union Bar as the band’s “most regular venue,” and the crowd as “an amusing amalgam of characters.” He recalled that “the college kids would arrive first, putting off another night of study. The night would slowly build with couples enjoying a night on the town, working folk, as this bar was home base for many of them, bikers, and old and new friends and fans, creating an amiable and courteous blend of humanity, all of whom were out for a good time.”132

1985 At the start of the year, the Union Bar advertisements not only list the performers who will appear in January, such as Breathless, the Sweaters, King’s English, Slave Raider,

124 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, June 8, 1983, and July 13 and 27, 1983. 125 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, August 3 and 31, 1983. 126 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, August 31, 1983. 127 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, September 21, 1983. 128 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), Twin Cities Reader, January 4, 1984, and February 8 and 29, 1984. 129 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), Twin Cities Reader, February 29, 1984, and April 14 and 25, 1984. 130 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), Twin Cities Reader, April 25, 1984. 131 Metsa, Blue Guitar Highway, 62. 132 Ibid., 62–63.

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Pinch Band, the Phones, and the Michael James Band, but invites patrons to “catch all the North Star Action on Spectrum Sports” at the bar.133

In February, writer Jeff Pike notes that while the “Minneapolis sound” is featured in the national press and “it looks like the Twin Cities have finally become established as the latest genuine music capital,” he detects troubling trends in the local live music venues, “perhaps the surest barometer of what keeps any booming music scene fresh.” He observes, “The past year has seen Duffy’s close its doors to live music and reopen as Norma Jean’s, a purveyor of videos and dance music that spins from turntables.” Pike lists a range of problems faced by nightclubs, such as the impending change of the legal drinking age from 19 to 21, stricter dram shop laws resulting in rising insurance costs, “an abundance of TV screens playing rock videos,” as well as musician Paul Metsa’s assessment that “bars do not charge enough, which means there’s too much free music available.” Despite his gloomy assessment, Pike notes that some “venues such as the Cabooze, the Union Bar, Mr. Nibs, Ryan’s Corner” have established “a commitment to local rockers.”134

In March, the Paul Metsa Group, Flamin’ Oh’s, Metro All Stars, the Talk, Shangoya, Edgar Winter, Obsession, Slave Raider, and Breathless are among the musicians who play at the Union Bar.135

During May, the Union Bar is the venue for a Doug Maynard Band reunion that includes musicians Ricky Peterson, Bobby Vandell, Dick Hedlund, Jim Behringer, Oliver Lieber, and Steve Raitt. Paul Metsa, Breathless, Beatles Forever, Sister Max, and the Flamin’ Oh’s also appear at the bar.136

In late June and early July, Obsession, Albert Collins, the Metro All Stars, and Zig-Zag are among the artists who perform at the Union Bar. An advertisement urges patrons to “Catch all Twins Action on Spectrum TV,” as well.137

During July, the Union Bar offers Twins baseball games on Spectrum TV as well as music including the Paul Metsa Group, the Bingham McCabe Band, Rue Nouveau, and Flesh Fantasy, “a tribute to Billy Idol.”138

Late in August, the Metro All Stars, the 1985 Minnesota Music Award Winner for Best Rock Band, performs at the Union Bar.139

In November, the Paul Metsa Group, regulars at the Union Bar, appears again. Other groups such as Samoa, Don’t Ask, Ragg, Lynwood Slim, the Flamin’ Oh’s, Mary Jane Alm, and the Metro All Stars perform as well.140

133 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, January 9 and 30, 1985. 134 Jeff Pike, “Trouble in Clubland,” City Pages, February 13, 1985. 135 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, February 27, 1985. 136 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, May 15, 1985. 137 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, June 28, 1985. 138 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, July 24, 1985. 139 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, July 3, 1985, and August 21, 1985. 140 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, November 20, 1985.

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During December, the Blondes, the Doctors, Westside, Jumpstreet, Dillinger, and Sister Max play the Union Bar.141

1986 In February, a variety of performers appear at the Union Bar: Westside, Babysitters, Edgar Winter, Dillinger, Starwolf, Slave Raider, and the Phones. It also offers its patrons “all Sporting Events on Satellite TV.”142

In June, the Union offers such acts as Obsession, the Paul Metsa Group, Score, Rue Nouveau, Blue Canoe, and Shangoya. Prior to an appearance of the Blues Busters, featuring Paul Barrere (Little Feat), Freebo (Bonnie Raitt Band), Catfish Hodge (Chicken Legs), T Lavitz (the Dregs), and Larry Zack (Jackson Browne), rock critic Jon Bream asks, “Do you miss those funk-rock fetes of Little Feats? Blues Busters may be as close as we’ll come to those wonderful Feat. Guitarist-singer Paul Barrere, who played second fiddle to the late Lowell George in Little Feat, leads the Los Angeles-based Blues Busters.” A later account observes that “the Busters have played two steamy engagements” at the Union Bar.143

In August, the Union Bar continues to offer sporting events via satellite TV as well as Breathless, the Phones, the Oh’s, Obsession, Passion, Westside, Paul Metsa, and Slave Raider. Late in the month, the Union features “Born American Night” to celebrate the Twin Cities’ premiere of the movie of that name and gives away movie T-shirts, posters, passes and music by Shout.144

In September, the Union offers an eclectic mix of music and other entertainment. Bands such as Wen Bodin, Westside, Paul Metsa, Cats Under the Stars, and Blues Busters, as well as a “Pro Wrestling Spectacular, The Russian Krusher and six man tag team on Monday, September 15.”145

In October, such performers as Wen Bodin, Slave Raider, the Wallets, Dillman, T. C. Jammers and Melanie Rosales with the Works, Blue Canoe, Banther, Metros, and Westside play at the Union Bar. Pro wrestling is offered on October 20.146

During November, the Hoopsnakes, the Metros, and Ruby Star (“formerly of Black Oak Arkansas”) perform at the Union Bar.147

In December, Lezlie Thriller, Hoopsnakes, the Metros, and Jorma Kaukonen play at the Union Bar.148

1987 On February 19, the Radiators, a band from New Orleans, performs at the Union Bar and is recorded live. “At a Radiators show it is not uncommon to hear blues, R&B, jazz,

141 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, November 27, 1985. 142 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, February 12, 1986. 143 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, June 11, 1986; Jon Bream, “Night Life,” Minneapolis Star

Tribune, June 20, 1986; Jon Bream, “Popular Music,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 20, 1987. 144 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, August 13 and 27, 1986. 145 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, September 10, 1986. 146 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, October 1, 1986. 147 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, November 5, 1986. 148 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, December 3, 1986.

A History of the Union Bar—Page 22

country, Zydeco, soul, swing, and even gospel filtering through their original New Orleans Rock N’ Roll.”149

On May 14, the Radiators again perform at the Union Bar and the live performance is recorded.150

On July 17 and 18, John Lee Hooker, “who taught a couple of generations of rock ’n’ rollers how to boogie, heats up the Union Bar tonight and Saturday.”151

In August, the Oh’s play at the Union in one of their final appearances. That same month, the Bedrockers, Ipso Facto, Zebop, Blue Canoe, Doug Maynard, Jah Potato, the Wallets, Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants, Tall (featuring Billy Alcorn), and the Boogie Men perform as well.152

During September, Jumpstreet, Ipso Facto, Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants, Rocking Horse, and Lamont Cranston and the Hoopsnakes play the Union Bar.153

In early October, several performers appear at the Union Bar: the Paul Metsa Group and Bedrockers, Great Nation, Big Walter Smith, Rocking Horse, Gerard, and Stickmen.154

On October 18, Westside, which includes LaSalle Gabriel (guitar), David Gonzalez (bass), Clayton Savage (lead vocals), Icee Schlieski (keyboards, vocals), Frankie Trejo (keyboards, vocals), Junior Trejo (drums, vocals), and Ricardo Trejo (percussion), performs at the Union Bar. The band is described as the “Minneapolis sound with Latin rhythms and a more percussive feel.”155

In early November, the Bedrockers, a roll-and-roll group composed of Mark Asche (keyboards and Buffalo guitar), Dan Flaherty (drums), Brian Gallagher (saxophone), Jody Hanks (vocals), and Chris Lamers (bass), appears at the Union Bar. Jody Hanks describes the band as “musical sponges. It’s hard to describe a band that plays Chuck Berry and Led Zeppelin and mixes in originals. We’re just good-time rock ’n’ roll.”156

That same month, the Boogiemen, the Airto and Flora Purim Group with the Paul Metsa Group, Blue Steel, Sampson Band, Cruise Control, Jah Potato, and the Bedrockers perform at the Union Bar.157

149 The Radiators website (http://archive.org/details/rads1987-02-19, accessed June 29, 2012). 150 Ibid. 151 Jon Bream, “Night Life,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, July 17, 1987. 152 Jon Bream, “Fat Boys Rabbit-quick at Table Talk—Cult Figures Ready to Try Mainstream,” Minneapolis Star

Tribune, August 7, 1987; “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, August 5 and 12, 1987. 153 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, September 2, 1987; Jon Bream, “Hoopsnakes/Union Bar,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 24, 1987. 154 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, September 30, 1987. 155 Jon Bream, “Westside/The Iron Horse,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, October 8, 1987. 156 Jon Bream, “Bedrockers/Union Bar,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, November 5, 1987. 157 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, November 11, 1987.

A History of the Union Bar—Page 23

1988 In January, the Stickmen, the Boogiemen, Hoopsnakes, Commotion, Great Nation, the Wallets, and Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants play the Union Bar.158

On February 11, the Union hosts the Speed Kings, formed in December 1987 and composed of Mike Ashwood (keyboards), Dave Doll (drums), Rick Forte (bass), Greg Herzenach (guitar), and Shane (vocals). Their sound was “ ‘the music we grew up with—the mid-to-late ’70s hard-rock scene,’ said Shane. ‘We never want to play a song the same way twice. We’re not doing things by rote.’ ”159

In March, Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants again play the Union Bar. Smith, who was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been singing for about twenty-five years and opened for B. B. King, among others, while in Oklahoma. He arrived in Minneapolis in 1970 for what was to be a short stint, but stayed on. For the past few years he has played with Groove Merchant, which includes Tate Ferguson on guitar, Keith French on trombone, Bruce Heine on bass, Matt Jacobs on drums, Todd Matheson on trumpet, and Steve Reichel on saxophone. Bandleader Matheson describes their music as “blues-oriented rhythm ’n’ blues: classics and a couple of originals.”160

On April 14, the Boogiemen, made up of Chuck Edwards (vocals, guitar), Don LaMarka (keyboards), Dan Mangold (lead guitar, vocals), Paul Manske (bass, vocals), Larry McDonald (saxophone), and Mike Sandell (drums, vocals), perform at the Union Bar. Jon Bream observes, “Musically, the Boogiemen play the kind of R&B that most of them played when they started gigging in bars in the mid-1970s.” Mangold says, “It’s black music for white people,” or “R&B that fits in between vintage J. Geils Band and Hall & Oates. It’s got to be recognizable to people and real danceable.”161

On June 5, the Radiators are back at the Union Bar and make another live recording there.162

That same month, the Union Bar advertises upcoming appearances of Pretty Boy, Boogiemen, Crow, J. T. Ripper, Rough Boys, and Bedrockers, as well as the “largest game room in town [with] 14 pool tables.”163

During October, the newly formed Club Metro appears at the Union Bar. This group includes Jaime Chez (drums), Brian Gallagher (saxophone), Jody Hanks (vocals), Don LaMarka (keyboards), Dan Mangold (guitar), and John Peterson (bass). Mangold formerly played with the Metro All Stars and the Boogiemen. A reviewer describes their sound as barroom flair with radio finesse164

Crow appears at the Union Bar in early in November. Jon Bream recounts that the group “dates back to the first generation of Twin Cities garage bands that scored national hits in the 1960s. The Trashmen had ‘Surfin’ Bird,’ the Castaways had ‘Liar Liar’ and Crow had

158 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, January 20, 1988. 159 Jon Bream, “Speed Kings/Union Bar,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, February 11, 1988. 160 Jon Bream, “Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants/Union Bar,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 3, 1988. 161 Jon Bream, “The Boogiemen/Cheers on Sixth,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 31, 1988. 162 The Radiators website (http://archive.org/details/rads1988-06-05.flac16, accessed June 29, 2012). 163 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, June 15, 1988. 164 Jon Bream, “Club Metro/Fine Line Cafe,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 29, 1988.

A History of the Union Bar—Page 24

‘Evil Woman.’ The single, which peaked at No. 19 nationally, was featured on the band’s 1969 debut album for Amaret Records. Two more albums, Crow by Crow and Mosaic, followed, with lesser hits including ‘Gone Gone Gone’ and ‘Cottage Cheese.’ A greatest-hits collection was issued in late 1971, shortly before the band disintegrated. All the records are out of print. Lead singer Dave Wagner, also known as Dave Wagoner, made a solo LP, ‘DBA Crow,’ in ’73 for MGM Records. He then moved to northern Minnesota and worked in a country-rock group called Jack Daniels. In 1980, he formed a new version of Crow but bar owners didn’t take to the band’s repertoire of original material; after a year and a concert LP, ‘Crow on the Run’ for Peak Records, Crow flew away. Wagner hooked on with Whiskey River, a popular Twin Cities country-rock group, and Crosscut, a variety band. Early this year, he decided to form a new band and the musicians agreed to use the name Crow.”165

In December, the Union Bar is found to be among thirty bars that sold alcohol to minors during a sting conducted during the summer. The Union receives a seven-day suspension of its license, and the employees are required to attend alcohol-training sessions.166

1989 In January, Tall Corn with Billy Alcorn (lead vocals, guitar, bass), Dan Lund (lead guitar), Brad Matson (drums), and James Riley (bass, vocals, guitar), appears at the Union Bar. Others advertisements note that Commotion, Melvin James, the Robert Wilkinson Band, Tang, Maiden Voyage, Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants, the Hoopsnakes, the Nerds, Molly and the Heymakers, Stickman, the Lynwood Slim Band, and Club Metro are playing at the Union Bar.167

On January 29, the Radiators are at the Union Bar again and make a live recording of the performance.168

In early February, an advertisement announces that Pretty Boy, Stickman, Paul Metsa, Ipso Facto, the Woodpeckers, Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants, and Hoopsnakes will play at the Union Bar. It also boasts of the “largest game room in town” with fourteen pool tables.169

In late February, with only a few days’ notice, the Union Bar announces in one of its regular advertisements that it is closing: “The Union Bar has been sold. The last day of business will be Saturday, Feb. 25th. Thank you for your patronage.” The Paul Metsa Group, Big Walter Smith and the New Groove Merchants, and the Speed Kings are the last three groups that perform there. Jon Bream reports that “the Union Bar, long a Minneapolis bastion for rock and blues, has been sold. Look possibly for a Christian rock format at the ‘New Union.’ ”170

165 Jon Bream, “Crow/Archies in Somerset, Wis.,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, October 6, 1988. 166 “Melville’s License Denial Is Final,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, December 17, 1988. 167 Jon Bream, “Tall Corn/Five Corners Saloon,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, January 19, 1989; “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, January 4, 1989, and January 18, 1989. 168 The Radiators website (http://archive.org/details/rad1989-01-29.flac16; accessed June 29, 2012). 169 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, February 8, 1989. 170 “The Union Bar” (advertisement), City Pages, February 22, 1989; Jon Bream, “Grammy Awards This Year Wore a Happy Face,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, February 24, 1989.

A History of the Union Bar—Page 25

In March, Jon Bream notes, “Last weekend, music lovers lost two of Minneapolis’ more spacious bars featuring live music—the Union Bar, long a bastion of rock and blues, was sold, and Nibs, which has been home to country, rock and most recently heavy-metal, was destroyed by fire. Both were well-run joints with decent owners; the bars will be missed by musician and music lovers alike. There has been talk of Nib’s being rebuilt at the same site.”171

Newspapers report that the Living Word Christian Center, based in Brooklyn Park, “bought the Union Bar across the Mississippi River from downtown Minneapolis a few weeks ago and are about to turn it into an entertainment and worship center for non-drinking, non-smoking Christians.” Councilmember Walter Dziedzic and many in the neighborhood object as they fear the church will “set up a mission soup kitchen.” Mac Hammond, who founded the Brooklyn Park church, admitted the group did a very poor job of communicating what the establishment would be. “All we want to do is create a Christian environment at the New Union, mostly for the young.” He conceded, however, that “if people came and said they were willing to join the church, or work for it, and they needed food, we would give it.”172

Later, the Living Word drops plans to open a free food site at the bar in the face of neighborhood opposition. The neighbors fear this plan will draw transients into the area. The church plans to open a nonalcoholic bar that features Christian music.173

By mid-March the old Union Bar, “where a lot of local and regional rock bands broke in,” has opened as the New Union, “a non-alcoholic, non-smoking bar featuring bands that play Christian music.” “Dan Mus, former owner of the old Union Bar, was there sipping on seltzer. He said he sold the bar after he was ‘saved’ about a year ago, much to the distress of secular bands.” Dan suggested that the bands “learn some Christian music and come back and play. . . . The change from a dark, smoke-filled hall to a bright place that smells more like latex semi-gloss than booze elates him. ‘I wake up every morning and thank the Lord I’m out of the bar business,’ he said.”174

1991 One newspaper reports that “the New Union Bar is a smoke-free nightclub with pool tables, a video arcade, and a non-alcoholic bar. Christian bands such as Stryper (a nationally-known heavy metal Christian rock group), Mark Farner, formerly of the Grand Funk Railroad, and local groups such as White Cross and Reign of Kings perform on weekends. Three chemical dependency support groups meet during the week, as well as Bible study groups and a singles’ club.”175

The New Union Bar also has plans to convert the living units upstairs, now called the Poco Apartments, into twenty efficiency apartments for low-income people. The plan is

171 Jon Bream, “Lyle Lovett—‘Salesman’ Uses His Concerts to Promote,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 3, 1989. 172 Jim Klobuchar, “Feed the Hungry (Elsewhere),” Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 9, 1989; “Union Bar May Convert to Mission,” Southeast, March 1989; Dennis J. McGrath, “Dziedzic Fears New Bar Will Be Soup Kitchen,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 6, 1989. 173 Tim Fuehrer, “Church Scraps Food Plan for Center at Union Bar,” Northeaster, March 22, 1989. 174 Bream, “Lyle Lovett”; Rosalind Bentley, “Dziedzic Conciliatory as New Union Bar Opens Minus Alcohol and Smoke,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 25, 1989. 175 Gail Fillmore, “New Union Plans Apartments for Low Income ‘Poco’ Building,” Northeaster, October 16, 1991.

A History of the Union Bar—Page 26

opposed by some in the neighborhood. New Union spokesperson Nancy Aleksuk notes that currently only one of the approximately forty Poco apartments is in use. “Directly above the bar, she added, are six sleeping rooms, one of which is used to accommodate the bands who perform on weekends.”176

1993 By this year, the New Union Bar is out of business.177

1994 In March, Bernice and Dan Mus, former owners of the Union Bar, sue “Rev. James ‘Mac’ Hammond and the Living Word Christian Center over the fate of the space once occupied by the bar, which was converted into an inner-city ministry and renamed the New Union when Living Word moved in five years ago.” The Muses claim that Living Word breached the terms of the 1989 agreement by causing $477,000 worth of damage to the building, which had thirty-five apartments until Living Word destroyed them. The plaintiffs also allege that “Hammond used ‘coercive, religious preaching techniques’ in securing the contract and has since pressured the family to donate the property to the church.” The Muses are worried that the Living Word will back out of the contract, leaving them with worthless buildings. Before the church tore out the apartments, without a city permit, there were twenty-eight tenants who generated $6,000 per month in rents. The church has not made the final balloon payment for the building, nor has it vacated the premises. Bernice is dependent upon the proceeds of the building and has been forced to put her own house up for sale.178

1996 The New Union Bar is now located at 3141 Central Avenue Northeast and still features Christian-based music. Similar clubs have opened in other cities.179

2010 On the occasion of Willie Murphy’s sixty-fifth birthday, one fan, Kim Reynolds Crockett

of Deephaven, recalled that the Union Bar was her favorite venue for listening to Willie and the Bees.180

2012 Dan and Bernice Mus are again the owners of 505 East Hennepin and 509 Central Avenue. The building at 509, which housed a portion of the Union Bar, is boarded up.181

176 Ibid. 177 Bream, “Grammy Awards This Year Wore a Happy Face”; “The Waiting Game,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, October 21, 1993. 178 Rose Farley, “Pennies from Heaven,” Twin Cities Reader, March 23, 1994. 179 Susan Hogan-Albach, “Holy Rock ’n Rollers—It’s a Nightclub That Has Caught the Nation’s Attention,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, November 21, 1996. 180 Kim Reynolds Crocket, “Willie Murphy” (letter to editor), Minneapolis Star Tribune, February 9, 2010. 181 Hennepin County Property Information website (http://www16.co.hennepin.mn.us/pins; accessed June 11, 2012).

ILLUSTRATIONS

505-507 East Hennepin, formerly the Union Bar Penny Petersen, photographer, 2012

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 2

Two views of 505-507 East Hennepin (left) and 509-513 Central Avenue Northeast (right)

Penny Petersen, photographer, 2012

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 3

505-507 East Hennepin, formerly the Union Bar Penny Petersen, photographer, 2012

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 4

A detail of the 1856 Map of St. Anthony and Minneapolis, showing Block 15 with Lots 1 and 2 highlighted in red. These lots are the location of the future Union Bar.

Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis Collection

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 5

The red-shaded areas mark the Minneapolis Liquor Patrol Limits as of 1893.

“Patrol Limits,” Minneapolis Tribune, February 13, 1893

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 6

The intersection of East Hennepin, Fifth Street Northeast, and Central Avenue as it appeared in the 1940s. The two-story building in the center will become the Union Bar.

Minnesota Historical Society Collections

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 7

This photograph was taken July 31, 1957. The sign for the East Side Sports Center at 509 Central Avenue Northeast can be seen on the left side of this photograph.

Norton and Peel, photographer—Minnesota Historical Society Collections

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 8

Advertisements for the Union Bar in the Minnesota Daily, May 5, 1976 (top) and July 15, 1977 (bottom)

Ba & Gam mportum Live Music Featuring

TRACK Wed- Sun 9-1

507 E. Hennepin

the

UNION BAR presents

Mojo Buford July 13-16

Free & Easy (Gypsy) July 19-23

Explode Boys July 27-30

Wet T-Shirt Contests Every Wednesday s75.00 1st Prize

ALSO NEW GIANT GAME ROOM

UNION BAR 507 East Henn.epin 333-9326

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 9

Advertisements for the Union Bar in the Minnesota Daily, December 2, 1977 (top) and August 11, 1978 (bottom)

the

UNION BAR presents

GYPSY OCT. 30-DEC. 4

VVILLY AND THE BEES OCT. 7-11

*MISSION MT. VVOOD BAND*

OCT. 14-17

2 For 1 • Thur. 9-11 and Sun 8-10 BAR DRINKS AND TAP BEER

507 East Hennepin 333-9326

the

UNION BAR presents

Aug. 9-13

Whiskey River Aug.1S-20

Gypsy Aug. 24, 25, 26

L·an~ont Cranston

WED.-Ladles ' Night • All-Drinks 1/2 price 2 for 1 On All Bar Drinks and Tap Beer THUR. 9-11 p.m. and SUN. 8,..10 p.m.

1 507 East Hennepin 378-9861

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 10

Advertisements for the Union Bar in Sweet Potato, August 1979 (left) and September 1979 (right)

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 11

Advertisement for the Union Bar in Sweet Potato, October 1979

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 12

Advertisements for the Union Bar in Sweet

Potato, January 1980 (left) and March 18, 1980 (above)

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 13

Advertisements for the Union Bar in Sweet Potato, April 1980 (left) and January 1, 1981 (above)

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 14

Advertisements for the Union Bar in Sweet Potato, April 29, 1981 (top) and July 22, 1981 (bottom)

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 15

Advertisements for the Union Bar in Sweet Potato, August 27, 1981 (left) and September, 10, 1981 (right)

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 16

Advertisements for the Union Bar in Sweet Potato, October 15, 1981 (left) and November 19, 1981 (right)

Thursday, October 15 • Rhythm 11t Blues· BACKSTREETS

Friday,Saturday, October 16,17

THE NIGHTHAWKS The East Coast 's hardest rocking Rhythm & Blues

Sunday, October 18

THE PISTONS Original Modern Hometown Rock 'n • Roll

Monday, October 19 & Monday, October 26 SQUARE DANCING

Tuesday,Wednesday, October 20,21 • Ftom Milwaukee CONCERT- SPECIALS VOID

The BOOZE BROTHERS The Blues Review to end all Blues Reviews!

with specuu guest

ROD PIAZZA Exceptional Blues Harp Player

Thursday-Saturday, October 22-24

MARY JANE ALM Vo.ted Best Female Vocalist in Town!

Sunday, October 25

THe~CHAELJAMrnSBAND Tuesday, October 27

EXUMA the OBEAH MAN Jst Annual Ne w Or/eons Rock in ' Rhythm Fest

Comes to the Union

• COMING AiTRAC TIONS • Oct.29-31 flamin' Oh's • Nov.5-7 Lamoni Cranston

No v .13-15 Galemoulh Brown

VO ID

From tht! Cajun swomps to downtown Chicago­

smokestack lightning all thtt way!

Thurs..:. 2 for I Bar Drinks & Tap llttr 9 p.m.· II p.m.

SON SEALS BLUES ·BAND

Alli&fltor R«ardinr Artirt . A n innovator Gnd onr of Chica&o·sfinest blursmrn.

Sunday, Novtmbe:r 22 • Rhy1hm &. Blurs

5tb A VENUE BLUES BAND 2 for I Tap B«r &. Bar Drinb

Tuesday, No'f't'rnbcr 24 • S2.00 Cover

J.B. HUTTO & THF. Nt:W IIAWKS

lri/1\U'

Wctlnesday,Thur\d:1y, Novcn1h<:r 2"i,2(1

'DOUG MAYNARD BAND Party/or TllunhJ:I'Vifl}.! wllh fhms: . An j'l(t·c•/1('111 /( ct II \hOw. • WccJ. 2 fur I I :tf) & lla r Drank' K· I0:3U p.m .

J·riday,Slflln day, NO\'CnllX.'r 27 .2M

MARY JANE ALM BAND Votc•tl r wm C 'lltfi\ Mu\lc·um n{ tlw Yror

Tuesda"(, Decrmbcr I

Capitol r«ordlnt artist

Delbert McClinton

"Simply pu t (M cClinton) may be the ~st whit' R&B rock 'n '

rollu in th~ world. " - Jud.tOn Klin~#,

Play boy Maxar.in# +

Thur~day, Dectmber 3 ONE N IGH T ONL Y! An e~nmg wirh rht Grand Master of Blues-Til£ U,,'G£NIJA RY

MUDDY WATERS One show only Music: s rarts a r 9:00 SS.SO adm1~~1on At tht door only.

• COMING ATTRACTIONS • Dec. 4,5 THE DI LLMAN BAND

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 17

+

Advertisements for the Union Bar in City Pages, September 16, 1982 (left) and October 20, 1982 (right)

Only $2.00 cover includes copy of record Jmpolt Special: Heinekin &: Mt~osehead only $1.50

2 for 1 Bar Drinks&: Tap /Jeer Wed. 8-10:30

Thursday-Saturday, September 16-18

Sussman Lawrence Sunday, Sept. 19 • Reunion Party

CRAZY LEGS An evening of R &: 8 with the. original members (now in the

Wallets) with Special Guests Dave Snaker Ray & the Kingsnakes • Import special: Heinekin &: Moosehead only

$1.50; 2 for 1 bar drinks&: tap beer 8-10:30

Tuesday, Sept.21 Wednesday, Sept.22

Michael James Cats Under the Band Stars

NO COVER BOTH NIGHTS and 2 for I tap beer and bar drinks 8-10:30; Import Specials:

Heinekin &: Moosehead only Sl.50 ·

Thursday-Saturday, September 23-2S

Lamont Cransto,n • Coming Attractions •

Sept.28-29 Wally Cleaver Sept.30-0ct.2 Doug Maynard Band

·····~·····~········· · ·······~ DON'T DRIVE DRUNK! 6 blocks from Oowntown- 10 blocks from tl., U of M CIJiflfHU

Play it safe! Plan all your fall parties at Tbe Union!

•• • ••

Wednesday, October 20

Michael J"ames a~o Band o~-i>

2 for ·J tap IH-er and bar drinks 8- JO:J·o p .m. Heinek.in &-Mo~head only .J I .50

Thu.ndav. October 21

~~~~ 2 for I tap !:r~~ baBI!· ~.0:30p.m. 00~ H einekin &: Mooseheod S/ .50

Friday, Saturday, October 22-23

Sussman Lawrence

S unday. OctobCr 24

t~~ Mud Sharks co~o CJ 2 for /tap ~rand bar d rinks 8- 10:30 p:m . l?J?

Heinekin & Moosehead only J / .50

Tuesday, October 26 NO COVER

ts Under The Stars

RADIATORS Th~ top drawing 'band in New Or/eons. Oul.slanding rock,

rhythm.& blues. Don 't miss them! 2 for I Old Style tap 8-11 p , m. . 2 for I bar drinks '8' 1 I p .m .

Free T -shins to t he first 100

Nov. 5,6 LAMONT CRANSTON ' ' Nov: 9 CITY MOUSE '

Nov. 10 R IDERS ON THE STORM Nov. 11 -13 FLAMlN; OH'S

* * ~~~-:'T* o*.Jv*E ... ~Ox~c'A~.t~ ;tA\*..; t'A';..~t * * Plan all · parti~s the Union Bar-Only 6 blocks from

· /0 blocks from the U M .

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 18

Advertisements for the Union Bar in City Pages, March 23, 1983 (left) and August 3, 1983 (right)

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 19

Advertisements for the Union Bar in Twin City Reader, January 4, 1984 (left), and City Pages, January 30, 1985 (right)

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 20

Advertisements for the Union Bar in City Pages, February 12, 1986 (left) and June 11, 1986 (right)

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 21

Advertisements for the Union Bar in City Pages, September 30, 1987 (left) and November 11, 1987 (right)

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 22

Advertisements for the Union Bar in City Pages, January 20, 1988 (left) and June 15, 1988 (right)

A History of the Union Bar—Illustrations 23

Advertisements for the Union Bar in City Pages, January 20, 1989 (left) and February 22, 1989 (right)