The Red Sea

10/18/09

Worst Music Venue in Twin Cities

by Drumah

Bands do not book here or Terminal bar which is booked by the same person, Tom Andrews. Our band brought in about 20 cover paying friends, I realize this is not a ton of people but they are our fans and they paid to see us and bought drinks at the bar. At the end of the night we were informed that we would get no pay for this Saturday night show because all the money brought in by our fans and the 3 other bands would go to the sound guy and "security." First of all, why is a little bar wasting money on security? Why are they wasting our money on security? If we or the other bands had not played there, they would have no guests to buy alcohol. Everyone else that is only there because of us gets paid, however the only reason why people are there in the first place gets nothing? Unbelievable... If you are a self respecting musician, please avoid these two dumps, and play at many of the other establishments in the Cities that actually care about the musicians.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Everything

08/23/09

DO NOT PLAY HERE!

by mshabooboo

BANDS BEWARE! DO NOT PLAY/BOOK HERE!! The booking agent booked us for $100 and told us the show started at 9:00pm - the show ACTUALLY started at 7:30pm, and we had to clear the stage for a rap show at 10:30pm. Thus, we had to scramble to get on the stage, and only had 20-30min to play. The bar did ZERO promotion - we sent them flyers and photos, and they didn't put anything up, even INSIDE THE BAR. There was a total of ZERO patrons there (on a Saturday night), and the owner of the bar REFUSED TO PAY OUR BAND. He told me I should go back to my hometown (4.5 hour drive) and email the booking agent asking to be paid. I told him that was ridiculous. He argued with me, saying "We won't give you a cent", and "It's not our job to do any promotion! Don't tell me how to run my bar!" The owner obviously has no idea of how to run a music venue, and it shows. Oh, and you get two drink tickets, which are good for 5oz glasses of Michelob. That's it - no rail drinks, nothing....just dixie cups of Michelob.

This was THE WORST experience playing a traveling show our band has ever had. This bar is unwilling and unable to do any form of promotion, or even pay bands that play. Additionally, their website design makes finding out about shows ridiculously difficult. WE WILL NEVER PLAY HERE AGAIN, AND I STRONGLY CAUTION BANDS AGAINST BOOKING HERE!!!

• Pros: NOTHING
• Cons: Swindled me out of $100, no promotion, terrible staff

West Bank eatery and bar that appeals to punks and world music fanatics alike.

by Contributor

In Short
Located in one of Minneapolis' most culturally diverse area, this restaurant and bar specializes in Ethiopian finger foods. A casual, culinary adventurous crowd eat the lamb, beef and various spicy and mild vegetarian dishes with a thick sourdough bread. The bar features world music--everything from African to reggae--as well as up-and-coming local punk and hip-hop acts. The crowd is as rich and varied as the neighborhood. There's a good beer selection and decent specials.

11/26/06

Good Food Slow Service

by sekemet

My Goddess, a half an hour I waited for my food during non-peak time.

It was worth it though. I would travel to the Red Sea for such excellent food.

03/25/05

A unique experience

by headcase

One recent evening I was walking past the front of the Red Sea. I looked in and saw a man on a microphone, singing. I was curious and went in. It was a chilly tuesday night about 10 pm, and the only people in the place were African immigrants. The man with the microphone was singing in an African language. It was very unique to hear him sing. But the best part of all was that I felt so overwhelmingly welcome. Everyone smiled at me, and made me feel comforable. The bartender let me just sit there for a moment, listening, without buying anything. When I left, one of the customers yelled for me to come back some day and bring my friends. I don't think I've ever had anyone say that to me in any bar, anywhere. I'll go back and enjoy the refreshing friendliness.