FIRST AVE BY THE NUMBERS

Random bits that add up to one of the nation's oldest and best-known rock clubs:

4/3/1970: Opening date with Joe Cocker.

$150,000: Estimated original investment.

1,500: Main room's capacity.

250: 7th Street Entry's capacity.

12/31/1981: The day it was renamed First Avenue (earlier names: the Depot and Sam's).

214: Total employees on the books as of Nov. 20 (counting many very-part-timers).

10: Salaried full-timers.

531: Stars painted on the side of the building, naming significant acts that have performed there.

17: Days the club was shut down in November 2004 during a legal battle.

3: Years the club has reported profits since reopening.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER