It's not often Emily Schoonover, 21, gets to perform in a nightclub for fans younger than she is. That's partly why the singer/guitarist of the rock band Bugsy raved about St. Paul's new all-ages venue, the Treasury.
"I think it's important to have music spaces that aren't based around alcohol," said Schoonover, who started playing rock clubs at 15 with her previous band, Bruise Violet. "I'd always have to leave right after our set."
And with the wariness of a young woman used to being around drunk men, she added: "It's nice to not have to worry about my safety after the show."
Two decades ago, safety indeed would have been a great concern along Payne Avenue, where the Treasury officially opened last month after a two-year COVID delay. But the historic strip east of downtown St. Paul — known to older music fans for the Minnesota Music Café and a Hold Steady song — has enjoyed a resurgence in the past decade with new eateries, art galleries and other cool upgrades.
Count the Treasury as not just the latest feather in Payne Ave's renewal cap, but a giant win for underage music fans — who've been sorely underserved with live-music options in either of the Twin Cities.
Housed in the basement of the 99-year-old Swedish Bank building, the nonprofit venue has no age restrictions and no alcohol. It does, however, have the look, feel and sound of a good, low-frills, high-energy rock club, one with an official capacity of 180 people (close in size to Mortimer's or the 331 Club in Minneapolis).
After COVID stalled its opening, the Treasury's operators expanded their mission statement to not only offer a safe space for young audiences to enjoy live music, but also each other's company.
"Music events are such an important way for young people to meet friends and have fun," said Jack Kolb-Williams, executive director of Twin Cities Catalyst Music, the nonprofit organization behind the Treasury.