Bus crashes through Acadia music venue in Minneapolis
by Luke Taylor
March 15, 2022
At midday Tuesday, a University of Minnesota campus circulator bus crashed through the front of the Acadia restaurant, bar, and music venue in Minneapolis. According to reports from eyewitnesses and a statement from the University of Minnesota, there were no injuries among the bus passengers or people inside the venue. “The structure will be inspected by the City of Minneapolis to determine necessary repairs,” the U of M spokesperson said. “Investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.”
In a post on its Facebook page, the Acadia confirmed no injuries among its staff and announced it is now "closed indefinitely." A GoFundMe has been set up to provide financial assistance to Acadia employees during the closure.
In a 2020 story for The Current about the venue, Cecilia Johnson wrote, "Acadia is known for its alley patio and a colorful, well-worn interior with a gorgeous wood bar."
Local musician AJ Scheiber, who performs as a solo artist as well as member of the band Wilkinson James, has performed many times at the Acadia over the years. “It has consistently been a spot in town where musicians could find a stage and try to draw an audience, even though pay and promotion from the venue end were always a little thin,” Scheiber says. “Because it’s such a small space, a medium-sized crowd, 30 listeners or so, made the place feel full, which always enhances the experience for musicians. The food and beer were always good, and the staff was always friendly with both musicians and customers.
“The local music scene could not exist, let alone thrive, without venues like the Acadia,” Scheiber continues. “My favorite piece of artwork was the frame of the inside of a piano attached to the wall behind the stage. You always knew that a performance shot was from the Acadia if you saw that behind the band.”
The building that houses the Acadia was constructed in 1898 and has been home to many types of establishments during its 124-year history, primarily in various incarnations as a tavern and/or music venue; notable exceptions include a 14-year run as a grocery store during the Prohibition era, and as the New Riverside Café — known as a hub of political activism, particularly in the 1970s — from 1971 to 1997.
External Links
Acadia - official site
