After A Bad Showing With The Brick, Club Changes Name, Stage

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- One downtown club is looking for a second chance.

The Brick, which ran into problems last May, has changed its name to Mill City Nights.

When the club initially opened, people complained that they couldn't see the Brick's stage. In response, the Brick refunded money to all customers, whether they enjoyed the show or not.

"The issues we had, really, had dealt with our sight lines," said Jeff Kehr, the venue's general manager. "Our stage was lower, we had some obstacles on the main level, where you couldn't see."

So much for the Brick. After one bad show, they wiped out the name and renovated the space. Now it's Mill City Nights.

"We really went from a four-foot stage to a five-foot stage, and that has been a huge improvement to the sight lines here on the main level," Kehr said. "The biggest changes that you'll see, physically, will happen here on the second level, with the addition of a stadium-tiered platform, which allows you to remain one head above the person in front of you."

The venue's balcony was also expanded by eight feet. It can be set with chairs or left open for standing, depending on the show.

Also, in-house TV cameras feed numerous screens to help improve the view.

At the Brick, there were two main entrance doors. Now there are four, as well as an additional stairway.

"We had a pinch point at our front entrance, and so by creating this as a way of egress and entrance into the facility it has been a major improvement for us," Kehr said.

After three months of renovations, the folks at Mill City Nights say they are ready for the future.

"We just finished three nights of a global dance festival and we've heard nothing but great responses back from our fans," Kehr said.

Mill City Nights will also feature a smaller venue on the basement level, called the Nether Bar.

Upcoming shows at Mill City Nights include Chiddy Bang, Citizen Cope and Theory of a Deadman.