If you rarely head down Concourse D at MSP Airport, you are missing out on one of the airport’s most vibrant live-music venues.
Republic provides a comfortable pub setting with great food. The entertainment comes to life on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a variety of musical offerings. Here’s the music line-up for April:
- April 1: Lyzander — Rock, Pop, Country
- April 2: Peter Stork — Rock, Country
- April 8: Chris Bertrand — Folk, Rock
- April 9: Jeremy Jewell — Americana, Folk
- April 15: Matthew Schmitz — Jazz
- April 16: Tori Evans — Pop, Rock
- April 22: Frankie Torres — Rock, Blues, Singer-Songwriter
- April 23: Jon Miller — Bluegrass, Folk
- April 29: Christopher David Hanson — Americana, Blues
- April 30: Elgin Foster — Acoustic Variety
When the music started, and stopped, and started again
Republic launched its musical entertainment in 2016, when it opened on Concourse D and partnered with McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul to provide the talent for its stage.
The combination quickly proved to be a popular draw and Twin Citians know Republic from its location in the Seven Corners area near the University of Minnesota. McNally Smith closed late in 2017, but Republic kept offering live performances working with the Minnesota Music Coalition.
Travelers were still enjoying the music when the pandemic curtailed travel, and live entertainment, early in 2020. About a year later performers returned to Republic and they’ve been here ever since. The musicians are now brought to Republic through David Ostrom of Ostrom Entertainment, who’s had a hand in bringing in talent to Republic since 2018.
“It’s largely solo and duo performers at Republic,” Ostrom said. “I do my best to provide a wide variety of opportunities for all types of musicians, and at the same time, bring a unique live-music experience to travelers at MSP.”
That includes jazz, folk musicians and some well-known headliners. Adam Bohanan, a rhythm-and-blues soul singer who was a semi-finalist on “The Voice” in 2024 was at Republic in January of this year. Republic has also welcomed Steve Solkela, an accordion player and comedian from Minnesota’s Iron Range, who connects well with the restaurant’s crowd.
Make sure to stop in on your next voyage through MSP!