Uptown (newspaper)

Uptown was a free weekly alternative newspaper serving the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area in Minnesota, United States. It focused primarily on arts, entertainment, and local news relevant to the Twin Cities.

History and Profile:

Uptown was founded in 1972 and distinguished itself by its counter-cultural perspective and focus on the local arts scene. Throughout its run, it provided coverage of music, theater, film, visual arts, and nightlife, often highlighting independent and alternative voices. It also included news and feature articles on local politics, social issues, and community events.

The newspaper was distributed free of charge at various locations throughout the Twin Cities, including restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, and other businesses. Uptown relied on advertising revenue to support its operations.

Notable Features:

• Arts and entertainment reviews
• Music listings and concert previews
• Local news and commentary
• Feature articles on community issues
• Classified advertising

Closure:

Uptown ceased publication in 2007 after facing increasing financial challenges, including declining advertising revenue and competition from other media outlets. Its closure marked the end of an era for alternative journalism in the Twin Cities.

Legacy:

Uptown played a significant role in shaping the Twin Cities arts and culture landscape for over three decades. It provided a platform for emerging artists and writers and helped to foster a vibrant and diverse creative community. While the newspaper is no longer in print, its legacy continues to be remembered by those who valued its independent voice and commitment to local arts and culture.