MNUP Story

A large group of Minnesota community members gathered together in demonstration holding colorful, bold messaged signs supporting community and ICE Out of Minnesota. The crowd dressed in winter coats and hats is addressed by a speaker standing at the center holding a microphone.

Our Story

  • Fall 2023

    Twin Cities United Performers (TCUP) was born out of solidarity organizing with a worker unionization effort at First Ave venues. Over 300 performers organized a letter and statement of solidarity. When venue workers voted to unionize, First Ave voluntarily recognized the union within 24 hours. 

  • BIG WIN!

    2024-2025

    Our team grew as 500+ performers signed on to our campaign to win better communication between performers and venues with the TCUP advance. Venues across the Twin Cities agreed to make the TCUP advance standard. Inspired by TCUP, performers in the Duluth-Superior area founded Twin Ports United Performers (TPUP).

  • Winter 2026

    As federal agents terrorized Minnesotans, TCUP fundraised and showed up for our neighbors, hosting an ICE OUT show at First Avenue and recording a compilation of protest songs titled “thaw.”

  • Fall 2026

    TCUP launched Minnesota United Performers (MNUP) to reflect our growing, statewide base and kicked off the MN Needs Music campaign to win investments that support Minnesota musicians to perform, tour, and record.