The Shins Come to Orpheum Theatre, September 10

Hennepin Theatre Trust announced that The Shins are bringing their classic 2001 debut album Oh, Inverted World to life in its entirety with a 21st Birthday Tour this summer with a stop in Minneapolis at the historic Orpheum Theatre (910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis) on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. Beginning on July 12th in San Francisco, the band will embark on a two month tour of North America performing the landmark album from start to finish - plus a nightly rotation of additional fan favorites and deep cuts. The "low-key masterpiece" (The New York Times) will celebrate 21 years since its arrival on June 19, 2001.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 20 at 10 a.m. to the general public at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis), by calling (800) 982-2787 or by HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

James Mercer's injection of emotional sincerity and melodic ambition redefined the indie rock paradigm at the dawn of the 21st century - and Oh, Inverted World sounds every bit as fresh, honest and expansive as it did then. Upon its original release over two decades ago, Oh, Inverted World was quickly praised by The New York Times as "a beguiling but confounding little album that wasn't as little as it first seemed." Today, Billboard agrees, "Twenty years later, the sound of Mercer's sublime vocals over tranquil acoustic guitar is just as affecting."

"Everything was so tongue-in-cheek in the indie world of the '90s," Mercer says today. "I remember feeling a longing for some sort of romance in music again, something earnest, like a real attempt at some emotional language."

Reissued last year in a 20th anniversary edition remastered by Bob Ludwig, Oh, Inverted World is one of those rare masterworks that remains as concise as it is vital, with not an iota of filler. Mercer says of Oh, Inverted World, "This record symbolized a very special moment in my life, a watershed moment for sure." Their debut full length, caused a seismic shift in the indie rock world upon its release in 2001, singlehandedly ushering in the modern era of the genre. The record packs 11 tracks into barely over 30 minutes, including gems like "New Slang," "Caring Is Creepy," "Girl Inform Me"-every one of which "became defining touchstones of millennial indie rock." (Entertainment Weekly).

With support from Portland sister trio Joseph, the tour will make stops at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis along with other iconic venues like Red Rocks, Radio City Music Hall and the Ryman Auditorium, ending at Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square on Sept. 16.

Some bakers at dawn whipped up this birthday cake to celebrate. Enjoy a slice!

Hennepin Theatre Trust drives cultural and economic vitality in Minnesota through leadership of the dynamic Hennepin Theatre District in downtown Minneapolis and educational programming that reaches every area of the state. Its historic theatres - Orpheum, State and Pantages - and event center at 900 Hennepin Avenue light up Hennepin Avenue with top-tier entertainment, including the best of Broadway and a wide variety of arts programming. Hennepin Theatre Trust is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

To honor the centennial, Hennepin Theatre Trust is kicking off a yearlong celebration for the Orpheum, State and Pantages theatres, along with The Hennepin event center and 824 Hennepin, home to the Brave New Workshop comedy theatre. This year-long centennial celebration honors the history of the Hennepin Theatre District and looks ahead to what the future holds for the arts, the Trust and downtown neighbors. HennepinTheatreTrust.org/centennial.

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