Courtroom Concerts

Hosted by composer Abbie Betinis, our popular Courtroom Concerts take place at noon most Thursdays in the Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul. This series features accomplished musicians and composers from the Twin Cities and surrounding area, as well as occasional musical newcomers to the area. These one-hour concerts are free and open to the public.

If you are bringing a group of 10 or more, we strongly recommend calling ahead to reserve seats. We will hold seats for your group until 11:45, so please arrive early. If your group has not arrived by 11:45, we will release any held seats to other audience members who are waiting.

Courtroom Concerts tend to fill up! We strongly recommend arriving early to secure your seat.

Courtroom Concert FAQ

Where should I park?

Street and ramp parking are available. The closest ramp is the Lawson Commons Ramp. The Science Museum and River Center parking ramps are also nearby.

Why are they called Courtroom Concerts?

Our Courtroom Concerts series is named for its venue: the beautiful and historic Courtroom 317 in Landmark Center. Now used for meetings, performances, and rehearsals, Courtroom 317 is a part of Minnesota history. In the 1930’s, it hosted the trials of John Dillinger’s girlfriend, Evelyn Freschette, and those of Alvin “Creepy” Karpis, Doc Barker and Leon Gleckman.

Is it OK to arrive late?

Yes, however these concerts do typically fill to capacity, and if you arrive late we may only have standing room available. If you do arrive late, please enter the concert as quietly as possible and be respectful of the rest of the audience.

Do the concerts end promptly at 1:00?

The concerts are scheduled to end at 1pm, but they sometimes extend beyond this time. If you do need to leave before the concert concludes, please do so quietly!

Are there accessible entrances and seating?

Landmark Center is accessible for persons with mobility challenges. The accessible entrance is on Market Street, just off 6th Street (north east corner of building). Large print programs are available by contacting Schubert Club at least 24 hours in advance.

Concert Information

Concerts in the Landmark Center in Courtroom 317, unless otherwise noted.

Select Thursdays at 12pm
FREE admission.

Schedule and programs subject to change.

About the Host

Abbie Betinis is a nationally recognized composer, writing music called “inventive” (The New York Times), “joyful… incandescent” (Boston Globe) and “beguiling” (BBC Music Magazine). A two-time McKnight Artist Fellow, and recognized by Musical America for her “ability to use her talents to effect social change,” she was adjunct professor of composition at Concordia University for over a decade, and composer-in-residence with the Schubert Club from 2005-2017, connecting and facilitating opportunities in new music. Abbie studied composition at St. Olaf College, the University of Minnesota, and the EAMA Nadia Boulanger Institute in Paris, France. She has hosted the Courtroom Concert Series since 2010.

Ticket Information

No ticket or reservation is required to attend. These concerts are free and seating is general admission. We do appreciate knowing ahead of time if you are bringing a group or have specific seating requirements.