Overview:
From our DJ, Chris N:
The venue is a newer layout that has three levels with a bar on the ground level. There really isnt a loading dock area. You just have to park your car and off load in the employee/guest parking area in the back and cart your equipment through the side back doors. There you will be going through a rather narrow hallway which leads to the elevator which will take you to the upstairs floors. The upstairs floors have multiple dwelling spaces to have wedding ceremonies and dinner and dance receptions. The floors are all wooden and the entire dwelling spaces look almost like upscale New York City condo living spaces. There are multiple windows that show the downtown Minneapolis backdrop. Some of which show the brand new US Bank Minnesota Vikings Stadium being built. The venue is literally just blocks away from the new stadium.
The whole venue has a rich contemporary look to it. As far as set up. Its pretty much like moving into a vacant apartment space and having to set up your equipment in an empty open space. There are basic wall outlets to plug up your equipment and you have to ask the venue for DJ tables. There maybe multiple set up locations you will have to set up depending on what the venue coordinator wants you to do when you call the venue. Be sure your speaker trebble is not to high as your room is not gigantic. I strongly advice to arrive to the venue at least 2 and a half hours prior to your first guest arrival so that you have plenty of time to go back and forth in the elevator with your equipment. Th venue will allow you to use their carts or you can bring your own cart to use. In almost all cases you will be upstairs for your gig. Unless you are in a band or solo artist performing for the bar as the bar has its own stage and equipment on the ground level. There really isnt any difficulty getting all your equipment in and out of the venue aside from the narrow hallways and frequent elevator use. And the restroom is only on the ground level and not upstairs. Be sure to let the venue you what kind of vehicle you have as they may hook you up with a free parking space depending on how busy they are. Be sure also to call the venue days in advance to arrange all the logistics.
From Event Agent Kassie Harrison (1/19/16):
Hi Mike!
Thanks for writing! You can update your contact to me for the Event Center- I'm the Event Agent (I handle the bookings and will most likely be the one on-site on the day of any weddings).
I like when a dj comes with an extra linen or two just in-case the bride forgot to rent one for the dj table (I've seen this happen a lot, even when I've given the brides reminders). It's also nice when they take all of their dj equipment out at the end of the reception instead of leaving it at our venue overnight.
When dj's load in- they can come in through the back entrance and either use the stairs or elevator- parking can sometimes be tricky here, depending if the bride or groom rented the fenced in lot diagonally behind the building or not, there's also a few spaces directly behind the building- but if those are taken and the lot hasn't been rented out-it's metered street parking.
We have music off at 11 - but with most brides we're flexible with this time so you'll want to check with them and see when they plan to cut off and make sure they've cleared it with us first if it is past 11.
Other than that- every time we've had Bellagala here they've been awesome! I don't have any negative feedback, you guys are great!
Thanks!
Kassie
Load In:
No specific loading dock, you will load in at the parking lot in the back and bring your equipment through the back doors. Then you will go into an elevator to get your equipment into the upstairs ballroom. There are multiple ballrooms so know which one you are going to beforehand.
Challenges:
Cocktail hour/dinner could be in a different location than dinner. Ask about this during the venue call. If they are in a different area, ask about a house system you can plug an iPod/laptop into which will prevent you from having to set up twice.
The room is not huge, which could lead to echo. Keep your treble down if need be and keep those speakers low to the ground if you notice feedback on the microphone (along with mic trim turned down) or echoes.
You'll want to ask ahead of time if the linen will be provided. If it's not, we should have one that we can lend to you.
Extra Venue Call Questions:
Which ballroom am I in?
Do you have a cart I can use?
Where is cocktail hour taking place?
Will I be set up in the same spot for dinner and dance?
Will there be a linen provided for the DJ table?
Website:
https://www.dayblock.com/weddings
The Knot:
https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/day-block-building-minneapolis-mn-477705
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