Following a hiatus of 20 years, indie rock duo The Format are back and using their platform to make meaningful impact in the communities they perform in. In addition to two-night run at First Avenue, frontman Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means hosted their unique “Saturdays in the Park” community organizing fair.
“We’re using our platform — coming to your city and playing music — as a way to bring people together to learn about the many ways they can be more directly involved in positive change within their communities and beyond,” the band shared.
Ruess and Means, alongside supporting act The Get Up Kids, spent the afternoon before their sold-out Saturday night show meeting fans, playing a handful of acoustic songs, making buttons, and giving a platform to local organizations.
Onsite was the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, Center for Workers United in the Struggle, and Unidos MN. Additionally, fans were encouraged to bring non-perishable foods and a dollar from every ticket sold went to support Second Harvest Heartland.
“If you’re like me, every time something horrific happens in this world, you’re faced with an overwhelming urge to help,” Means explains on their website. “It’s hard to know where to start, but we do have to start somewhere. Actions, no matter how small, can accumulate over time and amount to something great.”
Means and Ruess have continued to speak up on issues that are important to them; highlighting the role artists have in influencing social change. This past winter, the group even released a song in response to the ICE occupation, The Bar is So Low, with sales supporting immigration rights. Seeing a band I’ve long looked up to try to do so much good is truly empowering.
Community is at the center of what makes The Format so special. Even after 20-years, the band still manages to sell out rooms and bring people together. I never thought I’d get the opportunity to singalong to these songs, and yet here we are selling out the mainroom.
I’ve always loved Nate Ruess and his music. FUN. was among the first bands I truly became obsessed with growing up, which led me to finding The Format and following his brief solo career. When Nate stepped away from the limelight in 2016, I thought I’d never see him live again.
I’ve been waiting a decade for new music and a tour from Ruess. Hands down, The Format’s latest record, Boycott Heaven, is my favorite of 2026. And their live performance was well worth the wait.
Thank you to Nate and Sam for not only giving fans an amazing album and show, but also making waves of positivity in every community you visit!
