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Arts & Entertainment

Richfield Resident, Musician Plays at Local, Metro Area Venues

Pat Higgins takes on multiple musical gigs to keep his career moving, including coordinating musical performances at Richfield Potbelly Sandwich Shop.

One band is not enough for Pat Higgins, Richfield resident and musician. The local music man regularly sits in for three different bands, including: Eagle River Band, Dazy Head Mazy and Singers On Barstools, also known as The S.O.B.s.

His wide range of projects is a result of a lifetime of exposure to music, he said.

"My dad played guitar," Higgins said. "When I was little we would sit in the basement and play Beatles and Beach Boys [together]." 

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When Higgins was 12 he said he decided to make a career out of music. He took lessons all the way through high school and music school, and then began dabbling in different bands. In 2010, Higgins, while performing with Dazy Head Mazy, was also one of the first performers to play at the new Target Field.

Like any artist, there have been highs and lows during his career, but now he is doing something he loves: Playing music everyday.

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Just as one band isn't enough, one job isn't enough for Higgins either. He also gives guitar lessons and coordinates and plays music Monday through Friday at various Potbelly Sandwich Shop around the metro, including the on Monday afternoons.

"[The Potbelly project] has kind of become my baby," Higgins said.

Many wouldn't think a local sandwich shop would have live performances, but Higgins has revived the company's old business model, according to Davey Price, a frequent Potbelly performer.

Music has always been a part of the Potbelly restaurant chain, Higgins added. However, he felt the focus on music had been put on the back burner in recent years. Now that he's taken on the coordinator position, he said he sees a future.

"It's great, a no-hassle place to play," Higgins said. "It's very coffee-shop kind of vibe … and [I've] started noticing there's a lot of potential here that isn't being tapped into."

Higgins also hopes to bring in more talented performers, such as Price, he said. Price has performed at the sandwich shop for five years.

"The venue has a lot of potential," Higgins said.

So what can we expect from Higgins? While he juggles his workload, he will also work on bringing bigger acts to the Richfield and metro area Potbelly restaurants and creating a music festival in or near the Richfield community.

For dates and times of performances at the Richfield Potbelly Sandwich Shop, call 612-861-0980. There are performances nearly everyday during the week.

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