Happy Birthday Sam! Celebrate Sam Nordquist’s Life and Support his Family as They Continue Traveling for his Murder Trial
Review by: Emily D. Schmidt, Writer @emwritesaboutmusic
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
If you like what we are doing, please consider supporting us on Patreon, PayPal, or Venmo.
One of the newest trans-focused music venues in the Twin Cities is throwing a birthday party for their close friend, Sam Nordquist, on Sunday, June 1st at 6:30 p.m. I had the privilege of meeting the organizers in their home to learn more about the event, their connections to Sam, and how they turned their place into a transgender music sanctuary.
What You Need to Know
Sam Nordquist, a Black Trans man from the Twin Cities, was brutally murdered in New York in February 2025. As his family continues to travel between the two states, they have faced months worth of expenses on top of their regular bills from back home. After meeting him in middle school at a queer kids’ support group, organizers at The Dog Park became close friends with Sam. He would be turning 25 years old on June 18th, and he loved a good party. While there is plenty to be angry about in the aftermath of his murder, his community in Minnesota is ready to honor Sam in a way he would appreciate.
“With it being his birthday, wouldn't it be so much cooler to celebrate him?” said Rover, one of Sam’s best friends and Dog Park organizer. “We're gonna party. It was the only way to go about it, to have an event centered in joy.”
On June 1st at 6:30 p.m., five Twin Cities trans bands will perform at the Dog Park: Kyrie Nova and the Defiant, CHEMSEXX, Iminacloset, DISTRESS TOLERANCE, and lovergirl. The event is 18+ and will require masks. You can directly message The Dog Park on Instagram to find the address.
Now is just as important as ever to continue supporting the Nordquist family. While they received an influx of donations prior to Sam’s funeral, they have received fewer donations since, but their expenses haven’t gone anywhere. After growing up in Minnesota, Sam always wanted to move away, to somewhere he felt more supported as a trans man. That’s part of the reason he traveled to New York before his murder. This event is an opportunity for Minnesotans to both symbolically and tangibly show their love and support for Sam and his family.
“It would be a great gesture towards his family to show that people in Minnesota do care, and the trans community has their back, even if it doesn't always seem like it,” said Amber, another Dog Park organizer who knew Sam since childhood.
“It means putting your money where your mouth is when you say ‘Black Trans lives matter,’” Rover said. “People say that and then don't actually show up tangibly. This isn't our first fundraiser for Sam. This is going to be a prolonged thing. We are going to keep giving to Sam's family, as everyone should.”
You can donate directly to Sam’s family at the links below.
About the Dog Park
Rover, Amber, and Madeline hosted their first show in the basement of their home in November 2023 after a friend’s band was looking for a trans-friendly place to perform. Since then, the venue has flourished into a hub for trans musicians and community members to gather, meet new friends, make bracelets (or as Amber likes to call them, “kandi”), and enjoy music in a safe space.
“Our venue is for transgender furries, pet players, therians. That's who we serve, and that's who feels safe here,” Rover said.
Photos from past Dog Park events taken by @naarassusiart on Instagram
In addition to hosting music shows, Rover, Amber, and Madeline host a variety of other community-building events, like game nights and a healing evening after the 2024 presidential election. Upstairs, people can chat, make bracelets, while still hearing the music from downstairs. During Sam’s birthday party, they’ll also be opening their backyard for more attendees due to growing crowds.
The Dog Park crew recently transitioned into hosting benefit-only shows after realizing the money they raise can go further when it's put towards a single cause. Of course, trans bands in the cities have been more than happy to participate, as the Dog Park has grown into more than just a music venue.
“It's kind of hard to get in modern times where you just, you feel like you belong” said Madeline.
“For a lot of people, that's not obviously their reality,” Rover added. “When they come here, that can be their truth. People ask how we do it, and it's really simple. We do what people need.”
Be sure to join Rover, Amber, and Madeline in celebrating Sam’s birthday on June 1st and supporting his family’s continued financial needs.
