Grand Old Day – Sunday
The 800lb gorilla of street festivals hits Saint Paul again this Sunday. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous you could start the morning off with a 5K walk/jog, but the real excitement starts later in the day. This year’s line up of bands is particularly strong w/ Dessa, Heiruspecs, Free Energy, Doom Tree, Jeremy Messersmith and more.  My household is divided over which shows to see, so it’s likely we’ll end up splitting up for a portion of the afternoon (when’s the last time the Grand Ole Day was so good, you literally couldn’t decide who to see?) Additionally, there will be an art fair between Saratoga and Snelling Ave. There’s also a family fun zone for the kids with such attractions as a petting zoo, pony rides, games, and inflatable bounce houses. http://www.grandave.com/grandoldday/

Flint Hills International Children’s Festival- Saturday and Sunday
Anybody who’s ever been a kid will love this event (think about it for a second…).  If you don’t feel like you can go down and check it out w/out a shorty – borrow a friend’s kid or a neighbor kid, and take them to the Ordway’s International Children’s Festival.  The Shangilia (Youth Choir from Kenya… on steroids) show in the Main Hall will literally get the kids (and you) jumping out of their seats.  Last year I took my kids to see the Mermaid production (last year it was The Very Hungry Caterpillar), and found both kids (especially one-year-old Harriet) were completely mesmerized.  I also hear rave reviews about puppeteers Teatro Hugo & Ines. They manage to use their hands, feet, knees, and belly buttons to create a cast of characters and create an experience that is, apparently, a bit mind-altering.  Even if you just stop down for a hot dog – come see one of the best festival events in the country. http://www.ordway.org/festival/

Charlie Parr at the Turf – Sunday
If you didn’t get to hear enough music at Grand Old Day, head over to the Turf Club on Sunday night. A man with an interesting past and an impressive beard, Minnesota native Charlie Parr will be at the Turf Club to play his brand of folk and country music. The music starts at 8:00pm with a $5 cover at the door.
http://www.charlieparr.com/shows.html
http://www.turfclub.net/Calendar.html

Hamlet at the Lowry Lab – Saturday and Sunday
Have you been thinking you haven’t had enough blood and guts in your life? You’re in luck! Shakespeare’s classic Hamlet is playing this weekend at the Lowry Lab Theatre, (350 St. Peter Street, St. Paul, at 7:00 PM). This production is stars our office’s very own Brian P. Joyce, answering the eternal “to go or not to go” conundrum? It also helps that tickets are only $15. http://www.minnesotashakes.blogspot.com/
 
LEGACY: A Tribute to the King of Pop at Steppingstone – All Weekend
If you missed it the first time, SteppingStone Theatre’s Michael Jackson tribute show is back. In the show they hit all of MJ’s biggest hits like Thriller, Billie Jean, and Beat It. It’s a fun performance that features Luis Castillo as Michael Jackson with ten other dancers as well. This show should make for some light hearted fun and helps to support the continued operation of the SteppingStone Theatre. http://steppingstonetheatre.org/

Pops and Lollies Dance at Dunning Rec – Saturday
A special thanks to my neighbor and pal, Rich for letting me know about this sweet sweet event.  Fathers, Uncles, Grandfathers, or anyone with a special girl(s) is invited to spend a semi-formal evening full of music, dancing, refreshments & more! Escort your Lollies to this dance for an unforgettable evening. You’ll even have an opportunity to purchase flowers for your special guest. Additionally, a professional photographer will be on-site so you will always remember this special night.  The whole thing is organized as a fundraiser for Saint Paul schools – an especially good cause this day in age. http://popsandlollies.blogspot.com/
 
Music in Mears gets under way w/ Romantica on Thursday (6/10)
The weekly music event in Lowertown, the new center of the universe, kicks off this next week with a Mears Park highlight from last year, Romantica.  If you’ll remember, Romantica played the end-of-the-summer Concrete and Grass festival last year and confirmed for the thousands that were there that Lowertown is truly the new black.  One of the great mood indie bands on the local scene, Romantica promises a great show every time they step on stage. http://musicinmears.com/
 
Well, it seems to me that perhaps my eyes are bigger than my stomach when it comes to my calendar for the week.  My best advice is to just jump in and cram as much stuff until you puke from exhaustion.  Thanks for reading my note again this week and please send me tips for the goings on next week.
 
Have a Great GREAT week!
 
Joe

________________________________________

I worked at Ordway during the planning for the first ever Flint Hills International Children’s Festival which debuted in the spring of ’01. That first week, I remember walking around the grounds amazed that this event was as beautiful and glorious and educational and exceptional as we thought it would be.

Over the weekend, for the first time – but certainly not for the last – I watched not just children pulling their parents or grandparents towards a performance stage our outdoor art installation, or performance or parade – but I watched parents urging their children – big old happy grins on everyone’s faces, towards something exciting.

There are plenty of great family events in this area – and lucky for us! But this joins the ranks of those that provide serious entertainment value not just for the young, but for all ages.

Listen to this indoor lineup. All performances are only $5.

Shangilia Youth Choir of Kenya with JD Steele
Shangilia is a youth performance group from Nairobi, Kenya under the direction of singer/director/composer J.D. Steele. Ranging in age from ten to twenty-one, the performers sing in English and Swahili with original music composed by Mr. Steele and Butch Heyward that blends African-American soul and gospel with East African rhythms like soukous and bongo.

Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia: Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny
Using puppetry, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings to life Margret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd’s classic tales of two rabbits

Teatro Hugo & Ines: Short Stories
Peruvian puppeteers Hugo and Ines transform their hands, feet, knees, and belly buttons into a parade of extraordinary characters! In their signature work, Short Stories, Hugo and Ines create imaginative and creative characters that take the audience along for the ride as they explore the dreams, frustrations, successes and failures of everyday life.

Outside the parks are full of activities that will keep you mesmerized all day. This really is magic. For more information, visit. http://www.ordway.org/festival/weekend/.

Punch Out Poetry at Peach Gallery – Friday
I’ve written about this event before, and I think this upcoming installment is the ultimate of the series.  The following blurb is a good one from City Pages… “Despite the fact that Saint Paul is home to a high concentration of slam poetry talent, a complaint that’s been heard repeatedly both from audience members and poets themselves is that the scene lacks diversity. That’s the drive that began Punch Out Poetry, the Cities’ newest slam: to give female poets a place to develop their skills, find their voices, and come out swinging against their male counterparts. The ladies have done just that, developing their skills and poems and honing them against each other this past season. Several of the younger poets (some of whom hail from Macalester College’s award-winning scene) are still finding their voices, but none are weak. The strongest poets, scene veterans like Cynthia French, Jenn Sparks, and Alice Shindelar, are amongst the best in the Cities. This week’s competition will decide the team that will represent PoP this August at nationals, which coincidentally will be held here in St. Paul.” http://punchoutpoetry.wordpress.com/
 
University Avenue Project Cabaret – Saturday This will truly be the highlight of the University Avenue Project for me personally.  Wing Young Huie’s ambitious University Avenue Project will take its beautiful screening site, and turn it into a cabaret site for artists who live, work and play along the University artery.  Saturday night’s artists include Erik Brandt from the Urban Hillbilly Quartet, spoken word and hip hop from Tou Saiko Lee, the coffee-shop folk sounds of Heatherlyn, and more.  Look for a gathering of artsters hanging out on University Avenue Saturday night as one of the coolest art projects of the year takes things to another level. http://www.theuniversityavenueproject.com/ 
 
Mini Golf at the Science Museum – All Summer
I’ve written about this every year so far, and as long as it exists, I will continue to sing its praises.  In 9 holes of EarthScapes Mini-Golf, learn about the theme of ’source to sink’—how landscapes erode, how rivers transport sediment, and what happens to sediment when it reaches the ocean.   Walk into the Camera Obscura (Latin for “dark room”), and see an image of the outside world projected on the opposite wall. http://www.smm.org/bigbackyard/

Como in full swing! – all summer
The entire Como experience is one of the things that makes my hometown the envy of the world.  Can you think of another place on the planet where you can take your kids for a terrific zoo, small amusement park, rainforest experience, massive butterfly tent, Japanese garden, old-time carousel, and cotton candy??!?  With the Polar Bear Odyssey opening this next week, it is truly going to take Como to a new level.  In short order we’ll get started on a new and improved gorilla space too.   Check it all out!
 
http://www.ourfaircarousel.org/
http://www.comozooconservatory.org/
http://www.comotown.com/ 

 
Davina and the Vagabonds at Half Time Rec
Half Time Rec is under new ownership and they have made a real commitment to presenting great local (and some national) bands.  Whether is the classic bar, terrific venue or the bocce ball, if you haven’t been to the Half Time Rec in a while, check out their calendar or just drop in for a great hang.  Davina is the perfect flavor of old time music for that sweet little room.
 
http://www.halftimerec.net/
http://www.myspace.com/davinaandthevagabonds
 

Festivals preview – next weekend
I don’t usually preview events that are a couple weeks out, but the week after this is the Ordway’s International Children’s Festival and Grand Ole Day.  The Children’s Festival is an annual highlight for anyone who’s ever been a kid; and a Grand Ole Day w/ Free Energy (featuring former Mayor’s office staffer Nick Schuminski), Heiruspecs, Dessa, Jeremy Messersmith, and Doom Tree that promises to be the best ever!  Really and Truly – we’re actually pushing back our vacation plans so we can see shows at these two festivals. 
 
http://ordway.org/festival/
http://grandave.com/grandoldday/
 
The Line
Finally, before I close I wanted to let you know about this cool new ‘zine, The Line.  The City of Saint Paul has partnered with The Line to put together an online news magazine that captures the new stuff, innovations, neighborhood developments and the cool folks that are helping to move our neighborhoods forward.  As part of our effort, sign up to receive this ‘zine and share this with your pals.  www.thelinemedia.com
 
That’s it for the Memorial Weekend edition of my weekly missive.  Have a great weekend and send me any notes or tips about the goings on in the week ahead!
 
Joe

Hey friends,
We’re headed into my birthday week and lucky for me, there are some terrific arts events headed our way.  The weather is beyond perfect, the sidewalk cafes are in full swing, and the theaters and shows will be packed w/ terrific shows!  Have a great week!

Peter Wolf Crier at Turf – Tonight
On the eve of a National Tour including a long stint opening for Heartless Bastards, Peter Wolf Crier will be celebrating their CD Release Party at the Turf Friday night.  This buzz-band seems to be hitting everybody’s list for the week so it promises to be an electric evening.  Inter-Be is the debut album by Peter Wolf Crier, the local duo of Peter Pisano and Brian Moen. The album was born on a single summer night when Pisano felt a torrent of creativity after what had felt, to him, like an interminably long dry spell. He shared the songs with Moen, and over the months that followed, at Moen’s home, these rough-hewed tunes became what they are now: a confident collection of songs, but deceptive in that their very guts still reflect the thoughts of a man in transition. http://www.myspace.com/peterwolfcrier
 
HMC Annual Meeting and Folk Festival – Sunday
It’s been a bonanza of fun stuff in my immediate neighborhood lately and the hits keep on comin’ this weekend with the Hamline Midway Coalition Annual Meeting and Folk Festival.  The local neighborhood organization has done an amazing job of making what a neighborhood celebration into an annual highlight.  with music by LOUDRAY, Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion Orchestra, ‘Sneaky’ Pete Bauer, David Hanners, Kim and Quillan Roe, more; food and beverage vendors; silent auction; kickball tournament; art vendors.  Brilliant! http://www.hamlinemidwaycoalition.org/node/305
 
MPR Open House – Saturday
Sure, sometimes they drive us crazy, but in spite of it all, its really pretty cool that the national gold standard for public radio calls Saint Paul home.  If they are going to throw the doors open, why not drop in and have a look around.  You may not see many familiar faces, but you’re bound to hear familiar voices.
http://events.publicbroadcasting.net/mpr/events.eventsmain?action=showEvent&eventID=1014170
 
James Taylor and Carole King – Tuesday
About two weeks ago, I had stuck in my head the song that Carole King wrote and recorded w/ Dan Wilson and Semisonic. While James Taylor has the respect and admiration of many many music aficionados, I have to admit its Carole King that gives me the most interest in this show.  It’s probably a good opportunity to get the James Taylor religion, and may be worth experiencing just for that reason.  Whatever the case, expect a bunch of oldsters hanging around downtown Saint Paul this Tuesday. http://www.xcelenergycenter.com/index2.jsp
 
First Annual Plein Air Art Fest at Art in the Hollow – Saturday
Check out the beautiful Swede Hollow Park, just north of the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary.   There are 44 fabulous artists who will be creating, selling and demonstrating their arts throughout the streams, glens and ravines of this charming park. You’ll find jewelry, scarves, earth paintings, a roving photographer, art from nature, and kids’ art activities. All free. Nearby, Yarussos is offering reduced prices on their Italian delicacies if you get hungry. You can park in the nearby Hope Academy lot near Beaumont and Payne, or on the southern end of the park at 7th and Payne. http://theeastsidepride.org/?p=486
 
Solar Boat Regatta – Saturday
You should probably just go to the website to learn more about this event.  I’ll just say that it caught my eye a couple of weeks ago, and after looking at the website, and I’m convinced that this looks like a really fun way to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
http://mnrenewables.org/solar-boat-regatta
 
Thanks again for taking the time to read my note this week.  Please let me know if you’ve got tips for the goings on next week!
Your Birthday Boy,
Joe

For the Birds to Soar and Take Flight at Studio Z in June

When the musical prowess of Zeitgeist unites with poet and humorist’s Kevin Kling’s words, and composer Victor Zupanc (of the Children’s Theater Company)’s music – all under the direction of Ben Krywosz of Nautilis Music Theater – the audience will be taken on, what I’m sure, a journey of sheer joy.

The journey started several years ago when Zupanc participated in a Zeitgeist/Composer workshop, giving composers the opportunity to spend time developing new work. Zupanc was able to move from his “day job” creating music for theater, to developing instrumental chamber pieces based on a series of poems that his friend, Kevin Kling, had written while recovering from an accident. Together, Zupanc, Kling, and Heather Barringer, artistic co-director of Zeitgeist realized the magic and set about to create an evening-length “chamber opera.”

Barringer explains:
Kevin’s “bird poems” are a set of poems, each of which elegantly reveals various aspects of human nature while offering a rich portrayal of a particular member of the bird species.  Victor chose to set nine of them to music to create our chamber opera, For the Birds. “Canadian Geese” explores marriage and loss, “Crow” delves into familial and tribal relations, “Sparrow” is an examination of immigration, “Hawk” confronts our mortality, and “Hummingbirds” reminds us not to forget to live.  Through the combination of Kevin’s insightful words, Victor’s colorful musical setting, and Zeitgeist’s exuberant performance, For the Birds will offer all of us a space to contemplate ourselves as individuals, communities, and a species.

This is what the Scene Queen would lovingly refer to as a “can’t miss!”

For the Birds
June 4, 5, 10-12, 8 p.m. and June 6, 2 p.m.
Studio Z, 275 E. 4th Street, Suite 200, St. Paul
Tickets and more information:  http://www.zeitgeistnewmusic.org/
$10

…you know who you are.

In celebration of labor history month each May, the Untold Stories series, presented by Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, presents programs and talks on both local and national labor history topics. Past programs in the series have featured historian Robin D.G. Kelley, singer Larry Long, author Cheri Register, and walking tours by local historian Dave Riehle. The series received the 2003 John Sessions Memorial Award from the American Library Association for service to the labor community.

Here is some information about the remaining May offerings:
Dave Riehle’s annual labor history tour departs from the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center, 179 Robie St. E., Saint Paul, on Saturday, May 15, 2 p.m., for a “South St. Paul Packinghouse Tour.”  Riehle revisits South Saint Paul’s turbulent labor history from the 1904 national packinghouse workers’ strike to 1984’s dynamic Iowa Pork strike. From organizing in the early 20th century by Serbian, Croatian and Polish workers at the giant Armour and Swift plants, to the protracted but successful struggle by immigrant Latino workers to unionize at Dakota Premium in the 1990s, the struggle continues.  Registration is required; call The Friends at 651-222-3242 to reserve your seat on the bus.

             Listen to “Everyday Voices: Readings about Food & Work,” Tuesday, May 18, 7 p.m., at the Merriam Park Branch Library, 1831 Marshall Ave., Saint Paul.  You’ll hear the voices of packinghouse workers, waitresses, farmers and others in this program that features readings from The Jungle, Nickel and Dimed, Packinghouse Daughter, and more.  Discuss how many workers’ jobs are connected to the food industry and what has changed – or has not changed – in the past century.  The readings will be complemented by a performance of the Twin Cities Labor Chorus.

Untold Stories closes on Wednesday, May 19, 7 p.m., with “Reel Life: Depictions of Food Industry Workers in Films and Television” at the Highland Park Branch Library, 1974 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul.  Whether it was Lucille Ball scrambling to keep pace with the candy factory assembly line or African-American workers struggling to assert their rights in an early 20th century packinghouse, food industry workers have provided much food for thought in films and television.  View excerpts from “Food, Inc.,” “Eyes on the Fries,” and other sources and join in a discussion about mass media portrayals of worker and food issues.

Untold Stories events are free and open to the public.  For more information, visit http://www.thefriends.org/ or call 651-222-3242.

Cinco de Mayo – Friday and Saturday
The hokey tagline for this terrific festival is “Minnesota’s Spiciest Celebration.”  This event is so much more authentic than that phrase suggests.  The beloved West Side is the real deal, and this festival is one of the best in the country.  Look for West Sider, Maria Isa and her band to put together an incredible set for her family and neighbors.  Nobody reps the West Side better, and after the one-of-a-kind low rider show, the table will be set for a great concert. http://www.districtdelsol.com/docroot/cincodemayo.html

Piano Bar w/ Dan Chouinard at the Fitz – Saturday
These Piano Bar shows led by Dan Chouinard have been a wonderful and eclectic music series for the Fitz.  This weekend will feature the prolific Maria Jette, Dennis Spears, John Munson, and more of the MPR favorites.  Turning the Fitz into a “watering hole” let alone a cabaret setting will be a challenge but I love the effort. http://fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org/events/#chouinard
   
University Avenue Project
You have to check out the big screen slide show w/ original soundtrack every night at 8:00. It’s awesome.  I went out last week and got to the show at about 9:00 PM.  I am blown away by this big screen presentation.  The original sound track is a terrific way to set the tone for the screening and together with the hauling containers that act as set dressing, really creates a wonderful environment.  I’m looking forward to live performances and events at this space throughout the summer.  Don’t wait to see this show – see it early and often.  This is perhaps this year’s most ambitious public art project in the country. http://www.theuniversityavenueproject.com/

Roma di Luna w/ Martin Devaney at the Turf – Friday
Two of my favorite local bands playing the Turf. Roma di Luna is always terrific, especially when they bring the larger band onto the stage.  Martin Devaney has reconstituted and reenergized his band and (while I’ve really enjoyed some of his other band projects) I’m really looking forward the new MDB.  http://www.turfclub.net/Calendar.html
 
The Magic Pot: Three Tales from China at SteppingStone
I was over visiting with some of the staff at SteppingStone this week and I got really excited after hearing about this new show that opens this weekend.  This is an original work by Dane Staufer that was commissioned and produced in partnership with New York’s TADA! Youth Theater.  This premier piece will weave together three traditional Chinese fables with music and dance.   I’m going to try and take a ½ vacation to bring the kids over there for a Thursday morning show of this run.  There are also some Saturday and Sunday Matinees (that fall during Harriet’s naptime). http://www.steppingstonetheatre.org/

Lowertown First Fridays
I saw a couple pieces at the Art Crawl a couple weeks ago that I really loved.  Since then, I’ve been wondering if I should have bought them.  If you are in that position, or perhaps you missed the Art Crawl, the Lowertown Artists have organized mini-crawls every first Friday of the month.  Tonight you can wander around the Northwestern Building, or the Northern.  It won’t be as much of a bonanza, but it is still a really great chance to see and maybe buy some really great art works. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/LowertownFirstFriday?ref=ts

Atlantis Quartet at Landmark Center – Wednesday
On Wednesday of next week, don’t book a lunch meeting (if you have one, try to reschedule it).  The Music in the Café series is up and running with my new favorite local jazz group.  Check out their MySpace page to sample some of their music.  I love it.  I’m looking forward to this mid-week, mid-day break.  It may be a little odd seeing them in the daylight w/out a cocktail – but I think seeing a terrific show for free over lunch time will make it easy to adjust. http://www.landmarkcenter.org/events.html#may12th

RetroRama at the History Center – Thursday
Somewhere along the way, I missed the memo where we started referring to the era of the 1950’s and 1960’s as mid-century.  I suppose it sounds more… historic?  Perhaps a little hipper than Kool 108 or oldies.  Whatever the reason, the retrofabulousness of that era by any name is worth exploring.  There’s a fashion show inspired by yesteryear’s elegant leisure lifestyles, produced by MNFashion and DJ’d by Jake Rudh. Pick up your own retro accessories at the Minnesota History Center stores and unearth unique duds at our vintage boutique, provided by Blacklist Vintage, the Spectacle Shoppe, and Spinario Design.   Belt out your favorite oldies with Joel Stitzel in the cabaret (what we called it before Karaoke) lounge and make your own throwback specs, courtesy of the Spectacle Shoppe! Chef Dan Ritter will share a few tips on “mid century” cuisine, while bartender Ryan Eklund from Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge and Tiki Garden will be on hand to demonstrate a few delicious cocktail recipes. Members of Dark Dark Dark provide a musical backdrop to the evening.
http://www.mnhs.org/historycenter/programs/retrorama/
 
Thanks for taking the time to read my note.  Let me know if you have any tips for next weekend.  And, before I close, Happy Mothers Day… especially to Joanne and my Mom.
 
 
Joe

Only four performances of Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company’s Women’s Minyan by Naomi Ragen, and directed by Carolyn Levy are left. This area premiere opened last month and continues just a few more days.

The production is newsworthy and one that we in the theatre business like to call “important.” Any powerful production that can take tragedy, oppression, violence, and other – unfortunately – very real pains and put them into a show that audience members call…

“The production was very powerful and the actors all brilliant!!!!”
 
“You have touched me deeply”
 
“Amazing and moving production”

…is simply worth seeing. We love entertainment for entertainment. We also love entertainment for the value it gives to our lives. This is valuable and as an important work – helps us to look at our world in a different light.

Only a handful of opportunities remain:

Wednesday, May 5 at 7:30 – special program; see below
Thursday, May 6 at 7:30
Saturday, May 8 at 8 pm
Sunday, May 9 at 2 pm

Domestic Abuse in the Community-At-Large
Raeone Loscalzo, Executive Director, Women’s Advocates, Mary Brown, Program Manager, Women’s Advocates, and Carol Arthur, Executive Director, Domestic Abuse Project,  will take a look at domestic abuse in Minnesota as well as nation-wide. This will take place following the 7:30 pm performance on Wednesday, May 5.
 
Call 651-647-4315, or go to www.mnjewishtheatre.org.

University Avenue Exhibition opening – Saturday
From May through October, Wing Young Huie’s photographs will transform University Avenue into a 6 mile art gallery, revealing everyday realities of the diverse neighborhoods along the Central Corridor.  Hundreds of images (This is not hyperbole. I mean hundreds) will be displayed in storefront windows and on buildings from the KSTP tower to the State Capitol.  Each night at a landmark projection site, Wing’s images will be shown on a 40 foot movie screen along with a soundtrack of local indie musicians. http://www.theuniversityavenueproject.com/
 
Zenon at O’Shaughnessy – Friday through Sunday
Zenon will be performing Danny Bureczeski’s SWING CONCERTO.  I’ve seen this piece dozens of times over the years that Joanne was in Danny’s company.  It is a wonderful piece charting the music and movement of klezmer as it blended and fused with Jazz Music, and other American styles before the piece climaxes with the exuberant Sing Sing Sing. http://www.zenondance.org/
 
Two Old Black Guys just Sitting Around Talking premiers at Penumbra
First of all, this show has the greatest name of any play since Shakespeare.  Two Old Black Guys just Sitting Around Talking by Gus Edwards and directed by our own superstar, Lou Bellamy offered its World Premier last night and the show will run through 5/23.    Drawn to the same park bench every day, Henry and Abe share a cantankerous rivalry. Now, in the twilight of their lives, they find themselves more intertwined than either had ever imagined. http://www.penumbratheatre.org/

Everybody was in the French Resistance… Now at the Turf – Tuesday
I’ve heard their single tune a few times, but foolishly assumed it was Art Brut.  Apparently, however, Eddie Argos is lending his signature voice (or lack thereof) to a new project w/ Dyan Valdez.  For a guy who doesn’t really sing, he has a terrific knack of getting infectious melodies stuck in your head.  This new project is the same way but with more of a neo 60’s bubble gum sound to it.  His dissonant voice makes the music feel more relevant and interesting.  It looks to be an interesting midweek show at the venerable midway venue. http://www.myspace.com/fixingthecharts

North by Midwest Volume II at the Eagles Club and the Wild Tymes – Friday and Saturday
Last year this copycat festival brought together a very impressive list of bands for shows in its inaugural presentation.  This year, the event comes with the heavy endorsement of both KFAI radio and DEMO (read as Steve McClellan).  The festival will now span over two days and make its home at two of Steve McClellan’s favorite new haunts, The Eagles Club in Dayton’s Bluff and the Palace Stage at the Wild Tymes.  Check out the website for the specific line-up this year. http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2010/04/north_by_midwes_1.php

Art Crawl – Friday through Sunday
Twice each year I write about how the Art Crawl is the greatest creation in modern society, and while that may sound like an overstatement, its not. It’s true.  The Art Crawl is the best!  Tonight I’m headed down with Joanne and the kids – we’re going to start at the Bulldog (cause I know the kids will eat hot dogs and tots), then we’ll get into it.  We’ll start crawling at the Jax Building this year and make sure we see Capi Glazer’s studio, the ever inventive Peach Gallery anything else that catches our eyes.  From there we’ll catch Tacoumba at the Co-op, then make a dash according to buzz. Around 8:00 the kids will have to get to bed, but I’ll try to stretch the night out and especially catch the Sound Crawl (see below).  Seriously, I know it’s threatening to rain this weekend and I know that’s a buzz-kill; but I’m confident that this is going to be the best crawl ever!  Music and performances everywhere. New artists, old artists, and best that Saint Paul has to offer. http://www.stpaulartcrawl.org/

Sound Crawl – Friday Night
This is the newest and greatest addition to our annual Crawl.  Those terrific innovators that organize the Spark Festival have been working with partners at MPR and McNally to put together the sound crawl.  There are 7 different venues in and around the Lowertown neighborhood with artists including:  1) Laptop Marching Band 2) Beatrix Jar 3) All Night Music at Studio Z.  Seriously.  Did you catch that?  LAPTOP MARCHING BAND!!!! I have no idea what that is, but I love it already.  Studio Z in the Northwestern building will be the site of overnight music (btw – sponsors include Summit and Artistic Vineyards) http://blog.mcnallysmith.edu/soundcrawl/
 
Wishes for the Sky – Sunday
Truly one of the gems of each year in Saint Paul. Wishes for the Sky is a free public art event that celebrates inner harmony and community peace. Make a wish from your heart, have fun flying a kite, honor Earth Day, and celebrate the arrival of spring. Be a part of this annual day of collective wishing!  This is about much more than seeing a great art event. It’s about co-creating a masterpiece with wonderful ceremony, peals of laughter, and a beautifully curated experience. http://www.wishesforthesky.org/

Men’s Fashion Show – Saturday
How is it that Fashion week could get by without a Men’s show at least one night?  I mean, I know dudes in the Midwest aren’t known for their trail-blazing fashion sense, but come on. Luckily our pal Brian Horste set out to not only add a Men’s fashion event to the line up, but also to improve state of dress of us dudes in the capital city.  The event features live music, cocktails, men’s fashions, and an always good-looking crowd. http://www.detailsmn.com/
 
Queens of Burlesque at History Theatre – Opens Saturday
I love that History Theatre is putting this show up on stage!  In light of the neo-burlesque popularity that is sweeping the nation, it’s a perfect time to look backward at old-timey, not-quite-titillating performance art.  A terrific preview article in the Strib today points out that Burlesque is an extension of the variety arts and vaudeville entertainments that stretch back through American history. “This will be a funny, poignant, and revealing look at the lives of burlesque performers on and off stage. Get a sneak peek at the women behind the feathers in David Mann’s new play about the Minneapolis burlesque scene of 1953.” http://historytheatre.com/ 

Martin Sexton at the Fitz – Sunday
It might be worth the 30 bucks just to see Martin Sexton cover Purple Rain.  Which is not to say the rest of the show wouldn’t be outstanding as well – this show will be a terrific blend of rock, R&B, and roots styles all centering around Sexton’s terrific voice.  Sure, he’s a good guitar player and very good songwriter, but this show should be all about a terrific voice.  Check out his website to hear more if you’re not familiar – he’s a terrific talent.
http://fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org/events/#donohue%27
http://www.myspace.com/martinsexton
 
Jakob Dylan w/ Neko Case at the Fitz – Tuesday
I was just talking with a friend about how much we like Jakob Dylan, but he’s got a bit of a Johnny-one-note syndrome.  Mind you, he does that one note very very well, but none the less…  What might jolt an artist like that to a new aesthetic?  How about the amazing Canadian indie-rock songster Neko Case!  She joins Dylan (along with Kelly Hogan), and brings her New Pornographers magic to this album.  Seriously, look into it – it’s my favorite thing that with the younger Dylan’s name on it.
http://fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org/events/#donohue%27
http://www.myspace.com/jakobdylan

Teaser for Next Week:
I wanted to tease out some great things to look forward to next week.  Cinco de Mayo will be underway to kick off the summer season next week on Saint Paul’s West Side.  Festival of Nations will bring all the worlds’ cultures to the Rivercentre.  Zenon is bringing Danny Bureczeski’s classic Swing Concerto to the O’Shaughnessy Stage.  And Penumbra will be opening a new show.
 
That’s all for now – see you at the Crawl!
Joe