It’s Father’s Day on Sunday, so don’t forget to honor your favorite dads. I’m thinking about sending Francis Ford Coppola a tie. What do you think? It could even be a Satya Paul tie — granted, probably not a $21-million-dollar diamond one, but a nice one anyhow.
Of course, the real lucky dads this weekend are the gay ones. They get to celebrate Father’s Day with a Pride Picnic in the East Picnic Pavilions of Como Park (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Proud Puppet Art
You don’t have to wait until Sunday to show your GLBT pride, however. The 2007 Pride events officially begin tonight with the opening of the Pride Art Show. The art show, which runs through July 22, features art work by GLBT artists or about GLBT themes. Tonight’s party features refreshments and entertainment — even an original puppet show performed by Swearing Jack Productions. Zuliana: A Love Story, written by Kristin Helgeson, was choreographed and designed by Julie Johnson and Megan West, and features the vocal talents of Anna McCorison.
Friday at 7:30 p.m., The Soap Factory, 518 Second St. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-623-9176; free.
Do You Believe in Love?
If you’re looking for a more flamboyant way to start Pride weekend, or just an unusual and entertaining show, head over to Candi Stratton’s Immaculate Cher Show. The award winning, fully costumed and choreographed show, honors the life and music of the ultimate diva. What’s so special about this? Well, Cher is pretty darn outrageous and cool, but Cher being played by “the little boy that grew up to be Cher” is simply off the hook. Get a load of world-renowned Cher impersonator Candi Stratton. There are bound to be many great wigs and costumes. I mean, we’re talking Cher here, people. The event will benefit The Aliveness Project, Camp Heartland, Clare Housing, Park House, and Top Self. Tonight’s show includes a pre-show party (6 p.m.) with hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and a silent auction; and a post-show party (10 p.m.) with entertainment, prize drawings, and a live auction featuring original artwork by Anthony R. Whelihand.
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis (Theater), 407 W. 15th St., Minneapolis; 612-813-5300.
More Traditional Fare
Traditional certainly doesn’t have to mean boring. Enjoy a night of storm and shipwreck, island adventures, post-colonial oppression, cruelty and vengeance, air nymphs and spirits. I don’t think there’s a more fascinating Shakespeare play then The Tempest. And, lucky you, The Chameleon Theatre Circle will be performing it in various outdoor locations throughout the city over the course of the next three weekends — FREE! Bring a blanket or some chairs. Take some snacks or beverages, and sit back to enjoy the show. You won’t be dissappointed. Director Benjamin Kutschied presents Garrick Dietze as Prospero, Nicole Goeden as Miranda, Matt Riggs as Caliban, and Leah Starr as Ariel.
Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Caponi Art Park, 1205 Difflet Road, Eagan; Saturday at 7 p.m. at Logan Park, Broadway St. and Monroe St., Northeast Minneapolis.
Fat Pigs Need Love Too
The theatrical offerings just don’t stop there this weekend. The Walking Shadow Theatre begins the final production of their inaugural season this evening. Fat Pig is an unusual love story and comedy about a boy who falls in love with a rather large girl. Playwright Neil LaBute (The Shape of Things and In the Company of Men) examines the nature of beauty and attraction in this story of love and weakness. Tonight’s show, directed by Amy Rummenie, features Celia Forrest, Shad Cooper, Jennifer Phillips and Ben Thietje.
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m., The Playwrights’ Center, 2301 Franklin Ave. E., Minneapolis; 612-332-7481; $16 (students/seniors $14).
SPORTS
Celebrate Father’s Day with a Good Pounding
A boxing bout in this city is cause for celebration. A boxing bout on Father’s Day weekend is downright delicious. Is this an unfair stereotype? Perhaps. I know plenty a father that won’t be going (though I refuse to believe they wouldn’t enjoy it). And I am likely to go without a father and enjoy it just as well. Those of you taking dear old dad to the Pride festivities might find it best to stay away, but then… you never know. Tonight’s Brawl in Saint Paul features bitter rivals Matt ‘The Predator’ Vanda and Kenny ‘KO’ Kost. This is a fight between the city and the suburbs, the street and the silver spoon. Vanda, from the tough East Side of St. Paul, decided to turn pro early. Kost is a decorated amateur who grew-up in the more affluent suburb of St. Paul, White Bear Lake.
Friday at 7 p.m., The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; 651-989-5151; $32-$102.
Watch a Behind the Brawl Video
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Rock and Roll Cinderella
Laurie Lindeen (from last month’s Heavy Rotation) will be reading from her new autobiographical tale, Petal Pusher: A Rock and Roll Cinderella Story this weekend as part of The Current Fakebook series. Don’t miss this show. Zuzu’s Petals will be playing a reunion show for the occasion and they’ll be joined onstage by music luminaries such as Paul Westerberg, Mark Olson, Steve Wynn, John Eller, Lori Barbero, Ed Ackerson, and Marc Perlman.
Saturday at 8 p.m., Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E Exchange St., St. Paul; 651-290-1221; $20.
MUSIC
Music for Every Day of the Week
Friday: Go see Robert Cray play with Paul Mayasich. 7:30 p.m., Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley; 952-431-9303; $32.
Saturday: Blow out those eardrums at the Flight of the Valkyries, a midwest metal fest devoted to metal bands with female lead vocalists. 3:30 p.m., Station 4, 201 E. 4th St., St. Paul; 651-298-0173; $30.
Sunday: You can always opt for the Joan Armatrading show, but if you prefer a good laugh and whole lot of fun, go check out the Barry Manilow Birthday Extravaganza — an evening filled with music and passion for the man who writes the songs. Local performers will pay tribute to Barry with favorites such as “Even Now,” “Weekend in New England,” “Very Strange Melody,” “When October Goes,” and “Copacabana.” 7 p.m., Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 West Lake St., Minneapolis; 612-825-3737; $15.
ART
Picasso and Bikes May Break My Bones, but Stones Will Never Hurt Me
The Picasso Exhibit opens this weekend at the Walker Art Center, with a Preview Party on Friday night. And the third annual Bike-In at the Bell Museum of Natural History offers an outdoor celebration of people-powered transportation on Saturday. But the real art event of the weekend is the 13th Annual Stone Arch Festival of Arts. It’s supposed to be a steamy weekend, so put on those shorts and flip-flops and head over to the Stone Arch Bridge for one-of-kind artwork from more than 250 nationally known artists, family activities, live music and performing arts on three performance stages, a Whole Foods Market Culinary Arts Quarter, and an Art of the Car show presented by Smart Car.
Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Historic Main Street and Father Hennepin Park, Minneapolis; free.
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