BOOKS
Maltman’s Historical Mayhem
Yeah, we know, that’s a lot of plugs for Magers and Quinn events for August (and there’s more to come), but what can we say? The competition is generally a bit tardy on their press releases, the Uptown behemoth just keeps getting bigger and better, and this month in particular the folks at M&Q have put together a stellar lineup of author appearances. The Night Birds, Thomas Maltman’s debut, is already garnering advance raves from the likes of Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Set in nineteenth-century Minnesota, The Night Birds is a historical novel that spans the James-Younger gang’s reign of mayhem in the 1870s, and is distinguished by both realism and truly stylish storytelling. — by Brad Zellar
7:30 p.m., Magers and Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-822-4611.
FILM & MUSIC
Sultry, Lifetime Nights
The Douglas Sirk movie playing in Loring Park this evening is easily the original Lifetime movie; yet it manages not to make my life feel insignificant simply by my watching it. Written in the Wind is the original. And the original is always best — no matter how good they get. This is old school, baby. It’s the love triangle, the deep dark side of alcohol, neglect and abuse, unrequited love, best friends in love with the same woman, the evil hand of jealousy, the damsel in distress — and none other than Lauren Bacall, of course. No wonder they’re both in love with her. You’d have to be crazy not to be in love with her. Speaking of crazy, the opening musical act is Metronomy. Not crazy, eclectic, definitely interesting, absolutely worth your time, and quite a lot of fun. I guess when Devo, Kraftwerk, and Zappa are your influences, you can’t help but turn me on. (And I don’t even like electro-pop.)
7 p.m., Loring Park, 612-375-7600; free.
MUSIC
He’s Dylan’s Son in Law (but that don’t mean a thing)
Our people are everywhere. Yes, our people. I now identify with you. Weird. Could it be I’m actually proud to be a Minnesotan? We really know how to represent — and never ostentatiously, just enough. Hailing from Minneapolis, Peter Himmelman knows how to represent. He’s not just an adroit musician — with USA Today calling him “one of rock’s most wildly imaginative performers”; he’s a composer, a children’s song writer, a film and television scorer, an Emmy award winner. This is an accomplished man, not just an accomplished musician. Since he picked up his first electric guitar, at the age of 12, Himmelman has been living music. Hell, he even played, with his old band Shangoya, at my high school prom. I must be Minnesotan!
7:30 p.m., Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange St., Saint Paul; 651-290-1200; $27.50.
No-Bullshit Raw-Glory Rock ‘n’ Roll
Also playing this evening is Patti Smith. How do you choose between those two options? What do you feel like really? Oy! If you’re feeling like you need a little riled up camaraderie against the evils of the man, a little old school rebellion and indignation, then Patti’s your girl. “Now my children, you must overturn the tables… for only one rule should be considered: to love one another. This is our covenant.” Man, this woman has style. I think some of the best portraits ever taken are of her. What a face!
7:30 p.m., State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-339-7007; $26.
Not good enough for you? Well, you’re nuts, but here are two more great options that shouldn’t just be tossed to the wind: Steamy bluesman Bobby “Blue” Bland is playing at the Dakota tonight and tomorrow night. This guy put the rhythm in R&B — literally.
And The Paul Green School of Rock All-Stars will be rockin’ out at the 400 Bar. I really can’t even tell you what to expect here, but I’m guessing it’ll be nothing if not interesting. This is almost like Fringe Fest; you just have to take the risk and go see for yourself.
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