BENEFIT
A Toast to the Cedar
For 18 years, the Cedar Cultural Center has been bringing us great music and dance from across the globe. And while our fair city isn’t lacking in venues, this one certainly contributes immensely to our rich cultural terrain. Sure, the best way to show your support and ensure they stick around for another 18 years, is to simply go to their shows. But tonight there’s a little more you can do as well. Zipp’s Liquor and The Seward Co-op bring you their bi-annual Wine Show and Tasting benefit for the Cedar. Sample over 150 wines, unique spirits, and beer, while you do our city some good.
6:30 p.m., The Cedar, 416 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-338-2674; $25.
MUSIC
Music for Everyone
It’s a great night to go out and enjoy a live music show — no matter what your taste.
Rock
Better late than never. Each Thursday this month The Plagiarists have been playing at The Nomad, and tonight is their final show. If you’re a Band of Horses fan — and maybe even if you’re not — you’ll enjoy The Plagiarist’s catchy synth pop.
9 p.m., The Nomad World Pub, 501 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-338-6424.
Folk
Hailing from Texas and New York, Ana Egge brings her lulling vocal stylings to the Twin Cities this evening. You’ll enjoy the perfect simplicity of her songs delivered by her beautifully haunting voice. Hell, even Lucinda Williams was impressed by her song-writing skills. Opening for Egge this evening is Mother Banjo (Ellen Stanley on banjo and vocals) and Gabe Barnett (with the spirit of Dylan inside).
8 p.m., 400 Bar, 400 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-332-2903; $8.
Soul & Funk
Average White Band is no doubt among the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. And frankly, at this point — after more than 35 years in the music industry — they pretty much embody the history of soul and funk. I mean, they were number one on the Billboard Pop and R&B Album Charts all the way back in 1975. “Pick up the pieces, uh, huh. Pick up the pieces, alright. Pick up the pieces, uh, huh. Pick up the pieces, whoo!” It must have been the lyrics. “Pick up the Pieces” was a worldwide hit, receiving a a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Instrumental Performance. This was just the beginning, as many albums, hits, and Grammy nominations followed through the years. Sure, they disbanded for five years in the ’80s, but this was short lived, and they certainly made up for the lost time with six albums and a concert DVD since then. This is a must-see show for soul & funk lovers. And you’re in luck, as they’ll be playing through Saturday.
8 & 10:30 p.m., Rossi’s Blue Star Room, 80 9th St. S., Minneapolis; 612-312-2828; $45 dinner show, $20.
Jazz
With thirteen solid albums under her belt, Claudia Schmidt has indeed achieved national success. We tend to overlook what’s right in our backyard at times, but tonight just count your blessings as you make your way to the show. Sure, you could sit at home and listen to one of her many albums, but you’ll miss out on her fabulous energy, which is best experienced live.
7 & 9:30 p.m., Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-332-1010; $30 & $20.
Classical
World-reknown Russian violist and principal conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of New Russia Yuri Bashmet will be performing works by Shostakovich, Raykhelson, Skrowaczewski, Takemitsu, and Schnittke this evening with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. The Schnittke piece, Larghetto for Viola and Strings from Concerto for Three, was in fact written specifically for Bashmet, with violinist Gidon Kremer and cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. Enjoy the show this evening at Temple Israel, tomorrow evening at Wooddale Church, or on Sunday at the Ordway Center.
8 p.m., Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-377-8680; SPCO 651-291-1144; $10-$25.
THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Le Chat Noir: A French Cabaret
Minneapolis takes on shades of Paris this evening, courtesy of Ballet of the Dolls. The company has been working its inventive and often wacky brand of dance theater for twenty-one years now, most recently with a take on the outer-space sex odyssey Barbarella. Artistic director and former Parisian Myron Johnson choreographed this latest show as a series of vignettes set to music both classic and funky — think along the lines of Erik Satie remixes. In true cabaret form, patrons are invited to hiss, boo, and imbibe freely during the performance — and no two performances will be alike. –Danielle Kurtzleben, photo by Desiree Olson
8 p.m., Ritz Theater, 345 Thirteenth Ave. N.E., Minneapolis; 612-436-1129; $25.
Leave a Reply