Author: Cristina Córdova

MUSIC
It’s Called a Hammond B3 Organ

For over five decades, Dr. Lonnie Smith has been taming the 425-pound beast into the the most exquisite jazz. Today he is known as the master of the Hammond B3 Organ — the jazz man with the turban, as some of you might now him. He’s playing tonight and tomorrow night, and you won’t want to miss him.

7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-332-1010; $25 and $15.

AfriFest Ends with a Bang and a Whisper

This was certainly an unfortunate weekend for outdoor events, and if you’re anything like me, you may have bypassed the great AfriFest events on Sunday at Currie Park. But you can make up for it tonight with the Lucky Dube show at First Avenue. Granted, I always associate reggae shows with hot weather, but maybe it’ll help warm up the bones a bit. After 20 years in the South African music scene, Lucky Dube has reached stardom as one of the country’s most popular singers. Shake those hips a bit, shake off the cold, and get your blood flowing.

8 p.m., First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-332-1775; $20.

FILM AND MUSIC
Last Sultry Night — perhaps not so sultry at all

Yes, the cold is telling you something. Football and hockey training has begun. The kids are going back to school. And the summer is slowly coming to an end. Tonight marks the final Summer Music & Movies event — until next year, that is. And since the weather is not looking very promising, the event has been moved inside to the Walker’s cinema. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets — while still free — will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis. Take comfort in the breezy sounds of Belize generated by Andy Palacio & the Garifuna Collective. This nine-member, multigenerational ensemble preserves the traditional rhythms and culture of their ethnic community, the Garifuna, whose members descend from shipwrecked slaves. Enjoy their unique and rhythmic blend of Afropop, pan-Caribbean beats, and reggae. The performance will be followed by Douglas Sirk’s Magnificent Obsession. Rock Hudson plays a spoiled millionaire playboy who learns the gift of giving from a doctor’s widow, played by Jane Wyman.

7 p.m., movie at 8:30, Walker Cinema, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-375-7600; free.

ART
Magical Realism in Minnesota?

Apparently, magical realism isn’t confined to Latin America. I know, I know.. perhaps it has never been so, but it certainly seems tied to the chaos of most Latin American countries somehow. Seems rather odd to have it appear in our ever-so-practical, ever-so-unchaotic city. But here it is. Magical Realism, opened this past weekend, and is waiting for your eyes to devour it. Artists Nicholas Harper and Ernest Miller bring you their new work. With a firm foundation in classical realism, Harper’s paintings juxtapose portraiture against highly decorative or mystical backgrounds — the figures both naturalistic and unearthly, distorted and stylized to reflect the consciousness within. Miller, on the other hand, is a ceramics artist with a fascination in classical vessel forms and turn of the century art pottery, and a constant need to keep testing new glazes and experimenting with new shapes and forms. While you’re there, be sure to check out the PURSEonal Time exhibit of 15 polymer clay artists as well.

8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Greenberg Gallery, Bloomington Art Center, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington; 952-563-8587; free.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Another Sad Sign of the Times

I missed this last week, and it’s a sad one. The Resource Center of the Americas has closed after 24 years.

RAKING THE NET
Random Good Stuff

For those who missed the Running of the Elvises last Friday.

A little hidden wonder revealed: The Wienery

Have you been to the Midtown Global Market yet?

And for a laugh or two at the expense of Miss. Lohan:

Lindsay Fully Loaded spoof video

On a more serious note, here are a couple videos of the flooding we’ve recently suffered throughout Minnesota.

Winone/Goodview Area Flooding

More Flooding

And now that you’ve spent a little too much time on the Internet…

Internet Addiction is a real problem.

FESTIVAL
AfriFest

It’s a first-ever kind of weekend, folks. I always enjoy first-evers, even when they’re a bit on the lame side. First-evers are always interesting when you focus on the response, or lack thereof. And, hell, some of them are just great. Enough! This weekend is the first-ever AfriFest, and I think it’s about time. When are we going to start a Puerto Rican Parade? See, that’s a funny first-ever — cuatro pela gatos…not too too many of us here — though always a lot more than we imagine. And, for reasons of solidarity, of shared experience, and for the more practical demand for numbers, the AfriFest aims to bring together Africans, Africans, Hispanics, Asians, and other diverse audience. This isn’t just one of those informal, unorganized events where you get together in a park to eat some faintly ethnic food on the grass with the boom box blaring from the pavilion (although, with the right people, this can be quite fabulous). No, we’re talking fashion shows, performances, artists and artisans, vendors of all kinds, including food, of course. Head for the Grand Opening this evening. Catch a whole slew of performances — from Ethiopian hip-hop to Liberian R&B, with a little Afro-Puerto Rican soul, of course — tomorrow night at the Cedar, and be sure to head to Currie Park on Sunday for the more Festival-y part of the Fest — historical displays, a fashion show, a community mural, and more performances.

Friday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Club Afrika, 9510 West River Rd., Brooklyn Park; 763-639-5001/763-228-9685; $15, $25 VIP (treats, special VIP area, and parking).

Saturday at 7 p.m., The Cedar, 416 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-338-2674; $10.

Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Currie Park, Cedar/Riverside Community, 1419 5th St. S., Minneapolis; 612-230-6400.

FILM
The Invasion

What is it about Invasion of the Body Snatchers? Granted, this was one of the iconic B-movie masterpieces, a spine-tingling and all-too-real allegory of both ’50s conformity and the rise of Communism. But unlike other sci-fi films of the period, the remakes have boasted talent up the wazoo. The ’70s version brought acclaimed director Philip Kaufman onboard with Donald Sutherland (who was considered an A-list actor at the time). This latest version, simply titled The Invasion, is set in the present day and helmed by German director Oliver Hirschbiegel (Best Foreign Language Film nominee for The Downfall) and stars Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman and the new Bond, Daniel Craig, to boot. It could make for a dynamite drive-in feature and a thought-provoking night out. –by Peter Schilling

MUSIC

The Steve Miller Band band is playing at the Grand Casino Hinckley Amphitheater tonight, so that’s always on option. But there are a couple good options right here in town as well.

Kelly Willis

Translated From Love, Willis’s first CD in five years (Christmas collections don’t count), shrewdly acknowledges that after four kids and five previous discs, she’s too shiny for cultdom and too prickly for stardom, and aims to please nobody but herself. “I Must Be Lucky” would go platinum if you told C&W jocks it was by Shania Twain. There are also at least a couple of guilty pleasures for classic rockers and a tearjerker or two worthy of Bonnie Raitt or Lucinda Williams. Whether she’s straddling or hop-scotching genres, Willis retains that angelic catch in her voice, hires ace musicians for accompaniment, and eliminates self-consciousness from your listening experience. But she gives herself away by butchering the David Bowie/Iggy Pop number, “Success.” –by Britt Robson

Friday at 8 p.m., Fine Line Music Cafe, 318 First Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-338-8100; $18.

Sopranorama

Tonight three highly-respected vocalists let their hair down at Sopranorama VI. Janis Hardy, Maria Jette, and Molly Sue McDonald might be known to Twin Cities audiences for their work in classical music, opera, and musical theatre, but Sopranarama is emphatically not highbrow. In the course of the performance they could cover everything from pop songs to arias to show tunes to torch songs… all while accompanied by nothing more than piano and accordion. See them this weekend or next. –by Danielle Kurtzleben

Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p,m., Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-340-1725; $24.

SHOPPING
Yard Sale for Peace

What better way to support peace than to shop? Hmmm. Interesting theory. But you should definitely head out this Saturday to the MN Anti-War Committee Yard Sale for Peace. Buy cool used stuff for a good cause. And if you want to drop off items for the sale, as a donation, stop by the church with your items between six and eight on Friday night.

Saturday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, 2511 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis.

FESTIVAL
Bon Odori

Looking for something interesting to do on Sunday? Head to the Como Zoo for the Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival. The family-friendly festival, reminiscent of Japan’s annual Obon holiday, will encompass Japanese tradition — through music, dance, crafts, martial arts, and lanterns. Entertainment will include taiko drumming, kotos (Japanese sitars), shakuhachis (bamboo flutes), and martial arts demonstrations.

Sunday at 4 p.m., Como Zoo, 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul; 651-487-8200 $5, families $10.

BOOKS & AUTHORS
Hit the Road, Jack

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Jack Kerouac’s medium-sized-but-still-somehow-epic novel On the Road, in which Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty zip back and forth across the country via various modes of transit, legal and not. Penguin is celebrating by releasing a special edition of the book, as well as a copy of the original scroll on which he typed the first draft of the manuscript during three weeks in April of 1951. (The scroll, made of eight long sheets of tracing paper that Kerouac later taped together, held the content as Kerouac wanted it published: unedited [he thought editing deprived a work of its spontaneity] and without a single paragraph break.) Additionally, a new biography of Kerouac by Douglas C. Brinkley, and a somewhat more philosophical contemplation on the meaning of by John Leland, will be released today. –by Max Ross

ART & MUSIC
Gallery Grooves

Join us for Gallery Grooves, The Rake’s monthly art, jazz, and wine event. Socialize and discuss the latest jazz with Kevin Barnes from KBEM Jazz 88. Enjoy free libations compliments of The Wine Company. Featured Jazz selections include the Puppini Sisters’ Betcha Bottom Dollar; various artists’ We All Love Ella; and the Monk’s Music Trio’s Monk on Mondays. The exhibit, SAD: Illuminating a Northern View of Darkness, addresses a sense of place focused not on land, but on the qualities of light and atmosphere, and the sense of time to which those elements relate. It features nine Twin Cities-based artists: Ana Lois-Borzi, Jan Estep, Theresa Handy, Chris Larson, Charles Lume, Molly Roth, Andrea Stanislav, Piotr Szyhalski, and Katherine Turczan.

7 p.m., Frederick R. Weisman Museum, University of Minnesota, 333 East River Rd., Minneapolis; 612-625-9494.

FILM
Eloquent Nude

You might be familiar with Charis Wilson. In fact, you’ve probably seen her naked. Her nude images hang in museums across the globe. Want to see some more… and in motion? Tonight’s documentary, Eloquent Nude: The Love and Legacy of Edward Weston & Charis Wilson, recounts her story of love and work with photographer Edward Weston — the man behind the camera. Granted, she’s 90 now, but that just makes the nudity that much more interesting. OK, to be honest, I don’t know that she’ll be unveiling herself physically at this point, but she’s certainly denuding herself in a much deeper sense. The film, directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ian McCluskey, is associate produced by Minnesota native Julie Gliniany who is now bringing the film back to her homestate for only a few limited screenings. Don’t miss it. McCluskey will be present for a Q & A session, and there’s a reception following the screening. Of course, if you miss the screening this evening, you can catch it this weekend at the Riverview Theater, with an after party on Friday night.

7 p.m., Minneapolis Institue of Arts, Pillsbury Auditorium, 2400 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-870-6323; $5.

A Leech of Your Own

If you’re in the mood for something a bit wackier, less nudity and more leeches, head over to the Bell Museum courtyard for a screening of Attack of the Giant Leeches. Directed by Bernard L. Kowalski, this creepy-crawly horror flick shows a small town wracked by terror. Local moonshine-swilling trapper Lem Sawyer sees a giant creature in a swamp near his home, but his story is ignored… until people start disappearing. The best part of tonight’s event? — If you happen to be lucky (or perhaps unlucky) you’ll be taking home your very own pet leech. (What are you gonna do with that? I say go fishing… but how the hell are you going to sleep tonight?)

8:30 p.m., Bell Museum, 10 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-624-7083; free

THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Cabaret, Town Hall, Vaudeville, Opera

The Bedlam certainly isn’t known for putting on boring shows. It seems everything they do is at least somewhat unusual, and tonight’s performance certainly confirms this. Ahh-vuh-deez Productions presents A Bedlam Town Hall Show this evening: a fine mix of cabaret, town hall, vaudeville, and opera featuring Alison Scherzer-soprano, Eric Pearson-baritone, Grant Sherzer-baritone, Avedis Manoogian-piano, Dreamland Faces (with magicians and puppets), The Last Unicorns with Bird and Silas, Wendy Lewis, and Solid Gold. Sounds like an action-packed evening to me. Why settle for mainstream entertainment, when you’ve got this? Get there before the show for the Bedlam happy hour (4-6 p.m.). I guarantee it’ll be heavenly with a couple cocktails under your belt — not that it won’t be without.

7:30 p.m., Bedlam Theater, 1501 S. 6th St., Minneapolis; 612-341-1038; $6.

FILM
Schmooze Time

Oy! Another month gone by?! It really can’t be; but, oh, it is. Cinema Lounge strikes again. See five short films and meet the filmmakers. Ask them anything you like, and you might just get an answer. Tonight’s films include Urban Lull (At Once Charmed), by Micah Dahl; A Satisfied Life, by Freya Schirmacher; Who To Trust?, by Dean Peterson; Buddy, Buddy, by Mojo Solo; and Unhinged, by Gregg Holtgrewe.

7 p.m., Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 W. Lake St., Minneapolis; 612-825-3737; free.

Hometown Crime Spin

Small time politics. Big city crime. That’s what the movie poster says anyhow: Dying Midwestern, a film by Matt Kowalksi. Of course, I can’t seem to find either on the Internet. Hmmmm… Is this a film about St. Paul’s tender punk rock band? I think not, though I know very little. All I know is that it’s a crime story shot entirely in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Yay! Another film shot in the Twin Cities. I ask, once again, who the heck says we don’t do film here? It seems there’s a new local film coming out every other week. What about tonight’s, though? The press release compares it to Fargo and Pulp Fiction, and while this may very well be accurate, we must never dismiss the simple fact that is indeed a press release after all.

6:30 p.m., The Varsity Theater & Café des Artistes, 1308 4th St. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-604-0222; $8.

While you’re at it, have a look at the Pulp Fiction Short Version.

And for a real treat, have a look at Beast of the Tokyo Bathhouse, part 1. You may just notice a familiar face in there. Have you had the pleasure of meeting Sailor Martin? You may not want to once you see this film.

Oh, and don’t forget to check out this week’s Owen video. He’s having a little trouble in the communication arena.

MUSIC
Get Out of Jail Free

I haven’t given you a good reason to sneak out of work lately, so you’ve definitely got one coming. How about The Brothers Curtis at Elliot Park? Hell, if you work downtown, it’s a piece of cake, just a hop, skip, and a jump away, just over yonder on that greener grass. Otherwise, better still, just cut out early and wile the afternoon away. Enjoy Stratocaster Master Curtis Marlatt with Blues Harp Bender Curtis Blake, then stick around and browse the farmer’s market, which goes until 4 p.m.

Noon – 1:30 p.m., Elliot Park, 1000 E. 14th St., Minneapolis; 612-370-4772; free.

And Then There Were Some

Damn, those Minnesota Zoo concerts are well-attended. Tonight’s show — Tower of Power with Paul Cebar — is sold out once again, so if you don’t already have tickets, you best look for an alternate source of entertainment. The Rake’s myspace page doesn’t really serve much of a purpose, but we do get quite a few announcements for upcoming shows. (If there’s one good thing about myspace –and even that’s pushing it — it’s the abundance of musician and band pages.) And while I so often overlook these announcements until it’s too late, I did notice a few for today.

Eddie F. posted to let us know about the hip hop and punk rock show at Big V’s. (See, even Big V’s has a myspace page.) Hip hop and punk rock? Does anybody else think this is an odd combination? I guess there’s no such thing anymore. This evening’s performance features C. Doty Run, The Angry Mothers, Fixed Gears are for Jerks & Lesbians, and Many Missions.

9 p.m., Big V’s, 1567 University Ave. W. (University & Snelling), Midway, St. Paul; 651-645-8472; $5.

The paper prophet posted to let us know about this evening’s Turf Club show, with Thunder in the Valley, Spider Bags (from Chapel Hill, NC), and Prairie Sons.

9 p.m., Turf Club, 1601 University Ave., St. Paul; 651-647-0486; $4.

And a heads up for tomorrow night: Seymour Saves the World will be playing at 10 p.m., at the Uptown Bar.

Head on out and sample some local sounds.