Author: Cristina Córdova

FILM
Yes, We Make Movies Here

Not really sure what people are referring to when they speak of the local film community? See for yourself at tonight’s March 2007 Fearless Filmmakers Screening Event. Get a little taste for what local and regional filmmakers have been producing. Experience a young family’s journey to euthanasia, personal fulfillment at the end of a cake, a modern-day Noah, college-educated pistol banter, the panty-clad gal horror cliche, a baby-sitting nightmare with a comedic twist, a shy office-worker spreading God’s love, a friendly exchange, and a re-definition of wingman — all in one sitting.

7:30 p.m., The Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis, 612-331-3134, $9 general admission, $7 students, $5 MN Film Arts members.

Then join the After Party at Stub and Herbs, 227 Oak Street, Minneapolis.

FILM LECTURE
Who Doesn’t Love a Good Spy Movie?

Ever wonder what makes a good spy movie? Why Hollywood is obsessed with the CIA? What the CIA’s relationship is to Hollywood? William Mitchell College of Law is presenting a free program tonight, “A Strange Bond: The CIA and The Cinema.” Guest speakers include Mark Bowden, Atlantic Monthly reporter and author of Black Hawk Down; Star Tribune movie critic and Rake contributor Colin Colvert; and former CIA William Daugherty and Paul Kelbaugh. How can this not be interesting?

7-8:30 p.m., Auditorium, William Mitchell College of Law, 875 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, 651-290-6400, Free. Register here.

THEATER
Sing the Beloved Aria

Looking to restore your faith in brotherhood and compassion? Maybe tonight is the night for you to go see the Skylark Opera’s performance of Lost in the Stars. Based on Cry, the Beloved Country, Alan Paton’s angry 1948 novel about apartheid in South Africa, this adaptation was penned by Maxwell Anderson and composed Kurt Weill — better known for his collaborations with poet and epic dramatist Bertolt Brecht. The jazzy opus has a largely black cast and is rooted in African-American music. Go see it tonight, Friday or Saturday night, or Sunday at 3.

8 p.m., Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, 651-209-6689, $20 – $50.

MUSIC
21st-Century Singer-Songwriters

This year, VH1 launched its first-ever You Oughta Know Tour in an effort to introduce artists on the rise to their adult music-lover base. I think that’s us. And to be honest, they’ve put together a rather solid line-up: Mat Kearney, The Feeling, and Rocco Deluca and The Burden. Acoustic folk/pop, singer-songwriter Mat Kearney serves up music with an acoustic base and hints of spoken word and even rap. Although he’s often associated with the Christian music scene, this 28-year-old has opened for The Fray, Sheryl Crow, and John Mayer. Also playing is U.K. band The Feeling. With two Top 10 international hit singles — “Sewn” and “Fill My Little World” — The Feeling offers a broad range of music for fans lamenting the golden age of Top 40 radio. They’re like My Chemical Romance with cheesier, prettier harmonies. (My Chemical Romance meets The Beatles?) And last, but definitely not least, Rocco DeLuca offers a fresh sound with a Dobro steel guitar and elements of Appalachian and Blues influences. DeLuca and The Burden are the first group to sign with Jude Cole and Kiefer Sutherland’s independent record label, Ironworks Music. Rolling Stone recently wrote, “The echoes of Neil Young, Robert Plant, Jeff Buckley and Pearl Jam blend into something unique, especially when performed live … the group packs the heat and rocks aggression to work its way into your head and stay there.”

7 p.m., First Avenue, 701 First Avenue North, Minneapolis, 612-332-1775, $18.00 advance, $20.00 door.

Listen to Mat Kearney.
Listen to The Feeling.
Listen to Rocco DeLuca and The Burden.

MUSIC
Urban Crooning

True, Lloyd got his start with teen pop group N-Toon — put together by Klymaxx’s Joyce Irby — but he’s a whopping 21 years old now, and far more mature. OK, not that much, but he did acquire a few adult influences. Adding a little touch of Marvin Gaye and R. Kelley, Lloyd finally made his claim to fame, topping the BET playlist with a sultry duet with Beyonce-wannabe Ashanti. And now, well… it’s up to you to say.

9 p.m., Escape Ultra Lounge, 600 Hennepin Avenue Suite 200, Minneapolis, 612-333-8855, $25-$45.

Watch and listen to Lloyd.

READINGS
USPS: United States Postal Stories

It’s not often that a mailman writes a book about his mail-delivery adventures. But this is exactly what Vincent Wyckoff has done in Beware of Cat: And Other Encounters of a Letter Carrier. After 15 years as a letter carrier in South Minneapolis, walking the same route each day, Wyckoff has compiled his stories into a community portrait of sorts.

7 p.m., Barnes and Noble Roseville II, 2100 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, 651-639-9256, Free.

READINGS
Eclectic, Learned, and Wise

Looking for something more grandiloquent? Go see Leslie Adrienne Miller read some poetry from her new book, The Resurrection Trade. A marriage of science and poetry reminiscent of the metaphysical poets — Miller’s poetry speaks to 18th-century medicine and the mystery of the female body. Former US Poet Laureate Ted Kooser wrote that, “For me The Resurrection Trade is very much like being given a rare chance to have dinner with one of the most interesting conversationalists in the world. These poems are delightfully eclectic, learned and wise, and it is a privilege to have this fine book as guest in the house.”

7 p.m., The Loft, 1011 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-215-2576, Free.

Read “The Flayed Angel,” by Leslie Adrienne Miller.

COMEDY
Stand-up Stand-off

Last Comic Standing is coming back for a 5th season, and Minneapolis has been chosen as one of the five national audition cities. (That’s right; this season is going international, so Australia, Canada, and England will also host auditions.) Auditions start at 9 a.m., but those of us less-funny people can watch the finals later that night — after the line-up has been a bit distilled.

8 p.m., Acme Comedy Company, Historic Itasca Building, 708 1st St N, Minneapolis, 612-338-6393, $15, $27 dinner and show package.

LECTURE
The Gay Publishing Elite

Call them elegant, slick, pornographic, and even pretentious, but Jop van Bennekom’s magazines are just plain great to look at. Influenced by English music magazines, as well as Peter Saville’s designs for Joy Division and New Order back in the 80s, Jop van Bennekom is now designer, editor, and publisher for three different magazines — RE-, Butt, and Fantastic Man — and has become one of Europe’s most influential magazine designers at only thirty-six years of age. That’s right, there might be hope for some of us yet. Come hear him talk about his work tonight at the Walker. Get inspired.

7:00 pm, Walker Cinema, Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612.375.7600, $24 ($12 AIGA/Walker members/students).

MUSIC
Don’t Overlook the Obvious

It’s nice to be reminded, now and then, that Minneapolis still has an impressive local music scene on all fronts. You don’t have to sit around and wait for the next great jazz band to swing into town. Tonight at the Fine Line our very own Sol Spectre will be playing with The Higgle and Histrionic. Looking for a nice relaxing evening of improvisational jazz? They’re solid. They’re pleasant. They’ll get your head bobbing with a variety of jazz fusion, eclectic rock, experimental improvisation, and even a dose of electronica to spice things up.

8 p.m., Fine Line Music Cafe, 318 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, 612-338-8100.

Listen to Sol Spectre

MUSIC
Rock from Down Under

Did any of you see the “Free Hugs” video on YouTube last year? If so, then you’ve heard The Sick Puppies. The band’s song “All The Same” provided the soundtrack to the popular YouTube video and earned them exposure on Oprah, Jay Leno, 60 Minutes, and CNN. Influenced by Green Day and Rage Against The Machine, The Sick Puppies are a three-piece, guitar-fueled-rock band. They have garnered a number prestigious awards, including Best Song from Triple J Unearthed, and Best Live Performance from the Australian Live Music Awards. They have toured with Good Charlotte, Deep Purple, and Midnight Oil. The Australian edition of Rolling Stone called them “the most dynamic new band in the country.” And to be honest, they don’t sound anything like sick puppies.

6 p.m., 7th Street Entry, 701 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, 612-332-1775, $6.

Listen to The Sick Puppies

SPORTS
Will the Real Minnesota Sport Please Stand Up

After their 82-85 loss to the Seattle Sonics last week, let’s hope the Timberwolves feel inclined to prove themselves against the Sonics’ seemingly solidified defense. Tonight’s rematch might seem like a worthless game in the general NBA arena, but the Timberwolves still have a chance at the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, so go cheer them on. In the end, it’s a win either way, as they still have a chance at retaining their status as one of the NBA’s 10 worst.

7 p.m., Target Center, 600 1st Ave N., Minneapolis, 612-673-0900, $10-$700.

Read Britt Robson’s Timberwolves Blog: On the Ball

I realize that everyone is distracted with basketball and baseball, but what ever happened to Minnesota hockey? Did it fade away with the cold Minnesota winters? Don’t let El Nino deprive you of your heritage. Get out there and support the Minnesota Wild against the Calgary Flames tonight. (And if you’re wondering why the bottom-price tickets cost more than the bottom-price basketball tickets, remember, they have to keep that ice frozen.)

7 p.m., Xcel Energy Center, 175 W Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, 651-989-5151, $16 to $250.

We all know that the true Minnesota sports don’t take place in arenas or rinks. They occur in the wild, on the lake, and in the woods. And this wouldn’t be a true Minnesota publication if we failed to mention The Northwest Sportshow, starting today in our lovely Convention Center. (Did you forget what that big building complex over on 2nd and 13th was?) Come check out the best in boats, RV’s, fishing tackle, hunting gear, trips, and more. There are also plenty of activities for kids. Yeah, you’ve got until Sunday to get there, but tonight only, the first 500 attendees will receive a 75th Anniversary commemorative bobber. How’s that for incentive!

5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S., Minneapolis, 612-335-6000, adults $10, youth (13-15) $5, and children (12 and under) free.

DANCE
Heat It Up

Did you think you were going to have an opportunity to see some great ballet or flamenco this evening? Think again. Rather than sitting around watching, it’s time to get that rear end off the chair and oil those hinges a bit. Learn how to Tango, baby. It’s a little pricey, but don’t worry, your greatly honed skills will not go to waste. If you manage to master a few moves, you can go show them off on Sunday night at the Loring Pasta Bar.

4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., The Whole, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, 612-624-6224, $28.00 for U of M Students/Staff/Faculty, $48.00 for general public.

MUSIC
Jazz Fusion Virtuosos

There is something to be said for the casual air with which a seasoned group of already-accomplished musicians can address their art. Without the need for commercial success (which they have already attained), they can simply play out of love for the art. Seldom is this so apparent as with Steve Smith and Vital Information. Now in their 24th year, the group has become a jazz-fusion giant — albeit an underrated one.

The group’s founder and drummer, Steve Smith, has played with such greats as Ahmad Jamal, Zakir Hussain, Steps Ahead, Andrea Bocelli, Savage Garden, and even Journey. Yes, this is true — that’s probably why you’ve heard his name — but don’t let that dissuade you. He won Modern Drummer Magazine’s #1 All Around Drummer award five years in a row and was voted one of the Top 25 Drummers of All Time in a recent Modern Drummer readers’ poll.

And the incredible line-up doesn’t stop there. Accompanying Steve Smith are guitarist Frank Gambale (Chick Corea Elektric Band), keyboardist Tom Coster (Santana), and bassist Baron Browne (Jean-Luc Ponty/Billy Cobham). These virtuosos transcend bands like Weather Report with their wide array of rhythms and styles and their Indian and European influences. If you like fusion or electric jazz, this show is a must see.

7 p.m. and 9 p.m. today and tomorrow, Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet, Minneapolis, 612-332-1010, $30 and $20.

Listen to Steve Smith and Vital Information

MUSIC
Melody-Tinged Hardcore

Looking for something a little harder? A couple decades ago, some of us were out there doing stage dives and slam dancing to the best of 80’s punk rock, and while the trend died down a bit after a few backs breaking on bottles, it is alive and well today. Want to give it another try? Two hardcore punk bands — It Dies Today (actually I.T. — information technology — Dies Today) from Buffalo, NY, and Canada’s own Comeback Kid — are headlining at Station 4 tonight. While neither of these bands is actually doing anything groundbreaking, per se, they certainly execute their genre flawlessly. Besides, you have to give It Dies Today kudos for their epic CD titles based on Dante’s Divine Comedy and Homer’s Odyssey.

5 p.m., Station 4, 201 East 4th Street, Saint Paul, 651-298-0173, $12-$14.

Listen to It Dies Today
Listen to Comeback Kid

THEATER
Choose Your Own Adventure in Mating

Tonight may be your last chance to experience the long-acclaimed Adventures In Mating, with Joseph Scrimshaw, Craig Johnson, and Alayne Hopkins. (OK. Let’s be honest here. Chances are there’ll be yet another run sometime in the near future, but today is the final show for a while at least.) Tired of the typical passive theater offering? This interactive romantic comedy might be just what you need. Play the hand of fate on Miranda and Jeremy’s first date. Their narrative contains about 60 different junctures at which you, the audience, determine the next course of action. Will they have red white or white wine? Will she slap him or kiss him? You decide.

8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors), Bryant-Lake Bowl Cabaret Theater, 810 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, 612-825-8949, $12/$10 with a Fringe button or for groups 10 or more.

READINGS
Music in the Summer of Love

Muddy Waters, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, Nick Drake, REM, 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg, Cubanismo, Taj Mahal — these are only a few of the big names that producer Joe Boyd worked with throughout his stellar career. Tonight only, you can hear him read from his autobiography, White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s. According to Michael Faber of The Guardian, White Bicycles “captures evanescent history with remarkable clarity (and) has enough of a grasp of larger issues — historical, philosophical, psychological — to be of interest to readers unfamiliar with the records Boyd produced.”

7:30 p.m., The Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. South, Minneapolis, 612-338-2674, $10.

READINGS
A Fantastical Twist

Not big on autobiographies? Head for the other extreme, and take fiction into the realm of fantasy with local science-fiction writers Hillary Moon Murphy and Jaye Lawrence. As part of Speculations Readings Series, Eric Heideman will be hosting a reading with the two nationally acclaimed authors. Murphy has had stories published in Realms of Fantasy, Tales of the Unanticipated, and New Voices of Science Fiction. She is a member of the writing group Pengames and coordinator of the Twin Cities Speculative Fiction Writers Network, the largest and most active SF writer meet-up in the world. Lawrence’s fiction has appeared in Fantasy & Science Fiction, Minnesota Monthly, and Great River Review. Her story “Kissing Frogs” was a shortlist selection for the 2004 James Tiptree Jr. Award. More recently, she was named as a runner-up for the 2006 Tamarack Award for her story “Aim.”

6:30 p.m., DreamHaven Books, 912 W Lake St, Minneapolis, 612-823-6161.

ART
Stories of Migration

This is your last week to see Unfolding Time: Stories of Migration, a joint exhibit of work by artists Beth Grossman and Alexandra Rozenman. Unfolding Time capture the experiences of immigrants from Russia over a hundred years. While at first, Grossman’s work seems to be nothing more than painted images and text on everyday objects, a full exploration of these images reveals a deeper re-contextualization of stories and re-interpretation of history. Rozenman’s work, while still narrative in form, is far lighter, with a folksy child-like quality. Her brightly colored, fairytale style is reminiscent of Marc Chagall.

And if you like Beth Grossman’s work you can pop on over to the Smith Gallery of Jewish Arts and Culture at The Minneapolis Institute of Arts later this week to see her other exhibit, Our Mother Mary Found — which runs through April. Our Mother Mary Found re-contextualizes the story of Mary by conveying a more pragmatic reality of a woman whose daily labor as a mother and a faithful Jew gave birth to a prophet and nurtured a revolutionary.

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tychman Shapiro Gallery, Sabes Jewish Community Center, Jay & Rose Phillips Building, 4330 South Cedar Lake Road, Minneapolis, 952-381-3400.