rakemag

Shapiro & Smith Dance aren’t afraid to stand out from the minimalist or pretzel-ish acrobatics that garner so much attention these days. Indeed, it’s heartening that this troupe, going on its twentieth year, has earned its share of praise. While earlier pieces were inspired by early-twentieth-century spiritual charlatanism and Borscht Belt comedy from mid-century, their … Read more

Well, it’s been a long time since the Minnesota Fringe Festival was truly fringe-y. These days, our local take on the international non-juried theater celebration is more like a flokati rug: an explosion of fuzzy theatrical productions sprawling hither and yon in a delightful tangle. And just as Austin’s homegrown SXSW music festival expanded in … Read more

Political printmaking’s been a patriotic pastime ever since the days when Ben Franklin’s cartoons spurred revolution. And don’t forget Che, as much a T-shirt icon as a symbol of Latin American independence. For some more modern etched dissent, eyeball this touring exhibit showcasing satire and social criticism – two things we could all use more … Read more

After the embarassing baby pictures in the back of mom’s closet, the photos you remember most are those taken by shooters for Life, National Geographic, and the Associated Press. So this exhibit is like paging through American journalism’s version of a family album. There’s the young set of moptops looking like deer caught in stagelights … Read more

More artisanal than artsy (they like to tout their sea salt and imported San Marzano tomatoes), Pizza Nea is all kinds of tasty. Neapolitan-style pies are the backbone of the menu, and come rosso or bianco. Classics like the Margherita and Quattro Stagione are rounded out with an array of lesser-known combinations, such as the … Read more

One reason urbanites don’t visit the ‘burbs is the oft-quoted “there is no there there.” Except for the zoo, Apple Valley could be Anywheretown USA: rows of town houses flanked by rows of big homes on cul de sacs, with chain restaurants occupying every intersection. But Apple Valley folks aren’t as complacent as their surroundings … Read more

As the Soap Factory closed down opening-night festivities for its current exhibits, someone spontaneously yelled out that this was the gallery’s “best show ever,” and there followed a lovely round of cheers and clapping. We joined in with gusto, not knowing if the claim was truly accurate, but feeling confident that there is indeed some … Read more

So you’re as excited as anyone about the new light-rail line—it’s a real step toward sustainable development in the Twin Cities. Your only complaint is that there is not ample parking at the stations for your Toyota hybrid. Also, the rules prohibit consumption of your daily dose of wheatgrass juice on the train. But dig … Read more