rakemag One of my favorite scenic runs is along the stone arch bridge/west bank/mill ruins corridor–mostly because I so love seeing the Mill City Museum from this vantage. Same goes for the new Guthrie. But it’s truer of Mill City, or at least it has been for the past several years. The building is especially beautiful! … Read more
I’ve reserved a special place in my heart for the St. Paul-based Zeitgeist new music ensemble, probably because cultivating new classical and chamber music seems like such a long row to hoe. Have I mentioned how I hate the term ‘classical music,’ by the way? Probably. The folks at Zeitgeist prefer “new music” or alternately, … Read more
Maybe it’s because I spent the better part of my holiday weekend cooking on the Namekagen River–where I slept under the stars but also encountered various flotillas of holidaying drunks who hollered “Whooooo!,” seemingly out of nowhere. (At the sight of me?) Well, whatever this feeling is, what’s clear to me is that I don’t … Read more
The weekend planner: Not so easy this weekend, since I’m subjecting myself to an under-planned canoeing excursion, as not even half-baked by the rather impulsive boyfriend. But if I were to be sticking around town this weekend, here’s what I’d probably be up to: The Fusion Fashion Event, featuring work by many-a local clothing designers … Read more
No matter what you think about all these new designer buildings in town, you can’t help but give props to the frontrunner, Walker Art Center, for programming some pretty neat stuff since re-opening with their expansion. I’m not sure what to make of tonight’s prom-themed fashion show, curated by local hat designer/Target employee Anna Lee. … Read more
One of those things I wish I had tickets to: The Minnesota Orchestra is performing Tosca all weekend long. Word on the street is that soprano Deborah Voigt, in the title role, has been knocking musicians’ socks off in rehearsals. On that note, here’s a word to the wise/note to self: If you want to … Read more
So the American Composers Forum has this little record label called Innova. Last I checked the label was putting out some great new jazz and gospel records, as well as the requisite “contemporary classical” discs. The few Innova-issued recordings in my collection include The Beat Circus, which is basically a collection of zany circus music–a … Read more
Augusten Burroughs. University of Minnesota Bookstore. Tonight, 7 p.m. That’s all I’ve got! Sorry. I had a long, exhausting, but ultimately great weekend that involved much shopping at Art-A-Whirl, whereat I bought a yellow necklace of Japanese beads and a low-pitched, laminate beam coffee table. I’m pleased with both purchases, but especially the latter. This … Read more
Finally! All those copies of Faust come out of storage. Rarely can it be said that the library is the coolest place to be, but today that’s especially the case… because the new Minneapolis Central Library is officially open for business. Thousands-upon-thousands of items are finally available for checkout. Halleluiah! For more information on the … Read more
Uff, I feel old. Art-A-Whirl is turning eleven this year. And I remember volunteering, way back when, for versions three and four. Margo Ashmore was in charge back in those days. My friend Sarah Whiting later took the reins. I get a little misty when I think back–back before AAW had rock concerts, and when … Read more