FILM
Dysfunctional Love in New York City
If you agree with Brad Zellar’s assessment (The Rake, June 2007) that Woody Allen “hasn’t made a truly great — or at least consistently funny — film” in a long time. Then tonight is your night. Certainly, Zellar wouldn’t argue against two Allen classics: Manhattan and Annie Hall. Tonight, you have a rare opportunity to see these jewels on the large screen. Enjoy Allen’s sarcastic and self-depracating humor as he explores human relationships in both films. Manhattan is beautifully shot — probably the first film in which Allen truly explored his artistic sensibility on a visual scale, paying full homage to the city he loves so dearly. And, as always, the dialog doesn’t get left behind. In fact, I’d venture to say it’s among his best, as is the dialog in Annie Hall, which won Allen an Academy Award for Best Picture. Minnesotans will particularly enjoy the film’s sharp contrast between New York culture and Annie’s midwest culture.
7 p.m. (Manhattan), 9 p.m. with a Sat. & Sun. matinee at 5 p.m. (Annie Hall), Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis; 612-331-3134; $8 (seniors $6, students $5).
MUSIC
Fervor and Soul
We could all use a little spiritual uplifting from time to time. And tonight, you can get some in the way of music. The Blind Boys of Alabama have been spreading the spirit and energy of pure soul gospel music since 1939, when the first version of the group formed at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind. Today, founding members Clarence Fountain and Jimmy Carter are joined by Bishop Billy Bowers, Joey Williams, Ricky McKinnie, Bobby Butler, and Tracy Pierce on a mission to expand the audience for traditional soul-gospel singing while incorporating contemporary songs and innovative arrangements into their hallowed style. Their latest album, Atom Bomb, even features loops, raps and roaring blues riffs.
7:30 p.m., Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E Exchange St., St. Paul; 651-290-1200; $39.00.
The Best in Trombone
If gospel is not your thing, you can still nurture the soul with the jazz offerings of the United Trombone Summit, featuring Slide Hampton, Steve Turre, and Wycliffe Gordon. While, the Summit has featured various master trombonists throughout the years, American trombonist, composer and arranger Slide Hampton has always remained at the core. Steve Turre, another frequent Summit player, is one of the world’s preeminent jazz innovators, trombonist and seashellist. He has consistently won both the readers’ and critics’ polls in JazzTimes, Downbeat, and Jazziz for best trombone and for best miscellaneous instrumentalist (shells). In addition to performing as a member of the Saturday Night Live Band since 1984, Turre leads several different ensembles. And last, but certainly not least, is Wycliffe Gordon, probably the most versatile trombonist around these days. This is a master performance. You don’t want to miss it.
7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis; 612-332-1010;$35 and $20.
A Couple of Freebees
Also on the agenda for this evening are a couple interesting, free, outdoor concerts. Head straight from work to Peavey Plaza to catch Neale & Haberman, and the Ali Gray Band. 5 p.m., Peavey Plaza, 11th St. and Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; 651-338-3807; free.
Or head to Minnehaha Falls for a performance of the Indonesian Performing Arts Association essembles. 7 p.m., Minnehaha Falls, 50th St. and Minnehaha Ave., Minnespolis; 612-673-2489.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS
Author! Author! Eric Dregni
If you’ve read our July issue, then perhaps Eric Dregni has already piqued your interest. He has a wonderful piece this month on the Minnesota Futurists. Want to hear some more of his crazy ideas? They’re not so crazy really. In fact, he can help you find fun and unusual things to do with your summer. Extrapolating the future isn’t his only talent, Dregni has also authored numerous books, including Weird Minnesota and Midwest Marvels. Tonight he’ll be discussing these two books and showing slides of one-of-a-kind tourist destinations from the Midwest. It should be great fun.
7 p.m., Brooklyn Park Library, 8600 Zane Ave N, Brooklyn Park; 763-424-8002; free.
ON THE NET
Practical Jokes
It’s only funny until someone loses an eye… or dies.
Pant Trick
Naked Diner
Spoon Tap
Skunk Prank
Gun Boy
Puddles
Mailbox
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