First things first: Our February issue hits the stands today, so be sure to pick up a copy or stop by our website to check out our latest features. Learn about Dakota founder and co-owner Lowell Pickett. Discover the Truth Project. And read about fine-dining options that aren’t getting the buzz they deserve.
Are you a Santana fan? Don’t miss his April 21st show at the Xcel Center. Tickets go on sale today at Ticketmaster.
FILM
Underworld U.S.A.
It’s noir Monday at the Parkway! Today they’re serving up a dose of crime, violence, and revenge in the dark 1960s film Underworld U.S.A. In this film noir we meet fourteen-year-old Tolly Devlin, who sees four mobsters beat his father to death. As Tolly plans his revenge, the killers rise to the top of the crime syndicate. It’s a story of love and loss, cold hard revenge and humanity. The tough-as-nails actors make Underworld U.S.A. a thrilling watch. The Parkway is also the perfect, laid-back venue for this event. Enjoy a beer (seriously, you can), and enjoy the show. —Kate Leibfried
7 p.m., Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis;
612-822-3030; $5.
WINE & DINE
Café Levain
Wait! Before you add Noir Night to your planner, consider setting aside a little extra time to satisfy your hunger. Café Levain is right down the street and ready to serve up some tasty food to enjoy before a delectable night of film. Enjoy a wide selection of delicacies that are easier on the pocket book than the former (and much bigger) Restaurant Levain. All entrées are priced under $20, including a choice of side dish. Choose from items such as duck pâté, blue mussels, roast chicken, and potato gnocchi. There is even a small wine bar and a tantalizing dessert menu. To read more about this relatively new "restaurant-gone-café," check out our restaurant review from earlier this year. —Kate Leibfried
Café Levain, 48th St. & Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-823-7111.
MUSIC
Toumani Diabate & the Symmetric Orchestra
He has been called the world’s finest kora player. He has gained international acclaim. He has performed all around the world. He’s here. Toumani Diabate will be playing at the Dakota tonight, and all this time you have probably been thinking, "What the hell is a kora?" Fear not. You are not alone in your ignorance. A kora is a popular instrument in Guinea, Senegal, The Gambia, and Mali (where Diabate hails from), but it is none too common in the good ol’ U.S. of A. It looks like an upright lute, but is made from a large calabash cut in half and covered with cow skin, and it usually has 21 strings. The sound of a kora resembles that of a harp, though when played in the traditional style, it bears a closer resemblance to flamenco guitar techniques. And here’s a little piece of trivia for you in case you are studying to appear on Jeopardy: A traditional kora player is called a Jali, similar to a bard or oral historian. Diabate blends traditional music from Mali with flamenco, blues, jazz, and other international styles to create a stunning sound that is backed up by the fabulous Symmetric Orchestra. If you’re jonesing for something unique or simply want to enjoy some stunning instrumentals, check out Diabate, the Dakota’s favorite Jali. —Kate Leibfried
7 & 9:30 p.m., Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis; 612-332-1010; $20 – $40.
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