BOOKS by Jennifer Vogel
Through the Lens of Nancy Crampton
Some people become authors because they are of the exact opposite temperament from a movie star. Putting on a clean shirt can, in itself, be a chore; putting on a pressed one is out of the question. Author photos, then, are the art of making these schlubs and misanthropes look believable, wise, and even a touch mysterious. Nancy Crampton, who for thirty-five years has shot the likes of Norman Mailer, Gabriel García Márquez, Ian McEwan, and Lorrie Moore for New York’s Unterberg Poetry Center, is particularly astute at portraying warmth and piquancy, without making authors look like someone other than themselves. She will discuss her book, Writers: Photographs, a collection of more than one hundred duotones, at the library, where her photos will be on display.
6:30 p.m., Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board Room and Cargill Hall, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; 612-630-6000; RSVP required.
FILM
Minnesota Sicko
With all the hype surrounding Michael Moore’s Sicko, we’re all just a little less ignorant about this country’s evil and unjust health care system. That’s right, as usual, let’s blame it on the system. But, man, we sure put a lot of messed up systems in place. If you haven’t seen Sicko yet, download it here. Once you have that under your belt, or maybe even before, complement it with a local story about sexual education in public schools. That’s right: another system. Evil system meets evil system. Woohoo. Join director Jim Winkle on a quest to determine the best strategy to fight adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases in Minnesota. Sex Ed & the State features interviews with Minnesota lawmakers, advocates, opponents, educators, and other stakeholders in the debate. I could give you a YouTube link for a trailor, but watch it here instead.
7 p.m., Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak St. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-331-3134; $8 (seniors $6, members/students $5).
ART
Split Rock Soirée
Each year, the Split Rock Workshops offer a select group of artists a chance to explore and hone their writing, visual art, and design skills. While few of us are actually blessed with noteworthy skill in these arenas, and even fewer are privy to this sort of opportunity, we can at least peek in occasionally, touch its underbelly, and drink of its essence. Through readings, artists’ talks, and numerous types of exchanges, Split Rock Soirées allow you to experience the work, creative processes, and always entertaining personalities of Split Rock’s renowned visiting artists and writers. Head over this evening to meet artists Craig Blacklock, Derrick Buisch, Clive King, Erica Spitzer Rasmussen, Scott Stulen, and Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada. Check out their work and meet them in person. You won’t be disappointed.
7 p.m., The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, 333 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-625-8100; $5 (U of M students free).
MUSIC
In with the Old, In with the New
The Bruce Hornsby concert at the Minnesota Zoo is sold out, so you should probably choose between Roomful of Blues and The Young Immortals.
Roomful of Blues has been around longer than I have, my friends, and that’s a mighty long time for a band. Granted these are the days of the reunion shows for many an ’80s band, but not too many ’60s bands are still playing — and strong after all these years. Give it up to the blues. Truth is, good old bluesy rock-n-roll never goes out of style — not with this kind of energy. At this stage in the game, it’s your call. See them now, or wait another 30-some-odd years to see them again (or anything in between).
7 p.m. & 9 p.m., Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis; 612-332-1010; $27 & $17.
Stick with the old, or move on to the new. The Young Immortals, a young and coming band from Oregon, have just released their new album, When History Meets Fiction, and are currently on tour. With simple pop melodies and short, peppy beats, these guys playfully bring ’60s, ’80s, and ’90s rock stylings into the new millennium, carefully avoiding the ’70s and refusing to acknowledge a complete shift in the music scene. Catch them tonight with Akai, Sugoi!, and Deep Pool — all quite interesting in their own right.
9 p.m., Turf Club, 1601 University Ave., St. Paul; 651-647-0486; $4.
By the way, tickets go on sale today for the Feldman tribute concert on September 9th at the Fitzgerald Theater. Join Greg Brown, Eliza Gilkyson, and John Gorka in honoring the founder and president of the world-renowned folk/roots label Red House Records.
THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Windy City
What’s the fascination with Chicago? I don’t know if it’s the dancing or the debauchery, perhaps just the style of the time, but people seem to love the show. You got me. Anyhow, for all you lovers out there, the one, the only Chicago is back on stage at Ordway Center. Celebrate celebrity in style (or at least the sexy way).
8 p.m., Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul 651-224-4222; $20-$55.
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