BOOKS & AUTHORS
Fear and Courage in the Democratic Party
Blunt, brutal, to-the-point honesty can be pretty rare in politics, but that
is exactly what Glenn Hurowitz delivers in his candid book called
Fear and Courage in the Democratic Party. Hurowitz is a journalist,
political commentator and the president of the Democratic Courage political
action committee. He is also fed up with the status quo.
Hurowitz’ book is frank conversation about the watering-down of Democratic
politics and the trepidation most Dems have to stray too far from the
comfortable middle ground. Fear and Courage in the Democratic
Party is also a call for change. Citing courageous politicians
such as the late Paul Wellstone, Hurowitz encourages Dems to fight for
what they believe in and to resist being "spineless weasels" like
some politicians. Join Hurowitz as he discusses his book today
at Magers and Quinn at 7:30 pm. Politics have rarely been hotter. —Kate Leibfried
Friday at 7:30 p.m., Magers & Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-822-4611.
THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Drink Up That Espresso
Consider this an early warning, so that you have ample time to move on it: The "highly caffeinated comedy," Triple Espresso, is coming to a close here on April 12. If the show’s great success hasn’t convinced you to see it yet, then consider for a moment that these three local artists wanted to work together so badly that they created this piece precisely to satisfy that need. Have they satisfied it? I’m sure they have. How about you? Let Bill Arnold, Michael Pearce Donley, and Bob Stromberg tickle your funnybone a while. They’ll even be performing in the roles they created during the last two weeks of the performances, from April 2-12.
Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 & 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 & 6:30 p.m., Music Box Theatre, 1407 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; 612-871-1414; $31-36.
BENEFIT
Minnesota Film and TV Board Celebrates 25 Years 
Ever wonder how big a hand the Minnesota Film and TV Board has had in the film industry? For 25 years they’ve been supporting locally made movies, television, and commercials – and trying to generate more. A Prairie Home Companion, Fargo, Mighty Ducks, Grumpy Old Men, and yes, even Purple Rain. Just think, without them we might never have seen Prince writhing on the floor for his Darling Nikki. That’s a pretty darn good reason to show some love, even if that love puts a notable dent in your monthly budget. Your contribution is bound to pay off well in entertainment value… with a side of state pride.
Saturday at 8 p.m., FIVE, 2917 Bryant Ave. S., Minneapolis; 651-645-3600; $150.
MUSIC
moe.
In terms of wank-out psychedelia, this Buffalo, New York-based jam
band is more peyote than purple microdot: organic, smooth, and offering
a slightly shorter trip than the Grateful Dead or Phish, or their friend Umphrey’s McGee. After using concert improvisations to flesh out the tunes that run like flowing ribbons through previous albums like Wormwood and The Conch, moe. cranked out their latest, Sticks and Stones
(due January 22), in three weeks of recording, customizing ten songs to
clock less than forty-one minutes total. But between the dual guitars
and the wanton back catalog, the new stuff should be shaggy enough to
win over the self-proclaimed “moe.rons” in the audience. —Britt Robson
Sunday at 8 p.m., First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-332-1775; $25.
International Guitar Night 
As I’m told, the guitar and the piano are the only two instruments on which you can play both a harmony and a melody simultaneously. If you work it right, it’s like… making a woman sing. OK, that’s ridiculous. But if we had let ourselves go with it, we’d have to point out that both instruments have feminine curves. Of course, the guitar is much more fun to hold. Guitar lovers, head out to International Guitar Night on Sunday for an evening of multifarious acoustic guitar, featuring D’Gary, Clive Carroll, Brian Gore, and Miguel de la Bastide. Sure, I love some of the basic acoustic rock this town has to offer, but guitarists like these are hard to come by.
Sunday at 7:30 p.m., The Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-388-2674; $15.
DANCE
Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble
Truth be told, I’ve never met a Native American artist with only one art. It seems the singer can bead, the drummer can sing, the writer can dance, the storyteller can paint, the dancer can drum. In this case, he does it all… pretty much. Kevin Locke has performed in over 70 countries, as a flutist, a storyteller, and a dancer. Come see him this Sunday with his Native Dance Ensemble.
Sunday at 3 & 7 p.m., Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-340-1725; $18.
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