*****Events and Activities*****
Sample of Performances at MacPhail Center for Music
501 Second Street South
For more information about events (including student performances) and classes: http://www.macphail.org or 612-321-0100.
Spring Honors Recital
Friday, May 17, 7:30 pm
Antonello Hall
Free admission.
Prelude Spring Concert
Saturday, May 18, 2 and 3:30 pm
Antonello Hall
Free admission.
MacPhail Backstage
Saturday, June 1, 10:30 – 11:30 am and Thursday, June 13, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Room 107
Experience MacPhail’s community in this free one-hour learning event. Explore MacPhail’s history; see where MacPhail’s future is heading! Click here to RSVP for an event.
Mill City Farmers Market – Backyard Beekeeping Day
Saturday, May 18, 8 am – 1 pm
Chicago Avenue between Second Street South and West River Parkway
Come on down for Backyard Beekeeping Day at Mill City Farmers Market. Be sure to pick up locally harvested single-source honey from Ames Farm or Schultz Farm and stop by our featured Community Booth Beez Kneez to learn about the vital role honey bees play in our food system. At this week’s 10 am Cooking Demo, Market Chef Heather Hartman will be treating us to a special recipe: Honey-Lavender-Jalapeno Butter with Grilled Vegetables! In this tasty recipe, she will be using locally harvested honey from Beez Kneez, hand-rolled butter from Rochdale Farms and lavender from French Nugget. Get recipes from this demo and every Mill City Cooks demo this season in the Market’s recipe archive at http://millcityfarmersmarket.org/category/recipes/. From 11 am to 1 pm, enjoy the music of Cactus Blossoms. Be ready to tap your feet to this talented country-western group as you peruse the Market today. The Art Market will feature Hmong ABC, Guillermo Cuellar, Chris Chookiatsirichai, and Stirsby. The Community Booths will feature Beez Kneez and the University of Minnesota Master Gardeners. For more information (including what products are expected at the market this week – don’t forget your shopping list), recipes and to sign up for the market’s email newsletter: http://millcityfarmersmarket.org/.
Paradise Cruises Spring Open House
Tuesday, May 21, 4 – 7 pm
Bohemian Flats Park, 2150 West River Parkway South
Paradise Cruises invites you to join them dockside as they showcase many of their exciting vendors, including florists, musicians, transportation companies, casinos, wedding designers and more, along with information on their popular Lake Minnetonka Fleet featuring the Paradise Princess II, the Paradise Grand and Exciting Paradise Destiny II. The event will happen rain or shine. Enjoy a selection of appetizers, beverages and prize drawings throughout the event. Please R.S.V.P. at 952.474.8058. Directions and more available at: www.TwinCitiesCruises.com.
Sound On-Site
Tuesday, May 21, 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
Soap Factory, 514 Second Street SE
The Soap Factory announces Sound On-Site, a new series of unique music events. Building on The Soap Factory’s 25-year history of supporting emerging, contemporary artists, Sound On-Site is an invitation for new collaboration and experimentation in music. This monthly series introduces audiences to the best in experimental live music, sound and DJs—both local and international—across a range of genres in The Soap Factory’s inspiring location. First Up for Sound On-Site will be the Rock Forward benefit concert. Join The Soap Factory and friends in the gallery for an evening of music and a gathering of allies in the fight against anti-LGBTQ violence. All ticket proceeds will benefit performer Ron Spiess, as he recovers from a recent assault. The host for the evening is Dane Stauffer. Tickets $12. Visit http://www.soapfactory.org/exhibit.php?content_id=623 for more information and tickets.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for Sheridan Veterans Memorial
Thursday, May 23, 10 am
Sheridan Memorial Park, 1300 Water Street NE
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and Park Board Commissioner Liz Wielinski will hold a special ceremonial groundbreaking event for the Sheridan Veterans Memorial at Sheridan Memorial Park. The public is invited to attend. See official invitation The program for the groundbreaking ceremony will feature the presenting and retrieving of flags by Fridley Shaddrick and Labeau American Legion Post 303, comments by neighborhood representatives and elected officials, the official groundbreaking and the presentation of a memorial wreath to recognize all veterans as a prelude to the Memorial Day weekend. All are welcome to join in the celebration. The veteran’s memorial will be located at the south end of the Sheridan Memorial Park, with an overlook at the edge of the Mississippi River. It will honor all military veterans from the ten conflicts in which Minnesotans have served. Plans call for a central sculpture on a circular plaza surrounded by five concentric rings made up of lawn, a perimeter walk, benches and markers and peace gardens. Closely planted trees will comprise the outermost ring. Ten of the markers will each bear a description of one of the ten conflicts. An eleventh “empty” marker will represent the ever potential threat of war, reminding us to strive for peace. The sculpture and eleven markers are being created by local artist Robert Smart. The perimeter walk will be punctuated with pavers engraved with quotes about peace. Construction of the memorial park will take place during the summer and fall with a grand opening date slated for Veteran’s Day November 11, 2013. To receive project updates and meeting notices via email, go to www.minneapolisparks.org and click on the red envelope. For additional information on the project, visit the Sheridan Memorial Park project page on the MPRB website.
Kroening Interpretive Center Programs (Three Rivers Park District)
North Mississippi Regional Park
For information: 763-694-7693; for map and driving instructions: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=430. For programs that require reservations, call 763-559-6700 or register on-line: http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org.
Free Family Fun Day: Pond Discoveries
Monday, May 27, 1 – 3 pm, ongoing
Visit the prairie pond. Use nets to catch baby insects and tadpoles. Free; for all ages.
Kites and Rockets
Saturday, June 1, 1 – 3 pm
Let’s go fly! Make your own kite out of everyday materials and get tips on flying it. Then create a rocket to launch using the power of water and take home instructions for making your own rocket launcher. Cost is $5, and reservations are required; reference activity number #316901-01. This program is for ages 4+.
Nicollet Island Concert
All concerts at 7 pm unless noted
Nicollet Island Amphitheater, 40 Power Street
Free. For updates and more information: http://www.mplsmusicandmovies.com/.
Monday, May 27 – Socaholix (High-energy Caribbean dance music)
From Space to Place
On exhibit: May 28 – June 15
Public reception: Thursday, May 30, 7 – 10 pm, Regis Center for Art East Lobby
Katherine E. Nash Gallery, Regis Center for Art, University of Minnesota, 405 21st Avenue South (gallery hours are 11 am — 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday)
Defined by human activities, places are ever-changing, ever-decaying and always being reborn, often through collective action and collaboration. From Space to Place is an exhibition that explores placemaking—the transformation of a space into that which has a distinct identity. Placemaking brings together creative and cultural resources, most importantly people, whose combined efforts have the potential to reimagine and reconstruct space into authentic, dynamic and resilient communities. While “space” typically refers to the physical or geographical environment, “place” ricochets between the emotional, the social and the political. Curated by Artemis Ettsen, a graduate student in the School of Architecture, and Teréz Iacovino, a graduate student in the Department of Art, the exhibition is a platform for reexamining place and one’s relationship to it. Celebrate the exhibition with the artists and curators at the public reception. The exhibition and related public programs are free and open to the public. For information:https://events.umn.edu/From-Space-to-Place-027087.htm.
Father Hennepin Bluffs Park Concert
All concerts at 7 pm unless noted; movies start 15 minutes after sunset
Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, 420 Main Street SE
Free. For updates and more information: http://www.mplsmusicandmovies.com/.
Tuesday, May 28 – The Erverators (Rock cover band)
Minnehaha Park Outdoor Concert
Minnehaha Falls, 4801 South Minnehaha Park Drive
All shows at 7 p.m. except as noted; movies start 15 minutes after sunset
Minnehaha Falls, 4810 South Minnehaha Park Drive
In case of rain, concerts will be held in the Minnehaha Falls Pavilion. Free. Concert schedule is subject to change. For updates and more information: http://www.mplsmusicandmovies.com/.
Wednesday, May 29 – Jennifer Licko (Songs of Celtic origins both traditional and contemporary)
Thursday, May 30 – South High Community Jazz Band (concert band and big band music)
Friday, May 31 – Hubcap (Funk, jazz, Latin experimental fusion)
Keep the Beat Police Fundraiser
Thursday, May 30, 5 – 7 pm
Vic’s on the Riverfront, 201 Main Street SE
The annual Keep the Beat fundraiser and silent auction is coming up! Enjoy wine, beer and an appetizer buffet provided by Vic’s plus delicious specialties provided by Keegan’s, Kramarczuk’s and Surdyk’s. Proceeds go directly to support the substation on University Avenue as well as to pay for “Beat Cops,” “Cops on Bikes” and additional Police Patrols of the neighborhood. Tickets are $25 each. For more info, go to the event’s Facebook page.
Sample of Activities and Classes at The Loft
1011 Washington Avenue South
For information about The Loft’s wide variety of classes and other activities: http://www.loft.org.
Publication Celebration with Ethan Rutherford and Matt Rasmussen
Thursday, May 30, 7 pm
A celebration of two incredible first-time published authors and recent award winners. Ethan Rutherford’s stories have appeared in Ploughshares, One Story, American Short Fiction and The Best American Short Stories. He has taught fiction at Macalester, the University of Minnesota and at The Loft Literary Center, and his work has received awards from the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Arts The Peripatetic Coffin and Other Stories is his first book.Matt Rasmussen’s poetry has been published in Gulf Coast, Cimarron Review, H_NGM_N, New York Quarterly, Paper Darts and at Poets.org. He’s received awards, grants and residencies from The Bush Foundation, The Minnesota State Arts Board, Jerome Foundation, Intermedia Arts, The Anderson Center in Red Wing, Minnesota, and The Corporation of Yaddo. He is a 2012 McKnight Artist Fellow, a former Peace Corps Volunteer, and teaches at Gustavus Adolphus College. His first book of poems, Black Aperture, won the 2012 Walt Whitman Award and will be published in 2013 by LSU Press. He’s a founding editor of Birds, LLC, a small, independent poetry press. Free and open to the public.
*****Planning Ahead*****
Hot Dam 5K Fun Run
Wednesday, July 3, registration opens at 5:30 pm
Father Hennepin Bluffs Park,
Run for the Boom! Participate in the Hot Dam 5K Fun Run and support the Minneapolis Fireworks fund. Take in the beautiful view of the Minneapolis skyline as you enjoy a comfortable walk or run on the most scenic course in Minneapolis, which includes historic Main Street and the Stone Arch Bridge. Funds raised will benefit future Red, White and Boom 4th of July Celebrations in Minneapolis! The After Party includes free outdoor concert by Rogue Valley and the movie Top Gun. All participants 21 and older will receive a free beer from Harriet Brewing. Pre-registration (closes June 28) is $30 for adult (includes free Technical T-shirt and one beer) and $10 for youth (includes Technical T-shirt). Race Day registration will be $40 for adults and $15 for youth. For more information and to register visit www.mplsredwhiteboom.com.
Red, White and Boom! TC Half Marathon
Thursday, July 4, 6:30 am
Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, 420 Main Street SE
Celebrate the 4th by running a half. Enjoy a scenic urban route through historic northeast Minneapolis. Each registrant will receive a short-sleeve technical shirt, finisher’s medal and commemorative pint glass and can attend a post-race party with picnic favorites. Select tickets for the Yankees vs. Twins at Target Field will be available at a special rate for runners and fans. Fore more information and to register: https://www.tcmevents.org/events/red_white__boom_tc_half_marathon/.
Preserve Minneapolis Walking Tour: Grain Belt Brewery
Wednesday, July 17, 5:30 pm
Starting point: 1220 Marshall Street NE
The Grain Belt Brew House, constructed in 1891, served as a local brewery until Christmas Day of 1975, when it was permanently vacated. In 1998 RSP Architects, Ryan Companies and the Minneapolis Community Development Agency embraced the opportunity to make creative use of this historic landmark. See how the restoration’s innovative designs utilize the unique interior and allow for preservation of the building’s distinctive architectural features. Cost: $8.Buy tickets on Eventbrite . (Note: This tour has filled quickly in the past, so don’t wait if you’re interested!) For information on other Preserve Minneapolis tours: http://www.preserveminneapolis.org
Preserve Minneapolis Tour: Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution Biking Tour
Sunday, July 21, 1 pm
Starting point: Across the street from 212 Eleventh Avenue South (near Gold Medal Park)
This bicycle tour will explore the three openly-operated red-light districts that existed from the 1870s to 1910 along the central riverfront of Minneapolis. You’ll learn why tolerated prostitution was such a thriving industry in the city, why some women might have chosen it as a career, how a small group of madams came to influence civic life, and how they left their mark on the city’s landscape, as we view the last surviving purpose-built bordello from the city’s era of tolerated prostitution. This tour will bike about 5 miles. PLEASE NOTE that this is a biking tour, limited to 20 riders. This tour is for ages 21 and up. Cost: $8. Buy tickets on Eventbrite. For information on other Preserve Minneapolis tours: http://www.preserveminneapolis.org.
*****Input, Participation and Stewardship Opportunities*****
Public Hearing on Marshall Terrace Park Playground
Wednesday, May 22, 6:30 pm
MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road North, Board room
Playground designs for Marshall Terrace Park, 2740 Marshall Street NE, have been recommended by the non-appointed Citizens Advisory Committee and by the Concerned Citizens of Marshall Terrace. The MPRB Planning Committee will hold a Public Hearing and discuss the concepts at their regular meeting on May 22 at 6:30, time certain. The recommended concepts can be seen on the MPRB website. The recommended concept for the ages 2-5 play area is by Flagship/LSl-Concept #1, the concept for the ages 5-12 concept is by Flagship/LSl-Concept #2. For more information please visit the MPRB Project Page.
*****Warm Weather Events Returning for the Season*****
2013 Music & Movies in the Parks Program
Music: May 27 – September 2
Movies: June 7 – August 24
Five venues, including Nicollet Island, Father Hennepin Bluffs and Minnehaha Park
More than 250 free outdoor concerts and movies will be hosted in Minneapolis parks this summer as part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Music & Movies in the Parks program. Featuring over 200 free outdoor concerts at five venues, the concert schedule features something for every musical taste including Jazz, Latin, Swing, Folk, Rock, Bluegrass, Classical and much more. See and enjoy great local talent in beautiful park settings. The 2013 Movies in the Parks series presented by Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express will take place Mondaythrough Saturday evenings and will travel to more than 30 parks throughout the summer. The great tradition of the music-movie combo on Tuesdays at Father Hennepin continues with a movie showing after the concert starting onJune 11. The Music and Movie Indigenous Series will be coming back again during the month of August with a concert and movie every Tuesday at Father Hennepin Bluffs reflecting the rich history we have in our community. Concerts and movies are free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and pack a picnic. And don’t forget bug spray! For the most up-to-date schedules and weather related information, visitwww.mplsmusicandmovies.com. You can also follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook. Join us in Minneapolis parks and enjoy a summer filled with sounds and scenes. Watch future RiverCurrents for the specifics on the riverfront venue programs.
Godfrey House
Open June 1 – August 25, Saturdays and Sundays, 1 – 4 pm
Chute Square, Central and University avenues
Visit the Godfrey House — the oldest remaining wood frame house in Minneapolis, first occupied by Ard Godfrey, a millwright, and his wife Harriet Godfrey in 1849. Costumed volunteers from the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis will guide you through this fascinating furnished home and help you glimpse what life was like for early City founders. No admission fee is charged, but donations are welcome. Special tours for groups may be scheduled year-round by making arrangements with the Ard Godfrey House Committee at the Minneapolis Woman’s Club, at (612) 813-5300. For information: (612) 813-5319 or http://www.ardgodfreyhouse.org
*****Reminder of Ongoing Activities*****
Monthly Triple Feature Comedian Event
Comedy Corner Underground, 1501 Washington Avenue South
The Triple Feature Show is a brand new Stand Up Comedy Show presented by The Comedy Corner Underground, featuring three experienced stand-up comedians each month. Tickets: $7 with http://www.comedycornerclub.com/post/463956533/make-reservations, $10 at the door. $5 with college Id. For information: http://www.comedycornerunderground.com.
Music at Red Stag Supper Club
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 pm; Sundays at 9 pm
Red Stag Supper Club, 509 First Avenue NE
The Red Stag Supperclub offers live music three nights a week. For more information on their various special food and libation offerings and a music schedule, visit http://www.redstagsupperclub.com.
Mighty Mississippi Discovery Backpacks
Check out a free, fun Mighty Mississippi Discovery Backpack at three Metro river parks. The backpacks include everything needed to explore the park and the Mississippi River including activity cards, binoculars, magnifying lenses, bird calls, easy-to-use nature guides and more! Discovery Backpacks are great for families, friends and individuals. Scouts and other groups can check out the special “Group Pack” which includes additional activities and supplies to help groups of 10-20 people have fun and learn while exploring along the Mississippi River. Check-out a Mighty Mississippi Discovery Backpack at the North Mississippi Regional Park (763-694-7693), Mississippi River Visitor Center of the National Park Service (651-293-0200) at the Science Museum of Minnesota and Fort Snelling State Park(612-725-2724). Call any check-out site for more information. The Discovery Backpacks were made possible through a grant from the McKnight Foundation and the Mississippi River Fund. The packs are developed by the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area of the National Park Service and offered in cooperation with partner sites. Visithttp://www.nps.gov/miss to learn more about the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Guthrie Theater Self-Guided Audio Tours
The Guthrie has invited six local celebrities to its recording studio to lend their voices to a revamped and freshly written version of its self-guided audio tour. Available for free download on iTunes or with a $5 iPod rental at the Guthrie Box Office, the tour offers visitors the choice of one of six voices to accompany them on the 45-minute tour through the public spaces of the building: St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, WCCO-TV news anchor Angela Davis, performer and writer Kevin Kling, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Cities 97 radio personality Brian “B.T.” Turner and actor Sally Wingert. More info at http://www.guthrietheater.org/visit/tours/selfguided_audio_tours.
Guthrie Theater Virtual Tour
The Guthrie Theater now offers an online virtual tour, offering a new way to explore the acclaimed Minneapolis cultural destination designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Opened in 2006 along the banks of the Mississippi River, the 285,000-square-foot theater center is open to the public daily at 8 a.m., and has served as an anchor in the rebirth of Minneapolis’ historic Mill District, while attracting visitors from around the globe. Created by Minnesota-based Circa Vista, the new interactive journey lets visitors explore five floors of public spaces, offering a great preview of the sweeping panoramic views enjoyed from the Guthrie’s signature Endless Bridge, as well as a look inside each of the three performance spaces. To take the virtual tour, visit http://www.guthreitheater.org/virtualtour
Segway Magical History Tours
March 15 – November 3, 7 days a week, 9:30 am and 2:30 pm
November 4 – March 14, Saturdays (& other days by request), 1 pm
St. Anthony Main, 125 Main Street SE
Cruise effortlessly along the historic Mississippi riverfront on a Segway! The two-and-a-half to three-hour Segway tours include a free training session, refreshments and use of a helmet. Included in the price is a Full Admission Pass to the Mill City Museum, 25% off coupon for one of three neighboring restaurants and validated parking. Cost: $80.00 + tax. Reservations highly recommended. Tours also are available upon arrangement for corporate and special events, and gift certificates are available. For information: http://www.magicalhistorytour.com/, 952-888-9200.
*****Informational Resources*****
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
The stretch of riverfront through the Twin Cities is a unit of the National Park Service – the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. To learn more about the Mississippi River’s National Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/miss
Great River Road Explorer’s Guide
Most of the Great River Road Explorer’s Guide for Minnesota is now available on-line and can be downloaded in PDF format – just go to http://www.mnmississippiriver.com/mnmississippiriver.comguide.cfm.
River-Friendly Landscaping Tips and Resources
As rain barrels, composting, native plants, raingardens and other eco-friendly landscaping practices have grown in popularity, so have the number of websites offering information on them. In fact, there are now so many online resources it can be difficult to wade through them all to find what you need, when you need it. This is where the Friends of the Mississippi River’s web page comes in. This resource offers selective listings of the most-requested local and practical resources, in as brief a fashion as possible. Visit http://www.fmr.org/landscapefortheriver.
*****Informational Updates*****
RiverFirst Recap/Update
In early May, the Park Board held several public meetings to share schematic designs for RiverFirst priority projects, including a proposed beach and restored Hall’s Island at the Scherer site. Please visit the MPRB RiverFirst project page to see a 3D video animation of the vision for the Scherer site and to download meeting materials. You may also visit the RiverFirst home page to see additional project information.
Downtown Improvement District Greening Awards
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s first riverfront play area, the 4th Avenue Playground along West River Parkway, received the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District’s (DID) Greening Award in their “best park” category. The award was presented during DID’s third annual Greening Awards event Monday, May 6. For more information: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=52&prid=1996. The awards recognize property owners, businesses and community groups who have created and maintained public green spaces that help to enhance Downtown Minneapolis. On May 6, the DID recognized 20 places that were exemplary in categories ranging from large to small, and summer to winter. For information about the DID Greening Committee and a complete list of Greening Awards for the best entryway, parks, plaza, window boxes, parking lot, outdoor café, storefront greening, urban agriculture and more, visit http://www.minneapolisdid.com/page/show/819200-minneapolis-did-greening-and-public-realm-awards-2012?tab=permissions..
FAB Awards
Congratulations to riverfront design firms that were recently recognized with FAB Awards presented by the International Interior Design Association Northland to recognize excellence in interior design. Elness Swenson and Graham Architects were recognized for Borough and Parlour (Restaurant/Retail Award Winner) and Stadium Village Flats (Residential/Housing Award Winner); Meyer, Scherer and Rockcastle for McAllen Main Library (Government/Institutional Award Winner); and RSP Architects for Target Headquarters, Canada (Members’ Choice Award Winner). For more information: http://www.iida-northland.org.
*****Riverfront News Articles*****
La Pompadour Development
http://www.startribune.com/business/206869071.html
Mill and Main Manager
http://finance-commerce.com/2013/05/doran-hires-general-manager-for-mill-main/
Iliad at Guthrie
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/stageandarts/206767121.html
North Loop Shopping Guide
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_23209184/
Washington Avenue Open House (note: this already occurred)
http://www.startribune.com/local/west/207142181.html
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/blog/ethan-fawley/choose-cycletrack-washington-avenue-downtown-minneapolis
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