2019 Event Planner: Downtown Minneapolis & Riverfront Neighborhoods

Updated on Monday, February 4, 2019 at 8:55AM by David Tinjum

Our first annual event planner for Downtown Minneapolis & Riverfront Neighborhoods is a list of 20 top events for 2019. We'll be adding to the list during the year as event dates & details become available. Did we miss your favorite event? Let us know, click here to submit event info...

*MAY 2019 DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT EVENTS*

MAY 4 / OPENING DAY: MILL CITY FARMERS MARKET (OUTDOOR SEASON)

Mill City Farmers Market is Minneapolis’ trusted source for healthy, local and organic groceries, bringing a wide assortment of fresh food, cooking education and live entertainment to one beautiful space.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MillCityFarmersMarket

Website: www.millcityfarmersmarket.org/

MAY 17-19 / ART-A-WHIRL

View artwork of nearly 800 artists in every medium at more than 60 locations throughout Northeast Minneapolis, including studio buildings, art galleries, homes, storefronts, and local businesses. The artists’ open studio tours may include demonstrations, mini workshops, installations, and special exhibitions. Studio tours offer a great opportunity to ask questions, discuss techniques, experience art first-hand, and purchase unique artwork directly from the artists.

Website: https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/

*JUNE 2019 DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT EVENTS*

JUNE 14-15 / NORTHERN SPARK 2019

Northern Spark is known as an all-night arts festival that lights up the Twin Cities. In early June, tens of thousands of people gather throughout the city to explore giant video projections, play in temporary installations in the streets, and enjoy experimental performances in green spaces. From dusk to dawn the city surprises you: friendly crowds, glowing groups of cyclists, an unexpected path through the urban landscape, the magic of sunrise after a night of amazing art and experiences. Experience the artful magic of Northern Spark for two nights until 2 am!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorthernSparkMN/

Website: www.northern.lights.mn/

JUNE 15-16 / STONE ARCH BRIDGE FESTIVAL

A huge celebration of art and music on the Mpls Riverfront! Join 200+ artists, live music on 3 stages, family fun, food trucks, beer/wine gardens and the Art of the Car display.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StoneArchBridgeFestival/

Website: www.stonearchbridgefestival.com

Click to read more ...

Downtown Living: Stonebridge Lofts - 1120 S 2nd St #908

It’s all about the VIEW. Full unobstructed views of Gold Medal Park and the Mississippi River from this Stonebridge gem. Corner location and prime orientation allow for sunrise and sunset views from all windows.Two private balconies and open floor plan featuring 2 bedrooms and den, hardwood floors, and many thoughtful details. Bright and cheery with fresh paint throughout. Lovely amenities and new art exhibit in the lobby make this property a very special place to call home. Walking distance to the Light Rail, Trader Joe’s, Farmers Market, U of M, and US Bank Stadium.

2 bed | 2 bath | 2 parking | 1,640 sf

Visit this listing online for more details...

Update on Monday, February 4, 2019 at 6:44AM by David Tinjum

THANKS TO COMMUNITY PARTNER: CYNTHIA FROID GROUP

Residential Real Estate professionals serving Downtown Minneapolis & Riverfront. Visit https://www.cynthiafroid.com/

Mirror, Mirror - a poem by Sam Karpeh

Article by Claudia Kittock

This is the title poem from the book Mirror, Mirror written by 23-year old Sam Karpeh. Available through Amazon, this book of poems chronicles much of the chaos, pain, and triumph of Sam’s life. Sam, an actor in the Mill City Players since the first rehearsal, is multi-talented and an amazing young man. Don’t miss reading his story.

Mirror, Mirror 

Mirror

    Can you hear me?

    What am I looking at?

    Answer me now dammit

    All I see is a man six feet three inches standing there

    With eyes red from all the bleeding to live and smile

    You adding weight to what I’m already carrying

    Can’t carry no more, my legs dying like I’m on my death bed waiting for someone to come and carry me on

    Come on now,

    I want to see what you see when you look me in the eye.

    I’m still waiting for that answer

    Day in, day out, it’s still quiet

    I see a fat man in the mirror trying to smile back at me

    I know you think I’ll fade away into the dust of the wind

    Come on I’m blowing away here

    I eat and eat the fruit of life yet I’m not full

    Something missing

    What’s missing here?

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Mirror, mirror are you there?

    Can you hear me, are you still there

    Are you death to the ear or you sleep to the day to be waken by night

    Where you roam freely

    Mirror, mirror

    It’s getting cold from the day of loneliness

    Rushing to reckoning the night away

    Reckoning,

    Damaging my face with every blow

    Given

    Mirror, mirror

    It’s winter to the summer breeze

    Feel the cold air hit you

    Mind blowing ain’t it

    How long you going to let me bleed tears of fire

    Burning twisting in cyclone of flames touching the stars

    Mirror, mirror

    I slay demon and laugh at fear straight up

    Laughing

    Mirror, mirror

    Why do I pretend to smile?

    When I know it kills me

    Lend me your smile for a day

    And that I will smile till the sun cry out

    Mirror, mirror

    Borrow me your happiness

    Borrow me that sun that shine over you

    While I borrow you my rain of could that lurking over me

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About Claudia Kittock

Claudia is a resident of the Mill District. In addition to writing for Mill City Times, she is a founding Board Member of Friends of the Mill District. Claudia is the author of Health Through Chaos, mentors young adults at YouthLink, and has served on the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).

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Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

January by the Numbers

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

MN Brewery Running Series announces 2019 Season

All events include the fun run, free beer, free swag and more! Additional details may vary by event. Cheers to beers! More info

* * * * * Be an Ambassador! * * * * *

Ambassadors are passionate about being active, having fun, and giving back, dedicated team players who are willing to go the extra mile to help runners have a great experience, and enthusiastic about sharing their experiences with others. As a Brand Ambassador you would volunteer at Brewery Running Series events, spread the word about BRS, and help recruit additional volunteers and encourage new participants. As part of the BRS team, you'll be hooked up with some great swag, craft beer, and race entries for you and your friends! Apply by Feb 8.

February 8 Art Opening at the Bridgewater

RE/MAX Resultsand Bridgewater Neighbors and Friends of the Arts invite you to the next art opening at the Bridgewater:

Wellspring

Friday, February 8, 2019

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Bridgewater Lobby

Art, Wine and Appetizers

This free event is generously sponsored by Lance Watkins & RE/MAX Results, a top-3 RE/MAX franchise in the world, for transactions and sales. RE/MAX Results is proud to say the RE/MAX brand was number one, with a 54% market share for total closed sales, in the 55415 zip code last year.

Appetizers are provided by Smith & Porter, an independent neighborhood restaurant in the Mill District, with a variety of menu offerings ranging from hand pattied burgers and walleye tots to Salmon en Papillote and a full-service bar.

The Bridgewater is located at 215 10th Avenue S, across from Gold Medal Park.

All Mill District neighbors and their guests are welcome. Please RSVP to bnfacommittee@gmail.com.

2019 Earth Day 5K Bee Run Call for Volunteers

The 4th Annual Earth Day - 5K Fun Run/Walk/River Cleanup is on Saturday, April 20, 2019.

Diane Hofstede invites you join the Great River Coalition with planning and marketing, setup, registration, greeters etc. during the event.

 

Why should you volunteer?

The 5K Bee Runs have drawn hundreds of participants to the banks of the Mississippi River, and to the mission of the Great River Coalition. By joining the team of volunteers, you can help to enhance our riverfront environment while bringing awareness to the plight of pollinators.

 

How to sign up:

It's easy! Please send an email with your name and phone number to:

diane@greatrivercoalition.com. Feel free to forward this email to your friends, too.

 

BEE READY for the best Earth Day ever!

The Great River Coalition, 501c3 and sponsor of the 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Clean Up, thanks you for your consideration. Their 4th Annual Earth Day - 5K Fun Run/Walk/River Cleanup is a direct result of contributions made by our volunteers, sponsors, partners, and, of course, participants. 

Brazilfest MN's Carnaval Brasileiro Celebrates with Two Shows on March 9 at the Cedar

Carnaval Brasileiro Family Matinee and Masquerade Ball 2019

Brazilfest MN's Carnaval Brasileiro celebrates its 17th anniversary with TWO shows - a kid-friendly family matinee in the afternoon, and an all-ages (but mostly for grown-ups) Masquerade Ball in the evening, both on Saturday, March 9th!

The most attended and longest-running annual Brazilian festival in the Twin Cities teams up with the Cedar Cultural Center for the 17th annual Carnaval Brasileiro on Saturday, March 9 at one of the premier live music venues in Minneapolis, internationally respected for top quality world music events.  This year the event brings back the very popular Brazilfest MN Family Matinee after a two-year hiatus, which will take place in the same space as the evening show from 3 to 5 pm and will include children performing with the headlining band for the first time ever! Children attending the matinee can have their faces painted, make their own masks, create and play their own percussion instruments, and learn to dance samba and sing in Portuguese.  The evening show will be an all-ages show as well, though designed more for grown-ups, and will start and end earlier than previous years. Over 60 singers, musicians, samba dancers, actors and artisans will transform the Cedar Cultural Center into an all-day authentically festive Brazilian cultural experience!

Guitarist/vocalist Robert Everest and his ten-piece group Beira Mar Brasil will host both Brazilfest MN Family Matinee and Carnaval Brasileiro Masquerade Ball from 8pm to 12 midnight.  Everest, who also serves as Executive Director of Brazilfest MN, has been joyfully exploring Brazilian music and culture for over 25 years and brings us authentic Brazilian carnival flavor through various musical genres from around the country -- Samba, Axé, Frevo, Baião, and other dance-inducing styles.  Joining Beira Mar Brasil for the thirteenth straight year, direct from Salvador da Bahia, Brazil’s famous party-loving city, will be singer and samba dancer extraordinaire, Dandara Odara, who performs at over 50 carnival celebrations around the world each year in Europe, North America, and of course, Brazil.  

Along with Beira Mar Brasil, Carnaval Brasileiro 2019 will present more performers and performance groups than ever before, including Brazilian percussion ensembles Batucada Do Norte and Drumheart, professional samba dancers/instructors Ginga da Bahia, Edilson Lima (who has been featured on Ellen DeGeneres) and Vanessa Luiz from São Paulo, Brazil, and Blue Lady - the mysterious mermaid, as well as Brazilian martial arts group Capoeira Floração of Minnesota.  Plus, for the first time in the seventeen-year history of this event, there will be children as young as 3 years old performing on stage, trained by Robert in Portuguese and different instruments throughout several months leading up to the event! (contact him directly (rkeverest@gmail.com) if you would like your child to participate as a performer!)

Carnaval guests can participate in Brazilian dance lessons, purchase authentic carnival masks created by master Brazilian artisan Goretti Aamot, and have their face and body painted just like they do it in Rio!

The annual Carnaval, celebrated throughout Brazil, lasts nearly a week and has roots dating back to the 1700s.  Like Mardi Gras, Carnaval is an all-out party with music, masks, dancing, food and drink - a final blowout before Lenten traditions kick in for the Easter season.  This Minneapolis edition of Carnaval takes place after it is celebrated in Brazil, allowing for many of the special guests to come to Minneapolis.

DATE: Saturday, March 9, 2019

TIMES: Brazilfest MN Family Matinee 3 - 5 pm (doors at 2:30 pm, ideal for young children and seniors)
All-Ages Evening Show 8 pm - 12 midnight (doors at 7:30 pm, all-ages)    

VENUE: Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Avenue S

TICKETS:  Afternoon Matinee $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Evening Show $22 in advance, $30 at the door.  Tickets available at the Electric Fetus, Depth of Field, and thecedar.org  

PARTICIPATION: If you would like your child to participate as a performer contact Robert Everest at rkeverest@gmail.com.

New book "A People's History of the Seward Neighborhood" includes the story of Falls City

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

In December of 2018, a new local history book hit the shelves that tells the story of one of Minneapolis’ most vibrant neighborhoods. Included in the 2017 American Planning Association’s “Great Places in America” list, the Seward neighborhood has a very rich history, and their newest publication A People’s History of the Seward Neighborhood unveils the uniqueness of the area. The book chronologically lays out the neighborhood’s history while focusing on the important events and eras, made evident by the chapter headings.

Scattered throughout the book are also very interesting fun stories, such as Falls City: The City That Never Was. The story of Falls City starts back when Fort Snelling was the only non-native settlement on the west side of the Mississippi River from the fort to St. Anthony Falls. As westward expansion grew by the year, the U.S. government decided to allow the settling of the west side of the river near Fort Snelling. At the time, the Village of St. Anthony was becoming a booming industry town and in the area just across the river lied the wilderness. When settlers began establishing homes and businesses on the west bank, there became a very apparent need to improve infrastructure and transportation, because hauling goods via oxcarts from the river landings in St. Paul to what eventually became Minneapolis was not cutting it.

Edward Murphy, 1874The first attempt at bringing more commerce to the west bank was done by Edward Murphy. He formed a steamboat company that would traverse the small islands and rapids that occupied the river from Fort Snelling to St. Anthony Falls. Murphy even piloted his flagship steamboat, the Falls City, for several years. His other ambitious plan was to connect both sides of the river gorge just upstream from the current Franklin Avenue Bridge, and in 1857, his bridge was completed. It washed away in a flood just two years later. Oops.

Around this same time, plans were starting to take shape to build a series of locks and dams to raise the river level and cover up the small islands and rapids, which would make boat travel up to the mills around St. Anthony Falls a walk in the park. The first lock and dam to be built would be located at Meeker Island, but unfortunately it would take 50 years for the government and Army Corps of Engineers to approve its construction. At the time the businesses of the area did not foresee the lengthy delays and also planned warehouses to be built near the dam, which eventually lead to the panning of a small community. The Mississippi River Improvement and Manufacturing Company, the entity that was the mastermind behind these new developments, divided the land near the lock and dam into 600 plots.

There was a lot of expected success from those who invested in this idea, especially those who initially owned the land along the west bank. As word got out about this new town, the mapmakers of the time began including the area in their publications. Falls City was officially on the map. However, at its peak, there were only eight residents. Quickly after the town got up and running, the economy crashed and scared everyone away from this business endeavor. While Falls City never became the thriving river town that its founders envisioned, it still laid the groundwork for city planners to develop that part of Minneapolis and the Seward neighborhood.

Seward's riverfront facing upstream with the old Franklin Ave. Bridge in the background taken in 1910

This story, like others found hidden between the pages of A People’s History of the Seward Neighborhood, offers a glimpse into the past of an area that has been vital to the growth of industry, community, and inclusiveness in Minneapolis. From railroads to Co-ops and Scandinavian’s to East African’s, this book embraces the many identities that have left their mark on the neighborhood. If you’re like me and are always looking to further your knowledge on local history, this book is a must need for your bookshelf.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville Jr. received his B.A. in History from the University of St. Thomas, and is currently enrolled in their M.A. in Art History and Certificate in Museum Studies programs.

Michael is also a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 6+ years.

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net.

Check Out Designs Outlining Proposed Long-term Plan for Mississippi Gorge Regional Park

Mississippi Gorge Regional Park includes the trails and green space along West and East River Parkways in Minneapolis between Bohemian Flats and Minnehaha Regional Park

Weigh in on draft Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan during 45-day public comment period

After more than a year of in-depth community engagement and design, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has released a draft of the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan for a 45-day public comment period beginning today, Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 and ending Sunday, March 10, 2019.

The Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan creates a new long-term vision for 132 acres of beautiful riverfront parkland between Bridge 9 (Dinkytown Greenway bridge) and Minnehaha Regional Park. The five-mile long landscape was split into several framework areas linked together by linear trails, parkways and swaths of green space and river bluff edges.

The master plan is split into eight sections, which are linked below. It's also available on the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan project page, in the right column under "Draft Documents." 

Ch. 1: Introduction

Ch. 2: Park Conditions

Ch. 3: Visitor Demand

Ch. 4: Public Engagement

Ch. 5: Vision and Guiding Principles

Ch. 6: Master Plan Recommendations

Ch. 7: Implementation

References and Appendix

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Comment on Draft Master Plan

Paper copies of the plan and written comment cards will be available at Mary Merrill MPRB Headquarters and six recreation centers near Mississippi Gorge Regional Park: Brackett, Coyle, Hiawatha School, Longfellow, Luxton and Matthews.

East River Flats Park near the University of Minnesota East Bank Campus is part of the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan

Community Engagement

The plan was shaped through months of in-depth community engagement that included hosting and attending numerous public meetings, open houses and focus groups, online and in-person surveys, feedback from technical and project advisory committees, and eight Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings. The CAC was comprised of 21 members of the public appointed by MPRB staff and commissioners, City Council Members, local neighborhood associations and the University of Minnesota Student Government.

The park concepts linked above are also available on the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan project page under “Key Documents” in the right column.

Next Steps

After the 45-day comment period closes, the design team will again consider comments from all stakeholders and potentially make more adjustments. Then, over the spring, the final plan will be sent to the Board of Commissioners for a final public hearing and vote on its final approval. Please continue to share your thoughts on the park plans in these final stages of public comment.

About this project

The Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan will create a new long-term plan for all riverfront parkland in Minneapolis between Bridge 9 (Dinkytown Greenway bridge) and Minnehaha Regional Park.

Restaurant Week February 17 - 22

Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s Restaurant Week started in 2007 in an effort to connect Twin Cities food enthusiasts with the best in Twin Cities dining. Since then, Restaurant Week has become a tradition embraced by Minnesotans.

Celebrate the best of Twin Cities dining with a week's worth of great deals in some of the Twin Cities trendiest and best restaurants from February 17 - 22.  Participating restaurants will serve two to three course, prix fixe menus for just $10 to $35 per person. (beverage, tax and gratuity not included)

Visit restaurants such as Cafe Alma, Red Stag Supperclub and Smack Shack. View full list.

Meet Minneapolis Winter Sweepstakes is back with a chance to drive off in a new Chevy Blazer, or a weekend getaway

Via a January 23 e-announcement from Meet Minneaplis:

Meet Minneapolis Winter Sweepstakes Offers a Chance to Drive Off with an All-New 2019 Chevy Blazer

Four additional weekly prize drawings feature a Minneapolis getaway for winter fun

Meet Minneapolis and Chevy Heartland Dealers are offering a chance to get out in style this winter with a sweepstakes prize package that could bring you a night on the town in Minneapolis, or have you blasting through the snow in a brand new SUV. The 2019 Chevy Blazer Sweepstakes* offers four weekly prizes and one grand prize of a 3-year lease on an all-new 2019 Chevy Blazer. The keys will be awarded to one lucky winner at the Twin Cities Auto Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Saturday, March 9.

One weekly prize package will be drawn every Friday, starting February 8 and ending March 1 and includes:

• A complimentary night at the Radisson Red Hotel, putting you right in the center of all the action, whether it’s U.S. Bank Stadium, the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum or you can jump on the light rail to explore more of what Minneapolis has to offer.
• A gift card worth $50 gift to Young Joni, one of the most innovative restaurants in Minneapolis and created by owner/chef Ann Kim – a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist.
• One $50 Visa^® Gift Card for a Minneapolis attraction or experience. For inspiration on what to see or do, check out “150 Things to Do in Minneapolis” for some great ideas.

Enter the sweepstakes in person at the Twin Cities Auto Show, or via the Meet Minneapolis website. At Minneapolis.org, planning a day trip or a memorable vacation to Minneapolis is easy with insider information to help you map out local neighborhood hot-spots, the latest craft brew favorites or a memorable dinner for two.

Sweepstake details

Only one entry per person. No purchase necessary to win. Open only to legal residents of Minnesota, as well as Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Must be 21 years or older at the time of entry. Some residency restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Weekly prize drawings will be held Feb. 8, 15, 22 and March 1. Entries for the 2019 Chevy Blazer Sweepstakes must be received by 11:59 p.m. on March 3.

The five randomly selected finalists eligible for the grand prize of a low-mileage 2019 Chevy Blazer lease must be present for the live drawing at the Twin Cities Auto Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center to win. The grand prize drawing will take place the morning of Saturday, March 9.

*For full sweepstakes information and rules complete with eligibility, prize description and other details visit www.synmp.com/rules.

About Meet Minneaplis

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit to the greater Minneapolis area.

Northern Spark 2019 scheduled for June 14-15

Via a January 23 Press Release:

The two-night, free public art festival explores the theme We Are Here: Resilience, Renewal, & Regeneration in the American Indian Cultural Corridor in Minneapolis, The Commons in downtown Minneapolis and the Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul

Northern Lights.mn announces the ninth annual Northern Spark, the free arts festival illuminating public spaces in the Twin Cities. This year, artists will explore the theme We Are Here: Resilience, Renewal, & Regeneration with projects in three walkable and transit-accessible locations—the American Indian Cultural Corridor in Minneapolis, The Commons in downtown Minneapolis, and the Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul.

For the second year in a row, Northern Spark will take place on two nights: Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15, starting at dusk (9:02 pm) and ending at 2 am. Programming and art will be the same each night unless noted.

The venues for Northern Spark 2019 are in Minneapolis and Saint Paul:

- American Indian Cultural Corridor in Minneapolis

- The Commons in downtown Minneapolis

- Hallie Q Brown Community Center in the Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul

We Are Here: Resilience, Renewal, & Regeneration

Every year, Northern Spark creates a theme to inspire artists’ creativity around cultural and societal issues. This year’s theme was generated through responses from people and organizational partners in the communities of Northern Spark 2019.

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Northern Lights.mn, along with the 2018-2019 Program Council (more info below), explored new ways of determining the festival theme by involving community input. Northern Lights.mn engaged with community members during neighborhood events at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center and Native American Community Development Initiative's Four Sister's Market over the summer to ask people what challenges or celebrations their communities face everyday. The various responses were molded by the Program Council into the overarching theme, We Are Here. The subthemes Resilience, Renewal & Regeneration were formed to contextualize the theme and inspire artists and audience.

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The theme also grounds this year’s Creative City Challenge, a competition for artists, architects and designers in Minnesota, a showcase for local creative talent and a tangible symbol of the complex stories that make up the many narratives within our urban landscape. The CCC commission supports an interactive artwork sited in The Commons through the end of August. Opening on the night of Northern Spark and supported by the Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy program of the City of Minneapolis, in partnership with Green Minneapolis, the competition winner will be announced in March.

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“We Are Here is a collectively authored call to our communities to raise their voices,” says Teeko Yang, Program Council and Projects Manager at Northern Lights.mn. “As we say in the theme document we wrote with the Program Council: ‘Claiming space is one of the most powerful actions anyone can take. For people who do not see themselves or hear voices like their own in the dominant culture around us, raising their voice can mean the difference between invisibility or resilience, renewal, and regeneration.’”

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More information will be available in February at 2019.northernspark.org. A full roster of Northern Spark artists will be announced in March. 

Out of the Box Opera Teams With J.D. Steele on “Opera/Gospel” Show Feb. 9th

Article by Merle Minda

Artistic Director David LefkowichOut of the Box Opera and the Weisman Art Museum will present a program of opera and gospel music created by Out of The Box artistic director David Lefkowich and Minnesota music legend J.D. Steele on Saturday, February 9 at 7pm, at the Weisman Museum on the University of Minnesota campus. Steele will also perform an original piece he has composed for the event that incorporates both opera and gospel styles. The program is part of Out of The Box’s “Fusion Series” combining opera with other musical genres.

Renowned gospel musician J.D. SteeleLefkowich explains, “Our goal is to take what is best in both genres and combine them into something new that will appeal not just to fans of opera and gospel but to music lovers across all disciplines.” He adds, “Breaking down boundaries is what Out of The Box is all about.” Steele’s career has also reached across musical boundaries, covering everything from singing and arranging commercial jingles for Target and other national brands, to composing and performing gospel, musical theater, R&B, jazz and opera across the US and around the world with collaborators including Prince, Donald Fagan, George Clinton and Mavis Staples.

With their similar category-defying approaches, Steele says “it seemed a natural fit for us to create a program incorporating both opera and gospel music.” Lefkowich notes that this production is actually the second “Fusion” event presented by Out of The Box. The first was a melding of opera with jazz that was presented in cooperation with the Weisman in February of 2018 and also performed in New York City in November 2018 at the 75 Club at Bogardus Mansion.

Material will be drawn from opera favorites by Verdi and Puccini as well as gospel songs from Edwin Hawkins, Quincy Jones and Curtis Mayfield. The program will feature accompaniment by J.D.’s brother Fred Steele, and two groups that Steele directs, the Mill City Singers and MacPhail Community Youth Choir. The evening will end with all the performers joining with the audience in a grand finale that Steele guarantees “will get people moving around” and Lefkowich says “the Weisman will rock with music of gospel and opera like never before.”

Tickets ($55 reserved rows and $40 general admission) are available at www.wam.umn.edu or www.outoftheboxopera.com. Doors will open at 6:00pm, with the audience invited to explore the Weisman galleries before the performance, which begins at 7:00pm. The Weisman is located at 333 East River Parkway on the University of Minnesota Campus, and there is paid parking available on site.

In addition to J.D. Steele, the following artists will be performing:

Tenor Dom Wooten

Soprano Alexandra Razskazoff (Alexandra won the 2017 Diva Cage Match)

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About Merle Minda

Journalist and free-lance writer Merle Minda writes about travel, business, people profiles and other subjects for a number of national and regional publications, including Delta SKY, Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, Twin Cities Business, Star Tribune, Twin Cities Statement, Minnesota Monthly, and now Mill City Times. She can be reached at mminda@earthlink.net or TravelOverEasy.com on the web.

2018 Annual Downtown Market Numbers Review

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

American Public Media (APM) Podcasts: Open Call for Pitches

Do you have an idea for a new podcast? American Public Media (APM), a division of Minnesota Public Radio (“MPR”), is launching an open call for podcast pitches. They’re seeking storytellers, producers and new talent from all backgrounds to join them in entertaining, educating and connecting with people in new ways.

They're looking for two to three new show ideas to develop into pilots and potentially full seasons of at least six episodes. If selected for a full season, APM will also provide marketing and PR support, underwriting/sales and membership opportunities, and the opportunity to collaborate, cross-promote and learn from other APM Podcast teams.

Find out the details here!

Shake Up Your Winter with Fresh Ideas and Fun at the Minneapolis Convention Center

Via a January 15 e-announcement from Meet Minneapolis:

More than a dozen shows open to all ages and featuring outdoor adventures, wedding planning, fun on two wheels or four, and much more

Whether you are planning a wedding, itching to get back on the water, dreaming of hitting the road or in the market for a new, two- or four-wheeled vehicle, winter is the perfect time to head to the Minneapolis Convention Center. More than a dozen interactive events, open to the public, will fill exhibit halls between now and the end of March, including the Minneapolis Boat Show, Twin Cities Auto Show, Healthy Life Expo, E-bike Challenge Minneapolis, and more.

In addition to exploring new cars, boats, bikes, gardens and healthy lifestyle trends, indulge in freshly roasted coffee at the in-house Dunn Brothers Coffee. Or head to the second floor for something from the grill and a variety of classic Minnesota craft beers at the Craft Bar and Lounge. Spend the day or make it a weekend getaway for a winter “Minne-vacation.”

* * * * * Public Shows by Month * * * * *

January

• The Wedding Fair – Jan. 20: Find everything you need to plan the perfect wedding, and don’t miss the bridal fashion shows at 12:30 and 3 p.m.
• Minneapolis Boat Show – Jan. 24-27: See the newest boat models and be transported to a warmer climate thanks to the “island experience.” Plus, kids can explore with the discover-a-boat map, and you can try your luck in the Baggo tournament with a Sea-Doo Spark as the grand prize.

February

• Minneapolis Progressive International Motorcycle Show – Feb. 1-3: Enjoy an indoor riding course for first-time riders or test your wheelie skills, play in the kid zone, or check out the world’s largest motorcycle builder competition.
• Minneapolis/St. Paul RV Vacation and Camping Show – Feb. 7-10: Includes seminars on how to select and care for your RV, nearly 100 exhibitors plus RV’s from $4,500 to $600,000.
• 2019 Minnesota Golf Show – Feb 8-10: Brush up on your swing at the indoor driving range or flaunt your short game with a chance to qualify for the $100,000 Pontoon Putt at this all ages show.
• Health Life Expo – Feb. 9-10: Recommit to that New Year’s fitness resolution with demos, seminars, and nutrition tips, plus learn about fitness clubs, personal trainers and in-home equipment.
• Lake Home and Cabin Show – Feb. 15-17: If cabin fever strikes early, this is the place to be, whether you are searching for the perfect cabin, building it, or improving it.
• Unveiled! – Feb. 17: The Wedding Guys’ one-stop shop for wedding planning, including tasting bars, vendors and a fashion show where you might discover your ultimate dream dress.
• Home & Garden Show – Feb. 22-24 and March 1-3: Reworking or planning a garden? From new plants to “She Sheds,” you’ll find your ticket to spring fun, including a presentation by “The Property Brothers,” interactive DIY projects, and the latest garden décor.

March

• Twin City Twisters Gymnastics Northern Light Classics – March 1-3: See the region’s top young gymnasts in an event that features the stars of tomorrow.
• Twin Cities Auto Show – March 9-17: Get your first look at this year’s “Car of the Year,” see the finalists for the “project car” contest, experience Camp Jeep, and “Ride and Drive,” plus climb inside the “Raminator” – a 10-ft tall, 12-ft wide Dodge Ram monster truck. There will be more than 600 vehicles on display and a special Military appreciation night on March 12.
• Northwest Sportshow – March 21-24: Try your hand at fly fishing or hook your kids on the sport of fishing at the catch-and-release trout pond, plus enjoy seminars, new technology, turkey call making, pick up your hunting or fishing license or take aim at the air gun range for kids.
• E-bike Challenge Minneapolis – March 23-24: Learn all about electric bikes and see the latest models, test out e-bikes on the indoor test track, plus learn about great biking and hiking locations.
• The Wedding Fair – March 31: Whether you need to book a limo, secure a photographer or you want to check out dresses and tuxes on the runway, this bridal and wedding show has it all.

All shows are open to the public. The full 2019 Minneapolis Convention Center public calendar including show links can be found here.

The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) is owned by the City of Minneapolis and marketed through Meet Minneapolis. The 1.6 million square foot facility features 475,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 3,400 fixed-seat auditorium, 87 meeting rooms and two ballrooms. The MCC is both LEED and GMIC certified and works to serve its constituencies and stakeholders as the face of Minneapolis to visitors. Through its efforts, the MCC helps sustain nearly 7,500 jobs in the community.

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit to the greater Minneapolis area.

New Exhibition at Minnesota Center for Book Arts Combines Ceramics with Storytelling

Image Credit: Into the Fire by Jennifer Rose Wolken

Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) presents Chronicled in Clay: Ceramics and the Art of the Story, an exhibition that brings together ceramics and contemporary book arts. Chronicled in Clay is presented in conjunction with Claytopia, the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts’ (NCECA) 53rd Annual Conference, which explores “the human imagination as a vehicle of restless yearning for a more livable, just, and meaningful world.”

Chronicled in Clay: Ceramics and the Art of the Story examines how contemporary artists express narratives in clay through text, imagery, multiples, and sequence. The jurors, Tetsuya Yamada (artist and faculty at the University of Minnesota), Monica Edwards Larson (MCBA Board member and artist / proprietress of Sister Black Press), and Torey Erin (MCBA Exhibitions and Artist Programs Manager), have composed an exhibition that provokes new perspectives and challenges traditional ideas of narrative and linear storytelling through clay form, including notebook tablets, book vessels, a wall installation of wave-like ceramic pages, and more. 

Participating artists include: 

Eileen Cohen, Minneapolis, MN

Corie J. Cole, Colorado Springs, CO

Paula McCartney, Minneapolis, MN

Stefana McClure, Newburgh, NY

Teri Power, Amery, WI

Derek Prescott, Columbia Heights, MN

Nicole Roberts Hoiland, Saint Paul, MN

Jennifer Rose Wolken, Springfield, MO

Molly Streiff, Missoula, MT

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The exhibition will be on view and open to the public February 8 through April 28 in MCBA’s Main Gallery, with an opening reception on Friday, March 28, 6-9pm.

Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) is a visual arts nonprofit organization that supports creative expression through traditional and contemporary book arts, including papermaking, bookbinding, and letterpress printing. MCBA’s philosophy and artistic vision challenges its artist community to think beyond the traditional notion of “book.” Today, books can be bound and unbound, fabricated into sculptures, interpreted as metaphor, experienced as installation or performance, and interacted with virtually. What unites this varied work is a focus on the interdisciplinary expression of narrative. To learn more, visit our website.

New Project Will Improve Conditions at Father Hennepin Bluff Park

A scene from at the annual Owámni Falling Water Festival at Father Hennepin Bluff Park

$1 million project aims to improve park circulation and connections to surrounding neighborhood

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) just launched a new project aimed at improving park conditions in Father Hennepin Bluff Park.

Father Hennepin Bluff Park contains the land next to the east end of Stone Arch Bridge. It's split into two distinct sections: An upper section that contains a band shell, paths and picnic facilities; and a lower section that has stairs and natural trails leading to Hennepin Island. This project is focused on the upper section.

Father Hennepin Bluff Park is part of Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park, which had a new master plan approved in 2016. According to the master plan, the overall goals for the upper section of Father Hennepin Bluff Park are to improve circulation and park function while opening up the park edge to the street and surrounding neighborhoods. 

A lot of ideas to achieve those goals are outlined in the master plan:

• Realign pedestrian and bicycle trails to meander close to the bluff edge in a manner that does not interfere with the band shell function.
• Build a new band shell away from the sensitive bluff edge in a manner that still maintains the open space of the park.
• Clarify and emphasize pedestrian and bike circulation at the junction of the Stone Arch Bridge and 6th Avenue SE in a manner that reinforces the historic connection to the rail alignment. This could also include:
  • Provide a signature entry experience.
  • Extend 6th Avenue Greenway design and create a programmable convertible street between the 6th Avenue and Main Street intersection.
  • Interpret the historic railroad alignment to promote wayfinding.
  • Eliminate the utilitarian experience of the existing cul-de-sac.
  • Provide a safe, accessible surface for bicyclists and pedestrians while still maintaining the historic cobblestones.
• Add a restroom facility and/or visitor orientation center.
• Remove berming along the Main Street edge where appropriate.
• Manage deciduous trees and remove invasive or degraded vegetation to maintain an overstory canopy in a manner that frames views to the river.

View the Father Hennepin Bluff Park Master Plan [PDF] or visit the project page for full details.

Take the online survey

* * * * * Student Input Meeting * * * * *

Date: Thursday Jan. 24, 6:30 pm

Location: First Congregational Church, 500 8th Ave. SE

Topic: Students share ideas and input. Hot soup provided.

* * * * * Native American Listening Session and Walk * * * * *

Date: Saturday Jan. 26, 1-3 pm

Location: Father Hennepin Bluff Park, 420 Main St. SE

Topic: More details coming soon.

* * * Environment and Sustainable Landscapes Meeting * * *

Date: Tuesday Jan. 29, 6:30 pm

Location: Pillsbury A Mill, 315 SE Main St.

Topic: Give ideas on environmental improvements for the park. Warm beverages and cookies provided.

* * * * * Biking and Walking Meeting * * * * *

Date: Saturday Feb. 2, 10-11 am

Location: Pillsbury A Mill, 315 SE Main St.

Topic: Meeting begins at Pillsbury A Mill, followed by short walk around park to observe biking and walking activity and brainstorm improvements. Refreshments provided.

* * * * * Neighboring Residents Meeting * * * * *

Date: Saturday Feb. 2, 11 am-noon

Location: Pillsbury A Mill, 315 SE Main St.

Topic: Meeting for residents who live near Father Hennepin Bluff Park to provide ideas on changes and improvements they would like to see. Co-hosted by Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association. Refreshments provided.

About this project

The Upper Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvement project will improve circulation and park function while opening up the park edge to the street and surrounding neighborhoods.

The Great Northern 2019 Schedule

Via a January 11 Press Release:

THE GREAT NORTHERN ANNOUNCES 2019 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CELEBRATING MINNESOTA AT ITS WINTRY BEST

The Great Northern Presented by Target rings in its third year of bringing together premier events with its 10-day wintry event lineup

With lakes, river valleys, some of the top parks in the nation, and a culture that embraces see-your-breath fun on cold winter days, the area leads the world in year-round outdoor activities. The Great Northern Presented by Target is once again asking locals and visitors to raise a mitten in celebration of winter in Minneapolis and St. Paul as it returns from Jan. 24 – Feb. 3, 2019 with 10 days of events in Minneapolis and St. Paul, designed to get people outside, active, and embracing winter.

The Great Northern brings together three legacy winter festivals, including the City of Lakes Loppet, which has a new home in 2019 at The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Regional Park; the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, that for more than 130 years has brought family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area; and the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, where hockey enthusiasts from around the world show off their skills on Lake Nokomis and champions go down in history with their names etched into the Golden Shovel or Silver Scoop. 

These three legacy events are complemented by a flurry of all-new original programming, including film and music events with a uniquely Northern flavor.

“The Great Northern is all about celebrating our incredible winters and rallying our community to get outside and experience the season,” said Cat Beltmann, Executive Director of The Great Northern. “We’re excited to showcase the new programming and partnerships we’ve developed this year and look forward to making Winter 2019 our best yet.”

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“Our founding partners have proud legacies of embracing winter in the North, and working together we’ve established The Great Northern as a signature celebration for Minnesotans and visitors alike.” said Eric Dayton, Board Chair of The Great Northern. “We’re excited to build on that momentum this year and beyond, and to add exciting new programming alongside cherished traditions so that everyone can find a reason to get outside.”

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The Great Northern 2019 event highlights include:

• Saint Paul Winter Carnival
• U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
• City of Lakes Loppet

Original programming includes:

• FrogFest Curling Event
• Surly & MN United Boot Soccer Tournament
• Minnesota Tech – State of the State presented by Beta.MN
• An evening screening documentaries “Lure of the North” and “Finding Hygge”
• A concert event on Nicollet Mall

Most events are free, open to the public and will take place in and around Saint Paul and Minneapolis. For a full calendar of events, please visit: https://thegreatnorthernfestival.com/schedule/.

For more information about The Great Northern and its partnering organizations and to sign up for updates, visit TheGreatNorthernFestival.com. Connect with The Great Northern on Facebook and Instagram @TheGreatNorthernFestival, and on Twitter @GreatNorthern.

About The Great Northern

The Great Northern presented by Target is an annual 10-day winter celebration in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. We bring together longstanding festivals like the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, and the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships along with original programming, all highlighting Minnesota at its wintry best. We promote a positive winter mindset and a healthy, active, outdoor lifestyle.