There's Still Time to Register for Summer Camps at MacPhail Center for Music

Join MacPhail Center for Music this summer at one of the many camps being offered:

Early Childhood Music Camps:

• Pop, Sizzle Bang! for ages 3- 5 years, June 24-2727 and July 8-11, MacPhail Minneapolis

• Animals on Parade for ages 4-6 years, June 10-14 at MacPhail Minneapolis and  July 15-18 at Silverwood Park

Kids Rock for age 10-13, July 8-12, Registration deadline June 14, final performance at the Nomad World Pub

Rock Week for ages 13-18, July 22-26 or Aug. 12-17, Registration deadline: July 6, final performances at First Avenue.

Advanced Piano Camp – NEW for ages 13-18, July 8-12, Registration deadline June 14

Allegro Orchestra Camp for grades 3-12, June 17-21

Copper Street Brass Camp for ages 12-18, August 12-18, Registration deadline Aug. 2

Suzuki Institute for Piano, Guitar and Flute, July 29-Aug. 2, for grades 8-12.

For more information on all of MacPhail Summer Camps or to register, go to: http://www.macphail.org/ or call 612-321-0100.

Week 2 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

After last year's drought, I didn't think I'd say this, but... "Damn you, rain!" (while shaking a fist at the sky).  Hopefully the next 20+ Saturdays will be sunny and 75 degrees.

Black Cat Natural Foods cooks up a hearty breakfast.

Yee Xiong joined the market this year, offering dried black beans and soy beans.

Positive News on Downtown Crime

Via a May 16, 2013, Minneapolis Police Precinct 1 Inspector's Update email:

A message from Inspector Schafer

All,

Thank you for another great week of hard work and focused enforcement in the First Precinct.  We saw a 37% reduction in Part I Crime and almost  a 19% reduction in Violent Crime.  There are so many significant decreases this week that I am going to only note a few:

• Robbery down 33% - (6)
• Theft down 36% (28) seven of which resulted in an arrest
• Theft from Motor Vehicle was down 80% (3) YES THAT IS 3 INCIDENTS FOR THE ENTIRE PRECINCT; none of which were in the DID
• There were 95 arrests and 150 pro-active stops along the Nicollet Corridor

I could go on and on about the fabulous work going on right now.  Your constant presence along the Mall is noticed and making an impact.  We will stay the course throughout the summer and WILL move the needle on crime and public safety perception.  On another note, I had the opportunity to work with Beat Officer Mercill on the T-3 scooters this past Tuesday.  We stopped a number of people on the Mall, made a few arrests, and even had our pictures taken by a number of new visitors to downtown.  Thank you to the community for partnering with us to bring about an impressive reduction in crime.  I recognize there will be challenges, however I will do my best to help in any way I can. 

Keep up the good work!

Respectfully, 
See it, Own it, Solve it, Do it!
Inspector Bryan D. Schafer | First Precinct |
Minneapolis Police Department | 19  4th Street North |
Minneapolis, MN 55401  | 612.673.2337 office |

2nd Annual Minnesota Monthly GrillFest® at The Depot May 18 & 19

This Saturday and Sunday from 1p-5p, experience the 2nd Annual Minnesota Monthly GrillFest® at The Depot.

Taste your way through grilled foods, sample summer wines and specialty beers, enjoy some music. See the hottest grills, gather recipes, and learn how to barbecue like a pro. Get the latest grilling tips at the grilling stage.  Find special pricing on grills and products. It all happens indoors and outdoors at The Depot.

Here's a video from the 2012 inaugural GrillFest:

Tickets go on Sale May 20 for Second Season of Mill City Summer Opera

The Mill City Summer Opera is bringing five 7:30pm performances of The Barber of Seville to the Mill City Museum's Ruin Courtyard on July 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21. Tickets go on sale May 20 at 12:00am online, at 10:00am by phone (612-341-7582), or in person at the Museum’s ticket desk.

2013 Music & Movies in the Parks Program Kicks Off May 27

2013 Music & Movies in the Parks Program

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 (MPRB) Music & Movies In The Parks program.

Music in The Parks

Featuring over 200 free outdoor concerts, 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 MPRB summer concert season fills the air with music at five outstanding concert venues running Monday, May 27, 2013 – Monday, September 2, 2013:

• Lake Harriet Band Shell (Monday-Saturday 7:30pm; Sundays 2:00pm & 5:30pm)
• Nicollet Island Park (Mondays 7:00pm)
• Father Hennepin Bluffs Park (Tuesdays 7:00pm)
• Minnehaha Park (Wednesday-Friday 7:00pm)
• Bryant Square Park (Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30pm)

Movies In The Parks presented by Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express:

If you love movies just as much as you love the outdoors, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) Movies in the Parks series is your ticket to cinematic entertainment this summer!

The 2013 Movies In The Parks series presented by Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express runs Friday, June 7 through Saturday, August 24. The mobile program takes place Monday through Saturday evenings and will travel to more than 30 parks throughout the summer. Eight new and exciting themes offer films for all movie lovers including New Releases, For the Family, Sci-Fi, Action Adventures, Always Favorites, Minnesota Connections, Black & White, and Comedies. Movies start 15 minutes after sunset.

Music and Movie Combos

On the second Thursday each month, Live on the Drive will present three Viewer’s Choice nights in addition to bringing performances from Bruce Henry Band, The Chastity Brown Band, and Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles.

 The fifth installment of the VITA.MN August Music and Movie series will feature four consecutive Friday night events with nationally recognized artists followed immediately by a movie at Lake Harriet Band Shell.

The great tradition of the music-movie combo on Tuesdays at Father Hennepin continues with a movie showing after the concert starting on June 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, blankets, and pack a picnic. And don’t forget bug spray! For the most up-to-date schedules and weather related information, visit www.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.

Opening Day at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

Mother Nature tested the fortitude of both vendors and shoppers on opening day of the 2013 MCFM.  Mill City Museum graciously welcomed as many vendors as they could fit into the corridor inside from the train shed, while the heartiest of souls were outside in Chicago Plaza wind tunnel.  All that aside, it was great getting back into the Saturday morning ritual of gathering fresh goodies, food demos, art, music and socializing.

One of the changes to look for at the Market this year is Buffalo By Bike.  You'll recognize the friendly face of Nicholas Heimer from the Wild Idea Buffalo stand; and now he'll be supplying their bison meat under his new company, Buffalo By Bike.  Below, Nicholas arrives at the Market on his custom-made bike/meat cooler rig.

"Welcome!" to new MCFM vendor, Rochdale Farms!  Look for more info on their delicious offerings in a separate Farmers Market blog in the near future.

"Welcome!" to new MCFM vendor, Stone Soup Toys! Look for more info on their cool healthy food-themed toys in a separate Farmers Market blog in the near future.

"Welcome!" to new MCFM art vendor, Ginny Sims! Look for more info on Ginny's ceramic creations (including these funky fermenting crocks) in a separate Farmers Market blog in the near future.

Now that's a market basket! :D

Mother's Day at The Depot

The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel is serving up something fun for Mothers Day. Join them for brunch this Sunday, May 12, and let the kids pamper Mom by preparing delicious pancakes with the chefs.

Brunch menu includes eggs made to order, sausage, bacon, hash browns, fresh fruit display, assorted breads and pastries, and carved roast beef, sliced ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, French cut green beans, assorted leaf and pasta salads, and a gourmet dessert display.

$23.95 Adults; $21.95 Seniors; $9.95 Kids 4 - 12 years old; FREE Kids 3 and under with adult. WaterPark admission provided complimentary to all reservations

Mill City Farmers Market Kicks Off Season 8 Tomorrow, May 11!

Kick off Mother’s Day weekend at Mill City Farmers Market, this Saturday, May 11, from 8:00am to 1:00pm.

Celebrate the spring harvest by filling your basket with sweet sugar pea shoots, micro greens, herbs, arugula, spinach, carrots, rhubarb, beets, tomatoes, mesclun mix, radishes, starter plants, hanging baskets and patio pots. There will also be lots of bedding plants, and plenty of SEED STARTS: summer squash, melon/watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, peppers and more!

Honor moms with spring flowers and family friendly activities. Kids can get their hands dirty with a free planting activity sponsored by Juut Salonspa.

Be sure to catch the 10:00am Mill City Cooks special kitchen demo with Market Chefs Heather Hartman and Jenny Breen, who will be assisted by their kids in honor of Mother’s Day. They'll be mixing up two delicious sping salad recipes: Wheatberry Salad and Early Greens with Miso and Toasted Almonds!

Meet critically acclaimed Minnesota author Beth Dooley who will be signing copies of her newest book, Minnesota’s Bounty: The Farmers Market Cookbook.

Check out the unique selections at the Art Market, featuring Stone Soup Toys, Ginny Sims, Aprilierre, and Old World Cabinet!

Stop by the Community Booth and meet Budding Farmers. This local nonprofit organization is an innovative enrichment program that connects children with the healthy food found at their local participating Farmers Market or participating Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm!  Learn about their cool Budding Farmers Fun Books!

Enjoy music by local gypsy jazz artists, Mill City Hot Club, playing from 11:00am – 1:00pm.

New vendors you'll meet this year include:

Rochdale Farms, offering hand-rolled butter and artisan cheeses.

Encore Farms brings locally harvested dried beans.

Yee Xiong will have local bean and potato varietals.

And welcome back Star Thrower Farm.  OMG - the Skyr!  :D

MPRB's 4th Avenue Playground Receives DID’s Greening Award

Via an May 9 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

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. In addition to the award ceremony, Mayor RT Rybak and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board President John Erwin spoke about the many greening and public realm projects underway, and keynote speaker Adrian Benepe, Senior VP and Director of Park Development at the Trust for Public Land, spoke about the importance of green spaces and public land.

The Greening Awards were initiated by the DID’s Greening Committee to pay tribute to community greening champions in Downtown Minneapolis, and to demonstrate how both small and large greening and public realm projects can transform our environment.

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, pars, plaza, window boxes, parking lot, outdoor café, storefront greening, urban agriculture and more, visit www.minneapolisdid.com.
 
The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (DID) is a nonprofit entity that maintains a higher standard of care and behavior throughout 120 blocks of downtown. It was formed in early 2009 after more than five years of formative planning and advocacy by the downtown business community.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is a premier park system that serves approximately 18 million visits annual to its 197 park properties, including local and regional parks, playgrounds, golf courses, gardens, picnic areas, biking and walking paths, nature sanctuaries and the 55-mile Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul to Screen CAESAR MUST DIE May 10-16

After multiple sell-out screenings at the 2013 MSP International Film Festival, CAESAR MUST DIE returns for a theatrical run! The film will screen Friday, May 10, through Thursday, May 16, at The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul's St. Anthony Main Theatre.

 
The theater in Rome’s Rebibbia Prison. A performance of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar has just ended amidst much applause. The lights dim on the actors and they become prisoners once again as they are accompanied back to their cells.
 
SIX MONTHS EARLIER
 
The warden and a theater director speak to the inmates about a new project, the staging of Julius Caesar in the prison. The first step is casting, a process both vivid and energetic. The second step is exploration of the text. Shakespeare’s universal language helps the inmate-actors to identify with their characters. The path is long and full of anxiety, hope and play. These are the feelings accompanying the inmates at night in their prison cells after each day of rehearsal.
 
Who is Giovanni who plays Caesar? Who is Salavtore-Brutus? For which crimes have they been sentenced to prison? The film does not hide this.
 
The wonder and pride for the play do not always free the inmates from the exasperation of being incarcerated. Their angry confrontations put the show in danger. On the anticipated but feared day of opening night, the audience is numerous and diversified: inmates, actors, students, directors.
 
Julius Caesar is brought back to life but this time on a stage inside a prison. It’s a success.
 
The inmates return to their cells. Even ‘Cassius,’ one of the main characters, one of the best. He has been in prison for many years, but tonight his cell feels different, hostile. He remains still. Then he turns, looks into the camera and tells us: “Since I have known art, this cell has turned into a prison.”

Tickets and info.

CorePower Yoga’s 'Yoga in the Park' Returns to Father Hennepin Park June 2nd

Looking for a way to take your sun salutations outside so you can truly salute the sun? The Downtown Minneapolis CorePower Yoga invites you to join them each Sunday for CorePower Yoga’s, “Yoga in the Park.” CorePower encourages yoga practitioners to open their minds and join their breath and movements to the sound of music and nature all around us. All levels of yoga students are welcome and their hope is that you take this opportunity to not only practice yoga, but to find even deeper connections within your community!

These free classes will be held every Sunday starting June 2 and running through August 25.  All classes are 10:00am – 11:00am at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park (intersection of SE Main and SE 6th Avenue, on the East Bank of the Stone Arch Bridge).

Please call CorePower Yoga Downtown Minneapolis at 612-375-9642 with questions.
 
Items of note:
- Attendees should arrive 15-30 minutes prior to class starting for sign in purposes.
- Students are asked to bring their own mat, towel, water and SUNSCREEN! There is limited shade at the park.
- Classes will be lead by certified yoga instructors from downtown Minneapolis’ CorePower Yoga.

501FIT Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary and New Partnerships

Phil Martens and Diana Broschka celebrated 501FIT's 5 year anniversary with an open house this past weekend, using the opportunity to personally introduce guests to their new partners in health, Benessere Body in Balance and Avatar Training Studio.

Below, a row of G-Werx equipment, a group weight lifting method developed by Phil. Each station is set to the individual's level, while the class performs the movements together.

This is the second location for Benessere Body in Balance, a full-service wellness center.  Kay Bashford opened the first location in 2005 across the river at 125 Main Street.  The staff at Benessere believe that maintaining balance of your whole being—body, mind and spirit—leads to healing, serenity, prosperity and joy. Services include Massage, Acupuncture, Neuromuscular Therapy, Chiropractic and Matrix Re-pattern Therapy.

Below, Benessere Massage Therapists Carolyn Hoff and Stephen Wilson, Neuromuscular Therapist Kay Bashford, LAc, MAcOM, Dipl.OM (Acupuncture) Makiko Yamamoto, and Office Manager Nancy Perdew.

Carolyn and Stephen treated guests to soothing massages during the party.

Starting primarily as a ‘by appointment’ personal training studio, Avatar Personal Training Studio has evolved into a group fitness studio offering Barre and TRX Bootcamp training.  Below, Avatar founder Eric Hall stands outside a Barre class in session.

Fresh out of that Barre class and feelin' strong are Sara Weathers and Kitty Orient:

Below, Eric demonstrates Gyrotonics, which he explained is the perfect exercise for anyone with hip/knee/shoulder or low back issues.  As one of only 120 Gyrotonic Master Trainers worldwide, Eric has extensive training in medical clinics throughout the world - helping people with hip, knee, shoulder replacements, as well as herniations and disc degeneration, to move without pain and increase mobility.

Clients, friends and neighbors turned out in full force to congratulate Phil and Diana, and welcome Benessere and Avatar to the neighborhood.

Ward 3 DFL Convention Coverage

There was a huge turnout at the Ward 3 DFL convention on Saturday.  Here's what the press had to say:

Star Tribune

http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/206124721.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#continue

http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/206104391.html

MPR

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/05/04/news/dfl-frey-hofstede?

Downtown Journal

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/hofstede-drops-out-of-dfl-endorsing-process

Mill City Times Video - Frey Acceptance Speech

I found your chair...

...it was being held hostage on Washington Avenue.

Minneapolis Queen and Paradise Lady Public Cruises Depart from Bohemian Flats this Season

Beginning Mother’s Day (and through the third weekend in October), the Minneapolis Queen and Paradise Lady Public Cruises will depart from Bohemian Flats Park, 2150 West River Parkway South (below the Washington Ave/U of M Bridge on the West Bank).

Take a narrated sightseeing cruise on the historic Minneapolis Queen Paddleboat, a modern day replica of the grand riverboats that used to ply the Mississippi River. The narrated cruises will take you along the southern trails of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Heritage Trail, along the U of M Campus riverfront, under the stunning 35W Bridge, showcasing views of the St. Anthony Falls, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, amazing river bluffs with views of the amazing downtown Minneapolis skyline.

Click here for the sightseeing and dinner cruise schedule and tickets.

MHS Announces New Minnesota Museums App

May 1 News Release from the Minnesota Historical Society:

New Minnesota Museums App Makes Finding Fun Easier Than Ever

Just in time for the busy summer travel season and Minnesota Museums Month in May, the Minnesota Association of Museums and the Minnesota Historical Society are launching a free Minnesota Museums app that will direct users to the more than 500 museums statewide.

“We are so fortunate in Minnesota to have such a wide variety of museums across the whole state,” said Lin Nelson-Mayson, chair of the Minnesota Association of Museums and director of Goldstein Museum of Design. “This new app makes it easier than ever to find those resources.”

The app, available May 1 for iOS and Android, allows users to browse Minnesota museums by name, category or location. Users can create an itinerary, check off museums they've visited and upload favorite museum photos. The app will also suggest museums based on geographic location. For more information and to download the app, visit www.minnesotamuseums.org/app.

“The Minnesota Museums app is also a great discovery tool for museum-goers. If you’re visiting one museum, the app will suggest others in the area--museums you may never have heard of,” said Jada Hansen, Minnesota Association of Museums Development co-chair and executive director of the Hennepin History Museum.

The Minnesota Museums app was developed through a partnership between the Minnesota Association of Museums and the Minnesota Historical Society.

The Minnesota Museums app is made possible by the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008.

View full News Release online.

501FIT to Host May 3 Party Celebrating 5 Year Anniversary and New Partnerships

Locally owned 501FIThas joined forces with Benessere Body in Balance and Avatar Training Studio.

In conjunction with celebrating their 5 year anniversary, 501FIT is hosting a partnership launch party on Friday, May 3, from 5:00pm - 8:00pm, at their 501 Washington Avenue South location.

While focused on building its innovative G-Werx Program, 501FIT is adding services by joining forces with locally owned Benessere and Avatar.

501FIT expects the Benessere and Avatar partnerships to strengthen wellness outcomes for clients.

Benessere began services at 501FIT, its second location, in January 2013. Avatar began offering Barre, TRx Bootcamps and Gyrotonics training at 501FIT in April 2013.

501FIT cordially invites you to the celebration, click here to RSVP.  At the party, you'll enjoy:

- Appetizers from D'Amico
- Wine Sampling from Famiglia
- Prize Drawing
- Free Chair Massage
- Fun & Socialization

About 501FIT
501FIT is the pilot club for the G-Werx Workout Program. 501FIT opened in January 2008 featuring the G-Werx Program growing from 20 clients to 225 clients as of March 2013. The G-Werx Machine and Workout Program were invented by 501FIT Founder, Phil Martens. 501FIT is committed to providing small group personal training with the service of one-on-one training at sustainable at group fitness rates.

Mission: To provide more clients the opportunity to work with Certified Trainers as a lifestyle!
Services: Group personal training, full-service gym memberships, personal training, fitness consultations

About Benessere
Benessere Body in Balance, a full-service wellness center in Minneapolis, was opened by Kay Bashford in 2005. Benessere believes that maintaining balance of your whole being—body, mind and spirit—leads to healing, serenity, prosperity and joy. The health of clients is at the center of everything they do.

Services: Massage, Acupuncture, Neuromuscular Therapy, Chiropractic and Matrix Re-pattern Therapy.

About Avatar
Avatar Personal Training Studio was founded by Eric Hall in 2005. Starting primarily as a ‘by appointment’ personal training studio, Avatar has evolved into a group fitness programming studio offering BARRE and TRX Bootcamp training. Eric Hall continues to provide Gyrotonics specialty training while pursuing group fitness offerings as a compliment. Eric and Avatar will bring their services to 501FIT in April 2013.

Services: Gyrotonics, BARRE and TRx.

Taste Twin Cities Food Tours Announces New PedalPub Taste - Eat Street Food Tour

Taste Twin Cities Food Tours recently announced their new New PedalPub Taste - Eat Street, starting May 8.

Experience an international variety of food right here in Minneapolis. When you join this tour, you will enjoy food both on the PedalPub and inside select restaurants.  Here's what you can expect:

•Pizza that was named one of the "12 Best Old School Pizzerias" by Minnesota Monthly.
•Featured on Food Network, this place is know for their home-made authentic bratwurst.
•Snappy tex-mex nacho's & cheese dip with fresh fried chips from a legendary spot since 1964.
•Unique German ham and sauerkraut ball.
•Local award-winning authentic Chinese Szechuan Wontons.
•Savory German pretzel served with homemade Bavarian sweet style mustard.
•Sauteed Chinese green beans with garlic.
•Sinfully delicious ice creams made in small batch with all-natural ingredients.
•Mouthwatering sesame noodles from a restaurant that won many local awards.

Click here to purchase tickets.  This tour is also available for a private tour. Please contact info@TasteTwinCities.com for more details.

Reminder - West River Parkway Closed for Repaving Beginning April 29

The segment of West River Parkway from 4th Street South to Franklin Avenue (including ramps) will be closed starting Monday, April 29 for repaving by the City of Minneapolis.  More information about the project is available on the City of Minneapolis website.

Steve Brandt called out this sections of the Parkway in his April 23 StarTrib article.