This Weekend in Mill City / November 4-6

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District and Minneapolis Riverfront Neighborhoods.  Have an event to share?  Contact us...

Friday, November 4

Winter Wine and Cheese Class at Local D'Lish

Lunch with MacPhail

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Saturday, November 5

Dazzling Dave: National Yo-Yo Master at Central Library

Family Music Series at MacPhail presents New Orleans Jazz

The 2011 Novel-Writing Conference at the Loft (2 days)

Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

Minneapolis Indie Xpo at The Soap Factory

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Alice in Wonderland at Central Library

Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership Great River Outing: Old Highland to Old Man River

Sunday, November 6

Make your Thanksgiving Dinner Local Class at Local D'Lish

NT Live Filmed Presentation of The Kitchen by Arnold Vesker at the Guthrie

Minneapolis Indie Xpo at The Soap Factory

Weekend Brunch

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at Spoonriver
750 South 2nd St (at Chicago Ave S)
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-436-2236

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu...

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138

Until 2pm.

See the menu...

Sunday

Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388

brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)

includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...

featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.

also offering fair trade coffee and full bar.

Cordelia Pierson Withdraws from Senate District 59 Race; Cites Mississippi River Priorities and Filing by Strong Candidate

Kari Dziedzic – Experienced Working on Clean Water, Jobs, Education Issues

Minneapolis, Minn. – November 3, 2011 – Cordelia Pierson withdrew today from the race for Senate District 59. 

“I entered the race to advocate for investing in our Mississippi riverfront to protect our clean water, improve our quality of life and increase jobs, now and for future generations,” stated Pierson.  “I can continue working on revitalizing our Mississippi riverfront in Minneapolis, serving as a champion for a great river and a great city.”

Pierson calls upon the candidates to address these issues in the campaign, and pledges to work with the new senator next session.  “In 2011, the Legislature attacked our cities and our clean water, healthy land, and quality of life,” she observed.  “Voters here strongly supported the 2008 Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, yet those dedicated funds are targeted for diversion.  Basic protections of our environment must now be defended.  I will work with our new senator to help make the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment work in Minneapolis, defend our great outdoors and Minnesota values, and create clean energy jobs here.”

With the entry of Kari Dziedzic late on Wednesday, Pierson decided to withdraw from the very compressed primary race.  “Dziedzic has shown a strong ability to find solutions by building partnerships and working collaboratively,” Pierson observed.  “This ability and her experience working with Wellstone and in Hennepin County prepare her well for this campaign, and representing our district in the Minnesota Legislature.” 

###

Tonight - Parker Quartet at MacPhail

Time:  7:30pm

Location: MacPhail Center for Music, Antonello Hall, 501 2nd Street South

Impressions: Debussy, Kirchner and Beethoven

Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet, in partnership with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, will perform two chamber music series this season in downtown Saint Paul and downtown Minneapolis. Hailed by The New York Times as “something extraordinary,” the Parker Quartet has rapidly distinguished itself as one of the preeminent ensembles of its generation.

During the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, the Parker Quartet was the first-ever Quartet-in-Residence at the SPCO, and during the 2009-10 season, the quartet was also the first-ever Artist-in-Residence with Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and American Public Media (APM). The SPCO is thrilled to partner with the Parker Quartet once again to bring their exceptional artistry to the Twin Cities community.

35W Bridge Blue With a Touch of Pink [Photo]

From Halloween night.  Not sure what the color scheme signifies...

November 3-13 Latin Film Festival Starts Tomorrow at St. Anthony Main Theatre

NOTE - Mention this article in Mill City Times and receive a discounted ticket rate of $7.50! 

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF LATIN FILM FROM AROUND THE WORLD

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul is hosting the the Twin Cities’ first-ever major Latin Film Festival at St. Anthony Main Theatre tomorrow, November 3, thru Sunday, November 13.   View the 30+ film titles from Central and South America, Mexico, and Spain on mspfilmsociety.org.

The Opening Night Gala will be held at El Bonito Café Aster November 3 at 9:00pm.  After the credits have rolled on our Opening Night Film, join the Film Society and your fellow filmgoers for the Opening Night Party at the Aster Café - right down the hall from the theatre - for a night of Latin-themed food, drink, dance, and entertainment!

Tickets for the Opening Night Gala are available at the St. Anthony Main Theatre Box Office, and include one complimentary Estrella Damm beer, or other beverage option, and complimentary snacks and food provided by Chowgirls Catering.

During the Fest’s ten-day run, audiences can celebrate the diverse world of Spanish language cinema, and enjoy Opening and Closing Night parties. Visiting filmmakers include Gabriel Figueroa Flores (Mexico), photographer son of the celebrated Mexican cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa, here for a retrospective of his father’s work, Trisha Ziff (Mexico), director of the acclaimed documentary THE MEXICAN SUITCASE, and Viviana García Besné (Mexico), director of the festival darling PERDIDA.
 
The Latin Film Festival is produced by The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul.  The Film Society also presents a diverse slate of international, independent, and art-house films year-round on Screen 3 at St. Anthony Main Theatre, as well as the annual Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Film Festival each April.  The Latin Film Festival is part of a series of geographically focused film festivals, the Asian Film Festival in 2010, the Latin Festival in 2011, and the Trans-African Film Festival in 2012, all made possible in part by funding from the Legacy Amendment.   
 
For more information about the Latin Film Festival and other Film Society programming, contact Jesse Bishop at 612.331.7563, or visit The Film Society website. 

And don't forget, mention this article in Mill City Times and receive a discounted ticket rate of $7.50!

Tonight - St. Anthony Falls Laboratory Tour

Time:  5:30pm - 6:30pm, followed by Meet MRP at Aster Cafe from 7:00pm-8:00pm.

Location:  Entry to the lab is at the intersection of Main Street NE and 3rd Avenue NE (across from Pillsbury A Mill)

This is a special 1-hour tour for the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood. It's free and limited to 30 people.  RSVP to MHNA: 612-623-7633 or office@marcy-holmes.org.

St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) is part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering. Located on Hennepin Island in the Mississippi River in the heart of Minneapolis, conducting cutting-edge fluid mechanics research aimed at finding science-based solutions to major societal challenges in environment, energy, and health.

Since 1938, SAFL has been welcoming collaboration with universities, government agencies, and industry partners from all over the world. Note: This tour is NOT handicap accessible. Please wear flat shoes, no high heels. No kids under 18 and no pets allowed. Photography is allowed and encouraged, but no tripods, please. After the tour join us at the Aster Café to talk more about our neighborhood and river.

This special tour sponsored by Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association and the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership.

East Bank Neighborhood Volunteers Seek to Update Chute Square Park

We've posted a number of articles regarding how enriching our membership to Mill City Commons has been, mainly for the interesting people we've met.  One fellow MCC member is Lou Burdick, who made us aware of a Chute Square Park revitalization project she's involved with.  Located across from Lund's, Chute Park Square is home to the Ard Godfrey House - the oldest existing wood-frame house in Minneapolis.  Lou recently provided us with the following information regarding this project:

Download - Chute Square Park Design

View more documents from Mill City Times

Download - Chute Square Park Press Release 102711

View more documents from Mill City Times

Tonight - Halloween House Music Party at Aster Cafe

Time: 8:00pm  - 1:00am

Location: Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main Street 

The Missing "O" - The O Goes Missing from the Gold Medal Park Sign for the Second Time in 1 Week

Update: The "O" is back, see end of post.

Last week I came across a picture on Flickr showing the O missing from the Gold Medal Park sign, went out to our balcony to check and it was already replaced.  Last night I noticed a police car parked on the sidewalk, and the O was missing agian.

This past July 4 the D went missing from the sign.  Is this the work of scrappers?

Drop us a line if you have any info on the missing letter mystery...

From last night:

From Aaron Goodyear last week:

From July 4, 2011:

Update on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 4:50PM by David Tinjum

The "O" is back -

The Week Ahead in Mill City / October 31 - November 6

Each Monday morning we provide an easy to reference list of events and activities for the week ahead in the Mill City neighborhood.  Submit your events here...

Monday, October 31

The Soap Factory Presents: The Haunted Basement 2011

Halloween House Music Party at Aster Cafe

Tuesday, November 1

Anime Showcase at Central Library

St. Anthony Falls Laboratory Tour

Wednesday, November 2

The Art of a Great Cheese Platter Class at Local D'Lish

Reflections on Rachmaninoff at MacPhail

Happy Hour with a Preservationist - Tour of the Grain Exchange

Thursday, November 3

Spotlight on Graywolf Press at Central Library

'A Peace of My Mind' Book Release Party at Southern Theater

Parker Quartet at MacPhail

Friday, November 4

Winter Wine and Cheese Class at Local D'Lish

Lunch with MacPhail

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Saturday, November 5

Dazzling Dave: National Yo-Yo Master at Central Library

Family Music Series at MacPhail presents New Orleans Jazz

The 2011 Novel-Writing Conference at the Loft (2 days)

Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

Minneapolis Indie Xpo at The Soap Factory
Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Alice in Wonderland at Central Library

Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership Great River Outing: Old Highland to Old Man River

Sunday, November 6

Make your Thanksgiving Dinner Local Class at Local D'Lish

NT Live Filmed Presentation of The Kitchen by Arnold Vesker at the Guthrie

Minneapolis Indie Xpo at The Soap Factory

This Weekend in Mill City / October 28 - 30

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District and Minneapolis Riverfront Neighborhoods.  Have an event to share?  Contact us...

Friday, October 28

Halloween Goodies For Your Grown Up Party Class at Local D'Lish

Communicating with All Minnesotans about Water Resources at McKnight Foundation

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Live Music at Aster Cafe

The Soap Factory Presents: The Haunted Basement 2011

Il Campiello at Open Book (3 nights)

Apocelectronica!!! at Southern Theater

Saturday, October 29

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Live Music at Aster Cafe

The Soap Factory Presents: The Haunted Basement 2011

Trout Caviar with Brett Laidlaw at Mill City Museum

Olluween 2011 at Ollu Dog Wash

Sunday, October 30

Tip One Back for The Southern at The Southern Theater

The Soap Factory Presents: The Haunted Basement 2011

Quick Weeknight Meals Cooking Class at Local D'Lish

Weekend Brunch

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at Spoonriver
750 South 2nd St (at Chicago Ave S)
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-436-2236

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu...

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138

Until 2pm.

See the menu...

Sunday

Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388

brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)

includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...

featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.

also offering fair trade coffee and full bar.

Breaking News - Artspace Unveils Plans for New Headquarters in Mill District - Mill City Times Exclusive

Heidi Kurtze - Director, Property Development presented plans for the new Artspace HQ / Artists housing project to the East Downtown Council today.  The project will be built on the "E Liner Parcel" at Chicago & Washington Ave S next to the American Academy of Neurology HQ building, currently under construction across the street from the Guthrie Theater in the Mill District of Downtown Minneapolis.

Below are notes and photos from her presentation:

- Kurtze officially announced that the building will be their new headquarters

- After bouncing back and forth between different names for the building, Kurtze officially announced the name of the development: simple and straightforward "Artspace"

- The building will be 6 stories in height

- There will be  61 units of live/work space for artists

- All units will be affordable housing

- They hope the "Cube" on the corner of Chicago & Washington Ave S will be the signature element

- Exterior will be brick, metal panel and glass

- Commercial space on the 1st floor, hopefully a coffee shop/wine bar

- Will have a green roof, hope to create an urban farm in partnership with the Mill City Farmers Market

- Hope to have an Art Market in conjunction with the Mill City Farmers Market

- Possibly a public gallery

- Plan to break ground summer 2012 and occupy summer 2013

Artist renderings:

Inspirational Story from People Serving People

From an October 26 People Serving People e-news:

October is Hunger and Homelessness Month, and we wanted to share a story about a homeless child who has taught our staff and volunteers a lot about how much POTENTIAL is in each child who passes through the doors of our shelter.

Because of volunteer and donor support, our Children’s Services and Family Advocacy staff are able to arrange for fun activities for the homeless children and families at our shelter.  One of the programs that we offer is Boy Scouts - a great way for boys to forget about their lives' struggles and concentrate on doing their best.

 

The other day, the scouts had set up a tent in the room, and leaders brought in bugs to show the kids.  While most kids were running around the room in a wild frenzy, one boy, Devin, sat quietly in the tent.  He had found a 3D wooden puzzle and was working to put it together.  No one had told him that it was meant to match together to form an object.  He had simply found separate pieces strewn across the bottom of the tent, and within minutes had completed the complicated puzzle. Later, some of our staff had attempted to put it together - unsuccessfully.

 

This wasn't the first time that Devin stunned our staff with his outstanding mind and manner.  Although he was only 6 years old, he spoke to staff and volunteers with respect and sincerity in a way which made us feel we were talking to an adult.  Curious about everything, Devin enjoys reading encyclopedias in his spare time.  During his stay at the shelter, Devin continually surprised us with his intelligence, kindness and heart.

 

Because of the volunteers and donors that keep our programs going, we can work directly with children like Devin to give them opportunities to discover that they are great and capable individuals – and overcome homelessness with their families.

 

With much appreciation,

 

Lauren Rimestad

Development Coordinator

People Serving People

612-277-0219

Mark Your Calendar - North Star Cocktails Book Launch Party at the Mill City Museum

Thursday, November 10, 2011, 7:00-10:00 pm

Tickets: $25, $20 for Minnesota Historical Society Members

On sale online or at 612-341-7555. Must be 21 or older to     attend.  Valid i.d. required for admittance

Sample craft cocktails and meet Johnny Michaels and other premiere Twin Cities bartenders to celebrate the publication of North Star Cocktails. This new book features 125 original, crafted cocktail recipes utilizing fresh fruits and vegetables, tips on barkeep techniques and tools, and guides to artisanal liquors and bitters.

Johnny Michaels and five other members of the North Star Bartenders’ Guild will be on hand mixing their cocktail recipe featured in the book. Participants will receive a voucher for three half-size cocktails with paid admission, and can purchase vouchers for additional cocktails. Pip Hanson of Marvel Bar will be conducting a demonstration of hand ice chipping. Nick Kosevich of Bittercube will deliver a tutorial on the art of hand-crafting artisanal bitters. Dean Phillips will have a memorabilia display highlighting the history of Phillips Distilling Company and its deep Minnesota roots. Complimentary light hors d’oeuvres will be served. North Star Bartenders Guild members will be on hand to copies of the book, which will be for sale in the museum store.

 

The six bartenders who will mix their cocktails are:

• Johnny Michaels - La Belle Vie
• Adam Harness - Cafe Maude
• Gina Kent - Bradstreet Crafthouse
• Jesse Held
• Chad Larson - Barrio Tequila Bars
• Rob Jones - Meritage

Recognized as one of the twin cities’ best drink makers, Johnny Michaels is the cocktail connoisseur’s answer to a gourmet chef. His home base is the James Beard award–winning La Belle Vie, but he’s designed the cocktail menus for several of its sister restaurants and other top metro eateries. Together with premiere bartenders such as Pip Hanson, Nick Kosevich, Jesse Held, Thea Sheffert, and others in the North Star Bartenders’ Guild, Michaels shares 125 original cocktail recipes.

Lunch Tomorrow - The Artspace Project at The East Downtown Council Luncheon

Date: Thursday October 27

Time: Noon - 1:00 pm (Registration begins at 11:30)

Location: Hosted by EDC member, First Covenant Church, 810 South 7th Street, Lower level Fellowship Hall (enter under green awning from the parking lot between 6th and 7th St on Chicago Avenue).

Join the East Downtown Council (EDC) for our October Luncheon.

Featured speakers Greg Handberg, Senior VP Properties and Heidi Kurtze, Director Property Development, with Artspace will share plans for their development project, The Artspace Liner Parcel Lofts, at 800 Washington Avenue.

This is a new mixed-use arts facility with 45 rental units of affordable live/work housing for artists and their families and 28,000 square feet of non-residential space for artists, arts organizations, and creative businesses.

Limited free parking in First Covenant designated spaces fee lot and street metered parking is available.

Cost is $15 for EDC Members and guests.  RSVP by Friday, October 21, to Diane Ingram - 612-359-0601.

(To allow us to accept payment by cash or check when attendees arrive
cancellations after October 24th will be invoiced.)

Tonight - Bryan Nichols, McKnight Winner, in Concert at MacPhail

Time:  7:00pm

Location:  Antonello Hall, MacPhail Center for Music, 501 2nd Street South

Join McKnight Fellowship winner and MacPhail faculty member, Bryan Nichols, for an evening of jazz piano works including some of his own compositions.

Peavey Plaza Debate Hits Huffington Post - Target Touted as Partner

From the  Huffington Post:

Excitement has turned to disappointment in Minneapolis, and what's happening there should be a warning about safeguarding transparency in public process and civic debate. Right now, Minneapolis has a golden opportunity to revitalize Peavey Plaza, an award-winning modernist masterwork recently determined eligible to the National Register of Historic Places, but instead it's poised to replace Peavey with what some critics have already labeled a really watered down version of Chicago's Millennium Park. That does not have to happen and Minneapolis-based Target Corporation might be the key to solving this problem. [Full disclosure, I was a member of the team originally selected last November to develop proposals for Peavey's future, but more on that and Target in a moment.]

Read the full article...

Thanks to Charles Birnbaum @TCLFdotORG on Twitter for sending this our way.

Tonight - Upper River Forum: Asian Carp Invasion: What Will It Mean for the Minneapolis Riverfront?

Date: Tuesday, October 25

Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00pm

Location: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Headquarters, 2117 West River Road

Upper River Forum:  Asian Carp Invasion: What Will It Mean for the Minneapolis Riverfront?

Presentation by: Dr. John O. Anfinson, National Park Service, with panel discussion.

Co-sponsored by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership and the Above the Falls Citizen Advisory Committee (AFCAC).

Governor Dayton is calling for quick action to prevent invasive Asian Carp from moving up the Mississippi River into Minnesota.  After the presentation, a panel of experts will answer your questions about the negative impact Asian Carp could have on the Mississippi's ecological, recreational, and economic health.  How do we slow or stop the spread of Asian Carp? What about closing Lock #1 and the Upper Lock at St. Anthony Falls?

Panelists:

John O. Anfinson, Resource Chief, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

Don Arnosti, Policy Director, Audubon Minnesota

Greg Genz, Vice-President, Upper Mississippi Waterway Association

Brian Nerbonne, Stream Habitat Specialist, MN Department of Natural Resources

Russel K. Snyder, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/St. Paul District

Don Arnosti, National Audubon Society

Tonight - The Minneapolis Horror: Tales from the Night Shift at Mill City Museum

Times: 6:30pm, 7:00pm, and 7:30pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 2nd Street South

Fee: $14 adults, $12 seniors and college students, $10 children and MHS members.

Reservations: required, call 612-341-7555

Visit the Washburn A Mill at night as costumed actors dramatize the dangers of working the night shift and the many horrific disasters that have befallen the mill over the years. Hear accounts of the deadly 1878 mill explosion and the dangerous man-lift elevator, and take-in dramatic nighttime views of the Ruin Courtyard and the Minneapolis Riverfront from the ninth-floor Observation Deck.

The program takes its title from the headline of an 1878 American Miller magazine story that read, ”The Minneapolis Horror: Destruction, Devastation and Death.” The story described the disastrous flour dust explosion on the evening of May 2, 1878 that destroyed the Washburn A Mill and killed 18 workers.

Join MacPhail in Two Performances of Handel's "Messiah"

Call for Handel “Messiah” choral singers! Join Sonomento, MacPhail’s premiere choral ensemble, professional soloists and full orchestra, conducted by Craig Fields, in two performances of Handel’s “Messiah.”

No auditions are necessary for chorus members, but there will be a $50 fee.

Rehearsal schedule:
Nov. 21, 28 and Dec. 5 and 6
6:30-9 p.m.
MacPhail Center for Music, 501 S. Second St., Minneapolis, Room 127

Concerts:
Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m., Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis
Dec. 18, 6 p.m., MacPhail Center for Music, Antonello Hall

For more information or to sign up, call Craig Fields at 763-229-5426 or email cfields49@comcast.net.