Minneapolis closing streets near U.S. Bank Stadium for X Games

From the City of Minneapolis website:

The City of Minneapolis is closing streets and lanes around U.S. Bank Stadium for the X Games, four days of actions sports at the stadium July 13-16.

Full road closures include:

- Chicago Avenue, from Fourth to Sixth Street, through July 19.
- Fourth Street South, from Park Avenue South to the U.S. Bank Stadium loading dock, July 13-17.
- Park Avenue South, from Fourth Street to Fifth Street, July 13-17.
- Portland Avenue South, from Fourth Street to Fifth Street, July 13-17.

Several lanes around the stadium on The Commons will also be closed for the festivities. These street closings are for traffic safety and security needs related to a large stadium event.

For additional information about the X Games, visit minneapolismn.gov/xgames.

Nominations now open for the 8th Annual Greening and Public Realm Awards

The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (MDID) plays an active role in helping make downtown a more green and beautiful place. This summer, their team will plant and maintain over 16,000 annuals in planters, boulevard gardens and light pole baskets. Ambassador watering crews, who start work at 4:30 am, navigate downtown on a daily basis to make sure plants are watered and cared for. 

Nominations for the 8th Annual Greening and Public Realm Awards are now open. The Greening Awards celebrate outstanding examples of private greening and placemaking happening in Downtown Minneapolis. The MDID’s mission through the Greening Awards is to encourage all downtown businesses to participate in the greening effort. 

During this year’s nominations, the general public will be able to let MDID know which greening projects throughout Downtown Minneapolis are their favorites. To participate, you can submit using the hashtag #GreeningAwardsMpls on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, online submission form, or by emailing your nominations to Info@MplsDID.com.

Nominations will close July 31, and the finalists will be selected and categorized by MDID staff for an online vote in mid-August. Winning locations in each category will receive a display prize to showcase their greening achievement.

Mill City Summer Opera Announces 2017 Dates and Venue for Maria de Buenos Aires

Mill City Summer Opera’s Maria de Buenos Aires Unveils a Cast of Acclaimed Performers to Heat Up Minneapolis
National cast and creative team includes the dynamic opera tango duo of Catalina Cuervo, Luis Orozco

The sultry lament of the bandoneon, the thrilling atmosphere, alluring tango dancers, and a wildly acclaimed cast new to Twin Cities opera audiences, will take the stage for Mill City Summer Opera’s 2017 chosen production Maria de Buenos Aires, by famed tango composer, Astor Piazzolla.

MCSO today unveiled the stellar cast and creative team for this year’s production, including the key casting of Colombian soprano Catalina Cuervo in the leading role of Maria. As Maria, Cuervo has performed the role worldwide and is often referred to as the Fiery Soprano. Starring with her is baritone Luis Alejandro Orozco who has been hailed for his vocal and dramatic presence in the signature role of El Payador.

“Pairing Cuervo with Orozco in the heat of a Minnesota summer will be the hottest ticket in town this year; together they are the ideal duo to marry opera with tango,” notes returning artistic director David Lefkowich. “Dance is at the heart of this opera, so we will be integrating dancers as part of the cast for the first time in MCSO history.”

Opening night is Friday, July 14, with additional performances July 16, 18, 19 and 20.

With a ticket to the opera, attendees will be guided through dance instruction by professional tango dancers prior to the performance. After watching the tango performed as part of the opera performance, those that wish may join in the be dance with the cast to the splendid music that compliments the dangerous dance that is the TANGO.

Doors open at 7:00pm with tango dancing, the show begins at 8:00pm and more tango dancing at 9:30pm.

In light of the Ruins Courtyard’s extensive renovation throughout the Summer of 2017, MCSO is taking the opera across the Stone Arch Bridge for our sixth season. The shift in venue to the Machine Shop, 300 2nd Street SE, is temporary as restoration work continues in the Ruins Courtyard.

For tickets & more information visit http://www.millcitysummeropera.org/.

Scenes from the July 8 Mill City Farmers Market

Ta-da! It's raspberry season!

Wild and crazy heirloom tomatoes from Nistler Farms. According to their Facebook page, sweet corn is running about a week behind what Jeffrey considers normal, and the melon crop is looking fantastic. 

It's like a cloud - if you stare at it long enough it will resemble something...

Big Rivers Farms is operated by Minnesota Food Association (MFA), a nonprofit that provides a guarenteed market for farmers representing 10 countries around the world. They are located by Marine on St. Croix, and are holding an Open House on July 15.

Stop by the Info Booth to learn what's in these Bee Friendly packets.

Squeezed while you wait - refreshing drinks from The Bolt!

Below, Cara Lahti and Anna Bottila debuted Fair Anita at the July 8 Market. The jewelry, clothing, cards and other items offered are fair trade products made by over 8,000 talented, yet marginalized, women in 16 countries. Look for an article about Fair Anita on our Farmers Market blog later this week. 

With regard to the following three pictures - WEI Executive Director, Karen Clark, explained to me that these items diplayed at their booth are from the Mashkiikii Gitigan (Ojibwe for medicine garden). The garden was created on a formerly vacant, contaminated lot by the 24th Street Urban Farm Coalition as a way to address the food justice needs of people living in the Phillips community of South Minneapolis.

Beth Dooley and Mette Nielsen demonstrated Hot & Tangy Strawberry Jam during the Mill City Cooks demo. With only 5 ingredients, this one-pan recipe is quick and easy.

New from Horner's Corner: Maple Grenadine Syrup. Steve will be happy to provide suggestions on ways to use it.

Milly the goat!

Intermittent Lane Restrictions on Washington Avenue Today, July 7

Starting early today, July 7, there may be intermittent lane restrictions on Washington Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. 

Crews anticipate paving the initial layers of the eastbound lanes of Washington Avenue between 3rd and 5th Avenues. Until the road can reopen, the surface will provide a better working area for crews and help with issues like dust. 

Weather permitting, this work is anticipated to be completed by the end of the day.

No closures are anticipated on any of the intersections along this corridor, but you should expect delays as you travel through the area.

For more information about this project, visit www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue.

MNHS Remembers 35W Bridge Collapse in Collections and New Display

Bridge piece commemorating 10th anniversary to go on exhibit at Mill City Museum July 28 to Aug. 30

On Aug. 1, 2007, one of the most pivotal and painful events in recent Minnesota history occurred: the collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge during rush hour, killing 13 and injuring 145. Over the years, the Minnesota Historical Society has documented this disaster in its collections, including acquiring several post-collapse pieces of the bridge.

To help commemorate the 10th anniversary, MNHS will put a remnant of the bridge, a gusset plate, on display at Mill City Museum. A National Transportation Safety Board investigation identified the gusset plates were a likely cause of the collapse; they were too thin and failed under the weight of the bridge and its traffic. The display will be in the museum’s Mill City Commons and will be free and accessible to the public from July 28 to Aug. 30.

Across the river in St. Paul, visitors can also view the emergency exit door of a school bus involved in the bridge collapse, signed by all the children and adults on board, in the Minnesota History Center’s “Then Now Wow” exhibit.

MNHS collections have additional bridge remnants and signage, a shirt worn by a first responder on the scene, various photos throughout the bridge's history, and items from workers who rebuilt the bridge in 2008. The Minnesota State Archives holds Minnesota Department of Transportation plans for the bridge’s original 1967 construction and is currently processing MnDOT records concerning the aftermath of the collapse.

Minneapolis Minute - A quick look at City news

From the City of Minneapolis website:

Not sure if this will be an ongoing series, but it's one more spot to check for updates on what's happening.

Hennepin County Library Announces New Online Music Platform Featuring Local Musicians

Via a July 5 e-newsletter from the Hennepin County Library:

Minnesota musicians: Be heard!

Submissions open today for MnSpin, Hennepin County Library's new local music resource

From the Andrews Sisters to Atmosphere, from Bob Dylan to Prince, from Cantus to Jimmy Jam, and Bobby Vee to the Minnesota Orchestra, many great musicians have launched from Minnesota to the world. Hennepin County Library is in search of Minnesota musicians to feature on MnSpin, a new online music streaming and download resource that will launch at the end of the year.  Submit a song Minnesota musicians and bands of all genres are encouraged to submit one song for consideration by August 2, 2017.  A panel of local music experts and library staff will review all submissions, and invite selected artists (up to 40 for now) to make one album available through the online platform. Artists will sign a license agreement and receive $200. The library plans to expand this pilot project to offer additional submission opportunities. Thanks to a grant from the Friends of the Hennepin County Library, music lovers will be able to connect to this new collection through www.hclib.org/arts-culture. Anyone can stream from the platform, and Hennepin County Library cardholders can download songs free. “Minnesota is such an incubator for musical artists,” said Hennepin County Library Director Lois Langer Thompson. “MnSpin is an opportunity for the music community to have its music heard and for all music lovers to have access to the rich talents of local musicians.”  A diverse collection Hennepin County Library will strive to create a collection that reflects the diversity of our community. Music in MnSpin will follow the same genre guidelines as in the general collection:  • Americana, bluegrass and country  • Blues, jazz and soul • Classical • Christian and gospel • Folk, ethnic and world • Pop and rock • Rap, hip hop and R&B • Children's MnSpin is open for submissions July 5-August 2, 2017.  For more information, visit www.hclib.org/arts-culture and http://www.hclib.org/about/news/2017/july/mn-spin.

Minneapolis By Bike - Great Way for New Transplants or Out of Town Guests to Get to Know our City

Whether you're new to the downtown/riverfront neighborhoods, looking for activities for out of town guests, or are on a constant hunt for new experiences, consider one of the tours offered by Minneapolis By Bike.

Photo credit Minneapolis By Bike

There are four tours to choose from. Bikes, helmets, and equipment are supplied with the guided, narrated bicycle tours. Carriers and pull-along attachment bikes are provided for families with children.

Bike rentals are available every day from 9:00am to 7:00pm, and include locks, helmets, rear racks, and maps. Self-guided tours are also an option.

In addition to their website, find Minneapolis By Bike on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Parkway and Street Closures for July 4th Events

The following streets will be closed for the July 4 Red, White & Boom! activities:

Red, White & Boom 5K, Half Marathon - 6am-Noon
Main Street, West River Parkway, Victory Memorial Parkway, Webber Parkway, Stone Arch Bridge
More Info
 
Red, White & Boom Activities and Fireworks
Main St SE from Merriam Ave to 6th Ave SE - 2pm-11pm 
3rd Ave SE from Main St SE to 2nd St SE - 2pm-11pm
West River Pkwy from 4th Ave to 11th Ave - 4:30pm-11pm
3rd Ave S Bridge (Central Ave SE) - 9:15pm-10:30pm
Stone Arch Bridge -  closed to cyclists from 9:30-10:30pm
More Info

Scenes from the July 1 Mill City Farmers Market

Spectacular - July 1 at the Mill City Farmers Market. Simply spectacular. Scads of new produce arrived, including cabbage, green beans, cucumbers and zucchini. Looking for tomatoes? So far they've only been available at Loon Organics, but you must arrive early! Mother Nature has not been making things easy for the farmers this year.

One of my favorite new vendors is GVY Fresh Produce. Their produce and flowers are of the highest quality.

Local actor H. Adam Harris provides a very animated story time, sponsored by the Guthrie Theater. 

This little girl was taking in all the smells and textures of the herb garden in the cooking demo area.

How many tons of potatoes and zillions of eggs have been on Black Cat's grill?

Milly the goat snagged the first patty pan squash of the season!

The Guthrie's New Griots Festival Celebrates the Next Generation of Black Artists

CELEBRATING THE NEXT GENERATION
OF BLACK ARTISTS

July 6 - 16
Dowling Studio

The New Griots Festival aims to highlight, celebrate and advance the careers of emerging Black artists in the Twin Cities. The festival features the work of 10 local artists and free artist-taught community classes. Learn more.

Featuring improv by Blackout, a performance by dancer and vocalist Vie Boheme, music by Arthur "L.A." Buckner, work by playwright Antonio Duke, poetry by Keno Evol, poetry by April Gibson, work by writer Dame-Jasmine Hughes, work by painter Shaina McCoy, a performance by aerialist Miss Coco Nostal'jah and photography by Isaac Sundberg.

Tickets are $9; buy three or more performances and save! Artist-taught community classes are free, reservations encouraged. Click here for tickets, or call the Box Office at 612-377-2224.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.

Restaurant Week Summer 2017: July 16-21

Mpls. St.Paul Magazine's Summer 2017 Restaurant Week is scheduled for July 16-21. It's a week's worth of fabulous food at unbeatable prices from some of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities. Participating restaurants will present specially priced meals (lunch, dinner, or both) that showcase their culinary offerings in the local dining scenes. Check out the website to find participating restaurants in our downtown and riverfront neighborhoods.

Kick off the X Games Minneapolis at Minneapolis Visitor Information on Nicollet’s First Thursday Event

Via a June 28 News Release from Meet Minneapolis:

Kick off the X Games Minneapolis at Minneapolis Visitor Information on Nicollet’s First Thursday event

Rivard Art student seminars and artist meet-and-greet are highlights

Minneapolis is the host of the 2017 summer X Games, taking place July 13-16. Minneapolis Visitor Information (MVI) on Nicollet is kicking off the fun on July 6 with an X Games-themed First Thursday, a monthly event at the visitor center, featuring local artist Mark Rivard’s skateboard artwork and a meet and greet reception with the artist from 4-6 p.m. Students will learn skateboard art from Rivard in two seminars earlier in the day and have that art displayed in MVI’s windows through the X Games.

This month’s promotions include a 10 percent discount* on purchases from Love From Minneapolis with a portion of proceeds going to City of Skate, Skate Park advocacy coalition. Also, guests can register for a chance to win two tickets to the X Games and a Mark Rivard gift pack.

Love From Minneapolis will be selling Rivard Art’s collection of skateboard decks, pints and shirts. Design-Your-Own Skateboard Kits and Rivard Art will also be for sale, including exclusive X Games-themed art on display in MVI.

High school students who registered to take part in the seminars will get a Mark Rivard skateboard art kit and a ticket to the X Games in Minneapolis. The seminars are sponsored by 21st Century Learners Center Grants.

Overview of events and promotions:
• Two Rivard Art seminars for 40 high school students in two sessions at 10 a.m. to noon and 2-4 p.m. (Cameras welcome!)
• Skateboard art on display made by local high school students
• 10 percent  storewide* discount
• Register to win two X Games tickets or a Mark Rivard gift pack
• Meet and greet with Mark Rivard from 4-6 p.m.
• Information on X Games

More information on the First Thursday event: http://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/visitor-information/events-at-minneapolis-visitor-information/ and specifics on the Rivard Art event: http://www.minneapolis.org/footer/blog/x-games-skateboard-art-with-mark-rivard/

*This promotion excludes transit passes and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Movie Nights at The Commons

Mark your calendar for these four move nights at The Commons, 425 Portland Avenue S. Bring a blanket and a picnic - or grab food at one of the featured food trucks - and settle in for an evening of open air film with friends and family.

2017 Movies (all 7pm - 10pm):

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - Thursday, June 29
La La Land - Thursday, July 27
The Incredibles- Thursday, August 10
Casablanca - Thursday, August 24

For the first time you can bring your favorite beer or wine to The Commons. In 2017, these four movie events are the only "BYO" events in the city!

What's on Tap From the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

Here's what the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul has queued up:

OPENING FRIDAY, JUNE 30:  THE HERO

OPENING FRIDAY, JULY 14 - ABACUS: SMALL ENOUGH TO JAIL

SCREENING JULY 21-27 - LUMIÈRES FRANÇAISES - A weeklong festival highlighting the brightest talent in French independent cinema

OPENING FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 - A GHOST STORY

OPENING FRIDAY, AUGUST 11 - AFTERIMAGE

Special Screenings:

SCIENCE ON SCREEN: THE MARTIAN - June 29 at 7pm

NTL: OBSESSION - July 3 at 7pm + July 5 at 1pm + July 8 at 1pm

MALI BLUES - Thursday, July 6 at 7pm - First Thursday Films @ the Capri. Showing at the Capri Theater,  2027 West Broadway

PALESTINE: WHY THE CAGED DOVE SINGS? - July 13 at 7pm

NTL: TWELFTH NIGHT - July 17 at 7pm + July 19 at 1pm + July 22 at 1pm

NTL: SALOMÉ - July 31 at 7pm + August 2 at 1pm + August 5 at 1pm

HIDDEN FIGURES - Thursday, August 3 at 7pm - First Thursday Films @ the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway

NTL: ANGELS IN AMERICA PART 1, MILLENNIUM APPROACHES - August 14 at 7pm + August 19 at 1pm

NTL: ANGELS IN AMERICA PART 2, PERESTROIKA - August 21 at 7pm + August 26 at 1pm

MAY IT LAST: A PORTRAIT OF THE AVETT BROTHERS - September 12 at 7pm 

Hennepin Avenue Construction Detours to Run June 27 - July 3

Hennepin Avenue will be closed from 8:00pm on Tuesday, June 27, until 3:00am on Monday, July 3.

During the closure, Hennepin Avenue buses will be detoured to Marquette and 2nd Avenues between Washington Ave and 6th St (eastbound) / 7th St. (westbound).

Where to board routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 25, 59 and 61
(See map and list below)

Northbound/Eastbound Buses
Hennepin Ave at 7th St
Marquette Ave at 4th St*
Washington Ave at Nicollet Mall*
Hennepin Ave at 2nd St

Southbound/Westbound Buses
Washington Ave at Nicollet Mall*
2nd Ave at 4th St*
7th St at Nicollet Mall*
Hennepin Ave at 8th St

Scenes from the June 24 Mill City Farmers Market

Jenny Heck, Marketing and Events Manager for the Mill City Farmers Market

Northland Visions, a new Mill City Farmers Market vendor for 2017, debuted at the June 24 Market with an array of Native products ranging from wild rice to maize popcorn.  Look for a separate article on them later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

Greg Bellanger, Store Manager at Northland Visions, Native Art & Gifts of the Northlands

Last October, sisters Kylene and Mel Guse from GYST Fermanation Bar were guests at the Mill City Cooks demo, and they were back at the June 24 Market with a variety of their lacto fermented vegetables.

Nathan Patrick White of NPW Wood Works brought his one-of-a-kind turned wooden vessels and hand-carved spoons to the June 24 Market. The spoons are made from tree roots, which provides a natural curve and added strength. All the products are safe to use with food. Find more of Nathans work on Instagram.

Some good lookin' produce!

Some vendors showed their support for Pride weekend with either discounts or splashes of rainbow colors.

A common sight at the Market - people enjoying pizza fresh out of Northern Fires' wood-fired oven.

Stop by the Meet Your Vegetables booth to sample the featured vegetable of the day and take home a recipe. Thank you to Allina Health for sponsoring this service.

Staff of the Minneapolis Public Schools Food Truck handed out samples.

Milly the goat!

My North Series - 52 Minnesota Stories Leading up to the 2018 Super Bowl (Episodes 16-20)

Count down to Super Bowl 52 with this weekly video series of 52 love letters to Minnesota from notable Minnesotans. My North is an editorial video series created by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and presented by Explore Minnesota. Hear from tastemakers and stylemakers. Artists and athletes. Authors and entertainers. These are their odes to the state they love. Below are episodes 16-20 - click here to see more! 

Tickets go on Sale June 27 for the 2017 Rails and Ales Light Rail Brewery Crawl

2017 Rails and Ales Light Rail Brewery Crawl

The 2017 Rails and Ales Light Rail Brewery Crawl is scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 11:00am to 6:00pm.  This event sells out quickly, so whether want to experience it for the first time - or again - you should register ASAP.

Your Crawl Ticket Includes:
- 2 Pints of Craft Beer
- 2017 Rails & Ales T-Shirt
- All-Access Metro Transit Light Rail Pass
- Access to All 16 Local Breweries Along the Green Line Light Rail
- Event Passport to Guide Your Route
- Rails & Ales Exclusive Beers just for Participants
- Special Discounts on Food, Beer, & Merchandise
- Food Trucks, Live Music, and Other Fun Activities
- Entry to Win Tons of Prizes & Giveaways
- Access to Discounted Room Rate at Local Hotel (Limited Quantities)