Here's What's on the Menu at the Film Society of Minneapolis St.Paul

Boyhood Now playing thru February 5 | 2014 MSPIFF Official Selection | Oscar Nominee We're delighted to bring back the 2014 MSPIFF Official Selection and Oscar Nominee, Boyhood. Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater's groundbreaking film tells the story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette, and newcomer Lorelei Linklater, Boyhood charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film  has before....read more Awake: The Life of Yogananda Now playing thru February 5 Extended Run | Minneapolis Theatrical Exclusive An unconventional documentary about the Hindu Swami who brought yoga and meditation to the West in the 1920s, and authored the spiritual classic "Autobiography of a Yogi," which has become a spiritual classic used by yoga lovers and philosophers everywhere, and bears the distinction of being the only book Steve Jobs kept on his iPad!...read more Roméo and Juliette February 1 at 1:00pm series: Opera on Screen Tony Award winning stage director Bartlett Sher makes his European opera debut with this production of Roméo et Juliette, one of the most famous and moving love stories in all of opera. Tenor superstar Rolando Villazón sings opposite young Georgian soprano Nino Machaizde, one of the newest darlings of the opera world.  ...read more The Jingle Dress February 6 - 12 2014 MSPIFF Official Selection | MN Made MN Theatrical Exclusive At its heart, The Jingle Dress is a contemporary story of a Native American family that moves from their rural home on the reservation in northern Minnesota to the faster paced urban environment of Minneapolis....read more WonderWomen: Rocks in My Pockets February 2 at 7:00pm | February 4 at 7:00pm series: WonderWomen On Screen Lativa's Oscar submission for Best Foreign Language Film!  Latvian-born artist and filmmaker Signe Baumane tells five fantastical tales based on the courageous women in her family and their battles with madness. With boundless imagination and a twisted sense of humor, she has created daring stories of art, romance, marriage, nature, business, and Eastern European upheaval-all in the fight for her own sanity....read more The Babadook Now playing thru February 5 Extended Run | MN Theatrical Exclusive | #StudentGiveaway When William Friedkin, director of The Exorcist, calls it the most terrifying film he's ever seen, one should take note. Directed by a former apprentice of Lars Von Trier, the film follows a single mother who struggles to control her son's fear of a monster he believes is coming to kill them both: the Babadook....read more Two Days, One Night February 3 at 7:00pm Oscar Nominee | Members-Only Free Screening This screening is full, but stay tuned for more Members-Only Free Screenings in the future! For the first time, the Dardenne Brothers have teamed with a major international star, Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard, and the result is another masterwork of humanism.  ...read more WonderWomen: The Works of Suzan Pitt February 9 at 7:00pm series: WonderWomen On Screen For three decades, Suzan Pitt has been an internationally renowned creator of beautiful, strange and fiercely original animation. Collected here in this program are four of Pitt's pioneering and unforgettable masterworks. ...read more

Inaugural Mpls Lantern Fest To Bring Community Together and Illuminate Downtown On February 21

Via a January 27 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

MINNEAPOLIS (January 27, 2015) — The Minneapolis Downtown Council and In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre announced today the inaugural Mpls Lantern Fest will take place Saturday, February 21 from 5-8 p.m. at Cancer Survivors Park in downtown Minneapolis.

The event will be a culmination of free workshops at various Minneapolis locations throughout February, at which participants of all ages and abilities will be able to create their own paper lanterns with the help and direction of In the Heart of the Beast teaching artists. Participants may build their own lantern at a workshop, then pick up their lantern on February 21 and take part in an illuminated movement beginning at 6 p.m.  Participants may take their lanterns home afterwards.

“We’re excited to introduce the Mpls Lantern Fest and start a new tradition here in Downtown Minneapolis,” said Leah Wong, vice president of events and marketing, Minneapolis Downtown Council. “Activities and events are a big part of creating a consistently compelling downtown experience, an initiative of our Downtown 2025 Plan. The Mpls Lantern Fest will be a great way to bring our downtown neighborhood and Minneapolis community together.”

Food, beverages and live entertainment will be on hand at Mpls Lantern Fest, which celebrates lighting the winter night. Lantern festivals date back to Chinese dynasties as early as 200 BC. They have since become gathering events in Europe and across the world, where children and adults alike build their own illuminated lanterns, and come together as a community.

The event is free and open to the public. Spectators and those who participated in workshops are encouraged to join us for free entertainment and festivities at Mpls Lantern Fest.

“At In the Heart of the Beast, our mission is to bring people together for the common good through the power of puppet and mask performances,” said Catherine Jordan, interim executive director, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. “Mpls Lantern Fest not only brings people together, but it allows us to embrace the heart of winter while ushering in the warmth and illumination of spring. We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to shine light on our great downtown.”

Participate in a Workshop and be part of the experience:

• Lyn-Lake: Saturday, Feb. 7 (1-3 PM), Saturday, Feb. 14 (10 AM-12 PM) | Hosted by Intermedia Arts Gallery (2822 Lyndale Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55408)
• North: Tuesday, Feb. 12 (5-8 PM) | Hosted by Juxtaposition Arts (1108 Broadway Avenue W, Minneapolis, MN 55411)
• Northeast: Saturday, Feb. 14 (2-5 PM) and Sunday, Feb. 15 (12-3 PM) | Hosted by ArtShare (Grace Center, 1500 6th Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413)
• Powderhorn: Tuesday, Feb. 17, Thursday, Feb. 19 and Friday, Feb.20 (6-9 PM) | Hosted by In the Heart of the Beast (1500 Lake Street E, Minneapolis, MN 55407)
• Uptown: Wednesday, Feb. 18 (6-8 PM) | Hosted by First Universalist Church, Chalice Room (3400 Dupont Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55408)
• More to be announced

In the Heart of the Beast teaching artists Nicole Amaris, Eric Avery, Amy Ballestad, Bart Buch, Seth Eberle and Sandy Spieler will lead the workshops teaching participants how to build lanterns. All supplies will be provided. Participants are welcome to come and go during the allotted timeframe or stay as long as desired during the workshops in order to complete their projects. Artists on hand will do demonstrations and walk participants through the process of creating a lantern.

At Mpls Lantern Fest on Feb. 21, teaching artists will mobilize giant lantern puppets inspired by constellations —including a bear (rendering at right), rabbit, loon, fox and crow—that will provide artistic light and lead the movement. Participants will take their own lanterns and follow their teaching artist during the movement at Cancer Survivors Park.

For more information on the Mpls Lantern Fest and workshops, visit DowntownMpls.com/mplslanternfest.

About the Minneapolis Downtown Council:
 
Founded in 1955, and one of the oldest central business associations in the nation, the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The MDC’s collaborative developments of Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit DowntownMpls.com.

About the 2025 Plan: 
 
The Downtown 2025 Plan strives to achieve 10 initiatives that will help leaders and citizens build on Downtown’s assets and guide Downtown Minneapolis’ development. These include doubling downtown’s residential population, transforming Nicollet Mall into a must-see destination, creating a compelling and walkable environment around the clock, leading the nation in transportation options, ending street homelessness, forging connections with the University of Minnesota and more. For more information on the 2025 Plan and its initiatives, visit 2025Plan.com, BeInBusinessDowntownMpls.com and MinneapolisIdeaeXchange.com. The 2025 Plan is a Minneapolis Downtown Council initiative established in 2010.

This Weekend: TwinsFest 2015

This weekend's TwinsFest 2015 at Target Field promises to be bigger and better than ever. 

Hours are:

Friday, January 23 4:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 24 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 25 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Check out today's StarTrib article.

Tonight: Minneapolis After the Locks - Unlocking Opportunities at Mill City Museum

Minneapolis After the Locks - Unlocking Opportunities

Join your neighbors tonight at the Mill City Museum from 6:00pm-7:30pm!

The lock is scheduled to be closed in June 2015.  Its closure will change river management practices and have an environmental and an economic impact far beyond the Falls and the local area.  The Forum is designed to help us better understand both the immediate and longer-term consequences of the closure and to hear ideas about how the site and the river can be used in new and different ways.

Hosted by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership

“Hands of Time” Stop on Iconic Minneapolis City Hall Clock

Via a January 16 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

“Hands of time” stop on iconic Minneapolis City Hall clock — time for a check-up

WHAT
Minneapolis City Hall’s iconic clock will stop ticking so engineers can assess its condition for any needed repairs or parts replacements. Rising to 345 feet, the clocktower is a landmark feature of the building, a late-nineteenth century treasure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each of the tower’s four clockfaces measures approximately 23.5 feet in diameter, rivaling London’s Big Ben in size. The job is expected to take several days and the clock should start telling time again by Friday.      

WHEN
Monday, January 19
6:30 a.m  clock stops
9:00 a.m. (approximately) engineering crew rappels down the clock tower     

WHERE
Minneapolis City Hall
350 South 5th Street, Minneapolis

BUILDING  FACTS
City Hall, also known as the Municipal Building, is overseen by a commission of Minneapolis and Hennepin County elected officials. Find more information about the building and its history. 

MPRB Selects Officers, Committees, Representatives for 2015

Via a January 2 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) held its annual meeting Friday, January 2, and elected its officers for 2015. Commissioners re-elected Liz Wielinski as President and Scott Vreeland as Vice President.

The Board also elected Deputy Superintendent Jennifer Ringold to serve as Secretary to the Board and Attorney Brian Rice and firm Rice, Michels, and Walthers LLP as General Counsel.

President Wielinski appointed the following Commissioners to serve on Standing Committees of the Board (one-year terms):
•Administration and Finance Committee – Chair Anita Tabb, Vice Chair Scott Vreeland, Meg Forney, Jon Olson, Annie Young
•Recreation Committee – Chair John Erwin, Vice Chair Jon Olson, Steffanie Musich, Anita Tabb, Scott Vreeland
•Planning Committee – Chair Annie Young, Vice Chair John Erwin, Meg Forney, Steffanie Musich, Anita Tabb
•Operations and Environment Committee – Chair Scott Vreeland, Vice Chair Steffanie Musich, John Erwin, Jon Olson, Annie Young
•Legislation and Intergovernmental Committee – Chair Jon Olson, Vice Chair Anita Tabb, Brad Bourn, John Erwin, Meg Forney
•Standards and Conduct Committee – Chair Meg Forney, Vice Chair Annie Young, Brad Bourn, Jon Olson, Scott Vreeland

Park Board Commissioners, ten citizens and Superintendent Jayne Miller were appointed to serve on the following external boards, commissions and panels. All terms are one year unless otherwise noted.
•Planning Commission – Meg Forney
•Board of Estimate and Taxation – Anita Tabb
•Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission – Maleta Kimmons (citizen appointment)
•St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board – Scott Vreeland, Meg Forney, Ted Tucker (citizen appointment), Liz Wielinski, Jayne Miller
•Youth Coordinating Board – John Erwin
•Minneapolis Institute of Arts Board – Anita Tabb
•Mississippi Watershed Management Organization – Scott Vreeland, Meg Forney (alternate)
•John H. Stevens House Organization – Steffanie Musich
•Minneapolis Parks Foundation – Liz Wielinski
•Minneapolis Tree Advisory Committee – Scott Vreeland, Charley Underwood (citizen appointment – at large), Peggy Booth (citizen appointment – district 1), Robert Buck (citizen appointment – district 2), Jeanne LaBore (citizen appointment – district 3 and 5), Don Willeke (citizen appointment – district 4 and 6)
•Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership – Scott Vreeland, Meg Forney, John Erwin
•Minneapolis DID Greening Design & Infrastructure Committee – Liz Wielinski
•Minneapolis DID Gate Committee – Liz Wielinski
•Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee (two-year term) – Janice Gepner (citizen appointment), Joshua Houdek (citizen appointment), Lindsey Wallace (citizen appointment)
•Southwest LRT Community Works Steering Committee – Anita Tabb, Meg Forney (alternate)
•Bottineau Transitway Policy Advisory Committee –Meg Forney, Jon Olson (alternate)
•Neighborhood Revitalization Program Board – Annie Young

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board typically meets at 5 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of each month for regular meetings. Board meetings are broadcast live from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Minneapolis Government Meeting Channel 79 on Comcast cable and online on the Channel 79 webpage.

Meeting agendas and related information are typically posted on http://www.minneapolisparks.org/ two business days prior to each meeting.

Attention Teens: Deadline is January 9 to Register for January 23 Open Mic Night at MacPhail

Teen Open Mic Night Hosted by the MacPhail Teen Advisory Council

Open mic night is a casual, fun and social night presented by teens for teens in a variety of styles and instruments—everything from Bach to Rock! You are welcome to perform individually or in a group. Or just come and enjoy the music of other performers. All teens are welcome!

It will take place Friday, January 23, from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, in Room 126 at MacPhail Center for Music, Room 126, 501 S 2nd Street.

Email macphail.tac@gmail.com to sign up or if questions. Deadline: Friday, January 9.

Please include your name, song title and song length (under 6 minutes, please) and if you have any set up needs. An accompanist will be provided if you sign up in advance. The accompanist needs 2 weeks of lead time. Please include piano part to accompanist with form (will be emailed to you at time of sign up).

Happy New Year!

Wishing our neighbors all the best in 2015!   :D

Ride Metro Transit Free on New Year's Eve!

Celebrate New Year’s Eve responsibly and get a free ride!

On Dec. 31, customers can ride free from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on all Metro Transit routes – buses, METRO lines and Northstar. No fare, no coupons – simply hop on and take a seat for free.

Whether you’ll be out celebrating or you’re not interested in driving alongside those who are, riding Metro Transit is an easy, safe alternative.

Miller Free Rides is a community service program in partnership with Metro Transit, J.J. Taylor Distributing Company and Miller Lite.

Learn more at 1-800-FREE-RIDES or visit MillerLiteFreeRides.com.

3 Days Remain to Make a 2014 Tax-Deductible Donation for Northern Spark 2015

Only 3 days left to support Northern Spark 2015. Here's a sampling of our contributor perks below. To see them all visit our Indiegogo page. Supporting Northern Spark, helps artists realize big ideas and bring a night of wonder to the city!

Give today and claim one of the following perks for yourself or someone you love (or, if you chose not to claim a perk, your gift is 100% tax-deductible):

$10 / Sparking Toy to #Spark5 - All gift levels $10 and up. (Pickup only.)

$25 / 2015 T-shirt - Design is forthcoming. (Please add $5 for shipping.)

$30 / Tincture Workshop - Learn how to make your own medicine with foraged herbs and your own vodka or brandy with Powderhorn Kitchen artists Jess Hirsch and Ginny Sims. (Only 11 spots left!)

$55 / "Wonder" Limited Edition Print by Robin Schwartzman (NS 2012 artist). Archival print of artwork inspired by NS 2012. Print approximately 26x12 inches. Edition of 50.

$75 / Floating World In White (2014) by Kate Casanova (NS 2014 artist) Archival Pigment Print of Original Paper Collage. Dimensions approximately 25x21 inches. Edition of 50.

$100 / Project Yourself onto the Gold Medal Silos with Luke Savisky and 4 friends. Meet Luke. Enjoy a test run of his project. Includes digital file of group photo. Limit 5. Test run photo of 2014 staff pictured above. (Only 1 left!)

$100 / EXTENDED PLAY Spark Pack - Launch Party, Breakfast, + T-shirt.

$500 / SPARK VIP Pack for 2 - All of the following for one dynamic duo: 2015 T-shirt x2 2015 Art Print x1 Launch Party x2 Curated Bus Tour x2 Pancake Breakfast x2 Jump the Line for 2.

$500 Robin Schwartzman (NS Artist, 2012) Original sign art - CNC routed foam with lights and hand-painted text. New art created exclusively for this campaign and inspired by NS 2012. (Only 1 available!)

AND MORE!

We hope you will HELP FUND 5 NEW ARTIST COMMISSIONS by Dec. 31st by contributing at any amount to our Indiegogo campaign. Your support directly contributes to making new artists projects a reality and gives artists an opportunity to dream big and present on a large scale. Help us continue to energize our creative community and vibrant city! Please give today!
 
Northern Lights.mn is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization whose mission is to transform our sense of what’s possible in public space. Northern Spark is one night, but Northern Lights.mn shines throughout the year with projects such as Creative City Challenge for the Minneapolis Convention Center, Art(ists) on the Verge, the Giant Sing-A-Long at the Minnesota State Fair, and permanent, interactive public art for Saint Paul’s Union Depot.

Save the date: Northern Spark 2015 returns on Saturday, June 13th!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

MPRB Winter Park Highlights Brochure Available Online Now - Coming Soon via Mail

From a December 28 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

Looking for some fun-filled activities for you and your family this winter? Check out the newest edition of our park highlights inside the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Community Education catalog, which will arrive in almost 200,000 Minneapolis households between December 29 and January 9!

Our four-page insert is loaded with fun facts and activity ideas that we hope will inspire you to explore the parks and discover all the great events and activities offered at our parks and recreation centers through April 30.

For those residing outside of Minneapolis – or for a sneak peak – you can check out an electronic version of the park highlights brochure online! Copies will also be available at 47 Minneapolis recreation centers and 15 Minneapolis libraries.

On this Christmas Day: Imagine

Playing for Change unites people across continents through music.  Let this video continue running after "Imagine" to enjoy more inspirational songs. 

I don't want to imagine a world without music!

Nominations Sought for Third aWards!

Via a Dec 22 e-newsletter from the office of Council Member Frey:

Join Council Member Frey for his 1st annual State of the Ward Address and Third aWards. Awards will be given for Leader of the Year, Local Business of the Year, Neighborhood Project/Initiative of the Year and Youth Leader of the Year.
 
“The Third aWards is a time to recognize our amazing residents and small business owners that help make the Third Ward a spectacular place,” said Council Member Jacob Frey. 
 
Individuals interested in making a nomination should write a brief description of the accomplishments that deserve recognition. Please submit Third aWards nominations via email, fax (612-673-3940) or by mail to Council Member Jacob Frey, 350 South 5th Street, Room 307, Minneapolis, MN 55415 by Thursday, January 22, 2015. 
 
The State of the Ward and Third aWards will take place Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Nye's Polonaise Room, 112 East Hennepin. Please R.S.V.P early by calling 612-673-2203 or emailing zack.farley@minneapolismn.gov.

Minneapolis #1 in Nation for High Credit Scores According to NerdWallet Number Crunchers

Sara Collins of consumer finance site NerdWallet recently notified me of a new study they completed.  After analyzing data for the nation's largest metro areas to find the highest average credit score, they found that out of 143 places Minneapolis ranked #1 as the most financially responsible place in the country.

Their analysis also produced these findings:

• Of the top ten places with the highest average credit scores, eight are in the Midwest, including four metros in Wisconsin.

• Of the ten places with the lowest average credit scores, eight are in the South.

Click here for the article outlining these findings.  For anyone whose credit is less than stellar, the article also includes tips for improving your credit.

Holiday Lights in the Mill District: Snow or Not, the Show Goes On

This past Saturday night we took a stroll down 2nd Street South and back on West River Parkway.  Hands down, our neighbors at Stonebridge Lofts are the most festive this year, although it's more evident in person than one would gather from pictures.  Runner up: The Stone Arch Lofts.  :)

Click here for the first set of pictures.  There may be a second set if we get out again in the next few days.

Childish Films at the Central Library is a Special Monthly Event for Families

Childish Films is a fun family event happening the 3rd Saturday of the month through April, 2015, at the Central Library.   It's a free program of children’s cinema and arts for all ages.  Each screening features a pre-show activity, an educational introduction, and complimentary healthy snacks. Admission is free with open seating to the public.

Most films are best enjoyed by ages 3 and older, but children and people of all ages are welcome to attend.

The December 20 feature is The Wind in the Willows – Winter Tales.

Warm up with Young Fiddlers Association and enjoy a wintry mix of magical stop motion animated adaptations based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic, The Wind in the Willows.

• Winter Sports, Cosgrove Hall, A&E Entertainment 1985, 20 min At the first real snow of winter, Toad digs out his skis and enthusiastically dreams up a winter sports competition for his fellow river-bankers.
• The Yuletide Entertainment, Cosgrove Hall, A&E Entertainment, 1984, 25 min Badger produces a Christmas variety show in Toad Hall that goes awry when Toad gags on a moustache.

Doors open at 10:00am for seating, snacks, and hands-on activities. Live pre-show performances begin at 10:30am.

Future dates:
January 17 - Adventures in Music
February 21 - Feathers and Fins
March 21 - Comedy Carnival
April 18 - Film Festival Finale with the Bunny Clogs

If you have specific questions about the content of a particular film, please e-mail our curators. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 612.543.8107 for more information.

Thursday, December 18 - Holiday Extravaganza at Primrose Park

Looking for a special something for a special someone (or youself)?  Be sure to check out Primrose Park (20 University Avenue NE, across from Surdyk's) this Thursday night.  :)

Scenes from the December 13 Mill City Farmers Market

Didn't attend the December 13 indoor Mill City Farmers Market?  Well, take a look at what you missed...

Festive vendors and music:

Fresh trees, wreaths, centerpieces and ice globe kits:

Food!

Gifts!

Free gift wrapping:

Last but not least - the goat.  :)

The next indoor Market is Saturday, January 10, 2015, inside the Mill City Museum.

Time for a "Holidays in the Mill District" Photo Shoot

Make sure your holiday lights are all ablaze tonight.  Dave and I are taking advantage of the weekend heat wave to get out for a "Holidays in the Mill District" photo shoot! :)

2015 Minneapolis Park Board Budget Approved

Via a December 12 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

Because of your interest in the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), we want you to know that the MPRB approved its 2015 budget on Wednesday, December 10.
 
The budget focuses on maintaining park services and facilities, strategically addressing financial and operational challenges, improving organizational efficiency and service delivery, and addressing Emerald Ash Borer and other threats to the urban tree canopy.
 
Read the full news release about the approved 2015 budget for full details and information.
 
You can view the Superintendent’s Recommended 2015 Budget online.