Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project - June 9 Update

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Ave. will be reconstructed between 12th Street and Washington Avenue. The City will reconstruct the pavement from building face to building face, including improvements to public and private utility infrastructure, and improved space for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and vehicles.

Latest Project News

The 7th Street intersection is back open to two lanes and all the concrete pavement is complete in the intersection.  All the concrete in the 5th Street intersection was also completed last weekend during the LRT shutdown.

Work has begun in the 6th St intersection.

What's Coming Up

Continued concrete paving work be taking place in the 6th Street intersection.  This intersection will be reduced to one lane of traffic starting June 20.

The majority of the concrete planters have been completed this week as well as bike lanes.

The 5th Street intersection will re-open for next week.

See update for additional information  Hennepin_Update_Vol95.pdf

Contact Info

For more information on this project contact: 

Project email: hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov

Phone: 612-255-4049

Website: www.hennepindowntown.com 

Storm Over Mississippi River by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

The storm moved in early on the evening of May 30th, first with high winds, then menacing storm clouds and then rain in the distance moving this way. I went out to photograph from the balcony. The first photograph is early in shooting the storm. The clouds look ominous and the rain had not yet appeared in the horizon. The second photograph was taken not long after the first. The clouds are menacing and rain appears in the horizon. Nature changes the landscape rapidly.

See more of my work @ricrosowphotography and Tres Leches Art Gallery.

.

.

June 4th at the Mill City Farmers Market

Our shopping basket from the June 4th Mill City Farmers Market.

Atacama Catering is a family business specializing in South American food. Their empanadas (available both hot to enjoy at the Market and cold to take home) are incredible, and they also sell salsas and bakery items. Atacama is a monthly vendor, and their next date at the MCFM is July 16th.

I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was excited for the first tomatoes of the year!

The U of M College of Design conducted a shopper survey and gathered feedback on how people react to less than perfect looking produce.  

It's always fun to see Chef Beth Jones in the demo booth.

Rhythmically Speaking's The Cohort 2022 runs August 11-13 at the Southern Theater

Rhythmically Speaking (RS) recently announced The Cohort 2022 will run August 11-13 at the Southern Theater.

The Cohort 2022 will feature new works by local dance artists Erinn Liebhard (RS Artistic Director) and Rae Charles (RS Company Member), and remounted works by visitors Kathleen Doherty (Halifax, NS Canada) and Laura Ann Smyth (Los Angeles, CA). Liebhard’s new work An Opening is a musing on the synergy of keeping it together and breaking apart, and Charles’ new piece Learning to Understand uses the metaphor of falling in love to explore how we come to understand ourselves and one another. Visitor Kathleen Doherty is remounting her work BASS-line, which takes inspiration from how prominent basslines within music influence movement choices, rhythmic timing and shapes in the dancers’ bodies, and visitor Laura Ann Smyth is setting her work Character A/Musings, using the jazz idiom to consider the way in which we invent and reinvent ourselves throughout our lifetime.

In addition to these four choreographers, The Cohort 2022 includes a group of ten local dancers who will perform all four pieces on the show. The cast includes company dancers Nieya Amezquita, Rae Charles, Doug Hooker, Sara Karimi, RS Artistic Director Erinn Liebhard, Kelli Miles, Javan Mngrezzo, Jake Nehrbass, Kathleen Pender and Betsy Schaefer-Roob

Since being founded in 2008, Rhythmically Speaking has presented 98 original and remounted works, and engaged 350+ artists and thousands of audience members.

May 2022 State of the Downtown Market from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

4th Street Reconstruction Project Update - June 3

4th Street Reconstruction Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis is reconstructing 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and 4th Ave. S in downtown Minneapolis. The reconstruction will include wider sidewalks, improved crossings, a new bi-directional off-street bike path on the north side of the street, lighting, trees, and planting beds. Construction is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of 2022.

What's Happening Next Week?

Roadway reconstruction continues on 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Fourth St. is currently closed to vehicle traffic between 1st Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access is being maintained between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N.

• Concrete, curb and gutter, and concrete pavement construction will occur on the south side of the roadway between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N.
• Starting next week, crews will begin sidewalk construction work along the south side of the roadway between 1st Ave. and Hennepin Ave. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
• Lane restrictions at the 1st Ave. intersection continues for roadway paving work.
• Crews will be conducting minor concrete repairs between Hennepin Ave. and 4th Ave. S.

*Please note that the construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

What to expect during construction?

• During roadway construction, 4th St. will be closed to through traffic between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access will be maintained from 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N. 
• Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction. Be aware of your surroundings when walking on the sidewalk and biking in the roadway. 
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.

Upcoming Events

4th Street Weekly Stakeholder Meeting

Weekly project newsletters are sent out weekly and virtual stakeholder meetings occur bi-weekly. Join us at the next stakeholder meeting to get project updates, talk with project staff and get your questions/concerns answered.

Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings:

June 17, 9-9:30 a.m.

July 8, 9-9:30 a.m.

Teams Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

Stay connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/fourth-st-n-and-s/  

Provide questions, comments or concerns on the interactive map: https://zan.mysocialpinpoint.com/4thstreetreconstruction

Email the project team: info@4thstmpls.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-412-9774

Pizza Luce alleyway completed and reopened.

Grading for bike trail 1st Avenue N to Hennepin Avenue.

It’s all Downtown! Full Summer of Activities, Classes and Events Planned at Downtown Minneapolis Parks

Water Works during a recent summer event. Photo courtesy of Minneapolis Parks Foundation

Free daily activities, weekly classes, concerts, movies and more happening this summer at The Commons and Water Works

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is hosting a new array of daily activities, weekly classes, music, movies and events happening all summer long at two new Downtown parks, The Commons and Water Works.

The new programming is part of an effort to welcome people back to Downtown after the pandemic and showcase two of the newest attractions in the Minneapolis park system. The Commons is located at 425 Portland Ave. S and Water Works is located at 425 West River Parkway.

Complete details and the full schedule: minneapolisparks.org/downtown.

Musical performace during the 2021 Owamni Falling Water Festival at Water Works

* * * MUSIC * * * 

Hip Hop, Folk, Rock, Bluegrass, Classical and much more! The Downtown Parks summer concert season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. All concerts are offered free of charge.

The Commons: Every Thursday at 5 pm

Water Works: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7 pm

* * * MOVIES * * * 

Enjoy a movie on the big screen under the stars Memorial Day through Labor Day. All movies are offered free of charge and start 15 minutes after sunset. Minneapolis Sunset Calendar

The Commons: Every Wednesday night presented by the Minneapolis Downtown Council.

Water Works: Twin Cities Black Film Festival Screenings on June 10, July 1.

Summer activities at The Commons

* * * FREE DAILY ACIVITIES * * * 

All activities are free and do not require registration. Drop in and enjoy!

The Commons: All activities offered Monday-Friday, 11 am-5 pm

Frisbee Golf

Lawn and Table Games View Game Inventory

Water Works:

Outdoor Exploration Kits: Every day, 9am-9pm

Lock and Dam Tours: Every day, 11am-2pm

Junior Rangers: Every day, 11am-2pm

Lawn and Table Games: Every day, 9am-9pm View Game Inventory

.

Performances at Water Works

The Downtown Parks summer performance series partners with local artists to bring unique offerings to Water Works from Memorial Day to Labor Day. All performances are offered free of charge.

.

- Opera under the Stars: Monday, June 6 and Monday, July 4 at 7 pm

- MacPhail Faculty Concert: Saturday, July 9, 5:30 pm

- MacPhail KidsFest!: Saturday, June 11, 10 am

- Nanilo Sings: Monday, July 11, 7 pm

- Opera on the Lake (at the river): Monday, July 18, 7 pm

- MacPhail Sing Along: Thursday, August 11, 6:30 pm

.

Weekly Classes at Water Works

All classes are free and don’t require registration unless otherwise noted.

Yoga Fika Fridays: Every other Friday*, 7:30-8 am
*Class scheduled May 13, May 27, June 17, June 24, July 8, July 22, Aug. 5, Aug. 19, Sept. 2

Naturalist Discovery Station: Fridays, 11:30 am-12:30 pm

High Intensity Functional Training: Saturdays*, 10-11 am
(No class June 11 or June 18)

Vinyasa Flow Yoga:  Sundays*, 10-11 am
(No class June 19)

Summer Chess in the Park: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm
Session 1: June 8-July 13
Session 2: July 20-August 24

REGISTER HERE 

* * * FOOD * * *

The Commons hosts a rotating fleet of food trucks for lunch every weekday along 5th Avenue S.

Water Works hosts Owamni, an award-winning restaurant serving modern Indigenous cuisine out of the second floor of Water Works Pavilion. Visit the Owamni website for hours and reservations, or try for a patio table, which are available for walk-ins.

Owamni also offers local craft beer from a cart on the Water Works patio.

Pianos on Parade Returns Today, June 1

Pianos on Parade presented by PNC Bank is back!

Pianos painted by local artists and youth organizations will be available for the public to play or attend scheduled performances through June 30. Pianos are available to play 8 am-5 pm daily, and weekly performances take place Thursdays at 12-1 pm.

The program aligns with PNC’s Grow Up Great initiative, which highlights how the arts can enhance early childhood education experiences. PNC worked with the YWCA to design a piano painted by Pre-K kids in the YWCA program. The piano will be located at YWCA Minneapolis on Nicollet.

Pianos on Parade presented by PNC Bank artist collaborations this summer also include FAIR School, Art Buddies, and individual local artists.

Piano locations include: 222 Hennepin, Aloft Minneapolis, AT&T Tower, Basilica of St. Mary, Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis, Capella Tower, City Center, The Commons, The Dayton’s Project, Finnegan’s/Kraus Anderson, First Avenue, The Hennepin, Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza, Hilton Minneapolis, IDS Center, MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis Convention Center, RBC Gateway, The Nordic Plaza, Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel—The Depot, RiverPlace/Wilde Café, Stone Arch Bridge, Twin Cities Pride Festival and YWCA Minneapolis.

Pianos on Parade presented by PNC Bank is produced by the mpls downtown council in partnership with Keys 4/4 Kids. For more information on Pianos on Parade and a full schedule of performances, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/pianos.

MacPhail's Spotlight Series Presents 1,000 Years of Sacred Songs, June 15th at The Basilica of Saint Mary

JUNE 9 UPDATE: MacPhail Center for Music has announced this June 15 Spotlight concert at the Basilica will now be a free community concert.

1,000 Years of Sacred Songs will premiere at the Basilica of Saint Mary, Wednesday, June 15th at 7:30 p.m.

MacPhail Center for Music takes their audience on a journey in time with the next iteration of the Spotlight Series: 1,000 years of Sacred Songs. A collaboration between MacPhail Center for Music and the Basilica of St. Mary, this performance will feature the Basilica’s choir and director Teri Larson. The program showcases an arc of a thousand years from the earliest installments of the Gregorian Chant to contemporary repertoire, also exemplifying the evolution of harmony, melody, rhythm, and counterpoint. With the works of Hildegard von Bingen, Alice Parker, and Jocelyn Hagen, 1,000 years of Sacred Songs uphold the women composers and their works, that against all odds, firmly made their mark on the music world in an otherwise male-dominated field.

The program will be performed by MacPhail teaching artists Andrea Leap, Miryana Moteva and special guest artist Ivory Doublette, another trio of women leaving their mark on the Minnesota music community and the world.

Tickets are available for purchase at macphail.org.

Today We Honor Those Who Selflessly Gave Their Lives

Remembering and honoring all military members who have died while serving in United States armed forces.

Meet American Hazelnut Co, Jabà Noodles and PaChia Blooms - New Vendors at the 2022 Mill City Farmers Market

Our shopping basket from the May 28 Mill City Farmers Market.

American Hazelnut Company, Jabà Noodles and PaChia Blooms made their debut at the May 28 Mill City Farmers Market. Three very welcome additions!

American Hazelnut Company is a collaborative of hazelnut growers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. You'll find hazelnut oil, roasted hazelnuts, flour and seasoned hazelnuts in convenient snack packs. They're next Market date is June 11th.

Jabà Noodles is a Taiwanese street food company. Their cold noodle dishes are composed of authentic Taiwanese noodles (wheat or gluten free) with fresh local julienned veggies and your choice of tofu, chicken or pork, plus other toppings. They also sell jars of chili oil and fried shallots (oh so crispy and sweet!). Jabà Noodles will be back at the Market on July 2nd.

PaChia Blooms offers a variety of beautiful, ethical and minimalistic handmade products including bath bombs, bath salts and candles. Of the many scents offers, we chose Dreamy Sea and Twilight Forest candles with wood wicks. Their next Market date is August 6th.

The Power of Produce program has returned after a 2-year pandemic hiatus. On the final Saturday of each month, kids can receive $2 to shop the market when they sample the veggie of the month.

Happy to see Maazah return to the Market. All three versions are terrific, but I'm addicted to the aioli!

Burning River Farm is back, so fresh arugula is officially back in my diet.

See Fred Golchin of French Nugget Company for all things lavender.

There's no resisting the lush display of flowers and plants from Green Earth Growers!

West River Parkway Closes Between 4th Ave N and Portland on June 1

Parkway updates from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

West River Parkway is scheduled to close between 4th Avenue N and Portland Avenue on Wednesday, June 1 for a project that will bring power to the plaza in front of Water Works for food trucks and other vendors. Trails and the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot will remain open.

REMINDER: West River Parkway is scheduled to close between 4th Avenue N and Portland Avenue from Tuesday, July 5 to Tuesday, July 17 for work related to the reconstruction of the 3rd Avenue Bridge by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. During this closure, the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot will remain open and trails will close during the week and reopen on weekends. Visit Hwy 65/3rd Avenue Bridge Reconstruction website for details on that project.

4th Street Reconstruction Project Update - May 27

4th Street Reconstruction Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis is reconstructing 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and 4th Ave. S in downtown Minneapolis. The reconstruction will include wider sidewalks, improved crossings, a new bi-directional off-street bike path on the north side of the street, lighting, trees, and planting beds. Construction is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of 2022.

What's Happening Next Week?

Roadway reconstruction continues on 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Fourth St. is currently closed to vehicle traffic between 1st Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access is being maintained between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N.

• Crews have completed reconstruction of the north half of the roadway between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N. Local access is now switched to the north side of the roadway as crews complete concrete street paving along the south half of the roadway.
• Construction at the 1st Ave. N intersection continues as crews pave the roadway.
• Crews will be completing roadway and sidewalk construction between 1st Ave. N and Hennepin Ave.

*Please note that the construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

What to expect during construction?

• During roadway construction, 4th St. will be closed to through traffic between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access will be maintained from 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N. 
• Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction. Be aware of your surroundings when walking on the sidewalk and biking in the roadway. 
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.

Upcoming Events

4th Street Weekly Stakeholder Meeting

Weekly project newsletters are sent out weekly and virtual stakeholder meetings occur bi-weekly. Join us at the next stakeholder meeting to get project updates, talk with project staff and get your questions/concerns answered.

Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings:

June 3rd: 9-9:30 a.m.

June 17th: 9-9:30 a.m.

Teams Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

Stay connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/fourth-st-n-and-s/  

Provide questions, comments or concerns on the interactive map: https://zan.mysocialpinpoint.com/4thstreetreconstruction

Email the project team: info@4thstmpls.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-412-9774

Concrete pouring between 1st Avenue N and Hennepin Avenue

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project - May 26 Update

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Ave. will be reconstructed between 12th Street and Washington Avenue. The City will reconstruct the pavement from building face to building face, including improvements to public and private utility infrastructure, and improved space for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and vehicles.

Latest Project News

Concrete Pavement continues to be poured this past week between 5th and 7th Streets.  Additional lanes are being reconstructed in the 7th Street intersection as well.

Lane and partial intersection closures will continue

On Phase II north of 5th St, the planter rail installation has begun. 

What's Coming Up

The last portion of the 7th Street intersection will get poured next week to allow an additional lane of traffic through the intersection. Preparations are being made for the LRT shutdown at 5th St with pavement removals and conduit work in anticipation for the weekend concrete paving work.

Local access to the 5th-6th driveways will change next week with entrance and exit to 6th St.

Single lane traffic will remain at 7th through next week as well.

For more information see attached update. Hennepin_Update_Vol93.pdf

Contact Info

For more information on this project contact: 

Project email: hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov

Phone: 612-255-4049

Website: www.hennepindowntown.com 

Help Plant Vegetation at BF Nelson Park with Friends of the Mississippi, June 9

Plant along the shoreline at BF Nelson Park

Thursday, June 9 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

BF Nelson Park, 434 NE Main Street

.

Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for an evening planting along the shoreline at BF Nelson Park. This park, across the river from Nicollet Island in Minneapolis, offers scenic walkways and views of the Mississippi River.

Last fall, volunteers began removing buckthorn from the shoreline. Now, there are gaps in the woods at this park that are ready to be filled with native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs. Planting native species along the shoreline will not only add diversity to this ecosystem, but stabilize the banks and help prevent erosion. By planting a variety of grasses and flowering plants, you'll help beautify this park and protect its future!

All are welcome and no experience is necessary. All volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace, and all tools, gloves and training will be provided. This event is part of FMR's Above the Falls Stewards program, engaging North and Northeast Minneapolis residents to protect and restore their riverfront parks.

More Information

MacPhail Celebrates the Life and Music of Minnesota Music Legend Peter Ostroushko With a Tribute Concert June 5th

A Tribute to Peter Ostroushko: Mandolin & Guitar Concert

June 5 2:00-3:30pm

Antonello Hall, MacPhail Center for Music

.

Carnegie Hall, MacPhail Center for Music, and the mandolin all have one thing in common: legendary mandolinist, Emmy award winner, composer, and international musician, Peter Ostroushko.

MacPhail Center for Music will celebrate Peter’s life and music with a free tribute concert on June 5th at 2 pm in Antonello Hall. The event is open to the public. All are welcome.

Peter Ostroushko spent more than 40 years as a frequent performer on A Prairie Home Companion and has performed with the Kremlin Chamber Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and was featured on Austin City Limits, Late Night with David Letterman, and even Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. He was a beloved, long-time faculty member at MacPhail. Peter succumbed to heart failure in 2021 and Minnesota’s music community now welcomes the opportunity to pay tribute to this beloved talent.

Multi-instrumentalist Richard Kriehn is now carrying the torch of his beloved mentor and colleague as faculty at MacPhail Center for Music teaching mandolin, guitar, and fiddle. It was Peter’s wish that Richard continues sharing the mandolin, giving way to MacPhail’s new mandolin/fiddle program, started in Peter’s honor. Several of his mandolins are being donated (at Peter’s request) to MacPhail to continue his legacy. The instruments will be used by faculty and students wishing to study mandolin. They will be displayed at the concert.

The concert will feature well-known Peter Ostroushko songs performed by Kriehn and long-time Ostroushko collaborator, Dean Magraw. Tributes will be given by former students, colleagues, and family.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery Announce Julie Snidle: "Artistic Lichens" Opening June 11

 

Artistic Lichens runs June 11 - August 6

Artist Reception: June 11, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Artist Talk and Demonstration: July 7, 7:00 pm

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is pleased to present its next Project Space grantee exhibition: Artistic Lichens, composed of new work by encaustic artist, Julie Snidle. The exhibition opens June 11 with a reception from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, and closes August 6, 2022.

Orange Chocolate ChipSnidle will also give an artist talk and demonstrate her artistic process at 7:00 pm on July 7 during the Northrup King Building’s monthly First Thursday event.

The motivation for the exhibition came to Snidle while she was attending an encaustic conference on Cape Cod. “I’d walk out onto a nearby seawall, which was comprised of gray boulders encrusted with bright, yellow-orange lichens, Xanthoria parientina,” she recalls. “I couldn’t stop looking at them. I knew I had to create a new body of work inspired by those beautiful lichens.

FlameThe Kolman & Reeb Gallery Project Space Grant made it possible for Snidle to paint 51 abstract encaustic artworks of different sizes: “A whole gallery of paintings that celebrates these fascinating organisms,” she says. “Even though I’ve done a lot of research on lichens the paintings are not scientifically accurate. They’re not biological studies. They’re abstracted interpretations.” Encaustic, or beeswax, she adds, “has a wonderful malleability that adds multi-dimensionality to the paintings. The series has allowed me to explore new and unusual methods to achieve the colors, textures, and shapes I’ve appreciated for so long.”

Julie SnidleAnita Sue Kolman, gallery co-owner and partner is pleased that, “Our Project Space Grant initiative has allowed Julie to investigate a whole new array of techniques in the encaustic world that will surely engage our collectors and visitors." Jodi Reeb, gallery co-owner, partner, and curator of the show added, “I’m thrilled we could give Julie the time and support she desired to experiment with encaustic and generate new work through our Project Space Grant Program. As an encaustic artist and sculptor myself, I’m excited to see what she brings into the gallery for everyone to enjoy.” 

Snidle concludes the Project Space Grant has “opened a pathway for me to explore the idea of abstracting nature. I see something every day that catches my eye -  a color combination, a play of light and shadow, an unusual plant. Through this grant, and the making of this work, I’m now comfortable with the idea of abstracting those visual surprises. I hope visitors to the gallery delight in what I’ve achieved.”

LUSH Lounge & Theater Announces Pride Celebrations, June 22-26

LUSH Lounge & Theater is celebrating Pride with a fun week of programming, and tickets are on sale now. PLUSH: A LUSH Pride Experience is a fun-filled week of drag shows, concerts, DJ dance parties and more. PLUSH will run June 22-26 with events happening inside LUSH, outside on the patio, and in the parking lot. 

“Since this is our first Pride as owners, we wanted to create a fun atmosphere where everyone can celebrate and have a good time.”         Jared Lawrence, Co-owner, LUSH Lounge & Theater

While there will be events happening each day during Pride week from June 22-26, an outdoor Pride Party will take place in the parking lot on Saturday, June 25. Headlining the party will be a concert from Billy Gillman and Brooke Eden.

PLUSH Programming Schedule

Wednesday, June 22

   o   Drag Queen Bingo from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

   o   PLUSH & Play Gayme Show Hosted by Jason Matheson from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 23

   o   Erin Schwab & Friends Special Pride Show from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

   o   DJ Dance Party from 9:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Friday, June 24

   o   Pride Kick-off Happy Hour from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.

   o   RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Party from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

   o   DJ in the lounge from 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

   o   Mirage: Drag After Dark in the theater at 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 25

   o   Outdoor Stage

      -  DJ LaKesha 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

      -  Billy Gilman & Brook Eden concert from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

      -  Mirage: Drag After Dark from 8:30 - 10:00 p.m.

   o   LUSH

      -  DJ on the patio from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

      -  DJ Dance Party in the theater from 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Sunday, June 26

   o   Live stream the Twin Cities Pride Parade in the theater

   o   DJ on the patio from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

   o   Drag pop-up performances in the lounge and patio from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

   o   Drag Bingo in the theater from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

PLUSH passes are now available for purchase, including three options:

   · The PLUSH Pass $150: Access to all events during Pride week, plus a limited-edition t-shirt, and preferred reserved seating at events.

   · Weekend Pass $75: Access to all events at LUSH on Saturday and Sunday.

   · Saturday Pass $65: Access to all events at LUSH on Saturday.

To view a full lineup of entertainment and events and to purchase tickets, visit lushmpls.com and follow on social media @lushmpls.

A Boozy Mad Hatter's Tea Party Is Coming To Minneapolis!

The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience

Climb down the rabbit hole to a topsy-turvy cocktail adventure!

Tickets are on now sale for a whimsical pop-up experience coming to Stilheart Distillery & Cocktail Lounge, 124 N 3rd Avenue, Suite 100. The Wonderland tea party experience will open July 20th and run until October 23rd, 2022.

Create your own liquid concoctions under the watchful eye of The Mad Hatter and expect things to get curious and curiouser. Dive through the looking glass and into a fantasy world where you will play croquet with flamingos, paint the roses red and devour 'Eat Me' cookies! Solve riddles and challenges just like Alice and unlock all the ingredients to create your own enchanted teapot cocktails. It's all fun and games until someone steals the Queen of Hearts' tarts!

Explore the magic and join the tea party to end all tea parties! This 90 minute alternate reality experience in Wonderland includes a welcome drink, two bespoke Wonderland cocktails and an 'Eat Me' cookie. $47 per person - Reservations.

The Alice is a production of Hidden Media Network. This event has been a huge hit, selling out Sydney and Melbourne before beginning a US tour and selling out multiple cities including New York, Los Angeles, Denver, San Francisco and Chicago.

Schmickle Pickles and Sol Soils - New Vendors at the 2022 Mill City Farmers Market

As usual, our shopping basket from the May 21 Mill City Farmers Market is packed! New items include ready to bake buttermilk biscuits from Vikings and Goddesses Pie Company, Schmickles pickles, a potted cactus from Sol Soils and smoked country style sausages from Sweet Lou's.

Schmickles! Like so many tasty treats we enjoy today, this product came to be when friends told Nick and Felecia Schmidt their homemade pickles were so good they should be selling them. Those encouraging buddies even helped the Schmidts come up with a company name, which is a combination of their last name and pickles. Schmickles are produced in small batches using ingredients from local farmers markets.

Travis Thein and John Porter of Sol Soils offer a variety of high-quality soils, soil components and soil toppers designed for potted cacti, succulents and houseplants. For those of us who are not inclined to come up with our own creations, they had an array of potted cacti and succulents ready to take home.

I took this little guy home. Sol Soils provides care instructions with your purchase to eliminate any guesswork.