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Community Partners
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MILL CITY FARMERS MARKET
With over 100 local farmers, food makers and artists, MCFM strives to build a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational marketplace.
Maximizing the visitor experience of Minneapolis for the economic benefit of our community, making Minneapolis the destination of choice among travelers.
Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
The Mill City Farmers Market recently published an article by freelance food writer Mecca Bos entitled Therapy out of Abundance at Mhonpaj's Garden. Enjoy this indepth and uplifting article about Mhonpaj Lee and her mother May, and you'll come to really appreciate this valued MCFM vendor (if you don't already!).
Mhonpaj's Garden launched a new product at the September 4 Market - "Rollz2Go" spring rolls - both fresh and fried. Look for the spring roll stand by the train shed (near the side entry to the Mill City Museum where the food demos used to take place pre-pandemic).
You can follow Mhonpaj's Garden on Facebook and learn more on their website.
Via a September 14 Press Release from Hennepin County:
On Tuesday, Hennepin County Administrator David Hough proposed a 2022 budget of $2.4 billion to the Hennepin County Board. The proposed net property tax levy is $899.6 million – an increase of 3.5% after holding the budget flat for 2021.
The operating portion of this budget totals $2.1 billion, an increase of $6.5 million dollars from the adjusted 2021 budget. The capital portion totals $333 million, which is $142 million more than the 2021 approved capital budget of $191 million.
Property tax covers approximately 36% of the overall county budget. Federal and state sources, fees and services, and other revenues fund the remainder of the budget.
“We must be responsible with property tax increases for 2022 given the challenges faced by our residents and businesses,” said Hennepin County Administrator David Hough. “While the county’s residential real estate market remains strong, the commercial and industrial market continues to be challenged by the impacts of COVID-19.”
Hough’s proposed budget focuses on pandemic response, pandemic recovery, disparity reduction, climate action and the organization’s future. It includes strategies like minimizing requests for new positions, introducing additional strategies and activities to reduce disparities and supporting the county’s Climate Action Plan.
“Community need has never been clearer than during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Hough. “Intentionally using federal pandemic funds to support the work in disparity reduction domains is critical to ensure that we are not allowing COVID to continue to widen the gap between white residents and residents of color.”
This budget leverages unprecedented funding from the federal government by way of CARES and the American Rescue Plan and balances a number of additional challenges, including:
Uncertainty about federal and state government funding levels
Flat to declining property tax revenues
Declines in other expected revenues
Transformational change in how Hennepin County does business
A rapidly changing environment that may require different services and service levels
“Responding to crises is what we do,” said Hough. “The county’s pandemic response has been a catalyst for change and innovation. Since the onset of the pandemic, our focus has been on maintaining critical services and supporting those most in need. Our innovations were possible because of county board support over the years and our commitment to growing and supporting operational infrastructure.”
Capital budget
One of the key factors in the budget increase is the proposed 2022 capital budget. The capital budget is where the county’s long-term assets are financed – including roads, bridges, transit and other key infrastructure. Some key items in the capital budget include:
$72 million in investment toward road, bridge, light rail and trail infrastructure
$52 million for environment and energy infrastructure, including an anaerobic digester
$42 million in investment for law, safety and justice facilities and infrastructure
$95 million toward facilities supporting the Health and Human Services lines of business including a parking ramp expansion for Hennepin Healthcare (Hennepin County Medical Center)
$72 million toward other county operations
Budget hearing schedule
The Hennepin County Board will set its maximum tax levy at its September 21 meeting, which will be followed by a series of budget hearings before a final budget is adopted in December. View the schedule of public meetings at hennepin.us/boardmeetings.
Property values
Property tax valuations impact the property tax portion of the budget. The Hennepin County Assessor's Office assesses your property and estimates the value it would likely sell for on the open market, which is one factor used in determining your property tax. Other factors include property tax levies set by the school districts, city, county or special taxing districts that the property is in.
Via a September 13 e-announcement from Gamut Gallery
Balancing Act / Oct 22 - Nov 20
A solo exhibition by Barret Lee exploring distinctions of chaos and harmony in the world around us to create balance amidst our reality.
Balancing Act showcases an unreleased body of work from Minneapolis painter, Barret Lee, encompassing the characters he has been illustrating since childhood and subject matters he has expanded upon since graduating from MCAD in 2016. Drawing from his biggest inspirations: surrealism, graffiti and cartoons, Lee utilizes a combination of acrylics, spray paint and occasional collage, expressing a whimsical theme throughout his work, personifying fantastical worlds that encourage the viewer to escape from the chaos of reality.
Barret sees painting as a form of communicating unrestrained thoughts and softening the discord of everyday experience. His unique approach to surrealism stimulates the audience's imagination and emotions. Naturally, this exhibition reveals that when we maximize our creative capacity, chaos and balance do not merely coexist but can actually live in harmony with one another.
“Those three worlds I look to mold into one of modern escapism. I create fantastical characters and floating landscapes in search of a utopian outlook on life,” says Barret. Like many of his previous bodies of work, Balancing Act features constructs of paradisal wonderlands, however this solo exhibition focuses on satirizing the state of the world and how it affects our mental wellbeing and existence. His use of poppy, saturated colors will draw viewers in as they are given an opportunity to explore the macro- and microcosms that Lee has unleashed from his mind.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Barret Lee is a Minnesota based fine artist and illustrator with a BA in drawing and painting from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) in 2016. Barret is a multidisciplinary artist who works in a range of mediums. He paints a wide variety of subjects, including wide-eyed characters, playful landscapes, and pop culture.
Since graduating, Barret has participated in countless art fairs and exhibitions around the Midwest, and has been featured at Gamut Gallery since 2017. Barret has permanent collections on view at Rafter Lofts Minneapolis, Saluté Dental in Woodbury Minnesota, and Arete Lacrosse at the TCF performance center in Eagan. He currently works as a freelance fine artist and you may find him at his studio #385 in the historic Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis.
MEMBERS ONLY PREVIEW NIGHT: Thursday, October 21 / 6-8pm
$7, FREE for members • Michaelton, formerly known as DJ BAARD • Pre-sales available and recommended
ARTIST TALK: Wednesday, November 4 / 7pm
Moderated by Russ White of MPLSART $5 pre-sales, $7door, FREE for members • Pre-sales available and recommended • Entry will be available at the door if pre-sales do not sell out • Masks required indoors
ANNUAL MEMBERS GALA: Saturday, November 13 / 7 - 11pm
Our Black Tie event is returning after a year long hiatus. This special evening is in celebration of our Gamut Gallery Membership Community. The evening will be filled with libations, dancing, art & live music. • Floral Backdrop by Pansy Floral • Photography by Caleb Timmerman • Music TBA • Admittance with Gallery Membership, become a Member today!
Discover a nature topic through exploration outside - build up nature identification skills as a naturalist teaches you the basics. Practice your wilderness skills during our Wild Nature Challenge program!
Explore park paths with a naturalist guide in search of nature’s treasures! Use tools like binoculars and magnifying glasses to get a closer look at what’s hidden outside. *This is a therapeutic recreation designed program
Party animals welcome to the animal costume party! It may not be so spooky, but you can disguise your identity in natural style by making a nature mask to bring home.
Let nature be your classroom with experiential learning! Second Thursdays each month 1-3pm for ages 5-15 October: Soil Significance November: Winged Wonders
Spend an evening at your neighborhood nature center! Enjoy a bonfire, nature inspired arts & crafts, guided nature walk, snack kits, and safe socializing. *This is a therapeutic recreation designed program.
Get outside for a night of fun and games in the park! Explore a nature topic, play games in the woods and hang out around the campfire in nature’s backyard.
Every other Sunday 11:30am-12:30pm Discover seasonal themes, cultivate curiosity, and encourage exploration while we look at some of our favorite nature topics!
Enjoy an active literary adventure while discovering nature themes during interactive nature exploration activities in the park. Wednesday Sept. 15 - Oct. 13 from 9:30-10:30
MEA is just around the corner... Get kids ages 6-12 into outdoor adventure programs to explore, play, and use their imaginations in nature from 8am-4pm on no school days!
If you like the creepy, the crawly and the slimy, then join us for some gross, spooky fun. We'll explore outdoors, play games and make art. Nature is full of freaky things that will make your skin crawl, if you dare to find them!
Follow tracks, scat and other wild signs. Use tools such as binoculars and magnifying glasses to learn how to become the ultimate nature sleuth! Test your skills off trail and solve creature sign investigations while taking a closer look at wildlife in the park.
Examine the survival needs of living things and the ways animals and plants are designed to live in the specific environments. Explore natural building materials and get creative with nature engineering to design and build a protective shelter. Practice fire building and cook a treat over the campfire.
Explore the parks in fresh ways with free supplies and materials for a range of self-guided activities: nature discovery trails, orienteering, fort building, outdoor art, and nature observing skills such as bird watching or animal tracking.
The critically-acclaimed film noir fairytale returns after a 19-month hiatus in a newly expanded version.
Open Eye announces the return of THE RED SHOES, an expanded remount of the wildly-popular 2017 production that was abruptly put on pause after one preview performance in March 2020. Conceived, designed, and directed by Joel Sass, and featuring an extraordinary tour-de-force performance by Kimberly Richardson, THE RED SHOES takes its title from a classic Hans Christian Anderson story of a young girl and a pair of red shoes, and thrillingly re-imagines it as a retro-urban fairytale. This revised version further explores elements of detective fiction, multiple personality, and psychological mystery. THE RED SHOES runs October 14 - 31 at Open Eye Theatre. Tickets are available at openeyetheatre.org.
“Kimberly and I are incredibly excited to revisit this material and invite new audiences to experience this live-action film-noir adventure!” — Joel Sass, Open Eye’s Producing Artistic Director
Joel Sass created and directed his inventive and visually rich THE BELDENVILLE TROLL in 2019, a companion production to THE RED SHOES. With both THE RED SHOES and BELDENVILLE TROLL, Sass employed a visually- and aurally-focused method of story development, focusing on conceiving characters, physical and sound environments, and myths as opposed to writing a standard script.
THE RED SHOES features performer Kimberly Richardson, a McKnight Theatre Artist Fellow who has been seen at Open Eye in TO THE MOON, THE CLUMSY MAN, and MY LIFE AS A FAIRYTALE. The creative team also includes performers Lizz Windnagel, Kalen rainbow Kier, and Noah Sommers Haas, with designers Sean Healey (sound), Bill Healey (lighting), and Morgan Lee Potter (costumes).
ABOUT THE STORY
Somewhere in the heart of the Big City, our heroine is hiding in a tiny apartment, fearful of venturing out, or of letting anyone (or anything) in. But she’s not alone. A pair of haunted red shoes is delivered to her doorstep, and they propel her into a harrowing film noir adventure through the labyrinths and spiral staircases of her own mind, where she must face down her fears of what lurks in the subway tunnel, and discover what fate has in store for her up on the rooftop!
Equally humorous and hair-raising, THE RED SHOES draws inspiration and influences from vintage detective novels, black and white film noir movies of the 1930s and ’40s, and case studies of amnesia and multiple personality. The inventive use of manipulated objects, dolls, and masks provide a dream-like quality to the unfolding adventure.
REVIEWS FROM THE 2017 PRODUCTION
"Richardson has a ball, posing like Dietrich, clowning like Chaplin and dancing like Shearer herself." — Graydon Royce, Star Tribune
"The Red Shoes is something so curious and unique, odd and chilling, inventive and charming, it's thoroughly captivating from start to finish." — Jill Schafer, Cherry and Spoon
"Probably the best adjective to describe 'The Red Shoes' is 'intricate.' It’s a pleasing puzzlement with lots of moving parts, a story that constantly morphs in scale and a staging that keeps you guessing." — Dominic Papatola, Pioneer Press
"The dark, quirky fun of this play is akin to the fun of playing with mechanical toys instead of digital/virtual ones. So visceral!" — Janet Preus, How Was the Show
Producing Artistic Director Joel Sass officially took over the leadership helm at Open Eye in 2020 after Founder and Executive Director Susan Haas announced her departure from the organization. Since then he has successfully led Open Eye through the pandemic, commissioning and directing LOG JAM! A Paul Bunyan Musical Spectacular on the roof of the Bakken Museum, and creating unique opportunities for audiences to engage with artists through outdoor spectacles, virtual performances, global online puppetry workshops, and a wildly successful Driveway Tour this year. In addition to creating new and exciting productions, his leadership focuses on supporting artists, fostering connections with community, and expanding the circle of those who call Open Eye a creative home.
About Open Eye Theatre
Open Eye Theatre is nationally recognized as a vibrant home for artists who create imaginative and profound experiences that open eyes, hearts, and minds through the power of amazing stories and unforgettable performances. Experience a thrilling array of original theatre, inventive puppetry, live music, and world-class storytelling from local, national, and international artists year-round in our cozy 90-seat theater in South Minneapolis, or find us in neighborhoods throughout the Twin Cities with our summer Driveway Tour!
Tickets $26 — General Admission $24 — Seniors $18 — Students
A limited number of $10 Economic Accessibility tickets are available online for all performances. If not sold out, a limited number of pay-as-able tickets will be available at the door. Tickets available at openeyetheatre.org.
Accessibility - Contact Open Eye at boxoffice@openeyetheatre.org or 612-874-6338 for accessibility information and requests.
Location and Parking Open Eye Figure Theatre 506 East 24th St., Minneapolis, MN 55404 612-874-6338 Open Eye is located 2 blocks south of Franklin Ave between Portland Ave and 35W. Park for free in the Lutheran Social Services lot at 24th and Portland.
COVID-19 Policy For the safety and peace of mind of our audience members, artists, and staff, Open Eye Theatre is requiring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for anyone entering the theatre. For anyone unable to be vaccinated, we will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the performance. As an added precaution, all audience members and staff are required to wear a face mask in the theatre. If you forget your mask, we will have a limited number of masks available. All artists are fully vaccinated and will perform unmasked with a minimum of 10 feet between artists and audience. We greatly appreciate your compliance with this policy and thank you for helping to ensure that the show will go on!
Minnesota’s premier trauma, wellness, and safety net health system seeking community input
Hennepin Healthcare is conducting a community engagement and planning process that will lead to a bold new strategy for a more just and equitable healthcare experience in Hennepin County and beyond.
“We are inviting our community of patients, team members, and neighbors to help us create the future of Hennepin Healthcare,” said CEO Jennifer DeCubellis. “Health care is at a crossroads right now and Hennepin Healthcare faces decisions about its physical facilities that can no longer be deferred. We’ve been here for more than 130 years and now is the right time for our community to help us reimagine how we can provide care to improve outcomes and address inequities, and provide better value, access, and community benefit for the next 100 years.”
Community wisdom means that the lived experiences of patients, team members, families, neighbors, and community-at-large will inform how Hennepin Healthcare continues to care for people in the ways they need and want to seek and receive care.
“It is important for us to partner on developing health care services and facilities that are not only ‘for us’ but also ‘by us’. Working together will get us to the goal of eliminating health inequities in our community,” said Chief Health Equity Officer Nneka Sederstrom, PhD, MPH, MA, FCCP, FCCM.
To bring the voices of the community into the planning process, patients, team members, neighbors, and the broader community have been participating in interviews, visioning sessions, creative conversations, community pop ups and a survey.
A virtual community forum is scheduled for Sept. 16, from 11:30 – 1 PM. This event is open to all - register here.
The healthcare system is actively listening to the voices of the community to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive and responsive plan. Partners with deep local trust and Minnesota roots are working alongside the system to build the vision for the future. Imagine Deliver, a highly respected local design firm, is working with Hennepin Healthcare on the community engagement phase and the results will inform development of a business strategy and an integrated vision of how the system’s presence will be a transformative anchoring point for health equity in our community.
To learn more and stay informed, visit the Our Future website at www.hennepinhealthcare.org/ourfuture/
About Hennepin Healthcare
Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County. The comprehensive healthcare system includes the hospital and outpatient Clinic & Specialty Center downtown and a network of clinics in several Minneapolis neighborhoods and the suburban communities of Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and St. Anthony Village. The system includes the Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute and Hennepin Healthcare Foundation. It is operated by Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc., a subsidiary corporation of Hennepin County.
Explore Minnesota and Minnesota State Parks and Trails start weekly foliage reports today
To mark the arrival of autumn, Explore Minnesota, the state's tourism office, and Minnesota State Parks and Trails will begin their weekly fall color reporting starting today. From scenic drives to hiking and biking trails, apple orchards, seasonal festivals, flavors and more, Explore Minnesota and Minnesota State Parks and Trails offer weekly color reports and trip-planning tips to encourage travelers to get outside and enjoy the state this season.
Minnesota's fall foliage season typically progresses from north to south from mid-September through mid-October, but according to Minnesota State Parks and Trails, 2021 color activity and peak timeframes are more unpredictable this year due to statewide drought conditions.
To subscribe to weekly email updates on fall color, including the state's popular fall color finder, visit exploreminnesota.com/fallcolor (888-VISITMN) or mndnr.gov/fallcolor (888-646-6367). The season is short and sweet, and Explore Minnesota is sharing some ideas to make the most of it this year.
Take a Road Trip From Lake of the Woods to the bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley, Minnesota makes a great road trip destination. The state's scenic drives meander through diverse landscapes: the lake-splashed north woods, grand bluffs towering above winding rivers, ribbons of prairie, and many parks and trails along the way. Take a road trip on one of the state's rainbow routes. Road trippers can play car bingo along the way by downloading a free card at exploreminnesota.com/bingo.
Explore the Trails Explore Minnesota's Hike MN initiative encourages residents and travelers to be active by trying a new hiking route. Each year, Hike MN highlights 10 of the state's lesser-known trails with varied terrain, lengths, and includes a sweepstakes. Enter by Oct. 26 for a chance to win Minnesota getaways and gift cards for Minnesota State Parks and Trails, Mall of America and Scheels.
Minnesota has one of the nation's greatest state park and trail systems, including 75 state parks and recreation areas, and is home to Voyageurs National Park. Minnesota also is considered one of the country's top states for biking, with 4,000 miles of trails. Some of the longest paved trails include the Root River, Central Lakes, Lake Wobegon, Heartland, Paul Bunyan and Mesabi. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area offers an abundance of award-winning urban parks, trails and lakes, too.
Find a Fall Festival Pumpkin weigh-offs, scarecrow contests, craft fairs, hayrides and fall flavors are some of the many ways Minnesota celebrates harvest season. Explore Minnesota's event database highlights hundreds of seasonal festivities this fall.
Savor Fall Flavors Minnesota's fall harvest promises delicious food, but also tasty things to drink. The state's craft beverage scene flourishes, and fall is the perfect time to sample the flavors. Breweries create special Oktoberfest, pumpkin and other seasonal varieties, available in taprooms or growlers to go. Wineries celebrate with grape stomps and tasting events, and distilleries serve up local spirits. Visit the Land of 10,000 Drinks map to plan a "brewcation."
Pumpkin Patches, Orchards and Mazes Minnesota Grown lists around 140 pumpkin patches in every nook and cranny of the state, some of which have rides, corn mazes, and enough activities to fill a whole day. Home to the Honeycrisp, Minnesota is one of the best places to get apples ripe for the picking at orchards throughout the state. And thanks to an extensive, statewide bicycle trail network, it's easy to plan a pedal-powered orchard adventure in Minnesota.
See the State's Spooky Side From kid-friendly to frightening, Halloween celebrations of all types can be found in Minnesota. Anoka, the self-proclaimed Halloween Capital of the World, celebrates the entire month of October. Other options include Valleyscare in Shakopee and the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. Discover Minnesota's mystical side with this statewide guide to haunted happenings.
"Fall color timing may be unpredictable this year, but the season always happens fast, and the main thing is getting out to discover new sights across the state. Hopefully Mother Nature delivers mild weather with pleasant pops of color. From lesser-known hiking and biking trails to beautiful drives, charming towns, family-friendly festivities and weekly reports, Explore Minnesota has endless trip-planning resources," said Explore Minnesota interim tourism director, Leann Kispert.
Know Before You Go Many scenic routes, parks and trails across the state are popular in the fall, and travelers should consider midweek trips and lesser-known options to avoid crowds. Due to the current COVID-19 and Delta variant situation, check official event or attraction websites for potential alterations. Prior to making travel plans, visit Explore Minnesota's COVID-19 Information page.
Burning restrictions across central and northern Minnesota continue to cover several counties. Travelers should be aware of local restrictions by visiting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wildfire information hub for details.
"It continues to be an unusual time for Minnesota's tourism industry, and businesses across the state appreciate visitor support and patience," added Kispert.
Share the Season on Social Tag fall photos and tune into social media to get real-time inspiration using Explore Minnesota's popular statewide travel hashtag #OnlyinMN and Minnesota State Parks and Trails' hashtag #JustAddNature.
Bring family and friends to this FREE OUTDOOR-ONLY event! Explore, discover and celebrate Ukrainian culture and its unique traditions in the Twin Cities. Be entertained, enjoy delicious homemade Ukrainian food like varenyky, holubtsi and borsch, and simply have fun!
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New this year - VYSHYVANKA FASHION SHOW! Vyshyvanka is a traditional embroidered Ukrainian shirt worn by all family members - from kids to elders.
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Enjoy a demonstration of PYSANKY (hand painted Ukrainian eggs).
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Waltz and polka with the UKRAINIAN VILLAGE BAND, a Ukrainian roots band playing folk and modern music. One can always find people dancing wherever they play.
Parking will be available on the street. You can also park at the St. Anthony Falls Ramp at 201 2nd Street SE - it's just a 5 minute walk from the Ukrainian Community Center.
Please note - most vendors are unable to accept credit cards.
MSP Film Society is thrilled to announce the 9th Annual CINE LATINO Film Festival returns October 8 – 14, 2021 to present another exciting selection of films from the world’s most acclaimed and up-and-coming filmmakers from U.S. LatinX, Latin American, and Iberian communities and regions. CINE LATINO proudly spotlights this vast cultural, linguistic, social, and historical wealth in the following festival sections: Bright New Voices, Cinema with a Conscience, We the People, The Art of Living, Masters, Women & Film, and Cine en Familia.
“Per the mission of the MSP Film Society to unite, inform and transform through the art and power of cinema, the theme of this year’s hybrid CINE LATINO is CINE JUNTOS = CINE LATINO!” said Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of MSP Film Society. “Which is to say, CINE LATINO is about coming together - whether in person or from the comfort of home - through film.”
The 9th edition of CINE LATINO will present 20+ award-winning narrative and documentary films hybrid festival to MSP Film Society Members and our greater community of global cinephiles, with exuberant in-person events and screenings, engaging filmmaker conversations, and we will also continue to present Cine Latino at Home/en Casa via our virtual cinema platform to the growing Spanish-speaking populations throughout Minnesota.
This year’s CINE LATINO will also highlight and honor the African impact on and contributions to Latin American and Ibero history, communities, and cultures through a special focus on Afro-Latino films.
“Between 1525 and 1866, approximately 12.5 million Africans were brought to the Americas against their will as slaves. Besides providing the labor that built nations, this population and their descendants have contributed to the artistic and social wealth of the continent and have shaped the cultural heritage both past and present,” said Hebe Tabachnik, Artistic Director of CINE LATINO. “Recent films from all over the region are richly portraying the history, the struggles, and the lives of Black Latino Americans through fresh and powerful cinematic voices. The 9th Annual CINE LATINO pays tribute to this cultural legacy by presenting a collection of films that provide fresh perspectives and reclaim lost or forgotten histories as well as present strong counter-narratives that question, and build upon, older forms of representation.”
Some of the films that will be included in the 9th Annual CINE LATINO’s Afro-Latino program include:
An introvert geek and fan of the Black Panther Movement – is on a mission to promote changes in his school and neighborhood. But during a classroom quarrel, Saulo reacts to a racial insult from a classmate and is expelled. Outraged, he refuses to leave the school until justice is done. His solitary occupation ends up challenging the school’s board & mobilizes the entire community. The students did not anticipate, however, the director’s extreme reaction.
Leo Brouwer, the outstanding Cuban and world-renowned composer, opens the doors to his creative space allowing the viewer to explore his daily life and work. A die-hard iconoclast, he defies us to question art, Cuba, and even the purpose of this documentary, in a way that is quintessential to his private & artistic persona after eight decades of existence. OFFICIAL TRAILER
In Brazil’s near future, two roommates become unwitting symbols of resistance when a voluntary ‘back-to-Africa’ program for ‘high melanin’ citizens quickly becomes a violent round-up of all Black citizens in this powerful debut feature from writer/director Lazaro Ramos.
Liborio disappears in a hurricane. One day he returns speaking as a prophet, curing the sick and congregates many followers deep in the mountains. The local powers confront him only to see him vanish, until he decides to confront his deepest fears and battles the invading US Marines.
Oneida was still a child when she learned the Afro-Colombian tradition of singing “alabados” to accompany the dead on their journey to purgatory. With one leg devoured by a snake, and a war without truce, she became the composer of new songs and made her wounds a source of inspiration. Today, Oneida’s compositions unite to the voice of millions in the reconciliation process of a country with one of the longest wars in history.
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The complete line-up of films and special events for the 9th CINE LATINO Film Festival will be announced September 15, 2021. All-Access passes to CINE LATINO are on sale now at MSPfilm.org/cine-latino/ and cost $60 for MSP Film Society Members, $100 for General Public.
Tickets to Individual CINE LATINO Screenings will go on sale September 23 and will cost $5 for MSP Film Society Members, $10 for General Public, and $5 for Community Partners.
CINE LATINO is an annual event presented by the MSP Film Society, Minnesota’s leading non-profit exhibitor of international independent cinema. MSP Film Society is a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering a knowledgeable and vibrant appreciation of the art of film and its power to inform and transform individuals and communities.
Experience unique, interactive entertainment with Out of the Box Opera! They will be performing three shows per night - 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm - on both September 10 and 11. Performances take place in and around Umbra, and Canopy Minneapolis' lounge and lobby.
The Great River Coalition, along with CenterPoint Energy and Great River Greening, are converting an acre of turf grass to pollinator plants located on West River Parkway along the Minneapolis riverfront (by the CenterPoint building, across the Parkway from the Red Cross). This is an acre of land that currently provides little nourishment for our pollinators. We will be planting on September 23 from 7:45am to 12:00pm.
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All tools, gloves, PLANTS, pastries, coffee, water, lunch and snacks will be provided. Photo opportunities as well!
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Please invite your friends and family to volunteer and participate in helping pollinators along our Minneapolis Riverfront. Please encourage folks to join us in helping our pollinators along our great river and restore the land our Native Americans valued as they lived along the shores.
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Volunteers send an email to: diane@greatrivercoalition.com by September 14. Social distancing will be practiced at the event. Join us!
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Sincerely,
Diane Hofstede, President
Phyllis Kahn, Vice President
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Great River Coalition Mission Statement: Advocates for preserving, protecting and promoting the historic, commercial and environmental significance of the Mississippi River, the City of Minneapolis and its relationship to the people and their communities.
DECADANCE is a new fundraiser from The Cowles Center celebrating its 10th anniversary. The two-hour benefit provides attendees with a decadence of specialty desserts, bold performances from local dance companies, and attendees will be first to hear a special announcement outlining an exciting initiative for the center to further support local dance talent. In-person and virtual tickets are available. The event takes place in-person at The Cowles Center or virtually on Friday, October 1 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Tickets range from $25 - $100, early bird ticket prices (a savings of $25 per ticket) are now available through September 8. Learn more: thecowlescenter.org/decadance.
“This will be a great celebration, and our fundraising goal for DECADANCE is $75,000, which will expand our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility initiatives,” shares Mary Meyers, Individual Gift Manager at The Cowles Center. “We’re rising up to meet what our community asks of us and confronting the realities of our nonprofit budget; the money raised through our Fund-A-Need will open up doors for the Cowles to deepen our DEIA & community outreach.”
Duniya Drum & Dance Company, courtesy the company
Thanks to event sponsorship from The Copper Hen Cakery & Kitchen, in-person attendees will receive a custom Cowles box of desserts to enjoy throughout the event. The event program is expected to run 60 minutes. Duniya Drum & Dance Company and Rhythmically Speaking will perform on the Cowles’ Goodale Stage; their performances will be followed by a Fund-A-Need and special announcement from Cowles’ leadership.
Cowles Co-director Jessi Fett teases that, “If you’re ingrained or even interested in Minnesota’s dance community, we think that you’ll be delighted & surprised at what we are excited to announce during DECADANCE.”
Rhythmically Speaking, courtesy Bill Cameron
Virtual attendees will be provided a livestream of the performance, Fund-A-Need, and announcement program.
The event concludes at 7:00 PM, but attendees are invited to enjoy dinner at the Cowles’ 6th Street neighbor, Gluek’s Restaurant & Bar. As the official DECADANCE Restaurant Partner, Gluek’s will donate 10% of all attendee’s dinner sales to the center.
Attendees are also invited to extend their stay in Downtown Minneapolis with an evening at Minneapolis Marriott City Center, which is providing attendees with a special rate of $144 (plus tax) for a room the night of the event. More details for partaking in that rate are available at thecowlescenter.org/decadance.
After a difficult year, The Cowles Center is so proud to partner with these Minneapolis businesses and Minnesota dance ensembles to host a diverse group of arts supporters for the in-person, on-site components of our benefit.
In-person attendees will need to be masked and show proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 36 hours of the event to be admitted into our theater.
Through performances, classes, workshops, and residencies, Duniya Drum & Dance Company (Duniya) prides itself on making West African rhythm and dance accessible for everyone, no matter their age or ability. The company’s roster of artists is deeply knowledgeable of West African movement artforms, and many are known internationally for their skills. Whenever Duniya is present, you can expect a high-energy and interactive cultural performance that you will never forget.
Since its founding in 2008, Rhythmically Speaking (RS) has sparked vibrancy and connectedness through performance and education work inspired by jazz and American social dance ideas. Touted by Dance Magazine as ‘revitalizing jazz dance in the Twin Cities area,’ RS is proud to be rooted where there is a rich jazz and American social dance history. RS endeavors to support and nurture enthusiastic idea exchange with other passionate people locally, nationally, and internationally.
HEALTH & SAFETY AT THE COWLES CENTER
Masks are required at all times in The Cowles Center’s hallways, common/shared spaces, and theaters. Anyone attending an event or performance in our theaters (the Goodale Theater & TEK BOX) will need to show proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to entry.
We respectfully ask that anyone who is feeling ill or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to please stay home.
The Cowles Center is a dance and performing arts hub that promotes movement and growth for artists through supportive programs and spaces; engages audiences through dynamic performances; and educates learners of all ages through robust and inclusive education initiatives.
No matter the starting point – from the Headwaters to the Bluffs – All-American stories and vistas await Great River Road travelers along the Mississippi River.
Minnesota’s Great River Road became an All-American Road this year, putting it among the best-of-the-best scenic byways in the nation – a true destination unto itself. Follow the route to find your favorite All-American adventure during Drive the Great River Road Month this September.
The 565-mile Minnesota Great River Road is designated along a variety of state and local roads from the iconic Lake Itasca headwaters to the Iowa border. It provides up-close river experiences in a variety of settings, with All-American treasures always nearby.
Find unique scenic reaches - Lake Itasca, the winding Serpentine River, Headwaters Lakes, Prairie River, St. Anthony Falls, The Gorge, The Big River and Driftless Area.
Take in the history and lore - Rustic Architecture of Itasca State Park, Headwaters Dams, Charles Lindbergh House & Museum, Oliver Kelley Farm, St. Anthony Falls Historic District, Historic Fort Snelling, Dayton’s Bluff/Mounds Park, and River Towns.
And so much more - Plan Your Trip online mapping provides information on over 700 things to see and do, along with digital travel guides.
Find your favorite - The Great River Road offers something for everyone. Need some inspiration? Start with a few examples of All-American Favorites for personal tips on great locations. And share your own favorite!
Minnesota’s Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MN-MRPC) is a statutory Commission, recognized in 1963, whose mission is to...To preserve, promote and enhance the scenic, historic, and recreational resources of the Mississippi River, to foster economic growth in the corridor and to develop the national, scenic, and historic byway known as the Great River Road. The MN-MPRC is part of the larger 10-State National MRPC organized in 1938 to celebrate the Mississippi River by developing the Great River Road Scenic Byway. The 10 states include: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
A new performance stage and seasonal restroom building next to the Stone Arch Bridge is part of the project
Project includes new stage, seasonal restroom building and improvements to park entry, paths, lights, wayfinding, landscaping and stormwater management
Construction tentatively planned for 2022
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The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is nearly complete with design plans for a number of improvements at Upper Father Hennepin Bluff Park. The project includes:
A new performance stage and attached seasonal restroom facility
New park entry plaza spaces
Upgraded lights, path connections, wayfinding signage and trail markings
Please note some of these improvements have been shifted to avoid disturbing historic artifacts revealed by an archeological investigation in June
The design plans are scheduled to be finalized this fall, then bid for construction. If the MPRB receives an acceptable bid, construction of these park improvements would begin in spring 2022.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 7:30am- 9:00am Under the Big Tent at Boom Island Park – 724 Sibley St NE Sunrise on the Mississippi 2021 will bring us back together at Boom Island Park for an in-person celebration, with a virtual-event option.
Virtual Keynote Presentation from Toni L. Griffin Professor in Practice in Urban Design at Harvard Graduate School of Design Founder of urbanAC LLC, Founder and Director of the Just City Lab With additional in-person speakers
Please RSVP by Tuesday, August 31, to let us know if you plan to attend in-person or virtually CMoir@MplsParksFoundation.org
If you plan to join us in-person Please know that we’ve adapted this year’s event to remain safe and welcoming for all who attend. Here are a few ways things might look different this year.
We've added 20 feet to the tent for a little more room to spread out.
Breakfast, coffee, and other drinks will be pre-portioned in compostable packaging.
Seating is flexible and with plenty of space to move chairs, plus standing areas at high top tables, as well as reserved tables and seating for guests who RSVP with a group.
If you plan to join us virtually The Zoom link will be sent to the email you register with prior to the event.
If you are unable to attend Please consider a donation to the Parks Foundation. Your donation helps ensure the parks in our city remain accessible and equitable for everyone.
If you aren’t sure yet, or have additional questions, please contact Christine Moir at CMoir@MplsParksFoundation.org
On August 22nd Modest Mouse returned to Minneapolis to play a show at The Armory. After almost two years of pandemic-driven shutdowns, you can imagine how eager fans were to see live music - the venue swelled up fast.
Isaac BrockWhen the lights lowered there was a roar. The roar grew even louder as front man Isaac Brock and his bandmates took the stage.
Then, it happened. For the initiated and utmost loyal of fans (myself included) they opened with Dramamine. Opening the show with that song set the tone for the rest of the night.
Modest Mouse went deep on their set list grabbing from the best of their albums throughout the night. As the evening came to a close, the highly engaged crowd chanted loud for an encore. As they took the stage the crowd got one of Modest Mouse’s most prolific songs ever, The World at Large. I’m pretty sure everyone got goosebumps.
Submitted by Mary Moos, Resident Southeast Minneapolis
Minneapolis City Charter Amendment
GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE:
EXECUTIVE MAYOR and LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
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WHAT IT’S ABOUT AND WHY YOU SHOULD CARE.
There is a very important city election on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Minneapolis will choose its city officials. This is pretty simple to understand so far. Now for the seemingly confusing part. The ballot will also include three amendments to our City Charter. The City Charter is our constitution. Minneapolis is required by State law to have a City Charter.
One amendment recommends the city adopt a system of rent control.
Another amendment requires the disbanding of the Police Departmentalong with the Police Chief and instead, instituting a new department…the Department of Public Safety. This new department would have police ‘only if necessary.’
I am most interested in this next amendment. And you should be too. The future quality of life in Minneapolis depends on it. The ability of our city to exercise its full potential and take it’s place as one of the great cities in the Upper Midwest. This cannot happen without your support. Officially it is called the Government Structure; Executive Mayor and Legislative Council Amendment. This amendment will be listed first on your ballot.
Yes, it’s a mouthful. It sounds more confusing than it is. In reality it is quite simple.
Our current city government is without a well defined organizational structure. There is no single source of accountability. No one to say the buck stops here. All thirteen Council People and the Mayor are able to give orders to each of the department heads with equal authority. They also have the ability to seek retribution if their orders are not carried out. Having fourteen bosses is at the least confusing and at the worst dysfunctional. As a result there is extraordinary turnover within each department. In the last year the city has lost over eight key positions. Recruiting new experienced and competent people is difficult under the circumstances. We need and deserve the best most experienced city employees available.
I can’t imagine any business operating this way.
Minneapolis must simplify and clarify its government structure. We don’t need to invent this from scratch. And we don’t need band aid solutions. There are effective models for Minneapolis to adopt and easily implement. The Federal and State Governments are perfect examples.
Executive and Legislative Branch.
Under this amendment the Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer and has the authority and accountability to propose the annual budget. The Mayor is accountable to all residents of the city for the day to day operations once the City Council approves the budget.
The Mayor also nominates the designated Department Heads who are responsible for the delivery of basic city services. The City Council must approve the Mayor’s recommendations. This amendment sets a clear path for Minneapolis to reform the police department and transform public safety.
The City Council will be the Legislative Policy making body. It defines the level of city services within city ordinances and the Annual Operating and Capital Budgets. Council members will have the responsibility for advocating and ensuring equity in the delivery of services. They will have oversite to ensure the work is done according to the policies they have set and within the financial parameters via independent audits. The responsibilities of the Mayor and the City Council are clearly stated in this Amendment.
What this means to you, the voter, is that emergencies like the riots of last spring can and will be addressed sooner with speed and compassion and without petty turf arguments.
It means that whatever the outcome of the other amendments, there will be a clear common-sense road map for implementing police reform. Currently there is none. Each department head struggles with serving fourteen bosses.
It means that the much needed police reforms can take place systematically without jeopardizing the safety of any resident. At a time when city-wide homicides are at and all time high, emotional knee-jerk reactions are not appropriate.
Yes, you will still have access to your city council person. That person will still have the responsibility to advocate for their ward. And you will have peace of mind knowing that Minneapolis city government is working equitably for you today and for the long-term future of our city.
FINNOVATION Fellowship Selects Nine for Social Entrepreneurship Program
Diverse applicants and areas of impact ranging from environmental sustainability efforts to support and resources for the Black community attracted to the program, now in its fourth year.
FINNOVATION Institute, the newly established non-profit partner of FINNOVATION Lab, has selected nine early-stage entrepreneurs for the fourth cohort of its Fellowship Program, which aims to support and empower entrepreneurs who have bold ideas for sustainable, positive impact. The nine-month program, running September 2021 through May 2022, will push the fellows to solve social or environmental issues through innovative business models.
Fellows will receive a $50,000 living stipend and $3,000 health care stipend and have access to dedicated workspace and an ecosystem of advisors and mentors. The group will work through a tailored curriculum designed to develop the leadership skills necessary to run a successful social enterprise. In addition to valuable resources and benefits, fellows gain support and critical feedback through working as part of a group with shared values.
“We are excited to support our fourth cohort’s efforts to develop mission-driven businesses with mindful leadership. Their personal and professional progress is important to the work we aim to accomplish through the FINNOVATION Institute,” said Connie Rutledge, CEO of FINNOVATION Institute. “Amidst all of the uncertainty in today’s world, we must remember that our communities are full of innovative ideas that need room to grow.”
The nine fellows were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. A group of community leaders and alumni of the Fellowship Program selected this year’s group. The FINNOVATION Fellowship continues to attract diverse applicants, reflected in the final selected fellows and the social issues their business ideas represent. Within this cohort, the majority of founders identify as women and/or people of color, continuing the program’s support for entrepreneurs with personal experience in the issues they aim to solve.
The selected fellows and their areas of impact include:
Fun Fun Cheng: Providing healthy and culturally nourishing food to the chronically ill in the Asian community.
Charie Gill-Baptist: Reducing disparities for young people aging out of foster care, providing resources for self-development, professional growth, and financial stability.
Hannah Hendrix: Eliminating access barriers to food and the kitchen using consultation and food delivery services that center disabled people and their experiences.
Monica Jones: Increasing awareness and understanding of maternal wellness and mortality in the Black, Indigenous, People of Color community.
Chou Moua: Bringing cultural consciousness into healthcare and social services consulting starting with Adult Foster Care and branching into other service areas.
Ashleyn Przedwiecki: Tackling waste and the environmental footprint of the events industry through a sustainable events academy and creative design agency.
Ayanna Rakhu: Addressing drowning disparities among People of Color, developing a culturally relevant swim curriculum.
Katelyn Retterath Martin: Balancing injustices in cataloging systems, creating a database that forges pathways for equity and inclusion in libraries.
Brittany L. Wright: Reducing maternal mortality and morbidity through a holistic maternal care center.
“This is a promising group of entrepreneurs,” said Jacquie Berglund, FINNOVATION Lab and FINNEGANS Brew Co. Founder. “Starting a business, especially in the social impact space, is incredibly challenging. One of the primary prerequisites is to have passion for creating change, and that is evident within each of the selected fellows.”
This latest cohort brings the FINNOVATION Fellowship Program network to 32 entrepreneurs, expanding the social impact community and increasing positive social change for local communities. Alumni of the program have gone on to create revenue-building businesses, raise capital funding and serve as visible leaders in our entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Fellowship Program is made possible through generous support from the Bush Foundation, known for its commitment to innovation and creative problem solving. Dedicated workspace and business resources are available to fellows in the FINNOVATION Lab space within the FINNEGANS House at 817 5th Ave South, Minneapolis 55404.
More information about the FINNOVATION Institute and the Fellowship Program is available at Finn-Lab.com.
A view of Hall's Island, Plymouth Avenue Bridge and East Bank Trail running through the future Graco Park. Image courtesy of Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.
Review and comment on three concepts created based on feedback received over the summer
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is developing a new park along the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront called Graco Park! This summer MPRB staff collected initial feedback from the community and researched opportunities and constraints at the site, which is located just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge with Mississippi East Bank Trail currently running through it.
Now three distinct design concepts for Graco Park, created based on the initial feedback and research, are available for public comment. Use the link below to view each concept and comment on what you like or don't like about them.
Feedback will be used to generate a refined concept that will incorporate elements from all three designs. The refined concept will be shared in late fall 2021.
Each concept is unique, but all include:
A public multiuse building
Access to the Mississippi East Bank Trail
Improved landscaping and greenspace
Improved stormwater treatment
Improved intersection safety near 8th Avenue NE and Sibley Street NE
Get Involved
The MPRB invites anyone interested in the Graco Park project to give feedback on the three park concepts. There are multiple ways to get involved:
Online Survey: Visit the project engagement page to find images and information about the project and concepts, along with prompts to share your thoughts and opinions. All submitted ideas and comments will be documented and considered as designs for the project are developed. The survey will be open until Sept. 26, 2021.
In-Person Event: Share your thoughts in person at Graco Park on Sunday, Sept. 12, 3-5 pm. Look for the MPRB tent and table!
Virtual Conversation: Join MPRB staff and community members for an online open house on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 4:30-6 pm. Use the Zoom link below to join:
The first round of community engagement occurred June 7-July 7, 2021. During the first round of engagement, MPRB staff met with more than 100 potential park users across several engagements and collected more than 170 comments through an online survey. Engagements included: Neighborhood meetings, Pop-Ups in Graco Park, a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting, a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting, a virtual Public Open House, intercept interviews in the park, and a Youth Engagement Bus Tour with 60+ youth.
Visit the project engagement page for more details on the feedback received during the first phase over the summer.
Down the Road
A third round of engagement will occur this fall with another survey and additional in-person events to share a preferred park and building design concept for feedback. The final concept will have a public hearing before being considered by MPRB Commissioners for final approval. Contract bidding is scheduled spring 2022, with construction anticipated to begin in summer 2022.
Visit the Graco Park and Lot 2 project page and enter your email address into the box under "Subscribe to Email Updates" to stay informed about this project.
Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 3:58AM
