February 17, 2017, Friday - Mentor Series Reading with Sun Yung Shin at The Loft

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Location: The Loft Literary Center, at Open Book (Performance Hall), 1011 Washington Ave

Mentor Series Reading with Sun Yung Shin

The Loft presents a 2016-2017 Loft Mentor Series Reading with mentor Sun Yung Shin and participants Cole Asong Nfonoyim-Hara and Stephanie Chrismon. Sun Yung Shin is the author of poetry collections Unbearable Splendor (forthcoming), Rough, and Savage, and Skirt Full of Black (Asian American Literary Award), all from Coffee House Press. Her new anthology, A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota from Minnesota Historical Society Press, was released in 2016. She is the co-editor of the anthology Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption and is also the author of Cooper’s Lesson, a bilingual Korean/English illustrated book for children. She is a 2014–15 McKnight Foundation fellow for literature and has received grants and fellowships from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Bush Foundation, the Jerome Foundation and elsewhere. Cole Asong Nfonoyim-Hara is a Rochester-based writer and anthropologist. Raised in New York City, she was born in the Dominican Republic with Cameroonian, Afro-Costa Rican and Gujarati parentage. Her work grapples with issues of migration, diasporas, cities, identity, culture and both personal and collective myth-making. She was a 2016 Fellow with the Givens Foundation for African American Literature, and her first short story will be published in Joyland Magazine. Stephanie Chrismon mostly writes urban and dystopian fantasy stories that explore issues of race, sexuality, family karma and social justice. When she's not obsessing about point of view, she is a pop culture junkie with a somewhat healthy obsession with Legos, Marvel Superheroes and the Assassins Creed video game series. $10; members $5.

February, 17, 2017, Friday - The Importance of Being Earnest at the Southern Theater (thru Feb 25)

Time:  Click on show link below for times

Location: Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Avenue South

The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People
 
February 17 - 25

A tale of love, mistaken identity, and muffins (and perhaps some pies)!

The pressure of Victorian high society can be a lot for someone to live up to. Except in Jack Worthing's case, where posing as his own (imaginary) brother Earnest, is his ticket to party like there is no tomorrow. He's even ready to settle down and marry, Gwendylon, the cousin of his best friend Algernon. Gwendolyn couldn't be happier, as she's always wanted to marry a man, as long as he's named Earnest. Things are even further complicated when Jack's (imaginary) brother Earnest shows up at his house. Confused? Don't think about it too hard. Theater plots are notoriously silly, after all.

February 16, 2017, Thursday - Fashion Meets Passion for Planned Parenthood at IMS

Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Location: International Market Square, 275 Market Street

Ready or Hot: Fashion Meets Passion for Planned Parenthood  

The most fashionable and fun event in the Twin Cities is back! Now is the time to join Planned Parenthood as we fight the good fight for reproductive rights and justice.

This year we are so excited to announce that Kat Perkins will be joining us at Ready or Hot as our emcee for the evening. Kat made a name for herself in the entertainment world by competing on Season 6 of NBC's hit show, The Voice and finishing as a semi-finalist. We're thrilled to have Kat stand in solidarity with us and lend her talent to this fabulous evening. Check out her hit single, "Fearless" below!

We hope that you can join Planned Parenthood and Kat for this fantastic evening! Hosted by Grant Whittaker and Allison Kaplan and featuring fabulous fashion from:

 

bluebird boutique | Russell Bourrienne | Brightwater | D.NOLO | Dugo | Grethen House | Hazel & Rose | Joynoelle | Stephanie Lake Jewelry | Mya Lambrecht Jewelry | Local Motion | Luxury Garage Sale | Maple Grove Pearl Vision | Ragstock | Ribnick Luxury Outerwear | Scarborough Fair | Showroom | Gretchen Ventura Jewelry

*Desserts and cash bar available!

February 16, 2017, Thursday - Thursday Morning Artist Series at MacPhail

Time: 9:30am reception, 10:30am concert

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

Thursday Mornings' February 16 performance:

Nathan Potts, tenor - Young Artist Scholarship Competition Winner 2016
Herbert Johnson, piano
Julie Ann Greif, soprano and Sarah Lockwood, piano
Carolyn Britton and Richard Tostenson, two pianos

Upcoming Dates:

Thursday, Mar. 2, 2017

Thursday, Mar. 16, 2017

Thursday, Apr. 6, 2017

Thursday, Apr. 13, 2017 

February 16, 2017, Thursday - East Town Business Partnership Forum at Open Book

Time: 11:30am to 1:00pm

Location: Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue S

The next East Town Business Partnership Forum is scheduled for Thursday, February 16, 2017, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Open Book - 1011 Washington Avenue South.  The title for this month's forum is, “Placemaking, Downtown Improvement District, and Tactical Urbanism.”

“Placemaking, Downtown Improvement District, and Tactical Urbanism.”

“Placemaking” is a term that gets tossed around a lot in urban centers and for good reason! This is the practice of programming public spaces such that they are highly desirable and that people actively seek them out in the rhythms of their day. There is a science and art to placemaking, though and emerging trends continue to inform the discipline.

At this business forum Max Musicant, Principle of The Musicant Group, and Ben Shardlow, Director of Urban Design for the Minneapolis Downtown Council-Downtown Improvement District will discuss best practices and the economic value of activating common areas and public spaces including “Tactical Urbanism,” the art of deploying design solutions for safety concerns.

Featured Speakers:

Max Musicant and the Musicant Group

The Musicant Group is an interdisciplinary placemaking and public space management firm that creates places where people want to be. We partner with community and commercial clients to create from scratch or transform existing underutilized public and common area spaces into active places that people seek-out and use every day.

Ben Shardlow, Director of Urban Design, Minneapolis Downtown Council-Downtown Improvement District

Ben is the staff lead for the MDC 2025 Greening & Public Realm Committee, and an active participant in other committee work relating to public space improvements downtown. He identifies opportunities for 2025 Plan initiatives to be advanced through active public and private investments, and directs special public space improvement projects for MDC/MDID.

Development Spotlight

The Armory Event Center Redevelopment presented by Nancy Aleksuk from Swervo Development.

Agenda
•11:30-Noon         Networking
•12:00-12:15pm   Welcome, Introductions, Membership Update, and Announcements (Paul Mellblom and Dan Collison)
•12:15-12:25pm   Development Spotlight: The Armory Event Center Redevelopment (Nancy Aleksuk)
•12:25-12:55pm   Feature Presentations with Questions and Answer
•12:55-01:00pm   Closing Announcements (Paul Mellblom)

Registration and networking start at 11:30 a.m., with the program starting at Noon.  You must register and pay in advance for this business forum.  The cost to attend this month's business forum is $20.  Please note, no cash payments will be taken on the day of the event.  The registration deadline is Monday, February 13, 2017, at Noon.  Please RSVP via Eventbrite

* If you paid for lunch tickets with your membership, please contact ETBP Executive Coordinator for the coupon code for Eventbrite.

February 15, 2017, Wednesday - New Comic Book Day at Day Block Brewing

Time: 7pm Cocktail Hour | 8:30pm Show | 21+ | No Cover

Location: Day Block Brewing, 1105 Washington Avenue S

New Comic Book Day

Every Wednesday is New Comic Book Day at Day Block Brewing. Come enjoy new comics and some of the best local and regional comedians, presented by hosts Eliot Rahal and Grace Thomas.

February 14, 2017, Tuesday - Dangerous Man/Modist Beer Valentine's Dinner at Drafthorse

Reservations available thru this link.

February 14, 2017, Tuesday - Valentine Burlesque opens at The Lab (5 nights)

Performances: 8pm nightly

Location: The Lab Theater, 700 North 1st Street

Emporium of Frolics and Romps presents: Valentine Burlesque

February 14 – 18

Put some sizzle in your valentine celebration at The Emporium of Frolics & Romps’ Vintage Valentine Spectacular! Hot jazz, glamorous showgirls, classic burlesque and circus delights! Five shows with all-live music featuring the Southside Aces, vocalist Maud Hixson and a cast of dazzling dancers. Whether you're feeling sentimental, jaded or amorous, the love is overflowing at The Emporium. Sweethearts, blind dates, BFFs, sworn enemies and lovelorn singles are welcome!

$35 general admission and $50 VIP. VIP reserved seating includes chocolate treats and a bottle of bubbly.

February 13, 2017, Monday - Atul Gawande Live-Streaming Lecture at St. Anthony Main Theatre

Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Location:  St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 Main Street SE, Screen 3

Atul Gawande: The Value of Community and Choice As We Get Older

Hosted by Mill City Commons

Dr. Atul Gawande, renowned surgeon, public health researcher and bestselling author of Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, will speak on “The Value of Community and Choice as We Grow Older.” Gawande will be speaking in Boston, and his talk will be live-streamed in Minneapolis. The talk is being held in recognition of the 15^th anniversary of the Village Movement and the first village, Beacon Hill Village in Boston. The program will be simulcast nationally to villages across the country. Mill City Commons, Minneapolis’s own village, is hosting the event here, with support from the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul.

The public is invited to attend this free event about the importance of community and the many opportunities inherent in aging. A reception will follow at Pracna on Main, 117 Main St. SE.

Space is limited; advance reservations are required. Register at http://tinyurl.com/Feb13event

February 12, 2017, Sunday - More Than a Single Story: The Body at The Loft

Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm

Location: The Loft Literary Center, at Open Book (Performance Hall), 1011 Washington Ave

More Than a Single Story: The Body

Personal history and the history of our ancestors are stored in the body. Our bodies carry the memory of triumph and trauma. Though many artists live the life of the mind, we cannot access the full truth without accessing the body. Participating in this discussion will be Anh-Hoa Nguyen, Rachmi Diyah Larasati, Naima Petigny, Junauda Petrus, Chris Stark and Alicia Steele. Now, more than ever, as Adichie says, “It is vital to listen to the multiple stories of a person or a place, to truly engage and gain an objective and in-depth understanding of a subject being written about.” $10; members $5.

February 11, 2017, Saturday - Mill City Farmers Market in Mill City Museum

The Mill City Farmers Market boasts the best indoor winter market in town from November to April. Shop from over 40 local farmers, food vendors, and artists from 10:00am to 1:00pm inside the Mill City Museum.

2017 Winter Market Schedule:
February 11
March 4*, 11, & 25
April 8 & 22
*At the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen

February 11, 2017, Saturday - Taste Twin Cities Downtown Minneapolis Skyway Tour

Time: 2:00pm

Location: Begins at LaSalle Plaza (800 LaSalle Plaza), Hennepin Ave between 8th & 9th Street; ends at Metro Building (80 9th Street S)

Taste Twin Cities Food Tours Downtown Minneapolis Skyway Tour

While it's chilly outside, join us as we weave our way through the cozy corners of downtown Minneapolis skyways on a food adventure.  We will stroll through the "Broadway" Theatre District and enjoy VIP service as we visit some of the newest and hottest award winning restaurants downtown has to offer. The tour includes seeing the Minneapolis skyscraper that was modeled after the Washington Monument and visiting the famous Statue of Mary Richards tossing her hat.  Along the way we will also visit quaint eateries that have pride in local ownership; including a favorite since 1932.  You will participate in craft beer sampling and learn the secrets behind the great food you are enjoying.  You'll leave the tour with a tasty experience of some of the best food finds Minneapolis has to offer all while learning history of downtown and soaking in the local culture.

February 11, 2017, Saturday - History Comes Alive: Jackie Robinson at Central Library

Time: 1pm-2pm

Location: Central Library, Children's Library, 300 Nicollet Mall

History Comes Alive: Jackie Robinson

Black history honored here! African American men and women shaped not just Minnesota, but the entire nation. Their history comes alive in this series of interactive dramatic reenactments. Learn the story of Jackie Robinson along with Minnesota's Black 'n Brown players and their many surprising contributions to baseball's rich history. Collaborator: The Minnesota African American Museum and Cultural Center. Funded by Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

February 11, 2017, Saturday - MacPhail Spotlight Series Presents: Schubert, a Love Letter to Music

Time: 8:00pm

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

MacPhail Spotlight Series Presents: Schubert, a Love Letter to Music

Looking for Valentine’s plans? How about attending a Schubertiaden? On February 11, MacPhail Center for Music will pay tribute to Vienna’s most-romantic composer, Franz Schubert.

The Spotlight Series: Schubert, a Love Letter to Music will honor the composer with a presentation of his rarely-performed piece Octet in F Major, D803. Before and after the performance will be a “Schubertiaden affair,” an interactive pre- and post-concert event designed to bring Schubert’s bohemian world back to life.

“Schubert: A Love Letter to Music re-creates the famous Schubertiaden, a gathering of the composer’s friends and artists. Typically, they would play some of Schubert’s latest compositions, listen to poetry, exchange opinions on art and life, and drink a fair amount of wine,” explains Mischa Santora, artistic director, MacPhail Spotlight Series. “Actor Ryan Lear will play the composer, reading excerpts from Schubert’s letters and diaries, and interact with the audience. The music will be heavenly and romantic and the setting light and fun.”

Schubert: A Love Letter to Music will take place on Saturday, February 11 at 8 p.m. in MacPhail Center for Music’s Antonello Hall, 501 South 2^nd Street in Minneapolis. A pre-concert conversation will be held at 7 p.m. with Victoria Vargas, mezzo-soprano and Timothy De Prey, piano.

Tickets are available for $25 for adults, $15 for seniors (ages 55 and older) as well as youth (ages 6 through 18), and can be purchased by phone at 612-767-5250 or by stopping by Student Services at MacPhail locations in Minneapolis, Chanhassen, Apple Valley or White Bear Lake.

The MacPhail Spotlight Series is MacPhail Center for Music’s premier performance event. This four-part concert series explores diverse musical themes performed by MacPhail Center for Music faculty and special guests – showcasing some of the finest musicians in the Twin Cities.

February 11, 2017, Saturday - King Lear opens at Guthrie Theater

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Wurtele Thrust Stage, Guthrie Theater, 818 Second Street South

King Lear by William Shakespeare, directed by Joseph Haj

February 11 -- April 2

For the first time in more than 20 years the Guthrie will stage Shakespeare’s searing masterpiece. After years of ruling Britain in peace, a respected King Lear decides to relinquish his crown and divide his kingdom among his three daughters. But when their love and loyalty falter, so does Lear’s sanity. King Lear is a gripping portrait of fathers, daughters and a once-mighty ruler thwarted by his own hubris and betrayed by a vanishing mind.

February 11, 2017, Saturday - Dinner Detective at Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown

Time: Doors open at 6:00pm

Location: Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown, 1500 Washington Avenue S

Dinner Detective Minneapolis

The Dinner Detective is America’s LARGEST, award-winning interactive comedic murder mystery dinner show! Our high-energy, modern-day whodunit is combined with a full four-course meal.

Our immensely popular murder mystery shows are set in the present day. Unlike other murder mystery dinner shows (or just dinner shows in general), with The Dinner Detective, you and your guests will not find themselves staring at cheesy costumes, there will be no recited campy dialogue and certainly no hokey song and dance. Our performers are dressed just like everyone else, leaving all of the guests to suspect who is a part of the show and who is not! All scripts are based on actual cold cases and are created in house. From the get go, the guests are seated with the performers and most likely will not realize it! Our Detectives enter the room, proceed to interrogate guests, find clues and start the investigation. This allows our guests to socialize with and interrogate each other, while deciphering real life-based clues. At the end of the night, prizes are awarded to the Top Sleuth who solves the crime!

February 10, 2017, Friday - Snowshoeing Under the Full Moon

Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm

Location: North Mississippi Regional Park, Carl Kroening Interpretive Center, 4900 Mississippi Ct.

Snowshoeing Under the Full Moon 

Go for a naturalist-guided snowshoe hike while watching the full moon rise over the Mississippi River. Practice spotting wildlife with only the light of the moon. Learn about lunar cycles, the significance of the February full moon, and if it’s clear we’ll spend time looking through a telescope. $5. Ages 5+. 

February 10, 2017, Friday - Live Music at Aster Cafe

Time: 9:00pm  $10

Location: Aster Cafe, 125 Main Street SE

Tonight: JoyAnn Parker & Annie Mack

A meeting of the Musical Minds. Two Gifted Dynamic Performers and Writers of Original Songs that are Real, Melodic and Edgy. This is a show NOT to be missed.

https://www.facebook.com/AnnieMackBlues/

http://joyannparker.com/home

February 10, 2017, Friday - Alchemy North Loop Community Class

Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm (Freehouse Happy Hour after)

Location: Alchemy North Loop, 246 N 9th Avenue

North Loop Community Class

Downtown Resource Group + Well Adjusted Minneapolis + The Freehouse are partnering up to bring you complimentary community class at Alchemy North Loop.  

This class will be an A10 format. 40-Minutes in length with a yoga warm-up, a 10-Minute high-intensity workout, and a yoga cool down.

All fitness levels welcome and this is sponsored by DRG, Well Adjusted and Freehouse so it's FREE. 

February 10, 2017, Friday - Minnesota Book Artist Award Reception at MCBA

Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Location: Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S

Minnesota Book Artist Award Reception

Sponsored by Lerner Publishing Group, this annual award – presented by the Minnesota Book Awards and Minnesota Center for Book Arts – recognizes a Minnesota book artist or book artist collaborative group for excellence of a new artistic work.

McCarthy’s award-winning piece is a mobile display unit for 22 altered books selected from Little Free Libraries in the Twin Cities. Using various techniques – collage, rebinding, cutting, folding, tearing, gluing – the artist altered the books to create a collection in which throwaway items are reborn as a part of a larger library narrative. Each book includes a small pamphlet with a pin-pointed map and photos of the library structure and sponsoring house. The entire collection is housed in custom-built oak and pine display case with felt-lined drawers.

A retrospective exhibition celebrating McCarthy’s work will be on display January 20 – March 26, 2017 in the Cowles Literary Commons on the second floor of the Open Book building. A reception and artist presentation will take place Friday, February 10 from 5:30 to 7:30pm at MCBA. McCarthy will also receive special recognition and an award at the 29th annual Minnesota Book Awards Celebration on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Saint Paul.