Minneapolis RiverCurrent 2-3-2012
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 8:36AM
*****Events and Activities*****
Mpls Photo Center
Mpls Photo Center, 2400 North Second Street
For information on classes and other events: http://www.mplsphotocenter.com/
Exhibit: Layne Kennedy: Art of the iPhone
Through February 26
It is not uncommon for artists to step out of their medium to dabble in other creative adventures. Doing so profits the mind. New artistic pursuits keep us fresh, allowing room to wander into new creative reaches, thereby cleansing our own, while also confirming the gifted skills and talents of others. This collection of images from Layne Kennedy's Apple iPhone are moments that called out to him, neither forced or waited for. It is a reminder to Kennedy of the spiritual, instinctive nature of photography. No over-thinking, no grabbing the perfect lens, or waiting for the ideal time of day. It's gut photography and the joy of being unburdened using only the most basic of his equipment, an iPhone.
A SIP OF SCIENCE –Rivers, Plate Tectonics and People: Life on the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta
Wednesday, February 8, 5:30 pm
Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main Street, St. Anthony Main
Bangladesh, one of the world’s most densely populated and impoverished nations, occupies an extremely dynamic and hazardous portion of Earth’s surface. The ongoing collision of tectonic plates between India and Asia produces very large earthquakes within and around Bangladesh. Meanwhile, one of the world’s largest river systems, the Ganges-Brahmaputra, constantly changes the landscape through yearly monsoonal floods and channel shifting. Researchers at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory at the University of Minnesota are involved in a project to understand how the tectonic forces interact with these rivers to create the landscape on which 150 million people try to live their lives. Join Andrew Petter, one of the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory scientists, in exploring life on a tectonically-active delta. A SIP OF SCIENCE bridges the gap between science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly. Food, beer and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum that puts science in context through storytelling. The talk takes place during happy hour at the Aster Café. No cover; food and drink are available for purchase. For more information: http://www.nced.umn.edu/content/sip-science-rivers-plate-tectonics-and-people-life-ganges-brahmaputra-delta.
February Valentine Brunch
Sunday, February 12, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Danish American Center, 3030 West River Parkway South
Come and enjoy a brunch of an egg dish, æbleskiver, meat, fruit, bread, juice and coffee. Members $9, non-members $10, children 12 and under $5. No reservations required. Remaining breakfasts for the 2011-2012 season will be on March 18, April 15 and May 14 (Mother’s Day brunch).
Kroening Interpretive Center Programs (Three Rivers Park District)
North Mississippi Regional Park
For information: 763-694-7693; for map and driving instructions: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=430. For programs that require reservations, call 763-559-6700 or register on-line: http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org.
Young Children Activities: My Baby, Me and the Mississippi -- The Things You Love to Hate
Wednesday, February 15, 10 – 11 am
It is never too early to begin exploring the natural world! Increase your knowledge while introducing topics to your child at the same time. Have a fun outing, create a timeless craft and enjoy the company of other parents. See website for full program description. Only the adult pays. Reservations required, by phone only, at least two days prior to program; call 763-559-6700 and reference activity #116903-05. $5. Ages: 0-2.
Free Family Funday: Tales of Scales
Sunday, February 19, 1 – 3 pm, ongoing
They swim, slide and slither, but are they slimy? Meet live animals covered with scales and find out. Drop in; no reservations needed.
Sample of Activities and Classes at The Loft
1011 Washington Avenue South
For information about The Loft’s wide variety of classes and other activities: http://www.loft.org.
Publication Reading: JoAnn Guernsey and Ethna McKiernan
Wednesday, February 15, 7 pm
JoAnn Guernsey has been a writer, teacher and freelance editor for almost 35 years. She began working on Glass Asylum after receiving a McKnight Fellowship. She has written 19 fiction and nonfiction books for young readers (published primarily by Clarion Books and Lerner Publications), as well as several stories in journals and anthologies including one story selected by Susie Bright for The Best American Erotica of 1997. She also collaborated with Jim Brandenburg to write four award-winning books for children chronicling some of his adventures as a wildlife photographer and environmentalist. Glass Asylum is a novel about a troubled woman who attempts to escape reality by becoming a fiction writer and, in a sense, rewriting her life. Ethna McKiernan has been twice awarded a Minnesota State Arts Board grant in poetry, most recently in 2011 for the completion of her newest book, Sky Thick with Fireflies. She has won artist residencies at Annaghmakerrig and at Centrum Port Townsend, Washington. McKiernan’s first book Caravan (Dedalus Press and Midwest Villages & Voices, Minneapolis) was a Minnesota Book Award Nominee. Characterized by Booklist as a poet with “an exacting sense of metaphor,” McKiernan’s second book is The One Who Swears You Can’t Start Over (Salmon Poetry), about which the Corresponder wrote, “McKiernan is a poet’s poet, assuming one believes emotion is the beating heart of literature.” McKiernan ran an Irish book distribution outfit (Irish Books and Media) for almost three decades and has worked the past four years for a nonprofit serving the Minneapolis homeless. She holds an MFA from Warren Wilson Program for Writers. Literary punch card eligible. See www.litpunch.com for more information.
A Wine Affair – Tour de France
Friday, February 17, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
St. Anthony Main Event Center, 219 Main Street SE
The first A Wine Affair of 2012 will take a culinary "Tour de France." Join organizers to celebrate Valentine's with your loved one or come to simply enjoy the sumptuous food prepared by Executive Chef Ben McCallum. This month's dinner features wines from several regions of France. Sample varieties from Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Medoc and Provence while feasting on rich French cuisine. Executive Chef Benjamin McCallum revisits his roots in traditional French cuisine and creates another menu masterpiece with courses to complement each of the six wines selected. Buy tickets before February 15 for $50 per person. Tickets include a six-course menu created by Chef Ben, wine tasting, coffee, desserts,and a cash bar. For information and the menu: http://www.awineaffair.net/.
Winter Market
Saturday, February 18, 10 am – 2 pm
Local D’Lish, 208 First Street North
On the third Saturday of the month from November through April, Local D’lish will be transformed from a grocery store to a bustling farmers’ market. Meet your farmers and food makers, sample some tasty treats and buy gifts for any occasion. Choices will include jams, chocolates, baked good, apples, honey, all-natural skin care products, granola, meat, cheese and so much more. For information: 612-886-3047 or http://www.localdish.com.
Minnehaha Park Family Nature Quest
Saturday, February 18, 10 -- 11:30 am
Meet at the Minnehaha Park music pavilion
It’s time for a winter quest! Bring the family out to Minnehaha Park where you will be able to hike, explore and follow the clues placed throughout the park to unlock its secrets and find a hidden treasure. It's a nature-based scavenger hunt in winter. After the quest is completed, stick around to spend some time in the park while enjoying some warm and delicious treats! Call 612-313-7725 for more details or register here.
Samples of Classes and Activities at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts
1011 Washington Avenue South, 612-215-2520, http://www.mnbookarts.org.
Hours: Monday 10 am -- 5 pm, Tuesday 10 am -- 9 pm, Wednesday-Saturday 10 am -- 5 pm, Sunday 12 noon – 4 pm
Class details, instructor biographies, registration details and online registration are all available at http://www.mnbookarts.org/classes/classes/html. You may also register by calling 612-215-2520.
International Cartoonist Conspiracy Meet-up
Saturday, February 18, 12 noon – 4 pm
Hosted by the Minneapolis cell of the International Cartoonist Conspiracy. Draw and chat with your fellow cartoonists at this monthly open studio meet-up. Location within MCBA's studios may vary (you can always check in at The Shop). For more info, visit the Cartoonist Conspiracy blog. Free and open to the public. No need to pre-register, just drop in! All skill levels welcome.
Mill City Museum Programs and Events
704 Second Street South
For more information about Mill City Museum events call 612-341-7555, or visit http://www.millcitymuseum.org.
Washburn A Mill Tour
Saturday, February 18, 1 pm
Take an in-depth look at the historic Washburn A Mill complex and the award-winning Mill City Museum building on this guided tour. A museum interpreter will take visitors into the building’s many nooks and crannies, highlighting the lives of the men and women who worked there, how the building functioned during its peak flour milling years and the many changes to the building over time. Also covered will be how the mill ruin was converted to a museum and office building. Although many parts of the A mill can be explored on a self-guided basis during a regular museum visit, this is the only opportunity for a guided tour through the entire museum building, and the only chance to see some of its non-public spaces. The tour includes admission to the museum gallery as well as the Flour Tower show. Fee: $14 adults, $12 seniors and college students, $10 children ages 6-17 and MHS members. Tour includes museum admission. Reservations recommended; call 612-341-7555 or visit http://www.millcitymuseum.org/tours.
Weisman Art Museum
Weisman Art Museum, 333 East River Road
Public Tour | Taking a Closer Look at the Work of Eun-Kyung Suh
Saturday, February 18, and Sunday, February 19, 1 pm
Free guided public tours are offered each Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Tours are thematic and have topics that relate to current exhibitions or artwork/artists. This week, explore and discuss Eun Kyung Suh’s installation for Sympathies.
*****Planning Ahead*****
Restoring a Precious Jewel Benefit
Tuesday, February 21, 5:30 pm
Jax Café, 1928 University Avenue NE
You’re invited to the RESTORING A PRECIOUS JEWEL benefit to benefit the restoration of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Social hour (cash bar) begins at 5:30 pm with evening prayer at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $55, and an hors d’oeuvres buffet will be served. Tickets for sale after this weekend's Masses. What a great way to celebrate Mardi Gras!
Theater for the Thirsty
March 19 - April 18
Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Avenue South
For details visit http://www.theaterforthethirsty.com/
*****Reminder of Ongoing Activities*****
Classes at Surdyk’s
Mondays and Tuesdays
Surdyk’s Liquor and Cheese Shop, 303 East Hennepin Avenue
Surdyk’s offers an extensive and fun choice of classes to help you learn about wine, beer and cheese (both in general and specific types). Check out their calendar at http://www.surdyks.com/events.aspx.
National Park Service “Ranger on Call” Virtual Tour of the Mississippi River
Visitors and residents of the Twin Cities can now have a national park experience 24 hours a day with Ranger on Call, a new virtual tour of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Ranger on Call is an audio guide to exploring some of the park’s most special places. The guide features a series of 20 stops designed to expand users’ knowledge of the Mississippi River and provoke exploration. Users can listen to stories from all along the 72-mile corridor of the national park, and download podcasts and maps online at http://www.rangeroncall.com. Or, for an all-encompassing park experience, users can visit the featured sites along the river in person and dial 1-877-727-1172 (toll free) for the cell phone tour. Ranger on Call features narration by Don Shelby, who brings to life the stories from diverse communities along the river. Tour stops feature the Minneapolis Riverfront, Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and Lock and Dam #2 in Hastings. Ranger on Call was created by the National Park Service and the Mississippi River Fund. The national park’s 72-mile boundary stretches along the Mississippi River from Dayton/Ramsey, through Minneapolis and Saint Paul, to just south of Hastings. It includes a range of cultural, economic and natural resources — from historic sites like Fort Snelling to unique features including the river’s only waterfall and gorge, to public parks and wildlife refuges. In addition to protecting the river’s ecosystems and water quality and providing access points for recreation, the park offers a range of volunteer and educational activities, including ranger-led canoe, fishing, biking and hiking programs and school programs. http://www.nps.gov/miss. The Mississippi River Fund is the official charitable partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The fund supports stewardship and community engagement programs that support the park and its mission. These programs include water quality protection, habitat restoration, formal education, and interpretive programs that share with the public the significant role our National Park plays in American history and culture. http://www.missriverfund.org.
Horse and Carriage Tours
Enjoy a tour of the riverfront via a horse-drawn carriage ride. Regular tours are available from both the Nicollet Island Inn and VIC’s Restaurant on Main Street. For information: http://www.thehitchingcompany.com.
Acme Comedy Club
Tuesdays through Thursday, 8 pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 and 10:30 pm
708 North First Street
Enjoy stand-up comedy at one of the top five comedy clubs in the country. For more information: http://www.acmecomedycompany.com.
Classes Available at the Lundstrum Center
Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts, 1617 North Second Street
Dream of performing on Broadway? Preparing for your college audition? Looking to get back into class? Let the Broadway veteran faculty at the Lundstrum Center help develop your gifts. Fall session registration is now open. Children and adults, all levels welcome. Programs include:
- Children: After school programs; age 3 and up.
- Preteen/Young Adults: Broadway Musical Theatre -- Serious training in dance, voice and theater
- Adults: Ballet, tap, jazz, Pilates, voice
- Special Needs Children: “Dance Mania”-ages 6 to 12.
The center offers state of the art, spacious, sun lit studios, with free parking and #14 Metro Transit bus-accessible. Class cards available! For a class schedule please check out the center’s website http://www.lundstrumcenter.org or call 612-521-2600 to be put on their mailing list.
Keegan’s Pub Entertainment
Keegan’s Irish Pub, 16 University Avenue NE
Keegan’s Pub offers a full schedule of live music, Irish lessons, pub quizzes and other activities each month. For more information and a full event calendar, visit http://www.keeganspub.com.
*****Informational Resources*****
Park Board Event Calendar
Having fun in Minneapolis parks just got easier! The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB)’s website now features a multi-month event calendar. The current event calendar is now available at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/events.pdf and is a quick guide to MPRB-sponsored and co-sponsored events as well as outside organizers’ permitted events in the parks. Check it out, mark your calendars and enjoy the many events occurring in Minneapolis parks!
Mill City Times
This web site covers “life, work and play in the Historic Mill District.” It also includes an event listing that is more expansive than the Mill District and that would be a useful resource for you in between issues of the RiverCurrent (or if, as sometimes happens, you accidentally deleted it).
Mississippi River Trail
The Mississippi River Trail follows the course of the mighty Mississippi from its headwaters to the Gulf. A new MRT resource website has been launched for the Minnesota segment of the trail http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/mrt.html complete with interactive Google Earth based maps, and a complete series of maps printable at 8 1/2” by 11.”
1 Mississippi Campaign
This site includes information on the entire Mississippi River and how you can help protect and enhance it.
*****Riverfront News Articles*****
New Approach by Crown Hydro
http://www.downtownjournal.com/index.php?&story=17952&page=65&category=134
Apartment Developments in Riverfront (and Nearby)
http://finance-commerce.com/2012/01/schafer-richardson-ready-to-start-north-loop-apartments/
End of the Rainbow at Guthrie
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/stageandarts/138166284.html
MWMO Headquarters (fifth item in this piece)
Keegan’s Tenth Anniversary and Eli’s (fourth and sixth items in this piece)
Izzy’s and Park Board Land Acquisition (second and third items in this piece)
Layne Kennedy Exhibit at Mpls Photo Center
Impact of Agriculture on Mississippi River Watershed
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/01/120123-mississippi-river-basin/
Weisman Art Museum Vimeo http://www.minnpost.com/minnclips/2012/01/30/34703/archictecture_minnesota_weisman_art_museum_by_frank_gehry/?utm_source=MinnPost+e-mail+newsletters&utm_campaign=e4b2269a0c-1_30_2012_Daily_Newsletter1_30_2012&utm_medium=email
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