New Exhibit Coming to Mill City Museum November 15 - Spirits Dancing: Photographs of the Night Sky by Travis Novitsky

Spirits Dancing: Photographs of the Night Sky by Travis Novitsky

November 15, 2023 - April 7, 2024 / Mill City Museum

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The night sky has enchanted humans for millennia. We marvel at the wonder of the aurora, the glory of the Milky Way, and the peace that comes from stargazing. Travis Novitsky captures these marvels in this exhibit of 15 photographs featured in the new book from the Minnesota Historical Society Press. In Spirits Dancing: The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, and Living Connections to the Cosmos, Novitsky’s photos are paired with insights from astrophysicist Annette S. Lee. The book reveals how the union of Western science and Indigenous knowledge enriches understanding of our place in the universe.

In Spirits Dancing, Travis Novitsky’s photographs portray night time marvels, while astrophysicist Annette S. Lee discusses how Western science and Indigenous knowledge can work together to provide a deeper understanding of our place in the universe. Both authors write of the wonders of starbathing: sitting quietly under the stars, knowing that humans have always done this, knowing that we literally come from the stars. Working together in this remarkable book, they bring the aurora to readers.

The exhibit will be located in the Mill City Museum’s central Mill Commons, and is free and open to the public during regular museum hours through April 7, 2024.

Small Business Spotlight and Craft Beer Gold Medal Award Winner: The Freehouse

Article by Becky Fillinger, Photos provided

Two Minnesota craft breweries were honored for their beers at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the nation’s premier beer festival and competition, in Denver, CO on September 23rd. A GABF medal is recognized around the world as a symbol of brewing excellence, and these awards are among the most coveted in the industry. This year, there were 303 medals awarded from the 9,298 beers entered.

Minneapolis brewpub The Freehouse won a coveted Gold Medal in the Rye Beers category with their No. 68 Red Lager, which also won a gold medal as well as one of the Best in Show awards earlier this year at the statewide MN Brewers Cup awards. We spoke to Head Brewer at The Freehouse, Alex Doering, to learn more about the No. 68 Red Lager, foods to pair with it and changes in the brewing industry. Visit The Freehouse at 701 N Washington Avenue in the North Loop to try the award-winning beer and to meet up with Alex!

Q: Please tell us about your experience at the GABF in Denver last month. What was your reaction when you heard your name called as a Gold Medal winner? 

A: Unfortunately, I was not able to be physically in Denver. I found out while I was watching the livestream via YouTube on my couch holding my 3-week-old son. I have been fortunate enough to be on that stage in the past and in that room with thousands of brewers and it is an amazing experience. My reaction this time around was definitely surprise and excitement paired with a little bit of disbelief being so far removed from it and a little sleep deprived too. But getting congratulatory texts from friends made it feel real! 

Q:  This award follows your best in show win in April at the Minnesota Brewers Cup, again for No. 68 Red Lager. Do the two awards cement your status as a brewer at the top of his craft? Do the wins make collaborations easier to arrange?

Alex Doering and sonA:  I don't know that I have ever or will ever feel I am at the top of my craft - but I do think that my desire to learn and improve, over analyze, and putting in hard work has helped me get to this position. That, and the drive that a touch of imposter syndrome can give you!

Q:  Forget the impostor syndrome! For those of us who haven’t tasted No. 68 Red Lager, can you describe it? Is it available now at The Freehouse? Are there any foods on the menu that pair well with the No. 68 Red Lager?

A:  The No. 68 Red lager leans heavily on sweet, caramel, and toasty German malts balanced with spicy, earthy rye character while still being lighter bodied and refreshing. Noble hops are in the background and pair nicely with rye malts. It is available in growlers to go, and we are brewing a batch that should be out in early November. I think it pairs really well with our Roto Bird rotisserie chicken baguette. It is also great with the Blue-Ribbon Turkey burger, and sweet potato fries with chipotle peanut pesto aioli.

Q:  You’ve been a brewer for 10 years. How has the craft beer industry changed in that decade?

A:  There's been a lot of change over the last 10 years. I think the first is in the competition in craft brewery landscape. With the increase in total breweries, shelf space has become a lot more competitive, flagship brands are not selling as much as they used to and there is more of an emphasis on trying new 'one off' brands. We've seen style trends change: Bourbon barrel aged Imperial beers, West Coast IPAs, Pastry Stouts, and now New England IPAs, Seltzer, dry-hopped Pilsners. I think the average person's palette and overall beverage trends have changed as well.

At The Freehouse, we have seen a shift toward lighter proof beer and cocktails. I think the rise of seltzers and RTDs is proof that beer has been losing market share and people are enjoying more variety in what they consume. I've noticed, somewhat jokingly but also seriously, that people seem to want their beer to taste like anything else besides beer: adding adjuncts, fruit, dessert-like ingredients, coffee, peanut butter, you name it. I think the pendulum will shift the other way eventually. We are seeing lots of traditional beer culture coming back with Oktoberfests celebrated everywhere, traditional Kolsch service, etc. So, I think it could be happening soon.

Q:  We’ll probably be reading many more stories about your brewing successes – how may we best follow your news?

A:  I'd recommend following @freehouse_beer on Instagram or my personal account @alex.doering.12.

mpls downtown council Announces Holidays on Nicollet

Shops will be open November 24 - January 5, Tuesdays - Saturdays, 11a - 6p

Holidays on Nicollet will feature festive decorative storefront windows and shopping supporting local small businesses to enjoy as you take in the holiday experience downtown. 

Ten storefront windows lining Nicollet will be transformed into holiday celebrations that feature figures from Dayton’s Eighth Floor scenes reimagined by a variety of local artists. 

The storefront window displays will add to the Nicollet holiday shopping experience, as four pop-up holiday shops will also be opening along Nicollet at 50 S 6th Street, City Center, IDS Center and U.S. Bancorp Center. The four shops will feature roughly 70 total vendors offering a variety of products including clothing, jewelry, gift shopping and much more. 

The pop-up shops complement eight existing Chameleon Shoppes locations downtown featuring local BIPOC small businesses—part of roughly 450 restaurant and retail shops in downtown’s five distinct neighborhoods. 

“We are excited to unveil a collection of unique holiday experiences you can only enjoy downtown,” said Steve Cramer, President and CEO of the mpls downtown council. “Holidays on Nicollet activities are not only unique to downtown, they help support local small businesses and artists. It includes great locations to visit, browse and shop, and add to the experiences of dining, shows, games and performances you are enjoying downtown this holiday season.” 

Locations for Holidays on Nicollet storefront window displays include:

• 60 South 6th 
• City Center (two locations) 
• Gaviidae Common 
• IDS Center 
• Meet Minneapolis Visitor Information Center 
• The Dayton’s Project 
• U.S. Bancorp Center
• Young Quinlan (Strive Bookstore) 

Each storefront holiday window display will be created by Minneapolis-based artists and designers, featuring more than 10 historic figurines once displayed during the Dayton’s Eighth Floor holiday displays throughout the course of 26 years. They are starting to build their scenes now, and the storefront windows will be unveiled on Saturday, November 25. 

Hennepin Theatre Trust, Minnesota’s nationally recognized performing arts center in the heart of downtown, holds 34 of the vintage figurines that once graced the annual Holiday Show events on the eighth floor of Dayton’s in downtown Minneapolis. Ten of the figurines will be refurbished and on view during Holidays on Nicollet.

“This holiday season, there’s no place more magical than downtown Minneapolis,” said Todd Duesing, President and CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust. “We’re proud to lend these classic figurines and partner with the mpls downtown council and local businesses to bring the quintessential memories of Dayton’s Holiday Show back downtown in a new format, while advancing the vibrancy of our city.”

The initiative, part of the Vibrant Storefront work through the City of Minneapolis, is being produced by the mpls downtown council in partnership with Hennepin Theatre Trust and the City Arts & Cultural Affairs Department, and support from Meet Minneapolis, the Minnesota Orchestra, Dayton’s, and Ryan Companies.

“We are thrilled to be supporting this project that is re-animating historic Nicollet Mall during the holiday season,” said Ben Johnson, Director of the Department of Arts & Cultural Affairs for the City of Minneapolis. “So many people have treasured memories about coming to Downtown, and we want to capture this energy again. I am also excited to see the unique work of the Minneapolis-based artists that are providing their talents in creating these special holiday windows for everyone to enjoy.” 

Holidays on Nicollet artists include Alexandra Beaumont, Jerry and Cyrus Carlson, Heather Cole, Rachel Coyne, Dusty Dembley, Betsey Giles, Kada Goalen, Modern Day Me team of Jared Hanks and Simone Alexa, Stacie Kammerling, and Wil Natzel.

Roughly 485 total events and activities are taking place downtown between Thanksgiving and the New Year, including 310+ weekend events. These holiday stops are great additions to your downtown experience.

For more information on ways to maximize your downtown holiday experience as a whole, look for shopping, performances, caroling schedules and more on the mpls downtown holiday page.

For more information on holiday experiences in mpls downtown, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/events and follow @mplsdowntown and on Instagram.

Closing Argument: Before You Vote, Know the Play Card

By Carol Becker

Editors Note: Carol Becker is a Data Researcher, Political Consultant, and previously served on the Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation.

Minneapolis is going to have an election November 7^th.

It is a hackneyed cliché to say this is the most important election ever. Honestly, you can’t really know until years later whether an election was revolutionary. What I can say is that  Minneapolis is a deeply divided city, with two dueling agendas. And this election will determine which way the City will go over the next two years and shape the full citywide election in 2025.  And it is projected that only 25% of the people eligible to vote will even bother to vote.

What are the two agendas? We can think of the two groups as far-left and center-left on the political spectrum. A good example of this split is siting the replacement Third Precinct.  The moderates, focused on the practicalities of running a city, wants to build a new police precinct to provide a physical place for City employees to do work. The Mayor most recently proposed 2633 Minnehaha Avenue, a site that could be ready in a year for a modest $14M, the cheapest and fastest of any alternative. Voting in favor on Tuesday were Council Members Andrea Jenkins, Michael Rainville, Linea Palmisano, LaTrisha Vetaw, Lisa Goodman and Emily Koski.

The far-left, with its roots in the defund movement, wants to build a “public safety center” with the police only one of many departments in the building.  Or even perhaps a larger “community services center” similar to the service centers that the County has built. They don’t really know exactly, and as Council Member Payne said on Tuesday, they don’t really feel any urgency to come to a resolution. According to Payne, they would rather “engage the public” and “build trust” by “continuing discussions with the community” than expedite a building. But for people who went to the actual meetings about where to site the precinct, they know that activists disrupted every meeting, making real community dialogue impossible. In many ways, it feels like delay just to relitigate the 2021 charter vote. Voting against the proposal were Council Members Elliott Payne, Robin Wonsley, Jeremiah Ellison, Jason Chavez, Aisha Chughtai, and Jamal Osman.

This is just a microcosm of the gulf dividing our city. In the next two years, we are going to face questions like:

• Will we hire more than the absolute minimum number of police officers?
• Will we allow homeless encampments?
• Will we continue to add bike lanes while throttling access to jobs and businesses?
• Will we have rent control?
• Will we spend $40M a year (roughly a 10% increase in taxes) to have the City shovel sidewalks?
• Will we focus on building jobs and growing the economy or will we focus only on worker’s rights?
• Will we focus on the needs of families and children or continue to develop a city that works best for the young and childless?

I could go on.

There are three major endorsements on the progressive side, the Democratic Socialists of America, Take Action Minnesota, and the far-left progressive PAC, Minneapolis for the Many. There are two major endorsements on the center-left side, the moderate PACs All of Minneapolis and Engage Minneapolis.

The DFL used to be a center-left/moderate party. In Minneapolis, that is no longer true. Five far-left candidates and four moderate candidates have been endorsed by the Minneapolis DFL. So it is no longer clear if the DFL is a center-left party any longer.

The Star Tribune has also made endorsements.  None of them were progressives.

The play card for the upcoming election looks like this:

I don’t know if this will be the most important election ever. I can tell you whether our city thrives or declines will depend on who we elect. The turnout is supposed to be small so every vote will matter. Regardless of your views, please vote November 7^th.

https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/where-to-vote/

Take a Minneapolis Skyway Tour!

Highlights: Foshay Tower, IDS Building, Rand Tower, Capella Tower, Government Plaza, Minneapolis Public Service Building, Target Field, Target Center, Mayo Clinic, Dayton's, Medical Arts Building, and Young-Quinlan Building

Tour offered year-round - ​Mon / Tue / Thu / Fri
Start time: 10:00am, Duration: 2 to 2-1/2 hours
Tour starts & ends at Foshay Tower (W Hotel), 821 Marquette Ave S

Minneapolis is home to the largest, contiguous skyway system in the world. Originally designed to counter the 1950s post war suburban boom by revitalizing the city's retail core, today the second story walkways connect 80 city blocks and meander more than 9 miles. There are so many treasures within downtown's unique architectural landscape, and the skyway system is sometimes the only way to see them.

Check out the Minneapolis Skyway Tour (and other Tour options) from Mpls City & Skyway Tours here: https://www.minneapoliscitytours.com/walking-tours.html.

The Dayton’s Project Announces Third Annual Winter Maker’s Market

The Dayton’s Project recently announced the launch of its third annual Winter Maker’s Market, a curated retail experience highlighting legacy — and soon-to-be legacy — Minnesota brands. The market will feature 78 independent vendors and will include the return of The Dayton’s Santa Bear. 

The 2023 Winter Maker’s Market will open on November 16 and remain open through December 30. The market hours are 10:00am to 6:00pm on Mondays through Saturdays, and 11:00am to 5:00pm with Sundays.

"The Dayton's Project has always been an integral part of our community," said Kristin Longhenry, General Manager of The Dayton's Project. "We are proud to welcome The Departments at Dayton's Winter Market to showcase so many incredible artists, makers, and local businesses that make our community strong." 

This year’s market will feature 48 returning brands and 30 new vendors, including Art By Aleshia, Austin Fowler, Brooke and Lou, Coccinella, Deano’s Parkas, Evla Pottery, Faxon Farms, Field and Foliage, Fit Butters, Giftywrap, Hagan and Oats, Hammermade, HEPP’S Salt, Joel Kaplan Water Colors, Junita’s Cookies, Leather Works of Minnesota, Mable Concessions, Northmallow, O Grace C, The Olive Branch, Shop in the City, Sota Clothing and Urban Undercover. The total of 78 vendors for the market will also feature 25 giftable gourmet foods located in a designated gourmet foods market along with a flower market.  

Santa Bear is back!

The 2023 limited edition Santa Bear will be available through Shop in the City within the market for $49.95, which features a festive hat containing a silhouette of Minnesota and a matching tote bag.  

"We have an exceptional set of local, Minnesotan vendors at this year's Departments at Dayton's!" said Mich Berthiaume, the market curator. "We’re so excited to bring the Santa Bear back and continue to celebrate the holiday season by highlighting our incredible local makers. Whether you're shopping for a friend, a loved one, or even just yourself, there's something for everyone at The Departments at Dayton's!" 

The Departments at Dayton's will pop-up on the first floor of The Dayton's Project, at 700 Nicollet Mall, accessible from both 8th Street and Nicollet. The Dayton's Project, a landmark historic redevelopment in downtown Minneapolis is a 1.2 million square foot building that impressive tenants like Ernst & Young, Unilver, Sezzle, Prudential Financial, and others call home. The building has recently seen increased leasing activity because of its strong amenity set that allows employers to bring employees back to the office as a magnet, not a mandate.

Celebrating 15 Years of Generosity This Give to the Max Day

A message from Jenna Ray, Deputy Executive Director, GiveMN

Every November, Minnesotans come together to support the causes that make our state a great place to call home. Give to the Max Day, Minnesota’s annual giving holiday is celebrating 15 years on Thursday, November 16. We can’t wait to share it with you.

And while Give to the Max raises millions of dollars for nonprofits and schools each year, it’s much more than a fundraising campaign: it’s a reminder that when we come together to support the causes we love, we can do millions of dollars worth of good together—$10, $50, and $100 at a time. Donors have given more than $290 million to more than 10,000 organizations since the first Give to the Max Day in 2009. And those dollars translate to impact beyond our wildest dreams.

You may have participated in Give to the Max before, and for that, we thank you! This year might be the beginning of your giving story. Either way, we hope you’ll celebrate 15 years of generosity, Minnesota, as we work together to ignite generosity and grow giving this November. Here are a few ways to join in the festivities:

1. Search for favorite causes and discover new ones.

Give to the Max is quick, easy, and fun! Simply visit GiveMN.org from November 1-16 to search for nonprofits and schools by name, category, location, and more. With thousands of organizations to choose from, you can find a variety of causes and make multiple donations with one, easy checkout!

2. Maximize the power of your gift.

When you donate any amount on GiveMN.org November 1-16, you could see your generosity boosted! GiveMN is awarding more than $100,000 to participating nonprofits and schools by drawing random gifts and granting a “Golden Ticket,” with prizes ranging from $500 to $10,000!

3. Support organizations making big impacts in your community.

In every community across our state, nonprofits and schools help our friends, neighbors and loved ones meet basic needs, find homes for four-legged friends, and improve our lives through education, art, sports, and parks. For many small and medium organizations, Give to the Max Day might be their biggest or only fundraiser. Your gifts help to power their work and impact all year long.

Give to the Max is a testament to what can happen when tens of thousands of generous people like you and me share whatever we’re able with causes we love. On behalf of the thousands of nonprofits and schools working to make Minnesota brighter, we are so grateful for your support.

Visit GiveMN.org as your partner in giving and follow along throughout November for updates as we celebrate 15 years of generosity.

At Long Last - Third Avenue Bridge is Open!

Submitted by Doug Verdier

Thank you to Doug Verdier for submitting his photos from the October 28 Third Avenue Bridge re-opening celebration. Per Doug, turnout was fantastic, with hundreds of people enjoying all there was to see and do across the bridge. The event was well organized, with a variety of activities for adults and kids.

No grand reopening would be complete without a few remarks and ribbon cutting. I don’t know where they found the huge shears, but given the size of the project, they filled the bill. Great job by everyone involved in the project.

Visitors could sign up for a guided tour of the bridge to learn all about what had been done and see some of the equipment used during the construction. 

A memorial to some MnDOT employees was also on view.

Some of the equipment used during the job was on display so people could get an up close view (and touch) some of the vehicles.

Lots of booths lined the renovated bridge where folks could pick up a souvenir or something to eat or drink while checking out the new bridge.

Kids and a few adults enjoyed decorating a MnDOT van with markers provided for the fun. You did not have to color inside the lines if you didn’t want to, either. Can’t wait to see this vehicle on the road.

It’s never too chilly for some hot licks, and these guys delivered. The portable heaters helped keep fingers warm.

Right behind the bandstand was this lovely view of Minnesota autumn leaves along Third Avenue. Great backdrop for a family friendly activity.

This exhibit had vests and kid-size hard hats that kids could wear for photos of the event. 

The Cafe Cairo food truck was a popular place for many.

The smell of fresh popcorn attracted visitors to the spot for a complimentary bagful.

Once you had your popcorn and Cafe Cairo goodies, why not relax and enjoy around a fire pit.

With Halloween just around the corner, free pumpkins were available for decorating.

There were plenty of pumpkins to be painted and lots of folks who applied their artistic talent to the task.

These folks were among the many who stopped to paint a pumpkin.

Thanks MnDOT - and everyone involved - for putting on these activities for the community and neighborhoods!

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Editor's Note - Words cannot express our appreciation to Doug for photo-documenting this project from start to finish (along with other projects such as Water Works and the Father Hennepin Bluff Park refurbishment).

Closing Argument: A Safer Ward 5 Minneapolis

By Victor Martinez

Editors Note: Democrat Victor Martinez is running for the Minneapolis Ward 5 City Council seat

My name is Victor Martinez, and I am running for the Minneapolis Ward 5 City Council seat. The following is why I am running to represent you.

"Creo que ya no puedemos vivir aquí, se está poniendo muy peligrosos", ( “I don't think we can live here anymore. It's getting too dangerous.”) These were the words of one of our mothers at SoyNGChurch who had raised all her children on the Northside. Her husband was beaten up when his cell phone was stolen. Her daughter’s face was grazed by a bullet while riding in a car. 

We spoke in 2021, in the middle of the debate to defund the police. She also said to me, "Esto de aquitar la policía está loco!" (“This defund the police thing is crazy!”) See, people who are victims of crime in Ward 5 in North Minneapolis understand how valuable and important the police are. It also may be that the poorest and those most discriminated against better understand that police are imperfect human beings, just like the rest of us.  

In the following months, I asked for counsel from pastors, Imams, local leaders and everyday people about how we could improve public safety. What came through clearly was that our residents in Minneapolis Ward 5 don't want to defund the police - they want to trust the police. And that they see the police as an important part of keeping them safe. The question is how do we create a sense of community and trust between police and residents? I know that we won’t rebuild trust by continuing to pit law enforcement against the very citizens they are supposed to protect. 

The challenge of building community and trust is not just between the police and residents. The murder of George Floyd and the pandemic eroded our sense of trust with each other too. We need to build connections among residents too. 

I am a Ward 5 City Council candidate as well as a minister at SoyNGChurch in North Minneapolis and I understand that community happens because we deliberately make it happen. For example, we can create strategic places in business, churches, and schools for officers to take a break, eat their lunch or simply use the restroom. We can actively bring residents to roll call and speak with police. We can create other ways for police and citizens to naturally build connections and relationships.   

For our broader community, we need to deliberately build reasons to bring people together. We know that small nonprofits can bring people together at a grass-roots level to effect change. We know programs for children like youth employment, tutoring programs, after-school programs, athletic leagues, open park buildings, and similar things bring children together and help them form healthy relationships. We know outreach workers can build supportive relationships with our most vulnerable, connecting them with resources and working to shift them towards non-violence. We know that behavioral therapy, coupled with short-term financial assistance, can shift persons in hardship away from crime and violence. 

How do we know these kinds of programs work to reduce crime? They have been tested and proven. You can read more about them at the John Jay’s College of Criminal Justice piece, “Reducing Violence Without Police: A Review of Research Evidence” at https://johnjayrec.nyc/2020/11/09/av2020/ or Patrick Sharkey’s book, “Uneasy Peace: The Great Crime Decline, the Renewal of City Life, and the Next War on Violence”.  https://wwnorton.com/books/Uneasy-Peace/ 

I also want to challenge the suburbs. A lot of crime in North Minneapolis Ward 5 is because young people are coming in from the suburbs to Minneapolis and getting into trouble. What can the suburbs do to create a sense of place and belonging for their young people so they don’t have to come to Minneapolis to find it?

We can only truly flourish when we feel safe from violence from our government and our fellow citizens. We need to restore and build bonds, fellowship, and trust both with our police and within our community. Community doesn’t happen by itself - it happens because we choose it. I have been working to build community my whole life. I hope I can help heal the wounds over the last three years and rebuild the trust that we need to be a healthy and vibrant City. Please support my campaign, remember to vote Victor Martinez for City Council Ward 5 here in Minneapolis.

Mover and Shaker: Justin Lucero, Artistic Director, Theatre Latté Da

Article by Becky Fillinger, Photos provided

Theatre Latté Da has a new Artistic Director, Justin Lucero, and he is ready to push the theater into tomorrow!  We talked to him about his background, vision for engaged audiences, partnerships with arts organizations and where we might find him out and about in the Twin Cities. If you haven’t visited Theater Latté Da in a while, now’s the time to buy some tickets to meet this local luminary – as he says, he’s interested in "radically welcoming."

Justin LuceroQ:  What types of productions or themes are you particularly passionate about and hope to explore during your tenure at Theater Latté Da?

A:  My favorite thing about any live theater experience is the inclusion and activation of an audience community. “Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show” is never in my vocabulary, as I always prefer an audience to “Lean forward, engage, and participate.” In theater, an audience is the final ingredient. A co-creator. And when it comes to musical theater specifically, which is Theater Latté Da’s expression of choice, that activation is even more palpable because of its heightened nature. My personal aesthetic is work that taps into that even more blatantly. I love productions that are ever-reminding an audience that what is being presented is…well…fake! Work that is hypertheatrical and metatheatrical excites me and energizes me. That kind of approach has become my calling card. And the Ritz Theater space where Theatre Latté Da performs is an ideal laboratory for such work, because its size and idiosyncrasies demand extra creativity and transparency.

Q:  How do you plan to engage with and support the local arts community in Minneapolis and the broader theater community nationally?

A:  Theatre Latté Da has actually declared its commitment to local artists and performers as a part of its strategic plan. I’m very much looking forward to embedding myself quickly and deeply in the arts community, first as a supporter and attendee. I’m a voracious consumer of theatre and I’ve already gotten a slew of tickets to many of our peer organizations’ shows. Furthermore, the TLD Board of Directors has graciously and generously begun to identify community partners and local arts leaders for me to be introduced to, and they’ve set up a number of meetings and gatherings for me to do so in my first few months. These one-on-ones will ensure that authentic relationships are formed, and will help me get a sense of what the greater arts community’s goals and concerns are, and how I might be able to contribute and co-lead.

Nationally, I have a wide network of colleagues from around the regional theater and drama conservatory scenes. I’m a board-level member of the inaugural Next Generation Taskforce with the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre. I was a tenure-track professor of Directing at the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, a leader in theatre training. And I’ve been named this year as one of the “leaders who will help move opera forward for years to come” by OPERA America. These networks continue to provide me perspective and resources to bring to Theatre Latté Da as we expand our goals and further embed ourselves into the national conversation. Theatre Latté Da already has a deep commitment to the development of new musical theater work, and I look forward to helping continue that vital tradition. This valiant work champions new voices and viewpoints leading to the next generation of work that will grace the nation’s future stages.

Q:  Are there any specific changes or innovations you would like to bring to Theater Latté Da to enhance its impact and reach?

A:  I’m very eager to learn the ropes and continue the trajectory of what my predecessor, Peter Rothstein, built. Once I fully understand the organization and community, I can then begin to inject some new ideas and approaches thoughtfully and intentionally. If I’m honest, it’s the work, mission, and values that Theatre Latté Da currently center on that prompted me to apply in the first place, because it all felt like a perfect fit.  TLD’s goals and values, particularly in the realm of equity, diversity, inclusion and antiracism, align so neatly with my own. I’m interested in reaching new audiences and developing opportunities for working artists. I’m interested in inviting our supporters into the process. I’m interested in being radically welcoming.

Q:  Can you describe your vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion within Theater Latté Da's productions and operations? 

A:  Much of my work as a director, producer and educator has been in the area of DEI. I was a core member of the team that developed the first-of-its-kind degree requirement in Anti-Racist and Equitable Practices in Theatre for drama students, and was the chair of the national search for the first-of-its-kind professorship in AREPT. It is my core belief that performing artists are culture-builders; and that’s a huge responsibility. Theatre Latté Da has a tradition of radically reimagining the inherited repertoire of musicals and opera which, to me, demands a deep analysis, reckoning, and a committed identity-conscientiousness in order to succeed. My vision is to lead by example, which includes continually learning and expanding and evolving myself.

Q:  Do you have strategies or ideas for expanding the theater's audience and attracting new theatergoers?

A:  I look forward to learning more about what ideas Theatre Latté Da and other local theater companies have already pursued to attract new theatregoers. In my experience, audiences who have been let in on the process of making theater develop a deeper interest and investment, so I look forward to incorporating ways for people to peek behind the curtain and interact with the talented villages of folks who are the ones responsible for building what ends up on stage. I’m also an educator at heart, so I can see TLD offering training and workshop opportunities for people interested in developing the craft of theater.

Q:  What upcoming projects or productions are you particularly excited about? 

A:  The whole of the 26th season of Theatre Latté Da excites me, and I’m so grateful that a marvelous slate of shows and guest directors was put into place before I came on board. But if I really had to point to a single title, I’m really psyched about The Color Purple. It was a formative book for me growing up and the musical adaptation is heart-wrenching. This Oscar season should also catapult the musical and its rich score into the Zeitgeist, hopefully intriguing many new audiences to see it performed live. It also happens to be a co-production with a peer institution, Geva Theatre in New York, which means I’ve arrived at just the right moment to witness how such a partnership works and how such partnership can hopefully continue.  Co-productions, co-commissions, and touring are most certainly on the table for expanding our reach and ambitions.

Q:  What might we find you doing on a day you're not working on theatrical projects?

A:  I’m an avid contemporary film buff, so you might find me sitting in a cinema watching an Oscar flick. I really love international cuisine, so I like to try new-to-me restaurants pretty often. I also might be known for having, perhaps, a few too many articles of clothing, so if I’m not catching a movie or dining somewhere exotic, perhaps I’m raiding a department store sale! I also really love to travel and to visit my family back home in El Paso as often as possible.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  I’m not as active with social media as I used to be, nor do I keep up my personal website regularly enough, but subscribing to the Theatre Latté Da newsletter and following our social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram) would definitely keep people informed about what I’m up to. Or maybe you’ll bump into me at a show, a movie, or a restaurant!

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Side note - Theater Latté Da is accepting applications through January 15, 2024, for its NEXT Generation Commission, an opportunity for BIPOC and women artists that supports the creation and development of new musical theater projects. In addition to the $20,000 commission awarded to the individual artist or creative team, the project will receive creative and developmental support over an 18-month period, including two developmental workshops totaling a minimum of 50 hours. Artists interested in applying for the NEXT Generation Commission should visit www.latteda.org/next generation-commission for complete submission details. 

2023 Twin Cities Con Happens Nov 3-5 at the Minneapolis Convention Center

The Pop Culture Festival Brings in Dozens of Celebrities, including Kevin Smith, Jason Lee, Danny Trejo, Rachael Leigh Cook, and Steve Burns

The third annual Twin Cities Con returns to the Minneapolis Convention Center, Friday, November 3 through Sunday, November 5, 2023. Twin Cities Con is a three-day celebration of comics and pop culture, including TV, film, cosplay, gaming, and anime.

Fans of all ages are invited to join the fun and meet dozens of internationally known TV and movie actors, wrestlers, anime voice actors, comic creators, and other entertainers. This year will be bigger and better than ever with the largest guest list Nerd Street has ever put together.

Attendees will have the chance to meet actors from the “Clerks” and the made-in-Eden-Prairie film, “Mallrats,” movies including Kevin Smith and Jason Lee; Minnesota-born stars like Rachael Leigh Cook and Sean Waltman aka professional wrestler X-Pac; Danny Trejo; Steve Burns, the original host of “Blues Clues;” David McCormack, the voice of Bandit for the popular children’s series, “Bluey;” “Star Wars” writers and voice actors; and so many more.

Celebrity guests scheduled to appear include*

Kevin Smith (“Clerks,” “Mallrats”)

Jason Lee (“Mallrats,” “My Name is Earl”)

Jason Mewes (“Clerks,” “Mallrats”)

Jeremy London (“Mallrats,” “Party of Five,” “7th Heaven”)

Danny Trejo (“Machete,” “Desperado,” “Spy Kids”)

Rachael Leigh Cook (“She’s All That,” “Josie & The Pussycats”)

Ross Marquand (“The Walking Dead,” “Avengers: Infinity War & Endgame”)

Steve Burns (“Blue’s Clues,” Musician)

David McCormack (Voice of Bandit on “Bluey”)

Tony Todd (“Final Destination,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Spider-Man” video games)

David Yost (“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”)

Steve Cardenas (“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”)

Dante Basco (“Hook,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “American Dragon Jake Long”)

Zach Tyler Eisen (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”)

Jack De Sena (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”)

Sean Waltman aka X-Pac (WWE Hall of Famer)

Trish Status (WWE Hall of Famer)

Amy Dumas aka Lita (WWE Hall of Famer)

Ashley Eckstein (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels”)

Matt Lanter (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “90210,” “Ultimate Spider-Man”)

James Arnold Taylor (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Batman: Brave and the Bold”)

Yuri Lowenthal (“Ben 10,” “Spider-Man” video games, “Prince of Persia” video games)

*For a complete list, please visit twincitiescon.com.

Tickets: Adult tickets range in price from $35 for a one-day ticket to $70 for a weekend pass. (Advance online discounts are available through Monday, October 30). Admission for children 13 & under is only $10 for the entire weekend.

 *  *  *  *  2023 VIP Passes  *  *  *  * 

The Twin Cities Con Weekend VIP Pass - $149. Includes three-day admission, early entry, priority lines, a t-shirt, and an art print

The Kevin Smith VIP Pass - $350. Includes everything included in VIP admission plus one in-person autograph, one photo opp, priority panel access, a special badge, and priority lines

For more information and to order online, visit https://www.nerdstreetusa.com/twincitiestix/

For the most up-to-date information, please follow Twin Cities Con @TwinCitiesCon on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter.

The DMNA 2023 Annual Meeting is Monday, November 6, at the Mill City Museum

The DMNA 2023 Annual Meeting is Monday, November 6, at the Mill City Museum, from 6pm to 8pm. The evening will include entertainment, a cash bar, and free appetizers catered by D’Amico. The meeting is open to all Downtown East and Downtown West residents and is free to attend, but please RSVP via Eventbrite so they can plan accordingly for food and refreshments.

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Elections to the Board of Directors will take place at this meeting. There are four seats up for election this year; three with three-year terms; and one with a two-year term. You must live, work, or own property in the Downtown East or Downtown West neighborhoods to be eligible for a seat on the board. If you have an interest in running for a seat on the DMNA Board, please submit your application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dmna2023boardapplication.

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The DMNA Board will also be giving out the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award during this Annual Meeting. The Volunteer of the Year Award is the highest honor offered by DMNA. It began to honor an individual who has advanced the mission of the DMNA to promote the common good and general welfare of the residents, businesses, and employees of Downtown Minneapolis. Any individual who lives, works, or owns property in Downtown East or Downtown West and advances the mission of the DMNA through their volunteerism or advocacy is eligible. Generally, current board members and current employees are not eligible. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the staff and board of directors. Recipients are chosen by a small group comprised of the DMNA board and committee leadership.

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If you have any questions, please email DMNA Executive Director Christie Hantge at christie@thedmna.org 

Commentary: Democratic Socialists Takeover Minneapolis DFL Party

By Carol Becker

Bernie Sanders ran for President in 2016. Sanders identifies as a democratic socialist, not a democrat, and proposed a “a revolution” of democratic socialists taking over the Democratic Party. 

What is a democratic socialism? The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) started in 1982 from groups that split from the Socialist Party of America. The DSA defines its agenda as:  

“Capitalism is a system designed by the owning class to exploit the rest of us for their own profit. We must replace it with democratic socialism, a system where ordinary people have a real voice in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and society…We want a democracy that creates space for us all to flourish not just survive and answers the fundamental questions of our lives with the input of all. We want to collectively own the key economic drivers that dominate our lives, such as energy production and transportation. We want the multiracial working class united in solidarity instead of divided by fear. We want to win “radical” reforms like single-payer Medicare for All, defunding the police/refunding communities, the Green New Deal, and more as a transition to a freer, more just life.

On June 4th, 2016, Bernie Sanders lost the Democratic nomination to Hillary Clinton. Rather than concede, twelve days later, Sanders gave a call to action to his followers. He told them that “the Revolution” would not be won from the top down as he had hoped, but from the bottom up. “We need to start engaging at the local and state level in an unprecedented way… we need … to start running for school boards, city councils, county commissions, state legislatures and governorships.” In the next two weeks, over 7,000 people signed up for kits on how to run for elected office. 

The Sanders campaign was also revolutionary because it was the first campaign on the left to truly organize through social media. Before the rise of social media, in a single party system like Minneapolis, if you were politically active, all went to the same party events, same fundraisers, sat on the same committees. When you decided to run for office, people knew you and would get behind you to help you get elected. You might fight like cats and dogs over a specific issue, then go out for a beer afterwards because you were one big , albeit somewhat dysfunctional family.  Social media changed all this. The deep ties built through attending DFL events could be supplanted by posts and tweets and people following you.  They didn’t even need to meet you to support you. This was transformational to politics.

When Sanders ended his campaign, the Sanders online campaign machinery in Minneapolis turned inward to elect local candidates. In 2017, Our Revolution Twin Cities, which emerged from the Sanders campaign, endorsed 14 candidates for City Council. Three were incumbents who had previously been endorsed by the DFL and 11 were outsiders to the traditional Democratic Party. Using the online tools and relationships built during the Sanders campaign, nine candidates endorsed by Our Revolution got elected to the City Council, delivering Lisa Bender the Council Presidency in 2018.

Social media makes money by having people on their platforms. Human beings respond more to anger and outrage than kindness and happy stories so social media promotes anger and outrage. The more divisive posters are, the more people engage with them, and the higher that they rise in people’s feeds. The organizing on social media rapidly created two distinct groups in Minneapolis. On one side was the “progressives” or “far left” mostly organizing through social media. On the other, “moderates” or “center-left,” mostly organized through individual relationships. Personal attacks, harassment, and outrage grew. For people who came to politics where everyone was basically on the same team, this kind of behavior was unthinkable and obscene. For people on social media, it was effective to organize and gain power by attacking your rivals. The personal attacks on social media got so bad that under Council President Lisa Bender, the two sides on the City Council literally would not talk to each other. Discussion between the two sides effectively ended.

By 2021, Amendment 2, the amendment to remove minimum staffing levels for the Police Department, (also known as the “Defund” amendment), worsened the division in the City. Progressives predominantly supported the Amendment. Moderates predominantly opposed it. The campaign was brutal and ugly, with each side seeing the other as uncaring and unwilling to make needed change despite having substantial agreement over almost everything other than the number of police. Ultimately, the amendment was defeated by 56% of the vote, showing that the moderates had a slim majority of City voters.

By 2023, the Sanders campaign has evolved locally into the Twin Cities Democratic Socialists of America or TCDSA. The TCDSA has effectively taken over the Minneapolis DFL, with the chair and several members in leadership positions being DSA members. There appear to have been irregularities at multiple endorsing conventions favoring progressive candidates. Things got to the point where Mike Norton, the vice-chair of the Minneapolis DFL, resigned  in part due to these irregularities. 

A political party exists to move forward an agenda. Four progressives and four moderates have received DFL endorsements in 2023. The question now is what the DFL stands for, given it has endorsed candidates with two very different agendas.  Some of the major differences between the progressive and moderate agendas are:

Police: Progressives want to reduce the number of police, while moderates want to increase the number of police. There is actually broad agreement on many other public safety issues like hiring mental health responders and having outreach teams for the homeless.

Encampments: Progressives want homeless encampments to remain until there is permanent housing for all persons living in encampments. Moderates see most encampments as drug users choosing their addiction over housing and that leaving them increases harm to occupants and crime.

Transportation: Pushed by progressives, Minneapolis adopted a goal of reducing automobile travel by 60% in the next seven years. Progressives want to achieve this through substantially changing roadways to promote walking, biking, and transit. Moderates want a transportation system focused on access to jobs and small business, which means focusing on automobile travel.

Rent Control: Progressives want a hard 3% cap on rent increases. Moderates oppose this, arguing that rent control ultimately drives up the cost of housing.

Municipal Sidewalk Shoveling: Progressives want the City to shovel sidewalks, as part of its walk-bike-transit agenda. Moderates see this as bad for the environment and its $20M price tag too expensive. Currently less than 1% of property owners do not shovel their sidewalks.

Economy: Democratic Socialists focus more on workers and worker rights. Moderates also focus on supporting businesses development – especially small businesses, job growth, and wealth-building.

The differences in agendas came to the forefront again with the recent attacks on Israel. The TCDSA made a statement that some people interpreted as advocating for the elimination of Israel. The Democratic Party has traditionally strongly supported Israel. This clash of agendas again brought forward the question of what does the Democratic Party in Minneapolis stand for? Is it a center-left party or is it a far-left party?  Which set of priorities will prevail? Will Minneapolis become more socialist? And will Sanders vision of democratic socialists taking over the Democratic Party continue?

Ken Martin had scheduled a meeting of the DFL Executive Committee after the DSA statement, purportedly to expel the socialists from the Democratic Party, similar to Hubert Humphrey in the 1940’s. But the meeting was postponed until after the election.

The big question now is which way will Minneapolis go? The election is November 7^th.

Preserve Minneapolis' 2023-2024 Lecture Series Kicks Off November 17 at the Mill City Museum

Preserve Minneapolis has announced four new historic preservation lectures for 2023-2024, with options for virtual and in-person lectures. Join scholars for an in-depth look at topics in Minneapolis history. These in-person and virtually hosted lectures last approximately one hour and require registration. Lectures are free, with suggested donation to Preserve Minneapolis.

Dr. John AnfinsonThe first lecture takes place November 17, 7pm, at the Mill City Museum, featuring John Anfinson, Ph.D., on the topic of saving St. Anthony Falls.

Dr. Anfinson has been researching, writing, and speaking about the upper Mississippi River for over 35 years, first as district historian and cultural resources program manager of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and later in roles including superintendent for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service. Since 2022, he has been a guest speaker on American Cruise Lines boats on the Mississippi River. His lecture will focus on the history of and problems with the massive “Cutoff Wall” that literally holds up St. Anthony Falls and which has not been seen or inspected since 1876.

Cost: Pay as you can at the door. Registration

Information on all four lectures.

Fall Adult Education Classes at the Guthrie Begin in November

The Guthrie Theater has announced their schedule of Fall Adult Classes, all starting in November. One of note is Play Reading: Through the Lens of an Actor with Jack Reuler (former Artistic Director of Mixed Blood), taking place Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm, with the first session on November 7th.

During this 6-week class, readings will tackle plays ranging from comedies to dramas by playwrights spanning the continuum of age, race and gender. There will also be discussions on the content and literary artistry of the plays, as well as the complexities of choosing and producing these masterpieces.

All experience levels welcome!

World Premiere of The Secret of Chimney Manor opens at Theatre in the Round, November 17

The Secret of Chimney Manor runs November 17 to December 17 - Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) continues their 15th annual Agatha Christie mystery tradition with the world premiere of The Secret of Chimney Manor by Todd Olson, a new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel The Secret of Chimneys, running weekends November 17 to December 17, with a Monday Pay-What-You-Can performance on December 4.

Anthony Cade is hired to deliver a manuscript to a London publisher, but after being mistaken for a British agent, he becomes embroiled in a web of international intrigue involving blackmail, stolen letters, and a missing prince. Full of twists and turns and eccentric characters, The Secret of Chimney Manor is a fresh, funny, and rollicking version for the stage.

L. Robert Westeen directs the twelve-member cast with sets designed by Madeline Achen, costumes by Deb Murphy, lighting by Andrew Vance, props by Bobbie Smith, and sound design by Abe Gabor.

Tickets are $25. For information, call the theatre’s box office at 612-333-3010 or visit www.TheatreintheRound.org.

October 21 Trip to the Mill City Farmers Market

The Mill City Farmers Market 2023 season is winding down (October 28 is the final outdoor market, and then they switch to November-April winter dates inside the Mill City Museum). The above photo is our haul from the October 21 market. I would have picked up more produce, but the freezer is already full! :D

Small Business Spotlight: Flamin’ Thai Cuisine

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

We recently caught up with Mengie Sisomphan, co-owner of Flamin’ Thai Cuisine at 16 University Avenue NE in Old Town Minneapolis. She talked to us about the new location of the business, popular dishes (including sushi!) and happy hour specials. Folks, this one deserves a visit!

Mengie Sisompha

Q:  What makes Thai food so delicious? 

A:  Thai food combines all flavors to make for the perfect dish: salty, spicy, sour, and, of course, sweet. We combine all of these flavors to prepare authentic Thai dishes – so many of our customers say that the flavor combinations are addictive – come and find out for yourself! 

Q:  What are your most popular dishes? What is one dish you wish more customers would try and why?

A: The most popular dish on our menu is the Pad Thai and all of our curries. I wish that more customers would try our special sushi dishes and our Lao foods, which are mouth watering as well! I will say this – there is so much variety and so many foods on our menu that I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Please come and meet our talented Sushi Chef, J.R. He has been in the game for over 40 years. Ask for OMAKASE and he’ll blow your mind!

Sushi Chef, JR

Q:  How is your new location in Old Town Minneapolis?

A:  We love it here. We feel very supported and welcomed in the community. All of us are glad to be in business in Old Town!

Q:  Do you have happy hour specials on food or drinks?

A:  Yes, we have happy hour specials from 4-6pm, Monday to Friday. There are specials on food, beverages and sushi. Come try our Tropical Mojito and Flamin’ Rita drinks.

Q:  How may we best follow your news?

A:  Please follow us on our social channels, Facebook and Instagram. 

POSTERS for PARKS Virtual Shop Open Until October 21

Minneapolis Parks Foundation would like to remind you that your purchase supports local artists and community parks - but this online opportunity is only available through Saturday, October 21st!

Now's the time to collect or give stunning works of original art featuring Minneapolis parks - and the people, plants, and animals that share them. Nearly all 44 designs are still in stock at PostersForParks.org - but some are very close to selling out. Gallery goers snapped up nearly 600 posters the October 14 in-person show. 

Virtual sale details:

• Dates: Now through Saturday, October 21, while supplies last
• Cost: $50/poster, plus flat $12 packaging/postage rate for your entire order
• Good-to-Know: No shipping fees if you pick up your online order the Longfellow House, in Minneapolis, on Wednesday, October 25, from 2pm-6pm. See details at checkout.

RAWR! It's Art Attack 2023!

Image by Barret Lee

During Art Attack, the Northrup King Building showcases four floors of amazing art and gifts that will attack all your senses – in a good way!

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Come and meet the talented artists, witness captivating demonstrations, uncover one-of-a-kind treasures, kick start your holiday shopping, and let your creativity loose with interactive art activities - all featured in this beautiful and historic art building.

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With over 400 artists under one roof, and nourishment provided by KCM Eggrolls, Potter’s Pasties and P.F. Café, the Northrup King Building is a fantastic place to spend a delightful autumn day, or to be honest, maybe even a few days given the sheer size of the iconic structure and the abundance of art it holds.

And this is just the beginning! This event is part of NEMAA’s Fall Open Studios, with three glorious days to immerse yourself in a world of fun, vibrant colors, and boundless inspiration – take time to explore all the sister buildings and see the exciting creativity that the Northeast Arts District has to offer.

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Art Attack Dates and Times:

Friday, November 10, 5-9pm
Saturday, November 11, 12-8pm
Sunday, November 12, 12-5pm

Free Parking, Passenger Elevator, ADA Parking and 4 Floors of Wow!