December 30 Weekly Update from Mayor Frey Highlights 2024 Achievements

Reprint of the December 30 e-newsletter from Mayor Frey

Mayor Frey Celebrates Landmark Year for Minneapolis

Mayor Jacob Frey is celebrating a historic 2024, a year marked by significant progress across key priority areas including affordable housing, economic inclusion, public safety, and climate work. Thanks to strategic investments, community collaboration, and strong leadership, Minneapolis has emerged as a national leader in several areas. From major affordable housing investments to the best recovery downtown—to the successful recruitment of police officers, the city is stronger than ever.  

“As we close out 2024, we stand on the shoulders of incredible progress, a testament of the hard work and dedication of our entire community,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “This year, we’ve made bold, forward-thinking strides in affordable housing, public safety, climate action, and inclusive economic recovery. Our work has been recognized nationwide, making it clear that Minneapolis is a city that truly works for everyone. As we enter the new year, there's no slowing down. We'll continue to build on this momentum, making sure Minneapolis remains a model of innovation, opportunity, and success.”   

The following are key achievements from the past year: 

Affordable Housing and Homelessness

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• Minneapolis continues to lead the nation in affordable housing production. Since 2018, we’ve invested more than $365 million in housing and homelessness strategies. This has allowed us to: 
  • Produce deeply affordable housing at 8.5 times the previous rate. 
  • Produce an average of 780 total units a year, more than double the average between 2011 and 2017. 
• A main driver of our housing policy is the Minneapolis 2040 Plan. A critical legal victory this year allowed this visionary plan to move forward, allowing for a diversity of housing units across neighborhoods. Since the plan was approved in 2019, rent costs have gone down 4% (during that same period, they went up 22% nationwide).
• The HRA levy for $5 million in annual funding for capital investments for the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority portfolio was reinstated, advancing the work to preserve and improve existing housing units and take advantage of strategic opportunities to create new ones.
• This year, we awarded $18.5 million to 11 different housing projects through our Affordable Housing Trust Fund, helping to increase our affordable housing supply. 
• Stable Homes Stable Schools has connected more than 1,800 families and 5,300 Minneapolis students to housing or housing stability assistance over the past few years.
• Since the pandemic, unsheltered homelessness has decreased by roughly 24% in Minneapolis and we continue to invest millions into homelessness response strategies and initiatives.

Economic Inclusion and Recovery

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• Over the summer, Mayor Frey announced his Downtown Action Plan, a bold, comprehensive strategy to bring downtown Minneapolis to the next level and build on its success as a vibrant, 24-7 destination for residents, visitors, and businesses.
• Since 2020, the City’s Ownership and Opportunity Fund has awarded $12.6 million to 25 business owners in Minneapolis, helping them buy and own commercial real estate while building generational wealth.
• The City kicked off its Arts and Cultural Vibrant Storefronts Initiative this year, a pilot program that subsidizes rent for local artists and arts organizations in empty storefront space, helping to beautify and revamp the city while supporting local artists.
• With the Upper Harbor Terminal project, we officially connected North Minneapolis to the riverfront. The project will bring acres of green space, improved bike and pedestrian lanes, beautiful landscapes, and recreation for residents to enjoy.
• The City has made major progress at George Floyd Square, putting forward a community-driven vision for the space after community engagement efforts that totaled 17,000 staff hours and over 25,000 interactions with community members. The City will continue moving forward with a redevelopment that honors George Floyd and fosters unity, healing, and growth.
• The City hosted its first-ever Latino Business Work in 2024 and celebrated its fourth-annual Black Business Week.
• The City named its first-ever poet laureate this year. Heid E. Erdrich helped connect the community through the art of poetry while hosting educational events throughout the year. 
• Other projects that have moved forward or been completed this year include:
  • V3 Center.
  • Hennepin Ave. S reconstruction.
  • New Nicollet Redevelopment project.

Climate Action and Public Health

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• This year was the first full year of Mayor Frey’s Climate Legacy Initiative (CLI)—an innovative plan to fund the City’s accelerated, equitable, and aggressive climate goals over the next 10 years. Our goal is for Minneapolis to significantly reduce climate pollution by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050.
  • Of the $10 million in ongoing CLI funding, $4.7 million went toward weatherizing all homes in Minneapolis, $1.4 million in workforce training, and $850,000 in the City’s tree canopy program.
• The City has saved residents and businesses $160 million in energy costs since 2018 while supporting more than 4,000 low-income residents and businesses.
• We’ve doubled the number of trees planted, invested in green jobs, supported rapid transit, and added more infrastructure for electric vehicles across the City, welcoming our 100th EV to the fleet.
• The City has achieved 100% of its renewable goals for City-owned buildings, and we will be expanding to city-wide buildings by 2030.
• Mayor Frey spearheaded the municipal consent process for the City of Minneapolis for the Blue Line Light Rail Transit Extension, ensuring that: 
  • An additional stop will be constructed to serve residents and businesses near the intersection of Washington and Broadway avenues.
  • Anti-displacement measures from the Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County will ensure the communities and neighborhoods surrounding the corridor thrive before, during, and after construction.
  • We are collaborating with the City of Robbinsdale, the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, North Memorial Hospital, and surrounding neighbors to plan the Lowry Ave. Station.
• The mayor helped unveil a new Narcan vending machine and the Mobile Medical Unit—both aimed at bridging healthcare gaps and providing support and care to people who need it the most when they need it the most.
• With a $3.5 million annual investment in our Lead and Healthy Homes program, Minneapolis is on track to become the first city in the nation to end childhood lead poisoning. From 2022 to 2024, the program inspected more than 750 homes for lead paint.  
• The City is in the process of upgrading the North Transfer Station to allow residents to more easily recycle large and hard-to-recycle items, preventing thousands of pounds of waste from going to a landfill.
• Minneapolis is replacing aging lead water service lines at no cost to homeowners, thanks to state and federal funds. In 2024, the City replaced around 400 lines, and we plan to replace 1,000 in 2025.

Community Safety and Police Reform

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• A historic police contract was signed in June, providing a nearly 22% raise for officers and establishing significant reforms.
• Police applications are up 45% from this time last year, thanks in large part to the City’s recruitment campaign— “Imagine Yourself”—and boots-on-the-ground efforts from the Minneapolis Police Department.
• The City continues to implement and build out reforms under the settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and selected ELEFA as the independent evaluator to oversee reform work and compliance.
• The City is in the process of building its first-ever Southside Community Safety Center, which will open early in 2026. This new space will bring together a multitude of safety resources under one roof, including police, violence prevention initiatives, and mental-health resources.
• The Lake Street Safety Center opened its doors in early November, providing a temporary space for safety services to collaborate.
• The Behavioral Crisis Response team continued to provide 24/7 culturally responsive services across the city, and the mayor is proud to support their work with a $5.9 million annual investment.
• The first off-campus safety center opened at the University of Minnesota, providing safety services for students and families along with rooms for studying and safety classes.

Downtown Revitalization

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• Downtown Minneapolis is leading the nation in downtown recovery, with activity surging 45% since 2023.
• The city hosted more than 1,800 events downtown this summer, including the USA Olympic Gymnastics trials, Taste of Minnesota, and Twin Cities Pride, and it marked the best season for hotels since 2019.
• Close to 70% of downtown employees are working in person at least once a week, and more than 450 retail stores and restaurants are open.
• The mayor signed an ordinance in the fall making it easier to convert unused office space into residential units.

Good Governance

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• The City of Minneapolis was recognized by UNICEF as the second “Child Friendly City” in the nation—a recognition of our support and inclusion of young people.
• The City was also named the first "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” organization in Minnesota for our commitment to supporting veteran employees and their families.
• For a second year in a row, the City earned a AAA credit rating, which is the highest rating possible. This rating enables the City to fund projects, save taxpayer dollars, and ensure Minneapolis remains a thriving economic center.
• Over the summer, the City completed construction on the Central City Tunnel downtown, one of the largest Public Works projects in recent history. The stormwater tunnel lowers the risk of flooding and will keep Minneapolis safer for years to come.
• The City was awarded a federal Bridge Improvement Program grant of $34 million to rebuild the Nicollet Avenue bridge over Minnehaha Creek, making the bridge safer for all that use it.  
• New department leadership:  
  • Michelle Phillips: Director of the Civil Rights Department.
  • Tim Sexton: Director of the Public Works Department. 
  • Rachel Sayre: Director of the Emergency Management Department.
• In 2024, Minneapolis was recognized with the following accolades:
  • Happiest city in the country.
  • Best city for recent college grads.
  • Best city for retirees.
  • Top five city for accessibility.
  • Best parks and bikes systems.  

Thank you for an incredible 2024! 

Pritzker Hageman to Host January 16 Community Blood Drive with American Red Cross at Machine Shop

Pritzker Hageman Red Cross Blood Drive at Machine Shop

Thursday, January 16, 2025 - 10:00a - 4:00p

Machine Shop, 300 2nd Street SE

Schedule an Appointment: pritzlaw.us/donateblood

 

Bucolic Topographies by Lisa Truax, a Kolman & Reeb Gallery Project Space Exhibition, opens January 11

January 11 – March 1, 2025

 Artist Reception: January 18, 2025,  6:00–8:00p

Artist Talk: February 15, 2025, 2:00–3:30p

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is pleased to present its next Project Space grantee exhibition, Bucolic Topographies, by Lisa Truax. With her abstract, wall-based ceramic pieces, Truax explores the intersections of nature and human influence to create a sense of connection with our natural world, asking us to examine our relationship with innate tendencies to seek connection with nature and other life forms.

Maintaining a studio in the Mississippi Bluff River Valley just outside of Winona, Truax is constantly collecting locally sourced items. These materials and the processes used to incorporate them are important conceptual factors in her work. Truax achieves a unique synthesis by blending traditional ceramic ingredients with natural elements like granite, clay, and sand from the region, along with recycled items such as glass, metal, and waste glaze. These components transform during the firing process, melting, flowing, and fusing in surprising ways. Her creations evoke abstract representations of landscapes, caves, bodies of water, and even microscopic life forms, reflecting the intricate interplay between nature and human influence.

Continuing with the modular format found in past shows, Truax builds a cohesive body of work in this exhibition that explores our evolutionary history and the tendency to seek connection to our natural environment. Because of the resources provided by her Kolman & Reeb Project Space Grant, Truax’s techniques significantly increased in complexity. By building layers, creating glaze tests, and using traditional methods to expand her palette, Truax uses surface textures and colors in new and complex ways.

Per Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery co-founder and co-partner, “Lisa’s show incorporates individual pieces to create a whole. What’s great about this approach is how these stand-alone pieces can be shown as individual works or as stunning, larger installations. Jodi and I are excited to have Lisa's unique approach to ceramics in the gallery.”

Jodi Reeb, gallery curator, and co-partner, added, “Lisa’s show is more like an overall installation created by an array of individual pieces. Deeply inspired by her local environment, Lisa expands on and advances her work using soda ash firing techniques and found materials such as clay and soil, which create impressive color combinations. I’m excited to see how visitors respond to her dimensional ceramic wall sculptures.”

Lisa Truax is a ceramic artist who has exhibited regionally and nationally in group and solo exhibitions, including the Northern Clay Center and the American Swedish Institute. She was an Artist in Residence at Isle Royale National Park in 2022 and has work in the collections of hospital facilities in Michigan, Nevada, and Georgia. Maintaining a studio in Pickwick, Minnesota in the Mississippi bluff country, Lisa works as an artist and educator. She holds an MFA in Ceramics from Michigan State University and a BFA from Carthage College.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is in Studio 395, Northrup King Building at 1500 Jackson Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.

For more information, visit: kolmanreebgallery.com or call 612-385-4239.

2024 Minneapolis Tourism Highlights: A Year-in-Review from Meet Minneapolis

Via a December 26 e-announcement from Meet Minneapolis:

As 2024 draws to a close, Minneapolis celebrates a tourism year marked by exciting events, significant milestones, record-breaking numbers and an ever-growing reputation as a premier travel destination. Meet Minneapolis shared 10 highlights to recap a memorable year for the city’s tourism and hospitality industry: 

1.  Increase in Hotel Room Demand Continues

With strong convention activity, several marquee events and increased business and leisure travel in 2024, Minneapolis hotels recorded their strongest year since 2019, setting several records along the way:

• 2 million+ total hotel rooms sold – most since 2019
• All-time monthly hotel room revenue record: $43.7 million (October)
• All-time weekly hotel room revenue record: $12.5 million (July 14-20)
• 223,430 hotel rooms sold in August – most since August 2019 (240,980)
• 59,590 hotel rooms sold on March 3-9 – most ever in a week
• 70.2% hotel occupancy in August – highest monthly rate since October 2019 (75.4%)
• 82.9% hotel occupancy on March 3-9 – highest weekly rate since Oct. 6-12, 2019 (83.1%)
• 97.7% hotel occupancy on May 7 – highest daily rate since Oct. 12, 2019 (98.0%) 

2.  Physicists & Hoops Fans Drive Mpls Hotels to New Heights

With the American Physical Society March Meeting at the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) and the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament at Target Center, Minneapolis hotels recorded their strongest week ever in terms of hotel rooms sold (59,590, March 3-9). Also worthy of mentions:

• Minneapolis became the first city to host both the Big Ten Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tournaments in the same year.
• Combined attendance for the two tournaments was more than 220,000, highlighted by the first sellout of the women’s tournament in the 31-year history of the event.    

3.  Minneapolis Becomes Gymnastics City USA

From June 21-30, downtown Minneapolis was transformed into Gymnastics City USA as it hosted four of the sport’s most prestigious events, highlighted by the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. From the several events held at the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) and fan interaction areas like Flip Zone and Promenade du Nord to Target Center, where fans watched the country’s best artistic gymnasts vie for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team, more than 200,000 visitors came to downtown Minneapolis for one or more Gymnastics City USA events. 

4.  “Bring Ya Ass” – Timberwolves Playoff Run and More

Three words became a viral sensation when Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards told NBA analyst Charles Barkley to "bring ya ass" to Minnesota during the team's electrifying run to the NBA Western Conference Finals. But it wasn’t just sellout crowds at Target Center that made sports headlines in 2024:

• In February, the Stifel Loppet Cup brought the World Cup to Theodore Wirth Park. The event drew 40,000 fans to watch elite cross-country ski athletes, including Minnesota's own Olympic medalist Jessie Diggins.
• The MCC welcomed nearly 87,000 players, coaches and fans for multi-day youth volleyball tournaments hosted by Northern Lights Volleyball and North Country Region Volleyball, further cementing Minneapolis as a volleyball hub.

5.  Major Conventions & Large Public Events

The MCC, U.S. Bank Stadium and other downtown venues hosted hundreds of major conventions and large public events, resulting in significant economic impact for the city, thanks to the local tourism and hospitality industry. For examples include:

• Groups holding large-scale conventions in Minneapolis included Herbalife International of America (attendance: 18,000), American Physical Society (12,785), Minnesota Music Educators Association (12,600), American Public Health Association (10,450), American Cleanpower Association (7,440), and GALA Choruses (7,000).
• The public events with the highest attendance at the MCC included the Twin Cities Auto Show (attendance: 49,500), Minneapolis Home & Garden Show (36,415), Twin Cities Con (35,110), Minneapolis Boat Show (26,130), and The Ultimate RV Show (21,840). 

6.  Rock & Roll (and Country, too)

Minneapolis hosted an electrifying lineup of concerts in 2024 at a wide variety of venues. In addition to live-music stalwarts like First Avenue, the Armory and the Dakota Jazz Club, several mega concert tours took over the city.

• U.S. Bank Stadium was filled with country music fans singing along to Chris Stapleton (April), Kenny Chesney (May), Morgan Wallen (June) and Zach Bryan (August).    
• One long weekend in particular – August 16-19 – saw 12 bands play at four concerts for a major rock n’ roll weekend in Minneapolis:  Metallica/Pantera/Mammoth WVH/Five Finger Death Punch/Ice Nine Kills, Aug. 16/18, U.S. Bank Stadium; Green Day/Smashing Pumpkins/Rancid/Linda Lindas, Aug. 17, Target Field; Def Leppard/Journey/Steve Miller Band, Aug. 19, Target Field.

7.  Arts, Theater and even more Music

Minneapolis boasts countless museums, galleries, theaters and music venues, offering visitors a world of choice to experience the city’s thriving arts, culture and music scene. Following are some of the highlights from a year full of events and exhibitions:

• The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) presented a new exhibition of more than 50 documentary photographs by renowned photographer Gordon Parks and debuted a new permanent Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room with than 200 gilt-bronze sculptures, paintings, silk hangings and carpets.
• The Great Northern festival returned with 50+ events celebrating arts, food, culture and climate along with a 100-foot ice bar.
• Hennepin Arts welcomed a wide range of performances, highlighted by 2024’s slate of Broadway productions: Funny Girl, Mamma Mia!, Clue, The Lion King, MJ the Musical, Back to the Future, Some Like It Hot, Les Misérables, and The Book of Mormon.
• The Tony Award-winning Guthrie Theater presented an epic three-part theatrical event, “A Brittle Glory, William Shakespeare’s History Cycle,” a rare undertaking produced at this scale.   
• In May, the Walker Art Center presented “Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody,” an exhibition of more than 100 works and rarely seen archival materials from the 1980s art star.
• Minneapolis marked the 40th anniversary of Prince’s “Purple Rain” with concerts, exhibits, panel discussions, and a high-definition screening at Paisley Park. 

8.  Showcasing the Minneapolis Cultural Districts

To highlight the city’s designated Cultural Districts, Meet Minneapolis partnered with designer Jesús Li in 2024 to create a map and a series of illustrated icons. These visuals showcase each district’s proximity to landmarks and distinct identity, blending cultural symbols, local narratives, and notable sites. The map encourages exploration and fosters a deeper appreciation for Minneapolis’ culturally rich and diverse communities.

9.  Getting Here Gets Easier

Getting to Minneapolis has never been easier for travelers with the addition of new routes at the award-winning Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and a popular new railway service:

• In April, Aer Lingus resumed nonstop service between MSP and Dublin (DUB).
• In May, Delta Air Lines added seasonal service between MSP and DUB.  And in October, Delta announced that it would launch its first-ever nonstop route between MSP and Copenhagen (CPH) starting in May 2025
• In June, Lufthansa became MSP’s 18th airline when it launched year-round service between MSP and Frankfurt (FRA). In May 2025, Discover Airlines – Lufthansa’s leisure subsidiary – will take over the route with Lufthansa planning to resume operation of the route in 2026.
• Finally, a new passenger train began in 2024 as Amtrak’s Borealis began twice-daily service in May between Chicago and the Twin Cities. 

10. Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame Experience

Since Black Friday, more than 9,300 visitors (through Dec. 24) have enjoyed the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame Experience – a free pop-up exhibit at The Dayton’s Project celebrating the many individuals, teams and key moments in our state’s sports legacy. Featuring a pictorial history of Minnesota’s history on the field, diamond, court, ice and beyond, the exhibit has received outstanding reviews with more than 94% of attendees reporting a positive experience. The temporary attraction is open through December 28.

Participate in the 10,000 Families Study

Excerpt from the December 23 City of Minneaplis e-newsletter:

The 10,000 Families Study (10KFS) is a study of family health in Minnesota looking to understand the influences of genetics lifestyle, and environment on health and illness. At least two family members are needed to participate in this study. Participants can earn gift cards for taking part.

Learn about the steps for applying and how to sign up

Meet Roshan Ganu, the Latest Artist to be Featured in Mia’s Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program

Article by Becky Fillinger

Do you need a break from the holiday messaging and imagery? Here’s the answer: Roshan Ganu’s work, तराणी: The Night Blooming Jasmine, is now on display in Mia’s Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program, and runs through February 23, 2025. Her dreamy multi-media pieces transform the 2500 sf U.S. Bank Gallery into an "enchanting nighttime realm." We talked to Roshan about the meaning – to her – of the narratives in the show, her creative process and how you may be in touch to share your own reactions to the exhibition. 

Q:  Can you tell us about the symbolism and narratives in रातराणी: The Night Blooming Jasmine?

A:  The symbols in रातराणी are derived from my everyday life in Goa, but memorialized through my lens as a foreigner in Minneapolis. They are portrayed as a combination of memory and lived bodily experience, through video, ceramic work and paintings. रातराणी (pronounced Raat-raani) is a Marathi word for The Night Blooming Jasmine, which literally translates to Queen of the Night. For me, the night is liberation. It is the time when I come into my truest self, a poetic absurdity. This exhibition is an interpretation of this idea through cultural symbols of the Night, such as Narkasur, a demon who is burned in effigy the night before Diwali, the Bodgeshwar Fair, and the Night Blooming Jasmine. 

Q:  How was it to be selected to be part of the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP)?

A:  It was amazing! I am so happy to be a part of a legacy of artists who have shown their work in this gallery. Since I moved to Minneapolis 6 years ago, I have followed the MAEP program as a pivotal next step in a Minnesota artist’s career. Seizing this opportunity, I traveled back to ground zero, my hometown Goa, to create a portion of the work. The process has been illuminating, educational and empowering, and I look forward to experiencing it with the Mia audience. 

Q:  Please tell us about your creative process. Do you follow a structured routine or is your process more spontaneous?

A:  I think it is a mix of both. It is important for me to be disciplined and committed to the process. But at the same time, I am dreamy and slow. So, I factor in the dreamy and slowness into the schedule. I really enjoy spontaneity, but I feel like it is important to set myself up for spontaneity to be effective, so that it does not become meaningless. A large part of my process is creating an atmosphere for the process through intense research, throwing myself open to experiences, travel, making physical and mental space, buying equipment, sourcing tools, etc.

Above and below - Installation views of Roshan Ganu: रातराणी: The Night Blooming Jasmine at Mia, on display now through February 23, 2025. Photo Credit: Charles Walbridge, Minneapolis Institute of Art

Q:  How do your personal experiences or cultural background influence your work?

A:  In this regard, I am no different than any other artist. We feel a lot. There is a depth of feeling, experience and a desire to create meaning from what we see and feel. For me, personal experience and cultural background contributes to this Well of Wisdom. It is a place I go to fetch my nurturing water. I also have a responsibility towards this Well, to use it sustainably and let it rest when it is running dry. This is when I let go of Art and venture into the world as a mundane person, for as long as it takes to guide me back into the studio. 

Q:  What message or emotion do you hope viewers take away from रातराणी: The Night Blooming Jasmine?

A:  I invite viewers to explore the space by positioning themselves in different parts of the gallery. By looking into the mirrors, you can curate your own unique compositions of the elements in the show, deriving meaning that is unique to you. I invite everyone to slow down, contemplate the visuals and spend time with the labels to find their own connections with the stories. We all have a relationship with the Night, what is that relationship for you? What would you do if the Night was not off-limits?

Q:  How may we follow your career?

A:  I am most active on my Instagram page, where I post about my events, exhibitions and other updates. My handle is @blingalingthoughts. You can get in touch with me through an Insta message, I would love to hear from you, especially if the work left an impression. My website, http://www.roshanganu.com/, is where you can find some of my past work.

Minnesota Frost Players to Make Appearance at Theatre in the Round's Hocky Play, Glory, on January 24

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) is presenting Glory by Tracey Power which tells the true story of one of Canada’s most successful hockey teams – the Preston Rivulettes, who won four Dominion Women’s Hockey Championships and 10 Ontario Titles from 1931 to 1940.

To celebrate the current and historical significance of women’s hockey, two Minnesota Frost players will be attending the production on January 24. Taylor Heise (2024 Walter Cup Playoff MVP) and Grace Zumwinkle (2024 PWHL Rookie of the Year) will be appearing at the theatre before the performance to greet fans. 

As the fourth production in Theatre in the Round’s 73rd season, Glory translates hockey to the stage through jazz dance, telling the story of four friends who set out to prove that hockey isn’t just a sport for men. With the Great Depression weighing heavily on the nation and fascism rising in Europe, can they overcome the odds to forge their own path to glory? Full of humor and inspiration, Glory is a thrilling hockey play for the whole family. 

Sean Dooley directs the six-member cast with choreography by Antonia Perez, set design by Keven Lock, costumes by Parker Adams, lighting by Andy Kedl, props by Elliott Van Winkle, and sound design by Abe Gabor. 

Glory runs January 17 to February 9, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm.

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Tickets range from $20-29     Box Office: 612-333-3010

Content Warning: Mild swearing, moments of crude humor, and sports-related violence. Ages 10+

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Theatre in the Round’s facilities are accessible for audience members using wheelchairs. Assisted Listening and captioning devices are available at any performance. An Audio-Described performance is scheduled for Sunday, February 2 at 2pm. For questions about access services, please email tix@theatreintheround.org or call the box office at 612-333-3010.

Wintertime Auto Theft Crime Prevention Tips from the MPD 1st Precinct

Great River Coalition Announces Holiday Sale for 10th Annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup

Give the gift of health (to yourself, someone you love, or both!) and save a few bucks, too. Use the discount code HOLIDAYS when you register for the Great River Coalition's 10th Annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup, and receive $5 off per registration. The 2025 event will take place April 19. 

Registration: https://register.chronotrack.com/r/81795

More info: www.greatrivercoalition.com/2025-beerunwalkcleanup

MPRB Announces New Year's Eve Skating Parties at Parade Ice Garden

Via a December 17 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Celebrate New Year's Eve with a Skating Party at Parade Ice Garden, 600 Kenwood Parkway! Bring your family and meet your friends for fun on ice and NYE countdown.

There are two parties planned: 10-11:30am or 2:15-3:45pm.

Attractions: 

• Kid's Dance DJ
• Face Painting
• Games with prizes on and off the ice
• Concessions available for purchase

Skates and Admission:

Bring your own skates or rent some at the arena. Please note rental sizes and quantities are limited.

No need to pre-register, just pay $10 at the door. Parties run 10-11:30 am or 2:15-3:45 pm.

Questions? Call 612-370-4904 or email arenas@minneapolisparks.org.

Children’s Theatre Company Announces Performing Apprentice Auditions

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC), the Tony Award-winning flagship theatre for multigenerational audiences in North America, is actively searching for Non-Equity Actors aged 19 and above to audition for the Performing Apprentice (PA) program for the 2025-26 Season.

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The CTC Performing Apprentice program prepares early-career actors to enter the professional theater industry through hands-on experience and mentorship. CTC’s PA Program is one of the most intensive in the nation. PAs have the unique opportunity to perform on stage alongside CTC Resident Company members, student actors, and locally, nationally and internationally renowned guest artists. PAs perform in lead roles, ensemble roles, understudying, and participate in readings and workshops of new works. PAs will work closely with student actors on each show as mentors, share a dressing room with student actors, and lead warmups before previews and performances. There are no crew, strike, or other technical requirements. The PA contract for next season is July 2025-June 2026.

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The CTC Performing Apprentice program is paid. Apprentices are paid a weekly salary of $660, complimentary tickets to all CTC shows, and participate in company health insurance.

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CTC is actively recruiting and seeking performers from under-represented communities including, but not limited to, people of color, performers with disabilities, and LGBTQ performers for all casting, recognizing the value and importance of reflecting the diversity of the audience on stage. A full background check for all employees is required.

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Auditions:

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Virtual

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Submissions accepted December 20, 2024 – January 13, 2025

Auditions will be conducted in three rounds: the initial audition, an invited phone interview, and an invited in-person callback in Minneapolis. Out of town actors invited to the callback will be provided with roundtrip airfare and housing for the callback weekend, slated for the end of February.

 

More info on how to audition: childrenstheatre.org/auditions 

QUEERSPACE collective: Minnesota’s only 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Center

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Team members Angelie Hu and Abby Neisen greeting attendees for QUEERSPACE's 2SLGBTQIA+ youth center grand opening.

A Discussion with Nicki Hangsleben, Executive Director

QUEERSPACE collective opened its doors in October and is the only 2SLGBTQIA+ youth center in the state.  We wanted to learn more about this fabulous and important space and organization - a discussion with Executive Director and Founder, Nicki Hangsleben, provided us with the essential and hopeful information.  Consider a gift to QUEERSPACE this holiday season – you’ll be supporting the youth, mentors and caregivers who provide a safe place for vulnerable youth in our community.

Q:  You worked for many years in the corporate world, at Land O Lakes. What inspired you to take a detour in your career and start QUEERSPACE collective?

Nicki HangslebenA: At Land O'Lakes I worked in International Development designing and implementing agricultural programs in developing countries. I traveled around the world and worked with amazing communities throughout East and Southern Africa, Asia and the Middle East. I loved my job and collaborated with amazing team members. After 9+ years I started to feel like I wanted to do something a little closer to home. As a Queer person who grew up with Queer community (my mom dated women when I was a kid), I knew having mentors was instrumental to feeling safe and supported when I came out. I saw the mental health crisis facing young people in the LGBTQIA+ community and found out there were very few mentorship programs supporting them. I thought this would be a great way to show up for our youth and our broader community.

Q:  What is QUEERSPACE collective's mission?

A:  QUEERSPACE collective creates space for LGBTQ+ youth to feel safe and empowered to be their true selves.

Q:  Can you share some success stories from your mentorship programs? How have these programs impacted the lives of LGBTQ+ youth?

A:  Over the last 3.5 years we've successfully matched 80+ LGBTQIA+ youth with LGBTQIA+ mentors, supported another 50+ youth through our youth workshops, and through partnerships connected with over 3,000 youth out in the community. We also provide mentor and caregiver training and LGBTQIA+ inclusivity training throughout the country.

I hear from caregivers often that QUEERSPACE has changed their lives and sometimes saved their lives. Many youth who are referred in are dealing with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. Having a caring adult and community allows them to feel more confident and secure in who they are. We've had some matches who have been together for 3 weeks and some who have been together for 3 years. In addition to supporting their 1:1 matches we also provide a lot of community events so youth and mentors can connect with other youth and mentors in the program. And we provide caregiver training so they can connect with each other as well. Our focus has been about creating community. And it's working!

A young person adds their ideas to a whiteboard that reads, "What do you hope to see at the QUEERSPACE Youth Center?"

Two young people painting their nails at QUEERSPACE's youth center.

Q:  How does QUEERSPACE collective engage with the broader community to foster inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ youth?

A:  Partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. We are intentional about working with community partners and ensuring what we are providing is not redundant. We are part of the Minnesota School Outreach Coalition (MNSOC) and collaborate with other LGBTQIA+ youth organizations to host Q-Quest, Youth Pride and other fun and engaging events in the community. We're also part of the Minnesota Trans and Intersex Resource Network (MNTIRN), an organization working collectively to assist LGBTQIA+ folx arriving in Minnesota from other states. And, we're constantly evaluating ways we can share resources from other organizations with our growing QUEERSPACE community. I firmly believe, as Paul Wellstone once said, "We all do better when we all do better.”

Q:  Can you talk about any partnerships or collaborations that have been particularly beneficial for QUEERSPACE collective?

A:  Yes, partnerships are incredibly important to all we do. We know it takes our full community to best support our young people. We have programmatic partnerships with orgs like RECLAIM!, Family Tree Clinic, Transforming Families, and OutFrontMN, fundraising initiatives with FlipPhone drag brunches and Red Cow, and last year completed a training program for Best Buy’s Teen Tech Centers. Stay tuned for our newest partnership with Worthy Mentoring. Together we're working on a virtual mentorship app to support kids in rural communities.

Q:  What are your long-term goals for QUEERSPACE collective, and how do you plan to achieve them?

A:  We developed a 3-year strategy in the fall of 2023 and have prioritized growing our mentorship programs, opening a youth center, and developing a virtual mentorship platform. Our mentorship programs are continuing to expand, we recently opened an LGBTQIA+ Youth Center and are working on a virtual mentorship app that we plan to pilot in 2025. You can find out more about our 3-year strategy at our website, queerspacecollective.org/about.

Q:  What has been the most rewarding part of your journey with QUEERSPACE collective, and what keeps you motivated?

A:  I'm grateful I can leverage my skills acquired while working for large nonprofits like MPR and corporations like Land O'Lakes and apply them to this new startup organization that is directly impacting LGBTQIA+ youth. I'm also grateful for the amazing team at QUEERSPACE who show up every day for our mentors, our youth and their caregivers, and our partners with creative solutions and incredible programming. I'm lucky I get to lead this incredible organization and continue to show up for LGBTQIA+ youth in our community to help them feel a bit more supported in this often-challenging world.

Q:  What advice would you give to individuals and organizations looking to support LGBTQ+ youth in their communities?

A:  The LGBTQIA+ community is constantly being attacked, especially our Trans community. We are lucky to live in a state with representatives and advocates who have been working diligently for decades to protect our rights. Please make sure you vote. And vote for those who want equal rights for EVERYONE. Please also consider donating to local LGBTQIA+ organizations, including QUEERSPACE collective. There is so much more we can be doing to create more inclusive spaces for our LGBTQIA+ youth. Finally, educate yourself. Learn more about the experiences for trans youth, what it means to be non-binary, how to use they/them or ze/zir pronouns, how to share your own pronouns, and all the ways you can show LGBTQIA+ youth they deserve love and compassion. 

Nicollet xChange: A Winner for Downtown Minneapolis

The International Downtown Association (IDA) is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Their members are city builders and downtown champions who bring urban centers to life, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. IDA recently awarded The Nicollet xChange with their Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its resourceful approaches related to the innovative summer program. We spoke to Lisa Middag, Senior Director of Economic Development for the Mpls Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District about Nicollet xChange, the award, and what it means to Minneapolis.

Q:  Congratulations to Minneapolis and to you on winning this award! What is the Nicollet xChange and what was the original vision for the project? Please tell us about the history and mission of Nicollet xChange. 

A:  The Nicollet xChange is a weekly sustainable community marketplace launched in the summer of 2023 on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. Its original vision was to create an engaging pedestrian experience that fosters a sense of community renewal and reinvention in downtown, replacing a legacy farmers market that had concluded earlier that year. This new initiative aimed to spark a deeper connection to downtown by blending sustainability-focused activities with the promotion of local businesses and experiences.

The marketplace features food trucks, fun pop-up activities, and opportunities to learn more about sustainability all around a centerpiece - the xChange - a one-for-one item exchange where participants could trade fashion, home, sports, art, or media items.

As the longest running weekly swap event in the country, the Nicollet xChange's mission was multifaceted, aiming to encourage sustainable practices by reducing waste, providing alternatives to fast fashion, and connecting participants to sustainability resources. The event also sought to draw a younger audience, promote a sharing economy, and cultivate a sense of shared experience by facilitating exchanges where people could share the stories behind their items. Each week, reuse artists demonstrated practical skills like mending and alterations, while the event highlighted downtown businesses and events.

The idea emerged from the desire to reconnect people with downtown through shared experiences, leading to the involvement of swap experts like Patrick Duffy (the Swap King) and Ashleyn Przedwiecki (Luum Collective), who helped bring the event to life. The initial 2023 run proved successful in building a community of exchange practice, attracting repeat participants, and generating positive public acceptance as a creative alternative to traditional retail. The Nicollet xChange returned to Nicollet Mall in summer of 2024. This past summer, more than 5,700 people experienced the xChange, and 450 people made exchanges that saved more than 2,000 items from entering the traditional waste stream.

Q:  So impressive! When did the city hear about the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence? Did you attend an awards ceremony?

A:  We learned about the award earlier this year, but the awards presentation took place in Seattle at the IDA’s national conference in September, where staff had the opportunity to cross the stage and be acknowledged with other award winners from around the country.

Q:  Do you think the award contributes to the overall development goals of downtown?

A:  Nicollet xChange aligns closely with the overall development goals of downtown, particularly its sustainability and community engagement objectives. The Nicollet xChange directly supports efforts to reduce waste, promote reuse, and encourage sustainable consumption. The one-for-one exchange model helps divert items such as fashion, textiles, and household goods from the waste stream, supporting downtown’s environmental sustainability goals.

The marketplace also contributes to broader downtown development goals by fostering a sense of community and revitalizing the area through a shared, interactive experience. It encourages people to visit and engage with downtown Minneapolis, building social connections and promoting local businesses. Additionally, the weekly format creates a regular gathering space for people, adding vibrancy and a renewed sense of purpose to the urban environment.

Overall, the initiative serves as a dynamic example of how downtowns can take a leadership role in sustainability while simultaneously enhancing their appeal as vibrant, community-focused spaces.

Q:  What advice would you give other cities or planners looking to achieve a similar standard of community engagement and design excellence?

A:  Sometimes beautiful things can come from challenges…we were seeking an experience for downtown users that would answer the gap left by the departure of the farmer’s market. Knowing that the loss of workers created challenges for retail-based businesses, we were seeking something other than retail that could answer both that desire for a retail-type exchange but also help strengthen relationships amongst our downtown community. Supporting a shared economy experience really answered both those desires.

Q:  What role did partnerships play in the success of the project?

A:  Partnerships were critical to the development of xChange - first and foremost, we needed the sustainability expertise of our program partners, Patrick Duffy and Ashleyn Przedwiecki, who took the time to educate us on how swaps can work and their benefits and challenges (i.e. what happens to what’s left?). It was their trusted leadership within the local sustainability ecosystem that allowed us to tap into the participants, enthusiasts, educators, menders and designers, that helped add so much to the experience. Finally, for two years now, the xChange has been hosted by the Piedmont Property team at US Bancorp Center, and their support for the event, including the provision of free storage space in between the weekly xChanges, made it possible to efficiently deploy and resource the event.

Q:  How may we follow news of upcoming innovative and sustainable city projects?

A:  Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @mplsdid to stay updated on the latest events, initiatives, and community stories. Discover more about the mission and impactful work of the Mpls Downtown Improvement District by visiting our website at mplsdid.com. 

City Offers Tips to Reuse, Reduce and Recycle this Holiday Season

Excerpt from the December 5 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

If you recycle or compost through the City’s collection program, here’s guidance on getting rid of an item:

• Visit the City website.
• Search our online disposal guide.
• Join Solid Waste & Recycling’s Facebook group and post a photo with your question.

If you don’t have City collection, check Hennepin County's Green Disposal Guide.

How to dispose of common holiday items:

• Holiday lights. Post usable holiday lights on Buy Nothing, another social media exchange site, or bring to a donation center. Bring non-working holiday lights and holiday lights that were not accepted for donation to a Hennepin County drop-off site.
• Pie tins, trays and aluminum foil. Recycle aluminum pie tins, trays and foil balls that have minimal food debris in your recycling cart. Aluminum foil must be in a ball at least 3 inches in size to be properly sorted.
• Gift wrap and bags. Reuse gift bags. Most wrapping paper is not recyclable and needs to be put in the trash. Only plain kraft paper gift wrap is accepted for recycling in your recycling cart. Make sure wrapping paper is flattened and not balled so it can be properly sorted. Consider alternatives to paper gift wrap and sticker gift labels.
• Cartons are accepted for recycling in your recycling cart. Keep them in their three-dimensional shape. They’re kept separate from other paper and shipped to special paper mills that can manage the layers of plastic and aluminum.

See Hennepin County’s checklist for gift wrap alternatives and other ways to reduce waste this holiday seasons.

Extra cardboard and recycling over the holidays:

A lot of people have extra recycling this time of year. Here’s how to set out extra recycling on your recycling day:

• For boxes that do not fit in your recycling cart, you can place them next to your recycling cart in another box. Keep boxes set outside of the cart to less than 3' x 3' and under 40 pounds. This is for safety and proper sorting.
• Put any extra bottles and cans next to your recycling cart in cardboard boxes or paper bags. (If you use plastic bags, the entire bag will be disposed of as garbage.)

Remember there's no charge to get another recycling cart. If you regularly have more recycling that will fit in your cart(s), contact our office at 612-673-2917 to request another cart. 

Winter Activites in Downtown Parks

Minneapolis Downtown Parks is bustling with activities to bring joy to your winter days. Here’s what’s happening this December:

Nicollet Island Winter Market
Sunday, December 15
10 am-4 pm | Nicollet Island Pavilion

Bundle up in your coziest winter gear and immerse yourself in the holiday magic at the Nicollet Island Winter Market! This festive event features over 70 local vendors offering unique gifts, delicious seasonal treats, and more. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with strolling carolers, warm beverages (hello, boozy hot chocolate!), and plenty of holiday cheer inside the heated pavilion and tent. It’s the perfect way to embrace the winter spirit with friends and family!

Nicollet Island Winter Market event page

Holiday Wreath Workshop with Mossy Roots
Wednesday, December 11
6:30-8:30 pm | Water Works Pavilion

Get into the holiday spirit at this hands-on wreath-making workshop with Mossy Roots! Whether you're a crafting pro or a beginner, this workshop will guide you in creating your own beautiful partial-round wreath, complete with winter greens and festive adornments. All supplies are included, and you can sip on seasonal beverages from Owamni upstairs while you work on your creation.

Tickets are limited! Secure your spot today.

Holiday Wreath Workshop Registration

DIY Bath Salt Blend Workshop with Samantha from Thistle Dew Acres
Thursday, December 12
6:30-7:30 pm | Water Works Pavilion

Treat yourself (or someone you love!) to the gift of relaxation this holiday season. Join Samantha from Thistle Dew Acres—“the dreamer, master herbalist, baker, and creator” of this beloved Jordan, Minnesota homestead—for a hands-on bath salts workshop like no other!

In this interactive session, you’ll create your own luxurious and soothing bath salts, selecting from a variety of fragrances, colors, and natural ingredients to customize them perfectly. Whether you’re crafting for yourself or making thoughtful gifts for friends and family, this workshop is all about holiday self-care and creativity.

Space is limited, so don’t miss your chance to learn from Samantha and bring a little Thistle Dew Acres magic home with you!

Reserve your spot and create your personal retreat in a jar!

Thistle Dew Acres Bath Salts Workshop

Nicollet Island Last Chance Market
Saturday, December 21
10 am-4 pm | Water Works Pavilion
Free Parking. Free Admission

Procrastinators rejoice! The Nicollet Island Last Chance Market is here to save your holiday shopping. This is your final opportunity to grab those one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list while supporting amazing local vendors.

 Shop Local Treasures
Discover unique gifts and treats from 60 local vendors, including sourdough baked goods, handmade bath supplies, stunning photography, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and even surprises created by young local artisans.

 Live Holiday Music with the Cobra Trio
Let the Cobra Trio set the vibe with their bold and unexpected jazz arrangements! This dynamic group will reimagine favorites from Britney Spears, Radiohead, and Metallica, blending them seamlessly with classic holiday tunes. Their playful yet sophisticated sound is the perfect backdrop to your shopping experience.

 Delicious Food & Drinks
Fuel your festivities with breakfast sandwiches and seasonal favorites from Mintahoe Catering, plus a full bar featuring holiday cocktails like boozy hot chocolate and spiced mulled wine.

 A Cozy Winter Wonderland
With festive strolling carolers, the warm glow of the heated pavilion and tent, and the smooth sounds of live music, this market is the ultimate way to embrace the season. Bring your family, friends, or simply your holiday cheer—we can’t wait to see you there!

Nicollet Island Last Chance Market event page

Your Downtown Minneapolis Parks

The Commons Park - 425 Portland Avenue South

Graco Park - 15 8th Ave NE

Nicollet Island Park - 40 Power Street

North Loop Park - 731 N 3rd St 

Water Works at Mill Ruins Park - 425 West River Parkway

Meet Nambi Mwassa – Theater Latté Da’s Cinderella

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Minnesota Star Tribune called Nambi Mwassa an up-and-coming actor in the Twin Cities to keep our eye on – we agree! You saw her earlier this year in The Color Purple at Theater Latté Da – where you’ll now find her playing the title role in Cinderella. We talked to Nambi about stepping into the classic role this holiday season – her inspirations and favorite scenes. Cinderella runs until January 5 – get tickets here.

Nambi MwassaQ:  How do you think Cinderella's story resonates with modern audiences?

A:  I think that we can see many themes of this show in today’s society. For example: how rare kindness is. Many people believe that kindness is only deserved. This story makes us ask the question of “why is kindness so hard to give out?” Time and time again in this story, Cinderella gives that out (despite her not being in the highest class of society) and not expecting anything in return. That is just the way she is, and because of this, society views her as an outcast. Cinderella has chosen to be herself and not hop on the bandwagon of “following society’s rules” just because it looks “trendy/popular/reputable.” We can compare those themes to social media in today’s society. Judgement is so instilled into our society that people are afraid of truly being themselves, because they don’t want to be ridiculed, so they decide to wear a “mask.” 

Q:  Will you incorporate any modern elements into your portrayal of this classic character?

A:  Yes! Especially with the music. I come from a contemporary music background, so I didn’t want myself to be a “cookie cutter” version of this classic character. I wanted to add a piece of myself to this project. Our director, Justin Lucero, has also emphasized the modern feeling of the show throughout the rehearsal process. He has always been open to having those deeper conversations of the story/characters which I am always open to having as well. He gives us new perspectives or ideas to play with that resonate well with the theme of the show. Also, our wonderful music director, Wesley Frye, has been open to giving me some creative freedom when it comes to making/pitching some choices with the music. It’s going wonderful so far, and I hope it caters to the audiences.

Q:  What aspects of Cinderella’s personality do you relate to the most?

A:  Being opinionated. She also is very caring and loves helping others, which I have passion for as well. Outside of theatre, I work in special education schools as a teaching assistant. It’s a job I’ve done for a few years now. I chose this path because I grew up having a brother with a disability. My siblings and I assisted and watched my parents go through the responsibilities of having to take care of a disabled child, so I decided to apply myself to that area of work. It was work that I not only related with, but cared for. I understood the huge impact I had on the quality of life of the person I taught and cared for. It’s a rewarding trait that I am very proud of. Thats one of the pieces of kindness and care that I think of when portraying this role. 

Q:  What did you focus on to make Cinderella’s kindness and strength shine through in her interactions?

A:  Her innocence and humility. I think that’s also a huge piece as to why she is so kind. She is closed off from the world because she is seen as an outcast. Even by her own family. When she finally comes out of that shell, we see the way that she reacts to the world and most of the time, they react in a negative way towards her throughout many parts of the story. Despite that, she gives everyone the benefit of the doubt and doesn’t react with being mean back, but rather lets people see her way of viewing life from her perspective, which shows her humility. Also, I think Cinderella doesn’t know how to be mean to others and to the naked eye, it can come off as naive, but I think it truly comes from her innocence since she’s been forced to be hidden from the world. Her kindness has just been instilled in her and that’s where she teaches us that love comes naturally and hate is taught.

Rehearsal

Q:  What is it like working with the set design and costumes to enhance your portrayal of the character?

A:  The set design is minimalistic, but there are a lot of moving parts in the show that we all (the cast) contribute to in an effort to bring this story to life. The costume design team has worked so hard on being a big part of that as there are multiple transformations/quick changes that I have to do, on stage and off stage. It definitely took quite a bit of time and patience to make all of them look effortless, but I think it is paying off so far. 

Q:  Do you draw inspiration from any previous portrayals of Cinderella in film or theater? If yes, which ones?

A:  I would probably say Celie from The Color Purple film and musical. It’s ironic because it was the last show that I did at Theater Latté Da. Although Cinderella and Celie come from completely different worlds and walks of life, they are characters that are dismissed and ignored by the world around them. Including the people who are supposed to love them. They both work time and time again to prove to the world that they are worthy of living in it. Eventually they both end up living the life that they’ve dreamed of in the end.

Q:  What is your favorite scene or line as Cinderella, and why?

A:  I would say the scene where Ella connects with her stepsister, Gabrielle. I think in most versions of Cinderella we’ve always seen the stepsisters treat Cinderella very poorly, but in this version, we see Gabrielle be more empathetic towards Cinderella, and eventually a big supporter of her. It’s a nice change from the typical story we’re used to. It also just adds more context to the family dynamics. 

Q:  Is there a moment in the show that you find particularly magical?

A:  The magical transformation into the ballgown (done by the fairy godmother). It’s a big moment for the character as it is the first time we witness a piece of Ella’s growing confidence. For me, it’s a moment where I feel that I can breathe and let go of a bit of the baggage that the character is constantly forced to carry on her shoulders. 

Q:  What’s next on the horizon for you? We’ll be watching!

A:  I have some upcoming auditions for a few local shows for next year, so hopefully those turn out in my favor! I also just recently received my equity card, so I am just trying to audition wherever/whenever I can at the moment. I feel that the world is my oyster at this time of my life, so I only see myself going up from here!

Holidazzle Updates!

Holidazzle is a free, community-focused civic holiday tradition. The Minneapolis Downtown Council produces the five-day, and this year the festival includes two new activities:

• An Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, December 18 featuring the Minnesota Chorale and the Vikings’ SKOL Line followed by a performance by NUR-D.
• The Peppermint Pub Crawl showcasing several downtown Minneapolis establishments spreading holiday cheers with their own creative cocktails on Saturday, December 21.

For the most up-to-date information on Holidazzle, including daily schedules, parking information, Peppermint Pub Crawl tickets, Metro Transit free passes and more, visit Holidazzle.com.

The heart of Downtown Minneapolis is getting ready to transform into a winter wonderland for the 2024 Holidazzle Festival. Nicollet Mall between 6th and 11th Streets will host this vibrant holiday celebration beginning Wednesday, December 18 through Sunday, December 22.

Each of the five days of Holidazzle will give guests the opportunity to catch entertaining musical performances on two stages (indoors at IDS and outdoors on the U.S. Bank Stage), shop local vendors for glorious gifts, enjoy tasty options from food trucks parked along Nicollet, putt and play Minne-golf, lace up and enjoy roller skating presented by CenterPoint Energy, and, of course, share wish lists with Santa at his North Pole outlet between 8^th and 9^th Streets.   

NEW: Opening Ceremony featuring Minnesota Chorale, Vikings’ SKOL Line, and NUR-D - Wednesday, December 18 beginning at 4:15pm.

Help kick off Holidazzle at the U.S. Bank Stage outdoors on 9th and Nicollet.

Enjoy the velvet voices of the Minnesota Chorale and the drumbeats of the Vikings’ Skol Line.

Then, at 6:15pm, jam to a performance by Minneapolis’ own “7th Favorite Hip Hop Person,” NUR-D.

NEW: Peppermint Pub Crawl - Saturday, December 21 from 5 – 9pm.

Folks will be spreading holiday “cheers!” along Nicollet Mall, thanks to the Peppermint Pub Crawl.

Several local bars and restaurants in Downtown Minneapolis are participating in this inaugural event, each serving up festive holiday “spirits.”

Tickets are $25 per person or $80 for four people. Pub Crawlers (21+) will receive a peppermint striped beanie and three drink coupons for complimentary cocktail samples, as well as a guide to locations and drink options. Check in at City Center.

Participating establishments include Barrio, Devil’s Advocate, The Local, The Lodge at Nordic Village at Four Seasons, Marriott City Center, The Marquette Hotel Lounge, The News Room, noa, Roxy’s Cabaret, and the pop-up Holidazzle Bar (on Nicollet between 7th and 8th Streets).

For and tickets, visit holidazzle.com/plan-your-visit/.

Pop-Up Holiday Markets

Holidazzle is proud to support local small businesses. Bring your gift list and shop among 200 local vendors. Don’t forget to treat yourself!

Throughout Holidazzle:

• Chameleon Market featuring BIPOC, women-owned businesses at Dayton at Gaviidae YMCA 
• Minneapolis Craft Market at IDS Center 
• Dayton’s Holiday Market in the Dayton’s Project

 Friday, December 20 & Saturday, December 21

• Very Vintage Holidazzle Market in City Center

Holidazzl-ing Entertainment, Indoors and Out

Two stages, one inside and one out, will host live performances and activities throughout the festival.

The IDS Crystal Court will be home to the indoor stage and the U.S. Bank Stage will be outdoors near 9th and Nicollet.

For a complete schedule, visit Holidazzle.com.

U.S. Bank Stage

• Singers from the Minnesota Chorale and NUR-D on Wednesday
• Silent Disco on Thursday
• Karaoke on Friday and Saturday
• Snowga and a Kids Dance hosted by YMCA on Saturday and Sunday
• Twin Cities Trapeze on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• Actors from The Children’s Theatre Company will perform songs from “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Saturday

Indoor Stage

• A Capella Sing-Off – Prelims on Thursday and Friday, Finals on Saturday
• Armstrong HS Choir, Lakeville North Now, and Then Singers on Wednesday
• New Dimension Choir, The Apollo Club of Minneapolis, and Outloud! on Thursday
• Drag Bingo, St. Louis Park HS Singers, and Anna Devine on Friday
• Maple Grove HS Choir Crimson Carolers, Heartfelt, Northern Lights Choral, and Emmy Woods on Saturday
• Swing 6625 and The Court Revelers on Sunday

Roll-A-Dazzle presented by CenterPoint Energy

Roller skate your way around the holiday-themed roller rink inside City Center with Twin Cities Skaters. Bring your own roller skates or rent some for free. All ages are welcome.

Twinkling Lights Galore

Nicollet Mall will be a-glow with twinkling lights and interactive lighting displays powered by Creos and Big Animal Productions.

LAPS - 11th Street to 1oth Sreet

This interactive light display was created by Olivier Landreville in collaboration with Serge Maheu.

Passage - 9th Street to 8th Street

Walk through this incredible lighting display created by Serge Maheu.

Yeti – Between 9th and 8th Streets

The 17-foot tall, 360-pound marionette is Holidazzle’s official mascot. Designed in 2019 by Christopher Lutter specifically for Holidazzle, the illuminated Yeti will delight spectators between 9th and 8th Street.

Friends of Holidazzle Passes

Support the Holidazzle tradition via Vibrant & Safe Downtown, a 501(c)(3) organization, by purchasing a Friends of Holidazzle passes. Passholders will enjoy complimentary valet parking, a commemorative collectible, access to indoor restrooms, and a fast pass to see Santa. Passes are $100 per adult and one child (12 and under), with each additional child for $25. A portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible.

Metro Transit is offering FREE rides to and from Holidazzle. Discounted parking is also available at select downtown parking ramps. 

For details on everything Holidazzle, visit Holidazzle.com

Stone Arch Bridge Closure Switches to Downtown Side on December 2

Stone Arch Bridge under repair in October 2024

Please visit the MnDOT Stone Arch Bridge Repair page for details.

Starting the week of December 2, crews will close the downtown Minneapolis side of the Stone Arch Bridge to begin preparation work for the restoration and repairs that will occur spring through fall 2025. Access under the Portland Avenue portion of the bridge will also be closed. These closures are necessary to keep the public and crews safe during the work.

While these closures take place, the St. Anthony Main side of the bridge will reopen, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to walk or bike to the middle of the bridge and turn around at the new closure point.

The downtown Minneapolis side of the bridge will be closed through fall 2025. Please note that timeframes are all approximate, subject to change and weather and schedule permitting.

Know your route

If you are planning to walk or bike near the bridge, use the new protected pathways on the Hwy 65/Third Avenue Bridge as your detour route to cross the Mississippi River. See the detour maps.

More about this project

Starting in April 2024, crews began repairing the Stone Arch Bridge spanning the Mississippi River on the edge of downtown Minneapolis. Crews are repairing and replacing stone, replacing the mortar on the entire bridge, and making other repairs as needed. Stone repair and mortar replacement will slow deterioration and improve the condition of the bridge. 

During construction, pedestrians and bicyclists will not be able to cross the full length of the bridge through fall 2025. Crews will close half of the bridge at a time during construction, allowing people to walk or bike to the middle of the bridge and turn around at the closure. Construction is anticipated to be complete by spring 2026.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the Stone Arch Bridge project, please contact the project team. 

Get to Know David Beach, Portrayer of Ebenezer Scrooge in the Guthrie's 50th Production of A Christmas Carol

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

This year the Guthrie Theater celebrates their 50th anniversary of producing A Christmas Carol. 

David BeachArtistic Director Joseph Haj recently commented that A Christmas Carol is not just gratuitous holiday fluff.  Per Haj, “A Christmas Carol is everything we talk about when we talk about the theater. This is the work that’s meaningful to people. This is a work that changes people. A Christmas Carol is about the hardest work any of us will do, which is to actually change ourselves.”

The character we watch change over the course of the play is, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge. David Beach, in his Guthrie debut, takes on the iconic role. We talked to him about his inspirations for playing Scrooge, and what he learned about Scrooge and himself after delving into the role. Don’t wait to the last minute to book your tickets to this classic holiday event – playing now through Sunday, December 29 on the Wurtele Thrust Stage. Get tickets here.

Q:  Congratulations on being cast as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Guthrie Theater’s production of A Christmas Carol. How do you approach portraying such an iconic character like Ebenezer Scrooge?

A:  I am beyond thrilled and honored to take on this role at the Guthrie, especially for the 50th production of this beloved story, at this renowned theater. The Guthrie is an institution where I dreamed of working, and Scrooge is a role I have always wanted to play.

The opportunity to play Scrooge is a bit daunting. At my core, I am an actor who is driven by the power of collaboration, so my fundamental goal is to commit to finding how I uniquely meld into this extraordinary cast assembled by director Addie Gorlin-Han. How do I uniquely fit into the extraordinary community of artists and artisans at the Guthrie? How do we all share this work with the community?

On stage as Scrooge

When approaching a role like Ebenezer Scrooge, my first thought is to find where I live within his narrative; What moments in my past do I wish to relive? When have I let people down? I relate not only to Ebenezer’s profound sense of regret, but also his heartfelt, almost giddy joy at getting a chance for a do-over. This is where the underlying power of the piece lies for me, hope. There is nothing more powerful to experience right now than envisioning hope for a better future.

Q:  Have you been inspired from any previous portrayals of Scrooge in films or theater? Will you add any personal touches to the role? How will you make the character your own?

A:  One of my favorite film performances is Alastair Sim’s portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol. I have watched it a dozen times. I’m always astonished by how flawless he is in the role. What makes his performance even more moving is how he was primarily celebrated for his comedic strengths but gives one of the most pragmatic and honest performances I have ever experienced on film. As someone who gets cast in comedic roles, I am struck by the intrinsic honesty of a “clown” and how comedy and tragedy live a razor-width apart. My own portrayal of Scrooge is informed by how moving, honest, and humorous Sim’s portrayal was, much still filtered through my own lived experiences and impulses.

Q:  What was the most surprising thing you learned about Scrooge while preparing for this role?

A:  How profoundly moving Scrooge’s journey is. For the play to work he needs to experience the depths of darkness. Addie Gorlin-Han’s brilliant directing encourages us to not only embrace the darkness that is a ghost story, but also celebrate the cathartic transformation of Scrooge and the light that emerges at the end of the play.

Q:  Are there aspects of Scrooge's personality or journey that resonate with you personally?

A:  I wish I could say that I have nothing in common with the character, but the brilliance of Dickens’ work is that we all can relate to Scrooge (Lavina Jadhwani’s adaption is masterful in its honesty and faithfulness to the text.) I have been startled during rehearsal with how much I resonate with the character. I turned 60 this year, and that kind of milestone has allowed me to have what I would call a “Janus moment” — looking at my future in a way that is informed by my past. It is remarkable I have been given this opportunity at this point in my life.

Q:  What do you hope Guthrie audiences take away from your portrayal of Scrooge?

A:  When I see theater, I want to be able to feel I sat in the dark with a bunch of people who I didn’t know, experienced something that will never happen in the exact same way again, and we all emerged somehow different from that shared experienced. That is my biggest wish for this production…and that people know my mutton chops are real!

Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame Experience at The Dayton’s Project, Nov 29-Dec 28

State’s Rich Athletic Legacy to be Celebrated with a New Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame Experience

The limited-time pop-up exhibit, located within The Dayton’s Project building, is free to the public

From World Series and WNBA Championships to Olympic gold medals and Big Ten titles, and from legends like Herb Brooks and Patty Berg to today’s stars like Suni Lee and Anthony Edwards, the state of Minnesota is blessed with a rich sports legacy. Starting Friday, November 29 (Black Friday), visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Minnesota’s history on the field, diamond, court, ice and beyond as the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame Experience opens to the public in downtown Minneapolis.

Held alongside The Dayton’s Holiday Market, the pop-up exhibit will be open through December 28, on the lower level of The Dayton’s Project building, 700 Nicollet Mall. The temporary installation highlighting Minnesota’s sports history will be open Mondays-Saturdays 10am to 6pm, and Sundays from 11am to 5pm. During Holidazzle on December 18-21, the exhibit will be open from 9am to 6pm. Admission is free.

“The Minnesota Star Tribune is honored to bring our longstanding Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame to life in this historic location in the heart of downtown Minneapolis,” said Steve Grove, Publisher and CEO. “We’re tremendously grateful to our partners at Meet Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Foundation for their collaboration in building this unique experience for all of Minnesota.”

The Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame Experience will recognize the many individuals, teams and key moments that have contributed to our state’s sports legacy. Featuring a pictorial history of Minnesota sports from award-winning Minnesota Star Tribune photographers, visitors will be able to walk through six distinct eras of the state’s athletic past and present:

• Early Milestones: Native Americans and the "Creator's Game" along with a collection of “firsts”
• The Biggest Game in Town: University of Minnesota football takes center stage
• Gold Medal State: Minnesota athletes’ Olympic success through the years
• The Metrodome: The multi-purpose stadium that hosted the United States’ biggest sporting events
• The Rise of Women’s Sports: Minnesota’s outsized influence on girls’ and women’s athletics
• A Major League Era: The state’s shift to a pro sports mecca

In addition, the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame Experience includes images and artifacts from legendary Star Tribune sports columnist Sid Hartman’s office, an artistic presentation of Minnesota sports jerseys, and a display honoring the members of the Star Tribune Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame.

The Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame Experience is a joint venture from the Minnesota Star Tribune, the Minneapolis Foundation, Meet Minneapolis, the Hennepin History Museum and Mich’s Markets. Many of the state’s professional and collegiate sports organizations are partnering with the exhibit, including the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota United FC, Minnesota Aurora FC, Minnesota Frost, Minnesota Vixen, and University of Minnesota.

“Sports bring people together, especially when we combine iconic athletes and an iconic building,” said R.T. Rybak, President and CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation. “Our hope is that we can start a new tradition and expand from a pop-up to a larger and more permanent Minneapolis exhibit in future years.”

“Whether you are a casual or die-hard sports fan, the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame Experience adds to a long list of must-see holiday offerings in Minneapolis this season,” said Melvin Tennant, President and CEO of Meet Minneapolis. “Having this limited-time exhibit steps from the Dayton’s Holiday Market – along with our theaters, restaurants, breweries, and more – gives visitors and residents another unique, engaging reason to explore downtown.”