Enter the Meet Minneapolis Winter Sweepstakes and You Might Drive Off in an All-New Chevy Equinox!

Via a January 31 News Release from Meet Minneapolis:

Four weekly prize packages for a fun night in Minneapolis to also be awarded

The 2020 Twin Cities Auto Show is just around the corner and looks to be one of the best ever. Once again, Meet Minneapolis is excited to offer one lucky person the chance to drive off in a brand-new SUV now on display at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Four other weekly winners will get prize packages for a Minneapolis getaway. See details below.

Don’t let the snow and cold slow you down. Meet Minneapolis and Select Heartland Chevy Dealers are offering chances to get out and enjoy a winter adventure. The Chevy Equinox Sweepstakes* offers four weekly prize packages for a Minneapolis getaway and one grand prize of a two-year lease on an all-new Chevy Equinox. The winner of the brand-new SUV will be announced at the Twin Cities Auto Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Saturday, March 7.

One weekly prize package will be awarded every Friday from Feb. 7-28, and includes:
• A complimentary weekend night stay at the Hotel Emery, a downtown Minneapolis luxury hotel in the heart of the city (valid through March 31, 2021, and subject to availability). 
• A $50 gift card to Barbette, an award-winning French restaurant in the Uptown neighborhood featuring local and sustainably farmed ingredients.
• One escape room experience for two at Trapped Puzzle Rooms, a team-based puzzle experience with two locations in the Twin Cities.

Enter the sweepstakes at the Meet Minneapolis website or in-person at one of the various public shows leading up to the Auto Show (March 7-15) at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Sign up in person at the following times:
• Minneapolis Motorcycle Show – Feb. 1 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.), Feb. 2 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation & Camping Show, Lake Home & Cabin Show and Healthy Life Expo – Feb. 8 (9 a.m.-9 p.m.), Feb. 9 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
• Minnesota Golf Show – Feb. 22 (9 a.m.-7 p.m.), Feb. 23 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
• Home & Garden Show – Feb. 29 (10 a.m.-9 p.m.), March 1 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

From don’t-miss dining experiences to suggestions for a perfect winter day, Minneapolis.org has you covered with hundreds of ideas, tips and itineraries to help you experience the ‘City by Nature’ to its fullest. 

Sweepstakes Details:
Only one entry per person. No purchase necessary to win. Open only to legal residents of Minnesota, as well as Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Must be 21 years or older at the time of entry. Some residency restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Weekly prize drawings will be held Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Entries for the Chevy Equinox Sweepstakes must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on Feb. 29. 

The five randomly selected finalists eligible for the grand prize of a Chevy Equinox lease must be present for the live drawing at the Twin Cities Auto Show to win. The grand prize drawing will take place the morning of Saturday, March 7.

*For full sweepstakes information and rules, including eligibility, prize descriptions and other details, click here.

Minneapolis Region to Host 2022 Gay Softball World Series

Via a January 30 News Release:

Minnesota Twins become first MLB team to partner with event in its 46-year history

One of the largest annual gay sporting events in the world will return to Minnesota, as the Minneapolis region secured the 2022 Gay Softball World Series. The Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League, in partnership with Sports Minneapolis, won hosting rights after a presentation to delegates from the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) last weekend in Columbus, Ohio. The tournament will be held on Aug. 28-Sept. 3, 2022.

The 2022 Gay Softball World Series will feature nearly 900 games taking place at softball complexes in Minneapolis, as well as Burnsville, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul. Last year’s tournament in Kansas City, Mo., included 207 teams from 45 cities across the U.S. and Canada. The number of teams is expected to increase for the 2022 event.

In addition to a full schedule of games, events are planned every night of the tournament, including:

• Opening Ceremony
• NAGAAA Hall of Fame Induction
• Charity Night
• Pride Night at a Minnesota Twins game
• Closing Ceremony

“We are honored to bring the Gay Softball World Series back to the Twin Cities in 2022,” said Greg Fedio of the Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League who will serve as Executive Director of the newly formed Twin Cities Gay Softball World Series Organizing Committee. “We have put together a dedicated committee that is devoted to creating an amazing player experience and is looking forward to hosting teams from the 46 member cities of NAGAAA.”

“Securing the 2022 Gay Softball World Series is a very nice win for the Minneapolis region. We are particularly excited to showcase our vibrant and welcoming community to the athletes, as well as their family and friends,” said Melvin Tennant, Executive Director of Sports Minneapolis. “We look forward to setting a new standard of excellence for this great event.”

The Minnesota Twins have also pledged their support, becoming the first Major League Baseball team to partner with the Gay Softball World Series.

“The Twin Cities have played host to many of the country’s top athletic events. We’re a vibrant and diverse community that celebrates how sports brings communities together. We’re excited to help bring the Gay Softball World Series to Minnesota,” said Miguel Ramos, Minnesota Twins Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion, who traveled to Columbus to help present the bid.

The 2022 edition of the Gay Softball World Series will be the 46th consecutive year of the event. It is the largest annual, LGBT, single-sport, week-long athletic competition in the world. According to the Twin Cities Gay Softball World Series Organizing Committee, it is expected to bring 5,000 visitors and approximately $7 million to the local economy. The Minneapolis region previously hosted the tournament in 1996 and 2012.

The Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League was founded in 1979 when a group of gay men challenged the Minneapolis Police Department to a charity game. Since then, it has grown to the third-largest LGBT league in North America with 35 teams and nearly 600 players. In 2017, the Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League was named “Best Softball League in Minnesota” by CBS affiliate WCCO. Members of this league will form the local organizing committee for the 2022 Gay Softball World Series.

NAGAAA was founded in 1977 and is an international sports organization comprised of men and women dedicated to providing opportunity and access for the LGBT community to participate in organized softball competitions in safe environments.

Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and Met Council to Form Nation’s First Regional “Moving to Work” Housing Agency

Via a January 28 News Release:

Housing authorities will combine resources and regulatory flexibility to increase housing choice for low-income renters across the metro

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved a first-in-the-nation partnership between Minnesota’s largest public housing authorities: the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) and Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA). In forming the nation’s first Regional Moving to Work (MTW) agency, MPHA and Metro HRA will combine efforts to make it easier for families with housing vouchers to move where they wish across the metro area, including to neighborhoods they feel offer the best chance for economic success.

“Today, low-income families with a voucher who want to move for better opportunity, employment, or affordability run into invisible lines and hurdles that make it much harder than it should be,” said MPHA Interim Executive Director Tracey Scott. “Now MPHA and Metro HRA will be able to try things no one in the country has tried before to lower those barriers and empower families to meet their goals.”

Moving to Work, or MTW, is a powerful federal designation held by just 39 U.S. housing agencies. MTW agencies are allowed to combine sources of funds and waive many housing regulations in the interest of their local communities. MPHA is Minnesota’s only MTW agency. However, in 2015 Congress allowed MTW agencies to form a regional MTW agency with one or more adjacent housing authorities, extending this power to others in the interest of “efficiencies and greater housing choice for low-income persons.” MPHA and Metro HRA are the first such arrangement approved by HUD.

“This first-of-a-kind partnership is a giant step forward in our efforts to reduce barriers to housing that’s safe and affordable,” said Metro HRA Director Terri Smith. “Far too many residents are hampered by their inability to find stable housing. That, in turn, limits the ability of our cities and towns to grow, prosper, and thrive.

“A lot of work remains, but participating in the Moving to Work Demonstration Program, in partnership with MPHA, gives us another tool and a unique opportunity to achieve state and regional goals of ending homelessness and providing housing choices to people and families,” said Smith.

Initially, the partners expect to establish a shared pool of Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and combine their administrative muscle to streamline processes and help families achieve geographic and economic mobility. Other metro area housing agencies could later choose to join the partnership.

Together, MPHA and Metro HRA serve more than 44,000 people in the Twin Cities through federal, subsidized housing programs.

Restaurant Week Winter 2020: Feb 23 - 28

Restaurant Week Winter 2020

Celebrate the best of Twin Cities dining with a week's worth of great deals in some of the Twin Cities trendiest and best restaurants from February 23 - 28.

Participating restaurants will serve two to three course, prix fixe menus for just $10 to $35 per person. (beverage, tax and gratuity not included.)

February 5 Public Hearing for Amendment to Ordinance Relating to Parkland Dedication

Via a January 27 e-announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

"Housekeeping" amendment necessary to address Federal Rule updates related to affordable housing

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will hold a public hearing on February 5, 2020 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room at its Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters, located at 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Individuals who would like to speak to the Board of Commissioners about this amendment pending approval can sign up to speak at the meeting by calling 612-230-6400 before 3 pm on Feb. 5 or by signing up in person before 6 pm on the day of the hearing.

This amendment, in part, modifies the definition of "affordable housing units."  This amendment is also essentially a “housekeeping” amendment. The federal government updated its definition of “affordable housing units” to allow for income averaging. The City of Minneapolis is in the process of modifying its definition of “affordable housing units” to address inclusionary zoning units and projects using income averaging.

This is an official notice as required under Minnesota Statute Chapter 394.26, Subd. 1.”

Doug Verdier Shares His Early to mid-January 2020 Photos of the Water Works Project

Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project.

Construction of Water Works Park continues despite snow and very cold temperatures. These photos from early to mid-January show work on the future structures and landscaping preparatory earthmoving.

Workers erecting forms that will be used to extend the elevator shaft​ up to the restaurant level. Once forms are in place, concrete will be poured into them to create the elevator shaft walls.

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View of the elevator shaft form from 1st Street.

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Inside view of former Columbia Mill showing rebar in place for pouring​ a reinforcing wall on the inner side the stone wall, which has been stabilized.

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Closer view of the inside of Columbia Mill ruins as preparation​ continues for pouring of concrete reinforcing wall.

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Work continues on the area north of the Columbia Mill structure. RiverWest condos in background.

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Additional concrete prep work north of the Columbia Mill along 1st Street.

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Landscaping work on the 1st Street level of the park.

January Hiatus

Hello and thank you for checking out Mill City Times!

We are currently on our annual January vacation where the sun shines every day and the water is warm.

Updates will be much less frequent, but there will still be a few posted here, as well as Facebook.

Back at months end!

Kim :)

Brazilfest MN's Carnaval Brasileiro Celebrates its 18th Anniversary at the Fine Line, March 7

Via a January 21 News Release

The most attended and longest-running annual Brazilian festival in the Twin Cities heads back to the Fine Line for its 18th annual Carnaval Brasileiro on Saturday, March 7th at one of the premier live music venues in Minneapolis. Over 60 performers and artists - including percussionists, singers, musicians, samba dancers, actors and artisans - will transform the Fine Line into an authentically festive Brazilian cultural experience!

Guitarist/vocalist Robert Everest and his eight-piece group Beira Mar Brasil will host the Carnaval Brasileiro Masquerade Ball from 8pm to 12 midnight. Everest, who also serves as Executive Director of Brazilfest MN, has been joyfully exploring Brazilian music and culture for over 25 years and brings us authentic Brazilian carnival flavor through various musical genres from around the country - Samba, Axé, Frevo, Baião, and other dance-inducing styles. Joining Beira Mar Brasil for the fourteenth year, direct from Salvador da Bahia, Brazil’s famous party-loving city, will be singer and samba dancer extraordinaire, Dandara Odara, who performs at over 50 carnival celebrations around the world each year in Europe, North America, and of course, Brazil.

Along with Beira Mar Brasil, Carnaval Brasileiro 2020 will present several other performance groups, including Brazilian percussion ensembles Batucada Do Norte and Drumheart, professional samba dancers/instructors Ginga da Bahia, Edilson Lima (who has been featured on Ellen DeGeneres) and Tammy Chiarelli from São Paulo, Brazil, and Blue Lady - the mysterious mermaid, as well as Brazilian martial arts group Capoeira Floração of Minnesota. Carnaval guests can participate in Brazilian dance lessons, order a caipirinha, Brazil's national drink, purchase authentic carnival masks created by master Brazilian artisan Goretti Aamot, and have their face and body painted just like they do it in Rio!

The annual Carnaval, celebrated throughout Brazil, lasts nearly a week and has roots dating back to the 1700s. Like Mardi Gras, Carnaval is an all-out party with music, masks, dancing, and drinks - a final blowout before Lenten traditions kick in for the Easter season. This Minneapolis edition of Carnaval takes place after it is celebrated in Brazil, allowing for many of the special guests to come to Minneapolis for the event.

2020 Talk of the Stacks Series Announced

Talk of the Stacks is a reading series committed to connecting extraordinary authors with a community of readers at the Central Library. Talk of the Stacks is presented by U.S. Bank, with additional support from the Star Tribune. Events are held at the Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall, and are FREE and open to the public. Doors open at 6:15 pm for general admission seating. Programs begin at 7 pm. Book sales and signings follow.

February 24: Erika Lee in conversation with Tom Weber

April 20: Julia Alvarez

July 23: Larry Watson

Accessibility

To request ASL interpreting, please contact friends@hclib.org at least one week prior to each event. Assistive listening devices and wheelchair accessible and companion seating are available at all Talk of the Stacks events.

Notice of a Public Hearing: 200 Central Avenue

Notice of a Public Hearing: 200 Central Avenue

Heritage Preservation Commission meeting
Tuesday, February 4, 2020, 4:30 pm
350 South 5th Street Room 317
Minneapolis City Hall

Gretchen Camp, on behalf of Clark Street Holdings, LLC has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness application for revisions to a previously approved plan for a new 28-story mixed use project at  200 Central Ave SE and 113 2nd St SE in the St. Anthony Falls Historic District.

The Heritage Preservation Commission will meet on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at 4:30 p.m., in Room 317 City Hall, 350 S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN. Interested parties are invited to at tend and be heard.

Planning Department staff will issue a recommendation to the Heritage Preservation Commission. After hearing from the public, the Heritage Preservation Commission will make a determination based on required legal findings of fact. Please visit http://www.minneapolismn.gov/meetings/hpc/index.htm for the agenda with staff reports (web page will be updated by the end of the day Monday prior to the meeting date).

In accordance with the Preservation Ordinance, all property owners within 350 feet of the subject property are notified of this public hearing. If you have questions about the project, please contact the City staff person listed below.

If you would like to submit comments, you may make them verbally at the meeting or submit them in writing to:

Peter Crandall, Senior City Planner

250 South 4th St, #300, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Phone: 612.673.2247 Email: peter.crandall@minneapolismn.gov

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For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact 612-673-3153. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612- 673-3000. TTY users call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.

Opening Soon! West Elm North Loop

Via a January 17 News Release. Photos courtesy West Elm

West Elm will be opening its first downtown Minneapolis location soon – slated for the end of February

Global lifestyle and design brand West Elm is excited to open its first downtown Minneapolis store in late February. West Elm Minneapolis is tentatively scheduled to open Thursday, February 27 in the heart of the North Loop at 128 North 2nd Street on the ground floor of the SECOND + SECOND development. The new location will create approximately 30 new jobs.

As the second West Elm location in Minnesota, West Elm in downtown Minneapolis is the perfect location for the brand and its focus on modern design, sustainability and supporting local artists and makers. With the North Loop’s walkability, historically preserved buildings, and vibrant neighborhood businesses, West Elm looks forward to connecting like-minded creatives, designers and makers through pop-up events and workshops. West Elm’s first Minnesota location opened at the Shops at Centennial Lakes in Edina.

The more than 11,000-square-foot store will open featuring its spring collection, alongside West Elm’s collection of original, modern home décor and accessories. The new store will also feature an assortment of products made by independent artists in the community as a part of the company’s LOCAL program. Since 2013, West Elm LOCAL* has introduced over 900 artisans and their unique pieces to customers across the country. The downtown Minneapolis location will carry a unique array of locally crafted goods by Minnesota artists and makers, ranging from small accessories to works of art.

Customers will also have access to complimentary personalized styling and design with West Elm’s Design Crew. Guests can make a Design Crew appointment in-store or online at WestElm.com.

Sample furnishings:

Andes deco upholstered bed

Ikat border shag rug

Mid-century expandable dining table walnut

Mid-century expandable dining table walnut

For Minneapolis–Saint Paul residents looking for shopping benefits, West Elm offers a member rewards program called The Key. By joining for free, members receive 3 percent back in rewards across the entire Williams-Sonoma family of brands (West Elm, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Mark and Graham and Rejuvenation). Join at: https://www.westelm.com/thekeyrewards/. 

Prior to the store opening, West Elm will also host a grand opening celebration open to the public, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 6–8 p.m.

The grand opening celebration will be open to the public and feature:

• Local bites and specialty cocktails*.
• Sneak peek of West Elm’s exclusive spring line.
• Shopping for a great cause! A portion of proceeds from the evening will benefit a local nonprofit.
• Goods and gifts from local Minnesota artists and makers.

*Must be 21+ to participate

West Elm is still hiring! If you’re interested in employment, please email WestElmStores@wsgc.com.

For more updates, follow West Elm Minneapolis on Instagram (@westelmmpls).

Currie Park Construction Update

Via a January 17 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Rec Board:

• Work on the footings and foundations for the new restroom building footing is nearly complete.
  
  
• Utility installation is scheduled to occur over the next few months.
  
  
• Construction progress will slow until spring while the contractor awaits warmer weather to complete the majority of the above ground work

• With construction having begun in September, the project is planned to be complete by late summer 2020, barring delays due to weather or construction.

Nearby parks and recreation facilities

During construction, we hope you can enjoy other parks and recreation facilities in the area.
Get details on what is available by using the map below - or watch a short video on Facebook or YouTube.

Get more project information at www.bit.ly/curriepark.

Absentee Voting for the Minnesota 2020 Presidential Nomination Primary Begins January 17

Via a January 17 e-newsletter from Hennepin County

Vote early thru March 2

All eligible voters in Hennepin County can vote absentee—either in-person or by mail—beginning Friday, January 17, for their party’s 2020 presidential nominee.

Indicate party of choice for statewide presidential primary

Two major parties, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and the Republican Party, have submitted candidates for the Minnesota ballot.

Voters must indicate their party of choice before receiving a ballot.

Learn more about the statewide presidential primary from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office.

View a sample ballot from the Secretary of State’s website.

Vote early in person

In-person absentee voting is available January 17 through March 2 at city halls across Hennepin County. Minneapolis residents can vote early at the Elections & Voter Services Office located at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, and not at city hall. Each city location can accommodate voters who live in that particular city.

Voters who live anywhere in Hennepin County can in-person absentee vote at the Hennepin County Government Center – 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis – skyway level. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Learn more about absentee voting in person.

Vote early by mail

Voters must fill out an application online or on paper to receive a ballot.

Voters do not need to be registered to vote to apply to vote absentee. To make the process easier, voters may want to register or ensure you are registered before applying for an absentee ballot.

Ballots will be mailed to voters within one to two days of receiving the application.

Completed ballots must be received on or before the Presidential Nomination Primary Day, March 3. Voters can return ballots by mail or in person. 

Learn more about absentee voting by mail.

Election judges still needed for presidential nomination primary day, March 3

Cities throughout Hennepin County are looking for election judges to handle all aspects of voting at the polling place for all 2020 elections. Interested community members should sign up now. 

Many cities are particularly looking for multilingual election judges who speak English and Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Vietnamese or other languages.

Residents who are eligible to vote are eligible to be election judges. Students who are 16 or 17 years old and who are in good academic standing are also eligible. 

Judges should be available for one paid training for a few hours plus a paid shift on Presidential Nomination Primary Day, March 3. Pay and shift lengths vary by city.

Interested residents can contact election officials in any city, or use Hennepin County’s online form. Hennepin County elections staff will forward all completed forms to local election officials. Residents may be election judges in cities other than where they live.

Sign up to be an election judge in Hennepin County

For more information about elections in Hennepin County, visit www.hennepin.us/elections.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.

Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.

Officer Mike Kirchen of Bike Cops for Kids to be Featured on Mike Rowe Series

Mike Rowe returns for a fourth season of Returning the Favor on Facebook Watch, touring the country and giving back to hometown heroes. In the season debut, Mike heads to Minneapolis to meet, honor and surprise Officer Mike Kirchen. Officer Mike created Bike Cops for Kids, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community. He and his team give away free bikes, helmets, books, snacks, and more to children, as a friendly way of creating relationships with the local neighborhood. 

Here is a clip from the premiere episode of Returning the Favor, where Officer Mike introduces Mike Rowe to a young shooting survivor victim and his mother who express the incredible impact and welcoming presence Officer Mike has had on their community.

February at the Dakota

We've been going to the Dakota for years, and are sharing this list of February shows in case anyone out there wasn't aware of this local treasure. Every month you'll find a varitey of local, national and international music genres.

Photo: Meet Minneapolis

February shows:

Saturday, February 1

Nachito Herrera & Karen Briggs: The Duet Series

7pm and 9pm

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Monday, February 3

Mick Sterling Presents: The Songs of Jagger & Richards

A Tribute to The Rolling Stones

7pm 

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Tuesday, February 4

The Travis Anderson Trio: Greatest TV Themes

7pm

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Wednesday, February 5

Atlantis Quartet

Beloved MN Modern Jazz

7pm

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Thursday, February 6

The Jeff Perry Quartet: feat. Mary Louise Knutson

7pm

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Friday, February 7

Patty Peterson Presents: Memories – The Music of Barbra Streisand

7pm

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Saturday, February 8

Mae Simpson Band w/special guest LowDown Brass Band

Fearless Blues & Funk

7pm

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Sunday, February 9

Eddie Palmieri

Latin Jazz Giant

6pm and 8:30pm

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Monday, February 10

Manhattan Transfer

Chart-Topping Vocal Jazz Legends

7pm and 9pm 

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Tuesday, February 11

Manhattan Transfer

Chart-Topping Vocal Jazz Legends

7pm and 9pm

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Wednesday, February 12

Jearlyn Steele & Friends

w/Billy Steele, Kenyari Jackson, Kenni Holmen, Yonathan Berkure & George Parish

Dynamic Soul Powerhouse

7pm

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Thursday, February 13

George Maurer Group - Annual Valentine’s Show

feat. Ann Michels

Sophisticated Sass & Swing

7pm

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Friday, February 14

Marcia Ball & Sonny Landreth

Valentine's Celebration

9:30pm

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Saturday, February 15

Marcia Ball & Sonny Landreth

Valentine's Celebration

7pm

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Sunday, February 16

Storm Large

Baddest Girl in Cabaret

6pm and 8pm 

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Monday, February 17

Funkedy: Sinbad & St. Paul Peterson

A Mix of Comedy & Mpls Funk w/The Minneapolis Funk All-Stars

5:30pm - $50 (VIP Experience: Pre-show Meet & Greet)

7pm and 9pm 

10:30pm - $50 (VIP Experience: Post-show Meet & Greet)

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Tuesday, February 18

Garrison Keillor w/Heather Masse

7pm

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Wednesday, February 19

Garrison Keillor w/Heather Masse

7pm

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Thursday, February 20

Joe Henry

Superlative Solo Performance

7pm

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Friday, February 21

The Shabby Road Orchestra

Performs The Beatles’ Abbey Road

7pm

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Saturday, February 22

James McMurtry

Texas Music Legend

7pm and 9pm 

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Sunday, February 23

Stacey Kent

Swinging, Elegant Sax & Singer

7pm

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Monday, February 24

Louis Armstrong Night! w/Southside Aces

Traditional New Orleans Jazz

7pm

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Tuesday, February 25

Kalani Pe’a

Award-winning Hawaiian Contemporary Soul

7pm

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Thursday, February 27

Curtis Stigers

Sublime Jazz Vocals

7pm 

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Saturday, February 29

Greats Gone 2 Soon!: Lady Greats

7pm and 9:30pm 

Winter Adventures at North Mississippi Regional Park

* * * * Special Events * * * * 

Groundhog Day Celebration

Come celebrate a day of weather forecasting woodchucks with art, games and activities. Hike the park with a naturalist to see if our resident woodchucks have been out to make their own predictions.
Sunday February 2^nd 1-3pm    Activity #101561

Leap Year Day      

Find out how animals battle for survival by looking at skulls, furs and live animal examples! Then take your knowledge to the trails by looking for animal signs and playing survival games.
Saturday February 29^th 1-3pm   Activity #101567

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No School Day Camp for Kids

Explore outdoors, get messy and learn by doing! 8am-4pm for ages 6-12

WINTER FUN & GAMES Friday January 17th    Activity #101576 Get ready for snow filled fun! Build shelters, snowmen and other creations outside. Hike through the park and play games on snowshoes. Make art, toss snowballs, and warm up inside with hot cocoa. Registration Fee $25.

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Winter Program Highlight

Winter Survival Challenge  Saturday Jan 25^th  1:30-3:30pm  Activity #101575
Assemble your team of family or friends and practice your winter skills in the park through nature challenges! Build shelters, maneuver through obstacles, and seek out hidden clues in the wild. Then enjoy hot cocoa and a treat by a winter campfire.

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ADULTS

Bird Watching

• Birding on Snowshoes  Saturday Feb 1^st 11:30-1:00pm  Activity #101556
  Try something different and develop new skills by birding on snowshoes with a naturalist along our prairie, woodland, and river trails! 

• Birds of Prey Wednesday, February 19^th 9-10:30am   Activity #106725
  Examine the adaptations of these superior hunters, dissect an owl pellet, and go bird watching with a naturalist to learn how to look for these majestic predators in your neighborhood.

Nature Nights

• Campfire Mingle  Thursday January 23^rd 6:00-8:00pm   Activity #101603
  Enjoy naturalist-led gourmet campfire cooking (recipes included), group games, and a senses-exploring night hike
• Valentine's Day Snowshoeing   Friday Feb 14^th 7-8:30pm   Activity #101596
  

  Get warmed up on a snowshoe hike along the river, cozy up around a bonfire while sipping hot cocoa and try your hand at crafting a candle to bring home

Hikes

• Animal Tracking by Snowshoe Thursday January 30^th 10:30am-12:00pm 
  After the hustle and bustle of the week, take a peaceful walk through the park to realign your senses with nature.  Activity #106724
• Phenology Hike Club  Every other Tuesday 4:00-5:00pm
  

  Get outside for a walk in the park to observe and track the seasonal happenings of nature then gather and submit citizen science data with a naturalist guide. Socialize, exercise and contribute to the study of Phenology.

  Jan. 14  Activity #104385

  Jan. 28 Activity #104386

  Feb. 11 Activity #104387

  Feb. 25 Activity #104388

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YOUTH & FAMILIES

Early Childhood

• Nature Play Group  6 Wednesdays 10:15-11:15am
  Get those inquisitive minds and bodies exploring nature and socializing with peers! Bring your little one to play and have fun outside with other children and parents/guardians. For kids up to age 5 with an adult
  Feb 12^th- March 18^th  Activity #101572

• Nature Tots  2nd & last Sundays 3:00-4:00pm
  

  January 12th Slithering Snakes Activity #104408

  January 26th Under the Ice Activity #104409

  February 9th Animal Babies Activity #104410

  February 23rd Paws & Claws Activity #104411

Home School Day

• Orienteering    Thursday Feb. 13^th 1-3pm   Activity #101565

  Learn about Earth’s magnetic field and how it can help you find your way. Then, practice following a trail through nature using a compass to orient you in the right direction.

Nature Art & Exploration

• Family Funday: Winter Arts & Animals  Sun Jan 19^th  1:00-3:00pm    
  Meet some MN animals up-close, then let nature inspire your creation of winter themed artwork to take home.  Activity #101560
• Nature Art: Colors & Ice   Saturday Feb. 8^th 1:30-2:30pm    Activity #101569
  

  Make a mural outside with the snow as your canvas, create beautiful mini ice castles, and use colored ice to make pictures to take home.

• Minnesota Owls  Sunday Feb. 16^th 2:30-4pm  Activity #101558
  

  Discover the owls that live in Minnesota and examine the adaptations that make them superb nighttime hunters. Then dissect an owl pellet and find out how to look for owls in your neighborhood.

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Snowshoeing

DROP-IN PROGRAM. Get some wonderful exercise while recreating in nature by checking out a pair of snowshoes for free! A naturalist will be available to show you the basics and then you are free to explore the park on your own. Ages 5 & up.

	Saturdays 11am-3pm	Sundays 1-3pm
January	18th   Activity #101579	19th   Activity #101587
	25th   Activity #101580	26th   Activity #101588
February	1st   Activity #101581	2nd  Activity #1015589
	8th  Activity #101582	9th  Activity #101590
	15th  Activity #101583	16th  Activity #101591
	22nd Activity #101584	23rd Activity #101592

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More Ways to Enjoy the Park

Stop by the front desk to check out binoculars, outdoor explore packs & nature guides.
Talk with a naturalist to meet and learn about our education animals.
Celebrate your birthday with us!

Like North Mississippi on Facebook to stay in the loop about what’s happening in our park!
Learn more about North Mississippi Regional Park at our website.

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Winter Building Hours

9am-4pm               Tuesday-Friday

10am-4pm                 Saturday

12pm-4pm                Sunday

CLOSED                  Monday

Kroening Interpretive Center at North Mississippi Regional Park

4900 Mississippi Court, Minneapolis, MN 55430

Phone: 612-370-4844

Email: NorthMississippi@minneapolisparks.org

The Fillmore Minneapolis and Trax Burgers and Bar to open in February

The Fillmore Minneapolis opens its doors February 12. The 36,000-square-foot venue features two floors and an 1,850-person capacity. Box seats and premium tickets are on the venue’s mezzanine level alongside upscale food and beverage offerings and dedicated hospitality.  

The Fillmore Minneapolis expects to produce 175 annual concerts and events and is operated by Live Nation, a longtime promoter in the Twin Cities. Live Nation currently operates Varsity Theater in Dinkytown and has produced shows at Target Field, U.S. Bank Stadium, Xcel Energy Center, Target Center, The Armory and The Hennepin Theaters.  

The music hall will open with the first of three sold-out nights of music by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, followed by sold-out dates from Motion City Soundtrack. 

Trax Burgers and Bar opens February 3, 2020. Trax will serve customers lunch, dinner, and late-night hospitality seven days a week. 

Trax will be a new player in the hand-crafted burger scene, with a menu using ingredients sourced locally, from farms and pastures within 200 miles of the restaurant. Local providers include Ranchers Legacy Meat company; PJ Murphy’s bakery; produce from Bix Produce in St. Paul; cheese from Grantsberg, Wisconsin’s Burnett Dairy Cooperative; eggs from Locally Laid in Wrenshall; and poultry from Ferndale Market in Cannon Falls.

The beverage program at Trax includes a selection of rotating craft beers on tap. For the initial lineup, customers will find favorites from local breweries including Surly, Indeed, Insight, and Fulton, as well as taps from other regional independent breweries. The spirit list will also include Minnesota-made products from local small batch distilleries including 11 Wells Spirits Co., Crooked Water Spirits, and Far North Spirits.

The 2019 Market By The Numbers, A Year In Review

2019 Downtown real estate market review from Cynthia Froid Group:

It’s Free Movie Season at the Minneapolis Convention Center

Once a month through April, enjoy “Movies Under the Domes” in an auditorium at the Minneapolis Convention Center

For the second straight year, the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) is offering complimentary feature films one night a month through April, thanks to Movies Under the Domes, powered by Pepsi. The features set to be shown in one of the MCC’s auditoriums include “Toy Story 4,” “Green Book,” “The Lion King” and “Frozen II.” 

Date night, family night or a hang-out-with-friends night, each Movies Under the Domes evening is free to the public. Movie-goers must RSVP through Eventbrite for General Admission tickets, as seating is limited. The first 100 people through the door for each movie will receive a gift from Pepsi.

Doors open at 5 p.m., with showtime at 6:30 p.m. Here is this year’s line-up:
•    Jan. 23 – Toy Story 4 (G) 
•    Feb. 27 – Green Book (PG-13)
•    March 19 – The Lion King (2019) (PG)
•    April 16 – Frozen II (PG)

“We talk a lot about the Minneapolis Convention Center being a ‘relationship building,’ and Movies Under the Domes is one of the events that helps strengthen the bonds between the MCC and the surrounding community,” said Minneapolis Convention Center Executive Director Jeff Johnson. “We’re excited to welcome Minneapolis residents, thank them for their support and offer everyone a fun, free night in our venue.”

Prior to the complimentary feature films, the Craft Bar and Lounge, located in the Convention Center, will be serving craft brews and food starting at 5 p.m. Popcorn, snacks and soda will also be available for purchase.

Inside The Art : What Were They Thinking?

Article by Lynn Kittel, Photos provided by the Bridgewater Lofts Art Committee

On a wintry Saturday in December, residents of The Bridgewater Lofts gathered around a painting of what appeared to be bolts of fabric. They learned about the artist, Patricia Canney, and that the image came from the entry of the costume shop at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. They learned that the artist had always been intrigued by dresses and other garments (particularly those of the legacy designers). She calls them the objects of life.

Patricia Canney, In The Works

As the group moved through the lobby exhibit, the question on everyone’s mind:  What were the artists thinking?

Perhaps you’ve asked yourself that question browsing the collections at one of the hundreds of galleries, museums and studios that pepper the Twin Cities art landscape. Or maybe you’ve scratched your head over that oversized abstract great Aunt Lucy painted during her student days at MCAD. Either way, you’re not alone.

As a newbie art collector it’s important to understand that art is inherently personal. “I know what I like,” or “It just speaks to me,” are both legitimate ways of articulating our preferences. Some say art should challenge our perceptions of the world around us. Ultimately, though, art should move us in some way, emotionally or intellectually.

As viewers we may not relate to or even like a particular piece of art. However, learning something about an artist’s background, inspiration, style and choice of medium can go a long way in developing an appreciation for a piece of art to which you may not be immediately drawn.

With those thoughts in mind, the idea of a docent-led event attached to the current Art@thebridgewater exhibit, Inclusive Spaces, took shape. The brainchild of program curator Alison Price and led by Jerry Lee and Deb Bly, both longtime members of the condo’s Art Committee, the event was designed to develop interest in participating artists and encourage sales of the art.

Nine artists, including Canney, mentioned above, are featured in the current show. A thumbnail sketch of the artists and their work shows a wide range of styles and inspiration. Perhaps there’s something here that “speaks” to you?

Mary Simon Casati

Casati’s current work revolves around the concept of energy. Her sculpture, Transformation, was created to her specifications by a glass blower and is meant to represent human ribs. The piece was inspired by the death of her mother and the transformation of the body after death. www.mscasati.com

Mary Simon Casati:  Transformation

Davie Duke

Duke’s oil painting Father and Sons is not only a commentary on his own bi-racial family (he has two adopted children of color) but is meant to represent atomic physical reality and the mysterious wonder of our universe. It simultaneously suggests how micro and macro forces work together to bring a family together. www.davieduke.com

Davie Duke, Father and Sons

Michael Johnson

While titled Support, Michael Johnson’s painting is open to the viewer’s own interpretation. Like famed expressionist Jackson Pollock, Johnson begins his painting on a flat surface and then mounts the canvas, creating undulations throughout the piece. His intent is to create a sense of urgency that compels closer examination. www.michaeljohnsonart.org

Michael Johnson, Support

Brendan Kramp

Kramp, a former graphic designer, specializes in urban scenes in the Twin Cities and other places he has visited in his ten years living abroad.  His large-format oil, Spyhouse Northeast Autumn, is an evocative scene that seems to capture an entire story in a single image. www.brendankramp.com

Brendan Kramp, Spyhouse Northeast Autumn

Gerri Reid Skjervold

We all have a bit of the Voyeur in us, and in this painting Skjervold lets us know that we, too, are under the scrutiny of others. While her subject matter is identifiable, she mixes in abstraction, narrative, and atmospheric perspective to transport us to that balcony on Santorini. www.gerrireidskjervold.com

Gerri Reid Skjervold Skjervold, Voyeur

Susan Wagner

Wagner’s Landscape #2 and Landscape #12 are part of her White Series in which she challenged herself to a limited pallet of color to create atmosphere. Her technique for these works utilizes Venetian plaster as the base (think fresco only rough, not smooth), oil paint and handmade Korean Hanji paper, which she loves for its color, texture and durability. www.susanwagnerart.com

Susan Wagner, Landscape #2

Susan Wagner, Landscape #12

Denise S. Tennen

An architect by training, ceramic artist Denise S. Tennen’s pieces can be found in many public buildings throughout the Twin Cities. Ovoid is part of her Poetry Series and is inspired by rocks along Lake Superior. Pieces like From Whence I Came capture the relaxation and tension found in the human body combined with shapes of plant life. www.mnartists.org/denisetennen

Denise S. Tennen, Ovoid

Denise S. Tennen, From Whence We came

Pam McCrea

You may know Bridgewater resident McCrea from her extensive involvement in the Mill District community.  Living and working downtown has served as inspiration for her unique impressions of local landscapes. Her image Gold Medal Lights began as a photograph and emerged as a watercolor-like landscape through the use of the grid method of painting in combination with a digital paintbrush to distort and blend the photo.

Pam McCrea, Gold Medal Lights