Road Closures for September 14 and 17 Events

Thursday, September 14 - Dave Ryan Special Olympics 5K
5:30pm-8pm
SE Main Street
Stone Arch Bridge
West River Pkwy from Plymouth Ave to Stone Arch Bridge

Sunday, September 17 - Minneapolis Bike Tour
7:30am-1:00pm
Grand Rounds - West River Parkway – Nokomis Parkway – Minnehaha Parkway – Lake Harriet Parkway – Lake Calhoun Parkway –Cedar Lake Parkway – Theodore Wirth Parkway – Webber-Victory Memorial Parkway – St Anthony Parkway – William Berry Parkway.
Each road section will open as the last biker rides through.

Lowry Bridge Lights up Red, White and Blue to Commemorate 9/11

The Lowry Bridge will be lit up red, white and blue tonight to commemorate 9/11.

  

Main Street SE Closes Between Hennepin Avenue and 3rd Avenue SE on September 14

Closure necessary for major HVAC equipment replacement project; expected to last 7 am-3:30 pm

On Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, Main Street SE will be closed to motorized traffic between Hennepin Avenue and 3rd Avenue SE. Local access will be maintained for nearby businesses and residential properties, but a hard closure in the area of 210 Main St. SE will prohibit motorized traffic from traveling all the way through the affected area.

The closure is necessary for a major HVAC equipment removal project. It is expected to last from 7 am until 3:30 pm, weather permitting.
 
Bicycle and pedestrian traffic will be detoured to the west (river) side of the street and motorized traffic to University Avenue/4th Street SE. Another day-long closure for new HVAC equipment installation is planned Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 . Another notification email will be sent when that is finalized.
 
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates the public's patience while this project is completed.

Scenes from the September 9 Mill City Farmers Market

Can you believe we're already four months into the 2017 Mill City Farmers Market outdoor season? Although summer is fading, the Market continues to get better with each week. It's that glorious time when just about everything is available, and soon we'll be seeing edamame and pumpkins. Enjoy!

Surly Brewing sampled their award-winning beers throughout the day.

Milly the goat!

Out of the Box Opera presents the All Star Sopranos Diva Cage Match

Article by Claudia Kittock

Have you ever seen a cage match? Me neither! Do you know what a cage match is? Well, I had to look it up.  According to Wiktionary.org, a cage match is: “An event in which wrestlers battle in an enclosed location, escaping over the top to win!” I’m sure you are asking yourself why Claudia Kittock, who writes about non-profits in the Mill District, is writing about a cage match. Great question!!

Noah Eisenberg and Jim Berman, opera aficionados and great friends, have spent decades of their friendship going to operas and delighting in the wonder of the sights and sounds of opera. As time progressed, Noah and Jim discussed a mutual concern about how to introduce opera to younger people and by introducing it, make sure to show the humor, the showmanship, and the skill needed to be a performer in the world of opera. So along with artistic director David Lefkowich, Noah and Jim formed Out of the Box Opera, whose mission is to bring opera to new audiences in new ways. 

David conceived of the idea for the cage match as the perfect fusion of world-class opera and competitive sports. Next, they sought out a venue that would take the cage match concept to a younger audience. The Uppercut Boxing Gym in the heart of the Northeast Minneapolis’ Arts District provided the perfect setting. Opera in a boxing gym? As you can tell, these are wildly creative men who think way outside any known box!

Come to Uppercut Boxing Gym in Northeast Minneapolis on October 28 to watch as six opera stars compete in a three-round, knockdown, drag out fight to be crowned the ultimate Opera Diva Champion. Experience a sensational night of singing, featuring an unbelievable display of vocal fireworks by some of the top young operatic talent from around the country. With celebrity judges Dessa, JD Steele, and RT Rybak, Diva Cage Match puts you in the front row for the sing off of the century.  

Check out the Diva Cage Match video.

Tickets are available at outoftheboxopera.com. This will sell out early, so best buy your tickets as soon as you can. See you there!!!

Submissions for Annual Northeast Calendar due by October 1

In 2011, local nonprofit Northeast CDC launched an annual project to celebrate and commemorate the Northeast Minneapolis community. The Northeast Calendar highlights local artwork as well as information about the Northeast’s 14 unique neighborhoods.

The Northeast Calendar will be designed by local artist Kevin Cannon.

2018 Submission Information  2018 Ad/Sponsorship Form

Artwork submissions for the 2018 NE Calendar are due October 1, 2017!

Section of West River Parkway Trail will be Closed September 12-14

Via a September 6 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:

Closure necessary for Franklin Bridge painting project

West River Parkway will be closed for a short stretch around the Franklin Avenue Bridge beginning Tuesday, September 12, 2017, through Thursday, September 14, 2017. The closure will affect both parkway and trail traffic. It is necessary for workers to clean and paint the Franklin Avenue Bridge.

Bicycles, pedestrians and motorized traffic need to follow the posted detours. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates the public's patience while this project is completed.

TODAY: Minneapolis Visitor Information and Love From Minneapolis Celebrate Having a Sidewalk with First Thursday Crazy Days Sale

Minneapolis Visitor Information (MVI) can’t contain its excitement over having a Nicollet Mall sidewalk again! As the construction continues, access is open so join them in celebrating with the MVI’s retail partner, Love from Minneapolis, at their extended September First Thursday event -- a four-day Crazy Days (indoor) sidewalk sale in honor of the long-awaited completion. It will run Thursday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 10 during regular store hours: Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

Overview of Crazy Days Clearance Sale:

• Sale: Select merchandise up to 50 percent off*
• Luck of the draw: Get an additional discount at the register based on the card you draw from the deck*:
  • Numeric card – 10 percent discount
  • Face card – 20 percent discount
  • Joker – 25 percent discount
• Enter to win: Gift certificates to the Love from Minneapolis store will be drawn at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day

*This promotion excludes transit passes.  

First Thursdays are held each month to encourage visitors and Minneapolis locals alike to learn more about Minneapolis Visitor Information and our partners, Love from Minneapolis and Move Minneapolis, as well as highlight community organizations, local partners and events. MVI is located at 505 Nicollet, Suite 100, directly across from the Nicollet METRO station. 

More information on the First Thursday event: http://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/visitor-information/events-at-minneapolis-visitor-information/  

ABOUT MINNEAPOLIS VISITOR INFORMATION ON NICOLLET: SHOP. MOVE. FIND.

Minneapolis Visitor Information includes three services in one convenient location:                                                              

• Shop: Love From Minneapolis offers Minneapolis- and Minnesota-themed apparel, art, specialty foods, souvenirs and gifts, including many made by local artisans. Products are also available at: https://lovefromcompanies.com/shop-minneapolis
• Move: Move Minneapolis (formerly the Commuter Connection) provides services to commuters, carpool information, transit passes, schedules and maps, MnPass and bicycling commuting information and accessories. Visitors seeking help with transit options should make this their first stop downtown.
• Find: Meet Minneapolis staff is available to answer questions, share visitor maps and provide suggestions about things to do in Minneapolis and the surrounding area. The Visitor Information Center in the Minneapolis Convention Center also is available to provide similar information to visitors and convention attendees.

Two Minneapolis Bridge Closures to Have Significant Traffic Impact

Minnesota Department of Transportation's 35W@94: Downtown to Crosstown reconstruction project will impact two county roads in Minneapolis soon. Road users should be prepared for the following changes:

Short-term lane closures starting September 7:

Portland Avenue over I-94 and I-35W
Starting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, vehicle and bicycle traffic on Portland Avenue (County Road 35) between 15th and 19th streets will be reduced to a single lane. All lanes of road are expected to reopen on Saturday, September 9.

Longer-term bridge closures start September 18:

Franklin Avenue Bridge over I-35W
The Franklin Avenue Bridge (County Road 5) over I-35W is tentatively scheduled to close for reconstruction on Monday, September 18. This closure is expected to last through mid-2018. Detour route and additional information will be sent out in advance of the closure.
Portland Avenue Bridge over I-94 and I-35W
The Portland Avenue Bridge over I-94 and I-35W is expected to close in late September for approximately two months of pier work.

More about this project
The 35W@94: Downtown to Crosstown project is a four-year reconstruction project of I-35W between 42nd St. and downtown Minneapolis. The project will improve accessibility, safety and mobility in the project area including better access to the Lake Street business district and transit service on I-35W and Lake St.
To learn more, visit the project website: www.mndot.gov/metro/projects/i35wminneapolis

Stay Connected
• Visit the project website: www.mndot.gov/metro/projects/i35wminneapolis
• Follow us on Twitter @mndotnews
• Email the project team at info@i35lakestreet.com
• Call the project hotilne at 612-284-6125
 
For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota visit http://www.511mn.org/ or dial 5-1-1.

Eat Northeast Restaurant Event (Sept 15 – Nov 15) to Benefit Police Substation and Little Kitchen Food Shelf

Eat Northeast Restaurant Event

Proceeds from this September 15 to November 15 event will be split between the NE police fund (which supports the neighborhood substation, a full time beat cop and extra patrols that keep our neighborhood safe) and the Little Kitchen Food Shelf in Northeast Minneapolis.

How it works:

Buy an Eat NE card for $40 (an $80 value), then dine at an Eat NE participating restaurant. Get your ticket/card validated and you’re ready for your next NE restaurant experience. You’ll get a $10 credit or a special menu item valued at $10 at participating NE restaurants.

Participating restaurants:

Geno's, JL Beers, Keegan's Pub, Red Savoy Pizza, Kramarczuk Sausage Company, Red Stag Supper Club, Whitey's World Famous Saloon, and Stem Wine Bar.

Upcoming Weekend Road Closure on Westbound I-94

Beginning 10:00pm Friday, September 8, westbound I-94 between I-394 and I-694 will close until 5:00am Monday, September 11. Motorists will be detoured to Hwy 169 to I-94/694.

The ramps leading to the closed parts of I-94 will start closing at 9:30 p.m. on Friday and the Lowry Hill Tunnel will be reduced to two lanes.

Ramp reopenings
• 49th Ave. to eastbound I-94 reopened to one lane (of three) last week. The plan is to fully reopen it tonight (9/6)
• Eastbound I-94 to Seventh St. is scheduled to reopen tonight (9/6)
• The ramp from eastbound I-94 to 53rd Ave. is scheduled to reopen Thursday night (9/7)

Other upcoming traffic impacts:

Ramp closures
• Eastbound I-94 to Fourth St. will close Thu, Sept. 7 for 10 days
• Eastbound I-94 to Broadway Ave. will close Fri, Sept. 8 for three days
• Eastbound I-94 to Dowling Ave. will close Mon, Sept. 11 for seven days

Weekend road closure
Eastbound I-94 from Shingle Creek Pkwy to I-394 will close Fri, Sept. 15 through Mon, Sept. 18 and again Fri, Sept. 22 through Mon, Sept. 25 for paving, weather permitting.

More about this project
Visit: mndot.gov/metro/projects/i94brooklyncntr/

Buses will replace Blue and Green Line Trains September 10-11

Due to scheduled maintenance, buses will replace trains for 24-hours beginning Sunday, September 10 during a partial shutdown on the METRO Blue and Green Line.
 
Customers can board replacement buses near the affected stations. Buses run on similar schedules as trains but can take more time. Customers are urged to plan accordingly.

From 3:00am Sunday, September 10 until 3:00am Monday, September 11, buses will replace Blue and Green Line trains for these stations:

Green Line
Stadium Village
East Bank
West Bank

Blue Line
Franklin Avenue
Cedar-Riverside

Downtown Minneapolis - Shared stations
U.S. Bank Stadium
Government Plaza
Nicollet Mall
Warehouse-Hennepin Avenue
Target Field

See maps for boarding locations.

Schedule of Events Announced for Twin Cities Startup Week, October 9-15

Via a September 5 Press Release:

The first 300 Gold/VIP ticketholders receive a free Love Your Melon hat

Twin Cities Startup Week (TCSW) is pleased to announce the schedule of events for its 4th annual week of festivities occurring October 9-15, 2017. The schedule aims to celebrate startups, innovators, makers, hackers and artists disrupting across various industries in the Twin Cities. Activities will be spread out across the metro area, giving attendees an opportunity to explore different office buildings, event spaces and neighborhoods.

Throughout TCSW there will be countless events, demonstrations, networking events, parties and panels to learn about the work being done that is making the Twin Cities a hotbed for startups and innovation. Several industry tracks will be featured throughout the week including Technology, Healthcare, Youth/Student Education, Food/Agriculture, Impact Ventures, Marketing and Advertising, and Investing. In 2016, Twin Cities Startup Week hosted over 80 events with more than 10,000 attendees. This year’s event is expected to grow to 100 events, attracting an estimated 15,000 attendees.

“Twin Cities Startup Week is about more than technology,” says Twin Cities Startup Week Founder Nels Pederson. “Twin Cities Startup Week highlights diversity in Minnesota across all industries that are innovating, disrupting in respective markets and demonstrating entrepreneurship. No longer is Minnesota a fly-over state, but a fly-in state where individuals are coming to innovate and collaborate not just within the state but from across the country and take advantage of the state’s accessible market.

Tickets, which are free, but necessary for TCSW events, are available now at TwinCitiesStartupWeek.com. For those looking to support TCSW, there are two (2) package upgrades available. Gold tickets, which can be purchased for $25, include an official TCSW T-shirt and drink tickets to the Opening and Closing night parties. VIP tickets cost $100 and come with an official TCSW T-shirt, hoodie, and exclusive access to opening and closing day parties. The first 300 Gold and VIP ticketholders will also receive an official TCSW Love Your Melon hat.

ABOUT TWIN CITIES STARTUP WEEK
Twin Cities Startup Week is a volunteer-lead event to showcase the best of the Twin Cities startup community. Lead by the area’s top startup organizations and supported by the region's globally-recognized companies, the 4th Annual TCSW is taking place October 9-15, 2017 with thousands of participants convening for over 100 events in seven days across the region. Learn more at http://www.twincitiesstartupweek.com/ and follow along on Twitter and Instagram.

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul Announces Dates and Call for Submissions for the 37th Mpls St. Paul International Film Festival

THE FILM SOCIETY ANNOUNCES DATES AND CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 37th MINNEAPOLIS ST. PAUL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul announced the dates and call for submissions for the 37th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF).

MSPIFF will return April 12-29, 2018, bringing filmmakers, audiences and industry members from around the world to Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester, MN for 17 days of films, events, panels, and more. Produced by the  Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, this highly anticipated celebration of international independent cinema annually debuts more than 250 films to a large and diverse audience, and welcomes the attendance of more than 150 filmmakers from around the world.

The Film Society seeks to build off the success of the 36th MSPIFF, which saw over 45,000 attendees, an expanded slate of short and feature-length films, and innovative new programming that included a Virtual Reality exhibit, silent film screenings, and popular gallery of local, national and international music videos.

Submissions are now open for all facets of MSPIFF, from short to feature length films, narratives and documentaries, music videos and animation. Creators are able to submit their feature-length and short films to 2018 MSPIFF 2018 through Withoutabox and FilmFreeway, the online festival submission systems favored by filmmakers for their ease of use and streamlined processes. Filmmakers may visit the Film Society’s website for information and links to those sites for submission: http://mspfilm.org/mspiff-submissions/

“For almost four decades, the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival has given filmmakers from around the world a platform to present their short and feature films, and engage with enthusiastic audiences, instructors and members of the local, national and international filmmaking community,” said Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of the Film Society.

Featured programs include: Asian Frontiers, Childish, Cine Latino, Frame Forward (avant garde and experimental), Images of Africa, Midnight Sun (Nordic films), New American Visions, World Cinema. Shorts programs include Documentary and Narrative, Childish, Dark Out, Frame Forward, Music Videos and Nextwave, the Film Society’s youth cinema program.

In recognition of Minnesota’s filmmaking community, MSPIFF offers one complimentary submission per individual for projects that qualify as “Minnesota Made” and are submitted before the Late Deadline, November 15, 2017. Eligible “Minnesota Made” films submitted between November 16 – December 22, 2017 may request a 50% discounted entry. To qualify as “Minnesota Made”, a film’s director must be a current Minnesota resident OR a combined 50% or more of production and/or post-production must have taken place in Minnesota. Please email submissions@mspfilm.org to claim this fee waiver.

Films completed after January 1, 2017 are now being accepted for consideration. Submitters will be notified of their acceptance status on or around February 23, 2018.

MSPIFF is presented by the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering a knowledgeable and vibrant appreciation of the art of film and its power to inform and transform individuals and communities.

Attend Free Alchemy Yoga Classes at Target Field Station in September

Grab your mat and head to Target Field Station this September for free yoga classes led by Alchemy yoga studio instructors.

Location: Target Field Station, 335 N 5th Street (outside Target Field’s Gate 6)

Class schedule
• September 11: APulse, a blend of yoga and high-intensity interval training
• September 18: A10, yoga, strength and conditioning
• September 25: A20, yoga, strength and conditioning

More details
Hennepin County and the mpls downtown council are hosting these fitness classes as part of Go Outside with Hennepin County.
Learn more about the Go Outside event series.
Learn more about Alchemy yoga.

Scenes from the September 2 Mill City Farmers Market

Apples, Brussels sprouts and squash - delicious fall is in the air!

The Zestar! apples from Ames Farm sustained some hail damage, but that seemed to make them even sweeter than usual. You will always hear the MCFM chefs say "Buy the ugly produce!", because a few dings or weird shapes have no bearing on flavor and nutrients.

Brussels sprouts on the grill - what a treat! Try a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for extra flavor.

I ran into Chef Nettie Colon, who was filling a wagon with produce that will be used for the September 10 Harvest Social feast. There are still some tickets available - click here for more info on this annual fund raising event. We look forward to it every year.

Breakfast pizza hot out of the oven from Northern Fires. Yummy! :D

Always happy to see Urban Roots return to the the Market. These young farmers do a fantastic job growing, harvesting and displaying produce. Added bonus - with each visit they have a new joke or factoid on their sandwich board. 

Just in time for Vikings season - purple sweet corn from Prairie Hollow Farm.

Sweet corn ice cream from Sonny's - a must try! Nistler Farms supplies the sweet corn, and Sonny's supplies the magic.

Golden beets taste as good as they look.

I love the socks from The Abbey - so soft and warm.

Milly the goat!

My North Series - 52 Minnesota Stories Leading up to the 2018 Super Bowl (Episodes 26-30)

Count down to Super Bowl 52 with this weekly video series of 52 love letters to Minnesota from notable Minnesotans. My North is an editorial video series created by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and presented by Explore Minnesota. Hear from tastemakers and stylemakers. Artists and athletes. Authors and entertainers. These are their odes to the state they love. Below are episodes 26-30 - click here to see more!

Mill City Singers Saturday Practices Resume September 9

Article by Claudia Kittock, photos by Rick Kittock

The Mill City Singers, founded and supported by the Friends of the Mill District, returns on Saturday, September 9th. Our rehearsals are held on the 8th floor of the Guthrie and happen on Saturdays from 2:00-3:30pm. There are no auditions and no attendance requirements. We expect you to come when you can and sing with a full heart, surrounded by friends and neighbors.

We are directed by the magical JD Steele, and accompanied by the charming and talented Fred Steele. Together we sing songs of hope, songs of community, and songs of joy and resilience. We remember as we sing, that there is hope and that we are stronger together. Part of the magic of each session is that we are a collection of average singers, but under JD’s leadership and Fred’s piano playing, we become so much more.

If you are interested in coming, please do. Feel free to contact Claudia Kittock at cjkittock@gmail.com. There are no requirements, only an open heart and a willingness to make music!

US Bank Stadium’s Beverly Zimmerman Receives Meet Minneapolis Hospitality Hero Award

Via a News Release from Meet Minneapolis:

U.S. Bank Stadium’s Beverly Zimmerman Receives Meet Minneapolis Hospitality Hero Award

Beverly Zimmerman, a tour guide at the U.S. Bank Stadium, has been named a Hospitality Hero award winner for second quarter by Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitors Association.

Beverly Zimmerman, tour guide at U.S. Bank Stadium, and winner of Meet Minneapolis Hospitality Hero award.

The award is given quarterly to members of the Minneapolis hospitality community who have been nominated by their colleagues. The award honors an individual or company that has made valuable contributions to the image and culture of Minneapolis through outstanding hospitality and service.

A Minnesota native, Zimmerman is known for her warmth and extensive knowledge on Minneapolis’ history and culture, according to her nomination. She welcomes visitors and provides suggestions on all that Minneapolis has to offer. No matter who she is helping, she can find a way to relate and personalize their experience. Since U.S. Bank Stadium started giving tours, Zimmerman has given more than 200 tours.

With over 50 years of experience in hospitality work, she has proven to be an expert in providing a memorable and genuine tour. Lisa Niess, marketing and communications manager at U.S. Bank Stadium, said that Zimmerman “never turns down an opportunity to enhance our service excellence by taking photos, sharing stories and creating memorable moments for guests young and old.”

Along with her manager, visitors can agree that Zimmerman is a great candidate to represent Minneapolis’ friendliness. “An opportunity for Beverly to win this award would showcase the best that Minneapolis has to offer in hospitality,” said Niess.

Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership on WCCO to Promote the Mississippi Minute Film Festival

Via an August 30 e-newsletter from Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership:

It's a great time to make a film about our river!

We have films for the fourth annual Mississippi Minute Film Festival in our inbox already. Will your film be joining us? You still have two weeks to put together your 60-second story of the Mississippi River and get an entry in!

This weekend's weather forecast looks ideal for a trip to the Minneapolis riverfront. Get your storyline planned out, your cameras and devices charged up and use this long weekend wisely so you can upload a completed film by 5 p.m. on Sept. 15.

In case you haven't heard: This year we have a cash prize to be awarded! The filmmaker of the movie judged to be Best in Show will receive $250. In addition, we're glad to welcome Josh Will of The Theater of Public Policy as our emcee for the event! We heard your feedback and have carved out time to show as many films as possible during the film festival as well.

Watch the recent interview of Kathleen Boe, MRP Executive Director, on WCCO: