Minneapolis Minute - A quick look at City news

From the City of Minneapolis website:

Not sure if this will be an ongoing series, but it's one more spot to check for updates on what's happening.

Hennepin County Library Announces New Online Music Platform Featuring Local Musicians

Via a July 5 e-newsletter from the Hennepin County Library:

Minnesota musicians: Be heard!

Submissions open today for MnSpin, Hennepin County Library's new local music resource

From the Andrews Sisters to Atmosphere, from Bob Dylan to Prince, from Cantus to Jimmy Jam, and Bobby Vee to the Minnesota Orchestra, many great musicians have launched from Minnesota to the world. Hennepin County Library is in search of Minnesota musicians to feature on MnSpin, a new online music streaming and download resource that will launch at the end of the year.  Submit a song Minnesota musicians and bands of all genres are encouraged to submit one song for consideration by August 2, 2017.  A panel of local music experts and library staff will review all submissions, and invite selected artists (up to 40 for now) to make one album available through the online platform. Artists will sign a license agreement and receive $200. The library plans to expand this pilot project to offer additional submission opportunities. Thanks to a grant from the Friends of the Hennepin County Library, music lovers will be able to connect to this new collection through www.hclib.org/arts-culture. Anyone can stream from the platform, and Hennepin County Library cardholders can download songs free. “Minnesota is such an incubator for musical artists,” said Hennepin County Library Director Lois Langer Thompson. “MnSpin is an opportunity for the music community to have its music heard and for all music lovers to have access to the rich talents of local musicians.”  A diverse collection Hennepin County Library will strive to create a collection that reflects the diversity of our community. Music in MnSpin will follow the same genre guidelines as in the general collection:  • Americana, bluegrass and country  • Blues, jazz and soul • Classical • Christian and gospel • Folk, ethnic and world • Pop and rock • Rap, hip hop and R&B • Children's MnSpin is open for submissions July 5-August 2, 2017.  For more information, visit www.hclib.org/arts-culture and http://www.hclib.org/about/news/2017/july/mn-spin.

Minneapolis By Bike - Great Way for New Transplants or Out of Town Guests to Get to Know our City

Whether you're new to the downtown/riverfront neighborhoods, looking for activities for out of town guests, or are on a constant hunt for new experiences, consider one of the tours offered by Minneapolis By Bike.

Photo credit Minneapolis By Bike

There are four tours to choose from. Bikes, helmets, and equipment are supplied with the guided, narrated bicycle tours. Carriers and pull-along attachment bikes are provided for families with children.

Bike rentals are available every day from 9:00am to 7:00pm, and include locks, helmets, rear racks, and maps. Self-guided tours are also an option.

In addition to their website, find Minneapolis By Bike on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Parkway and Street Closures for July 4th Events

The following streets will be closed for the July 4 Red, White & Boom! activities:

Red, White & Boom 5K, Half Marathon - 6am-Noon
Main Street, West River Parkway, Victory Memorial Parkway, Webber Parkway, Stone Arch Bridge
More Info
 
Red, White & Boom Activities and Fireworks
Main St SE from Merriam Ave to 6th Ave SE - 2pm-11pm 
3rd Ave SE from Main St SE to 2nd St SE - 2pm-11pm
West River Pkwy from 4th Ave to 11th Ave - 4:30pm-11pm
3rd Ave S Bridge (Central Ave SE) - 9:15pm-10:30pm
Stone Arch Bridge -  closed to cyclists from 9:30-10:30pm
More Info

A Danger-ous Golf Tournament (Mini-Golf that is)

Save the date for an afternoon of golf, beverages and fun!

North America's most famous river flows right on by to serve as a distant water hazard, as well as a reminder of our mission as the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership invites you to a special fundraising golf tournament.

Except this isn't any golf tournament, and you don't need your own clubs or any experience in order to play and have a good time. Join in for an afternoon of miniature golf, prizes, food, beverages and a ride on the Danger at Betty Danger's Country Club in Northeast Minneapolis. 

Your participation will help support and extend MRP’s ability to focus on the important work of building a vision, increasing access and being a champion for the river.

Come join us August 15, starting with registration at 2:30 p.m., for a Northeast twist on the traditional golf tournament, one where anyone can play!

Save the date and watch your inbox for an invitation soon!

Scenes from the July 1 Mill City Farmers Market

Spectacular - July 1 at the Mill City Farmers Market. Simply spectacular. Scads of new produce arrived, including cabbage, green beans, cucumbers and zucchini. Looking for tomatoes? So far they've only been available at Loon Organics, but you must arrive early! Mother Nature has not been making things easy for the farmers this year.

One of my favorite new vendors is GVY Fresh Produce. Their produce and flowers are of the highest quality.

Local actor H. Adam Harris provides a very animated story time, sponsored by the Guthrie Theater. 

This little girl was taking in all the smells and textures of the herb garden in the cooking demo area.

How many tons of potatoes and zillions of eggs have been on Black Cat's grill?

Milly the goat snagged the first patty pan squash of the season!

MRAC Grant Awarded for Friends of the Mill District Singers

Article by Claudia Kittock

In June 13, 2017 the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) awarded a total of $740,272 to 77 organizations/projects in the second round of the FY 2017 Arts Activities Support grant program. The organizations and projects chosen demonstrate both strong artistic quality and a community connection. Friends of the Mill District received one of those grants, and it will be used to fund the Friends of the Mill District Singers.

“The occasion to sing with the wonderfully
diverse group that has gathered under the inspiring,
both musically and spiritually, leadership of
JD and Fred Steele is a unique life brightener
for which I am very grateful."

While being a choir for less than 2 years, the impact of this group has already been felt. Karen Johnson, manager of the Alliance Apartments, home to many of our singers, commented, “I can tell you how it has made difference in the lives of those women who have come from Alliance! It has allowed them to use their gifts, to feel part of and connect to the larger community. Through song and music they became one of many individuals from varied experiences and voices in the community, to create a group, that generates joy and peace. Thank you for making this happen. Thanks so very much!”

Sara Monick, community member and charter member of the Singers, added, “The occasion to sing with the wonderfully diverse group that has gathered under the inspiring, both musically and spiritually, leadership of JD and Fred Steele is a unique life brightener for which I am very grateful. I feel it adds a very special opportunity, not easily found, from which both we members and our audiences definitely benefit in a very positive way.”

Thank you to MRAC and to each contributor. Without the donation of spaces for us to rehearse, none of this would be possible. Special thanks to the Guthrie Theater, MacPhail Center for Music, Mill City Museum, and American Academy of Neurology for these generous donations of space.

Claudia can be reached at claudia@millcitymedia.org

What the April 2017 Minneapolis Point-in-Time Count Reveals About Homelessness

Article by Claudia Kittock, Photos by Rick Kittock

I had never heard of a ‘Point-in-Time Count’ until I began volunteering with various groups advocating for the end to street homelessness. The Point-In-Time Count (PIT) is one of the main ways people experiencing homelessness can be measured in our state and city. It provides us with a snapshot of what homelessness looks like across Minnesota at one point in time. The Federal Government requires that each state attempt to count all people experiencing homelessness on one particular night of the year, within the last 10 days in January.

This year, Minnesota’s PIT Count was on the night of January 26, and again on April 26. The PIT Count includes a count of people who are living in unsheltered situations (those who are living outside, on the streets, in abandoned building, etc.) AND of people who are temporarily sheltered (living in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, or put up in motels through a social service program).

Why do this?  What use does it have? 

1)  It helps us to understand the scope of homelessness and identify trends so we can better target our resources, improve services, and identify gaps in service.

2)  We use data to justify current and new services and programs. Data helps us tell our story and make the case for more resources. It helps build awareness, political will and political support (at the local, state and national level) to have the right programs and services funded to meet the identified need.

3) It is a critical source of national data on the number and characteristics of people who are homeless in the U.S. Additionally, the PIT count is the main data source used for measuring national progress in meeting the goals in Opening Doors: the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. PIT count data is provided to Congress on the general homeless population and subpopulations of homeless persons, including Veterans, families, chronically homeless individuals, and youth across the nation.

4) Data collected through the PIT is used as one of the main tools to measure progress on the Heading Home Minnesota plan to prevent and end homelessness.

One finding in the April count was that numbers of people experiencing homelessness have decreased slightly, down form 463 in October of 2016 to 399 in April. However, the number of people experiencing homelessness who are spending nights on the light rail has increased substantially, from 114 in October of 2016 to 164 in April of 2017. One theory is that there may not be an actual rise, but methods of conducting the count have improved, therefore getting more accurate data.

79% of people surveyed were attempting to live on $203/month or less, while another 10% earned between $204-733/month. Imagine trying to find a place to live in Minneapolis while earning that amount of money! Affordable housing takes on an entirely new meaning when looking at these numbers.

Studying these numbers shows the complexity of people experiencing homelessness. The reasons are as varied as the people, and finding solutions is just that complex. 66% of people experiencing homelessness in Minneapolis have a high school diploma or better.

How can you help?

1.  Become better educated about the issue. Learn more here.

2.  “Like” Heading Home Hennepin on Facebook.

3.  Volunteer for the Point In Time count in July. Contact Breanna, Street Outreach Program Manager at St. Stephen's. Her email is bjaijairam@ststephensmpls.org.

4.  Keep reading this column and help whenever and wherever you can. Often a smile and an acknowledgement goes a long way!

Claudia can be reached at claudia@millcitymedia.org

The Guthrie's New Griots Festival Celebrates the Next Generation of Black Artists

CELEBRATING THE NEXT GENERATION
OF BLACK ARTISTS

July 6 - 16
Dowling Studio

The New Griots Festival aims to highlight, celebrate and advance the careers of emerging Black artists in the Twin Cities. The festival features the work of 10 local artists and free artist-taught community classes. Learn more.

Featuring improv by Blackout, a performance by dancer and vocalist Vie Boheme, music by Arthur "L.A." Buckner, work by playwright Antonio Duke, poetry by Keno Evol, poetry by April Gibson, work by writer Dame-Jasmine Hughes, work by painter Shaina McCoy, a performance by aerialist Miss Coco Nostal'jah and photography by Isaac Sundberg.

Tickets are $9; buy three or more performances and save! Artist-taught community classes are free, reservations encouraged. Click here for tickets, or call the Box Office at 612-377-2224.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.

Restaurant Week Summer 2017: July 16-21

Mpls. St.Paul Magazine's Summer 2017 Restaurant Week is scheduled for July 16-21. It's a week's worth of fabulous food at unbeatable prices from some of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities. Participating restaurants will present specially priced meals (lunch, dinner, or both) that showcase their culinary offerings in the local dining scenes. Check out the website to find participating restaurants in our downtown and riverfront neighborhoods.

Kick off the X Games Minneapolis at Minneapolis Visitor Information on Nicollet’s First Thursday Event

Via a June 28 News Release from Meet Minneapolis:

Kick off the X Games Minneapolis at Minneapolis Visitor Information on Nicollet’s First Thursday event

Rivard Art student seminars and artist meet-and-greet are highlights

Minneapolis is the host of the 2017 summer X Games, taking place July 13-16. Minneapolis Visitor Information (MVI) on Nicollet is kicking off the fun on July 6 with an X Games-themed First Thursday, a monthly event at the visitor center, featuring local artist Mark Rivard’s skateboard artwork and a meet and greet reception with the artist from 4-6 p.m. Students will learn skateboard art from Rivard in two seminars earlier in the day and have that art displayed in MVI’s windows through the X Games.

This month’s promotions include a 10 percent discount* on purchases from Love From Minneapolis with a portion of proceeds going to City of Skate, Skate Park advocacy coalition. Also, guests can register for a chance to win two tickets to the X Games and a Mark Rivard gift pack.

Love From Minneapolis will be selling Rivard Art’s collection of skateboard decks, pints and shirts. Design-Your-Own Skateboard Kits and Rivard Art will also be for sale, including exclusive X Games-themed art on display in MVI.

High school students who registered to take part in the seminars will get a Mark Rivard skateboard art kit and a ticket to the X Games in Minneapolis. The seminars are sponsored by 21st Century Learners Center Grants.

Overview of events and promotions:
• Two Rivard Art seminars for 40 high school students in two sessions at 10 a.m. to noon and 2-4 p.m. (Cameras welcome!)
• Skateboard art on display made by local high school students
• 10 percent  storewide* discount
• Register to win two X Games tickets or a Mark Rivard gift pack
• Meet and greet with Mark Rivard from 4-6 p.m.
• Information on X Games

More information on the First Thursday event: http://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/visitor-information/events-at-minneapolis-visitor-information/ and specifics on the Rivard Art event: http://www.minneapolis.org/footer/blog/x-games-skateboard-art-with-mark-rivard/

*This promotion excludes transit passes and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Movie Nights at The Commons

Mark your calendar for these four move nights at The Commons, 425 Portland Avenue S. Bring a blanket and a picnic - or grab food at one of the featured food trucks - and settle in for an evening of open air film with friends and family.

2017 Movies (all 7pm - 10pm):

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - Thursday, June 29
La La Land - Thursday, July 27
The Incredibles- Thursday, August 10
Casablanca - Thursday, August 24

For the first time you can bring your favorite beer or wine to The Commons. In 2017, these four movie events are the only "BYO" events in the city!

What's on Tap From the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

Here's what the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul has queued up:

OPENING FRIDAY, JUNE 30:  THE HERO

OPENING FRIDAY, JULY 14 - ABACUS: SMALL ENOUGH TO JAIL

SCREENING JULY 21-27 - LUMIÈRES FRANÇAISES - A weeklong festival highlighting the brightest talent in French independent cinema

OPENING FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 - A GHOST STORY

OPENING FRIDAY, AUGUST 11 - AFTERIMAGE

Special Screenings:

SCIENCE ON SCREEN: THE MARTIAN - June 29 at 7pm

NTL: OBSESSION - July 3 at 7pm + July 5 at 1pm + July 8 at 1pm

MALI BLUES - Thursday, July 6 at 7pm - First Thursday Films @ the Capri. Showing at the Capri Theater,  2027 West Broadway

PALESTINE: WHY THE CAGED DOVE SINGS? - July 13 at 7pm

NTL: TWELFTH NIGHT - July 17 at 7pm + July 19 at 1pm + July 22 at 1pm

NTL: SALOMÉ - July 31 at 7pm + August 2 at 1pm + August 5 at 1pm

HIDDEN FIGURES - Thursday, August 3 at 7pm - First Thursday Films @ the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway

NTL: ANGELS IN AMERICA PART 1, MILLENNIUM APPROACHES - August 14 at 7pm + August 19 at 1pm

NTL: ANGELS IN AMERICA PART 2, PERESTROIKA - August 21 at 7pm + August 26 at 1pm

MAY IT LAST: A PORTRAIT OF THE AVETT BROTHERS - September 12 at 7pm 

Hennepin Avenue Construction Detours to Run June 27 - July 3

Hennepin Avenue will be closed from 8:00pm on Tuesday, June 27, until 3:00am on Monday, July 3.

During the closure, Hennepin Avenue buses will be detoured to Marquette and 2nd Avenues between Washington Ave and 6th St (eastbound) / 7th St. (westbound).

Where to board routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 25, 59 and 61
(See map and list below)

Northbound/Eastbound Buses
Hennepin Ave at 7th St
Marquette Ave at 4th St*
Washington Ave at Nicollet Mall*
Hennepin Ave at 2nd St

Southbound/Westbound Buses
Washington Ave at Nicollet Mall*
2nd Ave at 4th St*
7th St at Nicollet Mall*
Hennepin Ave at 8th St

Scenes from the June 24 Mill City Farmers Market

Jenny Heck, Marketing and Events Manager for the Mill City Farmers Market

Northland Visions, a new Mill City Farmers Market vendor for 2017, debuted at the June 24 Market with an array of Native products ranging from wild rice to maize popcorn.  Look for a separate article on them later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

Greg Bellanger, Store Manager at Northland Visions, Native Art & Gifts of the Northlands

Last October, sisters Kylene and Mel Guse from GYST Fermanation Bar were guests at the Mill City Cooks demo, and they were back at the June 24 Market with a variety of their lacto fermented vegetables.

Nathan Patrick White of NPW Wood Works brought his one-of-a-kind turned wooden vessels and hand-carved spoons to the June 24 Market. The spoons are made from tree roots, which provides a natural curve and added strength. All the products are safe to use with food. Find more of Nathans work on Instagram.

Some good lookin' produce!

Some vendors showed their support for Pride weekend with either discounts or splashes of rainbow colors.

A common sight at the Market - people enjoying pizza fresh out of Northern Fires' wood-fired oven.

Stop by the Meet Your Vegetables booth to sample the featured vegetable of the day and take home a recipe. Thank you to Allina Health for sponsoring this service.

Staff of the Minneapolis Public Schools Food Truck handed out samples.

Milly the goat!

My North Series - 52 Minnesota Stories Leading up to the 2018 Super Bowl (Episodes 16-20)

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 16-20 - click here to see more! 

Tickets go on Sale June 27 for the 2017 Rails and Ales Light Rail Brewery Crawl

2017 Rails and Ales Light Rail Brewery Crawl

The 2017 Rails and Ales Light Rail Brewery Crawl is scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 11:00am to 6:00pm.  This event sells out quickly, so whether want to experience it for the first time - or again - you should register ASAP.

Your Crawl Ticket Includes:
- 2 Pints of Craft Beer
- 2017 Rails & Ales T-Shirt
- All-Access Metro Transit Light Rail Pass
- Access to All 16 Local Breweries Along the Green Line Light Rail
- Event Passport to Guide Your Route
- Rails & Ales Exclusive Beers just for Participants
- Special Discounts on Food, Beer, & Merchandise
- Food Trucks, Live Music, and Other Fun Activities
- Entry to Win Tons of Prizes & Giveaways
- Access to Discounted Room Rate at Local Hotel (Limited Quantities)

Friends of the Mill District Singers Update

Article by Claudia Kittock

The Friends of the Mill District Singers are on summer hiatus, but ended this session with a bang.  We performed at the Loring Park Music Fest on June 10th. If you remember, June 10th had a high temperature of 93, and we sang at 2:00 in the afternoon! Nothing could stop this group of friends and neighbors.

Our performance in the park, led by JD Steele and accompanied by Fred Steele, was filled with passion and fun. We sang songs of joy, of hope, and some that were filled with laughter. JD, in his inimitable style, had the audience singing along with us and moving to the music. I think it is safe to say that singers and audience alike had a great time.

The Singers are sponsored by the neighborhood charity, Friends of the Mill District, and a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC). We received a grant for the 2016-17 season and just received word that we have received another grant for the 2017-18 season. These grants are critical to the survival of our group. While the grant covers about 40% of the operating expenses for the group, we depend on the contribution of individuals to keep us going.

We performed in very different venues to very different audiences, ranging from the Guthrie Theater, the MacPhail Music Matters Luncheon, at the Concert Across American to End Violence, Winterfest on 2nd Street in the Mill District, to singing ‘Take Me out to the Ballgame’ during the 7^th Inning stretch at a Minnesota Twins game. It is difficult to imagine a more diverse range of venues, although we are determined to add audiences next year. Our goals were met in ways we couldn’t have imagined, and we far surpassed anything we were able to imagine.

We ended this season with 160 members on our roster. The average attendance at rehearsals seems to have ‘settled’ at 42-43 singers. We have carloads of men from Harbor Lights attending, people from Alliance Apartments and Emanuel Housing, as well as many members from the Mill District condominiums and from condos in the St. Anthony neighborhood. There is even a ‘friend’ who drives from North Branch to sing with us. While our outreach has been incredibly successful, we are just getting started!

If you are interested in making a contribution, please send a check to Friends of the Mill District, at 212 10th Avenue S, Unit 102, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Thank you!!

If you'd like to join the Singers when Saturday practices resume later this year, drop a line to claudia@millcitymedia.org for more info.

Minnesota State Pre-Fair Tickets Sold at Minneapolis Visitor Information in Downtown Minneapolis

Via a June 23 e-newsletter from Meet Minneapolis:

Minnesota State Pre-Fair Tickets Sold at Minneapolis Visitor Information in Downtown Minneapolis

While it may seem too early to think about the end of summer, it is always a good time to plan to attend the Minnesota State Fair. Now, Minneapolis residents and downtown workers have a convenient location where they can buy discounted state fair tickets. Starting June 25, Minneapolis Visitor Information, located conveniently downtown on Nicollet at 5^th Street across from the METRO Nicollet station, will be selling pre-fair tickets from June 25^tth to Aug. 23^rd for $11 (normally $14 at the gate).

While there, visitors may want to check out the locally inspired gifts from Love From Minneapolis, get transit passes and information from Move Minneapolis or inquire about great places to visit from Meet Minneapolis travel staff.

Minneapolis Visitor Information on Nicollet location: 505 Nicollet Mall Suite 100

Store Hours:
Sunday Noon–5 p.m.
Monday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m.–6 p.m
Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday noon–5 p.m.

Minneapolis Visitor Information is currently home to the Mary Tyler Moore statue, locally inspired gifts, and information for residents and visitors on the city of Minneapolis.

ABOUT THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR

Always 12 days of fun ending Labor Day, the Great Minnesota Get-Together welcomes 1.9 million guests annually to a world-class showcase of livestock, agriculture, horse, art, talent and creative activities competitions; 500 food items; 900 free entertainment shows; the Mighty Midway and Kidway; Grandstand concert series; 1,000 vendors; exhibits for kids and adults; a fireworks show each evening; and more! 

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit of the greater Minneapolis area. 

Meet Minneapolis is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of the Destination Marketing Association International. 

CONNECT WITH US!

Online: www.minneapolis.org and for deals & exclusive experiences: http://go.minneapolis.org

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/meetminneapolis?ref=ts

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/meetminneapolis

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetminneapolis/

On Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/meetminneapolis/

#askMPLS: Use this hashtag to get answers to all your Minneapolis questions from our team! 

Have You Heard About the Minneapolis Water Taxi?

Experience the Mississippi River above the St. Anthony Falls with the Minneapolis Water Taxi.

The Taxi can pick up/drop off at Boom Island docks or The Sample Room dock between 11am and 8pm daily (reserve a time). Capacity is 6 people, and the cost is $10 per person for an approximately one-hour cruise. Riders are welcome to bring snacks and beverages. 

The Taxi cruises between downtown Minneapolis, the Lowry Avenue Bridge, and the blue heron rookery. They are licensed by the US Coast Guard and inspected by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Water Patrol.

The website offers suggestions on how to use this service, such as a River Pub Crawl and Private River Limo Cruise, and also welcomes your requests. For more information, email Free.cjp@gmail.com and visit Facebook.