Utepils Brewing, Silver Award Winner at the World Beer Cup 2023

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

World Beer Cup 2023 Winners! Brewers Association President & CEO Bob Pease presents Eric Harper and Dan Justesen of Utepils Brewing with their Silver Award for Helles

Eric Harper, Utepils' Brewmaster, enjoying a giant pretzel at Oktoberfest in MunichTo win a Silver Medal at the World Beer Cup Competition is a major accomplishment. That’s just what happened for Utepils Brewing this year with their entry in the Helles competition. We talked to Eric Harper, Master Brewer, about Helles beer, his start in the beer brewing business and the brewery taproom offerings at 225 Thomas Ave N (in the Harrison Neighborhood). Keep reading – you also learn a new Norwegian word.

Q:  Congratulations to you and Utepils for winning the silver medal at the World Beer Cup Competition in Nashville earlier this year. Your winning entry was Helles, a Munich-style Helles beer. Could you tell us more about Helles and Munich-style Helles beer?

A:  Munich-style Helles is a pale, golden lager. It's slightly sweeter and fuller bodied than a Pilsner. The style was first created in Munich, Germany in the late 1800's as a response to Czech Pilsner's rising popularity. I'd say it's the beer most commonly associated with the famous beer halls and beer gardens of Bavaria. For our Helles, we import malted barley from a family maltster in Bamberg, Germany, and use just a touch of hops from Germany's Hallertau region to try and create the most authentic version of the style as we can.

A perfectly poured glass of Utepils Brewing's award winning Munich-style HellesQ:  Please tell us about your experience at the competition. Is this your first time competing?

A:  We've entered beers into the competition twice before, but never won. This year there were over 10,000 entries from 51 different countries in the competition. We had to ship our entries back in March. They were then judged by an international panel over multiple days. The awards were announced May 10th in Nashville at the conclusion of the Craft Brewers' Conference, the largest educational brewing conference and tradeshow in the U.S. It was super exciting to be in a giant convention hall, full of brewers, and hear your name get called! I'm extremely proud of my team and the work they put into brewing our beers, and am really happy to share this award with them.

Q:  How may we experience your Helles beer?

A:  Our Helles beer is available at retailers across the state in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans and 12 packs of 12 oz. cans. It's also on draft at a number of local bars and restaurants, and of course is available in our taproom. We have a neat beer finder on the website that will let you search for locations serving our beer, as well as filter results by beer style.

Q:  The beer finder tool is awesome! When and how did your interest in brewing beer come about?

A:  I started home brewing when I was in high school. A friend's parents had all of the equipment, and they thought it would be a fun hobby for us to try out. I kept brewing during college, but really just became more and more interested in the huge variety of beer and breweries that exist. At some point I decided I wanted to pursue a career in beer, so I started taking courses that seemed applicable. After finishing my undergrad degree, I went on to a dedicated brewing program at UC-Davis.

Q:  What does the word Utepils mean?

A:  Utepils is a Norwegian word that translated literally means "outside beer." The Norwegians might use it any time they talk about enjoying a beer outside, but we like to say, "Utepils means the first beer enjoyed outside after a long, dark winter."

Utepils Brewing's inviting taproom, located on the banks of Bassett Creek in Minneapolis

Q:  What do you recommend we try when we visit your taproom?

A:  The Helles, of course, but my other favorite beers are our Czech-style Pils and Ewald the Golden, a Bavarian-style Hefeweizen. If you're looking for something hoppier, Hoppestokk is a dry hopped lager beer that's also really excellent.

Q:  The best of luck with future competitions. How may we follow your news? 

A:  Thanks! Social media is probably the best way to keep up with what's happening at the brewery. We're always posting news and events to Facebook and Instagram. For more general info, and where to find our beers, the website is the best bet.

Groundbreaking Event for Graco Park is Scheduled for August 14

New Northeast Minneapolis riverfront park next to Plymouth Avenue Bridge will feature restored wildlife habitat, upgraded trail connections and intersection safety improvements, outdoor gathering spaces, and new net-zero energy park building

A groundbreaking event for Graco Park is scheduled Monday, August 14, 1-2 pm. This new 9-acre riverfront park is in Northeast Minneapolis, across from Hall's Island and just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge. The event will take place next to the intersection of Sibley Street NE and 9th Avenue NE. Free street parking available along Sibley Street NE.

Speakers include: MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura, MPRB President Meg Forney, MPRB District 1 Commissioner Billy Menz, Graco President and CEO Mark Sheahan, District 6 Met Council Member Robert Lilligren, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Executive Director Kevin Reich. 

It is expected to initially open in fall 2024, with a new park building and trail underpass connection to Boom Island Park expected to open in fall 2025. Park features will include:

• A multiuse net-zero energy building with public restrooms, community space and a Spark’d Studios location.
• Native habitat restoration and stormwater management features, including a geothermal snowmelt system.
• A trail under the Plymouth Avenue Bridge that connects to Boom Island Park.
• The Mississippi East Bank Trail realigned through the park and safety upgrades at the intersection of Plymouth/8th Avenue NE and Sibley Street NE.
• Gathering spaces, walkways and river access.

A series of agreements reached in 2018 between the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Graco Inc., which is headquartered next to the park, led to the creation of Graco Park. Grants from the Metropolitan Council and Mississippi Watershed Management Organization also helped fund park construction.

Minneapolis is Making Progress

Photo credit: Star Tribune

Excerpts from the August 10th City of Minneapolis e-news:

City of Minneapolis credit rating upgraded

Bond rating agencies S&P Global and Fitch Ratings have assigned the highest credit rating possible to the City of Minneapolis, reflecting strong confidence in the City’s financial health ahead of a bond sale later this month.

“The upgrade to ‘AAA’ from ‘AA+’ reflects Fitch’s belief that the City’s long-term liability burden will remain moderately low over time driven by moderate future borrowing plans, statewide pension reforms and strong trends of population and income growth,” the rating agency noted. “The ratings also incorporate the City’s strong revenue growth prospects driven by an expanding population and income levels, broad independent revenue-raising ability, and solid budgetary management that has resulted in healthy reserves and considerable gap-closing capacity.”

This is the first time since 2016 that the City has gone to market with AAA ratings from both Fitch and S&P Global rating agencies. The City plans to sell $113.85 million in bonds within the next few weeks and these high ratings affirm the City’s creditworthiness and provide confidence to the bond holders. This also allows the City to borrow funds to finance critical capital projects at a lower interest rate and save taxpayer dollars. 

The City goes through an extensive review process with the rating agencies where they evaluate factors such as the strength of management, City’s institutional framework, financial policies, financial measures in place, the amount of debt, long-term financial planning, current economic conditions and the amount of reserves the City has to withstand any unexpected revenue loss.

Learn more about the City’s credit ratings.

Stable Homes Stable Schools program expands for housing Minneapolis Public Schools students

Beginning in the fall, about 350 families a year will be served by the Stable Homes Stable Schools Housing Stability Fund. The fund provides emergency assistance to families at risk of losing their home. It will be offered to all 43 elementary schools in the Minneapolis Public School district.

The program’s multi-year rental assistance will also add five schools for a total of 24 eligible school sites. The program helps get families experiencing homelessness into safe and stable affordable housing and will serve about 250 families at any given time as a result. The expansion will also increase the number of participating families at existing school sites and staff to support them.

First piloted in 2019, Stable Homes Stable Schools has helped house or prevent homelessness for more than 1,500 Minneapolis Public Schools families and more than 4,200 students. More than 70% of families served through the program are single-parent households and approximately 90% are Black families, Indigenous families and families of color.

Stable Homes Stable Schools offers two types of rental assistance:

• The multi-year rental assistance program helps place and keep families of elementary students experiencing homelessness in safe, stable, and permanent affordable housing. See the City website for a list of the 24 eligible schools.
• The Housing Stability Fund helps prevent homelessness by helping families at risk of losing their housing. All 43 elementary schools in the Minneapolis Public Schools district are now eligible.

For families who immediately need eviction prevention resources, find resources listed on the City website.

Learn more about Stable Homes Stable Schools program

City leaders approve $5.8M investment in Minneapolis Homes program

Mayor Jacob Frey and the Minneapolis City Council have approved a $5.8 million investment in Minneapolis Homes, an umbrella program with products that help households access and sustain affordable home ownership in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis Homes was created with the vision of eliminating disparities in homeownership so that all families have access to the wealth-building opportunities that homeownership provides.

The investment will allow the City to convert 21 vacant lots or buildings into 40 affordable homes. Through the Council approval, an additional 18 project sites were awarded exclusive development rights with future plans for an additional 47 affordable homes.

Learn more about Minneapolis Homes.

Additionally...

This Star Tribune article, "Twin Cities has one of the lowest inflation rates in U.S., down to 1%" 

This Star Tribune article, "Why downtown is the fastest growing neighborhood in Minneapolis"

This Bring Me The News article, "Minneapolis enters Top 20 of 'America's Best Cities' 2023 list"

Third Avenue Bridge Progress Continues

Submitted by Doug Verdier

In December 2022, sheets of plastic covered a cement retaining wall that was constructed below First Street S between the woonerf and the end of the Third Avenue Bridge, at the intersection with First Street S. The above photo was the scene throughout the winter months.

This July the plastic was removed, and in August workers began the next phase of the project, which will see forms installed and concrete poured to create a solid wall that will extend from the woonerf to where the bluff ends at Third Avenue. The workers here are preparing the surface for construction of forms and concrete pouring.

Work on the Third Avenue Bridge surface has continued with the pouring of concrete barriers between the vehicle lanes and the guardrails along the edge of the bridge to form lanes for pedestrians and bicycles. The original ornamental guardrails can be seen along the edge of the bridge where they are being installed between new concrete pillars. They were removed at the start of the project and repaired as needed so they could be reinstalled now.

The new surface of the bridge looks very smooth and you can see the protective barriers for pedestrians and bicycles along the edge of the traffic lane.

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Editor's Note: As of today, the project page lists October, 2023 as the tentative opening date. Fingers crossed! 

Discover a Local Music Gem: Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A discussion with Allison Eklund, President and Lon Hendricks, Director

Mandolins were first introduced to the United States by Italian immigrants and have a long history in Minnesota. The Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra (MMO) was established in 1991 and you can catch their performances at many local venues. We spoke to Allison Eklund, President, and Lon Hendricks, Director, to learn more about the history of mandolin orchestras and where we might learn to play the instrument.

Allison Eklund

Q:  What is a mandolin orchestra?  

Allison:  A mandolin orchestra is an ensemble of plucked instruments in the mandolin family. They are played with a plectrum (pick) rather than a bow, and generally correspond to the instruments in a string orchestra: the mandolin, mandola, mandocello and mandobass are strung for tuning equivalent to the violin, viola, cello, and bass violin. Because mandolins are played with a plectrum instead of a bow, they have an additional string for each note and may achieve a sustained sound using "tremolo" plectrum technique. A mandolin orchestra typically includes guitars and may include fretted instrument variations such as an octave mandolin (tuned like a mandolin but playing notes an octave lower) and liuto cantabile (or liuto moderno), a five-note stringed instrument combining a mandocello with an octave mandolin. Bass mandolins are fairly rare these days, so many mandolin orchestras include acoustic bass guitar and/or double bass violins. Additional information can be found at the web site for the Classical Mandolin Society of America, which has a close relationship with MMO and many of its members. Specifically, see this article on score notation for mandolin orchestra.

Twin Cities Mandolin Club circa 1900

Q:  Please give us a brief history of mandolin orchestras in Minneapolis and St. Paul in the “golden age of mandolins.” 

Allison:  I could not explain any better than Minnesota History magazine in its wonderful article about the history of mandolin playing in the Twin Cities, available in their archives. I find it particularly amusing that, from 1890 to 1920 during the "golden age of mandolins," some people reportedly would carry mandolin cases around just to "appear stylish." We were evidently the epitome of cool, to use then-unknown parlance. Mandolin ensembles were highly popular in a variety of settings, long before bluegrass music became associated with the sound of a mandolin in America.

Q:  Why do you think so many ethnic groups formed mandolin orchestras or clubs?   

Allison:  I cannot speculate on the attractiveness of mandolins to any particular ethnic group, but when the world-famous mandolin virtuoso Avi Avital came to Minnesota for a Schubert Club performance a few years ago, he came to visit MMO at one of our rehearsals. He explained that the popularity of mandolins in his native Israel began with efforts to encourage Jewish resettlement. The violin was widely played, he said, but community leaders worried that at a certain level of virtuosity, players might leave to pursue fame and fortune. To encourage sustainable communities, they introduced the mandolin as a "violin anyone can play" because its frets and plectrum technique made playing the instrument accessible to new players at any age. Avital's presentation resonates. The mandolin can be learned at a basic level relatively quickly, and even playing simple chords can be a rewarding way to enjoy participation in music-making. It can be played as a solo instrument, and also blends well with other instruments. It has wide appeal across age and experience levels and genres of music.

Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra performing at the Lake Harriet Bandshell

Q:  From the inception of mandolin clubs in the late 19th century and early 20th century in North America, there was a philanthropic, service, and social aspect to those groups. They raised money for those in need and they met socially to improve the spirits of the club members and to engage with their communities. Is this viewpoint still part of the Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra?

A:  Yes. The Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra has a charitable mission and purpose, to foster the enjoyment of mandolin music. The group started in 1991 and became a 501c3 charitable nonprofit corporation in 2018. We do not charge admission for our concerts (though sometimes our venues do), and we hope to gain wider awareness and appreciation of our sound and the breadth of music genres performed by finding opportunities to play in diverse communities. We have some standing relationships with outdoor venues such as Como Dockside Pavilion in St. Paul and Centennial Lakes Park in Edina, and in winter we often perform at the invitation of senior living and indoor park facilities. We enjoy bringing the sound of mandolin orchestra music to new venues and listeners of all ages and backgrounds.

Lon HendricksQ:  Mandolin orchestras are back in a big way – please tell us about the resurgence of mandolin clubs.  

Lon:  I'm not aware of any recently formed mandolin groups in Minnesota. The Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra was founded by Jack El-Hai in 1991. A lot of players have come and gone between then and now, but we still carry on as the Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra. There are quite a few mandolin orchestras around the United States, and you can see a list of the groups recognized by the Classical Mandolin Society of America here.

Q:  Where and how may a beginner learn the mandolin?  

A:  Players who come from a violin or guitar background usually find the transition to mandolin to be relatively easy, and many are self-taught. Mandolinists looking for instruction could contact the Homestead Pickin' Parlor, MacPhail Center for Music, Jim Plattes, or Karen Mueller. There is also plenty of instructional material on YouTube. David Benedict and Magnus are good teachers.

Q:  Where may we hear the Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra?  

Lon:  The next public concert is Monday, August 28, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Como Lakeside Pavilion at the Dock & Paddle, 1360 Lexington Pkwy N, Saint Paul. Future concerts will be posted here.

Q:  How may we stay current on your news?  

Lon:  Check out our website and Facebook.

August 2023 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via an August 7 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue to work on lining the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River with concrete. Excavation will resume later this fall when they can access the storm flow again.

2nd Ave

• Crews continue to work on lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection.

Portland Ave

• Crews continue to work on lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.

Photos Uploaded to Website:

• Visit the project website to see photos of work inside the storm tunnel. https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Tunneling Progress

The project has reached 97% completion with excavation. Crews have removed approximately 67,800 tons of material to date. As noted in the infographic above, this is equal to the weight of 6.7 Eiffel Towers. The final excavation will occur next winter. 

Lining progress

In July, crews continued to work on the concrete tunnel lining pouring about 1,000 cubic yards of concrete. To date, 6,800 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic to the left, this is just over two times the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 41% complete.

Long-term closures/restrictions

• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project is completed.
  • During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
  • Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
  • Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
  • The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.
• Northbound lane of Portland Ave will be periodically closed between Washington Ave and 2nd Closures will happen during the workday only.
  • Closure is for the placement of concrete into the tunnel.
  • East crosswalk across Washington and north crosswalk across Portland will be closed.
  • Sidewalks will remain open to businesses and residences.
• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall.
  • During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

• The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains restricted through the end of the project. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
  • Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.
• The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

• The parking lot and trail near Mill Runs Park has reopened.
  • During the summer, the trail will have flaggers to allow concrete trucks to pull into and out of the work site.
• 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S. Access will be restricted until the project is completed.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Stay Connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

“WHOOSH!” A Ghost Story and Music Performance Coming to Mill City Museum

Lively one-man play covers multiple themes and topics of Minnesota history

Mill City Museum welcomes visitors to see solo artist Andrew Erskine Wheeler for two performances of his one-man play “WHOOSH! The Civil War Mythology of Michael Hickey and His Perilous Precipitation Over St. Anthony Falls,” directed by Allison Vincent.

Wheeler weaves an emotionally-gripping ghost tale using Minnesota State Capitol art, song, and storytelling to recount his Irish immigrant ancestor’s intersectional history with St. Anthony Falls and Minneapolis, known respectively as Owámniyomni and Gakaabikaang in Dakota and Anishinaabe. The play won two Golden Lanyard Awards at the 2022 Fringe Festival.

Performances of “WHOOSH!” at Mill City Museum will take place on August 18 and August 19 from 7:30 pm–8:30 pm. Doors open at 7 pm. A 30-minute talk back session with Wheeler will follow the performance on August 19. Admission is $10.

Irish Folk musicians, The Lost Forty, will accompany the performance. Doors open at 7 pm.

"WHOOSH" is supported by grant funding from the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. Another performance is scheduled for 7:30 pm on August 17th at Water Works Park in downtown Minneapolis.

"Craft & Conceptual Art" opens August 26 at Minnesota Center for Book Arts

Traveling Exhibition Clarifies Legacy of Book Art

Learn how conceptual art and craft are linked - and see a revised timeline of book art - starting August 26

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Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) has announced Craft and Conceptual Art: Reshaping the Legacy of Artists’ Books, an exhibition that reconnects artists’ books to craft by creating a meaningful link between conceptual art and craft, historically placed at odds. Curated by arts writer and editor Megan N. Liberty, the exhibition was organized by Center for Book Arts in New York and is traveling here from San Francisco Center for the Book. Works by 38 book artists will be on view from Saturday, August 26 until Saturday, October 21. A reception will be held in MCBA’s Main Gallery on Friday, September 22 from 6–8pm.

Two pieces from Minnesota Center for Book Arts’ own collection will be on view: Our Glass by Louise Neaderland (above) and Untitled (Basic Lights) by Berwyn Hung (below), as well as works by local artists Harriet Bart and Philip Gallo.

Megan N. Liberty“This exhibition will tie artists' books back to craft, reshaping our understanding of craft history and its influence on conceptual art,” writes Liberty in her curatorial statement. The goal, she continues, is “a cross-disciplinary show that uses archival materials to present a revised timeline of book art, conceptual art, and craft, alongside artworks from various collections including Center for Book Arts, Harvard, Pace Prints Pace Gallery, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Library, and MCBA.”

August 5 at the Mill City Farmers Market, Plus MCFM News

New items in this week's Mill City Farmers Market basket: Beef Roast from TunTum BlackHill Farm, dryer ball and dog biscuits from Tare Market, purple carrots from Urban Roots, red peppers and baby potatoes from GVY Fresh Produce, Sun Gold tomatoes from Burning River Farm, sun-dried tomato hummus from Yummytizers and honey from Ames Farm.

Tickets still available for the annual Harvest Dinner!

The annual Harvest Dinner, a major funding source for MCFM, is scheduled for September 10th. Taking place in the Mill City Museum Courtyard, the event features a market-to-table dinner prepared with farm-fresh ingredients by market chefs Nettie Colón and Jenny Breen, craft cocktails and live music. The evening ends with a live auction and fund-a-need support for MCFM's Next Stage Grant program for farmers and food makers. Learn more here.

MCFM is participating in the Farmers Market Treasure Hunt, August 6 - September 3!

Check with the info booth at the August 12, 19, 26 and September 2nd markets for details! The Farmers Markets of Minneapolis Collaborative joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 6-12. This year, the collaborative will be putting on a Farmers Markets of Minneapolis Treasure Hunt encouraging Twin Cities residents to visit the farmers markets around them. After visiting two participating markets you are entered to win a gift basket of local market goods, and at your third market you’ll receive a limited edition market tote designed by Midtown Farmers Market Manager, Ocean Jurney. The Treasure Hunt starts August 6th and will go until September 3rd. Community members can grab a punch card at the info booth of any participating Minneapolis farmers market.

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Along with MCFM, the other participating markets are: Audubon, Four Sisters, Fulton, Kingfield, Linden Hills, Midtown, Minneapolis – Lyndale, Nokomis, Northeast, The Peoples Market, Tiny Diner, and University of Minnesota.

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From the MCFM Blog: Meet the 14 Farmers who Received Next Stage Grant Awards in 2023The Next Stage Grant program provides funding to local, regenerative farmers and other food makers who are improving sustainable farming and business practices or growing toward the “next stage” of their businesses. In 2023, MCFM awarded 14 grants totaling $​​79,790 to support local farmers and food makers at farmers markets throughout the region.

Photos from the August 5 MCFM:

Churning out those yummy sammies as fast as they can at Rudy’s Breakfast Bagels!

I always save room in my insulated bag for a container of Sonny's!

Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival Returns August 12-13

The festival creates a free, family-friendly event down Nicollet Avenue from 6th to 8th Street.

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) and the Hennepin Theatre Trust announced the 5th annual Downtown Mpls Street Art Festival, which will take place Saturday and Sunday, August 12-13 from 10am-6pm on Nicollet in downtown Minneapolis.

The festival features the live creation of chalk and spray paint artworks from 27 world-renowned, international artists, representing 6 states and 5 countries, a Saturday afternoon concert series (3-6pm) curated by local hip-hop duo iLLism with Black Velvet Punks, Jordan Johnston and Rawtwhylah from the 7th Street stage, performances by Heart & Soul Drum Academy, storyteller Brother Asé, food trucks, a community mandala, free make-and-take arts activities for all ages, a craft market, and more.

In addition, the Minneapolis Mile Automotive Festival will take place next to the Mpls Street Art Festival, making for a fun, family-friendly experience along Nicollet. The Minneapolis Mile Car Show is a weekend long festival for cars, trucks, motorcycles, food trucks and more. The festival takes place at the Minneapolis Convention Center and runs down Nicollet to 8th Street.

The Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival brings families, artists and communities together to enjoy amazing art—it’s my favorite two days downtown all year,” said Lisa Middag, Director of Public Space Engagement for the Mpls DID. “We are so excited to welcome you downtown, and along with the Minneapolis Mile Car Show, Pizza Luce Block Party and the Ed Sheeran concert, this year's festival weekend provides the perfect opportunity for people who may not be familiar with the world of street art to experience it firsthand. I promise you won’t regret it!”

This year’s schedule of events includes:

Saturday, August 12

• Nicollet Chalk Art Festival | 10am – 6pm
• 3D Chalk Art Installation at IDS | 10am – 6pm
• Live Spray Painting Nicllet | 10am – 6pm
• Street Eats (food trucks and more) on Nicollet | 10am – 6pm
• Artists Craft Market | 10am – 6pm
• Streetcorner Letterpress | 10am - 6pm
• Pedal t the Metal | 10am – 6pm
• Heart and Sl Drum Academy | 11am & 2pm
• Mile Sign Shop | 11:30am – 3:30pm
• Stryteller Brther Asé | 12pm
• Hard in the Paint Hoops 3x3 Basketball Tournament | 12pm – 4pm
• Flamenc del Arte | 1pm
• D Guided Mural Ts | 12pm & 3pm
• Saturday Concert series curated by local hip hop duo iLLism featuring Black Velvet Punks, Jordan Johnston and Rawtwhylah | 3pm – 6pm

Sunday, August 13

• Nicollet Chalk Art Festival | 10am – 6pm
• 3D Chalk Art Installation at IDS Center | 10am – 6pm
• Live Spray Painting n Nicllet | 10am – 6pm
• Street Eats (food trucks and more) on Nicollet | 10am – 6pm
• Artists Craft Market | 10am – 6pm
• Streetcorner Letterpress | 10am – 6pm
• WOW Mbile Metal Lab | 10am – 6pm
• Hennepin Cy Mile Bike Library | 11am – 5pm
• Street Show perfmances Nicllet | 11am – 5pm
• Mile Sign Shop | 11:30am – 3:30pm
• Guided Downtown Mural Tours | 12pm & 3pm

Nicollet Chalk Art Festival

The centerpiece of the Downtown Mpls Street Art Festival is a two-block-long series of chalk installations by 19 local and international artists representing  six states and five countries (Canada, India, Mexico, Turkey, U.S.A.). Watch the artists as they transform the sidewalks of Nicollet between 6th and 8th Streets from 10am to 6pm with their unique artistic vision in vibrant tempera. While enjoying the art, make sure to channel your inner artist and contribute to our community chalk mandala.

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3D Chalk Installation at IDS Center

Watch world-renowned local chalk artist Shawn McCann as he creates a special 3D chalk installation on the corner of 8th & Nicollet. McCann uses advanced techniques and anamorphic perspective to produce an illusion of depth and perspective for your perfect festival Instagram moment.

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Live Spray Painting on Nicollet

The excitement of live mural spray painting continues as our lineup of local and international artists showcase their unique sense of color, style and technique on Nicollet.

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Interactive Arts Activities for the Whole Family

Tap into your inner street artists and contribute to the massive community chalk mandala, design and take home a custom sign with Mobile Sign Shop, decorate and print your own custom Downtown Mpls Street Art Festival postcard with Streetcorner Letterpress, or create a unique design to pour in molten Pewter with Pedal to the Metal (Saturday) and the WOW Mobile Metal Lab (Sunday). Check out the fun arts activities (or maybe even a book!) from the Hennepin County Mobile Bike Library.

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Street Eats on Nicollet

Enjoy lunch from Street Eats vendor Stop, Drop & Roll at 7th & Nicollet, or a snack from a selection of local food trucks and street vendors #OnNicollet between 8th & 9th Streets.

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Street Showcase on Nicollet

Enjoy live performances from our Street Show favorites on Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Produced by the DID and curated by the Warming House, Street Show has brought more than 2,000 hours of paid street performance from local musicians, artists, dancers, painters, and others to the sidewalks of downtown Minneapolis since 2018. Season schedule

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Artist Craft Market

Shop local at the Downtown Mpls Street Art Festival Artist Craft Market on Nicollet between 7th and 8th streets. More than 19 artists and artisan makers will bring their unique wares to the street. Browse through a wide selection of goods and leave with a souvenir to remember the festival by.

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Hard in the Paint Hoops 3x3 Basketball Tournament

Make sure to swing by The Alley Project (behind The FAIR School for Arts) to enjoy music, refreshments, and competition for the first annual Hard in the Paint 3x3 Basketball Tournament! The first-place team will win $300, and the second-place team will win $150.

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Saturday Afternoon Performances

Performances kick off Saturday at 11am from the festival stage at 7th and Nicollet with festival-favorites Heart & Soul Drum Academy. This Rondo- based program exposes youth ages 3-17 to musical expression through Djembe hand drumming. Participation is encouraged! Next on stage at 12pm is griot Brother Asé, a 3rd generation North Minneapolis storyteller, who uses the art of storytelling to empower youth with the wisdom of the elders. At 1pm you can catch the dramatic dance and music of Street Show regulars Flamenco del Arte, featuring artists Shanan Tolzin and David Elrod along with special guest Marie de los Reyes. The afternoon performances wrap up with a 2pm encore from Heart & Sould Drum Academy.

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Saturday Early Evening Concert curated by iLLism

Wrapping up a full day of street art on Saturday, August 12, local hip hop duo iLLism has curated a musically diverse set of local performers, who will take the stage on Nicollet at 7th Street for a free concert. Jazz punk, neo-soul and hip-hop group Black Velvet Punks (3pm) will be kicking off the concert with a splatter of punk and a tapestry of neo-soul charm and smoothness. Pop/soul singer Jordan Johnston (4pm) takes the stage next with his band and his dad drummer Bob Johnston (an original member of Flyte Time). Following their performance, Rahtwhylah (5pm) will be taking the stage for a high-energy performance featuring music with a fusion melting  pot  sound  and  a Caribbean undertone. Enjoy performances that span multiple genres, such as Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz, and Minneapolis Funk, to close out the first day of the Downtown Mpls Street Art Festival.

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Downtown Mural Tours

Mary Jane Mansfield from Hennepin Theatre Trust offers an insider’s tour of downtown murals at 12pm and 3pm both days of the festival, highlighting the many amazing downtown murals, including the Prince mural, as well as the latest installation of the It’s the People exhibition. Throughout the festival, you will see QR codes with scannable links to the Downtown Mpls Street Art Festival online tour with more information (available in both English and Spanish) on the participating artists and artworks. The link to the virtual tour will be available during the festival on the festival website.

Porzana and Flora Room - What We Know So Far

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Chef Daniel del PradoMpls.St.Paul Magazine says he is transforming the Twin Cities food scene. He was Minnesota Monthly’s 2022 Chef of the Year. Twin Cities Business calls his culinary hot spots a growing empire. Of course we’re talking about Chef Daniel del Prado. His partner in the new North Loop establishments is by no means a lightweight – it’s restaurateur and visionary Ryan Burnet! Porzana will be a first-floor restaurant, with cocktail bar Flora Room occupying the lower level.

Ryan BurnetWe are all waiting for their new joint project to open in the North Loop at 200 First Street S, and we’ve snooped around to share the following news and with our readers:

• Porzana will serve the top 3% of beef (prime) which comes from the highest-grade domestic cattle (never antibiotic, all natural). A product has been developed exclusively for Porzana -  prime beef graded 100% grass-fed beef, never grain, which is extremely rare.

• Beef steaks will range from $21 for a prime hanger steak to an extravagant 4-pound Wagyu tomahawk steak for indulging and sharing.

• In addition to the beef entrees, Porzana’s extensive menu will have many seafood, vegetable and Argentinean pasta choices.

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• Porzana’s goal is to be the best restaurant in their portfolio! (Quite the goal considering their portfolio – Martina, Colita, Rosalia, Macanda, Bar La Grassa, Burch Steak, Barrio, Eastside, etc.)

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• Patio dining will be available in the space between what were The Bachelor Farmer and Askov Finlayson.

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• The first floor will have a large bar for walk-in seating. Downstairs in the Flora Room, you’ll find an upscale cocktail bar.

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• You can visit three times within the same week and have three different experiences (patio, dining room, Flora Room downstairs)!

The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts 2023/2024 Season

The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts has released single tickets to the 2023/24 season for purchase. The season includes the following evening-length productions:

Fall Forward Festival Oct 21 - Nov 5

Celebrating nine different dance artists across three fantastic weekends. Talents collide onstage as our diverse dance community showcases an assortment of genres across this momentous festival. Each weekend features a new roster and a variety of experiences from percussive footwork to physical feats to modern expressions and more!

Oct 21 & 22: Concerto Dance, Kaleena Miller Dance, and Afoutayi Haitian Dance, Music, and Arts Company

Oct 28 & 29: Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca, STRONGmovement, and Yuki Tokuda

Nov 4 & 5: Katha Dance Theatre, Shapiro & Smith Dance, and Alternative Motion Project

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Rhythm Street Movement  - Who Brought The Humbug? December 14 - 17, 2023

The family-friendly holiday specTAPular. Welcome to the ultimate holiday party where the guests are singers, musicians, tap dancers, and beatboxers! Join this vibrant and talented cast in an interactive, inspirational, all-age, fun, funky, feel-good celebration of the Holiday Season!

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Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre  - The Conference of the Birds Feb 10 & 11, 2024

A virtuosic dialogue between three distinct cultural voices. In an enchanting performance brought to the stage, flamenco and hip hop unite to adapt the 12th century Persian poem of the same name. This dark, moving, and humorous story will bring together hip hop artist Darrius Strong along with original music performed by international flamenco composer and guitarist Juanito Pascual.

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Crash Dance Productions  - Domino March 2 & 3, 2024

It’s only a matter of time before they all fall down, one by one. Growing tension stacks onto high drama as the visceral ensemble blindly selects who among them undertakes the role of The Con. When identities collide, the 13 unique personalities clash as a story of hierarchy, vulnerability, and influence develops in real-time. Anyone could be the villain. No one knows who it will be. And every performance will be different.

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MERGE In March: Mathew Janczewski's ARENA DANCES & Taja Will March 23 & 24, 2024

A club-like atmosphere of daring ecstasy, collective revolt, and personal reclamations. This year’s MERGE pairs Mathew Janczewski’s high-intensity, super-charged movements with Taja Will’s nuanced, emotive, and improvisational boldness. Their collaboration will culminate in an evening of performance, which includes ARENA repertory favorite, Judged House, and the premiere of a haunting new solo by Will.

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James Sewell Ballet - Pointed Humor April 6 & 7, 2024

Exploring the boundaries of ballet with wit and whimsy. James Sewell Ballet leaps onto the stage with bold new works featuring the highly-anticipated choreography of former JSB dancer and current member of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Shohei Iwahama. This remarkable evening includes a remount of Doo-Be-Doo, which combines high-energy playful antics with stunning technical feats.

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BRKFST Dance Company April 27 & 28, 2024

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Breaking transforms the concert dance stage. Blazing into their 10th year as an ensemble, BRKFST continues to “show us the future of dance” (Star Tribune) with a world premiere commissioned by The Cowles Center and Northrop, set to music by company member Renée Copeland. Their unique style of breaking and storytelling shines through in their work set to Dancers, Dreamers, and Presidents by composer Daniel Bernard Roumain. With each inroad they create, BRKFST inspires us to view breaking and contemporary dance in a way that “makes you see both differently” (Minnpost).

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Ragamala Dance Company - Avimukta: Where the Seeker Meets the Sacred May 4 & 5, 2024

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Honoring the memory of ancestors in an intimate ritual for the stage. In Avimukta, both dancer and viewer experience the divinity of the seeker meeting the sacred. Featuring solos by mother/daughter creators and performers Ranee, Aparna, and Ashwini Ramaswamy that contrast the ceremonial unison of the company, Bharatanatyam becomes a full-bodied, ecstatic prayer celebrating the inevitable dissolution of life. Directed by Ranee Ramaswamy and Aparna Ramaswamy.

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TICKET INFORMATION

Excluding Who Brought the Humbug?, tickets are on sale now through the Box Office at (612) 206-3600 or online. Tickets to each Saturday performance will range from $30-$45, while tickets to each Sunday matinee will be Pay As You Are.

Sunset Glow and Into the Urban Woods by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Thank you to Ric Rosow for these images and detailed descriptions.

Sunset Glow

I call this image Sunset Glow. It is the result of blending 4 to 5 images together, each with a different exposure setting. In my first attempt at editing I used five images, starting with a bright exposure and stopping down to a darker exposure. The blending process lightens dark areas and darkens light areas, thereby evening out the overall exposure. After that I can use masks to further refine the exposure on an area by area basis. However, in this instance that process did not work out. The lightest exposure when blended with the others produced a dark halo effect over the top of Capella Tower. It looks like a stain. The halo came from the light emitted by the structure on top of the tower. No matter what I tried the halo remained visible. So I eliminated the lightest image and did the blend again, this time with four images. It worked. The dark halo, a distraction to be sure, is gone.

Into the Urban Woods 

This photograph is based on one image, unlike Sunset Glow which was based a blend of on four images. I took the photograph the same evening as Sunset Glow but with a different composition. I orientated my camera toward where the sun had set, in the space between the Guthrie and the RBC Gateway Tower. In order to preserve detail in the sky I needed to stop down the exposure to a fairly dark setting. My challenge here was to preserve the beautiful tones in the sky while still bringing out some detail in the buildings. Since the Guthrie is already a deep blue color, using a darker exposure pushed the color of the building to black. I like that in this case as it fits the theme of the photograph - into the woods.  

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See more of my work at www.ricrosowphotography.com. To see my work in person, visit Tres Leches Art Gallery, Studio 173, in the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE. The studio is open Fridays from noon to 4 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., and the First Thursday of each month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Red Rabbit Included in FSR Magazine's America's Top 50 Independent Restaurants for 2023

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The July issue of FSR Magazine announced their America's Top 50 Independent Restaurants for 2023. We’re extremely lucky to have three of these culinary destinations nearby – Young Joni, Spoon and Stable and Red Rabbit. We wanted to learn more about these restaurants and started by speaking with Michael Giacomini, Director of Finance for Red Rabbit. We learned about the secrets of their success and must-try choices on your next visit to their restaurant in the North Loop at 201 Washington Avenue N.

Michael Giacomini

Q:  Did you know Red Rabbit was in contention for the award? 

A:  This was a total surprise for us! It was so rewarding to see this happen without us knowing we were in contention.

Q:  How were you notified? 

A:  We were not specifically notified. We follow FSR Magazine and we saw we were in it!

Q:  The award calls our Red Rabbit’s authentic Italian dishes and craft cocktails. How do you differentiate the dining experience at Red Rabbit versus other Minneapolis Italian restaurants? 

A:  We differentiate ourselves by being an uncomplicated authentic Italian restaurant. We focus on the authentic flavors of traditional Italian dishes while staying affordable and approachable. Our 72-hour aged pizza dough really sets us apart from some other Italian restaurants. You can come to us and get oysters, pizza, spaghetti & meatballs, lasagna or our famous Chicken Parmesan. We believe beverage is such an integral part of the dining experience. That is why we focus on creating an elevated experience around craft cocktails, fine wines stored and chilled at the right temperatures, and our 20 taps of Craft beer. Focusing on all three components of beverage allows us to be able to provide something for everyone to enjoy with their meal. Our beverage director Ian Lowther hand selects and creates the wines and cocktails available at Red Rabbit.

Q:  Will the award prompt the management team to consider opening additional Red Rabbit locations in the state? 

A:  We are always looking for the opportunity for a great location where we believe the neighborhood will enjoy the experience, and we can positively impact that community.

Pepperoni PizzaQ:  What are dishes do you recommend we try when we next visit Red Rabbit? We won’t limit ourselves to one, but would you also recommend a cocktail we should try? 

A:  To start, you have to get the burrata. For pastas, you cannot go wrong with the Cavatelli or Mostaccioli. For pizzas, we are known for our spicy salami pizza or margherita pizza. Make sure to get our Chicken Parmesan for the table to split, and for dessert our sticky toffee cake is an absolute must! For beverages, please try the espresso martini.

Q:  Any sneak peeks at fall menu items?  

A:  We are working with our chefs and beverage director to change some items over from spring/summer to fall/winter. Most of our menu stays the same but we do stay on trend with some seasonal items. I can’t report any advance info right now!

Mostaccioli

Espresso Martini

Charcuterie Board

Q:  Congrats to you for also sponsoring and hosting the QUEERSPACE Pride Block Party – last year and again in 2023. How did the partnership come about?   

A:  We love it! One of their board members is a longtime family friend, neighbor, and regular at our Red Cow Uptown Location. She reached out to us a couple years ago to partner with QUEERSPACE Collective and do something big during pride month. We then also partnered with Indeed Brewing Company, and the three of us put our heads together on how we can raise money and have a good time all at once! Our staff has really come to love and support QUEERSPACE Collective as well. It is just a really fun partnership that also raises money for a great cause!

Q: What role does social media play in your marketing strategy? How may we follow your news?

A: Social media plays a big role in our Marketing Strategy. Mainly, we use social media to define our brand, create and build brand awareness and promote all that we offer as a company. Our social media accounts have allowed us to create relationships with people who might not otherwise know or interact with our brand. Additionally, social media is an information resource for us to see what others in the industry are doing. It also allows us to showcase menu items (current & new), beverages, and our staff!  Not only is social media free to use, it’s an amazing tool to drive users to other areas of the business (sales, website traffic, events, ads, etc).

Our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are the best options when looking for current, relevant happenings within our company! Also check out our website.

Check Out the Snazzy New Bar at Pivo Riverplace!

After nine long months in the making, Pivo’s new bar is finished.

They turned the original small bar into a zero-proof (alcohol-free) oasis, which may be one of the first dedicated zero-proof bars in Minneapolis. Situated right across from the zero-proof bar is the new Fletcher's Ice Cream station. In addition to Fletcher's, Pivo has also partnered with Kramarczuk’s.

July 29 at the Mill City Farmers Market

New items in this weeks Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket: Watermelon and seedless cucumber from WEI, melon from Nistler Farms, garlic from Morning Glory Farm and Gardens, apples from Mary Dirty Face Farm, sweet peppers from GVY Fresh Produce, sweet corn and potatoes from Prairie Hollow Farm.

REMINDER: The annual Harvest Dinner, a major funding source for MCFM, is scheduled for September 10th. Taking place in the Mill City Museum Courtyard, the event features a market-to-table dinner prepared with farm-fresh ingredients by market chefs Nettie Colón and Jenny Breen, craft cocktails and live music. The evening ends with a live auction and fund-a-need support for MCFM's Next Stage Grant program for farmers and food makers. Learn more here.

New Vendor - Caphin!

Caphin serves delicately crafted Vietnamese coffee specialty drinks such as cà phê trung (egg coffee), cà phê lá dua (pandan) and Ube. They will return for the September 30 and October 28 markets.

Photo credit - MCFM

 

 

The Mill Yard at Stonebridge Lofts Announces New Art Show: Outside the Lines

 

Outside the Lines

Opening Reception Sunday, August 13, 4:00 - 6:00PM

Stonebridge Lofts, 1120 S 2nd Street

Join us at The Mill Yard opening reception to meet the featured artists and engage with beautiful art. Wine, beverages and snacks are served.

Artists featured at this show:

Jim ConawayJim Conaway was a productive Minnesota artist while teaching painting and drawing at Hamline University. In 1970 Jim was chosen by the U.S. State Department to participate in the American Embassy program where American artists painted their local landscapes to hang in American Embassies around the world. His paintings have been exhibited in museums and galleries across the country including the Walker Art Center, the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis. After Jim’s retirement from Hamline in1996, he became a full-time painter in his studio in the Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art where he is a founding member.

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Gia GiffordGia Gifford is a painter and metalsmith who works out of her studio in the Casket Arts Building in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. Gia holds degrees in studio art and art history, as well as a master’s degree in art education and has taught in a variety of settings over the past fifteen years. Gia’s painterly process employs motion, repetition and rhythm as a form of contemplation. “My layering technique immerses the viewer in the complex shapes and sequences of the painting, producing an experience that is aesthetic, emotional, and therapeutic.”

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Ric RosowRic Rosow is a Minneapolis based photographer who enjoys photographing landscapes, cityscapes, night-time skies, concerts and people. He loves taking photographs of the Minneapolis downtown skyline. His catalogue of photographs includes images from his travels not only in the U.S., but Mexico, Central and South America, South Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Antarctica Peninsula. His work has been displayed in local galleries and published in Backroads' travel brochures, Hill Town Tours social media sites and more.

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Rita Schaefer-SeatonRita Schaefer-Seaton was born and raised in Germany. Her German education afforded her the pursuit of a corporate career in the U.S. Choosing to develop her visual and creative skills, in the late 1980’s she earned a degree in graphic design. To expand from design to fine art she continued to study painting and life drawing. “My work is influenced by my interests in psychology, the archetypical and science fiction.” Rita’s paintings and drawings have been accepted into juried exhibitions including the Minnesota State Fair.

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Robinson ScottRobinson Scott has been blowing original glass art for 45 years. Having studied in Sweden he uses many Swedish color layering techniques, combined with his is own variations creating a 3-dimensional viewing experience. He is an award-winning glass blower with pieces available in numerous galleries and part of many corporate collections. “I pursue difference and personal perfection in form and design. I enjoy the challenge of change, ever striving to learn new designs, techniques, and approaches in glass. This is my driving force.”

The Dayton’s Project Announces Sezzle as Newest Tenant

Sezzle Inc. is the most recent big name to locate its operations downtown, joining Buyers Support Group, Unilever, Ernst & Young, and Uncommon 

This week The Dayton’s Project welcomed Sezzle Inc. to the building. Sezzle, a locally founded, publicly traded technology platform, signed a long-term lease with The Dayton’s Project for nearly 11,500 SF for their Minneapolis headquarters location.  

“We are so excited to welcome Sezzle to the building,” said Kristin Longhenry, General Manager of the property, “We have seen firsthand the impact of being able to bring your team back together to an office that supports collaboration and innovation. And we’re thrilled to provide that home to many of Minneapolis’ premier businesses.” 

The Dayton’s Project was built in 1902, home to the original Dayton’s Department Store, which later became Target. In 2017, ownership group 601 W. Companies bought the property with the goal of transforming the 1.2 million square foot project into retail and modern office space. The Dayton’s Project now boasts best-in-class amenities for exclusive tenant use, including a rooftop deck, private lounge, high-end fitness center, and library. 

Photo: Minneapolis / St. Paul Business JournalSezzle will occupy one of The Dayton’s Project’s spec suites – office spaces that are created for immediate occupancy so that companies can move quickly into their new space. Sezzle will join other spec suite tenants on the sixth floor, with easy access to shared conferencing space as well as their own private suite, which includes private offices, conferencing and collaboration areas, and a kitchen.  

Jim Montez and Alex Baron of Transwestern represented the building in the deal. Pete Kostroski and Jake Sampson from Rokos Advisors represented Sezzle.  

May Pang to Exhibit Her Candid Photos of John Lennon Taken During His 18-Month Lost Weekend at Aloft, August 18 - 20

May Pang with artwork                                                     Photo credit Scott Segelbaum

The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang coincides with the feature film documentary The Lost Weekend: A Love Story that premiered in theaters in April 2023

Few people knew John Lennon as intimately as May Pang. Pang was Lennon’s lover during the infamous Lost Weekend era, which was his 18-month separation from Yoko Ono from late 1973 through 1975. During this highly creative time for Lennon, Pang took candid photos of Lennon in a comfortable, relaxed environment.

Social CommentaryA collection of these private photographs will be on display and available for purchase at Gallery13 in the Aloft Hotel, 900 Washington Avenue S, Friday, August 18 through Sunday, August 20. Admission to the exhibit is free to the public, and all works are available for purchase. May Pang will be in attendance at Gallery13 in the Aloft Hotel, meeting attendees and telling stories behind these limited-edition photographs of John Lennon. See John as May saw him!

During the Lost Weekend, with May's help, Lennon had his most artistically and commercially productive period post-Beatles - with the albums Mind Games, Walls and Bridges (which included his only #1 Hit Single Whatever Gets You Through the Night), Rock and Roll, and collaborations with Elton John, David Bowie, Harry Nilsson, Mick Jagger and Ringo, among others. Pang can be heard on the song #9 Dream as she whispers John’s name in the song. Another song, Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox), was written about Pang.

Pang also encouraged Lennon to reconnect with his family and his friends, which ultimately led to a reunion with Paul McCartney and a memorable jam session between the two Beatles. Pang also arranged for Julian Lennon to visit his father for the first time in almost three years. One of Pang’s photographs of Julian Lennon graces the cover of Julian’s latest album entitled Jude.

Father & Son

Lennon also went into the studio with friend Harry Nilsson during this time and produced his album Pussy Cats. It was during this time that Pang rented a house in Santa Monica and moved in with Lennon and fellow partiers Ringo Starr, Keith Moon and Harry Nilsson. Several photos from this time also appear in the exhibition. Other highlights of the exhibition include the only photograph that exists of John Lennon signing the contract to dissolve the Beatles, as well as the last known photograph of John Lennon and Paul McCartney together (March 29, 1974).

Pang has also published three books on her times with Lennon, including Loving John, John Lennon – The Lost Weekend and Instamatic Karma, featuring photos from her private archives.

The Toy

Open Eye Theatre Announces Fall/Winter Productions

Open Eye Theatre Announces a Line-up of Compelling Plays and a Hilarious Holiday Comedy for the Fall/Winter Season

Open Eye Theatre has announced a line-up of three exciting productions guaranteed to open eyes, hearts and minds this season:

THE CHINESE LADY - September 7–24

In 1834, Afong Moy was brought from Beijing to America and put on display as the “Chinese Lady.” Over the next several decades, she performed in a side show that both defined and challenged her own view of herself as she witnessed stunning transformation in the United States. Inspired by the true story of America’s first female Chinese immigrant, playwright Lloyd Suh unearths hidden history and questions the way we look at ourselves and others. 

Open Eye is excited to have Eric Sharp making his Open Eye directing debut, along with the incredible talents of Katie Bradley and Michel Sung Ho in the lead roles. The design team includes Kathy Maxwell (lighting), Matthew LeFebvre (costumes), Montana Johnson and Gao Hong (sound and music), Hui Wilcox (movement), and Joel Sass (set).

LIFE SUCKS! - October 12 - November 5

Open Eye and Girl Friday Productions are pleased to announce LIFE SUCKS!. A group of old friends, ex-lovers, estranged in-laws, and lifelong enemies gather to grapple with life’s thorniest questions - and each other. What could possibly go wrong? Incurably lustful and lonely, hapless and hopeful, these seven souls collide and stumble their way towards a new understanding that LIFE SUCKS! Or does it? From the mind of Aaron Posner, author of Stupid F*#king Bird, comes this brash and revelatory reworking of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. Never has unhappiness been so much fun.

The tiny Open Eye stage will explode this fall with 7 passionate and hilarious actors (and many shots of vodka), supported by a creative team that includes Kathy Maxwell (lights), Claire Looker (costumes), C Andrew Mayer (sound), and Joel Sass (set).

SCROOGE IN ROUGE - November 30 – December 23

The Royal Music Hall Variety Players' production of A Christmas Carol is in a pickle after seventeen members of the company suddenly fall ill. This leaves the three remaining members to plow on (so to speak) through a musical performance of the Dickens classic. Expect missed cues, unfamiliar characters, and costume mishaps aplenty. With cheeky puns and bawdy songs, this quick-change, cross-dressing version of the Christmas tale is a hilarious holiday treat!

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Open Eye Theatre serves artists and audiences by advancing adventurous and imaginative arts programming. Open Eye Theatre is nationally recognized as a vibrant home for artists who create imaginative and profound experiences that open eyes, hearts, and minds through the power of amazing stories and unforgettable performances.

Experience a thrilling array of original theatre, inventive puppetry, live music, and world-class storytelling from local, national, and international artists year-round in their cozy 90-seat theater at 506 East 24th Street, located 2 blocks south of Franklin Ave between Portland Ave and 35W. Park for free in the Lutheran Social Services lot at 24th and Portland.