That's a Wrap! Minneapolis Central City Tunnel System Project Complete

On Thursday, August 8th, Mayor Jacob Frey and Council Member Michael Rainville were joined by State lawmakers from the Minneapolis delegation to celebrate the completion of the Central City tunnel construction. This project was one of the largest Minneapolis Public Works projects undertaken in recent history.

Remarks about the project were given by Mayor Jacob Frey, Council Member Michael Rainville, City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Senator Scott Dibble, Representative Sydney Jordan, and Surface Water and Sewer Director Angie Craft.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held following the remarks. 

Project Overview: The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department constructed a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructed a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis. The new tunnel was constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Avenue S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Avenue. The existing tunnel under Chicago Avenue between Washington Avenue S and the Mississippi River was expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project was 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

Two Mill District Restaurants are Competing in the Month-long August Twin Cities Vegan Challenge

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The champion of the month-long competition will be crowned at Twin Cities Veg Fest at Harriet Island Regional Park on Sunday, September 22

Twenty-six Twin Cities chefs will add all-new plant-based dishes to their menus this August as part of the 6th annual Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge. The competition, organized by local non-profit Compassionate Action for Animals, invites food lovers of all dietary preferences to explore vegan cuisine and rate the dishes online for a chance to win prizes.

Karee Curry from SawatdeeLaura Matanah, Executive Director of Compassionate Action for Animals, notes, “The Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge makes it exciting to try new dishes that are good for you, your taste buds, and the planet. It’s an opportunity for everyone, vegan and non-vegan alike, to discover how fun and delicious plant-based food can be. I’m proud that these 26 Twin Cities restaurants are helping to show that vegan food is for everyone to enjoy.” 

Two of the participating restaurants are located in the Mill District – Umbra and Sawatdee Thai Cuisine. We spoke with them to learn more about their offerings and the festival.

Cyndy Harrison, Owner/GM of Sawatdee Thai Cuisine, is proud to offer Vegan Yellow Curry with Fresh Tofu.  She told us that “Karee Curry is the Thai name and the dish has s a vegan curry paste, with coconut milk, fresh firm tofu, peppers, carrot and peapods. It is served with white rice. Visit us at 607 Washington Avenue S in August to try the entrée – we hope you’ll love it and vote for Sawatdee and this dish in the challenge.”

Chef’s Choice Gazpacho from Umbra

Ackee Coconut Pappardelle from Umbra

Umbra's Blue Pea Flower Tapioca Pudding

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Umbra is offering a three-course vegan meal. The first course is Chef’s Choice Gazpacho soup, followed by Ackee Coconut Pappardelle, and finally a Blue Pea Flower Tapioca Pudding. Executive Chef Kevin Aho elaborated on the pappardelle, “I wanted to create a vegan dish with no meat substitute. A dish just to celebrate the diversity of flora. This dish combines pappardelle from Italy with ackee and scotch bonnet peppers from Jamaica. We welcome diners to visit us at 708 S 3rd Street to try this menu and to vote for Umbra in the Vegan Chef Challenge.”

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The 26 participating restaurants are:

• All Love This Burger (ALTBurger)
• Barbette
• The Block Food + Drink
• Book Club
• Duke’S on 7
• Gigi’s Cafe
• Hard Times Cafe
• heal mpls
• Herbie Butcher’s Fried Chicken
• Hi Flora!
• Himalayan Restaurant
• The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar
• Lulu EthioVegan Cuisine
• Nala’s Kitchen
• Namaste Cafe
• Pat’s Tap
• Pinoli
• Pub 819
• Reverie Cafe + Bar
• Sawatdee Thai Cuisine
• Stanley’s NE Bar Room
• Thai Garden
• Tori Ramen
• Trio Plant-Based
• Umbra Minneapolis
• Vitalist by Sarah H

Food enthusiasts can follow contest updates and discover new dishes on Facebook and Instagram.

Diners are encouraged to cast their vote at exploreveg.org/tcveganchef and post photos of their meals online for a chance to win gift cards and restaurant merchandise.

Sunrise on the Mississippi - September 5, Boom Island Park

Join the 10th Anniversary Sunrise on the Mississippi! Thursday, September 5, Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley Street NE, 7:30 – 9:00a

Sunrise on the Mississippi is the Minneapolis Parks Foundation's annual breakfast benefit. Enjoy an outdoor, riverside breakfast in support of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation’s critical work to foster innovative, sustainable, and equitable parks for all.

Keynote Presentation with Akiima Price at 8:00a

An award-winning family and community engagement specialist and founder of Friends of Anacostia Park in Washington D.C. A creative thinker and doer who links people, places, and programs, Akiima Price is a nationally respected thought leader at the intersection of social justice and environmental issues who has cultivated over 30 years of experience into cutting-edge best practices in trauma-informed, equitable environmentalism.

Please RSVP by August 31 via Give@MplsParksFoundation.org or call 612-354-7513.

An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River - Sept 26 at Nicollet Island Pavilion

An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River - On September 26, join Friends of the Mississippi River in celebrating the many ways the Mississippi's steadfast presence enriches our lives. From the historic Nicollet Island Pavilion on the Minneapolis riverfront, you will savor seasonal fare, enjoy refreshing drinks, and connect with the community of river supporters. The evening's entertainment includes a river-themed auction, live music, and interactive learning exhibits.

This year's program will feature presentations of FMR's new and inspiring work to achieve their vision of a transformed and thriving Mississippi River with clean and healthy waters, a vibrant watershed resilient to climate change, and diverse, engaged communities caring for its future.

Funds raised from this evening support FMR's mission to protect, restore, and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities region. More info

Hotel Ivy Unveils Multi-Million Renovation

Hotel Ivy, 201 S 11th Street, has announced an extensive, multi-million-dollar renovation by Whitespace Interiors. Phase one of the transformation is now complete and includes renovated guest rooms, meeting and event spaces, and the hotel’s new restaurants, Breva Bar & Grill and Masa & Agave. Phase two of the renovation will be finished by early fall and will include newly designed suites, an updated lobby, and a new lobby bar concept, Bar Breva. Hotel Ivy’s renovation not only provides a new level of luxury for visitors from around the world, but it also highlights the property’s dedication to being an integral part of the vibrant downtown Minneapolis community.

Above and below, a Grand Deluxe King room with Deluxe Bathroom

Above, a Superior Room with two queen beds

Above, the Grand Salon, and below, the welcoming lobby bar

“As the original luxury hotel in Minneapolis, this renovation is focused on reinvesting in ourselves and downtown Minneapolis,” says Mark Maggiotto, General Manager of Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis. “We are eager to welcome guests to the newly transformed property and allow them to enjoy the innovative and enhanced luxury experiences the property has to offer while immersing themselves in Minneapolis."

MODERN REDESIGN PAYS HISTORICAL TRIBUTE 

Whitespace Interior’s design was inspired by the iconic building itself and the striking contrast between the elegance of the interiors and the rigid, historical ziggurat architecture of the city’s past. Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis is a property that defines the destination and builds upon the history of the city with its preservation of the original Ivy Tower, which dates back to 1930. The transformation creates a blend of modern luxury while acknowledging the building’s historical past.

“Whitespace Interiors was honored to reimagine this Luxury Collection property,” says Michael Dalton, Managing Principal of Whitespace Interiors. “It was a privilege to work in Minneapolis and encapsulate the city’s unique charm through the property’s interiors for guests and locals alike to enjoy for years to come.”

All guest rooms and suites are now lighter and brighter with high-end furniture, thoughtful finishes, and residential touches. The color palette is composed of luxurious creams, greens, blues, and traces of blush, each drawing inspiration from nature. The exaggerated headboard wall features a custom, nature-inspired mural, and abstract artwork designed by Whitespace Interiors is set in an ornate, gilded frame to add a luxurious juxtaposition. The artwork is heavily inspired by the local lakes and parks for which Minneapolis is renowned. Elegant, inviting bar carts replace traditional minibars, and offer a curated selection of local products including small batch, handcrafted chocolates from Groveland Confections. Public spaces, including the third-floor meeting and pre-function rooms, have been revitalized with a fresh look and feel. 

ELEVATED DINING AND DRINKING EXPERIENCES

The hotel’s restaurant spaces have been redesigned and opened by the acclaimed hospitality group, Apicii. The Whitespace Interiors team crafted two distinct designs for the restaurants, each reflecting the individual atmosphere and menu of the establishment while maintaining a cohesive and authentic connection to the aesthetic of Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis. 

On the ground floor, Breva Bar & Grill is a neighborhood restaurant serving New American cuisine and craft cocktails inspired by the flavors of the Midwest. Dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pay tribute to the region and beyond. Notable customer favorites include Suyu Honey Chicken Wings with roasted peanuts and Brick Chicken with wild rice, rainbow carrots, wilted greens, and mission fig jus. Breva has an extensive wine program focused on popular New and Old-World varietals. 

Underground, Masa & Agave is a bustling speakeasy-style bar and cantina with regionally inspired Mexican food. A collection of over 300 agave spirits showcases the craftsmanship of Mexico’s distillers and diverse agave distilling regions. The menu offers a selection of sharable starters such as Tuna Ceviche with chili de arbol, avocado and dill, Mexico City-style street tacos including Beef Birria with braised beef, consume, queso chihuahua and elevated mains including Tablones, Negro Modelo-braised beef short rib and lime. Each dish showcases the culinary heritage and rich flavors of Mexico with Masa & Agave’smodern spin. Additionally, a robust calendar of nightlife programming is offered weekly, Thursday through Saturday. Outside, the open-air patio now features the full Masa & Agave menu and signature frozen margaritas. 

ENHANCED AMENITIES AND HAPPENINGS 

As part of the renovation, various hotel amenities have been upgraded. Upon check-in, a complimentary welcome Lavender Haze cocktail or mocktail is offered, featuring house-made lavender lemonade with the option to be topped with Prosecco.

A new daily Epicurean Moment is offered in the lobby each evening and guests are invited to taste Breva’s signature Smoked Walleye Dip. Weekly Epicurean Journeys have also been introduced to showcase exclusive food and beverage experiences. This summer’s journey is a guacamole-making class with Chef Bjorn Thompson on the Masa & Agave patio on Saturday afternoons.

These new amenities will complement Anda Spa and Fitness, the city’s leading luxury spa and hotel fitness facility. For a limited time, this summer, in celebration of the renovation, Anda Spa is offering spa customers complimentary BLNCD, a refreshing CBD-infused sparkling water made locally by Global Organic. The hotel has also upgraded its pet-friendly amenities, now providing dog beds, bowls, organic treats, and take-home toys for pets staying with guests.

FINAL PHASE COMING SOON 

The last phase of the renovation will include a makeover of the lobby, a new lobby bar concept called Bar Breva (a spin-off of Breva Bar & Grill), and completion of the hotel’s luxury suites. Chef Bjorn Thompson, who helms the property’s restaurants, is developing breakfast, lunch, and light bite menus, along with an abbreviated evening menu featuring a mix of signature dishes and shareable items for the new lobby concept. At Bar Breva, there will be a strong focus on craft cocktails, designed by Apicii’s Beverage Director, Tony Edgerton. 

Small Business Spotlight: Strive Publishing & Bookstore

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos by Dusty Dembley

Mary Taris

A Discussion with Founder/CEO, Mary Taris

August is National Black Business Month. Let’s take this opportunity to get to know and celebrate an exemplary small business owner and entrepreneur, Mary Taris, Founder and CEO of Strive Publishing & Bookstore. We talked to her about the challenges and joys of operating a bookstore downtown, supporting unrepresented authors and writing contests. Pay her shop a visit at 901 Nicollet Mall. Buy a book and support a small locally-owned business.

Q:  A Star Tribune article from earlier this year noted that Strive Bookstore is part of an intentional transformation of downtown to promote locally-owned, small businesses. Could you tell us your experience as a retailer downtown this year? Have the big events - Pride, U.S. Gymnastics Team Trials, Taste of Minnesota - driven traffic to your stores?

A:  As a retailer in downtown Minneapolis this year I have experienced some ups and downs, and I have learned some valuable lessons.

I love having my bookstore in the beautiful Young-Quinlan Building and I appreciate the owners, Bob and Sue Greenberg for opening up this opportunity. Thanks to my in-house designer, Dusty Dembley, the bookstore has a warm and welcoming vibe with furnishings that highlight the historic aesthetics of the building. It has been wonderful meeting customers who have fond memories of the Young Quinlan building. I am frequently told that the bookstore is beautiful, and many customers say, “thank you for being here” and “it’s great to have a bookstore downtown again.” One customer, Ms. Jewelene McIntyre, who loves books and loves to help has become our bookstore grandma. It is a joy to see her interact with customers, and she gives wise advice. I have met many local authors who come into the bookstore to have us carry their books or host a book launch. I am very proud of our “Local Authors” bookshelf. Neighboring restaurants and other businesses have sent customers our way who ask them about where to shop, which makes me happy to be part of the downtown community.

As a small business owner, I am grateful to have the opportunity to potentially be part of the transformation of downtown, but I must be realistic. There is no guarantee that the Minneapolis Downtown Council will continue the Chameleon Shoppes program. Thanks to major events and conferences happening downtown, bookstore sales go up at those times. It can be scary when 90% of our customers are from out of town. Sales go way down when there’s nothing going on downtown. The challenge is to grow the number of local repeat customers when I have a niche bookstore. Another challenge is building our inventory selection. I am trying to find a balance between underrepresented voices and the best sellers that folks see on television and social media.

One of the main lessons I’ve learned this year is that marketing is key. You can have the best retail spot in town, but if folks don’t know you’re there you don’t grow your business.

Q:  You have an education background. What inspired you to take the leap to open your own business, Strive Publishing?

A:  As an educator, I struggled year after year to find contemporary children’s books that my Black students could relate to. I was frustrated because I knew that my students (like me when I was a child) needed to see themselves represented in the books they read. That frustration made me want to do something about it, something big, and that’s what led me to start a book publishing company. I figured that publishing could be a way to get more books by and about Black people into the world.

Above and below - Strive Bookstore's welcoming environment awash in natural light awaits you at 901 Nicollet Mall in the historic Young-Quinlan Building.

Q:  Your store’s tagline is “breaking barriers, book by book.” Could you speak to us about that a bit?

A:  Book publishers are considered the gatekeepers of the stories that influence society. In my research prior to launching Strive Publishing, I learned that there are many barriers that keep many voices from being published. Those barriers are related to the lack of diversity within the book publishing industry and the dominance of the five largest and most influential publishing companies in America. Specifically, the manuscript submission process and the requirement for authors to have an agent are barriers to authors with limited resources. By accepting unsolicited manuscripts with no agent involved, Strive Publishing is breaking barriers to publishing.

Q:  What role do you see your publishing company and book store playing in promoting diversity and inclusivity in children’s literature?

A:  I see both Strive Publishing and Strive Bookstore as community connecting opportunities. I believe that books play a major role in our lives, introducing us to new places, new experiences, and teaching us about ourselves and others. I want Strive Bookstore to be a space where folks of all backgrounds can come together and share the joy of books and literary events. Especially for children who benefit from what books offer, what professor Rudine Sims Bishop refers to as “windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors.” I want children to have access to books with windows to view the world, mirrors to see themselves affirmed, and sliding glass doors to imagine being part of the various worlds they read about.

Q:  Can you share a memorable moment or interaction you’ve had with a customer that stands out to you?

A:  We had a local author visit the bookstore to read their children’s book. It happened to be a day when there was not much going on downtown and my daughter and grandson were the only ones in attendance. So, I went outside and asked two young ladies if they wanted to join us. They got excited and got their friend to come to the book reading too. We all had a wonderful time!

Q:  You sponsor writing contests! Please tell us more about the Black Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest. 

A:  In 2018, I attended a publishers roundtable discussion on diversity in children’s book publishing where I met Judy Galbraith, the owner of Free Spirit Publishing. Since I was new to the publishing industry and Judy had been publishing for thirty-five years, I asked her if she would be interested in finding a way to work together to create opportunities for Black children’s book authors. Judy hosted a meeting at Free Spirit Publishing where we came up with the idea to co-sponsor a writing contest.

The writing contest gives Black writers access to the possibility of becoming a published children’s book author. The first two years the contest was for Minnesota residents, the next two years it grew to regional, and last year we went national. Winners receive cash prizes and the possibility of having their children’s book published.

Q:  We wish you the best during Black Business Month and every month of the year. How may we follow your news? 

A:  You can follow us on Instagram and check out our website and Facebook.

Open Eye Theatre Announces 2024-2025 Season

Open Eye Theatre unveils its captivating 2024-2025 season, promising a diverse lineup of innovative productions that will ignite imaginations and stir souls. 

With Open Eye’s commitment to Minnesota artists and communities, the season’s unique and profound theatre, puppetry, storytelling, and music offer something eye-opening for all audiences.

"We are thrilled to present a season brimming with imagination, diversity, and artistic excellence," says Open Eye Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director Joel Sass. "We invite audiences of all ages to join us for an unforgettable theatrical adventure."

The season kicks off with special encore performances from the Puppeteers of America National Festival’s Minneapolis Puppetry Palate - A Taste of Puppetry. 

August 15, 2024: MIGRACIONES/MIGRATIONS - This acclaimed performance explores the global migration situation, and draws on the artists' own surreal experiences in the U.S. immigration system while inspiring compassionate perspectives from the global refugee crisis.

August 17, 2024: THE AMAZING GNIP GNOP CIRCUS - Step right up and allow Z Puppets to astound you with a glow-in-the-dark, ping pong ball spectacular! Open Eye’s Mainstage Season explodes with a vibrant mix of productions, including sci-fi vaudeville, spine-tingling suspense, genre-bending puppetry, the return of last year’s hit holiday production, and an acclaimed musical fable!

September 5 – 22, 2024: MOONWATCHERS - Inspired comic clowning, live music, and all manner of lunar lunacy abound in this sci-fi vaudeville entertainment that was a runaway hit of the 2022 MN Fringe Festival.

October 3 – 31, 2024: BROOMSTICK - Open Eye offers up a frightfully fun show perfectly suited to the season of ghosts, haunted houses, black cats and pumpkins. Don’t miss this twisted yarn of delightful humor and spine-tingling suspense that will conjure a spooky experience unlike any other.

November 14 – 16, 2024: FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW - Featuring works by Lys Ackerman-Frank, Brant Bollman, David Valentine, Felicia Cooper, Eva Adderley, Mackenzie Lageson & Kaden Kelsheimer, Monica Rojas, and Steve Ackerman. Join us under the full moon for an adult, rowdy puppet cabaret. Featuring performances by some of the most innovative Twin Cities puppetry artists and live music between acts!

November 29 – December 29, 2024: SCROOGE IN ROUGE - Celebrate the season with a Christmas Carol turned holiday boilermaker – a raucous, drag-fueled extravaganza with outrageous costumes, sassy lyrics, and side-splitting performances guaranteed to get your spirits soaring!

March 6 – 15, 2025: INVISIBLE FENCES - Singer-songwriter Gaelynn Lea and storyteller-playwright Kevin Kling combine their talents in an original musical fable, which weaves together storytelling and song to create a unique theatrical experience celebrating Disability Culture. After co-commissioning INVISIBLE FENCES last summer for a sold out run, we’re excited to bring it back for a two-week engagement!

May 9 – 18, 2025: PUPPET LAB FESTIVAL - PUPPET LAB is a 2-week festival of radical, genre-expanding, boundary–pushing puppet work, the culmination of a 6-month development residency for emerging puppetry and mask artists.

The season culminates with two exciting productions in our Guest Artist Series. In addition to our MainStage productions, Open Eye is deeply committed to curating and presenting a dynamic Guest Artist Series that highlights emerging local artists and innovative performing ensembles who tell stories in ways that are fresh, fun, and experimental. 

March 22 - April 13, 2025: WITCH - One of the Twin Cities’ most established advocates of new work and provocative scripts will present a new work in our intimate space. 

May 29 – June 8, 2025: ODE TO WALT WHITMAN - Bart Buch’s acclaimed ODE TO WALT WHITMAN is a tender, silent puppet poem that uncovers a dialogue between Walt Whitman and Federico Garcia Lorca. Within the context of an online gay chat room, their poetic dialogue contrasts Whitman’s America, a nation full of lovers and comrades, with what Garcia Lorca sees, an America inundated with machines and tears. 

Restaurant Spotlight: Tullibee - A Discussion with Executive Chef, Marque Collins

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos by Rebekah Poppen

Chef Marque Collins

Executive Chef Marque Collins leads the food and beverage program at Tullibee, a Scandinavian-influenced Midwest restaurant located inside the Hewing Hotel in the North Loop at 300 N Washington Avenue. We talked to him about the culinary philosophy at Tullibee, the Leave it to The Chef menu choice and the importance of collaboration.   

Q:  Can you share your journey to becoming the Executive Chef at Tullibee?

A:  Sure, the journey for me started in Florida. I started cooking when I was in my twenties, after college. I moved to Chicago, worked my way through the industry for seven years and then moved to Des Moines to Aparium’s Surety Hotel at their restaurant, the Mulberry Street Tavern. I was Executive Chef when they opened their property in Des Moines. I moved here two and half years ago in 2022.

Q:  How would you describe the culinary philosophy at Tullibee?  

A:  The first idea at Tullibee is to source as many ingredients as locally as we can and then we have the Scandinavian influence - a lot of the preservation, pickling, smoking and curing – those mindsets and processes are how we approach our dishes. This region is so similar to the growing season in Scandinavia. There is not a long growing season here or there – how to stretch the produce, preserve it, how to use it differently and still make it beautiful are very similar mentalities in both areas.

Every item does not have to be immediately identifiable as Scandinavian – there’s no lutefisk – but we do try to have an influence in each dish that speaks to the Scandinavian culinary inspiration. Maybe part of the dish is preserved or smoked. It’s Midwest cuisine with a nod to our Scandinavian similarities.    

Roasted lambQ:  Can you tell us about a signature dish on the menu and the inspiration behind it?

A:  Sure – one of the ones we’ve had on the menu for a while now is our roasted lamb. We source our lamb from a great local farm in Elgin, Minnesota - Hidden Stream Farm - we brine it, fill it with pistachio and fenugreek. After cooking, we crisp it in our wood-burning oven and top it off with wild rice and pickled salsa verde. That dish is a great example of what we’re about. It started with the lamb from this farm and we thought, how best can we use it? Then we added in the wild rice, hand harvested in Minnesota. The pickled salsa verde is from all local producers. The ingredients build upon themselves. 

Q:  How often does the menu change?

A:  We try to do bigger changes in the spring and fall. Besides that, there are a lot of incremental changes throughout the year. You’ll see changes to the tasting menu, or dishes or ingredients changing in and out throughout the year.  

Q:  Can you tell us about a culinary risk you took and how it paid off for you?

A: I think our Leave it to The Chef is a good response. We didn’t know how it would be received. We try to sell it as an Omakase – a Japanese phrase that means "I'll leave it up to you" - a tasting menu. Put yourself in the hands of the chef and we’ll take care of it. I think for some people it is exciting because they don’t have to make any decisions. For some people it’s a little daunting because they’re going to get things they would not normally try. But when people do order the Leave it to The Chef, we serve dishes that are not down the middle - they will get food choices they would not normally try. There is usually a vegetable, a protein and some preparation that they frequently remark that they haven’t tried or probably would not have ordered and in fact, they end up loving the dish. It is served in five or six courses. We’re pleased on how popular it has become.

Q:  How do you continue to learn and grow as a chef?

A:  Collaboration helps a lot. There are a lot of great chefs in town and I try to work with them as much as possible. The internet has changed everything. It’s easier to be connected to chefs that aren’t physically here. One of our dishes is based off a dish from a Toronto restaurant, Canoe. They did a version of a stuffed trout. We then did a version of a stuffed trout, based on their interpretation. That kind of connectivity is so different from the past. The chef there, Ron McKinlay, is so talented. Their menu is all Canadian-focused and using traditional techniques. He's looking at what we’re doing too. It’s just great to collaborate and learn with other chefs.

Q:  How may we follow your news?  

A:  Follow Tullibee at our website and on Instagram. Follow me on my Instagram too.

A few more samples to whet your appetite...

Chef Yia Vang's Highly Anticipated Hmong Restaurant, Vinai, opens July 30 in NE Minneapolis

“Vinai is a love letter to my parents. When I think about them, and about Vinai, the common theme that comes through is this idea of restoration.” Chef Vang

The 88-seat restaurant at 1300 NE 2nd Street will be open evenings Tuesday through Saturday

Reservations: www.vinaimn.com

James Beard Finalist Chef Yia Vang will officially open Vinai to the public on July 30. The restaurant, which has been in the works since 2019, features a menu focused on shareable dishes and food that centers on four components of Hmong cuisine: proteins, vegetables, rice and hot sauce.

Vinai is named after Ban Vinai, the refugee camp in Thailand where Vang’s parents met and where Chef Vang was born. “As a reflection, Vinai the restaurant will be a place for people to come and enjoy a nourishing, fulfilling meal. They can rest with us there – it’s the same echo. We want to invite them in for a place to rest and relax.”Now that's a pork chop!

The menu will feature a number of dishes designed to be shared among a table, such as charred cabbage and stir-fried greens. With an emphasis on live fire cooking and grilling, the menu also includes a variety of proteins — spatchcocked chicken and a nearly 2-pound pork chop for those who love a new version of a classic, and lamb heart and fried catfish for those seeking a more adventurous dining experience.

“The menu is broken into different sections, sort of ‘choose your own adventure’ style. There’s no wrong way to order,” Chef Vang said. “The menu is reflective of how we ate at home, growing up in a Hmong household. The four components of Hmong food are the structure of our menu; everything works together. Our cultural DNA is intricately woven into the foods we eat. Our identity starts at the table."

The bar program was crafted in partnership with Jeff Seidenstricker of Steady Pour, featuring ingredients of Hmong cooking, such as galangal and Hmong cucumber. The cocktail list also includes variations on classic drinks like the “1988 New Fashioned,” named for the year in which Vang’s family immigrated to the United States.

For larger groups, “The Family Table” will be reservable for parties of 6-10. The table itself was hand-built by friends of Vang’s, End Row Designs, meant to emulate the dining experience in a Hmong home. Vang hopes the Family Table will serve as a space to gather with friends and family for special occasions or celebrations.

While the space at 1300 NE 2nd Street was most recently home to the taproom for Dangerous Man Brewing, it was originally built as the Northeast Bank Building. To preserve the historical roots of the space and build out a kitchen and dining area fit for Vinai, Chef Vang worked with local architecture firm, Christian Dean Architecture.

“There was a lot of discussion with Yia about how we could thoughtfully include design cues from Hmong culture, including the architecture, textile tradition, cuisine, and even the soil color in Laos,” said Chris Brenny of Christian Dean Architecture. “Other elements are very specific to Yia, like the center banquette that directly references the concrete block grills he's used for outdoor cooking.”

The restaurant’s design also calls back imagery from the Ban Vinai refugee camp, with its wood ceiling structure mimicking the long huts under which people would gather and share a meal in the camp.”

“During the day, the orange tones of the space look like the red dirt from Northern Laos,” Chef Vang said. “And in the evening, the tones shift to a brown hue, reminding us of the dirt here in Minnesota. We call both of these places home.”

The restaurant seats 88 in its main dining room, at the bar, and at the Family Table. It will be open evenings Tuesday through Saturday – Tuesday to Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 5 pm to 11 pm.

For anyone who might not be keen on cabbage, this dish might change your mind!

Top 6 Reasons Not to Miss The Cohort 2024, August 15-17 at the Southern Theater

2024 marks Rhythmically Speaking's 16th annual Summer production, and the 6th of the Cohort format. It is built to support and share four different perspectives on and via the vibrancy of jazz and American social dance ideas - a cohort of two local artists and two visiting artists - all danced by the RS cohort of company dancers. 

Top 6 reasons not to miss The Cohort 2024, running August 15-17 at the Southern Theater:

1. It features dance works inspired by jazz and American social forms, which are joyful and accessible to dance newbies and dedicants alike.
2. The company has a rooted approach to jazz dance that is unique not only within the Twin Cities, but in the nation and world at large.
3. The show includes new works by two local choreographers (Erinn Liebhard and Jake Nehrbass), and revisited works by two visiting artists (Eboné Amos of Clarksville, TN and Maurice Watson of Greensboro, NC), so you will experience a variety of interesting approaches to jazz dance.
4. It's performed by a lineup of 10 of the Twin Cities' best local dancers.
5. Experiencing it will encourage vibrant connection to your own body and sense of shared humanity, something we all need more of.
6. It's in your own backyard!

Performance dates and times:

 August 15 @ 7:30pm

 August 16 @ 7:30pm (talkback following the show)

 August 17 @ 2pm (pay what you can option)

 August 17 @ 7:30pm

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Purchase tickets here. Follow Rhythmically Speaking Dance on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and their website. 

Photo from a previous Cohort performance year. Credit Bill Cameron

Meet Minneapolis Reports Another Record-breaking Week for Minneapolis Hotels

Thank you to Meet Minneapolis for providing these stats. Not too shabby!

Minneapolis hotels had one of their best weeks ever from a revenue, demand and occupancy standpoint. The noteworthy hotel success was driven by the meetings, conventions and events that Meet Minneapolis – and its partners – brought to the city including:

• Academy of General Dentistry 2024 and the Rubik's WCA North American Championship at the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC)
• Herbalife North American Extravaganza at U.S. Bank Stadium
• Stonewall Sports National Tournament & Summit at various sites around the city

Attendees of large events at the MCC and throughout the city provide a significant boost to Minneapolis’ economy by visiting local businesses, restaurants, bars, breweries and attractions, and staying at Minneapolis hotels, thereby generating lodging, entertainment, restaurant, liquor and sales taxes for the city and supporting more than 31,000 tourism and hospitality workers in Minneapolis.

Some takeaways from last week’s hotel data (July 14-20): 

Hotel room revenue

• Minneapolis hotels recorded more than $12.5 million in total guest room revenue last week – a new all-time high weekly revenue mark and an increase of more than 42% from the same week in 2023.
  • The record-breaking guest room revenue surpasses $12.0 million mark previously set on June 18-24, 2023 (Taylor Swift concerts, Twin Cities Pride Festival, Kiwanis International Convention). 

Hotel room demand

• The 58,812 hotel rooms occupied from Sunday-Saturday, July 14-20, were the 2nd-most since 2020 (post-pandemic).
  • Higher hotel demand week:
    • 59,590: March 3-9, 2024 (American Physical Society March Meeting at the MCC, Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament)
• The 9,881 hotel rooms occupied on Saturday, July 20, were the most ever on a Saturday in Minneapolis.
  • That 9,881 mark was the 4th-highest of the year and the 6th-highest all-time.
  • Higher hotel demand days of 2024:
    • 10,036: Tuesday, May 7 (CLEANPOWER 2024 at the MCC, Twins vs. Seattle at Target Field)
    • 10,001: Tuesday, June 11 (Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo, and PLC at Work Institute at the MCC, Melanie Martinez concert, Twins vs. Colorado game)
    • 9,991: Tuesday, March 5 (American Physical Society March Meeting at the MCC, Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament) 

Hotel occupancy

• Hotel occupancy from Sunday-Saturday, July 14-20, was 81.8% – the 2nd-highest since 2020 (post-pandemic).
  • Higher hotel occupancy week:
    • 82.9%: March 3-9, 2024 (American Physical Society March Meeting at the MCC, Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament)
  • In 2023, the corresponding week had an occupancy rate of 68.3%.
• Hotel occupancy in Minneapolis on Saturday, July 20, was 96.2% – the 4th-highest of the year and the best Saturday occupancy mark since Oct. 12, 2019.
  • Higher hotel occupancy days of 2024:
    • 97.7%: Tuesday, May 7 (CLEANPOWER 2024 at the MCC, Twins vs. Seattle)
    • 97.4%: Tuesday, June 11 (PLC at Work Institute and Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo at the MCC, Melanie Martinez concert, Twins vs. Colorado game)
    • 97.3%: Tuesday, March 5 (American Physical Society March Meeting at the MCC, Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament) 

Notes:

• Minneapolis has more hotel rooms now than it ever had previously. Hotel room supply is currently at 10,268 in Minneapolis, up more than 17% since the Super Bowl in 2018.
• All data according to hospitality industry data provider Smith Travel Research (STR). 

Looking ahead, the following events are expected to bring a significant number of visitors to Minneapolis:

• Jack and Jill of America National Convention, July 23-28, Minneapolis Convention Center
• Minneapolis Aquatennial, July 24-27, various sites
• Loring Park Art Festival, July 27-28, Loring Park
• Foo Fighters/Pretenders/L7 concert, July 28, Target Field
• AVID Midwest Summer Institute, July 31-Aug. 2, Minneapolis Convention Center
• Basilica Block Party, Aug. 2-3, Boom Island
• UNFI Holiday and Winter Show, Aug. 6-7, Minneapolis Convention Center
• Metallica concerts, Aug. 16/18, U.S. Bank Stadium
• Green Day/Smashing Pumpkins/Rancid/Lisa Lisas concert, Aug. 17, Target Field
• Def Leppard/Journey/Steve Miller Band concert, Aug. 19, Target Field
• Zach Bryan concert, Aug. 24, U.S. Bank Stadium
• Minnesota Lynx vs. Indiana, Aug. 24, Target Center
• Sports, theater and music events that downtown regularly hosts

August 17 Artist Reception for Interpreting the Invisible Universe by Holly Streekstra at Kolman & Reeb Gallery

Orion Nebula by Holly Streekstra

Interpreting the Invisible Universe runs Aug 10 - Sept 7

Artist Reception: Saturday, August 17, 7:00pm–9:00pm

Artist Talk: Thursday, September 5, 6:30pm–7:30pm

Kolman & Reeb Gallery has announced their next Project Space Grant exhibition, Interpreting the Invisible Universe: by Holly Streekstra. A conceptual artist, Streekstra works with multiple modes and forms of expression to investigate our subjective inner states, our relationship with wonder, and our desire for mystery and enchantment. In her work, created exclusively for Interpreting the Invisible Universe, she uses encaustic paint, photograms, and photo-based collages to investigate and explore images of deep space.

For her exhibition, Streekstra uses the publicly owned photographs captured by the James Webb Space Telescope as reference material. While studying the images for her show, Streekstra learned how astronomical telescopes capture images in the infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, and radio wavelengths. While they provide valuable information about space objects, these wavelengths are not visible to the human eye. To construct the colorful photographs we see from space, scientists re-interpret this data, assigning colors to the various wavelengths through a process known as "false-color imaging" or "color mapping." This technique highlights specific features and details that are otherwise invisible. This process is done primarily to make the scientific data accessible and engaging for the public.

Realizing how these wildly colorful, unbelievably beautiful space clouds are formulated through human interpretation, Streekstra was eager to expose the underlying truth.

To create her work for Interpreting the Invisible Universe, Streestra uses these color-mapped images as a reference to form her own, unique interpretations of the data. She highlights the methods used to question the truth of the photos. She also intends to reveal our capacity to suspend disbelief as we gaze upon these depictions in unquestioning wonder and awe with little concern for accuracy or truth.

Stephan S Quintet by Holly Streekstra

"Holly took full advantage of the resources provided by the Project Space grant," says Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery co-founder and co-partner. "In her grant proposal, Holly wanted to move her primary focus from the conceptual art she’s so well known for to more traditional, two-dimensional works that balance high-quality, idea-driven art with greater accessibility to art patrons. The pieces she created have a nice balance between an abstract use of color and form mixed with keenly representational images. The result is beautiful and collectible artworks.

Jodi Reeb, gallery curator and co-partner, comments, "Holly’s work is highly conceptual in nature, so I am excited to see Holly explore creating photograms and paintings that emulate space for her show at Kolman & Reeb Gallery. The paintings are interpretations of the images using the beautiful surface of encaustic paint and a balance of the information captured from the telescope."

Holly Streekstra, based in Minneapolis, is a versatile artist working with video, sound, movement, installation, image, and object making. Her work has been showcased at venues like SooVAC, Minnesota Museum of American Art, Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival, and Franconia Sculpture Park in Minnesota, as well as the Invisible Dog (Brooklyn) and Good Children Gallery (New Orleans). Holly was a 2016 Jerome Foundation Emerging Artist Fellow and a 2013 Fulbright Teaching Scholar in Hungary. She holds a BFA from the University of Minnesota and an MFA from Louisiana State University.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is in Studio 395 of the Northrup King Building.

New Art Exhibit - Colorful Expressions - Opens at The Mill Yard, August 11

 

Colorful Expressions

Opening Reception Sunday, August 11, 4:00 - 6:00PM

Stonebridge Lofts, 1120 S 2nd Street

Join the The Mill Yard in welcoming these artists to The Mill Yard, purchasing original art, meeting neighbors, and enjoying free beverages. Victor Hugo food truck will be on site to purchase food.

The Mill City. Residents celebrate our area’s industrial heritage of the mighty Mississippi River and the mills. Today, what we see are the most recognizable Minneapolis landmarks. However, this is only part of the story. Rail lines were key to Minneapolis’ growth, and were particularly integral to the Mill District, bringing in wheat and timber and shipping out flour and lumber. We also honor the history of the mills, the reason for the rail yard’s existence. The Mill Yard aims to be both a gathering place for art and artists and a conduit by which art can be shared with and disseminated into the wider community. 

Artists featured at this show:

A View From the Sculpture GardenMichael Birawer has brought a new look to the face of urban neighborhoods through his unique style of painting. A combination of graffiti, cartoon, illustration and heavy textures, his paintings have received praise from both art critics and patrons, who describe his work as "one of the best examples of the contemporary revival of urban art.” More recently, Michael has introduced his take on nature art. Combining bright and bold colors, he guides his brush with the same passion and style as his "architectural" work. 

Sue Mooney's artistic journey is a testament to the potent intersection of passion and art. Sue worked as an advocate for developmentally disabled clients and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Her innate interest in art eventually led her to make a remarkable decision—to leave behind her job and former life and embark on a journey in her camper van to immerse herself in the art circuit. This bold commitment resulted in success and Sue began participating in prestigious shows across the country receiving accolades for her expressive use of color. Notably self-taught, she wields her palette knife to craft pieces that exude her trademark boldness and vibrancy. She continues to push the boundaries of her creativity and invites others to join her on this unfolding journey, where the mesmerizing allure of colors serves as a balm for the soul.

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Snowy AsterLisa Roy is a fine art photographer based in Minneapolis. She captures compelling landscapes and city scenes that showcase the beauty of what surrounds us. With a talent for composition, she turns everyday scenes into captivating reflections of natural and man-made wonders.

One Pear IAndrew Sjodin is a classically trained painter and draftsman working in the realist tradition. His work combines an academic drawing foundation with an impressionistic approach to seeing and interpreting color. Sjodin creates still life and figurative pieces working primarily in oils. Much of his work is peaceful and quiet. His compositions are mindful, calling the viewer to slow down and dwell within the work and themself. Sjodin holds a B.A. in Philosophy from St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN and is a graduate of The Atelier Studio Program of Fine Arts, Minneapolis. www.sjodinfineart.com

DishIsaac Theobald is a talented glass artist, working at Foci – The Minnesota Center for Glass Art. Isaac continually expands his experience blowing glass, creating functional and creative pieces. He explores and perfects the possibilities of manipulating molten glass. His talent for creative designs, use of color, forming shape and perfecting detail results in exquisitely beautiful and unique pieces. IsaacTheobaldGlass@gmail.com

Contact and socials: TheMillYard.Stonebridge@gmail.com, Website, Facebook, Instagram

Small Business Spotlight: Fitchn

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Joe Clark and Hailie Hoschka, owners of Fitchn, 1024 Washington Avenue S

The Mill District has a new small business serving fuel-good fare to the community. We spoke to Hailie Hoschka, co-owner, about the premise of Fitchn and their signature items. Visit the healthy, fast casual restaurant at 1024 Washington Avenue S, on the ground floor of Bridgewater Lofts, open everyday from 11 am – 8 pm.

The Detox juice - celery, spinach, cucumber, apple and lemonQ:  Congratulations on your new business. Please tell us the premise of Fitchn.

A:  Thank you! Fitchn brings together healthy fare in a relaxed, modern kitchen. My partner, Joe Clark, and I wanted to bring a healthy food option to the Mill District. Through carefully sourced ingredients and a welcoming neighborhood spirit, we make nourishing food an easy reach for all.

Q:  For the meals I select, do I choose a protein, carb and veggie? How are the meals priced?

A:  We have a number of thoughtfully crafted, signature menu items that guests can choose from, in addition to build your own options. Our menu includes Salads, Pita Sandwiches, Grain Bowls, Fresh Juices, and House Smoothies. Menu items vary in price based on the ingredients chosen.

Q:  Will the meal options change seasonally?

A:  We will most likely be featuring a few different menu options and ingredients seasonally. More information to come!

Q:  We’re curious. Are there dessert options? Breakfast options?

A:  As of now we do not have dessert or breakfast on our menu. However, guests will be able to order our juices and smoothies at any time and they would make for a great breakfast option! They are packed with nutritious, flavorful ingredients to help fuel your body.

Q:  How may we stay up to date with Fitchn news?

A:  Several ways - Make sure to follow us  to keep up with all things Fitchn! We’re on Facebook and Instagram and of course, our website is great resource for information. Come visit us too!

Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival Returns August 10-11

The festival creates a free, family-friendly event down Nicollet Avenue from 6th to 11th Street.

The 6th annual Downtown Mpls Street Art Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, August 10-11 from 10am-6pm on Nicollet in downtown Minneapolis.

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The festival features the live creation of chalk and spray paint artworks from 27 world-renowned, international artists, representing 6 states and multiple countries. The festival will also feature a Saturday afternoon concert series with performances by Heart & Soul Drum Academy, zAmya Theater, and “Hip-Hop 4 The Soul”, food trucks, a community mandala, free make-and-take arts activities for all ages and more. Discover more at www.mplsstreetartfestival.com

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In addition, festival goers will have the opportunity to shop local at the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair curated by Jackalope Arts. The market will run from 7th Street to 11th Street and bring together over 100 local, hand-selected artisans to the festival streetways. Shoppers can expect to find trendsetting indie goods including original fashion and jewelry design, paper goods, innovative home décor and housewares, art, photography plus much more.

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"The Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival is a unique city event that brings families, artists and communities together to celebrate art” said Adam Duininck, president & ceo of the mpls downtown council & Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “Nothing brings people together like art, music, retail shopping, and community building downtown. We are so excited to welcome families and artists from around the world to showcase their talents in the heart of our downtown.”

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This year’s schedule of events includes:

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Saturday, August 10

• Nicollet Chalk Art Festival
• 3D Chalk Art Installation at IDS
• Live Spray Painting on Nicollet
• Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair curated by Jackalope Arts
• Street Eats (food trucks and more) on Nicollet
• Community Mandala
• Streetcorner Letterpress
• WOW: Mobile Metal Lab
• Hennepin County Mobile Bike Library
• Saturday-Only Stage Performances
  • Heart and Soul Drum Academy
  • zAmya Theater
  • “Hip-Hop 4 The Soul” various acts curated by Lewiee Blaze

Sunday, August 11

• Nicollet Chalk Art Festival
• 3D Chalk Art Installation at IDS
• Live Spray Painting on Nicollet
• Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair curated by Jackalope Arts
• Street Eats (food trucks and more) on Nicollet
• Community Mandala
• Streetcorner Letterpress
• Pedal to the Metal: Travelling Foundry
• Hennepin County Mobile Bike Library
• Street Show performances on Nicollet

The Downtown Mpls Street Art Festival is organized by the Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) with support from our premier hospitality partners Millennium Hotel Minneapolis and Rand Tower Hotel.

Reserve Your Spot for the September 8 Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Social

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Social

Sunday, September 8, 5 – 7:30 pm

Mill City Museum, 704 2nd Street S

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Gather in the historic Mill City Museum Courtyard for a social hour featuring craft cocktails and music by world-renowned jazz singer Lila Ammons, followed by a market-to-table dinner highlighting yesterday's farm-fresh ingredients. The live auction and fund-a-need support the Next Stage Grant Program for local, sustainable farmers and food makers.

Bring your friends or make new ones over a scrumptious dinner that celebrates our farmer's market community. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with neighbors and stakeholders who are passionate about our community, health, and the environment.

This annual event funds MCFM's core mission and programming, including educational cooking demonstrations, food access and produce donations and the market’s Next Stage Grant programming. This year’s dinner will be prepared by renowned local Chef Nettie Colón using ingredients sourced from Mill City Farmers Market vendors.

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Unable to attend? Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support their work. Information and tickets. Space is limited, so please RSVP by August 16!

Theater, Celebrations, Music and Fireworks at Water Works!

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board invites you to enjoy a variety of events coming up in Water Works Park.

"Calypso," a play with music inspired by Homer's "The Odyssey."

The story follows the lonely Calypso, trapped on an island with only the god Hermes as an occasional visitor. When Odysseus washes ashore, she experiences companionship for the first time and finds she cannot go back to living alone. "Calypso" take a minor character from a classic story and gives her a full-fledged narrative, spinning it into a tale about first love and the myths which we choose to remember. 

"Calypso" runs 80 minutes with no intermission. Performances are free. 

"Calypso" at Water Works at Mill Ruins Park

Saturday, July 20, 7 pm
Sunday, July 21,  2 pm
Friday, July 26, 7 pm

Questions? Email areynolds@minneapolisparks.org.

Every Sunday from 10-11 am - free yoga in Water Works Park hosted by Minneapolis Bouldering Project. Whether you're a newbie or seasoned yogi, unwind and stretch in the fresh air. Don't miss out on a perfect way to start your Sunday.  Sundays thru September 29, 10-11 am

Today, July 19 from 5-10 pm, Owamni by the Sioux Chef is celebrating their third anniversary! Come celebrate by attending the free general admission festivities in Water Works Park including drummers, an Indigenous pop-up market, Wakpa food and beverages for purchase and more! For a more immersive experience, there is a Hahawakpa ticked event on the terrace. This incudes chef food and beverage stations, a welcome address from chef Sean Sherman, Indigenous plant tours, and swag bags.

Friday, July 19, 5-10 pm

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Music in the Park: Barb Ryman

Barb Ryman, a natural storyteller with a crystalline voice and skillfully played guitar, delivers a rich mosaic of contemporary folk music, drawing from Celtic balladry, early rock, and new-age folk. Her music, which has received airplay across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, is known for its ability to heal and inspire, seamlessly integrating her background as a speech-language pathologist and counselor.

Monday, July 22, 7 pm

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The Target Spots

Enjoy an uplifting performance on the Water Works steps by The Target Spots! This volunteer choir, comprised of talented members from Target Corporation, performs to spread joy and cheer to the community. Don't miss out on this heartwarming musical experience!

Thursday, July 25, 7 pm

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Music in the Park: Jimmy Gefroh

To close out our July music series, local musician Jimmy Gefroh will be sharing his upbeat and contemporary music on the Water Works. 

Monday, July 29, 7 pm

Minneapolis Aquatennial Celebration and Fireworks!

The Aquatennial Fireworks event promises a fun-filled evening along the Mississippi Riverfront at West River Parkway. Arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy a variety of activities and amenities. You can look forward to a bustling kid-zone, skateboarding, great live music, a diverse selection of food trucks and the walk-up bar at Owamni, and shopping opportunities with local small businesses. It's an evening not to be missed!

Saturday, July 27, 6-10 pm

Source Song Festival Celebrates 11th Season With August 5-9 Recitals at Westminster and Other Events

Source Song Festival (“Source”) has announced its 11th Festival Season – a milestone in the organization’s history – with a special week of recitals, masterclasses and lectures open to the public.

From August 5-9, 2024, Westminster Hall in downtown Minneapolis’ Westminster Presbyterian Church will be alive with the sounds of art song. Created as early as the 18th century, art song’s traditional repertoire is expanded when Source highlights today’s emerging composers, who enhance and develop the meaning of this evocative musical genre.

Sixteen vocalists and collaborative pianists from across the United States comprise the eight MNDuo performer pairs that will study the musical works of song and perform in collaboration with local Minnesota composers. These impressive musicians and composers have trained at esteemed institutions including New England Conservatory and the Manhattan School of Music, among many others. Their rehearsal and study begins this month and will culminate in a public recital during the Festival.

Season 11 will also welcome nationally renowned guest musicians, composers, and clinicians to present daytime educational lectures and masterclasses for the MNSong and MNDuo participants. Most notable is the new scholarship program MNScholar, which features a daily 1 p.m. lecture dedicated to song repertoire, scholarship and non-profit research. Over 16 masterclasses and lectures spotlighting guest artists and festival directors are open to the public; all daytime events remain free. Detailed information about schedules, parking and tickets (including an all-inclusive festival pass) for evening concerts can be found at www.sourcesongfestival.org.

RECITAL SCHEDULE

Monday, August 5: The OpenSource Recital celebrates a Minnesota premiere by local artist Rudolfo Nieto and the collaborative efforts of Sparks and Wiry Cries, recipient of the Paul Sperry American Song Initiative Award. Other performers and composers include Paul Sperry, Clara Osowski, Erika Switzer and Stephen Swanson.

Tuesday, August 6: Pianist Myra Huang, head of the Lindemann Young Artist Development program at the Metropolitan Opera, will lead all eight duos through a masterclass focused on the performance of traditional song and what it means to collaborate.

Wednesday, August 7: “MnNice” - The MNSong Showcase will feature Minnesota-based performers presenting original music by MNSong composers, along with performers of the MNDuo program sharing songs by Minnesota composers.

Thursday, August 8: The Guest Artist Recital presents soprano Ana María Martínez and Myra Huang, performing an exclusively Spanish-language song program.

Friday, August 9: The Festival closes with the MNDuo Showcase, recapping their week of performance practice and study throughout the week.

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Since 2013, Source Song Festival has cultivated excellence in the art song genre for artists and audiences from every background. Source contributes to the success of Minnesota’s vibrant music scene through its impactful contributions to the study, performance and championing of new art song. Named by the Star Tribune as the “second best thing in classical music in the 2010s,” Source is a service for artists and an accessible public arts experience.

Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® Presents Kidsfest! September 7th

September 7 Kidsfest Features The Jolly Pops

Mark you calendar and plan to join Sing, Play, Learn for a fun-filled musical morning on September 7th. There will be lots to see and do at KidsFest at MacPhail Center for Music! The Jolly Pops featuring Billy Hartong (guitar/vocals), MacPhail faculty Eric Shee (drums/vocals), MacPhail faculty Justin Hartke (bass/vocals), Bacon the Pig, and Chompy the Alligator, will play two rockin’ concerts in Antonello Hall.

Concerts are at 10:15am and 11:15am. Between concerts, kids and their grown-ups can experience a sample class, explore instruments, make a craft, have a snack, and more! Come sing, play, and learn!

A Dialogue with Rick Dildine, New Artistic Director at Children’s Theatre Company

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided 

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) has named Rick Dildine as their new Artistic Director. Dildine assumed the post on July 1 - he replaces Peter C. Brosius after 27 years leading the organization. We talked to Dildine about what drew him to CTC, the boundary pushing and important work produced by CTC, and how you as adult members of our community can support our nationally-recognized, locally treasured theater.

Rick Dildine Photo: Wesley LawQ:  What was it that appealed to you to become Artistic Director of the Children’s Theatre Company? 

A:  CTC is one of the country’s iconic theaters with a reputation for excellence and having a tremendous impact on the lives of young people. The repertoire is rigorous, adventurous, and imaginative. As an artist, I give great value to young people and their thoughts and contributions. CTC has made a valuable space that respects the points of view of young people. For some time, I’ve felt like there is not a nobler task than creating something for young people. 

Q:  You’re brand new to the position, but do you have any short-term and long-term goals for the theater? 

A:  Long-term goals will reveal themselves more once I get on the ground and listen and learn. But our audiences and staff can count on a continued commitment to new, boundary pushing, rigorous work for young people. It’s that level of work that has made CTC the industry leader in programming for multi-generational audiences. Peter Brosius has done a remarkable job interpreting the mission, and it’s my hope we can take that farther and find new ways to create community within the theater.

Q:  Are there any specific themes or types of productions you hope to showcase? 

A:  What drew me to the repertoire is the diversity of content, style, and themes. CTC respects that young people and their families are always growing, maturing, and evolving. The programming reflects that. One of the leaders of regional theatre movement, Zelda Fichandler, always said, “The programming is our destiny.” It is the programming that will allow us to achieve our vision of unleashing the power of curiosity, empathy, and imagination. 

Q:  How will you go about balancing educational and entertaining elements in CTC productions? 

A:  I think there’s a distinct difference between art and entertainment. Art focuses us while entertainment distracts us. Both are of great value for us as humans. Sometimes we need to focus on a theme or concept, and it’s through artistic expression that that focus is possible. And sometimes we need to be distracted from the world and be entertained. Both are good for the soul.

Q:  Would you like to offer workshops, educational sessions, or collaborations with local schools? How might it happen?  

A:  We do offer workshops. CTC has partnerships with 11 metro area schools providing after school and in school programming. We are currently in a long-term partnership with Bethune Arts Elementary, providing year-long residencies for every grade level, summer camp programing and family tenement activities. CTC offers workshop options for homeschool families that wish to extend their field trip experience.  Schools interested in booking a workshop or residency can call the education office to discuss options.

Q:  How may grandparents, parents and community members be involved with the Children's Theater? 

A:  Grandparents, parents, and community members can nurture an appreciation and love of theatre for the children in their lives by taking them to see shows, by enrolling them in educational classes and camps, by supporting them in auditioning and performing in productions if they have interest, and by continuing to encourage them as they engage with the artform in whichever capacity they choose. Adults can also support CTC by being a season subscriber, by becoming donors, and by sharing information about the theatre, the productions, and the educational offerings with their communities. 

Q:  Let's get to know you. You've got a free weekend - how will you spend it?  

A:  My husband and I love to travel and explore. He works within the museum industry, so we find ourselves visiting museums of all types. My weekends are about relaxing, spending time with family and friends, reading in a good coffee shop, and going to the movies. 

Q:  What are your hobbies?

A:  I am fortunate that my hobby of theatre became my career. But when I’m not making theatre, I exercise, read, and travel. I’m almost always planning my next trip!

Rick on the set of A Christmas Carol