Happenings for May 12-18
As long as the weather is making that spring yardwork you haven't yet gotten to look less and less urgent, why not head off to a nice warm indoor art gallery this weekend? In an effort to make Happenings a little easier to navigate, I've put the essential facts at the top of each listing, with descriptions to follow. I do hope you find something here to pique your interest. As for me, I know this much: I'll be at the Midtown Public Market again this Saturday, with our arty new quarterly to sell and swell stuff to give away. Don't you want a bumper sticker declaring yourself a member of the local intelligentsia? And don't worry about the chill, the market's offerings include delicious hot fair-trade coffee from Fireroast Mountain and tasty scones from Real Bread company. But the scones sell out early, so you might want to come before noon. Read on for arty events around town, have fun, and put on a sweater.--sp
Art Openings
Fri., May 12, 6-9 p.m.
Bike Art, group show opening
Altered Esthetics, 1300 Quincy St. NE, Minneapolis, 612/378-8888
www.alteredesthetics.com
Featuring sculpture, photography, painting, live performance, comic and interactive art, the Bike Art group show brings together the cycling and artistic communities in an engaging and unique juxtaposition. More than 40 artists celebrate the bicycle with over 100 works of art. Special events coming up during Art-a-Whirl weekend (May 19-21) include films, music, and a performance of John Heimbuch's 10 Speed Revolution.
Fri., May 12, 6-8 p.m.
MCAD MFA Exhibition
Soo Visual Arts Center, 2640 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612/871-2263
www.soovac.org
This is the fifth year that Soo Visual Arts Center (Soo VAC) is hosting an exhibition of selected works from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) MFA class; through May 20. Open Wed., 12-6; Thu., 12-8; Fri., 12-6; Sat., 12-4. Admission is free, suggested donation $2.
Fri., May 12, 6:30 p.m.
Nativelandland
Creative Electric Studios, 2201 NE Second St., Minneapolis, 612/706-7879
www.creativeelectricstudios.com www.negativland.com
This is a group exhibition by the culture-jamming and collage group Negativland, who use high- and low-tech approaches to make art and media that pose questions about the nature of perception, media control, ownership, and propaganda. Shown in conjunction with the group's 25th anniversary and featuring both recent visual work and their trademark sonic work. Open Sat. 11-4, and by appointment. Through June 10.
Sat., May 13, 5-9 p.m.
India in America: Stories of New Lives
Susan Hensel Gallery, 3441 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis
www.susanhenseldesign.com
Enter into the Indian experience in America. The gallery will be filled with the stories of immigrants provided by the India Oral History Project of the Minnesota Historical Society and the sights, scents, sounds and flavors of India provided by the India Association of Minnesota and friends. Through May 31, hours by appointment. 612/722-2324, susan@susanhenseldesign.com
Sat., May 13, 7-11 p.m.
Dwell celebration
Pilot Arts, 3034 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
www.PilotArts.com
New artwork by John Alspach, Yuri Arajs, Amelia Biewald, Tara Costello, Jennifer Davis, John Diebel, JAO, Ben Olson, Terrance Payne, Amy Rice, Michael Sweere and James Wrayge. This event is sponsored by the Birchwood Cafe, Airforce Nutrisoda and Danish Teak Classics. Open Thu. 12-7 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 12-5 p.m. or by appt. Last day at this location is May 29.
May 13-Aug. 27
BLOOM! Botanical Art Through the Ages
Bell Museum, 10 Church St., Minneapolis. 612/624-7083.
www.bellmuseum.org
Bloom features approximately 60 drawings, paintings, prints, books, botanical models, and fine crafts from public and private collections, including magnificent hand-colored prints and books from the golden era of botanical art in the 18th century, stunning botanical wall charts, contemporary drawings and paintings that both exemplify the living traditions of botanical art and show imaginative interpretations of plants and ecosystems. In addition, local artists who are members of GAIN (Gathering of Artists and Illustrators of Nature), including Observer designer/illustrator Marsha Micek, will have a juried exhibition at the same time, and many of those works are for sale. $5 admission (members free), free on Sundays. Tue.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Thu., May 18, 6-8 p.m.
Freedom Fighters Project, artists dialogue
Obsidian Arts, 2948 Chicago Ave., Ste. 220, Minneapolis, 612/822-6808
www.obsidianarts.org
Freedom Fighters Project: American Legends Re-Imagined is an exhibiton of nine artists who fuse the glory of black historical figures with the temperament of black exploitation films to challenge comfort, myth, and memory. Originally curated for Rush Arts Gallery in New York by Derrick Adams, the exhibition was augmented by Obsidian Arts to include a black Minnesotan vibe. Through June 1.
Film
May 12-18, 7:30 nightly, also 5:30 Sat. & Sun.
The Reawakening
Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak St., Minneapolis
www.mnfilmarts.org
Native American attorney Robert Doctor has made a successful life for himself in New York City, miles away from his home on the Onondaga Nation. His life is perfect now except for recurring visions of a sinister dark spirit, an unwanted visitor from the reservation he left 15 years ago when his grandfather, a chief, was mysteriously murdered. Doctor is thrust back into reservation matters when he is asked by a tribal elder to represent his childhood friend who is accused of murdering a prison guard, and further complicated when his firm asks him to represent a new client with ambitions to open a casino on the Onondaga Nation. Cast includes major Native American actors from 10 American Indian Nations. Director and cast will be present at Friday night screening. $8, discounts for students/seniors and members.
Tue., May 16, 7 p.m.
Eugene J. McCarthy: Musings and Mementos
Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul
www.mnhs.org
Taken from two recent exclusive interviews with filmmaker Mick Caouette, this documentary shows McCarthy as he speaks in a casual setting about everything from growing up in Minnesota to Lyndon Johnson and Vietnam. The film blends new archival footage with McCarthy's remembrances and his philosophy, and it reveals the rare wit and intelligence that made him stand apart from his colleagues. Free. 651/296-6126.
Theater
Fri., May 12, 8 p.m., preview
Sat., May 13, 8 p.m., opening and post-show discussion
A Midsummer Night's Dream, presented by Mu Performing Arts
and the Southern Theater; 1420 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis
www.muperformingarts.org
Shakespeare's most beloved comedy graces the stage this spring with its confused lovers, thespian mechanicals, and fantastic fairies. Infuse this Western classic with Japanese taiko drumming, Korean mask dance, and Kabuki sword fighting and you have a Mu-style Midsummer the Bard could never have imagined. Performances Mon., Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., through May 28. $20/Thu.-Sun.; pay-what-you-can Mon.; $2 discount for students & seniors; children under 12 half off general admission. 612/340-1725
May 18-21
The Transposed Heads
Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. Fourth St., Minneapolis
www.ragamala.net/transposedheads2006.htm
Based on an ancient Indian tale that inspired Thomas Mann's 1941 novella of the same name, this is storytelling at its finest. Ragamala artistic director Ranee Ramaswamy's innovative collaboration with deaf actor Nicole Zapko parallels the language of Bharatanatayam gestures with the art of ASL theater. Adapted for the stage and directed by critically acclaimed actor/director Zaraawar Mistry, The Transposed Heads tells the story of Sita, a woman who finds herself in the middle of a love triangle, longing for both Nanda, admired for his beautiful body, and Sridiman, praised for his intellect. Thu. & Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 8 p.m., Sun., 2 & 7 p.m. $20; $17 for students, seniors, groups, and members of the Southern; $7 off for persons who are deaf and one companion. 612/338-6131
Readings and Talks
Fri., May 12, 7 pm
Performance Night at Amazon: Black White Chinese Women Got the Beat
Amazon Bookstore, 4755 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612/821-9630
www.amazonbookstorecoop.com
Local poets Sherry Quan Lee and Lori Young-Williams will share their separate yet often similar journeys of growing up biracial in South Minneapolis and the suburb of Woodbury respectfully. Music complements and dance counterpoints their emotional landscapes. Guest performers are Carolyn Holbrook, exec. director of SASE: The Write Place, and Ann Freeman, local performance artist.
Sat., May 13, 7 p.m.
Rain Taxi Reading Series presents Emergent Poets
The Soap Factory, Second St. and Fifth Ave. SE, Minneapolis
www.raintaxi.com
Four new-century poets converge to read from their first full-length poetry collections: Matt Hart (Cincinnati, OH), Anthony Hawley (Lincoln, NE), Laura Sims (Madison, WI), and Amanda Nadelberg (Minneapolis). They will be introduced by four local poets who have also recently published their first books: Sarah Fox, Dobby Gibson, Steve Healey, and William Waltz. Books by all the poets will be available for purchase at special prices (cash or check only), and Rain Taxi will be giving away door prizes. A reception featuring food and drink from Crema Cafe and Summit Brewing Company will follow. This event is free and open to the public.
Sun., May 14, 4-6 p.m.
Author Michael Dregni on Django Reinhardt
Suburban World Theater, 3022 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis
presented by Magers and Quinn Booksellers, 612/822-4611. www.magersandquinn.com
In celebration of his just-released paperback about legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt (Oxford Univ. Press, 2005), author Michael Dregni will discuss the book, and the Clearwater Hot Club will fill the beautiful Suburban World Theatre with music ala Django. Michael Dregni is a writer and editor who lives in Minneapolis with his family.
Wed., May 17, 7 p.m.
Nature's Restoration by Peter Friederici--talk & book signing
Bell Museum Auditorium, 10 Church St., Minneapolis. 612/624-7083.
www.bellmuseum.org
Nature's Restoration recognizes the problems that face the preservation of natural areas, as well as the passion of the people who work to defend them. Through detailed reporting and numerous interviews, Friederici's lyrical writing puts us on the front lines of restoration to learn how this growing movement shapes places and inspires people. Free.
Wed., May 17, 7 p.m.
Harvard psychology professor Daniel Gilbert, Stumbling on Happiness
University of Minnesota Bookstore, Coffman Union, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis
www.bookstore.umn.edu/genref/authors.html
Gilbert will read from and discuss his book, which draws on findings from extensive psychological research, much of it his own, to demonstrate our consistent oversights in our search for happiness. He offers a clear, funny and surprising look at how our brains process memory, how they imagine, and how they put the two together as we forecast the future.
Thu., May 18, 6-9 p.m., readings at 7 p.m.
Ignited opening reception and poetry reading with the Laurel Poetry Collective
Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave., S., Minneapolis
www.laurelpoetry.com
Ignited is not only the name of the St. Paul-based poetry collective's newest anthology, but also of an exhibition at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts of artist book bindings created for the 2006 anthology. Categories include best use of leather, best ue of handmade paper, best use of nontraditional materials, best thematic interpretation, and overall excellence. Also on display, limited edition Laurel Poetry Collective broadsides. Free admission, items for sale. Works on display through July 8; Laurel books and broadsides for sale in the MCBA shop, ongoing.
Music
Tue., May 16, 7-8:30 p.m
Celtic Music Sing-a-Long
Sisters of St. Joseph Province Chapel, 1890 Randolph Ave., St. Paul
www.wisdomwayscenter.org
Featuring Ruth Harvey, from the IONA Community in Scotland. $10. 651/696-2788.
Gardening, Nature & Outdoors
Fri., May 12, 11-8; Sat., May 13, 9-8; Sun., May 14, noon-4
Friends School Plant Sale
State Fair Grandstand, St. Paul
www.fsmn.org/news.html
Over 1,700 varieties of plants, including many new and unusual items, such as North Star originals (perennials bred specifically for Minnesota), a Japanese maple that has done well in Duluth, and the Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia). Expanded vendor fair on Friday and Saturday; on Sunday, remaining plants are half price.
Fri., May 12, noon-7 p.m., & Sat., May 13, 8-5 p.m.
Marcy Open School Plant Sale
Marcy Open School, 415 SE Fourth Ave., Minneapolis
http://marcy.mpls.k12.mn.us/parent
Annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, and Endless Summer hydrangeas; especially for apartment dwellers: “Plant-in-a-Can” kit, $5.
Sat., May 13, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Morning birding walk
Roberts Bird Sanctuary near Lake Harriet
Join Minneapolis Park Board naturalists in a walk through the bird sanctuary to spot some of the thousands of birds that pass through the city on their annual migration. You may be seeing some of these short-timers in your backyard, birds that don't quite blend in with the usual lot of house sparrows, starlings, and finches, and now's your chance to find out who they are. Meet at the east entrance in the parking lot off Roseway Blvd., between Lake harriet Parkway and Kings Highway. For adults, $5.
Sat.-Sun., May 13-14, 10-4
Dig In! at Mill Ruins Park
West River Parkway and Portland Ave., downtown Minneapolis
www.minneapolisparks.org
Dig in and use the tools and methods of archaeologists to help explore the Cataract Mill Complex on the riverfront. During this kick-off weekend, you can work alongside a professional archaeologist, learn about the tools, purpose and proper methods of archaeology, then dig in and excavate the mill site, map dig units, identify artifacts, and more. Dig participants should wear sturdy shoes (no sandals!), and dress for the weather. Participants must be at least 8 years old; youth under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Dig In! is a pilot project enabling the public to help excavate this historic site. Public digs will take place each Saturday through Aug. 12, and on Father's Day, Sun., June 18. 612/313-7793, cdefranco@minneapolisparks.org
Sat., May 13, 7 p.m.,
Full moon walk around Coldwater, Minnehaha Park
Friends of Coldwater
www.friendsofcoldwater.org, info@friendsofcoldwater.org
Special guest and mineralogist Alan Olson will talk about the geology and fossils in the Coldwater area. (Please note that we will not be able to visit Coldwater Spring because the gates will be locked at this federal sacred site.) Meet in the parking lot at the south end of Minnehaha Park, off East 54th Street and Highway 55.
Thu., May 18, 6:30-8 a.m.
Spring Birding at Minnehaha Park
Another in a series of birding programs offered by Minneapolis Park Board naturalists to catch sight of some of the thousands of birds that pass through the city on their annual migration. In this session, explore Minnehaha Park in the early morning, when birds are most active, even if some of us who love the birds are not. Luckily, nearby Minnehaha Coffee, 46th St. and Minnehaha Ave., opens at 6. Meet at the Minnehaha Park Pavilion. For adults, $5.
