Hello friends, Before I get into the fun stuff for the next week, I have to take a minute to mention the amazing evening of music at Saint Paul Central last night. It was an inspiring evening from a terrific group of young artists whose leadership is at least as their music. The Heiruspecs Scholarship Fund was inaugurated last night with a ton of music and wonderful variety. Of course there was all of the delicious hip hop that you'd expect, but as the endless list of guests joined the band on
stage, there were snippits of folk, rock, funk, spoken word, and even some terrific old school stuff. They announced from the stage that they planned for this to be an annual event to raise money for their new scholarship fund. Do yourself and the community a favor when you see this event come around next year and buy a ticket - it will be one of the best shows you see.
Now lets turn our attention to next week where we have another poetry contest from Saint Paul's innovative project led by resident genius, Marcus Young, an all-women poetry slam, a 24 hour play project, a summer-camp fair, and some terrific concerts in Saint Paul's best loved venues.
Sidewalk Poetry - Volume III
4 years ago, Marcus Young was considering the Artist-in-Residence post he was about to assume, and over brown bag lunches, he was sharing with me his concept of The City as a Book. He shared the idea that in the nations most creative and innovative city, Saint Paul wouldn't be idealized as a city paved in gold but rather a city paved in poetry. I admit that at the time, I had a difficult time envisioning a tangible interpretation of this ideal. However, with Marcus's artistic leadership, a lot
of support from Public Art Saint Paul, and the help of our Public Works department, our fare City is launching the 3rd year of Sidewalk Poetry. Literally thousands of poems have been entered into a juried competition where the winners have their poetry stamped into some of the many replacement panels of sidewalk in our neighborhoods.
Saint Paul sidewalks are paved with poetry! The Department of Public Works and Public Art Saint Paul invite residents to enter this unique annual contest. Winning poems will be permanently published in city sidewalks. We are looking for short poems that provide a delightful moment of outdoor reading. Poems maybe uplifting, funny, thoughtful...anything appropriate for the general public. There's a poet in each of us, so we encourage everyone to enter.
http://stpaul.gov/poetry
All Women's Poetry Slam at Peach Gallery
Punch Out Poetry is a new addition to the Twin Cities Slam Scene. The folks at SlamMN couldn't be more delighted to be welcoming them to the fold. Punch Out Poetry (or POP, which I must say is an awesome acronym) will be hosting several slams over the next few months, all of which are open to women and those who live their lives as women. The very First POP Slam will have three rounds. A one minute, two minute and three minute round, in that order. The very first Punch Out Poetry Slam will also
serve as a fundraiser for the local poets attending the Women of the World Poetry Slam. There will be a bake sale and other fun items to bid on/purchase. Rockin' Good times are assured.
7pm doors and sign up 7:30 Show time
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=329182041795
Hiding in the Open at History Theatre - Opens Saturday
For many years Sabina Zimering, a successful eye doctor in Minneapolis, held a secret close to heart. Then she took a class at the Loft Literary Center and her amazing story of escape and survival became a truly compelling book. Sabina, a Polish Jew, had come of age as Hitler and the Nazis rose to power. When Poland was invaded Sabina and her sister survived the horrors of the Holocaust by disguising themselves as Catholics from Poland while living in Germany! Along the way they had to rely on
one another and their quick wits to keep them safe and sane as the world around them crumbled. Local theater artist, Kira Obolensky, took this memoir material and helped adapt it for the stage. The show opens on Saturday and runs through 3/21.l
http://historytheatre.com/
Minnesota Parent: Camp Fair at Como - Saturday
I know this falls outside of my normal list of event recommendations, but it's top of mind right now for my family and perhaps its something that you're starting to think about as well. What are your kids doing this summer? There are week-long day camps or an all-season sleepaway experience (does that mean your kid would be in a survival course for the duration of the summer?), from day camps for arts to computers to horses, and more. The annual Minnesota Parent Camp Fair is timed for the high
season - when many of us are eager for information and struggling to make a decision. It's one-stop shopping for all your summer options: Como camp, music, art, science, computer, sports camps and more.
http://www.mnparent.com/index.php?publication=mn_parent&page=287
DJ Andrew Broder at the Turf - Monday nights
The Turf Club has the outstanding Monday night stand of Jazz music from Fat Kid Wednesday and they've turned Monday nights into an institution at the storied University Avenue music club. They are adding to to that success by putting another Monday night stand in the upstairs room - its a DJ night with local music-adventurer Andrew Broder. With a host of new albums that delve into the realm of ambient music just outside the mainstream, his newest outings are in turntable work. Every Monday night
he brings his eclectic sensibilities to these free weekly DJ sets at the Turf. Its been going on for a couple of weeks now and I hope it lasts for a long while. Check it out!
http://turfclub.net/ [ http://turfclub.net/%20%20 ]
One, Two, Three & Burgundie with Didier Petit
When Didier Petit was here last time, I missed the show and wasn't able to go. This time around, not only is he back, not only is he having two shows, not only is he collaborating with terrific local musicians, but he's also making dinner! That's right, this is a charismatic French cellist with a sound that, for those with adventure in their hearts, is going to cook dinner. Tuesday night, is just the show... well, I shouldn't say "just" a show, he is collaborating with Nathan Hanson, Milo Fine,
and Viv Corringham. And on the second night (actually the better night in my opinion), he's playing with JT Bates and Adam LInz, AND he's cooking. Tix for music with dinner are only $20: Concert only for both nights are $7.
http://blackdogstpaul.com/events/news-185.shtml
Alright friends, that's all the internets are giving me space for today, so I have to close out. Have a great weekend and please pass on any recommendations you have for next weekend!
Rock,
Joe
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