Theatre in the Round Announces Legacy of Light, Feb 21-Mar 16

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) is presenting Legacy of Light by Karen Zacarías as the fifth production of their 73rd Season. Quirky humor, joyful intellectualism, a fascinating true story, and poignant fiction all collide in this beautifully surreal comedy that asks “What is the science of love?”

In this play, Zacarías highlights the unsung history of Émilie du Châtelet, a mathematician and scientist in 18th century France (and lover of the philosopher Voltaire). Legacy of Light juxtaposes the true story of Châtelet becoming unexpectedly pregnant at 42 and that of a fictional 21st-century physicist desperately trying to conceive a child.

Kari Steinbach directs the six-member cast with stage management by Erin Sondrol, intimacy and fight direction by Mason Tyer, set design by Sadie Ward, costumes by Colleen O’Dell, lighting by Bill Larsen, props by Ren Edson, and sound design by Warren Sampson.

This is the second year TRP has presented a story about historical women in STEM. Last year’s Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson was well received by audiences and members of the local science community. This year, TRP is partnering with Minnesota Academy of Sciences’ Science Salon to host a discussion and Q&A with physicists Dr. Robyn Wangberg and Dr. Jolene Johnson Armstrong, immediately following the performance on Sunday, March 2 at 2pm. 

Legacy of Light runs February 21 to March 16, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm.

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Tickets: $20-29

Content Warning: Flashing lights. Sexual situations and adult themes. Best for ages 14+

Audio-Described performance: Sunday, March 16 

Box Office Phone:  612-333-3010

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Theatre in the Round’s facilities are accessible for audience members using wheelchairs. Assisted listening and individual captioning devices are available for check-out. An Audio-Described performance will be held on Sunday, March 16 at 2pm. For questions about access services, please email tix@theatreintheround.org or call the box office at 612-333-3010.

DisPlace: A North Loop Fantasy Quest, March 13–16, Luminary Arts Center

zAmya Theater Project has announced DisPlace: A North Loop Fantasy Quest, an original production that blends real-world housing issues with fantasy role-playing adventure. Created in partnership with the North Loop Neighborhood Association and Avivo Village, DisPlace: A North Loop Fantasy Quest runs March 13 – 16 at Luminary Arts Center, 700 N 1st Street, in the North Loop. 

The North Loop is an economically diverse neighborhood with high-end condos and organizations supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. It is also ranked among the lowest of neighborhoods affected by poverty. Recent conflicts over a homeless encampment highlighted the urgent need for community dialogue and solutions. In response, zAmya Theater Project, the North Loop Neighborhood Association and Avivo Village collaborated to foster a shared vision of inclusivity, safety, and housing support for all residents.

One outcome of this partnership is DisPlace: A North Loop Fantasy Quest - a theatrical adventure created by and for North Loop community members across the housing spectrum. This innovative production weaves stories of unsheltered homelessness into a fictional narrative, inviting audiences to imagine bold solutions for ending homelessness. The goal is to inspire an ongoing coalition of neighbors working together to compassionately address housing concerns.

About the Play

Hear ye, hear ye! His honorable Lord Sunshine hereby invites you to the first official Festival of DisPlacement, celebrating the triumph over poverty in the Kingdom’s Northern Loop! Rest assured, there is absolutely no chance whatsoever that you will run into any wayward heroes or formidable monsters on your way to Archer’s Arena – which is definitely not Target Field. However, please be advised that you may want to keep your sword on you…you know… just in case. Inspired by the high-energy imagination of tabletop roleplaying games and created in conversation with North Loop and Avivo Village residents, DisPlace is an epic fantasy quest about the reality of housing injustice in Minneapolis.

Through audience participation, and immersive storytelling, DisPlace challenges audiences members to think about how we can come together as a community to create housing justice.

Directed by Harry Waters Jr. and written by Elle Thoni with contributions from Charli Fool Bear-Vetter, the play features performances by zAmya Theater Project troupe members and Avivo Village residents. Music will be composed by Carlisle Evans Peck.

Tickets

All ages welcome. Parental discretion is advised – audience discussions may include adult topics such as substance use and trauma. $10 gift cards will be available after each performance for individuals with lived experience of homelessness (while supplies last). Sign up at the box office upon arrival. No refunds on tickets. More info at zamyatheater.org.

Insomnia Cookies Opens 2nd Minneapolis Location

Insomnia Cookies, a cult brand known for serving warm cookies all day and late into the night, is set to open its second store in Minneapolis. The new bakery, located on Hennepin Avenue just north of downtown, marks the second location in Minneapolis, the third store in Minnesota, and its 317th location nationwide. 

When that craving for something sweet hits (even at 3am!), Insomnia Cookies offers in-store, pickup, and delivery options for customers to experience the company’s signature warm, delicious cookies. From the Classic Chocolate Chunk cookie to favorites like Snickerdoodle and Confetti Deluxe, delicious Cookies IN Ice Cream flavors, decadent brookies, brownies, and blondies, a full slate of vegan options, and a frequently-rotating limited-edition menu, the brand’s offerings satisfy every sweet tooth – warm or cold. 

In celebration of the new Minneapolis location, Insomnia Cookies will be holding an all-day in-store grand opening event and late-night celebration baked full of freebies, treats, and more.

STORE DETAILS

• Address: 600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
• Store Hours:
  • Sunday 12:00 PM - 1:00 AM
  • Monday 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
  • Tuesday 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
  • Wednesday 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
  • Thursday 11:00 AM - 3:00 AM
  • Friday 11:00 AM - 3:00 AM
  • Saturday 12:00 PM - 3:00 AM

GRAND OPENING EVENT DETAILS & GIVEAWAYS

• Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM
• Sweet Offers:
  • On Saturday, February 1, from 12 PM – 3 AM, Insomniacs who visit the new Minneapolis store and sign-up for Insomnia Rewards* will receive 1 FREE Classic cookie (no purchase required) in-store.
    • *For new Insomnia Rewards members – Customers can sign up online or in the app. Customers will need to enter their mobile number, first and last name and email address to create an account. Inside Insomnia Rewards, customers will be able to easily track their points status, redeem available rewards, access their surprise offers and easily reorder their favorite menu items.
  • Insomniacs can also earn FREE delivery with the code MINNEAPOLIS beginning Saturday, February 1 – Saturday, February 15.  

The new store will deliver to Insomniacs in Minneapolis and throughout surrounding neighborhoods. Insomnia Cookies looks forward to satisfying the cravings of Minneapolis cookie lovers. 

Join the squad! The new Minneapolis location is hiring part-time cookie crew members, delivery drivers, and shift leaders. Interested applicants and cookie lovers are encouraged to apply now at Careers.InsomniaCookies.com. 

Download the Insomnia Cookies App! Satisfying your sweets cravings is made easy with the Insomnia Cookies app. Insomniacs can track their deliveries, re-order favorites, and receive the best deals that are only available in the app. Available in the App Store and Google Play Store.

Sunrise and Pink Clouds by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

I was on the treadmill getting my exercise in and a photography webinar on my iPad. The sky started to lighten up as sunrise neared. I looked up from my iPad and saw a beautiful array of pink clouds low in the sky. The clouds colored the smoke rising high from the power a light plant pink. I knew I wanted a photograph of that scene. I grabbed my iPad and rushed out of the room, took the elevator up to my condo and grabbed my camera. It was VERY cold outside but I knew I had no time to put on anything over my exercise clothes. I didn't even have time to setup my tripod. Hurrying out to our patio deck I adjusted the settings on my camera and took eight photographs.

While this photograph is a beautiful landscape scene, I missed the best one, which was of course the one I saw from the treadmill. By the time I started photographing the clouds had moved higher in the sky. I went back to the exercise room to finish my exercise routine. When I walked into the room I went over and spoke to one of my neighbors asking if she had seen beautiful clouds over the river. Indeed she had. I told her I missed getting the best shot. She replied that I could get that shot the next morning, to which I replied, no that was a one time opportunity. Sure enough, the following morning the sky was covered with gray clouds and the sunrise was not visible through the cloud cover. There was no pink to be found in the sky. 

You can see more of my work @ricrosowphotography.com and @PriceKrishnanGallery. 

Local Entrepreneur Superstar: Gary Berg

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

Did you know we have a local booking agency that brings in over $10 million in annual sales? G.L. Berg Entertainment is celebrating 35 years of success this year - their services include representation of artists of all types for all sorts of events, from local to national! We talked to Gary about why he got involved in this business, the early years, memorable moments and the company’s ironclad and transparent recipe for success. 

Gary BergQ:  What inspired you to start your booking agency, and how has it evolved over time?   

A:  Throughout my life, I’ve had a deep passion for sports and entertainment, both as a participant and an observer. After earning my Master’s Degree in Higher Education, I spent nine years as a college administrator. While I enjoyed that work, I couldn’t shake the desire to create positive, memorable experiences for people through live events. I wanted to help communities and companies connect through high-quality entertainment.

That dream became a reality on July 1, 1989, when I founded G.L. Berg Entertainment from scratch. My mission was clear: to provide professional, non-offensive, high-quality, and affordable entertainment options for companies, fairs, festivals, theaters, schools, and other special events.

Back then, it was just me and a big vision, with gross sales of $30,000 in our first year. Today, I’m proud to say that G.L. Berg Entertainment has grown into a thriving agency with over $10 million in annual sales. Our team includes nine full-time staff members, one part-time employee, and two specialized sub-contractors. We represent more than 300 professional performers who bring joy to audiences across cruise ships, performing arts venues, fairs and festivals, corporate events, schools, and fundraisers.

It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do what I love while making a positive impact on so many people.

Q:  What have been the biggest challenges in scaling from local to national operations?

A:  One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced over the years is that every type of event comes with its own unique set of considerations - venues, budgets, dates, locations, and more. On top of that, each market approaches buying entertainment differently, which requires tailored strategies and expertise.

As we’ve grown, we’ve learned that specialization is key. In 2022, we reached a pivotal point where we could establish several distinct divisions, each led by an expert in their respective markets. This structure allows us to better meet the specific needs of our clients and performers while streamlining operations.

Today, G.L. Berg Entertainment is proud to offer specialized divisions for:

• Corporate and Private Events
• Cruise Ship Performers
• Performing Arts Centers (PACs) and Theaters
• Fairs and Festivals
• Speakers (via our Elan Speaker Division)
• K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Universities

This shift has been transformative for our agency, enabling us to provide customized, high-quality service on both local and national levels while continuing to grow and innovate.

Q:  How do you market your business to attract new clients?

A:  Like many successful and growing businesses, we use a multifaceted approach to attract new clients. Our main marketing and sales strategies include:

• Dynamic Web Presence: We maintain a general website along with several market-specific sites to cater to the unique needs of our diverse clientele.
• Industry Engagement: We are active members of industry-specific organizations, which often involves attending tradeshows, networking events, and fostering relationships within those communities.   
• Targeted Campaigns: We employ highly targeted email and direct mail campaigns, ensuring our outreach resonates with the right audience.
• Client Outreach: Regular communication with current and past clients via phone and email helps us maintain strong relationships and uncover new opportunities.   
• Showcase Opportunities: Every time one of our acts performs, they effectively serve as a live showcase of their talent. These performances often generate leads and referrals from captivated audiences.
• Word-of-Mouth Recommendations: Satisfied clients become our greatest advocates, spreading the word and bringing in new business through their enthusiasm.
• Social Media Connections: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn allow us to connect directly with clients and share our success stories, upcoming events, and featured performers.
• Proactive Outreach: Sometimes, it’s as simple as picking up the phone and reaching out to potential clients we know would benefit from our services.

This combination of modern marketing strategies and traditional relationship-building has been instrumental in driving our growth and connecting us with new clients.                    

Q:  Please share some memorable moments in your business - I'm sure there are so many!

A: It’s incredibly tough to narrow it down because there have been countless positive and memorable moments over the past 35+ years. A few that stand out include:

• In year three I hired my first employee and moved to a bigger office and things were starting to take off.
• Created the acapella group Tonic Sol-fa while they were finishing up college and over the next 15 years got shows for them all over the United States, brokered a large sponsorship deal with Herbergers, brokered a deal to get their CD’s attached to hundreds of thousands of General Mills cereal boxes, and built them into a very successful and popular national group.
• Going to Nashville on several occasions as our exclusive acts (comic magician Tim Gabrielson and comic ventriloquist James Wedgwood) performed on variety shows on the Country Music Television network.
• Our acts have also had featured guest spots on The Tonight Show, David Letterman Show, The Today Show, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing on NBC, America’s Got Talent, The Conan O’Brien Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, The Late Show with Steven Colbert, The Sing Off (where our exclusively represented group Home Free won the fourth season).
• Booking Keith Urban for a Minnesota fair early in his career for $7,500 and bringing him to the state for the first time. Similarly, we booked comedian Frank Caliendo for a company holiday party in St. Cloud for $1,000, and just a few years later, he performed for another client at $50,000 as his career skyrocketed.
• When you go from Zero to almost $100 million in sales over 35 years there are wonderful moments all along the way.  Each year we had a record sales year was/is celebrated in a big way.

Q:  What role does company culture play in G. L. Berg Entertainment's success? 

A:  Company culture is absolutely central to our success and has been a guiding principle since day one. Our mission has always been to only provide entertainment that works. This means every event must work for the client, the performer, and our company. Transparency is the cornerstone of our culture, which sets us apart in an industry where this isn’t always the norm. All contracts are signed by both the client and the performer or speaker, ensuring everyone is fully aware of terms, payments, and expectations. This level of openness fosters trust and eliminates misunderstandings, creating a win-win for everyone involved. If it doesn’t - for reasons like budget, audience composition, or logistical challenges - we don’t move forward with the booking. By prioritizing integrity and alignment with our mission, we’ve built an environment where clients, performers, and staff alike feel respected, valued, and confident in the work we do.

Q:  If you could go back and change one thing about your entrepreneurial journey, what would it be?

A:  Honestly, I have no regrets. Every experience, whether positive or challenging, has been an opportunity to learn and grow, ultimately shaping the success of our company today. That said, if I had to choose one thing, I’d say I might have explored securing capital earlier to accelerate our growth. Our company has always operated without loans or debt, which is a position I’m proud of—it has provided us with financial stability and peace of mind. However, this approach sometimes meant missing opportunities, like hiring additional staff or investing in marketing strategies, simply because the cash flow wasn’t available. While it delayed certain milestones, it also reinforced our resourcefulness and commitment to building a sustainable business. Looking back, the lessons learned from growing at our own pace have been invaluable, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Q:  How may we follow your amazing story?  

A:  Our website (https://www.glberg.com/) is regularly updated with the latest news, and we’re active in the community, which means we occasionally appear in the media. However, our story is always evolving and somewhat behind the scenes. People tend to follow the careers and activities of the incredible performers we represent rather than us as a company - and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Watching their success is the ultimate testament to our work.

Mill City Museum Nominated for Nation’s Best History Museum - Vote Daily to Help Assure They Win!

Photo credit Willette Photography, Inc

  Help Mill City take the top spot by voting online daily

Mill City Museum is asking for the public’s support to take the top spot in an online contest to win the title of the Nation’s Best History Museum.

The downtown Minneapolis museum has been named among 20 nominees for a USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award in the category of best history museum for the third consecutive year. Mill City Museum placed in the top 5 in the same contest in 2023 and 2024. This year, the museum hopes to claim the top prize.

“We are so grateful for all the support we’ve received from Minnesotans in this category,” said Mill City Museum Site Manager David Stevens. “This recognition of the great work our staff does to tell the rich history of Minneapolis is tremendous, and we really feel like this could be our year!”

To vote for Mill City Museum as Best History Museum and learn more about USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards, click here. One vote per day per person is permitted. Individuals are encouraged to vote daily through the contest’s end at 11 am CST on February 10. History lovers can also support the museum online by sharing the hashtag #MCMTop10 on social media.

Visitors at the museum can learn about Minneapolis’ growth through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the Mississippi River, and the city of Minneapolis. Other highlights include multimedia shows, scenic views atop the Koch Rooftop Observation Deck, works from local artists, and award winning architecture.

Additionally, Mill City Museum offers a variety of events for all ages, ranging from walking tours to family days. It also hosts free special exhibits in the free Mill Commons area.

Local Startup Capption Enhances Visitor Experience at WAM and American Swedish Institute

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Weisman Art Museum (WAM) recently launched a new service to enhance visitors’ access to the artwork and information in the gallery, in ways that best suit their needs — whether they’re low/no vision, socially anxious, a non-native English-speaker, or simply prefer to reread and revisit information on their own. 

Susannah SchouweilerThe Twin Cities-based start-up Capption developed this marvelous web-based platform that transforms the museum going experience. We talked to Susannah Schouweiler, Director of Marketing and Communications at WAM and Capption co-founder Sherman Bausch to learn more about its deployment at WAM, how the innovative technology works and how we might make use of it during our next museum visit. 

Q:  What was the motivation to offer Capption services at WAM?

Schouweiler:  We're the campus art museum for the University of Minnesota, and we know our student, faculty, and staff populations speak many languages and come to the museum with a wide variety of abilities, needs and preferences. We're also a public museum for the Twin Cities, and community members who come through our doors for a visit are equally varied. This is about doing the work to make all in our community welcome at the Weisman. At a public institution like ours, accessibility is simply essential. It’s central to our mission to ensure everyone is able to engage with the art, information, and ideas that make a trip to the museum meaningful and fun. We’ve explored more piecemeal digital platforms in the past to offer accessible ways in to the art and information at WAM, but Capption is a real leap forward in this work. Thanks to this platform, we can put all of these offerings together in one place, and present them to visitors in a way that’s easy and intuitive to use. 

Q:  What if a WAM visitor doesn’t have a smartphone?

Schouweiler: We have smartphones at the front desk that visitors can borrow if their own device isn’t compatible with Capption. WAM’s loaner phones are loaded with the platform, ready to use, and freely available, if needed.

Q:  What has been the feedback so far?  How will visitor feedback be collected to improve the service over time?

Schouweiler: We’re definitely getting enthusiastic feedback from visitors, and early analytics show the multilingual translation is particularly welcome. We’re continuously gathering feedback from visitors through surveys and observational evaluation to improve and enhance our use of the platform in the galleries. The team at Capption has been amazing to work with - they’re as eager as we are to use what we learn from visitor feedback to refine and augment the technology as we learn more about what our audiences need, and how they’re using the service.

Let’s also hear from the Capption developer, Sherman Bausch:

Sherman BauschQ:  Why did you develop this marvelous product?

Bausch: Everyone at Capption loves galleries, museums, and other exhibitions. None of us are identifiably disabled, but all of us feel underserved by typical exhibit displays. Turns out we’re not alone - over 350 million people worldwide possess non-obvious sight, mobility, anxiety, and language impairments.

Art, science, and nature exhibits must make sense to be engaging. When there’s a visual, social, or linguistic barrier blocking access to an exhibit’s context, engagement drops and frustration builds. Capption eliminates those barriers.

Q:  Who is Capption designed for?

Bausch; Capption helps museums, galleries, and nature centers serve low-vision, aging, and non-native speaking visitors. With Capption, exhibitors deliver critical exhibit content and context directly to a visitor’s smartphone:

• Immediately
• In context
• In a hyperlegible font
• In any language
• Respecting individual settings
• Readable (or listenable) at any pace
• Recording a referenceable history

At least 1 in 6 visitors have a disability that makes exhibitions daunting. Capption helps previously-excluded visitors feel welcome by granting them autonomy, agency, and access they need to engage with dignity.

Additionally, we engineered Capption to amplify an exhibit’s impact. Capption is a quick, simple enhancement to a curator’s designed experience, not a distraction that competes with their exhibit for visitors’ attention.

We want exhibitors to provide accessibility services discreetly and with dignity. Capption helps people who need it and can be ignored by those who don’t.

Q:  How does the service accommodate languages with different scripts or structures, like Mandarin or Arabic?

Bausch: Fortunately, your phone does already support different scripts and language structures, but it’s up to developers to leverage them properly. Our apps and backend services enforce formatting with a level of fidelity and speed websites can’t match. Capption supports both machine and human translations in 120+ languages.

Q:  What challenges have you faced during the development of Capption and how have they been addressed?

Bausch: A ton of work goes into engineering such a simple experience. Our team had to overcome multiple unknowns to build Capption:

• Learn how institutions discuss and implement accessibility today
• Understand visitors’ unassisted exhibit experience
• Determine precisely where, when, how, and why Capption helps each audience
• Architect the fastest, lightest experience possible with modern tools (most of which are built for bloat)
• Figure out the best way for institutions to implement and promote Capption
• Engage with possible clients to support funding requests

Throughout development, discipline has been Capption’s watchword. That’s meant empathetic research, painstaking architecture, methodical engineering, unflinching testing, and a tempered pace that gives space to think and try things. Everyone on the Capption team is a 20+ year software veteran, and we unanimously agree that this is the most “correct” we’ve ever done development.

Q:  Where will we see Capption installed here in the Twin Cities? How may we follow your news?

Bausch: Right now, you can see Capption live at the Weisman Art Museum and American Swedish Institute. We’re in conversations with a multitude of other exhibitors throughout the region, and we hope to see Capption expand access everywhere!

You can sign up for updates at https://capption.com/news or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram. For direct inquires, we’d love to hear from you at hello@capption.com.

Hennepin Healthcare Patients to Benefit from Meet Minneapolis Warm Winter Clothing Drive

Meet Minneapolis – along with its tourism, hospitality, and community partners – donated more than $22,000 of warm winter clothes

Today, January 9, at Hennepin Healthcare’s Clinic and Specialty Center, the third annual Meet Minneapolis Warm Winter Clothing Drive wrapped up with more than $22,000 worth of new clothes donated for distribution to patients in need. Since mid-November, Meet Minneapolis, its tourism and hospitality partner businesses, community businesses, and individuals came together to provide much-needed clothing items that will assist Hennepin Healthcare in its mission to discharge patients with dignity.

“We are incredibly grateful for this outpouring of generosity from our community partners,” said Melvin Tennant, Meet Minneapolis President and CEO. “It’s not just about physical comfort – these donations provide a sense of hope that can be transformative. In just the third year of this clothing drive, the amount of warm clothes donated has more than tripled. The success of this initiative highlights the compassion of the Minneapolis community and its commitment to helping neighbors in need.”

From November 18, 2024 to January 6, 2025, Meet Minneapolis collected new, warm clothes to be donated to Hennepin Healthcare. Many Hennepin Healthcare patients have financial challenges. Some patients have damaged clothing after being involved in an accident or clothing has been removed to access wounds. Others may not have adequate clothing for the cold weather. Meet Minneapolis staff, board members and partner businesses, and other community businesses donated new coats, boots, pants, tops, mittens, scarves, socks, and more.

“The donations we receive through this clothing drive truly impact the lives of our patients,” explained Hennepin Healthcare CEO Jennifer DeCubellis. “For many of the individuals we serve, winter can be a time of immense hardship. The generosity shown through this drive means that more of our patients will have the basic resources they need to stay safe and warm. Meet Minneapolis and everyone who participated in this initiative are making a real difference.”

Several Meet Minneapolis partners were significant contributors to the Warm Winter Clothing Drive. They include Hyatt Regency Minneapolis; Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot; The Marquette Hotel & Windows at Marquette; Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown, Creekside Apartments, Stearns Bank; and the Minnesota Vikings. 

“One of the roles of Meet Minneapolis is to bring people together in ways that make a tangible, positive impact on our city. With this effort, the team goes beyond visitors and convention attendees and engages our community members,” stated Tabitha Montgomery, Meet Minneapolis Board Chair and Executive Director of the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association. “This clothing drive is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together toward a common goal. We acknowledge that similar initiatives are supported by other organizations across the city, and hope that our collective efforts can inspire others to take action, especially as winter months pose significant challenges for many in our community.”

“The Warm Winter Clothing Drive exemplifies the heart and spirit of our city,” said Ka Vang, Meet Minneapolis Vice President of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access. “This collaboration between Meet Minneapolis, Hennepin Healthcare, and our tourism and hospitality industry is a shining example of how we can come together to ensure that everyone in our community has what they need to thrive. I’m proud to see Minneapolis lead with kindness and generosity.”

Finest Dish: Breakfast Fried Rice with YUM YUM Sauce at NOLO’s Kitchen and Bar

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Breakfast Fried Rice with YUM YUM SauceNOLO’s Kitchen and Bar in the North Loop is consistently turning out what they call modern American comfort food. You can expect breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch and happy hour to all be consistently tasty, made with the freshest ingredients, all while providing the elusive comfort factor. We noticed that one menu item received lots of glowing online recommendations – Breakfast Fried Rice with YUM YUM Sauce. We talked to co-owner Brett Johnson and Chef co-owner and Peter Hoff about the dish. Make plans to visit soon at 515 N Washington Avenue, order the dish and let us know what you think. 

Q:  Please tell us the history of the Breakfast Fried Rice (BFR). How do you balance traditional fried rice techniques with breakfast flavors?  

Peter:  We wanted to try something outside the box of the traditional breakfast options. Our BFR is made with jasmine rice, scrambled eggs, peas, sesame kale, bacon, homemade breakfast sausage and YUM YUM Sauce. The bacon and sausage help maintain the breakfast feel and flavors. The garnish with kale adds a different texture that really rounds out the dish. The BFR is hands down our top breakfast seller. 

Brett:  We have added BFR to the menu at The Hilltop in Edina because if its popularity. I was unsure if the reception to the dish would be the same as in the North Loop – because of slightly different demographics – but once diners realized how good the dish is – it speaks for itself and is very popular there as well.

I personally think that Chef Peter’s YUM YUM Sauce is the secret weapon in making the fried rice so unique and delicious. I think its popularity was definitely a little bit of a surprise to Chef Peter. 

Peter:  The dish is what led me to create Seven Bridges YUM YUM sauce. A little bit of the backstory: after decades as a chef, I got lucky enough to open a place of my own. And with the help of my partners in 2017 we created something special and opened NOLO's Kitchen and Bar. Although the YUM YUM sauce started out as a condiment on our Breakfast Fried Rice, I quickly noticed that our guests were putting it on everything. Some great ideas, others not so much. People were ordering excessive amounts of it on the side, buying quarts of it to take home and asking, “Why isn’t there something like this at the store?" I took their not-so-subtle hints as a call to action and here we are.

Q:  How did you decide on the balance of flavors in the sauce?

Brett:  I think it is the perfect blend of ginger, garlic and soy that gives it such a savory and appetizing flavor.

Q:  Was the YUM YUM Sauce originally intended to complement the BFR?

Peter:  Yes, originally intended for the breakfast fried rice but now you can find it complementing tacos, salads and entrees throughout the menu – at all times of the day!

Q:  Did the sauce evolve over time, or was it perfect from the start? 

Peter:  No tweaks needed!   

Q:  What’s the most surprising way you’ve seen that people use YUM YUM Sauce? 

Peter:  For me, I’ve seen lots of people, surprisingly, putting it on potatoes or chicken salads! Also smoked meats!

Q:  The YUM YUM Sauce story is so entrepreneurial and surprising – do you have any tips for aspiring food innovators? 

Peter:  Patience! Believe in yourself and the product. I also think networking with the right people can also help. We went all in pretty fast and we are already in not only larger grocery stores such as Kowalski’s, Von Hanson’s Meats but also some independent markets such as Brookies Fish Market in St. Louis Park. Don't be afraid to bet on yourself and put yourself out there. 

Q:  How may we follow your news? 

Peter:  Follow YUM YUM Sauce and me at @sevenbridgessauces on Instagram, and our website sevenbridgessauces.com. 

Brett:  Follow NOLO’s Kitchen on Facebook and Instagram @noloskitchen. Come on down and visit us in person and try the Breakfast Fried Rice with YUM YUM sauce!

Art Escape Room Experience Coming to the Northrup King Building

The Secret of the Lost Pyramid: An Art Escape Room Challenge

Looking for a fun and creative interactive experience? How about paint night meets escape room? Join Oya Arts in Suite 265 of the Northrup King Building in February, March or April for The Secret of the Lost Pyramid: An Art Escape Room Challenge.

  Dates and reservations

As an explorer, your mission is to solve a series of cryptic puzzles and riddles, unlocking each stage of your painting as you race against time. But beware - the Watchful Pharaoh sees all, and will stop at nothing to protect its secrets. Can you beat the clock? Every clue brings you closer to breaking the mystery, but the dangers grow with each stroke. Only by completing your masterpiece can you lift the veil of mystery and escape the pyramid alive.

Event Highlights

Immersive Setting: Step into the heart of a forbidden pyramid, where every shadow holds ancient secrets and hidden dangers.

Puzzle-Solving Adventure: Conquer cryptic puzzles and riddles that lead you deeper into the mystery, unlocking stages of your painting along the way.

Race Against Time: The clock is ticking—use each clue to get closer to breaking the mystery before time runs out.

The Watchful Pharaoh: Face off against the spirit of the Watchful Pharaoh, who will do anything to guard its secrets.

All-Inclusive: No art skills needed—just bring your courage and curiosity. All supplies are provided!

Unique Take-Home Artwork: Complete your masterpiece and escape with a one-of-a-kind creation and bragging rights!

Light Refreshments Provided: Enjoy tasty bites to fuel your creativity as you delve into the pyramid’s secrets.

Thrilling Experience: This is no ordinary art night—prepare for suspense, strategy, and a touch of luck to see if you can survive the challenge.

Sean Sherman to Appear on Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., February 4

Celebrity chef and Owamni founder, Sean Sherman, will be uncovering his own family history on this season of Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Mark your calendar to catch the February 4 episode. Fellow chef José Andrés will also be featured in this episode of the Emmy-nominated PBS docuseries.

Bridgewater Neighbors and Friends of the Arts Invites Mill District Neighbors to Opening Reception for Abstracted Perspectives, January 16

Bridgewater Neighbors and Friends of the Arts welcomes you to attend the January 16 Meet the Artists Reception for its latest exhibit, Abstracted Perspectives. Please RSVP at bnfacommittee@gmail.com. You can also take a virtual tour here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhoCHKYo9tE.

Lobster Week 2025 at the Nicollet Island Inn

For over a decade, Lobster Week has been the unofficial last hurrah of the holiday season at the Nicollet Island Inn, and Larry and Caryl invite you to enjoy a decadent lobster feast at their historic inn. Holiday decorations will remain throughout, set against the backdrop of the inn's elegant dining room, illuminated by crystal chandeliers and with views of the Merriam Street Bridge, now also illuminated and casting a lovely glow. Make your reservations now!

January 12 Fix-It Clinic at American Swedish Institute

At a Fix-It Clinic, volunteers help you dismantle, troubleshoot and repair your small household appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices and more. Learn valuable skills and reduce waste at the same time. Clinics are held from noon to 4pm, with the last items accepted at 3:30pm. Events are first come, first served. No pre-registration required. 

The next clinic is Sunday, January 12, at the American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue S.

A Discussion with Local Artist Alison Hiltner, Recipient of the 2024 International Sculpture Center Innovator Award

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

We Have Merely Been Detected

Minneapolis sculptor Alison Hiltner describes herself as an archeologist of science fiction. For the past ten years, her work has had the underlying theme of connection—how we communicate, feel, exist in harmony, and what causes discord. She was recently bestowed with the 2024 International Sculpture Center’s Innovator Award. The Center noted that “through her work, Hiltner invites audiences into imaginary worlds to discover their own forms of comfort.” We talked to her about how she defines innovation, her creative process and what’s on the horizon for her.

Alison Hiltner  Photo Credit Trina Fernandez, Brian Matthew Hart

Q:  Congratulations on winning the 2024 International Sculpture Center (ISC) Innovator Award. Did you submit an individual sculpture, or was your overall body of work considered for the award?

A:  I submitted three work samples of different pieces and a link to my website, so I’d guess, in this instance, my larger body of work was taken under consideration.

Q:  How do you define innovation in the context of your art? 

A:  That is an excellent question and a very complex one. I can give my answer, but there are many more answers out there, especially since, in a very real way, the most effective art is all about pushing boundaries and innovating. For me, innovation means constantly striving to realize the images, instances, and experiences you want others to experience. Innovation is a way of sharing your dreams with others in a way they, too, can understand. 

Q:  Please describe your creative process and how you approach developing a sculpture.

A:  I love these questions; they make me think. I've been doing this for a long time, and it’s fascinating to realize how much of the process becomes second nature. However, it is important to reflect not only on what you are doing but also on everyone else around you so you don’t miss the essential questions other people are asking, the unique gifts they have, and how you can do that justice or translate this knowledge into an experience that tiptoes around the universal but feels profoundly personal. Aside from that, research and experimentation are my guiding light, plus the genuine joy of making the impossible possible; nothing is ever finished; it's always in process.

Q:  How do you think technology and new media are shaping the field of sculpture?

A:  Art, regardless of discipline or medium, reflects our culture. Technology can be utilized in its creation or a focus in the conceptual conversation. We live in a world where the norm is rapidly evolving technology. Whether adopting technological tools as part of your process or actively avoiding their influence, cultivating new ways of sharing experiences is constantly reshaping our world. This has happened since humans realized they could affect their reality using tools.

Above and below - photos from the 2024 installment of Part of Our Lives Once Removed

Q:  You’re a multimedia artist - how do you select the materials and techniques for your pieces?

A:  I want everything I include in a piece to have a story and a purpose. Still, it can be simple and concrete. I use material to bring someone into a setting, mindset, or experience. Sometimes, though, we are very simply drawn to certain things with no rhyme or reason; that is why repetition is so common in nature and human behavior. We repeat what feels right, at times so instinctual that the only truthful answer can be summed up by it literally feels like something I should use.

Q:  How do you see your work contributing to social change or community engagement? Can you share an example of how your art has sparked dialogue or impacted a community?

A:  Knowing if you are contributing or not is truly a unicorn I will always chase; in other words, it is hard to know - especially when most artists rarely get feedback from a community. IF we are very lucky, individuals will share their experiences, and that has happened to me a few times, primarily with children, to be honest, and I would not want it any other way. One of the best was a little boy telling me he wants to think like me when he grows up, and I can’t think of a better impact than that - passing on how you see the world to new generations.

Q:  What advice would you give other sculptors looking to push boundaries in their work?

A:  Remember that you are limitless. Barriers will always exist, but it is your job to push past them, to deny them, and to prove them wrong. And none of this is easy; it’s probably one of the hardest things you will ever do.

Q:  What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or directions you’re excited about? How may we follow your news?

A:  I have some ideas cooking in my head, but they still need to finish baking. My subsequent work will continue my most recent body of work, Our Lives Once Removed. To sum up, I am actively pursuing conversations with plants. My next scheduled exhibition is in the fall of 2025 at The Practice Gallery in Philadelphia. And people can follow me @alisonhiltner on Instagram, or my website, www.alisonhiltner.com.