Marcy-Holmes “Box Fresh” Utility Wraps Project

The Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association (MHNA) commissioned six local artists to create original artwork to cover utility boxes throughout Marcy-Holmes.  These utility boxes, formerly covered with graffiti, are now permanently wrapped with original designs.

The “Box Fresh” Utility Wraps Project is a collaboration of the MHNA and The Soap Factory.  Images range from a city nightscape and vintage photo booth to contemporary and conceptual designs.

Friends of the Mississippi annual “Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River” set for October 1

Friends of the Mississippi has held their annual “Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River” since 2002.   This year’s location is the Weisman Art Museum, overlooking the beginning of the River Gorge, and a beautiful place to celebrate the Twin Cities stretch of the Mississippi River.

This year’s event will feature playwright and storyteller Kevin Kling as the guest speaker. Kevin is perhaps best known for his popular commentaries on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” and his storytelling stage shows like “Tales from the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log”. He delivers hilarious, often tender autobiographical tales that are as enchanting as they are true to life: hopping freight trains, getting hit by lightning, performing his banned play in Czechoslovakia, growing up in Minnesota, and eating things before knowing what they are. His storytelling started when a friend from the now defunct Brass Tacks Theatre asked him to perform his stories. Since then, he has been awarded numerous arts grants and fellowships. The National Endowment for the Arts, The McKnight Foundation, The Minnesota State Arts Board, The Bush Foundation, The Jerome Foundation and others have recognized Kling’s artistry. On October 1, he will be highlighting the Mississippi River in his tales and stories.

The live auction will feature delicious food and beer experiences, outings, art, and far away destinations – all with a link to the Mississippi River! More details will follow in the coming months.  Expect fantastic hors d’oeuvres and beverages, the company of fellow river lovers, a testimonial or two, and more.

NOTE - The evening is invitation only, and invitations will be sent in August. Please contact John at jbriel@fmr.org or 651-222-2193 x19 to receive an invite.

Public Invited to Attend Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Ecological System Plan Meetings August 7 & 27

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) are preparing the first-ever Ecological System Plan. This plan will set a vision for making parks and public lands more friendly to the environment.

The initial Public Meeting is August 7, 5:30-7:30pm, at the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board, 2117 West River Road.

The Ecological System Plan will seek to first understand the ecology of the city and watershed, then plan for parks and public lands management and improvements that benefit both humans and nature. It will address specific threats such as climate change, decreasing water quality, explosion of invasive species, increasing runoff, and fragmentation of habitat. It will envision a more environmentally sound way of managing the impacts of the city, so that the city can be cleaner, greener, cooler, and more efficient.

 Specifically, the ecological system plan will:

• Compile, create, and illustrate city-wide ecological data;
• Craft a vision for natural resources and public lands within the watershed and city;
• Outline guiding principles for management; and
• Challenge the community to rethink the city around them—from the local neighborhood park to the Grand Rounds to backyards—in terms of ecological function, benefit, and health

In addition to attending the first CAC meeting, the public may provide input and stay informed about the project in the following ways:  

• Visit the project website to stay up to date on the project and see some of the amazing maps and drawings we plan to create. Go to www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects and select “Ecological System Plan.”
• Attend the second CAC meeting scheduled for August 27 and another in October, the exact date of which is to be determined. All CAC meetings will take place from 5:30-7:30 pm at MPRB headquarters.
• Attend any of the planned community events that will take place in the parks over the next year and a half. More details will be made available on the project website as these events are scheduled and planned.
• Sign up to receive e-mail updates by subscribing on the project website or at www.minneapolisparks.org/subscribe or, if you are already a subscriber, by adding “Ecological System Plan” to your subscription preferences.

[Download] West Bank Interpretive Vision - Final Draft

Excerpt from the introduction to the West Bank Interpretive Vision:

The West Bank of St. Anthony Falls was once an internationally known industrial complex built on the only waterfall on one of the world’s great rivers. Today the waterfall and river are attracting millions of visitors each year, many of whom enjoy the historical, cultural, and natural resources of the area.

What draws people to St. Anthony Falls has changed through time. The powerful river that flows over the falls had once sustained native people; today the falls remain a spiritual place for the Dakota. When early tourists traveled far and wide to admire wonders of nature, the falls became a sought-after destination. When rivers powered the nation’s industry, the falls produced enough energy to run the greatest milling center the world had ever known. When only railroads linked western farms to manufacturing centers and international ports, the falls stood at a critical hub of the nation’s rail network. The falls have long sustained an enduring confluence of human and natural systems

As a center for industry, the West Bank reached its zenith between the 1880s and 1920s, when Minneapolis was known as the “flour milling capital of the world.” In the decades that followed much of the area’s waterpower, milling, and railroad complex was buried, removed, or lost to fire. What remains is an extraordinary archaeological resource that holds memorable stories and large-scale artifacts, that if revealed would astonish today’s visitors. The area also holds stories of the falls that transcend history—in relationships with people and animals that are as present today as they have been for millennia.

Stay tuned for when the download of the West Bank Interpretive Vision is available!  Sorry for the error.

Fireworks Finale Framed by the Guthrie Theater

A glass half empty view might be that the fireworks Saturday night on the riverfront were partially blocked while watching from our balcony. I thought the silhouette of the Guthrie provided an interesting frame for the video. You be the judge:

Health Through Chaos - New Book by Local Author

"Health Through Chaos" by Claudia Kittock, with Ryne & Tyler Kittock is available for a few days as a free Kindle download on Amazon.com before reverting to normal pricing.

"Health Through Chaos is a personal journey through cancer, and my eventual return to health. Shortly after I turned 53, I had my first colonoscopy as part of my yearly physical. Thirty seconds into the procedure, the doctor found colon cancer. I spent the next 2 years having multiple surgeries, radiation, and over a year of chemotherapy. I am happy and blessed to be cancer free, with the sincere hope of remaining so.

The most shocking part of the experience was to discover that once the treatments were over, my journey had just begun. Healing my body and soul was a long and arduous process with little guidance or help. I had to discover how to get well on my own, and after 3 years of daily effort, found myself well again.

My book is about that part of the journey, sharing what I discovered, my triumphs and my mistakes. It was not a journey of finding the one ‘right thing’ to do but rather discovering that there is no one thing. There are many facets of wellness and some are obvious and some very small, but each is vital. It’s a personal journey, but an empowering and life altering one.

This book is not intended for cancer patients only. It is intended for anyone hoping to regain their health and for people who have never been healthy."

Download for free in the next few days on Amazon...

2nd Annual Riverfront Fest is August 1 at Sheridan Memorial Park

Join neighbors and friends for the second annual Riverfront Fest at the new Sheridan Memorial Park!  6:00pm to Sunset.(click here for map)

- FOOD TRUCKS (Stanley's, Undead Franks, Scratch, Tin Fish, and El Taco Riendo)
- LIVE MUSIC
- CRAFT BEER
- KID'S ACTIVITIES
- WATER ACROBATICS FROM TWIN CITIES RIVER RATS
- BIKE TUNE UP CORRAL
 
Sponsored by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership, the East Minneapolis Exchange Club, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Week 12 at the Mill City Farmers Market

July 26 was Bike to the Market Day, featuring a Community Partner line up including Minneapolis Bike Coalition, Nice Ride, Commuter Connection, and The Hub Bike Co-op.

Of course Nicholas from Buffalo by Bike embraced the day's theme.  :)

Yay - the long beans are back!

Yet another refreshing flavor combination from Sonny's.  Loved it!

These Zula juices are so good.  I drink them straight up, and also use them as a base for veggie smoothies.  The Cashew Dream makes a great healthy dessert smoothie - just add fresh fruit and ice. I've also done the 4-day Juice Cleanse twice, and can't even put into words how wonderful I feel both during and after.

Note to Dave - that's not how selfies work...

The goat. :)

July 26 West River Parkway Closure for Aquatennial Party and Fireworks

West River Parkway between 4th Ave and Portland Avenue will be closed Saturday, July 26, from approximately Noon to 11:30pm for the 75th Annual Aquatennial Celebration street party and Fireworks.

The Target Fireworks show is one of the largest in the country, and will light up the Minneapolis sky at 10:00pm with a spectacular pyrotechnic display.  In addition to the amazing firework show, enjoy pre-firework festivities starting at 6 pm.

Also note - the section of West River Parkway between 4th Street South to Franklin Avenue continues to be closed as a result of a mudslide earlier this summer.

A complete list of current and upcoming parkway closures is available online.

2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival Sneak Peek #2

Between now and the July 31 kick off, we'll post snippets of info on some of the show options for the 2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival.

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IT ONLY TAKES ONE: A NEW MUSICAL
Written & Directed by K. D. Howells
 
FEATURING: Curtis Roth, Molly McElroy, Cory Fox, Camille Isadora Smith, Liem Nguyen, Jon Heinen, Cassandra Schneider, Collin Howells, & Thomas Lorendo, Jr.

SYNOPSIS: 
A business man's morning commute is intersected by a beautiful woman who cares for people on the street. Are people worth loving? Is the world worth saving? Wouldn't it just be easier to do what's expected of us? Come play the Hero of this story as an audience member in your seat.
 
This musical turns the tables on conventional theater. The show begins by accusing participants of not living the life they were meant to live. Lyrically intense, it asks such questions like "Why can't we try to live a better life?" and dares its viewers to "Keep this [feeling] with you, when you leave tonight." It showcases a range of musical styles; inspirational chorus songs, dramatic prayers, insightful street rapping, intense power ballads, and even a loving lullaby. Stuffed full of inner-struggle, intellectual debates, and poignant ups-and-downs in the fight to make a difference, each Hero must decide for themselves what he or she needs to do outside of the play. “It Only Takes One” is an stirring, eye-opening reminder of the simple fact that it only takes one person and one moment to change everything…and it all starts with you.
 
FOLLOW US FOR SHOW UPDATES!
www.facebook.com/ItOnlyTakesOneNewMusical

BUY TICKETS AT:
www.fringefestival.org/2014/show/?id=2640

SHOW TIMES:
Friday August 1st @10:00 pm
Saturday August 2nd @ 7:00 pm
Monday August 4th @ 8:30 pm
Wednesday August 6th @ 5:30 pm
Saturday August 9th @ 7:00 pm
 
LOCATION: 
U of Minnesota Rarig Center, Xperimental Black Box Theater, Lower Level
330 21st Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55455

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#RELATIONSHIPSTATUS CELEBRATES MARRIAGE EQUALITY AT MINNESOTA FRINGE

#RelationshipStatus brings the topic of Minnesota's marriage equality center stage during this year's Fringe Festival. A subject still fresh in the minds of many Minnesotans, the show focuses on the impact the legislation had on the individuals in Minnesota’s LGBT community..

#RelationshipStatus brings the stories of real (and not-so-real) gay and lesbian people to the stage.  The show’s producer and co-creator, Laura D. Thaisen, said of the show, “The first date between my partner and I was the catalyst for #RelationshipStatus. It became an important story – and scene – about the unsolicited, unplanned, and comical reactions following the passage of same-sex marriage. We wanted to bring stories like ours to life, and create something genuine that would speak to audiences.”

Brought to you by Someday, Wine Productions, #RelationshipStatus will appear onstage at the Mixed Blood Theatre August 1^st – August 9^th as part of the 2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival. Visit fringefestival.org for more information, and to purchase tickets for a specific show date.

ABOUT SOMEDAY, WINE PRODUCTIONS – A fledgling theatre company based in the Twin Cities, Someday, Wine Productions presents #RelationshipStatus as its first ever production for the stage.  Producer Laura D. Thaisen, who founded the company in 2014, is proud to debut the show at this year’s Fringe Fest.

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44 SCENES IN LESS THAN 1 HOUR

Fifth Planet, 44 Scenes, 55-Minutes!  A one-act comedy, written by Tony Award/Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, David Auburn, presented by Joking Apart Theater at the 2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival.

Directed by Jean Wolff and starring Julie Ann Nevill and Edwin Strout, this comedy follows the developing, and often contentious, relationship between two astronomers over the course of a year.  Too fixated on the stars and in flat denial of the direness of their own individual relationships, they set about taking out their frustrations on each other.

Julie Ann Nevill and Edwin Strout have been working in the Twin Cities’ Theater Community for over 20 years, and Jean Wolff has been working here for 13 years.

Joking Apart Theater has presented productions of Amaretti Angels, The Friar and the Nurse and That’s MISTER Benchley To You, Mrs. Parker(Voted “Best of the Fringe” in 2003) at prior Minnesota Fringe Festivals.

Fifth Planet will be presented at Theater in the Round on:
Thursday, July 31 – 8:30 PM
Saturday, August 2 – 5:30 PM
Sunday, August 3 – 2:30 PM
Wednesday, August 6 – 10:00 PM
Saturday, August 9 – 5:30 PM

For a press photo of Fifth Planet contact Edwin Strout, or for any additional information you may need.  Or feel free to visit Joking Apart Theater’s pages at www.facebook.com/jokingaparttheater or http://www.fringefestival.org/2014/show/?id=2733. 

West River / James I. Rice Parkway Trail Improvement Project Update

Via a July 24 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

West River / James I. Rice Parkway Trail Improvement Project Update

The West River / James I. Rice Parkway Trail Improvement project has been bid; three were received. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) are in the process of evaluating the apparent low bid. If the bid meets all requirements, construction is expected to begin sometime in September 2014. Projected completion is in the summer of 2015. Construction will begin at the south end of the project area at Franklin Avenue. Trail detours will be posted and the construction schedule will be updated regularly on the West River / James I. Rice Parkway Trail Improvements project page.

As the construction drawings were developed and the concept for the trails was brought into line with the budget available, some adjustments to the concept plan were made and some items identified by the Community Advisory Committee as lower priority project components were eliminated.

James I. Rice Parkway Trail:

• At the parking lot just south of Plymouth Avenue, the trail connection requested by the North Loop Neighborhood Association from the Star Tribune building to the east side of the James I. Rice Parkway was eliminated. (The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board does not own the property east of the parkway in this area.)
• The Cedar Lake Regional Trail intersection with the parkway will be improved with ADA-compliant ramps and a Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon which can be activated for safer crossing of the parkway.
• The River Goddess sculpture, located within a newly aligned segment of the trail across from the Federal Reserve building, will be relocated and modified. Several of the smaller pre-cast fossils will be installed under the sand surfacing in the 4^th Ave NE Playground for children to discover. Three of the four boulder formations and the two larger pre-cast concrete fossils will be moved riverward of their existing locations. The southernmost boulder formation, which is crumbling, will be eliminated.
• The two raised seating platforms and a seating area with low walls, located riverward of the Post Office, will be demolished to improve sight lines and safety.
• The bicycle and pedestrian trail connection to the Stone Arch Bridge will be improved and the southernmost driveway of the parking lot near Portland will be eliminated.

West River Parkway Trail:

• The existing plank trail opposite the Mill City Museum will be repaired; severely warped and rotted planks will be replaced.
• The separated concrete pedestrian trail, proposed for the southern end of Mill Ruins Park opposite the Guthrie, has been eliminated due to cost.
•  MnDOT approved the width and alignment of the existing trail width opposite Gold Medal Park. The trail will be reconstructed in its existing alignment with no increase in width.
• A trailhead with a kiosk and drinking fountain is added to the south end of Bohemian Flats.
• A 12’ wide combined use (pedestrian and bicycle) asphalt trail will be constructed between Bohemian Flats and South 4^th Street, in lieu of two separated trails. Space for separate trails is available, but a combined trail in this segment was more affordable.
•   Across from Riverside Park and south of the mudslide area, in a narrow strip of parkland between the existing paths and the river wall, the MPRB would have liked to install a retaining wall with safety fence to support the new combined path and the required safety zones.  However, the estimate for the wall did not fit within the allotted funding.  The solution was to construct a 2:1 slope with a safety fence.  To construct the slope, all vegetation and trees will be cleared.  The new slope will be seeded to native grasses and wildflowers, but, given the limited access for equipment, maintenance staff will not be able to mow the slope and will have to use other measures to maintain the area.  
•  Due to budget constraints, all tree planting for the project between Portland and Franklin Avenues was eliminated.  The MPRB will work with MPRB’s Forestry department and local not-for-profits to seek additional funds for tree planting.
• The improvements to the Franklin Avenue intersection with West River Parkway were eliminated from the project scope due to budget constraints.

Please contact Deb Bartels, MPRB Planning Project Manager, at dbartels@minneapolisparks.org or (612) 230-6438 with any questions.

Tonight (July 24): Riverfront Vitality Forum

  

* * * 7/24/14 UPDATE - SOLD OUT! * * *

Time: 6pm to 7:30pm
Location: Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, 2522 Marshall Street NE

Minneapolis Upper Harbor Terminal –  What's Next for the 48 Acres of Riverfront Property?
 
With the closing of the Upper Harbor Terminal along the Mississippi Riverfront in North Minneapolis at the end of 2014, 48 acres will be available for development.
 
Join a panel of local experts as we discuss the question:
 
How do we redevelop in a way that both creates jobs and provides a meaningful place to live, work and interact with our environment?  What does that mean in an urban setting?
 
The panel will be kicked off by City Council President Barb Johnson.  The panel includes experts from the City, Park Board, Metropolitan Council, development community and the National Park Service, including:

• Joe Mullery, Northside neighborhood resident, Minnesota House of Representatives
• Gary Cunningham, Council Member, Metropolitan Council
• John Anfinson, Interim Superintendent, National Park Service
• Kjersti Monson, Director of Long Range Planning, City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development
• Kristin Guild, Business Development Manager, City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development
• Bruce Chamberlain, Assistant Superintendent for Planning, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
• Kit Richardson, Principal, Schafer Richardson

Space is limited. Click here to reserve your ticket now!

MPRB Announces August 2nd Ówamni: Falling Water Festival

Via a July 21 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Free Family Event on August 2 – Ówamni: Falling Water Festival

Join us on Saturday, August 2 from 2 p.m. until dark at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park for Ówamni: Falling Water Festival. This new one day free event celebrates indigenous Minnesota culture with music, art, food, a movie under the stars and more.

Music

Ówamni will celebrate indigenous voices, connecting both locally and nationally through music featuring Chase Manhattan, Tall Paul, Bluedog, Wade Fernandez, Scatter Their Own, and Keith Secola. For more information on the music line-up, please contact Jewell Arcoren (612- 385-7528) or Denise Nelson (612-205-1682).

Art

An arts fair area focused on American Indian contemporary traditional and fine arts will showcase the talents of Anishinaabe, Hochunk, and Dakota visual artists. Woodland style painter Gordon Coons will exhibit his paintings and prints alongside painters James Autio, and Karen Savage-Blue. Dakota textile artist Gwen Westerman and other indigenous artists including Doug Limon, Pat Kruse, Melanie Sainz, and James Simas will be featured. Traditional artists Cheryl Minnema, Pat Kruse, and Denise Lajimodiere will demonstrate beadwork and birchbark traditions of the Anishinaabe. Original art, prints, cards, baskets and other items will be for sale by the artists.

The Sioux Chef and Native Food Perspective will both be making and selling local indigenous foods.

Outdoor Movie: The Jingle Dress (test screening)

Filmed in Minnesota, this movie was produced by William Eigen. The story line follows John Red Elk who pulls up stakes and takes his family off the reservation and down to the big city to find out how his long lost Uncle Norton died. Through the fresh eyes of his eight year old daughter, Rose, we follow the family as they discover a new, urban culture and gain insight into their own ancient, indigenous society.

This event is made possible by a grant from the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. Events partners include the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, Minnesota Historical Society, and Dream of Wild Health, with help from media sponsor KFAI 90.3 Fresh Air Radio.

Live Music

Secola – Rock/Folk

Keith Secola is Anishinaabe. He is an icon and ambassador of Native music. He is one of the most influential artists in the field today. Keith is a songwriter of the people. Critics have dubbed him as the Native versions of both Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen. A seven-time Native American Music Award winner, Secola has earned NAMMYs not only for his music, but also his abilities as a producer, to include The Best Linguistic Recording for producing ANISHINABEMOIN (2007).

Scatter Their Own - Alternative Rock

Scatter Their Own is an alternative rock duo of Oglala Lakota ancestry from the Pine Ridge Reservation of South Dakota. They are currently ranked in the top 40 by “Buzz Rating” in the battleofthebands.com competition.

Tall Paul – Hip-Hop

Tall Paul of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is an accomplished Hip Hop/Rapper performing artist from Minneapolis. His bilingual Ojibwe-English hit single titled "Prayers in a Song" garnered more than 200,000 YouTube views in the first two weeks.

Chase Manhattan – Hip-Hop

Chase Manhattan is an award nominee Hip Hop/Rapper performing artist and CEO of Shanob Entertainment based out of the Twin Cities. His music is influenced by his big brother and native roots: Oglala, Anishinaabe and Muscogee Creek.

Bluedog – Blues/Rock

Bluedog is an award winning band from Minneapolis and was the Native American Music Award Winner for Group of the Year (2010). In July of 2010, Bluedog's single "Get Up, Get Out" was nominated for best blues recording for the Indian Summer Music Awards.

Wade Fernandez – Blues/Rock

Wade Fernandez is from the Menominee nation of Wisconsin and is an award-winning vocals, guitar, songwriting, native flute & drumming. Wade is the winner of the National Community Spirit Award (2010), the North American ISMA award winner for "Best Contemporary Instrumental" and best "Country" (2007), NAMMY winner "Best Male Artist of the Year" (2006), and the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers "Writer of the Year" (2001).

2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival Sneak Peek #1

Between now and the July 31 kick off, we'll post snippets of info on some of the show options for the 2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival.

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Site-Specific Musical Walking Tour Debuts at Minnesota Fringe Festival

Minneapolis, MN – Catalog Models presents INTO THE UNREAL CITY, a new site-specific musical walking tour with script by Gemma Irish and music by Mark Sweeney. INTO THE UNREAL CITY premieres on July 31^st as part of the 2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival.

Where do we find meaning? In each other? Within ourselves? In the twilight cityscape? INTO THE UNREAL CITY begins with a song outside the University of Minnesota’s Rarig Center. From there, the audience is led on a journey (literally as well as metaphorically) back through the memory-scape of our main characters, Zeke and Bet. Actors perform in the doorways of buildings, sing on bridges, fight in the street, and otherwise piece together their lives on the sidewalks of the West Bank neighborhood.

"Bringing a musical into real world locations makes the ordinary seem larger than life,”notes composer Mark Sweeney. “The sound fills in every direction. But also walking down the street and singing feels instantly intimate and builds a connection between audience, actors and emotion."

Playwright Gemma Irish notes: “Our show is about finding meaning in our lives, figuring out how to be who we are and do what’s important. Being able to walk around and explore different parts of the neighborhood feels like a physical representation of the searching that’s happening in the show.”

Audience size for INTO THE UNREAL CITY is limited to 20 people. Tickets can be purchased at fringefestival.org, or at the Rarig Center box office on the day of each performance. The walking tour departs at 7 PM on each night of the Fringe Festival, July 31-August 10. The walking tour (and final musical number) concludes at a convenient distance from the Rarig. The show runs 50 minutes.

INTO THE UNREAL CITY

A new play by Gemma Irish with music by Mark Sweeney. Directed by Laura Leffler-McCabe.

Featuring:
Amber Davis
Russell Dugger
Shaina Ferguson
Laura Mason
Tristan Miller
Mark Sweeney

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Laura Leffler-McCabe (director) is a theatre maker, director, sometimes playwright, and performer whenever she can. She is the Artistic Director of Savage Umbrella and has directed, written, and performed in over 19 projects with SU since its inception in 2007, notably The Ravagers (co-writer, performer - Hypermnestra) and The Awakening (writer/director). Other theatrical adventures include Fishtank (Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Assistant Director), Come Hell and Highwater (The Moving Company, Assistant Director), By the Bog of Cats (Frank Theatre, Assistant Director), and Beaver Dance: A Holiday Marxist Fur Trade Musical (Bedlam Theatre, performer - Bemidji).

Catalog Models (producers)
Mark Sweeney has made theater in swimming pools, written musicals about exoplanets and robots, and performed on stages all over the Twin Cities. “Sweeney's script and songs are just as notable for the things they don't say as the things they do,” (Matthew Everett, TC Daily Planet). Gemma Irishhas written whip-smart scripts about quantum mechanics, gay marriage, and objectum sexuality. She has been described as “a very gifted writer with a penchant for colorful similes and metaphors that nail the emotional tenor of a situation," (Pioneer Press). INTO THE UNREAL CITY is their collaboration -a musical walking tour, a search for meaning, a celebration and an exploration of the human experience.

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WORLD PREMIERE OF AN ORIGINAL LOCAL MUSICAL SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY AT 2014 MN FRINGE FESTIVAL

Stranded off a desert highway on a road trip borne of necessity, a young musician goes on an odyssey of self-discovery with the characters of Greek myth.
 
That short description truly sets the stage for what might be this Fringe's most personal and uniquely-crafted musical. In an abbreviated format, this production will focus on the original music by the composer and star of the show, Anders Norheim Mattson.
 
This musical revue of sorts will feature new songs performed by a strong cast of singers, both veterans of the stage and up-and-coming performers. Each song examines the story of a Greek mythological character as well as the thoughts and tribulations of the main character. The composer says about the show, “It encompasses the last five years of my life as I went from a peak of creativity to financial and emotional depression and back, all in one really messed up day in the desert.”
 
To accompany the singers through this musical journey will be Casey Rusco on piano and the composer's mother, JoAnn Norheim, on violin. Along with the twelve original musical numbers, the show boasts costumes by local designer Ivan Idland.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy premieres at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage, 711 W. Franklin Ave.
• Friday, 8/1 * 10:00pm
• Sunday, 8/3 * 8:30pm
• Friday, 8/8 * 7:00pm
• Saturday, 8/9 * 1:00pm
• Sunday, 8/10 * 5:30pm

www.facebook.com/selfingprophecy
@selfingprophecy
Youtube

Grand Opening Celebration for Dinkytown Greenway Phase 3

The grand opening celebration of the Dinkytown Greenway - Phase 3 took place July 20. This new trail project provides a direct bicycle and pedestrian connection from the East Bank of the University of Minnesota to downtown Minneapolis by utilizing a tunnel under I-35W.

Council Members Jacob Frey and Cam Gordon lead bike rides from Gateway Park and TCF Bank Stadium, respectively, to meet up at the Bluff Street Park for an opening ceremony and ribbon cutting at 1:30pm. In addition to Frey and Gordon, speakers included Mayor Hodges, Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Commissioner Scott Vreeland, Hennepin County 4th District Commissioner Peter McLaughlin and several others. Following the ceremony, the group departed on a ceremonial ride thru the tunnel.

Council Member Jacob Frey addressing the crowd

The inaugural ride through the Dinkytown Greenway tunnel under I-35W

Photos from the event

Week 11 at the Mill City Farmers Market

Well, hello, you spectacular blueberries! We've been expecting you.  :D

There are plenty of cheese options at the Market to pair with chocolate from French Nugget.

The wait is over - Wild Run Salmon is back.

Orange Mighty Trio!

The Market staff conduct ongoing quick-to-answer surveys throughout the season to gain insight on what draws people to the MCFM.

Display of the Day goes to Down in the Valley Bakehouse.  Their wonderful gluten-free treats used to be displayed inside a case. At the July 19 Market, everything was out in the open, making them pretty irresistible.

This was the first Market in 5 years that Lynne Reeck of Singing Hills Goat Dairy wasn't able to attend - so The Goat got to wear her hat.

We shop 'til the bags are full! :)

July 25-31 Programming from The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

Showing July 25-31: Multiple Goya Award winning Beatles infused road movie: LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED.  More info here: http://mspfilm.org/films-and-events/living-is-easy-with-eyes-closed/

Showing July 25-31:  Mysterious coming of age drama starring Silas Yelich, Peter Scanavino, Lili Taylor: THE COLD LANDS.  More info here: http://mspfilm.org/films-and-events/the-cold-lands/

July 26 One night only: As part of The Film Society’s Dark Out genre film series is Award winning Spanish director Manuel Martin Cuenca’s deliciously bizarre romance: CANNIBAL. More info here: http://mspfilm.org/films-and-events/cannibal/

Updated summer schedule here: http://mspfilm.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/society.summercalendar.1.pdf

Film Society upcoming Programming Calendar here: http://bit.ly/UrKz5z

Start Planning - 2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival Starts in 2 Weeks!

 

Minnesota Fringe Festival  July 31 – August 10

The Minnesota Fringe is an 11-day uncurated performance festival featuring original theater, dance and musical productions. Founded in 1994, the Minnesota Fringe is one of the oldest and largest fringe festivals in the country.

Check out the website - you can sort by Show (there are 169), Tickets (Single show, Multi-Show Passes, Kids Passes, Student Passes, Ultra Pass), or Venue (there are 19).  With so many options, it's a good idea to start planning now!

Friends of the Hennepin County Library Announces 2014 Talk of the Stacks Line Up

Talk of the Stacks is a reading series exploring contemporary literature and culture, held at the Minneapolis Central Library. Programs are free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served. Programs begin at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:15 pm. Books are available for sale and signing. Signing follows lecture.

Funding provided by National Endowment for the Arts.
Additional support provided by MinnPost and Magers and Quinn Booksellers.

Upcoming Events

August 11 Talk of the Stacks with J.A. Jance

September 10 Talk of the Stacks with Lorna Landvik

October 11 Talk of the Stacks with Steven Pinker

 

October 30 Talk of the Stacks with Dana Cowin

 November 18 Talk of the Stacks with Michael Bazzett

Great River Road Public Open House - July 21 at Boom Island

Via a July 14 News Release from the Mississippi River Parkway Commission of Minnesota:

The public is invited to participate in activities to help guide a new Minnesota Great River Road Corridor Management Plan. This summer, the Great River Road project team will be providing opportunities for the public to share their stories, places and connections they have with the Mississippi River and the land along the scenic byway.

Open houses are scheduled to be held at locations along the Mississippi River, in Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Winona, Bemidji, Grand Rapids and Brainerd.  Please join your neighbors on Monday, July 21, at the Boom Island Park Picnic Shelter, 724 Sibley Street NE, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

The Great River Road is a National Scenic Byway consisting of a series of roads which follow along the route of the Mississippi River through 10 states; the longest 575 mile stretch winds through the state of Minnesota. From the headwaters of the Mississippi at Lake Itasca to the scenic bluffs leading to the Iowa border, the byway presents an opportunity to experience the natural, cultural and historical connection Minnesota has with the mighty Mississippi River.

The project also offers online opportunities to learn more about the Great River Road Corridor Management Plan or to participate in an online survey. Visit the Minnesota Great River Road website at http://www.mnmississippiriver.com/ or join our river exploration using Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram using @GreatRiverRdMN or Great River Road MN.

To request an ASL or foreign language interpreter, or other reasonable accommodations, call 651-341-4196 or email info@mnmississippiriver.com.