Muffins: Although summer has not yet descended, apparently there is enough buzz about the much anticipated ascension that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has decided to help us prepare. In the event that you are not “chosen” to rapture on Saturday – here are my picks for the best things to do with yourself.
Featured Event
Uptown the Musical
Intermedia Arts, Uptown Minneapolis
2822 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
Small venues do not always produce small results – not that I am a size queen. Intermedia Arts is the perfect venue for Uptown the Musical due to its size. The show is a quick one-act that plays like a novella. Replete with an anti-corporate, hipster message filled with urban angst the company is solid despite the vocal inconsistencies. The two female roles are played by actors who are capable of using the venue to their advantage. The unexpected Duncan, played by Jon Michael Stiff, should be submitting audition tapes to all of the television shows ‘cause this kid’s got talent! His frame and demeanor belie his ability to belt it out and with his set of pipes he is certain to blow a few socks off. Make no mistake that for the dime this production is well worth the time. Box Wine Theater is a production company to keep your eyes on while they grow and mature their talents.
Box Wine Theatre presents “Uptown: the Musical” by Adam Sharp and Bethany Simmons with music by John McConville.
Join us for a musical journey through Uptown as the locals fight to save that thing that makes them “Uptowners!”
Cast:
Kyler Chase, Andi Cheney, Sarah Frazier, Oliver Sharp, Cody Stewart, Jon Michael Stiff, and Milo Weil.
Live Band:
Anthony Bloch, John McConville, Jason McLean, and Chad Sclavi.
PERFORMANCE @7:00 // THU 5/19
PERFORMANCE @7:00 // FRI 5/20
PERFORMANCE @7:00 // SAT 5/21
PERFORMANCE @3:30 // SUN 5/22 (pay what you can)
PERFORMANCE @7:00 // THU 5/26
PERFORMANCE @7:00 // FRI 5/27
PERFORMANCE @7:00 // SAT 5/28
PERFORMANCE @3:30 // SUN 5/29 (pay what you can)
Tickets: $10-$15 sliding scale
Check or cash ONLY at the door.
**Discount with Fringe button, student ID, or if you bike or take public transportation to the performance.**
This weekend
Farmer’s Markets, Bike Rides and Fast Bites oh my!
They’re BACK and featuring all the goodness a Minnesota summer beholds. Why not take one in and appreciate the options including the organic vendors at the Mill City Farmer’s Market . Don’t want to fight the traffic downtown or worry about parking? Bike it! Having recently surpassed Portland as the most bike friendly city in the U.S. it is easy to find routes and resources to get around on two wheels. If you haven’t tried the Nice Ride bikes you should definitely take into consideration that they are offering a discounted membership through May 31, 2011. While you are at the market by the Guthrie consider stopping at any one of a number of nearby restaurants for a quick lunch. Spoon River , Sea Change and Kindee Thai Restaurant are all adjacent the market but I have to admit that if you are looking for a quick nosh around the corner you might want to try the new grilled cheese for adult palates at Caribou.
Sunday
Harvey Milk Day March (2011)
Sunday, May 22 · 1:00pm – 4:00pm
1pm @ Uptown Walker Library, then March to Loring Park for 2pm Rally
2880 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN
Safe Schools and Workplaces!
Full Equality Now!
1:00PM Meet at Walker Library in Uptown and march to Loring Park
2:00PM Rally in the Park
…
Join us on Harvey Milk’s birthday to remember him and other important figures from the LGBTQ rights movement, and demonstrate to Minneapolis that there is a strong movement in the Twin Cities fighting for full equality/safety/freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people. Bring your own sign, banner, drum etc to the march.
Confirmed speakers include Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak, and LGBT political leaders like Councilmember Gary Schiff, Senator Scott Dibble, Representative Karen Clark. Youth leader Sean Simonson, Representatives from OutFrontMN, MN-NOW, Marriage Equality Minnesota, Javier Morillo-SEIU President local 26, local faith leaders, outspoken advocates from Greater Minnesota, and other LGBT heroes and leaders from our community! Music by Minnesota Freedom Jazz Band, Wild Colonial Bhoys, David Kottke, and Khari Jackson poetry slam champion.
We need to take the example of the successful struggles of the past and build a broad social movement, that is independent from mainstream party politics and links up with the struggles of other groups fighting for Equality and Liberation.
****Followed by a Gathering @ Joe’s Garage after the Rally****
On the Horizon
Youth Pride 2011
Thursday, June 2 · 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Loring Park
Minneapolis, MN
Bring your entire GSA or support group!
Come meet other GLBT and allied youth from all over the Twin Cities!
Stay for the free food, entertainment, raffle, fun and games!
It is a fun day of playing, music, spoken word, food and info sharing
Generally between 80-150 young people from GSA’s and schools from
the metro and greater metro area come together for this end of the
school year celebration – this event is for ages under 21. If you have any questions please contact Katie Burgess [email protected] or 612.363.7574
*this is a drug, alcohol & tobacco free event
Golden GRRRLS
Friday, June 3 at 8:00pm – June 4 at 2:00am
This is a benefit to raise money and awareness for The Aliveness Project – Positive Impact Fund. The goal is to raise funds for The Aliveness Project Capital Building Fund.
By bringing together many different facets of the LGBT community, we will produce an entertaining night celebrating the accomplishments of 40 years by Drag Performers of the Twin Cities.
To highlight the endless assistance of these Drag Performers, in raising funds for over 50 different Minnesotan organizations and businesses, a special honorary show will be held. This will include local actors, singers, and cabaret performers. HEADLINER: JACKIE BEAT!
The gathering of 100 honorees will also gather and perform! This will set a Guinness World Record for Most Drag Performers in a Single Performance. An Adjudicator from Guinness World Records will be on hand to validate this event.