Downtown St. Paul Voice Oct 2019 by St. Paul Publishing Co.

Downtown St. Paul Exploring Public Art

Sample St. Paul

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Volume 25 | Number 10

Art Crawl returns Oct. 11-13 Ryan Funes Contributor

s autumn foliage begins to color the landscape, local artists are preparing to do the same. The Fall Art Crawl is just around the corner. Galleries big and small, as well as individual artist studios, will be open Oct. 11-13 for the public to view and purchase original art, and hob-knob with the artists. A new exhibit entitled “We Are Still Here” will be presented in the Schmidt Brew House Landmark Gallery, 900 7th St. W. Brenda Brousseau, director of the Crawl, helped curate the show, which features the work of 13 indigenous artists and is intended to “honor and tell the stories of the indigenous people that have been here and are still here.” It includes “Tribal Memories,” a collage of news clippings depicting the Native American experience, by contemporary artist Kent Estey. “It’s been important for us to move beyond the middle-class white artists that the St. Paul Art Crawl has been having for a long time,” said Linda Snouffer, co-president of the St. Paul Art Collective, which organizes the Crawl. Approximately 30 venues and more than 300 artists will participate in the Crawl, the highest number to date. Among them is the George Latimer Central Library, 90 4th St. W., which will feature a learning lab, with photography, paintings, ceramics and more from local artists. St. Paul’s East Side will have an Art Crawl / Page 2

Your Community News & Information Source

October 2019

Charting a course for the future McKee shares his goals for CRC

Self portrait by Roger Nielsen

LOWERTOWN PIONEERS:

Roger Nielsen and Master Framers Nigel Parry Contributor

Shevek McKee, new chair of CapitolRiver Council. John Molene Staff Writer

hevek McKee, a longtime professional mariner at Padelford Riverboats in St. Paul, is now navigating different kinds of waters. The lifelong resident of St. Paul is at the helm of CapitolRiver Council District 17 (CRC) and is helping the organization steer its way through an everchanging downtown landscape. He

was named board chair in July. CRC is one of 17 district councils for the City of St. Paul. The non-profit exists to engage downtown residents, business owners, workers and property owners in issues and projects that affect downtown St. Paul and the Capitol area. District 17 is comprised of about 9,000 downtown residents. McKee has an intimate knowledge Shevek McKee / Page 5

oger Nielsen has spent well over half a century avoiding being a jack-of-all-trades so he could be a master of one. At 79, he is known internationally for professional grade restoration of antique art, and for creating frames that grace the Minnesota State Capitol, Presidential libraries, and museums and galleries around the world. Nielsen’s career in framing began with a family friend, Tom Jewel, who literally stepped off the boat with Roger’s father. At the time, Roger was attending the Art Institute of Chicago, and Jewel framed several pieces of his artwork for a show. “With my youthful optimism, I assumed I’d just sell everything at the show,” Roger remembers with a smile. “Well, I sold one little drawing for $35 and I had a $485 framing bill, Roger Nielsen / Page 3

St. Paul gets $2M boost for the arts, workforce training Amy Johnson Staff Writer

he Knight Foundation recently awarded $2.15 million in grants to four St. Paul organizations to support the arts and workforce training in the city. The Minnesota Museum of American Art captured the largest amount, $1.5 million. The museum will use the funds to support an ongoing capital campaign at

its new location in the Pioneer Endicott building, 350 N. Robert St., which opened in December. The Creative Enterprise Zone received $200,000 to support the first Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival, which was held this September. The festival was created to help the RaymondUniversity neighborhood become a destination for creative individuals, ventures and organizations.

The Minnesota Opera received $100,000 to create and produce a new opera, “The Song Poet,” for youth performers. The opera is based on a memoir by St. Paul author Kao Kalia Yang, about her father’s experience immigrating to America. The St. Paul Downtown Alliance received $200,000 to create a Business Improvement District. This initiative entails working with private sector partners to increase

the city’s appeal to visitors, workers and residents. The Alliance is the organization behind Pop-Up entertainment events at the Central Station transit stop, and downtown beautification efforts. The St. Paul Public Library received $100,000 to support its Nicholson Workforce and Innovation Center at the George Latimer Central Library. The center helps residents learn

technical skills and tips for advancing their careers. Specifically, the donation will cover public programming, staff training and new technology equipment. The City of St. Paul received $50,000 to support its “Tech for All” plan. This program is designed to help residents find better jobs, as well as invest in the city’s future workforce, specifically youth of color and girls. Earlier this year, the

Knight Foundation awarded $1 million to Springboard for the Arts to help the organization establish a new location on the Green Line transit route that will serve as a hub for artists and residents, and to develop new ways to engage people in the arts. “There is little else that can inspire human connection and community attachment Service grant / Page 5

A rts & Culture Art Crawl

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Contest winner

from page 1

array of galleries and artists exhibiting their work, including Studio Payne, a 3-year-old gallery at 1129 Payne Ave. that sells the work of local artists. A photographer and painter from the studio will have a special exhibit during the Crawl. Studio Payne is just one of many art galleries and studios that have opened on the East Side in recent years, and Crawl organizers are helping spread the word about the burgeoning arts scene in that neighborhood. Getting around is made easier by a collaboration with Metro Transit, which will provide free rides to Crawl goers all three days. To obtain a pass, visit https:// stpaulartcollective.org/artcrawl/.

The winner of the Fall Art Crawl catalogue cover contest is Tara Merkt of Chelonidae Artistry. Her winning piece, “Vanishing,” was created on scratchboard coated with black ink. With a keen eye for photorealism, Merkt etched images of bees and flowers around a centerpiece. In the middle is a honeycomb swirling in a staircase-like pattern, with bees disappearing from view as it nears its center. Merkt is passionate about bees and wanted to highlight the concern of diminishing bee populations. She is a beekeeper, and between her full-time job and her art she manages to maintain a single hive of her own. “My artwork is not the typical art form you see at the Crawl,” said Merkt, who has a bachelor’s degree in studio art, a master’s degree in art therapy, and has participated in past Crawls.

“Being able to be a part of the art community and St. Paul and showing them the different varieties of art out there is quite huge.” The contest had two runner-up winners: Tom McGregor’s “Working River at Rest,” which depicts the Mississippi River waterfront in St. Paul at dusk, and DC Ice’s “The Percussion Discussion,” which features a fox among flowers and a record player in a word balloon above it. Merkt’s work can be found at Union Depot during the Crawl. McGregor will exhibit his works at the ACVR Warehouse on the West Side, and DC Ice will be at the Schmidt Artist Lofts. Crawl hours are 6-10 p.m. Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information on events, parking and gallery locations, visit https://stpaulartcollective.org/art-crawl/.

“Vanishing” by Tara Merkt was selected as the winning artwork of the Fall Art Crawl catalogue cover contest.

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St. on the West Side. The complex will be south of the Mississippi River and just south of Harriet Island Regional Park. The firm acquired the property Aug. 16 and was slated to begin construction as of press time. It is expected to be complete next fall, said spokesman Kyle Brasser. The complex will include studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, a

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fitness center and community center. Rents are projected to start at about $1,000 a month. The St. Paul City Council signed off on the project in August. It approved rezoning the property from industrial to residential, and a variance to allow the building to exceed the area’s 4-story height maximum. Waterford Bay Apartments - The 242-unit Waterford Bay Apartments will be built on the site of the former Xcel Energy Island Station power plant. The $58 million development at 380 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, is slated to begin in October and be completed in 24 months. The project is a first in the Twin Cities for Chicago-area developer Stoneleigh Cos., which ac-

quired the land in early July. The development will offer market-rate micro, studio, one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments in a three- and four-story building. The apartments will include 9-foot ceilings, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, USB outlets, LED lighting, high efficiency HVAC, SALTO keyless access system, high speed internet connectivity and private balconies. Plans for the site include paved walking and biking trails, a public kayak launch and connections to the regional trail system. The 10-acre parcel, which borders the Mississippi River near Shepard Road and Randolph Avenue, has been vacant since 2014.

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Roger Nielsen from page 1

which today would translate to $6,000. And here I was, an unemployed student, so I had to go and work off my bill. I was Tom’s first employee.” That business evolved into the largest picture frame supplier in the world. When Gabberts furniture store decided to offer picture framing, they hired Nielsen to open a frame shop, which turned out to be quite a challenge for him, then just 22 years old. “I had to design the space, buy all the equipment, and basically set the shop up from scratch,” he said. Two years later, after a falling out, Nielsen opened Nielsen’s Studio at 43rd and France avenues in Edina. “I ran that for a few years and then, like most people in that time, I got a divorce, went back to school, and became kind of a hippy and dropout, bought a farm in Wisconsin, and continued to make molding in my barn for frame shops in town.” In the mid-1970s, Nielsen opened Master Framers in an

abandoned Lowertown warehouse at 262 E. 4th St. In the early days, he framed all kinds of pictures, posters and mirrors in the 6,000-squarefoot space, in what he said was a mostly deserted neighborhood filled with “nothing but winos and pigeons.” “We ran that shop for a couple of years,” he recalls, “and we were getting bored with it – mostly framing posters and that sort of thing – so we decided that if we were going to stay in the framing business we were going to become one of the top frame shops in the country. So we started doing handfinishing and hand-carving, eventually developing quite a national reputation.” One of the things that made Master Framers unique was that it milled all of its own moldings, with enough knives in the shop to create approximately 450 patterns. Gilding also became a specialty. “We did a frame for the George H. W. Bush National Library,” said Nielsen. “The

artist called me up and said ‘I need a frame that’s similar to the one you did for Gerald Ford that’s hanging in the National Gallery.’ It was 10-by-10-foot, 12-inches wide, 8-inches deep. We had to make it hollow to make it lighter. It took us three days to make and used 3,700 sheets of 22 carat gold. At 90 cents a sheet in those days, there was over $3K of gold on it.” Master Framers has done many projects for the Minneapolis Institute of Art over the years. “We have about 35 major frames over there,” said Nielsen. “For one Gauguin (art by French painter Paul Gauguin) that we were contracted to frame, we were sent a ton of photos from another Gauguin that was hanging in the Louvre (in Paris, France). We had to reproduce that frame right down to the wormholes. I like to joke that we’re pretty good antique makers.” As well as providing affordable housing for artists in the 262 building on East Fourth Street for many years, Nielsen served as a member of the Lowertown Redevelopment

The Downtown St. Paul Voice is published monthly and delivered to every apartment, condominium and skyway drop in St. Paul’s historic urban village, as well as other locations throughout downtown St. Paul. Publisher & Editor: Contributors: Tim Spitzack Roger Fuller, George Derringer, Tara Guy and Ryan Funes Copy Editor: Leslie Martin Delivery: Independent Delivery Service Staff Writers: John E. Ahlstrom, John Molene, Amy Johnson For questions regarding news or advertising, call 651-457-1177

The Master Framers crew with the 10-by-10-foot frame they created for the George H. W. Bush National Library. Corporation for more than three decades, advocating for the artists’ community that had been one of the inspirations for investment in the neighborhood. Construction associated with redevelopment projects in Lowertown over the last decade proved intrusive for some local businesses, and Nielsen is concerned about the “mixed bag” that has resulted.

“For me, as a business in Lowertown, it’s often been a matter of survival, literally the whole time we’ve been down there,” he said. “On one hand, we’ve lost a lot of the artist community. On the other, the more people that move down here, the more opportunity there is for local businesses.” These days Nielsen is

semi-retired and spends a few days each week in Lowertown, and the rest on the rural Wisconsin farm he shares with his wife, Vicki. Meanwhile, the staff at Master Framers continues to do what they do best, serving the global community with professional grade services and an unparalleled expertise sought out around the globe.

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{ THE FULLER FILES } New art for city hall The St. Paul City Council will select four artists this month to create new works on panels that will be placed over paintings that have hung in the council chambers at City Hall since the 1930s, when the building was constructed. The paintings portray white explorers and religious leaders in dominant roles, and black people and Native Americans in subservient roles. Defenders of the artwork say the paintings reflect 19th century society. Historic preservation rules state that

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the original paintings cannot be removed because of the building’s historic status. The new art, representative of 21st century thought, will cover the old on a rotating basis.

to build apartments on the upper floors. The two entities are negotiating a longterm lease for the space.

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West Siders for Strong Schools and the West Side Community Organization are hosting a St. Paul School Board candidate forum 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10 at Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul. Ten candidates are running in the Nov. 5 election to fill four vacancies on the board. Rep. Carlos Mariani will be the moderator. Contact info@westsidestrongschools. com if you need childcare or language interpretation.

The Minnesota Arts Board has signed a 6-month lease to remain on the second floor of the Park Square Court building at 400 Sibley St. Madison Equities, the building owner, originally planned to convert the nearly vacant office building into a hotel but later decided

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Great River Greening, a nonprofit conservation group, is seeking volunteers to assist with native seed planting 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 5 at Lilydale Regional Park in St. Paul. For details, contact 651665-9500 or volunteer@ greatrivergreening.org.

Farmers’ Market hosts Customer Appreciation Day Oct. 20 The St. Paul Farmers’ Market will host its Customer Appreciation Day Sunday, Oct. 20, with free coffee, and drawings for shirts, hats and other market items. The indoor winter market begins Oct. 17 and is held 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Thursdays at Union Depot.

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de sinceridad” Metro Transit is hosting 1927 a meetingDesde 5:15-6:45 p.m., Monday, Oct. 28 at Ken B. Peterson the Thompson Park Activity Owner-Director Center, 1200 Stassen Ln., Johnson-Peterson West St. Paul, to gather Casa Funeria y Cremación feedback for the future of 612 So. Metro Smith Ave. bus transit. Transit is beginning a two-year ef651-222-3220 www.johnsonpeterson.com

fort to develop a vision for the bus network of 2040, called Network Next. The organization seeks to identify transit improvements to local and express routes, new arterial bus rapid transit lines, integrated shared mobility options, added bus shelters and transit centers, and improved transit information options. Dakota County is providing expert facilitators, and DARTS is providing light refreshments and free rides or those unable to use personal or public transportation. Registration is requested. To register or schedule a ride, call DARTS at 651-455-1560. For more information, contact Metro Transit at NetworkNext@ metrotransit.org or Karyssa Jackson at 612-349-7396, or visit www.metrotransit.org/ network-next.

Classical music concerts on the West Side Eight classical music concerts will be presented in the coming months on the West Side. The venues include the Church of St. Matthew, 510 Hall Ave., St. Paul, and Humboldt High School. Sospiri, an early Baroque ensemble based in St. Paul, will perform 17th century

expressions of death and loss at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13, at St. Matthew’s. Admission is free. The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra will perform Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21, at Humboldt High School. Tickets are free for West Side residents. The St. Paul Civic Symphony will perform works by Schreker, Tchaikovsky and Brahms at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, at St. Matthew’s. Admission is free. Metropolitan Symphony will perform a free concert of music from the movie “Star Wars” and by “Lemony Snicket,” a pseudonym for writer and musician Daniel Handler, at 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9, at St. Matthew’s. On Saturday, Feb. 22, the Greater Twin Cities Youth Orchestra will perform with Mariachi Mi Tierra at 1:30 p.m., at St. Matthew’s. Admission is free. The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony at 7 p.m., Thursday, Mar. 12, at Humboldt High School. Tickets are free for West Side residents. Wolfgang chamber music players will perform at 4 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at St. Matthew’s. Admission is free.

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from page 1

fessional working relationships between residents and people in local government and downtown organizations and businesses. McKee previously served with District 1 on the East Side and noted the similarities he has experienced between the two councils, most notably the chagrin of active members who feel their efforts are not taken seriously by the city. “I’m not convinced that the city never pays any attention to it (public feedback),” McKee said. “The cynic in

Service grant from page 1

like the arts,” said Victoria Rogers, Knight Foundation vice president for arts, in a statement. “These initiatives create meaningful avenues for St. Paul residents and visitors to experience the full breadth of the city’s culture and creativity.” The Knight Foundation has invested more than $40 million in St. Paul since 2000.

complishing that, he said, is having more people participate. His immediate goals at CRC include enhancing the organization’s website and database, increasing communication with stakeholders and reducing board turnover. CRC also recently applied for a grant to improve way finding in downtown. “I do think that social media and the internet is the most powerful single tool we have available,” McKee said, but added, “It can’t be

the only tool we use.” McKee believes the biggest problem facing downtown is the issue of homelessness. “I would like to see more resources for the homeless population,” he said. “It’s the elephant in the room and I really want to find some kind of low-key way to have the homeless representation on the board, whether it be someone from Catholic Charities or something.” This year, CRC has been hosting community forums on the Downtown Development Strategy to determine

how this city document, last revised in 2003, should be changed to address present day needs. The goal is to help the city determine priority projects in downtown for the next 10 to 20 years. CRC will provide the feedback to City of St. Paul officials for use in updating the city’s comprehensive plan. The next forum is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8 at CHS Field in Lowertown. It’s open to anyone who lives, works or has a vested interest in downtown St. Paul.

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of the city. He grew up on the East Side and graduated from Harding High School in 2002. He has worked at Padelford since 2004. As CRC board chair, he directs the affairs of the 18-member board and its six appointed members, working alongside executive director Jon Fure. McKee’s goal is to get more people involved in committee work and to create an atmosphere of mutual respect, where people can participate in meaningful discussions about livability and barriers to livability, and foster pro-

me says that’s true and I’ve definitely been to my share of meetings where it felt like community input was being requested but the decision had already been made. “I certainly have stepped into a lot of fresh wounds when I talk to people about community involvement,” he added. Nonetheless, he is confident that community input is critical to the wellbeing of the city and will work to enhance its value to both the city council and downtown stakeholders. The key to ac-

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651-222-TACO (222-8226) Downtown St. Paul Voice - October 2019 - Page 5

A rts & Culture

The Urban Explorer Exploring our regional amenities Ginny Contreras Sawyer Contributor

Discovering art in public spaces

ublic art is often big and bold. The bigger the better seems to be the prevailing motto. Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York City the Statue of Liberty, and Minneapolis the Spoonbridge and Cherry. Art of this scale tends to become the symbol of a city, and is commonly used on touristy postcards. So what do we have in St. Paul that puts an artistic stamp on our urban space? Besides Charlie Brown and all the Peanuts character statues, nothing iconic came to mind. Perhaps this was a question of personal oversight and I had not dedicated enough time to exploring St. Paul’s creative side. Surely, this monumental public art must be out there somewhere; it was only a matter of finding it.

I searched the internet for “St. Paul public art” and discovered the website for Public Art St. Paul, a nonprofit dedicated to beautifying the streets of St. Paul. According to its mission statement, the organization strives to place artists in leading roles to “help shape public spaces, improve city systems and deepen civic engagement.” That all sounded lovely, but what did it actually mean and where could I find it? Reading on, I discovered the organization has been partnering with the city for more than 30 years to transform neglected parks and abandoned lots into more vibrant spaces. They’ve planned and sponsored workshops, festivals, and have facilitated ongoing dialogue on creating sustainable and equitable art around

Page 6 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - October 2019

Your community news and information source the city. From small-scale projects like decorative stop signs, to large-scale projects like the Western Sculpture Park on Marion Street to more than 1,000 poems being imprinted onto city sidewalks, they’ve guaranteed the presence of artistic expression in our daily lives. A powerful public art ordinance passed by the city in 2009 makes much of their work possible. Besides encouraging “performances, installations, events, and other temporary works,” the ordinance seeks to provide resources to support public art being integrated into capital projects, and ensure a broad range of media are represented, including visual, performing and literary arts. I quickly discovered that I am living in the midst of a well-supported and thriving art scene and I couldn’t wait to get out and explore it. I spent about a week scouring St. Paul for public art, from random neighborhood streets to downtown to the plenitude of city parks. I found art aimed at kids – like the bronze sculptures “Don the Gorilla” and “Toby the Tortoise” at Como Zoo

One artist creatively disguised this storage shed in Western Sculpture Park, and another decorated a public trash can (opposite page). – and many other bronze sculptures, too, commemorating famous historic figures, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Frank Boyd and Nathan Hale. In Cochran Park I gazed upon the statue and fountain titled “Indian Hunter and His Dog.” Kittycorner in Summit Overlook Park, an enormous bronze eagle was the hub of much activity. Children were doing arts and crafts, a young

woman practiced yoga, and a man read a book in a camping chair. While impressive in a general sense (any art is better than no art), there was nothing revolutionary or unique about my findings. It was the kind of art one would likely find in any city across the country. Some of the art I encountered on my outings appealed to me more than the bronze sculptures but

since I was searching for the iconic piece of art – Art with a capital A, art that defines the City of St. Paul in the same way Spoonbridge and Cherry defines Minneapolis – I inadvertently overlooked the smaller-scale artwork. The problem was my preconceived notion about what constitutes art. I downplayed the tingle of pleasure I had when I discovered a hockey poem imprinted on a side-

A rts & Culture walk near the Xcel Center. I had forgotten about the mosaic tile mural of the Mississippi River on a quiet side street a few blocks from my house. I did find some “monumental” art, like the 596,000-peg Lite Brite mural that covers one of the interior walls at Union Depot, and in the Western Sculpture Park, home to a curated exhibition that includes an aardvark shaped storage

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shed, a giant yellow megaphone and a bench resembling a jaguar. The Phalen neighborhood has a poetry park with park benches literally shaped like books – one open page as the backrest, another for sitting. I also realized I had been quick to dismiss the Peanuts characters in Rice Park and at Landmark Plaza. I hadn’t stopped in many years to really look at the sculpture of Lucy sitting and reading

her book across from George Latimer Library, nor the one of Schroeder jamming on his low-sitting piano. On this outing I did. I especially appreciated their playful, whimsical quality and had to smile. I lingered on one of the benches in Rice Park and examined the bronze statue of a girl in the public fountain. Before, I might have placed this art in my “generic historical art” category. Now I noticed the extra details, the real woven basket of live flowers that hung from her outstretched arm. She wore a crown of flowers and a draping dress made of what appeared to be willow branches and flowers. This was pure St. Paul genius at work. Leaving the square, I noticed an ordinary city garbage receptacle that had been decorated with colorful tiles depicting a cheerful scene of books and butterflies, a tree and a city skyline. It was provocative and surprising, a special treat for the eye. At that moment, I realized St. Paul has its fair share of bold public art. There’s just no need to put it on a postcard. We know it’s there.

Characters from the “Peanuts” comic strip by Charles M. Schulz appear around the city, including this one of Lucy in Rice Park.

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S ample St. Paul

Fitzgerald Theater

10 E. Exchange St. St. Paul 651-290-1200 https://thefitzgerald theater.com

“Talking Volumes,” 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25. Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio will present author Alice Hoffman and her new book, “The World That We Knew.” $30.50-$32.50. Goblin will perform Dario Argento’s “Deep Red/Profondo Rosso” at 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10. $25-$50. Tegan and Sara will present “Hey, I’m Just Like You” tour at 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13. $40.50$80.50.

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“National Geographic Live,” 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20. Wildlife filmmaker Filipe DeAndrade, star of National Geographic WILD’s “Untamed,” will share what it’s like to come face-toface with wild animals and survive extreme environments. A preview of his documentary, “The River and the Wall,” will also be presented. $25-$45.

p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26. Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith will show their motion picture, “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.” $29.50-$49.50.

“An Evening of Luther Vandross,” 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23. Ruben Studdard will sing hits by Luther Vandross. $45-$65.

History Center

Richard Thompson will perform at 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25. $35-$45. “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot Roadshow,” 3

“Brains On!,” 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27. Join Molly Bloom from the Brains On! podcast as she explores fascinating questions about the world. $27.50.

345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 www.mnhs.org

“First Avenue Stories of Minnesota’s Mainroom,” through May 2020. Since 1970, First Avenue & 7th St. Entry have been at the heart

Lebanese Dinner Sunday, Nov. 3 11 am - 4 pm

Menu: chicken kabobs, kibbi, cabbage rolls, rice, and salad. Includes baklava for dessert and coffee, milk or water.

Holy Family Maronite Church

of the Minnesota music scene. This exhibit celebrates the musicians, em-

ployees and regulars who have called First Avenue their rock ‘n’ roll home.

V i k i n g Ex t e r i o r s

Annual

For complete details, visit www.HolyFamilyMaroniteChurch.org

“Sugar Skull!” is presented at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13. This joyous, heartfelt musical delves into the rich, tuneful traditions of Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead).

Cost: $15

Children 6 and under free with an adult

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History Theatre

10 E. Tenth St., St. Paul 651-292-4323 www.historytheatre.com

“Gloria: A Life,” through Oct. 20. An allfemale cast presents the life and work of Gloria Steinem and her work with the feminist movement. From $35.

Landmark Center

75 W. 5th St., St. Paul 651-292-3225 www.landmarkcenter.org

“Historic Views of the Mississippi,” 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3. A look at the 1848 paintings by Henry Lewis, and the same locations today, painted by artist Tom Stewart. Free.

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Museum tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students, and $6 for children ages five to 17. Free on Tuesdays, 3-8 p.m.

October 8, 12-1 pm: Ballet Tuesday October 27, 1-3 pm: Sundays at Landmark Great Pumpkin Halloween Celebration Full event details at www.landmarkcenter.org Ballet Tuesday partner:

Sundays at Landmark sponsored by:

“Nooks & Crannies Tour,” 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6. Off-limit areas of the Landmark Center are opened for exploration. Highlights include the North Tower and sub-basement, where a surprise or two may be found. Free. “Ballet,” noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8. Dancers from Ballet Co. Laboratory will perform excerpts from their repertoire. Free.

S ample St. Paul “Artist Talk,” noon1:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10. A discussion of paintings, land use and changes in landscape between 1848 and now. Free. Eliza Gilkyson will perform at 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11. Cocktail hour begins at 7 p.m. $20-$25. St. Paul Civic Symphony, 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20. The symphony will perform their first concert of the season. Free. “Gangster Ghost Tour,” 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23. An interactive history tour that highlights St. Paul’s most famous and infamous residents. $10. “Great Pumpkin Halloween Celebration,” 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27. Halloween festivities featuring live entertainment, crafts, treats and a costume parade. Free.

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Ordway Center 345 Washington St. St. Paul 651-224-4222 www.ordway.org

“Back to Before,” 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3. Enjoy the songs and stories of the most iconic female characters. $23-$44. Brian McKnight will perform at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4. $48-$89. “Gaelynn Lea,” 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5. Join Gaelynn Lea and her full band for an evening of music that includes hiphop, acoustic guitar and everything in-between. Guest artists include Wheelchair Sports Camp and Billy McLaughlin. Q&A begins at 6:30 p.m. Reception to follow performance. $33.97. “ Wo m e n o n t h e Moon,” 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6. This concert showcases the work of the best female vocalists and musicians from the 1960s. $39.36-$44.76.

Comedian Felipe Esparza, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11. Esparza is known for finding humor in the struggles of everyday life. $27-$89. “Sugar Skull!” 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13. Sugar Skull! is a joyous, heartfelt musical that delves into the rich, tuneful traditions of Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). $19-$27. “Say Anything: An Evening with John Cusack,” 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15. Join Cusack for a screening of “Say Anything,” followed by a live conversation regarding his career and the making of the film. $58-$211. “The New One,” 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17; 7:30 p.m., Friday Oct. 18; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19. A fun Broadway musical by Mike Birbiglia. $39-$85. “One Giant Leap,” 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19. Listen to the vocal ensemble Cantus as they

explore and celebrate humanity’s triumphs, and the spirit of innovation and excellence. $23-$43. “Improv Under Hypnosis,” 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27. Join comedian Colin Mochrie and hypnotist Asad Mecci as they combine forces for a mind-blowing, side-splitting show. $58-$79.

Palace Theatre

17 W. 7th Place, St. Paul 612-338-8388 www.palacestpaul.com

Concerts: Explosions in the Sky, 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19 ($30-$50); Judah and the Lion, 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 31 ($35-$50).

Park Square Theatre

20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul 651-291-7005

www.parksquaretheatre.org

“Aubergine,” through Oct. 20. In an attempt to cross emotional, linguistic and cultural divides, a son

cooks a meal for his dying father to express things words can’t say. From $16.

nitheater tickets are $9.95 and $8.95 respectively.

“Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Sept. 27-Nov. 2. A sci-fi fantasy that mixes rock ’n’ roll with crazy dance numbers. From $16.

St. Paul RiverCentre

Science Museum of Minnesota 120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-221-9444 www.smm.org

“Body Worlds RX,” Oct. 4-Jan. 5. Explore the human body exhibition that has drawn 47 million people around the world. “Object ID Day,” noon-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5. Get a professional opinion about your natural or archeological object. “Superpower Dogs,” Oct. 17. See the film “Superpower Dogs” come to life on the Omnitheater’s 90-foot screen. Museum tickets are $18.95 for adults and $12.95 for children and seniors. Om-

175 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul 651-265-4800 www.rivercentre.org

“Roller Derby,” 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5. Watch the Minnesota Roller Derby at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. $12$14. Ages three and under free in reserved floor and balcony seating. Ages nine and under free in general admission.

Xcel Center

199 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-726-8240 www.xcelenergycenter.com

Concerts: Bon Iver, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3 (from $26.50); The Chainsmokers, 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5 (from $26.50); Miranda Lambert, 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19 (from $40).

{ CALENDAR OF EVENTS } Restore, 5:30-7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1. The Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, 4th St. E., will hold an event for volunteers to remove invasive species and collect seeds. Books and Bars, Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Urban Growler, 2325 Endicott St. “Locke and Key” by Joe Hill Rodriguez is the title discussed. Book Club, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1 at East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St. SubText Books will present Kao Kalia Yang, author of “A Map into the World.” Pipeline, Oct. 1-13, 17-20 and 2427. Penumbra Theatre, 207 Kent St., will present “Pipeline: Is There No Way Out.” The play follows a student who is caught between two worlds: the street and a private college prep school. From $15. Walking Tours, 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, 15 and 29, at Union Depot, 240 E. Kellogg Blvd. History Revealed, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3 at East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St. The Ramsey County Historical Society will present “Underground,” a novel by Megan Marsnik. Art Crawl Exhibition, Oct. 3-27. AZ Gallery, 308 Prince St. The exhibition will feature artwork from 10 members of the collective and 10 invited guests. Book Club, 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4. Fred Schmalz will discuss his book, “Action in the Orchards,” with G.E. Patterson and Paula Cisewski at SubText Books, 6 W. 5th St. Amsterdam Bar and Hall, Sixth and Wabasha, will present Bluetech on Oct. 4; White Reaper with Dirty Nil and the Paranoyds on Oct. 5; the Regrettes with Greer on Oct. 12; An Evening with Car-

bon Leaf on Oct. 15; Trashcan Sinatra on Oct. 17; and Parlor Mob with Dan Luke and the Raid on Oct. 18. Local art shows, 6-9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4. Lowertown First Friday will present works of local artists at Handsome Hog, 203 E. 6th St.; Gallery 333 at 333 N. Sibley St. and Octo Fish Bar, 289 5th St. E. Peter Cole, 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4. Labor historian and activist Peter Cole will speak on his new book, “Dockworker Power,” at the Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St. Bonfire, 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5. St. Paul Parks and Recreation will hold a bonfire for all ages at El Rio Vista recreation center, 179 E. Robie St., featuring games, contests and other events. Spire Clean Up, 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6. The Spire Credit Union will hold its final park clean up of the season at Mears Park, 221 5th St. E. Volunteers will pick up debris in the park and nearby locations. “Crowns,” through Oct. 6. New Dawn Theatre will present “Crowns” at Summit Theatre for the Arts, 1524 Summit Ave. Performances will be held Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 3 p.m. $20-$35. Riverboat departures, Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Saturday, Oct. 12. Two American Cruise Line paddleboats will depart for New Orleans from Lower Landing, 200 Warner Rd., on the Mississippi River. Book Club, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9. Margaret Renkl, author of “Lake Migrations,” will appear at SubText Books, 6 W. 5th St.

Ola Larsmo, 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10. Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St., and the University of Minnesota Press will host Ola Larsmo, author of “Swede Hollow.” A walking tour of immigrant history will follow. Book Club, 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 10. George Latimer Central Library, 90 W. 4th St., will host a discussion of “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan. Black Dog Café, 308 E. Prince St., will present Machinery Hill on Friday, Oct. 11, various performers during Art Crawl weekend, Oct. 11-13, and Brubeck and Beyond at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22. The Underground Music Café will present Unsung Heroes at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1579 Hamline Ave. N. Opus and Olives, 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13 at RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. Five authors will give presentations at the annual event sponsored by the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library. $150-$300. “Reel Talk: Wrestle,” 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 14 at Penumbra Theatre, 207 Kent St. The documentary features a high school wrestling team and the struggles they overcame. Land Acknowledgement, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 14. Metro State University will host an Indigenous Land Acknowledgment event. St. Paul Farmers’ Market will open its winter market Thursday, Oct. 17 at Union Depot, showcasing between 12 and 15 growers. A chef collaboration event will be held Oct. 19, with two chefs collaborating to prepare a dish using products from the market. A Customer

Appreciation Day will be held Sunday, Oct. 20 at the outdoor market, with coffee and drawings every half hour. The Lied Society will present Johnnie Bankens, bass and baritone vocalist, at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20 at the Summit Center, 1524 Summit Ave. Book Club, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23. William Kent Krueger, author of “This Tender Land,” will appear at SubText Books, 6 W. 5th St. St . Pa u l Conservatory of Music Open House, 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1524 Summit Ave. The Conservatory will also host a Halloween concert 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26. Book Club, 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24. James Silas Rogers, author of “The Collector of Shadows,” will appear at SubText Books, 6 W. 5th St. Halloween Party, 5-8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25 at the Palace Community Center, 781 Palace Ave. All ages. Costumes are welcome. Halloween Festival, 6 p.m., Sunday, 7 p.m., all other days, Oct. 31-Nov. 3 at Zeitgeist, 275 E. 4th St. Storytelling and performance art will be featured. $10$15. $40 for a festival pass. Art exhibit at the M, through Jan. 5. The Minnesota Museum of American Art at Fourth and Robert is presenting the exhibit “History is Not Here: Art and the Arab Imaginary.” The works of 17 artists will examine various cultural, social and political positions through painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and book art.

Downtown St. Paul Voice - October 2019 - Page 9

N ews Briefs

Your community news and information source

{ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES } Neighborhood House in St. Paul is looking for volunteers to assist in the food shelf, with tutoring, youth services and other areas. For more information, contact Vanessa Edwards at 651-789-2524 or vedwards@neighb.org. Neighbors, Inc., a social service agency serving northern Dakota County, has a number of volunteer opportunities to assist local residents, including work with the food shelf and thrift store. For more information, contact Jenny at 651-2721133 or volunteer@neighborsmn.org. DARTS, a nonprofit organization serving seniors in Dakota County, offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for all ages. To volunteer, contact Angela Liedke at 651-234-2254, angela.liedke@darts1. org or visit www.darts1.org/volunteer. Dakota County offers volunteer positions in community corrections, environmental resources, the Historical Society, library, parks, public health, the sheriff’s office and social services. For more information, call 651-438-4435 or visit www. co.dakota.mn.us/Government/Jobs/Volunteering/Pages/default.aspx Dodge Nature Center, a nonprofit environmental education center in West St. Paul, is seeking volunteers age 16 and over to assist with community events, land management and environmental education. For more information, call 651-455-4531 or visit www.dodgenaturecenter.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for men, especially Latinos, to mentor boys ages 7-12 in St. Paul. Volunteers are asked to commit just a few hours a month. To volunteer, call 651-789-2400 or visit www. bigstwincities.org. CommonBond Communities seeks volunteers to assist children and teens with their academic skills, homework and discovering post-secondary school and career opportunities. For more information, visit commonbond.org/volunteer or contact volunteerservices@commonbond.org or 651-290-6226. Cerenity Senior Care-Humboldt is seeking volunteers to transport residents to activities. It also needs Spanish-speaking volunteers to assist with one-onone visits. Volunteers may work weekly, monthly or at a special event. Located on the West Side, the Cerenity Residence at 514 Humboldt provides assisted living, memory care and transitional care, and the Cerenity Care Center at 512 Humboldt provides nursing care. To volunteer, contact 651-220-1789, HumboldtVolunteer@bhshealth.org, or visit www. cerenityseniorcare.org/volunteer. St. Paul Public Schools is seeking volunteer tutors to assist students one-on-one or in small groups. Flexible day, evening or weekend hours. To volunteer, contact Jyni Koschak at 952-945-4162 or jkoschak@ voamn.org.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon needs volunteers to assist the families of deployed military members with household chores, grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, etc. To volunteer or for more details, contact yellowribbon@wspmn.gov or call Jan at 651-457-3541. Volunteers of America is looking for volunteers age 55 and over to assist children who are struggling with homework and reading. Time commitment ranges from three to 12 hours a week. To volunteer or receive more information, contact Jyni Koschak at 952-945-4162 or jkoschak@voamn. org. Minnesota Reading, Minnesota Math Corps is seeking full- and part-time tutors to serve in St. Paul public schools during the school year. Volunteers earn a biweekly living allowance of $526 (full-time) and an education award of up to $4,200 to help pay for education. Full-time tutors may also receive health insurance. For more information or to apply, visit visit www.MinnesotaReadingCorps.org, www. MinnesotaMathCorps.org, or contact 866859-2825. Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is looking for Safe at Home volunteers to provide home safety and accessibility modifications for low-income older adult or disabled homeowners in St. Paul and

Dakota County. For more information, call 651-776-4273, email volunteerservices@rebuildingtogether-twincities.org. or visit http://rebuildingtogether-twincities.org. St. Joseph Hospital in St. Paul is looking for volunteers to escort patients as they discharge from the hospital. Flexible shifts, free parking and meal vouchers offered. Contact Michele Sahar at 651-232-3756 or MLSahar@healtheast.org. Ramsey County Community Human Services has volunteer opportunities for people age 16 and older. For more information, contact 651-266-4090 or humanservicesvolunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us. Science Museum of Minnesota is seeking volunteers to assist with visitor services and exhibits. Apply at smm.org/volunteer or call 651-221-9453. YMCA in West St. Paul - The YMCA offers several volunteer opportunities, including youth sports coaches, member services and Kids Stuff staff. For more information, call 651-457-0048 or visit www.ymcamn.org/weststpaul.

The World is a Great Big Place We proudly cover just a tiny portion of it. Community news specifically for community-minded people in... • Downtown St. Paul • The West Side • West St. Paul • South St. Paul • Sunfish Lake • Lilydale • Mendota Heights

To submit news or advertising to reach 37,500 homes in the greater St. Paul area and the Latino market of the Twin Cities, call 651-457-1177. Check us out at www.stpaulpublishing.com. Page 10 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - October 2019

Destination: Downtown & Lowertown A Guide to Shopping, Services and Entertainment

Penfield/Lunds

Central Presbyterian

St. Paul Dental Center

Lancer Service

F17

F Atlas Staffing

G16

G14

Kat Keys

G PARK SQUARE

The Bulldog

I16

Gallery of Wood Art

US BANK CENTER

J K

J12

Great River Dental

K LOWERTOWN LOFTS & APTS.

Subtext Bookstore

CHS Field

Art / Galleries

American Association of Woodturners Gallery of Wood Art I3 222 Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., 55102 Sculpture | History | Gifts 651-444-1205 www.galleryofwoodart.org Master Framers M16 262 E. 4th St., 651-291-8820 www.masterframers.com

www.facebook.com/MASTERFRAMERS

Custom picture framing and restoration since 1959.

Professional Services Atlas Staffing G14 189 7th Place E., 651-222-5894 atlasstaffinginc.com Providing the BEST employees.

Great River Dental, PA J12 375 Jackson St., Ste. 200 651-222-0983, greatriverdental.com General and cosmetic dentistry. Kat-Key’s Lock & Safe St. Paul G16 249 E. 7th St. 651-292-1124, www.katkeys.com Repairs, replacements, safe moving/delivering, rekeying, master key system setup, door hardware/door closer installation and more. Lancer Service Auto Care F17 270 E. 8th St., 651-224-0267 www.lancerservice.com www.facebook.com/lancerservice Defining the future of auto care… unlike any other.

St. Paul Dental Center E7 30 E. 7th St., Ste. 101 651-227-6646 www.stpauldentalcenter.com We provide comprehensive family dentistry.

Retail & Restaurants The Bulldog I16 237 E. 6th St., 651-221-0750 www.thebulldoglowertown.com Happy Hour: $1 off pints, wells & domestic bottles & half-price apps Subtext Bookstore K6 6 5th St. W., 651-493-2791 subtextbooks.com St. Paul’s independent bookstore.

WALL

SIBLEY

ROBERT

WACOUTA

M16 Master Framers

Worship Central Presbyterian Church C8 500 Cedar St., 651-224-4728 www.centralforgood.org www.facebook.com/CentralPresbyterian Church In the city for good. All are welcome!

We join you in celebrating the St. Paul Art Crawl. Remember to shop local!

Shop local and support the businesses that support our community To advertise on this map, call 651-457-1177

Map Map base base courtesy courtesy of of the the Capitol Capitol River River Council Council

Downtown St. Paul Voice - October 2019 - Page 11

C ommunity

Your community news and information source

Postscript

Marriage Stew

I told my husband, Peter, that our marriage was like stew – and that’s a good thing. This is a second marriage for Peter and me. We were both married for a long time and then divorced for quite a while. We dated other people and realized how tricky the whole process of finding a new partner was, after habits had been set and preferences settled. When I met Peter, I was ready… I think. I had healed

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com

and spent time on my own and figured out who I was – single and over fifty and

changed in many ways from the person I had been while married. Peter had also done his homework. He was perfectly self-sufficient in every respect. He just wanted love. As it happens, this is something I had a good supply of. And so, we started dating and Peter asked me to marry him after only two months. We waited a year and got married on the one-year anniversary of our first date. “I like stew,” Peter said, when I told him what I thought. “It’s better than soup. But I like mine all mashed up with a food processor, and you don’t.” “You are ruining my meta-

phor,” I told him. Peter has a way of doing this. Because I work at home and Peter is retired, we spend a lot of time together. Perhaps because of this, we actually do a lot of things separately that you might imagine we’d do together. Peter exercises in the morning. I exercise in the evening. Peter eats his main meal in the middle of the day and cooks it for himself. I cook my own meal and eat it in the evening. Peter spends most of his day downstairs while I am upstairs in my “writing room,” which is actually not a room, as it has no door and is open to the rest of the house. I like this.

JOIN US!

open house at Saint Paul College Tuesday, October 29 • 5pm Saint Paul College offers over 100 degree, certificate and diploma programs. Stop by and explore programs, tour campus, meet instructors, apply for admission and financial aid, and learn about scholarships.

Let us know if you plan to attend! saintpaul.edu/OpenHouse Disability related accommodations available, please contact 651.846.1547 or AccessResources@saintpaul.edu. Saint Paul College is an Equal Opportunity employer and educator and member of Minnesota State.

Page 12 - Downtown St. Paul Voice - October 2019

I can keep track of what Peter’s up to and holler things at him. “I can’t hear you!” Peter hollers back. I know he can’t hear me, but I do it anyway. I’m convinced he enjoys knowing that I’m thinking about him. Maybe our marriage is peculiar; I am in no position to say. Maybe every marriage is peculiar in its own way. My parents, who have now been married more than 60 years, have arguments in which they are in perfect agreement. My mother will state her case, then my father will state his. There will be some made-up antagonist hovering in the background, arguing against both of them. My parents invariably win these arguments and I am sure they feel satisfied with themselves when they vanquish their imaginary opponent. It’s a terrific strategy. It

lets them vent a little of the frustration they would never consider taking out on one another. I think a happy marriage is like stew because it starts out with good ingredients and gets richer and more satisfying with time. It is full of lots of healthy things: humor and understanding and a profound desire to see each other happy. Peter and I both understand that our moods are our own, but comfort one another when things aren’t going the way we’d like – when Peter’s knee is acting up again, when my writing doesn’t go as well as I’d like. “Yeah, stew is much better once you’ve taken a food processor to it,” Peter insisted. “And it’s easier to digest.” I had no idea what to do with that metaphor, so I let it simmer. Till next time.

St. Paul receives 2019 Cities of Service award Help is on the way for St. Paul homeowners who can’t make their own home repairs and can’t afford to hire out, thanks to a grant and a program aimed at improving the lives of low-income residents and the elderly. Cities of Service, a nonprofit civic service organization, has awarded the City of St. Paul a $26,000 grant to support two full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members. Hired in September, they will implement a new program that will connect low-income homeowners with skilled volunteers who will make minor home repairs. The goal is to avoid unnecessary bills or fees resulting from minor maintenance issues, said Noel Nix, deputy director of Intergovernmental Relations

and Community Engagement. For example, small plumbing leaks can lead to extreme water bills or damage to a home, which would be even more expensive to repair. Nix said this program should reduce the financial strain on households, and help neighbors connect with neighbors. “We want to build community spirit and create livable neighborhoods,” he said. The city is looking for volunteers who are 50 and older to lend a hand. To volunteer, visit https://www.stpaul. gov/departments/parks-recreation/volunteer. The program will run for one year. The City will assess the results and decide whether to continue it.

Circle of Care fundraiser

Sospiri da Morte

Minnesota Community Care is hosting its Circle of Care fundraiser 5-11 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27 at the St. Paul Athletic Club, 340 Cedar St. N., St. Paul. This event is a cultural fusion of music and food and includes a silent auction. Its goal is to raise funds for health care services and programs that support local families. The keynote speaker is Jearlyn Steele, a member of the internationally acclaimed group The Steeles, and local television and radio personality. Cost is $100. To register, visit https://www. mncare.org/circle-of-care/.

Sospiri, a West Side-based baroque chamber ensemble, will perform 17th century musical expressions of death and loss from around the world Oct. 11-12. From plaintive laments to jaunty ciacconas, the program includes works by Romero, Sances, Landi, Monteverdi, Strozzi, Legrenzi and more. Performances are held 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11 at St. Clement’s, 901 Portland Ave., St. Paul, and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12 at The Art Gallery at Hennepin Methodist, 511 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis. Cost is $15. For more information, visit www.sospiri.org.