We try not to miss Jake Shimabukuro when he’s in town. His musical style has grown increasingly complex and interesting over the years. He began the evening with his composition, “Sakura, Sakura” played Koto-style (Japanese instrument) on the ukulele. Later he played a piece that opened him to a wider audience in 2006, an interpretation…… Continue reading Elevating the Ukulele
Category: Arts
Exploring Who We Are
Tonight at the Guthrie: English, set entirely in an English Language Learning classroom in Tehran. I couldn’t help comparing with my own experience–the teacher was overcorrecting and there was a level of emotional intensity I’d be uncomfortable with in a classroom–but that was missing the point. Ultimately it was about identity, and that felt authentic.
The Purple One Slept Here… in a Movie
On my random cycle ride, noticed The Kid’s House was being refurbished. In the 1984 movie, Purple Rain, the Prince character (The Kid) lived in this modest house with his mother and abusive father. It sat empty after Prince bought it in 2015. His estate recently signed off on it being an Airbnb ‘Icons’ property.…… Continue reading The Purple One Slept Here… in a Movie
Literary Cycle
On my random cycle ride through a residential neighborhood, spotted this free library that had morphed from a bicycle. Watched it in action as a father and child interacted with this creation and selected a book. There were controls to pull, spin (shelves), pump (a balloon), and to operate a puppet made from bicycle parts…… Continue reading Literary Cycle
Haring’s Legacy
Explored a retrospective at the Walker of Keith Haring’s short career. We benefit from the social activism of artists like Haring. Here, three kids spontaneously react to one of his short animations.
Turrell’s Light
Imagine my delight finding Sky Pesher, a permanent James Turrell installation, open to the sky, right here in Minneapolis. I first learned about his work while staying on Naoshima Island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea where several pieces by this American artist are on display. My room even had a signed Turrell print on the…… Continue reading Turrell’s Light
Little Shop of Horrors
Tonight: offbeat musical keying off a cheesy 1960 low-budget B movie on the Guthrie’s thrust stage, practically sitting in Skid Row. We already have tickets for next summer’s Cabaret, as part of a season ticket package.
A Night at the Ritz
I’ve cycled past the Ritz Theater in Northeast Minneapolis many times, but had never been inside. Tonight, we saw Johnny Skeeky, a modern interpretation by Theater Latte Da of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. Comic elements included greedy relatives, a corpse, and rewriting a will post mortem. Earlier this week we streamed Puccini’s short comic opera, performed…… Continue reading A Night at the Ritz
Remembering Minneapolis Royalty
On my cycle ride, looked for signs of last weekend’s celebrations of the 40th Anniversary of Purple Rain. It’s hard to believe I saw that movie 40 years ago when the Minneapolis Sound was a thing. For me, it’s a so-so movie held together by Prince’s charisma and great music. Took this photo at First…… Continue reading Remembering Minneapolis Royalty
Sounds of Pride
Celebrated Pride with the Minnesota Orchestra playing works by LGBTQ+ composers.