The Power of Soul

Bettye Lavette sold out the Dakota tonight. We’ve been following her for 20 years. Even at 77, she keeps developing her art.

Contrasting Frame

I prefer not to cycle through puddles so I went for a walk. Here, Hennepin County Government Center frames Minneapolis City Hall, a juxtaposition of 19th century form and 20th century efficiency.

Into the Woods

Walked over to the Guthrie to see Into the Woods, which explores what happens after “happily ever afters.”

Categorized as Arts

Variations on a Sunday Afternoon

Cycled over to Orchestra Hall for a late afternoon chamber music recital featuring members of the Minnesota Orchestra. The final piece, “Jazz Variations on a Theme by Paganini,” ensured that most of us went home in a good mood.

Categorized as Arts

A Taste of History

Walked with a friend and gawked at one of the oldest (1905) school buildings in Minneapolis, now apartments. Recharged at Key West Bistro with, of course, key lime pie.

Naoshima Island

Spent the day on Naoshima, an “art island” beautifully set in the Inland Sea. Visited the Chichu Art Museum, which is housed in a series of underground galleries, and several “art houses”—former homes that have been converted into works of art.

Where Bicycles Rule

Onomichi U2, a repurposed 1943 warehouse where bicycles rule. The 28-room Hotel Cycle, plus bar and restaurant, provide us with a comfortable base to cycle part of the Shimanami Kaido across the Seto Inland Sea tomorrow.

Kumamoto Station

When traveling in Japan, I look for buildings by architect Tadao Ando. Today, while staying in a hotel at Kumamoto Station, I noticed some familiar simple-yet-elegant architectural elements. Eventually, I discovered Ando had designed the station. It was time for a closer look!

Cycling, Salad, Art

On my random cycle ride, found myself at the Walker. Over a kale and pistachio salad, chose two galleries to explore. Here, fabric kinetic sculptures flapped, kept aloft by fans. Another piece by the artist, Paul Chan, expressed strong opinions of the former president.

Categorized as Arts