Southwest Connector

2017 photo from “Immigrant Journey Project” at Theater Mu. (Photo submitted)

Theater Mu celebrates AAPI heritage month

In 1992, Theater Mu was founded in St. Paul to tell stories from the heart of the Asian American experience, and now, we are in the middle of celebrating our 30th anniversary season. Four world … more

By Lianna Matt Mclernon | 5/17/23

Comedians improvise during Dino Jam on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Dino Jam on Thursday nights at HUGE IMPROV is led by a team of hosts who rotate: Matt Axelson, Julietta Benson (left), John Gebretatose, Eric Heiberg, Mahmoud Hakima, and Seniz Lennes. It is one of many weekly and special events at the southwest Minneapolis theater.

HUGE Improv expands to new location up street

HUGE Improv Theater is excited to announce that it is moving from its original home at 3037 Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis, up the street to a larger space at 2728 Lyndale. The Twin Cities Improv … more

5/17/23

Intimate shows at 318 Cafe

Shows are small and intimate at the 318 Cafe (318 Water St., Excelsior) - and that’s just how co-owner Matt Muller wants it. He and Suzie Reed of Bloomington purchased the cafe from Kate and … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 5/17/23

Two southwest Minneapolis residents perform in the ensemble of “The Prom,” showing at Chanhassen Dinner Theater through June 10. (Photos submitted)

ARMATAGE ACTORS

Two Armatage residents are wrapping up a run in “The Prom” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, and looking ahead to “Jersey Boys.” Spouses Tony Vierling and Michael Gruber … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 5/17/23

Max Kile graduated from Edina High School and now resides in Minneapolis.

Meet Max Kile

For the first time, “An American Tail” is being brought to stage, and the world premier is in southwest Minneapolis at the Children’s Theatre Company. The 1986 animated musical … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 5/17/23

WACSO: Man’s best friend…

Man’s best friend…or is it best friend’s man? (Illustration by WACSO) more

5/17/23

Together Suzie Marty (left) and Kelly Wagner organize the Art on the Edge art and metaphysical festival in down Linden Hill. Summer 2023 will mark the second festival.

Be curious and attend Art on the Edge July 22

Have you ever met someone and wondered, “Why are we suppose to meet?” Does it make you wonder as to why your paths have crossed? Are you curious if you had met at in a different time and … more

By Suzie Marty | 5/17/23

WACSO: Duck hunting, Lake Harriet style

Duck hunting, Lake Harriet style. (Illustration by WACSO) more

5/5/23

‘Summertime Acoustic’ returns to Linden Hills

In the spring of 2020, when the social distancing mandate was putting restaurants and shops out of business and driving the rest of us nuts, a team of friends pulled together to create a wonderful … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 5/5/23

Landscape commissions are an important part of Mark Granlund’s work, which he limits to a few annually. Each project must include time spent on location, and in meditative solitude, to achieve the detail and nuance defining a Granlund painting. Above painting is titled “Bluff I.”

Mark Granlund: an artist grounded in nature

Meet Mark Granlund, a Minnesota landscape and still life artist, who frames questions and connections, blending symbolism, whimsy and academic depth in a well-developed fine art style. … more

By Suzie Marty | 4/19/23

RayCurt has played music around the world. He arrived in Minneapolis in September 2020.

Finding friendships across cultures

Two summers ago, I was playing in a little acoustic trio out front of Everett and Charlie’s Art Gallery, and a guy with a violin rode past on a bike. He circled back and walked toward us. When … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 4/19/23

WACSO: Slingin’ pizzas at Rosalia

Slingin’ pizzas at Rosalia (2811 West 43rd Street). (Illustration by WACSO) more

4/19/23

Kingfield’s performing arts center expands

Artist Jackie Hayes was living in New York and was writing a dissertation for her Ph.D. in performance studies when she visited her parents after their move to Minneapolis. She was drawn to the city … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 4/6/23

“It’s Only Life After All” tells the story of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls – the iconic folk rock duo. View it on the closing night of the film festival, on April 27.

MSPIFF 42 begins

Whether a long-time film society member or new to the scene, film buffs all over the Twin Cities and beyond are getting ready for the 42nd Minneapolis Saint Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) … more

By Jan Willms | 4/6/23

Filmmaker Marius Anderson resides in Duluth and his father-in-law does the Arrowhead 135.

‘40 Below’

Why do people do this? Documentary filmmaker Marius Anderson tries to answer this question about the reasons people choose to expose themselves to bitter Minnesota wind and temperatures in the annual … more

By Jan Willms | 4/6/23

Award-winning independent journalist and photographer KingDemetrius Pendleton poses inside Wing Young Huie’s The Third Place Gallery at 3730 Chicago Ave., where his exhibition “The Movement Never Stops” is on display. The exhibition includes photographs Pendleton has taken from the front lines of the social justice movement in the Twin Cities over the past seven years.

‘Listennn’ –The Movement Never Stops

Anyone attending a protest or march for justice in the Twin Cities over these past few years has undoubtedly heard a call carry over the crowd: “Listennn!” It’s a sure bet … more

By Jill Boogren | 3/16/23

Anthony Jones of Jones Coffee partners with Brad McLemore of House of Music on music shows.

Two entrepreneurs connect, launch space for music

Two neighborhood musical entrepreneurs are hosting a showcase for teens on Friday, March 24, 5-7p.m. at Jones Coffee (5008 Xerxes Ave. S. location).What is a “neighborhood entrepreneur?” … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 3/16/23

Inspired

Nine months before Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on the bus to a White passenger. She was 15. Youth Performance Company (YPC)’s “Inspired by Claudette & … more

By Jill Boogren | 2/17/23

Jim Saybolt with daughters Faye and Lucinda (swinging banner) trying out some of the activities offered during the annual event. It coincided with the Lake Harriet Kite Festival on Jan. 28, 2023.

Plan B

2/17/23

Little Man (shown here) and Cindy Lawson are two local music highlights. (Photo submitted)

Introducing Connector live! – local music playlist series

Connector LIVE! – as part of Teaming Up For Good – will soon feature live venue and music information along with specially curated streaming playlists for your listening pleasure. Read … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 2/17/23