Friday, February 9
Hometown Country
What: Chris Hawkey
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Shooting Star Casino, 777 SE Casino Road, Mahnomen
Take a roadtrip into northwest Minnesota for hometown country music sensation Chris Hawkey, who will perform at the Shooting Star Casino this weekend. The ex-host of the popular Twin Cities radio show Power Trip Morning will perform his most popular hits, including “My Kinda Crazy,” “Country Underneath,” and his latest single, “Happy.” Enjoy the acoustic sound of late-night Minnesota country. Learn more.
New, Improved, and Ready to Rock
What: Varsity Theater Reopening Party
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Varsity Theater, 1308 SE 4th St., Minneapolis
It’s out with the old and in with the new for the Varsity Theater, which has returned by popular demand after a scandalous ousting of its management. With new talent on board, the freshly renovated concert hall is ready to pump up the party once again, tonight with DJ Jake Rudh, a familiar face at the theater, who’s back as a featured performer alongside three other artists for an 18+ show celebrating the reopening. Learn more.
Saturday, February 10
Gonna be Epic
What: Project Opera Presents Odyssey
When: 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
Where: The Lab Theater, 700 First St. N., Minneapolis
Experience the epic tale of Odysseus through spoken word and choral numbers. The expanding opera education program features young singers and instrumentalists, and this time they get to perform one of history’s greatest examples of storytelling. Composer Ben Moore has selected the strongest episodes from the Odyssey to perform, the ones that, though ancient, can truly move Minneapolis audiences. Learn more.
Saturday with the Boys
What: The Broadway Boys
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul
Musical leading man Jesse Nager features in the Broadway Boys, the all-male singing group that has taken its fame from the club scene of New York City to the big time with a nationwide tour. The group’s “symphony of sound” is their claim to fame, reinventing the familiar song structures of musical theater. Performing two shows a night, their big-apple talents land in the mini apple at the Ordway. Learn more.
Sunday, February 11
“Come On Down!”
What: “The Price is Right” Live
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Mystic Lake Casino, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. NW, Prior Lake
Play “The Price is Right” this Sunday night at Mystic Lake Casino. The interactive stage allows players to try their luck at Plinko and the Big Wheel. Players compete for luxury prizes, including cash, appliances, vacations, or (obviously) a new car. It’s recommended that players and audience members show up at least 30 minutes early to allow time for security screenings and seating. Learn more.
Rock the Cradle
What: The Current’s Annual Rock the Cradle
When: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art and Children’s Theatre Company campus, 2400 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis
Minnesota Public Radio teaches kids how to express themselves through music during its annual Rock the Cradle event, part of the 11-year-old station’s mission to continue nurturing young talent after helping to launch some 600 careers for local artists. Children under the age of 8 can experience Pop Up Story Time with The Current’s DJs and enjoy live performances from popular kids’ artists at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Learn more.
Surly Bikers and Beers
What: Surly Masher
When: Noon–4 p.m.
Where: Surly Brewing Company, 520 Malcolm Ave. SE, Minneapolis
Minnesota has two companies that call themselves “Surly”—the brewery and the Bloomington-grown fat-bike company. On Sunday, they create even more confusion around their shared brand name by teaming up for the first Surly Masher, a beer-guzzling bike expo featuring a demo course, the latest rides from Surly Bikes, a beer tent, live music, food trucks, a silent auction, and more. Learn more.
