Hot Summer Nights
Whatever your passion—movies, music, painting, or plays—we’ve got your summer all planned out: We’ve scoured cultural calendars for the Twin Cities’ best events, then added a few dinner and nightcap recommendations. Here, 47 ways to kick up—or cool—your heels after sunset.
Edited by Joel Hoekstra
Photo by Jeff Johnson
On her: “M” Missoni dress, Neiman Marcus, $685; Stephen Dweck Necklace, Neiman Marcus, $395; Monolo Blahnik Shoe, Neiman Marcus, $675 On Him: Juicy Couture Jacket, Neiman Marcus, $350; Etro Shirt, Intoto, $340; Rag & Bone Jeans, Intoto, $225 Hair/Makeup: Angelia, Moore Creative Stylist: Cindy Wagner Stylist Assistant: Sydney Eisbach Female model: KC Krull, Ford/Chicago Male model: Hartley Humphreys, Ford/Chicago
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Classical Music
INCOMPLETE OR NOT, FEW WORKS ARE AS SOULFUL AND SATISFYING AS SCHUBERT'S "UNFINISHED" SYMPHONY
If you were challenged to select a single work that represents the Minnesota Orchestra, you could do worse than choose Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 8, a.k.a. the “Unfinished.” Under the baton of director Emil Oberhoffer, the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra made its debut in November 1903 with a performance of the Eighth, and Oberhoffer apparently thought so highly of the piece he plugged it into programs six more times over the next seven years.The orchestra, long since recast as the Minnesota Orchestra, hasn’t let a decade go by without a nod to the “Unfinished,” and it’s easy to hear why. Its sweet melodies have been likened to “an electric shock displaying the dark side of human nature.” That’s quite a statement, considering many musicologists believe the composer intended this two-movement work as merely the first half of a four-part symphony. Few listeners seem to care—it remains among the most beloved of Schubert’s compositions, finished or otherwise. (This time around, the Minnesota Orchestra puts a Brit, conductor Mark Wigglesworth, on the podium.)
—MATT PEIKEN
MAKE IT A DATE
Where: Orchestra Hall. 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-371-5656When: May 8–10
What else: Porter & Frye, Minneapolis’s hottest new dining spot, offers a late-night menu with beef tenderloin and other high-end nosh. 1115 Second Ave. S., Mpls., 612-353-3500
More Hot Summer Nights
THREE OPTIONS FOR CONCERTS, COCKTAILS, AND MORE
Beethoven’s Triple ConcertoMay 23
Unlike the rest of Beethoven’s concertos, which center on a single instrument, the Triple spotlights cello, violin, and piano in one singular, sensational work. After this Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra concert, head down the street to Sakura for such Japanese specialities as gyoza, teriyaki, and bento boxes.
Ordway Center
345 Washington St., St. Paul. Tickets: 651-291-1144
Sakura
350 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-224-0185
Songs of Ascension: Meredith Monk and Ann Hamilton
June 12–14
A innovative collaboration by vocalist Monk and visual artist Hamilton. When the lights come up, cross the street and hit the restaurant La Belle Vie (above), where a new pastry chef, an ever-changing dessert menu, and one of the best bartenders in town add to the night’s harmony.
Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave., 612-375-7600
La Belle Vie
510 Groveland Ave., Mpls., 612-874-6440
Covers—A Pop Concert
May 16–18
Cantus, a young, talented, Minnesota-based, and classically trained chamber group, tackles pop music by the White Stripes and other revolutionary rockers. For a fast pre-show supper, visit Keefer Court, just south of Seven Corners. What it lacks in ambiance, it makes up for in choices, such as lo mein, congee, and Empress chicken.
Southern Theater
1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-340-1725
Keefer Court
326 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls., 612-340-0937
Best of Shows
VENUES, EVENTS, AND OUTINGS
Middle America
» The Road HomeCelebrating the work of America composers, Magnum Chorum performs works by Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Kenneth Jennings, and others. May 3. St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul. Tickets: 612-924-4111
Magic Flutes
» Sir James & Lady GalwayThe Irish virtuoso, who has entertained popes, princes, and presidents, performs with his American wife, Jeanne. May 3–4. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-371-5656
International Flavors
» Alleluia from Around the WorldThe vocal group Exultate performs choral and instrumental work from many cultures. May 3–4. Various locations. Tickets: 651-707-0727
Keyed Up
» Chopin and KernisRomanian-born pianist Mihaela Ursuleasa plays works by Chopin and Rachmaninov, and premieres a work by Aaron Jay Kernis. May 4. Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, Macalester College, 130 Macalester St.,
St. Paul. Tickets: 612-822-0123
A Slice of Americana
» VocalEssence Ensemble SingersThree centuries of homegrown music by a 32-person choir. May 10. Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 N. Fourth St., Stillwater. Tickets: 612-624-2345
The Vegas Years
» P.D.Q. BachSatirist Peter Schickele adds a dash of lounge lizard to classic texts and tunes. May 24. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-371-5656
Outdoor Concerts
» Minneapolis LakesLake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy., Mpls., 612-230-6475
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