APRIL 17 TO 27ZENON DANCE’S 25TH SEASON
A quarter century ago, Zenon Dance Company leapt onto the local dance scene, and its athletically challenging choreography quickly became a hallmark of its work. The troupe celebrates its silver anniversary this month with a multifaceted program—and bids farewell to founding member Christine Maginnis. Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-340-1725
MARCH 28 TO APRIL 6
TWINS OPENER
Catch the new look of the Twins as they take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in their opening series. Then, see them play the Kansas City Royals the following weekend. Metrodome, 900 S. Fifth St., Mpls., 612-338-9467
MARCH 28 TO MAY 11
RABBIT HOLE
David Lindsay-Abaire’s Rabbit Hole centers on the Corbett family, whose 4-year-old son has died in a car accident. The Jungle’s Bain Boehlke directs this tragic and touching story of grief and marital discord—a play that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2007. Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-822-7063
APRIL 3 TO 27
ON THE VERGE
This month’s joint exhibition, “Stepping into Change,” by artists Pamela Belding and Kate Van Cleve, features works both mythical and literal. Take Belding’s ceramic totem sculptures, for example: animal and human torsos atop elongated plant-like bases. Van Cleve’s take, however, is more literary—a painting of a raven bringing grief, for example. But both artists demonstrate how physical alterations can transform us. Rosalux Gallery, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-747-3942
APRIL 12
RED HOUSE CONCERT
St. Paul—based Red House Records has produced albums for indie rock-folk artists and classical musicians alike—from Spider John Koerner to the Wailin’ Jennys to Peter Ostroushko. Two of its artists, acoustic-pop duo Storyhill and singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky, will perform at the label’s 25th anniversary show, “Our Side of Town,” which will later tour the East Coast and Canada. Fitzgerald Theater,
10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul, 651-290-1221
APRIL 12
BEYOND CATEGORY
When Duke Ellington deemed someone “beyond category,” he was paying a high compliment. So the title of this show sets a top-notch standard for performing the music of jazz greats Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. It’s a challenge that singer Lucia Newell can meet, however, having studied Strayhorn’s work for years. Joining Newell are local favorites Maud Hixson and Dennis Spears, accompanied by the Rick Carlson Trio. Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, 952-563-8575
OPENS APRIL 12
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Ten years after its premiere, Joe Dowling’s popular interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream returns to the Guthrie stage. Dowling’s take on Shakespeare’s romantic comedy is visually impressive—there are even flying fairies—with a new set and costumes. Though many favorite elements of the original production will resurface, it sadly will not include Grey’s Anatomy star T. R. Knight, a member of the 1997 cast. Guthrie Theater, 818 Second St. S., Mpls., 612-377-2224
APRIL 17
A TRIBUTE TO LOUIS ARMSTRONG
Jazz legend Louis Armstrong’s life gets retold through his songs, including “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “What a Wonderful World.” Vocalist Reno Wilson plays the role of Armstrong, backed by Lincoln Center musicians and Delfeayo Marsalis on lead trombone. The tribute concert is the first of three in the new Jazz at Orchestra Hall series, which concludes in July. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-371-5656
OPENS APRIL 17
TRISHA BROWN
Trisha Brown is an artistic renaissance woman. She’s a painter, dancer, choreographer, educator, artist, and more—a resumé that led the Walker to declare 2008 the “Year of Trisha.” Beginning this month, the Walker Art Center will exhibit paintings and work from her 35-plus year career. The highlight of the Walker exhibit will be the show’s preview night, when Brown creates a large-scale painting on the gallery’s floor. And on April 25, her namesake dance company will perform three of Brown’s favorite works at Northrop Auditorium. Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-375-7600; Northrop Auditorium, 84 Church St. SE, Mpls., 612-624-2345
APRIL 18 TO 20
AMERICAN CRAFT SHOW
More art fair than flea market, the largest gathering of all things crafts in the Midwest comes to St. Paul this month. Begun in 1966 as a modest collection, the American Craft Council’s show now brings together more than 250 artists exhibiting high-quality handmade jewelry, clothing, and furniture. Artists will also offer demonstrations on creating ceramics and making Japanese mokume jewelry. RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, 651-989-5151
APRIL 21
Editor’s Note: **RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 20**
SANTANA
Play Guitar Hero all you want: You still can’t match Carlos Santana. The Grammy winner has been performing for 40-plus years, has collaborated with almost every musician besides Britney Spears, and has sold more than 90 million albums worldwide. Oh, yeah—and his jams are way groovy. Xcel Energy Center, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, 651-989-5151
OPENS APRIL 24
BORDER CROSSING
Off-Leash Area’s theatrical-dance performance, Border Crossing, a heart-breaking story about a group of Mexican immigrants attempting to cross the U.S. border, is sure to put a cork in the border-fence debate. To create the piece, Off-Leash spent months researching and interviewing residents and transients near the border in Arizona and Mexico. The resulting work tells those stories through elaborate puppets and props, and features a cast of about 20 dancers. Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-436-1129
