The Agenda

Art, concerts, sports & more—your best bets for February

OPENS FEBRUARY 16

WORLDS AWAY

The newest exhibit at the Walker examines how demographic changes in the suburbs over the past 50 years have affected its housing, retail, and roadways. Videos depicting ’burbs across the country and a lecture by architect Teddy Cruz are also included in the tour. Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-375-7600

JANUARY 31 AND FEBRUARY 3

UNDER THE NORTH STAR

The Singers celebrate 150 years of statehood with a concert highlighting Minnesota’s composers, from the earliest choral music to contemporary works. January 31, Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, 5011 31st Ave. S., Mpls.; February 3, First Lutheran Church, 1555 40th Ave. NE, Columbia Heights; 651-917-1948, www.singersmca.org

FEBRUARY 2

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO RAMSEY LEWIS

Ramsey Lewis has been called “the great performer” for good reason: He’s been hitting high notes as a composer and pianist since he was 15, a run that includes seven gold records, three Grammy Awards, and 75 albums. Lewis’s performance at Ted Mann Concert Hall showcases his musical mastery of genres, which range from gospel to jazz to classical. Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 Fourth St. S., Mpls., 612-624-2345

FEBRUARY 4

MATCHBOX TWENTY

With 30-million records sold to date, Matchbox Twenty is as ubiquitous as valentine’s hearts this time of year. The band is currently on tour to support Exile on Mainstream, the group’s first album in five years. Opening for their concert is femme-rocker Alanis Morissette and Mute Math, who recorded the theme for the 2007 flick Transformers. Xcel Energy Center, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, 651-989-5151

FEBRUARY 8

TIMBERWOLVES VS. THE CELTICS

Minnesota basketball fans haven’t been this enthused about a Timberwolves game since, well, the last time Kevin Garnett played a game here. So even though the Kid is on the opposing team this time around, he still warrants
a rousing welcome. Target Center, 600 First Ave. N., Mpls., 651-989-5151

OPENS FEBRUARY 8

SAME DIFFERENCE

Last summer, actor Samuel G. Roberson Jr. unveiled his first script at the Minnesota Fringe Festival to overwhelmingly positive reception. Same Difference, now in revival, tells the story of two college roommates from opposing backgrounds who must work to find commonalities and resist preconceived stereotypes. Illusion Theater, 528 Hennepin Ave., Eighth Floor, Mpls., 612-339-4944; Pillsbury House Theatre, 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls., 612-825-0459

OPENS FEBRUARY 9

ANIMATION

Nickelodeon comes to life in the Science Museum’s newest exhibit, “Animation,” which covers 6,000 square feet and allows visitors to explore the process and techniques of animation. Historic films and cells from early cartoons show drawings from Scooby-Doo and The Flintstones, along with more modern work from programs on the Cartoon Network. Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, 651-221-9444

OPENS FEBRUARY 14

POLITICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

Now in its seventh year, the Political Theatre Festival premieres six new plays from Teatro del Pueblo that focus on identity within the Latino community. The shows are premiered alongside an exhibit of new paintings from the Spanish artist Santiago Zarzosa. Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-871-4444

OPENS FEBRUARY 16

THE HUMAN TOUCH

The locally based financial company RBC Dain Rauscher sends 38 pieces from its art collection—including work by Chuck Close, Roy Lichtenstein, and Alex Soth—on the road this month. The tour starts in Rochester before going national. Rochester Art Center, 40 Civic Center Dr. SE, Rochester, 507-424-3305

FEBRUARY 17, 24

WITNESS

VocalEssence’s annual February concert gives a shout-out to African-American composers and performers, this year honoring jazz great Duke Ellington. The program will feature guest baritone vocalist Dennis Spears, pianist Sanford Moore, and sound-effects master Tom Keith. February 17, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul, 651-224-4222; February 24, Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka, 612-624-2345

FEBRUARY 21 TO 24

TWIN CITIES FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCE

Yes, it’s affiliated with this magazine, but for foodies and oenophiles, the Twin Cities Food & Wine Experience is not-to-be-missed (proceeds benefit Minnesota Public Radio). If you’re 21-plus, grab a glass and drink it all in.
Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Mpls., 612-371-5857, www.foodwineshow.com

FEBRUARY 22

JAMES SEWELL BALLET

The venerable Minneapolis-based dance troupe will introduce two pieces by Sewell, Social Movements and If This Then What, plus pieces by celebrated local choreographers Penelope Freeh and Sally Rousse, Sewell’s wife and group co-founder. Following its February show, the production will be staged in March in Rochester and in April in St. Paul. Center for the Arts, 124 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls, 218-998-2787

CLOSES FEBRUARY 23

The FANTASTICKS

Written by Harvey Schmidt with lyrics by Tom Jones (yes, the Tom Jones), The Fantasticks centers on a love story that’s tested by the couple’s meddling fathers. It’s a sweet tale for a Valentine’s Day date, or a nice way to break the ice with the new in-laws. Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, 952-563-8575

OPENS FEBRUARY 23

PARADE

Theater Latté Da’s artistic director Peter Rothstein is having a good year. No, a great one. This month he directs the Tony Award—winning Parade, the true story of a Jewish man who is wrongfully accused of murdering his employee, at the Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company. Hillcrest Center Theater, 1978 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-647-4315

OPENS FEBRUARY 23

THE BNW’S 50th ANNIVERSARY SHOW

Always unpredictable, the Brave New Workshop’s 50th anniversary show is still in flux, but what is guaranteed is laughs. The improv company has given several notable comedians their start (or encouragement), including locals Al Franken and Louie Anderson, as well as Peter MacNicohol from Ally McBeal and 24. Brave New Workshop, 2605 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-332-6620

FEBRUARY 27

FOO FIGHTERS

Led by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, the alternative rockers make a tour stop in Minneapolis. Expect to hear songs from their new double-album release that the New York Times called “an unexpected magnum opus.” Target Center, 600 First Ave. N., Mpls., 651-989-5151

Send event information to agenda@mnmo.com.