The Agenda

Art, music, parades & more—the best events of November

NOVEMBER 2

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

The tickets may be hard to come by, but the lucky ones will get a glimpse of the Boss with the entire E Street Band (including drummer Max Weinberg of Late Night with Conan O’Brien). Xcel Energy Center, 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, 651-989-5151

NOVEMBER 1 AND 2

TRACY KIDDER

Pulitzer Prize—winning author Tracy Kidder reads from his book Mountains Beyond Mountains, the story of Paul Farmer, a doctor whose work with the poorest of the poor in Haiti led him to establish the international-aid organization Partners in Health. Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 952-979-1111

NOVEMBER 2 TO 4

ART ATTACK 2007

The popular Nordeast art crawl celebrates 10 years in the Northrup King Building. Tour the work of more than 200 artists, including photographer Dan Marshall, who documented homelessness in the Twin Cities. Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Mpls., 612-363-5612

NOVEMBER 3 AND 4

AUTUMN OPEN HOUSE

Drink in the fall colors on the drive to Hastings, then imbibe Alexis Bailly’s intoxicating offerings at its annual open house. Free tours plus a $5 winetasting. Alexis Bailly Vineyard, 18200 Kirby Ave., Hastings, 651-437-1413

NOVEMBER 8

WORLD WAR II ROUND TABLE

The Nuremberg trials and prosecutor Robert Jackson are the focus of this Veterans Day event, sponsored by the Minnesota Historical Society. Fort Snelling, Hwys. 5 and 55, St. Paul, 612-726-1171, www.mnhs.org

NOVEMBER 8 TO 10

PREMIUM WHITE MORSELS

The performing-arts trio Mad King Thomas examines expectations about femininity and whiteness as part of Intermedia Arts’ ongoing Naked Stages program. Expect a sometimes-edgy piece that combines dance and comedic theater with social commentary. Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-871-4444

Photo by Greg Gorman

NOVEMBER 10

THE CURRENT FAKEBOOK

The Current’s radio host Mary Lucia interviews John Waters, who kicks off the night with his one-man show, This Filthy World, a “vaudeville act” that showcases the filmmaker’s often lurid tastes. Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul, 651-290-1221

NOVEMBER 10 TO 18

THE ITALIAN GIRL IN ALGIERS

Minnesota Opera favorite Vivica Genaux returns after an absence of three years as the lead in the company’s first production of The Italian Girl, Gioachino Rossini’s story of a love affair torn apart by pirates. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul, 651-224-4222

NOVEMBER 14 AND 15

PICHET KLUNCHUN AND MYSELF

East meets west—and results in transcendence—as the provocative Parisian choreographer Jérôme Bel teams up with Thai dancer Pichet Klunchun. Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-375-7600

NOVEMBER 14 AND 15

STRAVINSKY’S THE FIREBIRD

The Minnesota Orchestra launches its newest series, Inside the Classics, with an exploration of Igor Stravinsky’s breakthrough ballet. The first half of the concert features dancers Penelope Freeh and Justin Leaf’s interpretation of The Firebird, followed by conductor Sarah Hatsuko Hicks’s take on the piece. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-371-5656

OPENS NOVEMBER 16

CALL AND RESPONSE

Muralist Ta-coumba Aiken, who usually shows his work at his Lowertown loft in St. Paul, gets a show in the temple across the river. Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls., 612-870-3131

Photo by Andy Shea
Amber double dot
blown glass

NOVEMBER 16 AND 17

ART AT 2402

University Avenue in St. Paul may be best known as the site of Porky’s drive-in, but the area is starting to see an influx of creative types and their followers. The refurbished Chittenden-Eastman Building houses several artists, including a few Bush fellows, and hosts an open studio tour. 2402 University Ave. W., St. Paul, 612-724-5887

BEGINS NOVEMBER 17

HOLIDAY EXHIBITION & SALE

Northern Clay Center’s 17th annual holiday sale brings together the gallery’s favorite artists—more than 70 regional and national potters and ceramic masters. Hands-on activities for children are also offered, so the kids can create while you shop. 2424 Franklin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-339-0592

OPENS NOVEMBER 23

MR. MARMALADE

Though only in its second season, Walking Shadow Theatre received rave reviews its first year as an inventive group. “Subtle and honest acting, articulate direction, [and] fine technical embellishments,” gushed one local critic. It’s this season’s troupe to watch. Red Eye Theater, 15 W. 14th St., Mpls., 612-375-0300

NOVEMBER 23

FISH HOUSE PARADE

Skip Black Friday and the malls and venture north to Aitkin for the much-anticipated Fish House Parade. Now in its 16th year, the parade draws some 5,000 spectators keen on seeing the procession of wacky shanties. Downtown Aitkin, Hwys. 210 and 169, 800-526-8342

NOVEMBER 24

LEO KOTTKE

The witty Midwestern favorite returns to the State for an all-acoustic set, utilizing his talents for the 6- and 12-string guitars. Kottke will play from his latest album, Try and Stop Me, as well as sample from his repertoire of classics. State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-673-0404

NOVEMBER 24

CHOREOGRAPHERS’ EVENING

Curated by Emily Johnson, this annual gathering showcases local troupes, with established choreographers working alongside up-and-coming dancers. Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-375-7600

OPENS NOVEMBER 24

THE HORMEL GIRLS

Spam had nothing to do with e-mail in the late 1940s, when the Hormel girls were pushing product via radio broadcasts for the Austin-based meatpacking company. This tale is written by local playwright Perrin Post in partnership with Buffalo Gal Productions. History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul, 651-292-4323

CLOSES NOVEMBER 25

DISNEY’S THE LION KING

Simba is back in the Cities as the Tony Award—winning musical returns to the site of its world premiere. Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-673-0404

Compiled by Courtney Lewis. Send event information to agenda@mnmo.com.