Weekend Best Bets: April 7–9

Events this weekend around the Twin Cities

Friday, April 7

Turn Junk into Journaling

What: Creative Journaling with Molly Anthony
When: 5:30–7 p.m.
Where: Junket: Tossed & Found, 4049 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis
Kick off a new monthly series on creative journaling. You’ll start with a characterful book—something that’s seen some lovin’—and begin a process of layering, choosing what to feature and what to cover, while reusing old materials. Drawing from a dozen years of experience, Molly Anthony will offer techniques. Fill the weeks between sessions with peer-convened gatherings. Learn more

Late-Night Americana

What: Teague Alexy CD Release Party
When: 10 p.m.–1 a.m.
Where: The Hook and Ladder Theater and Lounge, 3010 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis
You’re still young enough for a late-night Friday of live music. Celebrate the release of Duluth storyteller Teague Alexy’s new album Circuit Sessions and track the influences in his Americana songs, including Minnesota and his life as a “traveling music hobo.” The night’s lineup features Trevor James’ bluegrass-by-Midwest sound and Minneapolis’ The Thirsty River String Band. Learn more


Saturday, April 8

Origami and Orisons

What: 1,000 Cranes
When: 7:30–11:30 p.m.
Where: Dreamland Arts, 677 Hamline Ave. N., St. Paul
Diagnosed with radiation sickness in the wake of the Hiroshima atomic bomb, 12-year-old Sadako Sasaki folds 1,000 paper cranes and prays for peace. Green T Productions presents this story of strength, featuring traditional Japanese dance, stylized movement, mask-work, and original music performed by Miriam Gerberg on the classical, stringed koto. Learn more

An Ode to Unicorns

What: The Unicorn Art Show
When: 7–11 p.m.
Where: Artspace Jackson Flats, 901 18 1/2 Ave. NE, Minneapolis
It’s hard to tell whether hipsters love unicorns ironically or if they’ve co-opted the fairytale favorite as a symbol of youth and impossibility. It doesn’t matter. More than 70 artists present work inspired by horned horses. Dress as Disney royalty or mythic madness. Get modern Midwest cuisine from Gastrotruck. Enjoy performances by Planchette Burns and The Night Corvettes. Learn more


Sunday, April 9

DIY Cheesetopia

What: Cheesemaking
When: 1–3 p.m.
Where: Northern Brewer, 6021 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis
So, you can’t make it to Cheesetopia this weekend. No problem. Learn how to make your own cheese at home. Pick up techniques such as cutting the curd, separating curds and whey, and pressing and waxing hard cheese. Discover how to choose the right milk. Dive into the effects of different cultures, temperature, and aging. Anyone can taste it. Do you know it? Learn more

A Heritage of Minnesota Blues

What: The Spider John Legacy: A Celebration
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis
“Spider” John Koerner’s half-century-and-counting career has bounded the scapes of American song, from blues revivalism to psychedlia, from jug band to folk. At this “retirement” show, the University of Minnesota alum is joined by The Current darlings Cactus Blossoms and Charlie Parr, plus Koerner’s friends from the West Bank Willie Murphy and Tony Glover. Learn more