Friday, August 12
Funniest people in town
WHAT: Mini-Minneapolis Comedy Festival
WHERE: Comedy Corner Underground, Minneapolis
WHEN: 8 p.m.
For the run of the Minnesota Fringe Festival, the area’s newest comedy stage (at the Corner Bar) hosts daily shows of stand-up comedy, emcee battles, and other competitions. The “best of the fest” make a return appearance on Saturday night. Learn more at comedycornerunderground.com
Friday, August 12
Beat it
WHAT: Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!
WHERE: Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis
WHEN: 8 p.m.
A hipper, more grassroots version of the guys who dance and bang on garbage cans, Rhythmic Circus is more about the music and the beat than the theatrics. And the beat goes on, all night, with percussive soul, blues, and hip-hop from a live band compelling dancers who move like their lives depended on it. Learn more at hennepintheatredistrict.com
Saturday, August 13
Pickin’ and grinnin’
WHAT: Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival
WHERE: El Rancho Mañana, Richmond
WHEN: Through Sunday, performances all day and night
Get your fill of the Appalachian string sound at this annual showcase of local bluegrass talent. From newcomers to heavyweights, like Saturday show-closers the Mark Kreitzer Band, the tilt is toward the sharp and traditional. Learn more at minnesotabluegrass.org
Saturday, August 13
Hip to be Square
WHAT: Square Lake Film & Music Festival
WHERE: Square Lake, Stillwater
WHEN: Gate opens at 2:15 p.m.
Bikes and culture meld easily at this laidback music and film festival featuring local movies and such bands as Happy Apple, Kill the Vultures, and Ben Weaver. Learn more at squarelakefestival.com
Sunday, August 14
Riverside music
WHAT: Jazz Brunch
WHERE: Aster Café, St. Anthony Main, Minneapolis
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The renovated, hip Aster Café offers a lazy brunch by the Mississippi with music by Patty and the Buttons. Learn more at aster-cafe.com
Sunday, August 14
Long live Kling
WHAT: Joice, Rejoice
WHERE: Open Eye Figure Theatre
WHEN: 4 p.m.
On the 10th anniversary of his terrible motorcycle accident, Kevin Kling performs his annual show at Open Eye, this time about Lazarus, among other reflections life and the spirit. Learn more at opentheatre.org
