Friday
Jazz Trio
WHAT: The Bad Plus
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Dakota Jazz Club
Minneapolis jazz trio The Bad Plus take a cue from their hometown, writing and performing music that is as fun and accessible as it is challenging and forward-thinking. They cover tunes by Kurt Cobain, Igor Stravinsky, and nearly everyone in between, but their original songs shine brightest. Tickets and more info at Dakota Jazz Club.
Christmas Drive
WHAT: Christmas Lights
WHEN: After Sunset
WHERE: Around St. Paul
You don’t have to celebrate Christmas to appreciate the colorful lights sparkling through the darkest nights of the year. Drive down St. Paul’s Summit Avenue to Rice Park where you’ll find a festive tree as big as the one in Rockefeller Plaza (see for yourself). Holiday in the Park is a paid tour that benefits the St. Paul Police Foundation and on the Eastern side of the cities, Rockpoint Church offers a choreographed light show. Lastly, discover a gem on York Avenue, where nearly a dozen neighbors have banded together to present a 50,000-light display.
Saturday
Reclaiming History
WHAT: Kwanzaa Family Day
WHEN: 12 p.m.
WHERE: Minnesota History Center
The Minnesota History Center will be celebrating the first day of Kwanzaa with a full day of programing designed around the seven principles of African Heritage. The seven-day holiday was first celebrated in 1966 by African Americans as a way to reconnect with their stolen heritage and is strongly connected to the Black Power Movement. Events include drumming, dance, treats, and games. More info at Minnesota Historical Society.
Out with a Bang
WHAT: F*** 2015”‹
WHEN: 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bryant Lake Bowl
The New Year is a time for looking forward. But before that, the insult comics of Vilification Tennis will spend an evening ranting about the very worst of 2015. In the 30 years they have been performing, no one has ever called Vilification Tennis “family friendly,” so leave the kiddos at home. Info and tickets at Bryant Lake Bowl.
Sunday
Global Village
WHAT: I am Ready: Images of Resiliency From Uganda’s Gay and Transgender Community
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Five Watt Coffee
In 2014, Uganda passed one of the most restrictive anti-homosexuality laws in the world. While the law was ruled invalid on procedural grounds by Uganda’s highest court, the gay and transgender community still faces systemic homophobia. Photographer Katie G. Nelson spent five months in Uganda documenting the community and is presenting her work, including videos, at Five Watt Coffee. Signed prints will be sold to help finance Nelson’s continued work in Uganda. Coffee and beer will be for sale. More info at the event’s Facebook page.
Don’t Call It a Comeback
WHAT: The Great Work
”‹WHEN: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
WHERE: Guthrie Theater
7th House Theater has not performed since 2014, a year which saw two stand-out productions by the troupe. The first was Jonah and the Whale, whose entire run sold out. The second was Little Shop of Horrors, which was named the best musical of the year by City Pages. Now they are back with The Great Work, a musical epic that spans 60 years in the life of the world’s greatest living pianist. The show is accompanied by a six-piece chamber orchestra. Tickets and info at Guthrie Theater.
