Friday
Up-and-Comers
WHAT: Best New Bands of 2015
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: First Avenue
2015 saw the emergence of some seriously talented musicians in Minnesota, and you can catch the best of these up-and-comers under one roof. Local Radio DJs will host the show featuring two rappers (one from Red Lake Reservation and one from St. Paul), a trio of feminist punks, a staple of Twin Cities studios, a couple of hard working bands from Minneapolis, and one Wisconsinite. Tickets and a complete listing at First Avenue.
Oy Vey
WHAT: Twin Cities Jewish Humor Festival
WHEN: All Weekend
WHERE: Sabes JCC
More than just a smattering of Jewish comedians, the Twin Cities Jewish Humor Festival is a celebration of the wry culture comedy that stretches from the Torah, to Vaudeville, to Seinfeld. The event continues into the week, including improv workshops for youngsters, presentations of medical clowning in Israel, and, yeah, plenty of stand-ups. Tickets and more info at Sabes JCC.
Saturday
Classical Entertainment
WHAT: Soirée on a Winter’s Night
WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lake Elmo Inn Event Center
The East Metro Symphony Orchestra has been around since 1957, when it was the 3M Club Symphony Orchestra. This year, they are beginning a new tradition: a night of music, drinks, and dessert, all preceded by a silent auction to benefit the orchestra. Tickets and more info at MPR.
Dark Comedy
WHAT: Christopher Titus”‹
WHEN: 8 p.m.
WHERE: Pantages Theater
This show may appeal most to Minnesota transplants who are tired of all the niceness. Titus doesn’t shy away from his dysfunctional upbringing, riffing about his alcoholic father and institutionalized mother. He’s anything but nice, but he is hilarious—Newsday once called him “TV’s most original comic voice since Seinfeld.” More info and tickets and Hennepin Theater Trust.
Sunday
Strange Brew
WHAT: Brewery Tours
WHEN: Various
WHERE: Twin Cities
Longing for the days of summer when it seems like big beer/music/food festivals are on every corner? Get out of your winter rut by making your own fun and attend a brewery tour. Harriet Brewing, LynLake Brewery, and Surly Brewing Co. all offer Sunday tours. Dangerous Man Brewing Co. is hosting a beard and mustache competition to kick off a week of celebration for their third year in business.
Triple Axel
WHAT: U.S. Figure Skating Championships
”‹WHEN: Various
WHERE: Xcel Energy Center
For only the second time in more than two decades, Minnesota will host the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, where the best figure skaters in the nation will compete for a chance to qualify to the world championships. Sunday begins the competition, with the final championship events held the following weekend. If you don’t follow figure skating outside of the Olympics, don’t worry—there is a handy guide available at the event’s website, where you can also purchase tickets.
