Friday, May 11
For the Love
WHAT: Romeo and Juliet
WHERE: Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis
WHEN: 8 p.m.
Carlo Rizzi, among the world’s most prominent conductors, leads the Minnesota Orchestra for the first time. And what a debut: Prokofiev’s seminal take on Romeo and Juliet. Associate concertmaster Sarah Kwak will also perform her final solo after 24 years with the orchestra before leaving next fall to join the Oregon Symphony. Learn more at mnorch.org
Friday, May 11
The Power of Jazz
WHAT: Zacc Harris Group CD release
WHERE: The Artists’ Quarter, St. Paul
WHEN: 9 p.m.
The dynamic young guitarist Zacc Harris (named one of Minnesota Monthly’s “Artists We Love”) leads his all-star ensemble of pianist Bryan Nichols, bassist Chris Bates, drummer JT Bates, and saxophonist Brandon Wozniak through their debut album, The Garden. Learn more at artistsquarter.com
Saturday, May 12
You Had Me at Cello
WHAT: Saltee
WHERE: Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis
WHEN: 8 p.m.
Avant-garde cellist Jacqueline Ultan stretches her instrument in new directions in this groovy trio, joining guitarist Mike Michel and beat-boxing phenom Carnage to make an ambient, neo-classical, hip-hop sound. This concert celebrates the release of their new CD, CrossPolyNation. Learn more at thecedar.org
Saturday, May 12
The Boys are Back
WHAT: NRBQ
WHERE: Famous Dave’s BBQ, Minneapolis
WHEN: 9 p.m.
The legendary live act NRBQ returns to the Twin Cities for one night at Famous Dave’s in Uptown, promoting their new CD, We Travel the Spaceways. The album combines originals and swinging takes on jazz numbers, like the title track by Sun Ra. Learn more at famousdavesbluesclub.com
Sunday, May 13
Beware the Woods
WHAT: Vasa Lisa
WHERE: Open Book, Minneapolis
WHEN: 4 p.m.
Local playwright Kira Obolensky’s new play, based on Russian folk tales, is intriguing enough: a young woman ventures into the woods to confront the witch Baba Yaga. But it’s difficult to think of a more delightful cast than the one assembled by Ten Thousand Things: Sally Wingert, Tracey Maloney, Jim Lichtscheidl, Elise Langer, and Luverne Seifert. Learn more at tenthousandthings.org
Sunday, May 13
Lit Mom
WHAT: Honor Thy Mother
WHERE: Weyerhaueser Chapel, Macalester College, St. Paul
WHEN: 3 p.m.
Garrison Keillor’s Common Good Books hosts this literary tribute to moms, with stories from Patricia Hampl, Julie Schumacher, Shannon Olson, and Keillor himself, along with a few songs. Learn more at commongoodbooks.com
