Friday, November 8
The Big One
WHAT: The Edina Film Festival
WHERE: Landmark Edina Cinema, Edina
WHEN: Showtimes vary throughout the weekend; check website for details
The versatile lineup for this annual film fest includes choices ranging from My Favorite Brunette, a 1947 comedy parodying thriller clichés, to Kimura’s Vengeance, a Japanese drama shot in Minnesota (don’t worry, there are subtitles). The whole event wraps up with a special “Put Your Dude On” event celebrating all that’s great about the Coen brothers’ The Big Lebowski—break out a costume and brush up on your trivia. Learn more at edinafilmfestival.com.
Friday, November 8
All a Mirage
WHAT: Rancho Mirage
WHERE: Old Log Theater, Excelsior
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Dinner parties in plays never seem to go as planned (think: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), and the one in Steven Dietz’s Rancho Mirage is no exception. Starring James Denton of “Desperate Housewives” fame (more recently seen in Good People at St. Paul’s Park Square Theatre), this show features six longtime friends who finally tell each other the truth. Thankfully, there’s an ample supply of wine (and an excellent cast) to help them through it. Learn more at oldlog.com.
Saturday, November 9
A Tribute to Tito
WHAT: A Tribute to Tito Puente
WHERE: Hopkins High School, Hopkins
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Tito Puento deserves a big tip of the hat—he was a jazz pioneer who fused big band, Latin, and salsa music into a blend all his own. The JazzMN Orchestra, made up of some of the Twin Cities’ best and brightest jazz musicians, honors Puente with a tribute concert featuring his original works and several more inspired by him. Learn more at jazzmn.org.
Saturday, November 9
Never Too Cold
WHAT: Izzy’s Grand Opening
WHERE: Izzy’s Ice Cream, Minneapolis
WHEN: 12 p.m.
Snow, schmo. It’s never too cold for ice cream, as the people at Izzy’s understand. Although the Minneapolis outpost of this St. Paul staple opened for business in July, the space is now complete, and the owners and staff are ready to show off. Head over for kids’ activities, kitchen viewing, and ingredient tasting—and go deeper with behind-the-scenes architectural and tasting tours. Learn more at izzysicecream.com.
Sunday, November 10
Weave On
WHAT: Fiber Fair
WHERE: Northrup King Building, Minneapolis
WHEN: 12 p.m.
Planning ahead to avoid the holiday-shopping rush? This weekend marks the 39th annual Fiber Fair, a sale put on by the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, and it’s a great spot to find unique pieces for everyone on your list. From scarves to shoulder bags, these locally made pieces are not only one-of-a-kind, but all of the proceeds go to support local weavers. Learn more at weaverguildmn.org.
Sunday, November 10
Jazzy Jungle
WHAT: Ellingtonia: The Music of Duke Ellington
WHERE: The Jungle Theater, Minneapolis
WHEN: 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Fans of big-band extravagance will love this small-scale version. As part of the Jazz at the Jungle series, vocalist Connie Evingson will be joined by a miniature big band featuring saxophones, piano, trumpet, bass, and drums in a show designed to bring a few of Duke Ellington’s tunes to life. Hear everything from famous songs to lesser-known compositions and get ready to feel swingin’. Learn more at jungletheater.com.
