Photo by Bill Cameron
Painted Landscapes
What: Practicing the Presence of Place
When: Feb. 25-26, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd.
Catch the final days of the Bloomington Center for the Arts’ exhibition of a local artist’s landscape paintings of Minnesota. Bob Scmhitt invites you to take a stroll through Minnesotan landscapes, featuring Split Rock lighthouse, Minnehaha Falls in winter, and more. Schmitt says, “My goal is to capture the essence of place as it lives in my memory and hopefully to touch that place where it lives in your memory.”
Como Friends
What: Bouquets
When: Feb, 25; virtual, 7p.m.; or garden stroll, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtually, or at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul
Partake in the annual fundraiser for the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory either virtually or in person. During the virtual Bouquets event, you will hear from a zookeeper and gardner, and you’ll get some beer and wine tips, too. You can also take advantage of the greenhouse, partaking in a garden stroll through the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, with timed tickets to maintain safe distancing. Admission to the event is donation-based.
Dancing to Radiohead
What: RadioBody: Screendance Iteration
When: Feb. 26, 7-8 p.m.
Where: Virtual Event
Rhythmically Speaking debuts a collaboration with local composer Mike Lauer. Join this dance exploration featuring jazz takes on the alt-electronic sounds of Radiohead while confronting the idea of human toil and triumph. The virtual event includes a Q&A with the artists and a behind-the-scenes look. The live performance has been postponed for February 2022.
Hip-Hop for the Livestream
What: MIXTAPE PART IV: Now Streaming
When: February 26-27, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual Event
The Mixtape Collective continues to explore street and hip-hop dance with the Cowles Center, now in an all-online performance. The production features five choreographed pieces, on topics ranging from community to otherness and Black womanhood. “Incredibly, this production was subtitled Now Streaming even before the pandemic and our pivot to virtual performances,” says the Cowles Center’s Director of Operations and Production, Joseph Bingham, in a press release. “The serendipity is exciting. It really highlights how carefully and specifically these performances are made for a screened experience.”
Opera Online
What: Minnesota Opera Benefit: Art Is a Verb
When: Feb. 27; pre-show, 6:30 p.m.; main program, 7-8 p.m.
Where: Virtual Event
Enjoy the world premiere of the Minnesota Opera’s Art is a Verb from the comfort of your home. The pre-show, at 6:30 p.m., features a behind-the-scenes look and includes information about the event. The performance showcases some classic songs and arias as performed by the Minnesota Opera’s resident and rising talents. After the performance, there is a virtual auction at 9 p.m. to benefit the opera company.
Drive-Thru Rock & Light Show
What: Sever’s Rock Lights
When: Feb. 26-27, 6-10 p.m.
Where: 3121 150th St. W., Shakopee
When was the last time you did karaoke or heard live music? You can do both this weekend by attending the Sever’s Rock Lights in your car. Drive through the light display accompanied by classic rock songs. The musical score is synchronized with a technicolor display featuring over a million LED lights. There are awards and giveaways for those who post videos on social media of themselves singing and dancing in their car. Ten percent of ticket proceeds will go to the Twin Cities Music Community Trust.
Take the Plunge
What: Grumpy Old Men Festival
When: Feb. 27, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Mississippi Parkside Marina, 829 Third St. W., Wabasha
It’s “wear plaid weekend” in Wabasha as the town kicks off its 28th Annual Grumpy Old Men Festival. The day features an ice fishing contest, a bonfire with s’mores, and more. Dress and pack for the weather, because this is an outdoor event centered around the fundraising Grumpy Plunge—or, a leap into the freezing water. You can also simply post a video on social media for the Grumpy Challenge to fundraise from a snow bank near you.
Looking for something else? Check out Minnesota Monthly’s calendar for more events.
