Courtesy of Mixed Blood Theatre
Piano/Rocket Man
What: Phil Thompson: Billy & Elton – The Hits
When: September 16, 7-9 p.m.
Where: The Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Ave. S., Minneapolis
Catch a Billy Joel and Elton John tribute in one night as pianist and vocalist Phil Thompson takes an outdoor stage at the Bakken with a backing band to cover the pop artists’ hits.
Dessa in Rochester
What: Dessa (VIP tickets only)
When: September 17, doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: Forager Brewery, 1005 Sixth St. NW, Rochester
VIP tickets are still available to singer, rapper, writer, and podcast host Dessa’s outdoor performance at Rochester’s Forager Brewery.
Theater at the Zoo
What: Animate by Mixed Blood Theatre
When: September 17-26
Where: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, 1225 Eastbrook Dr., St. Paul
As part of a new “theatrical experience” this month, Mixed Blood Theatre is casting Como Zoo as a mythical enclosure. Spanning eight scenes, audience members travel through the “Jackson Kennicott Zoo,” hitting up the primate house, the big-cat building, the giraffe grotto, and other exhibits. Prominent Twin Cities actors, playing zoo keepers, activists, and other societal figures, pose the question, “Does the good of the many supersede the good of the individual?” Topics for examination include race and philanthropy. And according to a press release, you should look for a special cameo by Don Cheadle.
Trampled by Turtles and Wilco at Treasure Island
What: Trampled by Turtles and Wilco
When: September 18, 7 p.m.
Where: Treasure Island Amphitheater, 5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd., Welch
Duluth-rooted folk-rockers Trampled by Turtles join alt-rock group Wilco for Treasure Island’s summer concert series.
Vegetarian Option
What: Twin Cities Veg Fest
When: September 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Harriet Island Regional Park, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd., St. Paul
The self-proclaimed biggest plant-based festival in the Midwest sets up at Harriet Island Park in St. Paul on Sunday. “Whether you’re curious about plant-based eating or just enjoy music, cooking demos, unique products, and great food, Twin Cities Veg Fest is for you,” Laura Matanah, executive director of Compassionate Action for Animals, which organizes the festival, said in a press release. Expect about 70 vendors, a scavenger hunt, speakers and performers, and such products as a solar-powered lid for mason jar–assisted dehydration.
First Ave’s Jubilee
What: Japanese Breakfast with Luna Li
When: September 19, doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: First Avenue, 701 N. First Ave., Minneapolis
Masks and proof of vaccination or a negative test (rapid tests not accepted) are required for this First Ave show by indie-rock band Japanese Breakfast, featuring critically acclaimed 2021 album Jubilee.
