Arts & Performance

Leila Abdelrazaq is a Palestinian author and artist born in Chicago and currently living in Detroit, Michigan. Her creative work primarily explores issues related to diaspora, refugees, history, memory, and borders. Nothing is set in stone (narrative intifada) examines history as a series of stories that are either lost or solidified in time through repetition, power, and oppression.  In Palestinian iconography, stones are considered sacred because they are tied to the land. They are also used as tools for resisting oppression. Read more about Leila Abdelrazaq: Nothing is Set in Stone (Narrative Intifada)

The Twin Cities Bead Bazaar is a semi-annual gathering of artists, crafters, jewelry designers and stone lovers.  The show, which is hosted and organized by Edina's own Dakota Stones and Goody Beads, will be held once again at the Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins, MN, on May 2nd & 3rd.  Dozens of local and nationally known vendors will offer their wide selection of semi-precious gemstones, beads, kit and patterns, and finished jewelry. Read more about Twin Cities Bead Bazaar

Join One Voice in honoring the life and work of gay, African American civil rights activist Bayard Rustin with The Man Behind the Dream, a commissioned work that tells the story of Rustin’s early years growing up as a Quaker, singer, athlete and activist who became a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. Composer Steve Milloy uses two story-guides, the full chorus, and a 5-piece band to chronicle Rustin’s influence on Dr. King’s strategy of peaceful protest and pays tribute to current day activists. Read more about One Voice Mixed Chorus presents Bayard Rustin: The Man Behind the Dream

The Midwest cover band is sure to put on a good show for all to enjoy. From covers in pop all the way to country, this ‘80s band is a great tribute to female artists. The Narrows offers a large selection of great food, and the ability to hangout and enjoy the company and the music. 21 and up. 952.471.3352  Read more about Starlette’s Web at The Narrows

Come out to Lake Harriet to explore a village of ice houses-turned-art studios. With over 150 artists and more than 20 shanties, let your imagination run wild across the ice as you explore the make-shift village. Watch performances, interact with resident artists and get in on the creative action yourself. All ages. 612.567.6844 Read more about Art Shanty Projects

Are you ready to have a fun night full of laughs? Look no further than Tracy Morgan and his comedy show! He is starring currently in The Last OG, so be sure to grab a ticket and make a fun night out of the stand-up show! Adults only. Read more about Tracy Morgan: No Disrespect

Come support local filmmakers at AdventureMN Film Festival. This is a great opportunity to watch some short films that you might not normally get to see. The films are mostly about life in Minnesota and exploring the places that most people might not get to see in the land of 10,000 lakes. All ages. Read more about The AdventureMN Film Festival

From 42nd Street to “Easy Street” and “All That Jazz” to “Step In Time,” dance on Broadway helps to shape the dance world and creates cultural memories that last well beyond the dance floor. In this installment of Ordway Cabaret, we hear from artists whose voices are seldom heard but whose contributions are key to the story and spectacle of the Broadway musical. Join us as we look at the legacy of dance in musical theater, the choreographers who created it, and the stories of the dancers in the ensembles that make our musicals move. Read more about Ordway Cabaret: Gotta Dance!

TaikoArts Midwest proposes a simple, ground-breaking idea: bring the best North American and Japanese female taiko artists together for a two-week artist residency to collaborate and create a one-of-a-kind performance. Envisioned as a catalyst to fuel movement towards gender equity in taiko, this project celebrates and puts women center stage in a collaborative, unique performance. Read more about HERbeat: Taiko Women ALL-STARS

Conceived and choreographed by Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy, Written in Water explores the universal paradigm of a seeker on a journey to connect the human with the transcendent and reveal mysteries within the self. In this large-scale, multimedia dance work, dancers and musicians move freely between composition and improvisation, and activate the space by negotiating snakes and ladders—representing the heights of ecstasy and depths of longing. Read more about Ragamala Dance Company: Written in Water