State of the Arts Category Archive: How To
Learn to listen with MPR Classical
Posted at 12:23 PM on September 28, 2011
by Marianne Combs
(0 Comments)
Filed under: How To, Music
Have you ever wondered whether some people hear music differently than you do? Or whether you're missing out on something important as you take in a complex orchestral work? Or do you simply want to learn more about classical music?
Our colleagues over at Classical MPR have brought back their music appreciation and discussion series "Learning to Listen," and are kicking of the 2011-2012 season with a conversation about symphonies.
Hosted by Emily Reese and John Birge, the conversation will look at the history of the symphony, and how it's evolved. Their guest, conductor Bill Eddins, will then talk about the current climate in the world of orchestras.
This event takes place Monday, October 10, from 7 - 8:30PM in MPR's UBS Forum. Details on how to reserve your free tickets will be available soon at classicalmpr.org.
Dinner and a show, part two
Posted at 3:55 PM on October 28, 2010
by Marianne Combs
(0 Comments)
Filed under: How To
When I asked friends and colleagues in the arts world for recommendations on where to eat before or after a show, many responded that there were too few places that stay open late for a post-show dinner. Several bemoaned the lack of late-night venues, saying eating before a show is always rushed and ends up making you feel drowsy during the performance. Others craved simple a midnight dessert venue.
Now, I'm not one to stay up late, but this is a great performing arts town, so I decided to put the question to food critic Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl: why don't we have better late night offerings?
Her answer? We do! She says she hears this perception all the time, but the perception really isn't accurate.
Grumdahl referred me to an article she wrote on the matter. As she put it ""everybody says they want to eat out late at night--but then they don't do it."
Her recommendations? I've compiled a list from both her article and what she listed in her e-mail, with links and hours - here it is:
Eatery 112
Monday - Thursday 5pm - midnight
Friday and Saturday 5pm - 1am
Sunday 5pm - 10pm
Full kitchen service until closing.
Bar La Grassa
Dining: Full kitchen service until closing.
Monday - Thursday: 5pm - Midnight
Friday and Saturday: 5pm - 1am
Sunday: 5pm - 10pm
Bar:
Monday - Saturday: 5pm - 2am
Sunday: 5pm to midnight
Il Gatto
Dining :
Sunday -Thursday: 4pm to 11 pm,,
Friday and Saturday: 3pm to midnight
Sunday: 3pm to 11 pm
Bar:
Sunday - Thursday: 6:30 pm to midnight
Fridays and Saturdays: 6:30pm - 1am
Fuji Ya (Mpls location)
Dining:
Tuesday - Thursday: 5 - 10pm
Friday and Saturday: 5 - 10:30pm
Sunday: 5 - 9pm
Cocktail lounge open until midnight
Origami
Friday and Saturday: 5pm - 10:30pm
Bulldog Northeast
Open Daily: 11am to 2am
Serving Food Daily: 11am to 1am
Barrio Tequila Bar
(St. Paul)
Monday - Thursday: 11am - 1am
Friday: 11am - 2am
Saturday: 4pm - 2am
Sunday: 12pm - 2am
(Mpls)
Monday - Friday: 11am - 2am
Saturday: 11:30am - 2am
Sunday: 11:30am - 1am
Bradstreet Crafthouse
Tuesday - Saturday: 5pm - 2am, full-menu until close
Hell's Kitchen
Thursday and Friday: 6:30am to 2am
(Dinner 4-10 - Late Nite Menu 10pm - 2am)
Saturday: 7:30am to 2am
(Dinner 4-10 - Late Nite Menu 10pm - 2am)
Haute Dish
Monday - Saturday: 4pm - 2am
Sunday: 4pm - 12am
(Dinner service begins everyday at 5pm)
Pizza Luce, Downtown Mpls
Mon - Thur: 11am - 2:30am
Friday: 11am - 3:30am
Saturday: 10am - 3:30am
Sunday: 10am - 2:30am
Pizza Luce, Uptown
Daily: 11am - 2:30am
Pizza Luce, Seward and University
Daily: 11am - 2:30am
Pizza Luce, St. Paul
Daily Dining Room: 11am - 1am
(delivery until 2am)
The Depot
Charley's Grill
Daily 5pm to 10pm
Stone Arch Bar
Food:
Daily 2pm to 11pm
Beverages:
Sunday - Thursday: 2pm to 12am
Friday and Saturday: 2pm to 1am
General wisdom has it that the best way to ensure there are more options for late night dining is to frequent those places that are already open. So get out there and eat!
Dinner and a show
Posted at 12:47 PM on October 26, 2010
by Marianne Combs
(1 Comments)
Filed under: How To
Bryant Lake Bowl will sate your hunger while entertaining you
Image courtesy Snaxx on Flickr
"So, where should we eat?"
When it comes to seeing a show, this is a question that's often asked at the last minute, and can stymie the couple that's not familiar with the Twin Cities restaurant landscape.
Back in the days when Theatre de la Jeune Lune was still around in the Minneapolis warehouse district, I'd often treat myself to dinner at nearby Origami beforehand.
But rather than bore you with just my personal recommendations, I threw the question to the pros. Here are their choices for "dinner and a show:"
The Big Hitters
Going to the Guthrie? While the theater boasts two restaurants and a mini-cafe, the recommendations I got for dining involve leaving the building. Check out nearby Kindee's "son-in-law egg" appetizer, or enjoy some locally sourced organic dishes at Spoonriver.
Headed to the Walker Art Center? Painter Suzi McArdle keeps it frugal by pairing a contemporary film or dance performance with a visit to the Green Mill on Hennepin, coupon in hand. Meanwhile poet and dance critic Lightsey Darst indulges herself in a post-performance cocktail at La Belle Vie across the street.
In the mood for the Minnesota Orchestra? Prepare yourself for Tchaikovsky with martinis and appetizers at Vincent.
You can pay a visit to either the Minneapolis Institute of Arts or the Children's Theatre Company and take advantage of the in-house food at D'Amico. Or swing on over to nearby Eat Street for Quang's Vietnamese soup or the Black Forest Inn's sauerbraten.
Two-in-one
Why dine out, when you can dine in? In the theater, that is. More than one person recommended the Bryant Lake Bowl, which allows you to eat at your seat while taking in the latest improv, music or drama. Grabbing a beer on tap before or after the show is simply a matter of walking a few steps, if you don't mind the noise of the bowling lanes.
For music lovers, (my bias here) The Dakota has a fabulous reputation for serving up both fine jazz and delicious cuisine, but you'll want to save up for it.
Saint Paul
Taking in a show at the Ordway, Park Square Theater or the History Theater? Director Jake Endres recommends trying out the French restaurant Meritage, but advocates lunch and a matinee to save cash. Actor Dylan Fresco wasn't the only one who had good reviews for nearby Kincaid's for a happy hour drink and gnosh; jazz fan Bob Utke recommends pairing it with an outing to the Artists' Quarter.
Heading to Lowertown to check out what Nautilus Music Theater is up to? Well then, just stop in at the Black Dog Cafe downstairs for a bottle of wine and a pizza.
If you're taking the kids out to see a show at SteppingStone Theater, it's easy to make the walk over to Bread and Chocolate on Grand Avenue for a quick bite.
Meanwhile over in Midway, poet and former owner of Speedboat Books Paul Dickinson says "For me, it just would have to be White Castle for a quick and truly delightful bite to eat, and then its on to The Turf Club for some Death Metal....." Knowing Paul, that could be high sarcasm, or totally sincere - you decide.
Others that made the list - American Burger Bar paired with the Lowry Lab, and Cafe Caribe before heading to Gremlin Theater, and Burrito Mercado along with a show at Wellstone Center Theater.
Minneapolis
Alright, recommendations here abound, so I'm going to make it quick and dirty:
Ritz Theater: Modern Cafe, NorthEast Social, 331 Club
Southern: Red Sea, Origami, Chai's, Town Hall Brewery
Jungle Theater: Galactic Pizza, It's Greek to Me
State Theater: Broadstreet Crafthouse, Dakota
Mixed Blood: The Red Sea
Riverview Theater: Riverview Wine Bar/Cafe
Heart of the Beast: Me Gusta
Red Eye: Joe's Garage, Salsa A La Salsa, King and I Thai, Market BBQ
Northrop Auditorium: The Kitty Kat Klub
Cedar Cultural Center: Acadia Cafe
Phew! That's quite a list! Do me a favor, and if you have your own suggestions, please add them in the comments section - the more, the merrier!
How to: get free or cheap tickets
Posted at 4:31 PM on October 21, 2010
by Marianne Combs
(0 Comments)
Filed under: Events, Funding, How To
Whether or not we're still in a recession, we could all use a few more dollars in our pocketbook. To that end, I asked my Facebook friends in the arts community to offer their tips on getting out to see shows for cheap, or even better, for free. Here's a distillation of what they had to say:
1. Know what you want: If you have pretty specific tastes in theater or music, it's worthwhile getting to know the companies or venues behind them. That means getting on their mailing lists, "liking" their Facebook page (Cantus offers "flash sales" on their FB page 24 hours before concerts), subscribing to their Twitter feeds, or even calling them up. Ask them if they have special offers, or will trade comp tickets for volunteer time. While not all venues are big enough to warrant ushers, Amy Rummenie at Walking Shadow Theater Company advises they still might welcome help painting a set, or value a particular skill you have to offer. And remember, if you know you like the work of a particular theater, dance company or orchestra, you can often get deep discounts by buying a season package.
2. Keep your ear to the ground: Veteran "fringer" Scott Pakudaitis recommends checking out discount ticket sites like goldstar.com. In addition he says to buy a Fringe button, which will get you a discount to many shows all year round. Then subscribe to the MN Fringe Festival mailing list, to find out which shows are playing this weekend.
3. Be flexible: Great cultural events happen on Tuesday nights, too, you know. Be prepared to go at the last minute (rush!), at an odd time (the Schubert Club offers free concerts at the Landmark Center over the lunch hour), or in an unusual location (you can pay to see a Ten Thousand Things Theater production at Open Book, or see it for free at a homeless shelter, and have a completely different audience experience - try it, you might like it!).
4. "FREE" doesn't mean "mediocre:" Poet and musician Anna George Meek reminds us the Minnesota Sinfonia gives free concerts, usually at the Basilica and Metropolitan State University. Your local library can get you a free "Museum Adventure Pass" for your family to all sorts of cultural institutions. Check your nearest parks to find out what sort of events they're hosting, which can often include free theater performances and music concerts. The Minneapolis Insititute of Arts is always free... so are gallery openings. The Walker Art Center is free on Thursday nights. And as actor/playwright Joseph Scrimshaw points out, many theaters offer a "pay what you can" night; if your favorite theater doesn't, think about giving them a call and telling them you'd really appreciate the option.
5. Finally, (how can I resist?) - become an MPR member! Membership at MPR gets you access to all sorts of discounts to cultural venues all over the state. Further proof that your membership pays back dividends above and beyond what you hear on-air and what you read on-line.
Happy deal-hunting!
Franconia's Hot Metal Pour
Posted at 3:15 PM on August 9, 2010
by Marianne Combs
(0 Comments)
Filed under: How To, Sculpture
This weekend I had the pleasure of heading out to Franconia Sculpture Park for its annual "hot metal pour." There participants get to carve out their own molds and then watch as those molds are filled with molten iron, and then cooled and cleaned. The result? Hundreds upon hundreds of cast sculptures for people to take home.
Do me a favor, and when watching the below slide show, hit the "expand button" (the one with four arrows) so that you can see the pictures at full size, and read the accompanying captions. Enjoy!
Gil Scott-Heron lays down the listening law
Posted at 11:01 AM on March 26, 2010
by Euan Kerr
(0 Comments)
Filed under: How To, Music
It's rare to be chastised by a CD even before you listen to it.
However when you open the jewel case for Gil Scott-Heron's new album "I'm New Here" you are confronted by a set of instructions.
To quote them in their entirety:
"There is a proper procedure for taking advantage of any investment. Music, for example. Buying a CD is an investment. To get the maximum you must
LISTEN TO IT FOR THE FIRST TIME UNDER OPTIMUM CONDITIONS
Not in your car or on a portable player through a headset.
Take it home.
Get rid of all distractions, (even her or him).
Turn off your cell phone
Turn off everything that rings or beeps or rattles or whistles.
Make yourself comfortable
LISTEN all the way through.
Think about what you got
Think about who would appreciate this investment.
Decide if there is someone to share this with.
Turn it on again.
Enjoy Yourself.
Gil Scott-Heron"
I got this CD two days ago, and these words were a mighty slap at what have become my own bad listening habits. I have yet to find the time to follow the instructions properly. But today is the day.
Gil Scott-Heron plays two shows at the Dakota in Minneapolis on Sunday
Learning, not memorizing
Posted at 6:07 AM on February 12, 2010
by Chris Roberts
(2 Comments)
Filed under: How To, Theater
From our colleague Molly Bloom:
In putting together Chris Robert's story on how actors learn their lines, we asked the actors in our Public Insight Network to share their line memorizing tips with us.
We received many more than we could include in the story so here are some bonus tricks for getting those lines to stick.
The more you do it the easier it gets! Line memorization is definitely a muscle - and you can build it by practicing. I clearly remember a time in college when I was taking several classes and in multiple shows and needed to be memorizing new lines nearly all the time and it was like my brain sort of broke open and it just became very easy to put things in there and retrieve them...of course, I was also a lot younger then.
-Laura Zabel
I move to my computer and type out the lines, while saying them out loud. I go over them one by one, and any time I mess up I start from the beginning.
-Paul Cram
Don't always start at the beginning. I found that as I practiced a part, I'd have the first act memorized and struggle with the second for a few more days. Start some of your sessions with the second act or later part of the play so all the lines get a balanced amount of attention.
-Garry Geiken
Figure out how you learn and use that to develop how you memorize lines. If you learn audibly, say them out loud and maybe record and play them back for yourself. If you learn visually, write out the lines. I even have a friend that writes out all of her lines using only the first letter of each word. If you learn best by seeing the big picture, map out your character's motives and tactic changes rather than beating yourself up about the words at the start.
-Jen Rand
If you're lucky enough to have friends that don't mind running lines with you, take them up on the offer. It makes the experience easier and much more fun.
-Josh Vogen
While memorizing keep re-reading your lines to make sure you are memorizing the lines correctly. My experience is that once a line has been memorized wrong, it's hard to break that pattern and start using the right line instead. And if you're getting stuck walk through a scene while memorizing; muscle memory is an amazing thing.
-T. James Belich
Develop a physical rhythm and move while saying the lines out loud in a normal volume. Usually I set aside a two hour chunk of time where I can be by myself with nobody around to hear me and I pace and memorize.
-Katie Kaufmann
I don't like using the term "memorizing" because I favor "learning." Learning about the story, the character, the dialogue. Don't forget to play, play, play! Have fun! In the process, you may just find that your character has a lot more going on than you initially thought!
-Michael Venske
A new art form each month
Posted at 2:00 PM on October 6, 2009
by Marianne Combs
(15 Comments)
Filed under: Craft, Culture, How To
So here's the deal. I figure if I'm going to blog about the arts, I can't just sit back and watch. Because for every artist who performs before an audience, there are thousands of others who are practicing some artistic pursuit in the quiet of their own home, or with a group of like-minded individuals.
So my goal for the next year is to try a new type of art each month, and write about it. There are plenty of centers around the Twin Cities - and Minnesota - that offer extensive classes in various crafts, from pottery to photography to stained-glass. So why not check them out for the benefit of everyone?
This summer I started with something already familiar to me, paper marbling. Then I jumped into my first attempt at something completely new - making a mosaic. In addition to posting on what I learned, I also followed the work of one mosaic artist from start to finish, and sped it up into what I call "Fast Art."
Just yesterday, I posted on my most recent venture into weaving. Since I took a very entry-level class (not really enough to merit a "How To" presentation) I plan to return for a little more in-depth instruction later this month. Also, later this week, I'll profile the work of local weaver Kelly Marshall, and pay a visit to her studio.
The months to come present me with all sorts of options. What to try? And what sort of information would you like me to bring back from the experience? Think of me as your emissary, testing those classes you've always had a lurking desire to take, but never got up the gumption for. Information is power...
Some ideas that have been bandied about: how to do a particular dance move, how to draw the human figure, how to pour a metal sculpture, and how to make and use a pinhole camera.
Let me know what you'd like, and I'll do my best to make it happen. And maybe I'll even pick up a skill or two in the process.
How To: Make a Mosaic
Posted at 5:35 PM on July 16, 2009
by Marianne Combs
(4 Comments)
Filed under: Craft, How To
If you saw last week's bit of "fast art," you know I've been hanging out at Mosaic on a Stick lately, learning the ropes. In the process I've gained a great deal of respect for the creativity involved in making a really stunning mosaic. While many people consider mosaics to be a sort of craft, enthusiasts know that it can also be high art, in the right hands.
The tradition of making mosaics goes back centuries, and when done correctly they can last for centuries as well. Across much of Europe and North Africa you can visit mosaics that date back to the Roman Empire.
Making a mosaic is surprisingly easy, once you have the right materials in place. Check out this "how to" slideshow. And once you've finished, check out the mosaic art of people like Sonia King, Emma Biggs, and Brooks Tower.
(p.s. Many many thanks go to Lori Greene, owner of Mosaic on a Stick, for humoring my quest for knowledge, and for being my hand model for many of the photographs.)
How To: Paper Marbling
Posted at 3:00 PM on June 17, 2009
by Marianne Combs
(8 Comments)
Filed under: Craft, How To
This is the first in what I hope will be a semi-regular series on "how to do stuff" - arts-related stuff, of course. Since I've been marbling paper at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts for the past year, I thought I'd start there.
The video above is by no means comprehensive. If you want more information about the history and various techniques of paper marbling, click here. For a vast array of different pattern samples, click here. If you're interested in trying paper marbling yourself, the MCBA holds classes about twice a year, with open studio days for you to marble on your own every few months.
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