Ahead in August

  
Paws on Grand and Indiafest are two of the events coming up in August.

As the final month of summer vacation approaches, there's no shortage of summer things to do in the Twin Cities! Here's what we've got coming up:

At Park Square Theatre, Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery plays through August 5th on the Proscenium Stage. A fast-paced, hilarious thriller, this rendition stars a female Holmes and Watson duo, played by McKenna Kelly-Eiding and Sara Richardson. On the Andy Boss Thrust Stage, Theatre Mu presents the world premiere of The Korean Drama Addict’s Guide to Losing Your Virginity, a romantic comedy about fate, cultural clashes, and the world of K-dramas, playing through August 12th.

For outdoor events, the Grand Avenue Business Association celebrates our four-legged friends with the 13th annual Paws on Grand from noon to 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 5th. Featuring pet-friendly restaurant patios, pet photo and costume contests, "pawdicures" and more, the event's proceeds go to support Pets & People Together.

Also outside in Saint Paul is the India Association of Minnesota's annual IndaFest held at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds on August 18th, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Celebrate the rich heritage, traditions, diversity, and culture of India with delectable Indian cuisnie, Bollywood music, Asian Indian dance, and more at this free and family-friendly event.

Finally, if you're going through Jazz Fest withdrawl, check out Sarah M. Greer’s CD release show on Sunday, August 5th, at 6:30 pm in the Dunsmore Room at Crooners Lounge and Supper Club. What the Music Says Do, Greer's debut studio recording, is an exploration of the many sounds and ideas that the jazz genre can hold.

Celebrating 20 Years of World Class Jazz

The 20th annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival gets underway this weekend, June 21 - 23, with headlining performances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Houston Person with the Emmet Cohen Trio, Tia Fuller, and Nayo Jones. In addition, the weekend will feature nearly 200 Minnesota musicians along with 100 youth performers, and--best of all--it's free! You can even avoid the traffic and download free pass to take Metro Transit to and from the festivities. Visit twincitiesjazzfestival.com for the full schedule, and follow us throughout the weekend on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with #tcjazzfest!

If you're looking to cool off in a dark theatre while you're in downtown Saint Paul, Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, a fast-paced, hilarious thriller, is playing through August 5th on the Proscenium Stage at Park Square. This rendition stars a female Holmes and Watson duo, played by McKenna Kelly-Eiding and Sara Richardson.

Then, starting next week, the vibrant and bold Flying Foot Forum returns to Park Square for their 25th anniversary concert series with French Twist, an inspiring performance of dance, theatre and percussion set in a Paris sidewalk café. It's eclectic, fun, wild, and of course there's the can-can! French Twist plays June 22nd through July 15th.

Finally, we had some exciting news at Park Square last week with the announcement of the new Artistic Director, Flordelino Lagundino. Congratulations!

Music on the Mind

Summer is right around the corner--and that means outdoor music season! Grand Old Day ushers in summer on Sunday, June 3, with "the first parde of the summer" and 30 blocks of food, art, and live entertainment along Saint Paul's historic Grand Avenue. This year, the entertainment district features six beer festival gardens and extended hours for more live music. Get your wristbands online in advance! Then, later in June, the Twin Cities Jazz Festival celebrates it's 20th year with 3 days of headline acts on multiple public stages in and around Mears Park, plus performances at local clubs, bars and studio venues. This year's headliners include vocalist and 2017 NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater; seasoned tenor saxophonist Houston Person with the Emmet Cohen Trio; Beyonce collaborator and saxophonist Tia Fuller; jazz innovator Aurora Nealand with pianist Tom McDermott; and up-and-coming jazz vocalist Nayo Jones. Admission to concerts on the main stages remains free due to the support of many generous sponsors and supporters. In July, the Twin Cities' largest, free blues festival—with an extra dose of funk—returns to Mears Park. The Friday night lineup at the Lowertown Blues and Funk Festival includes the Ohio Players, High & Mighty, and Free and Easy. Saturday’s blues lineup includes Marcia Ball, Chubby Carrier, Toronzo Cannon, Crow, Scottie Miller Band, and Mae Simpson Band on the Main Stage. Finally, in August, the Oratorio Society of Minnesota celebrates the 100th birthday of Leonard Bernstein, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, on August 4th. Performed by the Society’s Summer Chorus, a festival chorus of 150 singers, world-class soloists and a professional orchestra and conducted by Artistic Director Matthew Mehaffey, the concert features both classical and theatrical music by Bernstein.