The New Normal (for now)

Pongo on WCCO at Doggie Depot and Pongo with his new human.

In just one month, my routine of meetings and conference calls has evolved to Zooms, Google Meets and Crowdcasts—a new world run via social channels as we all work remotely. While we look forward to the days when we can gather in person again, our creative clients are finding innovative ways to adapt to this new world.

Earlier this month, the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, in partnership with AARP Minnesota, hosted the inaugural Jazz Fest Live, an hour of music to enjoy while we are staying safe at home, with Jon Weber. Last week’s live concert featured Nayo Jones, who headlined at the 2018 Jazz Fest, and this week, Jazz Fest Live returns on Thursday, April 23, with Maud Hixson and Rick Carlson. Check out past Jazz Fest Live performances and save your spot for upcoming ones at Crowdcast.

And now, Lowertown Blues and Funk Fest has gone virtual as well with Blues Fest Live slated for Monday nights at 7:00 pm beginning on April 27 with the Zydeco great Chubby Carrier. Check out the full line-up of performances on Crowdcast.

Following three sold-out shows at their Park Square Theatre residency, The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society has moved online. For their April 20^th show, they recreated two lost episodes from the archives of classic radio in a live-streamed performance. Tickets are still available (but going fast) for their May 11^th show, which will feature original plays by the MORLS members.

And Pet Haven, our newest client which we met at Doggie Depot at Union Depot last year, we’ve seen a surge of generosity and feel-good stories as over 300 people have signed up to be a volunteer animal foster. Our hearts were especially warmed when, after being featured on WCCO’s Mid-Morning during Doggie Depot, Pongo, who was Pet Haven’s longest dog in foster care, was adopted. WCCO ran an update on Pongo and his new family a couple weeks ago, and they’ll be interviewing Kerry D’Amato, Pet Haven’s Executive Director, via Skype this Thursday morning.

March Maddness

Robert Everst of Beira Mar Brasil // Face to Face: Hmong Women's Experiences at Park Square

"March Madness" isn't just for basketball... Check out these upcoming March events across the Twin Cities:

Carnaval Brasileiro returns this Saturday, March 7, at the Fine Line in Minneapolis. An authentic Brazilian carnival celebration, this year’s event features performances by dancers and marial artists, touring Brazilian guests, and real caipirinhas! Beira Mar Brasil, a ten-piece band led by Robert Everest, hosts the event for the 18th year.

Also this Saturday, but on the other side of the Missisippi, Hamline Church United Methodist's hosts An Impossible Love: Robert and Clara Schumann. Part of their annual Music & Arts Series, this free concert celebrates Clara Schumann, one of the most revolutionary women in music. Jennifer Olson (Soprano), David Kozisek (Tenor), and Benjamin Downs (Piano) bring to life the tempestuous and tragic love of Clara and Robert Schumann using their words, letters, and incredible music. The Music & Art Series continues later this month, on Sunday, March 29, with Jupiter Dances with the WolfGang Ensemble. Featuring classical chamber music on period instruments, the free program also includes performances of new choreography by Penelope Freeh by extraordinary dance students from the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists and the School at Tu Dance Center.

Over at Park Square Theatre this month, a new series celebrating cultures and addressing issues in our community kicks off with FACE TO FACE: HMONG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES, playing March 5 - 15. In partnership with the internationally renowned Ping Chong + Company, a New York leader in community-specific, interview-based theatre events, FACE TO FACE reveals the vibrancy and resiliency of Hmong families in Saint Paul.

On Monday, March 9, Park Square and GhoulishDelights copresent The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society as they revisit the great horror and suspense shows from the golden age of radio, performed in the style of a classic radio broadcast, including original commercials, eerie music and live sound effects.

And if March has you anxious for spring, stay tuned for Winter Jazz Festival on Sunday, March 29, at the newly-restored Granada Theater in Uptown. New Orleans trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, Cuban pianist Jorge Pacheco,  Yolande Bruce and Tanner Taylor headline the event.

Doggie Depot

Last week, we had several TV live shots for Doggie Depot, a great event at Union Depot with over 20 rescue shelters working to get pups permanent homes. It was Connie's first time working with dogs on camera, and she was impressed with how well behaved they were! Here are some of the highlights from the day:

1) Connie with one of the outstanding volunteers. 2) Pongo, the doberman, enjoyed his 10 seconds of fame!

3) Guests were encouraged to bring their own dogs with a pet photographer on hand to capture pics. 4) The main hall became Doggie Depot and was the bark of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival with the 5th annual crowning of the Canine-King Boreas and Canine-Queen of Snows. 5) Doggie Yoga!