Saint Paul Summer Events Preview

Three one-act murder mysteries by the most-read mystery writer of all time – Dame Agatha Christie

This last April snow storm has us day dreaming of warm weather, outdoor music, and air-conditioned theatres. Here's what we have to look forward to this summer!

Grand Old Day (June 2) and Twin Cities Jazz Fest (June 20-22) bring summer fun for the whole family!

Saint Paul rings in the (unofficial) start of summer on Sunday, June 2, with the 46th Annual Grand Old Day. Featuring "the first parade of the summer," over 150 food vendors, a family fun area, art district, and entertainment district with live music from dozens of the Twin Cities’ favorite bands, there is plenty of fun to go around.

A few weekends later on June 20-22, the 21st Annual Twin Cities Jazz Fest returns to Lowertown, Saint Paul. The largest free, live jazz event in the midwest, Jazz Fest hosts hundreds of artists including this year's headliners: James Carter, José James, Nnenna Freelon, Grace Kelly, Yogev Shetrit, Aurora Nealand with Tom McDermott, Mayito Rivera with Charanga Tropical, Jorge Luis Pacheco, and more.

Also in Mears Park, the Lowertown Blues and Funk Fest returns for the sixth year July 19-20. Friday’s Funk Day features the sounds of Sumo Seven, Boogie Wonderland and a founding member of the Commodores Thomas McClary. Saturday’s Blues Day includes the Craig Clark Band, Bridget Kelly Band, Joyann Parker, Carolyn Wonderland, Popa Chubby and Jon Cleary.

And if it's that cool, dark theatre in the summer heat that you're after, Park Square Theatre has you covered. Theatre in Residence Flying Foot Forum brings its moving dance production, Heavan, about life and love during the Bosnian War to the Proscenium stage May 31 - June 23. On the Andy Boss Thrust Stage, Park Square presents the world premiere of the new musical by Keith Hovis, Jefferson Township Sparkling Junior Talent Pageant, June 14 - July 28. And Agatha Christie – Rule of Thumb brings to life three one-act murder mysteries by the most-read mystery writer of all time on the Proscenium Stage, July 12 - Aug 25.

In Anticipation of Spring

It's been a cold and snowy winter in Minnesota, so we're anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring. Luckily, we've got an exciting lineup of events to keep us occupied until the snow melts! Here's what's coming up:

   Gary Bartz performs at the Winter Jazz Festival on Mar 31; Marjorie Prime plays at Park Square Theatre beginning April 19

Escape to the Caribbean this weekend (musically, at least) with Border CrosSing's “Island Baroque,” the fourth program in their “Puentes” concert series focused on rarely-told music and stories from Latin America. Performances are at 8:00 pm on Friday, March 22, at Saint Paul's Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and Saturday, March 23, at Our Lady of Presentation Chapel.

Then, on Sunday March 31, Twin Cities Jazz Festival hosts it's annual Winter Jazz Festival at Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, featuring Gary Bartz, Francisco Mela, Debbie Duncan, Patty Peterson, and more!  All proceeds from the event support the free three-day Jazz Festival held in and around Lowertown, Saint Paul, from June 20 to 22.

The 38th Annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival kicks off April 4- 20. Minnesota’s largest film event--and one of the longest running film festivals in the country--MSPIFF presents more than 250+ bold, exciting, and moving works from new and veteran filmmakers from around the globe.

In celebration of the bicentennial year of Queen Victoria's birth, Oratorio Society of Minnesota presents an unforgettable evening of storeis and music from the Victorian era on April 13 at Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis and April 14 at Hamline Church United Methodist in Saint Paul.

And, at Park Square Theatre, Theatre in Residence PRIME Productions presents Marjorie Prime on the Andy Boss Thrust Stage April 19 - May 19. Staring Laura Sterns and Candace Barrett Birk, this 2015 Pullitzer Prize Finalist explores the connection between human identity and technology in the age of artificial intelligence.

Looking Back at 2018

Before we dive into what's promising to be a vibrant 2019, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the year past.

In 2018, we had the imense priviledge to work on 37 events and with 17 clients:

15	11	4	3	3	1
theatre productions	concerts	cultural celebrations	music festivals	happenings on Grand Avenue	film festival
11	6	10	4	2	1
returning clients	new clients	arts & culture organizations	independent artists	venues	business association

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such amazing artists, creators, and organizations this past year, and we look forward to continuing and new collaborations in the year to come!