Upcoming Events: Winter 2014

A Midsummer Night's Dream at Park Square Theatre
November 14 - 16, 2014
The course of true love never did run smooth, but who expected fairies and magic potions? Shakespeare’s most magical tale returns to Park Square for one weekend of public performances! More information...

Mendelssohn: Saint Paul presented by Oratorio Society of Minnesota
Saturday, November 15, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
The dramatic story of the patron saint of Minnesota’s capital city, Saint Paul was the first of Mendelssohn’s oratorios. Now rarely performed, this monumental masterwork was one of the most popular pieces of the 19th century. More information...

The Music of Little Big Bands presented by JazzMN Orchestra
Saturday, November 22, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Little big bands - groups larger than a combo but not a full big band - have existed throughout jazz history, but due to the mid-size and often unorthodox instrumentation, these great charts haven't been played nearly enough--something JazzMN will look to remedy come November. More information...

2 Pianos 4 Hands at Park Square Theatre
November 28 - December 28, 2014
Ted and Richard have spent their lives preparing for careers as concert pianists. Now, just as they should be reaching their peak, these old friends have to face their potential – and each other. More information...

4000 Miles at Park Square Theatre
December 5 - 21, 2014
At the end of a grueling cross-country bike trip, restless 21-year-old Leo seeks refuge and a hot shower in his elderly grandmother’s New York apartment. This finalist for the Pulitzer Prize is a stirring reminder of what separates generations and what has the power to bring them together. More information...

Katie McMahon's Celtic Christmas at The O'Shaughnessy
Friday, December 12, 2014 - 7:30pm - A Women of Substance Event
Dubbed Minnesota’s own “Celtic Woman,” Katie McMahon is best known as the original voice of Riverdance. Her ode to the holidays, Celtic Christmas celebrates the season through a family-friendly program of traditional Christmas carols, stories and lively Irish dance. More information...

A Downton Abby Christmas presented by Oratorio Society of Minnesota
Saturday, December 13, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Inspired by the overwhelming popularity of last season’s Music of Downton Abbey concert and anticipating Season 5 of the PBS television drama, Oratorio Society return to the Gothic splendor of St. Mark’s Cathedral for a program of post-Edwardian English choral and orchestral music for Christmas. More information...

Half-way through a hot summer, many events are still to come!

Earlier this summer, the 14th annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival, held June 28 - 30 in Saint Paul, set a new record attendance!

Now it’s on to the second annual Lowertown Roots Music Festivalin Mears Park, Saturday July 28th. This year's Roots Music Festival performers include the soulful gospel sounds of Mike Farris, the hard rockin’ Tex Mex band Los Conocidos, jazz pianist Butch Thompson, and the bluesy fiddle playing Minnesota bluegrass band the Barley Jacks with Brian Wicklund. Admission is free, and some local clubs/restaurants will have music on Friday and Saturday evenings. 

In August, Circus Juventas, North America’s largest youth circus, will present their all-new production Showdown. It's a rip-roarin’ Wild West adventure by 70 advance level performers including aerialists, the Wheel of Steel, a 7-man pyramid on the high wire (Circus Juventas is only the third youth circus in history to perform this feat), jugglers, dancers, and more. Performances are August 2–19, and tickets range from $17.50 to $30 with discounts for youth, seniors and groups. Circus Juventas always sells out so don’t wait to get your tickets.

The weekend after Labor Day Weekend, the annual Concrete and Grass Lowertown Music Festival will be held in Mears Park. More information soon.

And to wind down the summer festivities, Festa Italiana returns to Harriet Island September 21st and 22. A dozen great Italian restaurants are booked, cultural exhibits have been expanded, and a third stage has been added. Don't miss the Wheels of Italy car show, the St. Paul Yacht Club's flotilla, gondola rides on the Mississippi, shopping for Italian wares, a police escorted “Tour the Town” charity motorbike ride conducted by the Ducati Owners of Minneapolis, and the outdoor Catholic Mass Saturday afternoon at 4:30. Admission is free. 

For more information on any one of the above events, download a press release on the Media Resources page.

A new summer music festival in Mears Park!

This summer, a new free music festival is coming to Mears Park in downtown Saint Paul! The Lowertown Roots Music Festival will be held Saturday, July 30, and will feature music and artists with a cultural distinction native to the U.S.—Blues, Country, Bluegrass, Gospel, Zydeco, Tejano, Native American and other music forms which have informed, inspired  and ultimately defined American music and culture. So far, headliners for this year’s festival include multiple Grammy-nominated Iowa songwriter Greg Brown and Minnesota’s premier bluegrass band, Monroe Crossing. Check out the press release in the Media Resources section.