The product of a new partnership between Theatre Latte Da and the Hennepin Theatre Trust, Tim Rice and Elton John's Aida promises to be a strong opening to the 2013 theater season. The musical may have been developed under the auspices of Disney, but the piece, based on Verdi's opera, is a dark... More >>

Looming as largely as it does over local theater, the Guthrie Theater is guaranteed to face scrutiny over its every creative decision. One initiative that's been difficult to criticize, however, is the theater's continuing partnership with the Acting Company, one of the country's most lauded... More >>

In abstract art, the use of color can form a narrative, suggest an emotion, or speak to its audience in a language all its own. Artists Shawn McNulty and Silvana LaCreta Ravena use multiple layers of color in their paintings to tell a story and explore various concepts. McNulty stacks color... More >>

It was a potentially risky gambit for the Joke Joint to relocate from its former spot at the Ramada Inn in Bloomington, near the high-traffic area of the MOA, but the move across the river to Lilydale near South St. Paul proved fortuitous. The new digs, in the old Diamond Jim's location with... More >>

If you've ever considered writing some jokes and giving standup comedy a try, know this: That first time is gonna be brutal. That being the case, you might as well test your mettle in the most brutal setting possible, which in Minneapolis means hitting up the Death Comedy Jam at the downtown... More >>

"Retro" is a tricky niche to slot a dance night into. Usually you've got to find yourself an era and a genre, hew towards the hits, and maybe garnish it with an outsized wink, a double-pistol-point and a smirking acknowledgement that you think the past is, well, kinda goofy. Clubhouse Jager's... More >>

Whether viewing a mountain in Mongolia via iPad video or examining the fine ink lines proscribing a murder of crows, a newcomer to Zhang Meng's quiet work quickly becomes lost in contemplation. Meng, who is dean of the School of Digital Media Arts at the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, explores... More >>

By deploying his triple-threat artistry — as a printmaker, paper maker, and book artist — Jeff Rathermel investigates the almost-microscopic detail of the infinite universe in his new show. Of his varied investigations, in which simple type or images are reiterated to invoke the... More >>

Things are happening in the Kingfield neighborhood. A few years ago the area was considered more residential; if you wanted to barhop your best bet was to stay in the Lyn-Lake area just north of the region. However, thanks to places like King's Wine Bar, Patisserie 46, and Jack's (formerly Java... More >>

Downtown St. Paul's ice rink returns this holiday season with months of free, open skating. Folks looking to burn off some extra calories or wear out the kids will want to dust off their skates and head over to the rink, which features urban cityscape views and plenty of other things to do... More >>

With its posh fireplace, leather seats for two, and dim lighting, it is easy to see the sexy appeal of this Foshay tower bar. And while it certainly looks expensive, during happy hour it isn't. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day guests can order from a special $5 menu. Bar bites to share include... More >>

You may have heard rumblings about a sake restaurant opening in Uptown recently. Though it might be a little hard to find, despite its obvious location on Lyndale right by Lake Street, it's definitely worth a visit. And while the sake fridge at Surdyk's is certainly impressive, moto-i takes... More >>

For reasons I will never understand, the number of places around the city that offer wi-fi and beer are sparse. However, the ones that do are spectacular. Acadia Café is certainly an example of a great place where you can check your email, write a school paper, and talk politics with... More >>

Joan Vorderbruggen has been busy bringing her projects to life, animating vacant spaces in the Whittier neighborhood with engaging art installations. The success of her first two ventures has led to a third, which will include 32 artists, 20 storefront exhibits, and pop-up performance art along... More >>

Visiting a bar that makes its own beer can be a dodgy affair. Though it is a noble art to brew one's own, it doesn't always work out for the best. Beers may turn out watery or strangely flavored, or you could end up with a handful of varieties that all somehow manage to taste the same. The fine... More >>

Some people look forward to turning 16, others eagerly await the day they can retire. The First Emperor of China, Qin Shihuang (259-210 BCE), looked forward to death. But before he could kick back and enjoy immortality in the afterlife, the ruler had to make sure that he went out in style. He... More >>

Reviewers have called her "photography's angel provocateur," "the strongest and finest American artist of her time," and "a poster child for a coterie of postmodernism's theory-driven critics." They're talking about Cindy Sherman, most recently in reference to her blockbuster retrospective at... More >>

Yes, Bad Waitress is an ironic title. No, you will not have a waitress this evening. Yes, you should tip the person who takes your order at the register. Here's how you do it: Pick a seat, peruse the menu, then pick up an order pad and write down what you want. Take it over to the register and... More >>

The Sample Room is known for its impressive list of flights and tapas-sized plates ideal for sharing. And while it's highly recommended to indulge every once in a while, this is not the only way to enjoy the Northeast hotspot's menu. If you're a little strapped for cash, their daily happy hour... More >>

This time last year, the area surrounding the corner of Lake Street and Lyndale Avenue was alarming in its increasing vacancy. Victims of the economy included Heavenly Soles, Vera's Café, and jP American Bistro. Thankfully, things seem to be picking up. One recent addition is Sauce... More >>

Okay, so there are a lot of Indian restaurants right now in downtown Minneapolis. Some offer fusion cuisine while some are more traditional, some are posh while others are casual. Most are pretty tasty. Which ones will survive the next year or so? While the economy and business management... More >>

With a name like Spill the Wine you'd better have a killer wine list to back it up. Our verdict? Not too shabby. If you feel intimidated by the menu, let the prices and categories lead the way, or ask your server for a popular variety based on what you like. Those who enjoy wine know that... More >>

Don't try to order up a Surly at the Herkimer; this joint actually makes their own beers. And though some brews are better than others, most are pretty decent. You can try their best award-winning items easily during the 10 after 10 happy hour. For $10 after 10 p.m., barhoppers can enjoy five... More >>

Fans and residents of the Wedge neighborhood will remember Muddy Waters as the coffee shop mainstay at the corner of 24th Street and Lyndale Avenue. And while rent was one of the reasons the shop left the space, instead of shutting down completely it moved down the street and expanded its... More >>

For more than 10 years Bar Abilene has served as a check-in point in Uptown Minneapolis. During the afternoon, people come in after a morning shopping at the nearby farmers' market and the Kitchen Window. In the evening, folks stop by for a beer before seeing a flick at the Lagoon or Uptown... More >>