On the positive side though, things are opening up and, carpooling with my friend Alexandra, I've seen a lot of shows. There's so much talent and arts here in the Twin Cities. How many times have you driven through deserted streets in the dead of winter to some basement or living room with a handful of people watching a performance you'd pay $50 or more to see in New York City? I've attended an avant-garde play in someone's garage (with hot dogs on the grill afterwards in the back yard), seen a rock band in a hair salon, a play in the swimming pool of the Y, ballet in the parking lot of a brewery, puppetry at the House of Balls and countless events at loading docks and a Bowling Alley.
I first caught Daniel at the Gamut Gallery one afternoon: masterful renditions of flamenco, Brazilian jazz, classical as well as his own compositions. I was amazed to learn he's also doing a residency in psychiatric medicine at Hennepin County Hospital. (In the last two years
I've had 4 confrontations at bus stops with crazy people.) He
also performed in the Minnesota Opera production of Carmen and I just
found out he's publishing his guitar chords and writing a novel! And
thru it all he's just a really sweet guy! 
My Favorite New Band The April Fools ICEHOUSE
There's some great new bands in town - or at least new to me. I love Little Man, Lolo's Ghost, Muatas, Cindy Lawson, Tragic Hands and especially Annie and the Bang Bang. My favorites though are a multi-talented, allstar, cowpunk group called The April Fools. Their latest album, Wonderland got a great review in T.J. Music and you can listen to it here.
These new bands play some great music but I wouldn't describe any as loud, drunk or obnoxious. Honestly, they hardly sweat, let alone loose other gross matters upon the audience. When Dumpster Juice played at Palmer's, some kids got up and started slam dancing!I almost cried. Thanks Todd - drums, Rowland - vocals, Wayne - Bass, Kevin - Guitar!
My Favorite International Band (A Tie)
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| L to R Stephanie Mitchell, Marielle Mitchell, Ian Shillock, Chris Shillock & Sarah Erickson The 3D Tour |
Kraftwerk ST
ATE THEATRE
Electro-Kraut Rock The 3D Tour
Ukranian Folk Punk. Special Thanks to Lowell Pickett for bringing this group to the Dakota
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Two weeks after the Supreme Court struck down the right to abortion,
this gay cowboy sold out 2 nights in the Main Room. It felt like a
proclamation that, yes!!! there is still a real world here, a world of people loving whom they will. Pete, the bartender at 1st Avenue,
remembered us and greeted us with free drinks for old times sake. He took this picture of me with Sarah and Cassandra.
My Favorite Party
My Favorite Art Show
My Favorite Book, Fiction
My Favorite Book, Nonfiction
