Friday, May 4
Pop Goes The Folk
WHAT: The Lower 48 CD release
WHERE: Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7 p.m.
The acoustic folk-pop trio — formerly of Minneapolis, currently of (of course) Portland— releases its first full-length album, Where All Maps End. Learn more at thecedar.org.
Friday, May 4
Dance Of The Immortals
WHAT: Ballet of the Dolls’ Faith
WHERE: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, St. Paul
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Myron Johnson sets aside his irreverence (sort of) to channel his spiritual side, though still with his trademark eclecticism: a procession of Buddhist monks morphing into a New Orleans-style funeral parade, etc. Learn more at ordway.org.
Saturday, May 5
Fiesta Time
WHAT: Cinco de Mayo Celebration
WHERE: West Side of St. Paul
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Things kick off with a parade at 10 a.m. featuring floats and traditional costumes, then get increasingly contemporary: a low-rider car show, soccer matches, and, of course, great food. Learn more at cincodemayosaintpaul.com.
Saturday, May 5
A Witness To Love
WHAT: The Amen Corner
WHERE: Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Greta Oglesby (Caroline, or Change) stars in this story by James Baldwin about a Harlem preacher who banished her husband to devote herself to God and her congregation. While not a musical per se, there is plenty of music, courtesy of Oglesby and a gospel choir. Learn more at guthrietheater.org.
Sunday, May 6
People Get Ready
WHAT: May Day Parade and Festival
WHERE: Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The greatest people-watching event of the year returns. And while the winter didn’t necessitate much recovery, expect plenty of angst, in this year of the Occupy movement, over the economic, environmental, and social situation in America. Learn more at hobt.org.
Sunday, May 6
Groove Guru
WHAT: Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band
WHERE: Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7 and 9 p.m.
Sanchez, arguably the best contemporary bandleader of Latin jazz bands, brings his percussion-heavy group to the Dakota. His live shows have become legendary, and the intimate stage should encourage much interaction. Learn more at dakotacooks.com.