Friday, June 8
What a Farce
WHAT: Noises Off!
WHERE: Jungle Theater, Minneapolis
WHEN: 8 p.m.
There may be nothing worse than a bad farce and nothing better than a good one. Noises Off! is among the latter, and the Jungle cast (Bradley Greenwald, Cheryl Willis, Summer Hagen, Kirby Bennett) is more than game for this play-within-a-play, the story of a bumbling troupe for whom everything goes hilariously wrong. Learn more at jungletheater.com.
Friday, June 8
What He Said
WHAT: Chris Koza, Works for Words
WHERE: Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul
WHEN: 8 p.m.
The prolific young singer-songwriter behind Rogue Valley explores the meanings of lyrics in pop, folk, and rock music, backed by several up-and-coming musicians including Caroline Smith and Sims. Learn more at fitzgeraldtheater.org.
Saturday, June 9
Still Got the Blues
WHAT: Famous Dave’s BBQ and Blues Festival
WHERE: Nicollet Mall between Third and Fourth Streets, Minneapolis
WHEN: 12 to 9 p.m.
The annual celebration of blues music, from smooth to gutbucket, brings legendary performers such as Charlie Musselwhite to downtown Minneapolis along with local heroes like Davina & The Vagabonds. Learn more at famousdaves.com.
Saturday, June 9
All-Night Light
WHAT: Northern Spark festival
WHERE: Various locations, Minneapolis
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The second iteration of this European-style festival lights up Minneapolis via various art installations, including an illuminated night-time ride of art bikes on the Midtown Greenway, burning sculptures at the Walker Art Center, and LED-lit arcade games at Riverplace. Learn more at 2012.northernspark.org.
Sunday, June 10
The Beat Goes On
WHAT: Dendê and Band
WHERE: Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7 p.m.
Dendê, hailing from the Bahia region of Brazil, is among the foremost keepers of the African music flame in South America, though he blends the rhythms with reggae, samba, and bossa nova. For world-beat lovers, a show not to be missed. Learn more at thecedar.org.
Sunday, June 10
Be Happy
WHAT: Connie Evingson CD release
WHERE: Jungle Theater
WHEN: 4 and 7:30 p.m.
The beloved local jazz vocalist releases her latest collection, Sweet Happy Life, filled with upbeat music featuring the work of lyricist Norman Gimbel (“The Girl From Ipanema,” “Killing Me Softly With His Song”). Perfect for a lazy summer evening. Learn more at jungletheater.com.