I don’t know why most cover bands try so hard to make each song sound like the original recording. In my book, the whole point of covering a song is to make it yours, to add your own touches and stylings in an effort to pay homage to the song. This is precisely what The New Standards do with the songs they cover. I’d even venture to say that many of them sound better than their original counterparts (but don’t let anyone know I said that). With raw, simple instrumentation and a lot of attention to the vocals, The New Standards offer up a wide array of 20th century mellow jazz in a beautifully adept manner. These boys have been around the block a bit, and anyone with an inkling of knowledge of the local music scene here should know them well — John Munson (of Trip Shakespeare and Semisonic fame), Chan Poling (founder of the haute-punk new-wave group The Suburbs), and Steve Roehm, vibraphonist extraordinaire. Roehm actually plays with such ease, and such skill, he’s almost worth the show alone.
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet, Downtown Minneapolis, 612-332-1010, $15.
And the Dakota’s not stopping there. On Sunday, you can go see John Scofield, one of the “big three” of current jazz guitarists. Scofield doles out jazz improv, somewhere between post-bop, fusion, and soul jazz.
Sunday at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet, Downtown Minneapolis, 612-332-1010, $35 & $25.
Why settle for one? This fire is going to burn bright tonight. For the first time ever, Debbie Duncan and Carole Martin will share the stage. Two local icons come together for what promises to be a soulful, romantic, or even gut-wrenching evening — whatever you’re looking for. Gaze into your lover’s eyes as Martin lulls you with her torch songs. Weep from your inner-most recesses as Duncan pelts you with her Gospel-trained vocals. The two know how to put on a pretty good show, alone. I can only assume the best.
Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m., The Artists’ Quarter, 408 St Peter Street, St.Paul, 651-292-1359, $10.
“Heeeeere’s Johnny!” I can’t fail to mention Doc Severinsen’sfinal concerts with the Minnesota Orchestra this weekend. Prior to serving as the Minnesota Orchestra’s Principal Pops conductor for the last 14 seasons, this man was solely responsible for that signature trumpet blast following Johnny Carson’s introduction on the Tonight Show for decades — and he happens to be a pretty darn good trumpet player and composer despite that. In his last hurrah, Severinsen will be presenting hits from the golden age of big bands and American popular song — hits by George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein — everything from jazz to film scores to Broadway musicals. Vocalists Lynn Roberts and Joe Wolverton will accompany him, along with percussionist Ed Shaughnessy, (Severinsen’s long-time drummer on the Tonight Show) and the Minnesota Chorale. After the show, there’s a champagne toast to Doc Severinsen in the lobby.
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, 612-371-5656, $20.25-$49.25.
Forget St. Patty’s Day. You really want to celebrate those Irish-Scott roots (or those African ones)? Head on over to the Uptown Bluegrass Festival at the Suburban World Theater. Get a little O, Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack of your own — or something like it — with the Roe Family Singers, Pert Near Sandstone, High 48s, Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, Floor Birds, Free Range Pickin’, and the Sans Souci Quartet. Yes, you can see some of these bands in town on a fairly regular basis (The Roe Family Singers play every Monday at the 331 Club), but this is a great weekend to get a full sampling of the local bluegrass scene. Plus, you can get there early for an open jam (Friday 4-7 p.m., Saturday 2-7 p.m.). Bring your instruments.
Saturday at 8 p.m., Suburban World Theatre, 3022 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, 612-822-9000, $12.50, both days for $17.50.
The Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus will be performing this weekend at the Ted Mann Concert Hall, following the Faces of Faith conference. All faiths are welcome.
Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m., Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 4th Street S., Minneapolis, 612-624-2345, $19-$39.
OPERA Last Chance for Seduction
This is the last weekend to see Don Juan Giovanni, Jeune Lune’s postmodern mix of Mozart’s 1787 opera, Don Giovanni, and French playwright Moliere’s 1665 Don Juan — two works about the infamous European seducer. Actors and singers join together in a contemporary cross-country road trip that leads them to deeper questions of nature and morality — all on a relatively stark stage, with the Minneapolis skyline looming behind.
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m., Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 North First Street, Minneapolis, 612-333-6200, $31.50 (group discounts available), students and seniors $26.50.
Saturday is the premiere of The Minnesota Opera’s performance of Lakme, by Leo Delibes. Sung in French with English translations projected above the stage, Lakme tells the tale of ill-fated love and cultures colliding. Wait. Haven’t I seen this before? She dies, right? Oh, no. That was Romeo and Juliet — and it had nothing to do with the British Raj in India. This opera tells the story of Lakme, the daughter of a Brahmin priest, who falls hopelessly in love with the British officer Gerald during a time when the British were forcing many Hindus to practice their religion in secret — clearly not an environment well-suited to their union. Are you up for some tears, honor, and indignation? Go see it.
Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington S., Saint Paul, Box office: 651-224-4222, Main: 651-282-3000, $70.50-$134.50.
All this mellow music and love-story opera just not doing it for you? Get behind the barrel of a gun and let some steam off. (Did I really just say that?) Bill’s Gun Shop & Range is having its Spring Shooters Show this weekend. That’s right. You can come look at the guns on display, meet some of the factory reps, and even try their guns for free. All you have to do is buy the ammo, and the range use is free as well. Not enough incentive for you? How about shooting off a machine gun? Dang!
Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bill’s Gun Shop & Range, 4080 W. Broadway Ave., Robbinsdale 763-533-9594, Free.
SOCIAL NETWORKING Twitter away Your Time Looking for a Fella
Thanks to a friendly tip (which you’re all invited to send to cristina@rakemag.com) and a later Metroblogging Minneapolispost, we have an opportunity to make a new friend this weekend — maybe more. Here’s the deal. Have you heard of Twitter? It’s pretty basic — just an online community that allows you to send remote messages saying what you’re up to. OK. Well, a guy here in town, Least Dangerous Game, is using it to host a city-wide hide-and-seek game. This Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., he’ll be “hiding” somewhere in the Twin Cities. Using Twitter, he’ll offer clues as to where he can be found. The first person to find him will receive a prize. His friendship, perhaps? No, apparently, this week it’s going to be a $15 Target gift card — but you can probably work the whole friendship thing into the deal if you’re not too socially inept. Originally, he wasn’t even going to begin the game until at least 50 Twin Cities Twitterers became his friend through Twitter (like on myspace.com); but it looks like he’s going for a trial run nonetheless. If all goes well, and enough people are interested, he’ll keep doing it each week. So, if you’re already a Twitterer, go log in and make him your friend. If you’re not, you can register for a free account. It’s weird enough to merit a try. Savor the awkwardness a while.
Saturday, noon-4 p.m., somewhere in the Twin Cities. (Is it still OK to call it that?)
Also through Metroblogging Minneapolis, I discovered an interesting new “biking” event this weekend. The PedalPub is coming to town! That’s right, folks, you can finally drink, exercise, and socialize all at the same time. Yes, just like a kickball game, but on wheels. Come try it out this Saturday. Get a free ride on the PedalPub, free hot dogs, free sodas (as supplies last), and… give away your free image for their marketing purposes. There’s always a catch.
Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, at 6th Ave SE and Main Street (by the entrance of the Stone Arch Bridge), Free.
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