The Rake Magazine

Thin are the night-skirts left behind
By daybreak hours that onward creep,
And thin, alas! the shred of sleep
That wavers with the spirit's wind:
But in half-dreams that shift and roll
And still remember and forget,
My soul this hour has drawn your soul
A little nearer yet.

Our lives, most dear, are never near,
Our thoughts are never far apart,
Though all that draws us heart to heart
Seems fainter now and now more clear.
To-night Love claims his full control,
And with desire and with regret
My soul this hour has drawn your soul
A little nearer yet.

Is there a home where heavy earth
Melts to bright air that breathes no pain,
Where water leaves no thirst again
And springing fire is Love's new birth?
If faith long bound to one true goal
May there at length its hope beget,
My soul that hour shall draw your soul
For ever nearer yet.

—Dante Gabriel Rossetti (May 12, 1828-April 9th,1882)

Happy Birthday, Dante!

COMMUTING
The Great Commuter Challenge

It's Bike Walk Week — a celebration of biking and walking on both sides of the river. Start your week and your day off with a race of sorts, perhaps even a living breathing commentary on urban congestion. Choose a mode of transportation — car, bike, bus, or feet (personally, I'd like to see some more creative endeavors) — and join the travelers at Merriam Park Community Center for a 7:40 a.m. departure. Or simply welcome their arrival to the Minneapolis Central Library after 8 a.m. — and put your bets in now for the level of sweatiness you'll encounter. Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak will travel by bike. Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter will combine foot and transit power. And, well, (I can't help but be amused by this) Strib transportation/commuting reporter Lea Schuster and Strib Roadguy blogger Jim Foti will be traveling by car. And that's not all: they must run errands as well. All contestants must pick up a Wall Street Journal and tickets to Bedlam Theatre’s Romeo and Juliet, and return a book to the Central Library. Who will make the finish line first? Could it be you?

7:40 a.m., begins at the Merriam Park Community Center, 2000 Saint Anthony Ave., Saint Paul; ends between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. at the Central Library outdoor plaza, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis.


SPECIAL EVENT
Goth Prom V: Contrivance, dues ex machina.

Last year, over 900 people attended the Goth Prom. This year, don't miss out on the fun. "Contrivance promises to be the ultimate prom experience, one designed specifically for those that are able to appreciate the diversity within the subcultures present in the Minneapolis/St Paul area." Feel left out or restricted by your own prom? Now you can experience the fun. (Or was it even fun back then?) Get decked out, and enjoy the crowds, the wild attire, two-for-one drinks from 9-11 p.m., and some rippin' good music by DJs Oxygen and Nitrogen. (And Geeks, don't worry; they'll be another prom for you soon, too.)

9 p.m. - 3 a.m., The Saloon, 9th and Hennepin Ave., Downtown Minneapolis; no cover.

^{ALERT: If you cannot cope with same sex couples, stay the hell away.}


FILM
Happy 40th Anniversary, 2001!

In celebration of the 40 years since Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, the Heights Theatre is showing the 1968 masterpiece, digitally remastered in 70mm, a project of Kubrick's before his death in 1999. This historical depiction of the future raised many questions as to the existance of life and the mysteries of science and space. And who doesn't love a bunch of monkeys dancing around a mysterious monolith? Follow man from his pre-historic ape-man status, when he first uses tools to conquer his environments — into the present day (the future, at the time the film was made), when man has set out to conquer space, and perhaps even life itself. —Hannah Simpson

3:50 & 7:10 p.m., Heights Theatre, 3951 Central Ave. NE, Columbia Heights; $8.

 

THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Baby Got Curves

Certainly the theme of body image is nothing new. In fact, we've come to expect it from plays (or any art, for that matter) about women. Why don't I look like the models in the magazines? Why can't I be thinner? Why can't my breasts be larger, rounder, firmer? Why can't my waist be smaller, flatter, firmer? Why can't my hair be blonder, straighter, longer? Clearly, we have issues being happy with who we are. Real Women Have Curves, written by Josefina Lopez, follows a young, first-generation Mexican-American woman as she struggles with her body image and tries to find balance between her mainstream ambitions and her more traditional cultural heritage and upbringing. The critically acclaimed play (which inspired the award-winning HBO film with America Ferrera) offers a microcosm of the Latina immigrant experience and celebrates real women's bodies, the power of women, and the incredible bond that happens when women work together. This weekend, Teatro del Pueblo kicks off their all-female production, which includes a brand new interactive fashion show to promote greater engagement with the play's themes of body image and how this affects women, both Latino and non-Latino, in our society today.

Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., The Paul and Sheila Wellstone Community Center, Old Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul; 651-224-8806; $18 (students/seniors/frnge $15)

ART
Why You Belong

On the other side of the river, at the Chambers, Beijing and Minnesota artists come together to address a similar theme — belonging. Curator and Chambers Art Director Jennifer Phelps — with assistance from Cheryl Wilgren Clyne, University of Minnesota MFA student — has chosen 28 photographs (from over 400 image submissions) for Why You Belong, an exhibit of photographs from the Beijing Film Academy and the University of Minnesota. Artists include Coo Chang, Dude Guo, Luo Fei Hong, Zhang Jia Qing, Song Jing, Li Ning and Zhu Yu, WEN Min, Shi Pengfei, Chen Ping Ping, Wang Yanshu, Su Zhi Gang, Zhou Tao, Rea Xiao, Zhan Xiao Dan, Tang Xuan, Liu Xiaolong, Gao Xinwei, Sonja Peterson, Tang Meng, James Henkel, Juanita Berrio, Peter Haakon Thompson, Andrew Schroeder, Jan Estep, Gary Hallman, Justin Newhall, Cheryl Wilgren Clyne, Chris Baker, and Andrew Schroeder.

Opening Reception on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., Burnet Art Gallery, Chambers, 901 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-767-6900.


MUSIC
Talib Kweli

If someone can tell you why he belongs, though, it's probably Talib Kweli. Talib Kweli — seeker of truth (that's what his name means). The man is probably one of the best-known rappers in alternative hip hip. Kweli first gained recognition through Black Star, a collaboration with fellow MC Mos Def. While his lyrics contain plenty of street and ghetto in them, like Tupac, Kweli comes from a highly-educated arts background. This, too, is evident in his lyrics, which — again, like Tupac's — are far more intelligent, strong, and proud than much of the recent watered down dollars-and-ass rap. "Freedom's a road that's seldom traveled, watch hell unravel / Right before the eyes of the soldier who fell in battle / The single mother who raised her daughter to bear the sacred water / And not take the hand of every man who make a offer / To black kids wishin they white kids, when they close they eyelids / Like, 'I bet they neighborhood ain't like this' / White kids wishin they black kids, and wanna talk like rappers / It's all backwards it's identity crisis." Kweli is in town this weekend to promote his latest album, Ear Drum, which features some hot collaborators (Kanye West, Roy Ayers, Jean Grae, Peter Rock, KRS-One, and even Justin Timberlake and Norah Jones), accessible beats, and Kweli's staple of insightful, rhythmically drilling lyrics.

Friday at 10 p.m. (doors at 7), EPIC Nightclub, 110 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis; 612-332-3742; $30.


An Epic Mother's Day

Sunday is Mother's Day, of course, and I'm guessing Talib Kweli isn't quite mom's thing. But Epic's Sunday show might be. R&B sensation El DeBarge will be performing with his live band. Mom is sure to remember "Rhythm of the Night," "All This Love," and "Who's Holding Donna Now." Heck, she might even have a warm place in her heart for "Who's Johnny?" Surprise her by turning back the hands of time — there's nothing moms love more — and treating her to a night out on the town, VIP style, like she deserves. Ladies in the VIP sections will each receive a complimentary rose and glass of champagne.

Sunday at 8:30 p.m. (doors at 7), EPIC Nightclub, 110 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis; 612-332-3742; $30, $45 VIP, $60 VIP Table (Bottle Service).


FILM & MUSIC
The Plácido Domingo 40th Anniversary Gala Concert

Ok. Not all moms march to the beat of El Debarge. It's true. Perhaps Mom would prefer one of the world's greatest tenors — and a sexy ole bugger at that. This weekend, Plácido Domingo takes the L.A. Opera into movie theatres for the first time, as Landmark Theatres hosts screenings of The Plácido Domingo 40th Anniversary Gala Concert. The concert celebrates the fortieth anniversary of Domingo's first professional appearance in Los Angeles and features arias and duets sung by Domingo and the internationally acclaimed soprano Patricia Racette. Music Director James Conlon conducts the L.A. Opera Orchestra for a perfect Mother's Day concert.

Sunday at 2 p.m., Landmark's Lagoon Cinema, 1320 Lagoon Ave., Minneapolis.


FILM
Annual MCTC Media Generation Cinema Festival

Of course, there are other great film offerings earlier in the weekend. On friday night, Cinema Division Students at MCTC present their Annual Media Generation Cinema Festival — like the Oscars, but kinkier. Enjoy a full range of visuals and sounds, popcorn and other yummy treats, two raffles (with a chance to win a $100 gift certificate from Best Buy and a brand new Blue-Ray/HD combo DVD player), awards, and great entertainment — even with adult material.

Friday from 6-9 p.m., Whitney Fine Arts Theater, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, 1501 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; free.


Son of Rambow

And this weekend is also the opening of Son of Rambow. Director Garth Jennings's (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) semi-autobiographical story is sweet and funny with a heartwarming narrative about the forming of a true friendship. Jennings made his own versions of First Blood as a child and coupled those experiences with some stories from producer Nick Goldsmith's childhood to assemble the initial script. Schoolmates Will Proudfoot (Bill Milner) and Lee Carter (Will Poulter) are the unlikeliest of pairs. They meet by pure chance when Lee gets expelled from his classroom for disobedience and encounters Will, who is sitting in the hallway because his family's beliefs, as members of The Brethren evangelical christian movement, preclude him from watching television or even films shown at school. Lee proceeds to get Will in trouble, as well, and blackmails him into paying him a fee for taking the blame. Thus, their dysfunctional friendship begins. Lee then guilts Will into coming over to his house, where he is exposed to his first movie ... a pirated copy of First Blood that Lee filmed at a local movie theater for his brother's bootlegging business. Hilarity ensues when Will gets swept up in the action and agrees to star in Lee's makeshift re-make of the film. —Christopher Kelleher (read his full review)

Starts Friday at the Lagoon Theater.


EXPO
Elder Care Expo

This isn't quite a Mother's Day outing — although it can certainly improve your mother's well-being — but Minnesota's first-ever Elder Care Expo is also being held this weekend. Are you responsible for some aspect of finances of healthcare for a family member over 65? Have you experiences stress and frustrations navigating through today's elder care system? The Elder Care Expo brings together government agencies, nonprofits, private organizations to help provides the answers and support that you so desperately need.

Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Education Building, Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul; 651.204.0266; $8.


SHOPPING
Luna Vinca Mother's Day Sale

And don't let Mother's Day hit you with nothing in hand. I mean, come on, folks: this woman birthed you (or at least someone, right?)! Not quite sure how to reward her for that? Perhaps the folks of Luna Vinca can help. Jennifer Guion, owner of Luna Vinca and an award-winning floral designer, will be cooking up her fabulous flower arrangements. And Alissa Karges, the creator of FS Jewelry, will work with you to find the perfect piece of jewelry for mom. What mom doesn't like flowers and jewelry? (Hmm... come to think of it, mine prefers books and music, but... she weird.)

Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Luna Vinca, 3344 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612.823.6178.

WINE & DINE
Take to the Streets

I don't like to walk and eat (too messy!), and I hate the taste of wooden sticks and skewers. Yet, there's something about a bustling city street dotted with steaming food stands and vendors that makes me happy. I'll take a stroll the crowd, even if I'm not moved to stop and nosh. But I'm well aware there are diehard fans of hotdogs in waxed cardboard boats, streetside falafel, and chili-roasted nuts served in canny little paper cones. If you're one of Trillin's minions, you're in luck. Because not only is today the opening day of MOSAIC Marketplace on Nicollet Mall, it's actually supposed to be intermittently sunny outside. From 12 to 5 p.m., Manny's Tortas, La Loma Tamales, Pham's Deli, & Holy Land will be cooking up global fare. And there will be live entertainment, too. Tomorrow will be a crisp 64-degree day with a gentle northeastern breeze, plus a troupe of Celtic dancers jigging and reeling their way up and down the mall. And — get this — so far as anyone can tell, it isn't going to snow! —Ann Bauer (read full post)

FILM
The Hagstone Demon

Enjoy a free sneak preview of local filmmaker Jon Springer's new film The Hagstone Demon tonight at the Riverview Theater. Described by Springer as a film "about a person who discovers his own free will," the locally-produced film stars Mark Borchardt, whose role in the Sundance award-winning documentary American Movie earned him cult celebrity status in the indie film set. Guests are invited to an informal reception in the lobby prior to the screening, for which Borchardt will be present. An after party will take place at the new Nick and Eddie Restaurant and Bar (1612 Harmon Place, Mpls 55403.) And it has been confirmed that Grant Hart of the legendary post-punk band Hüsker Dü will be performing live at the after party.

6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. screening, Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-729-7369.

Read Erik McClanahan's interview with Jon Springer.

LECTURE
A Camera, Two Kids and A Camel

National Geographic photographer and Minnesota native Annie Griffiths Belt, who has worked on every continent except Antarctica, concludes the 2008 National Geographic Live speaker series at the State Theatre tonight. The fourth speaker in the series, she will be discussing three decades on the road for National Geographic in her lecture, “A Camera, Two Kids and A Camel” — also the title of her latest book, which she will be signing in the lobby immediately after her presentation.

7:30 p.m., Historic State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-673-0404; $27.50-$37.50.

 

 

New this week: May Day Parade slideshow, Second Runway Show slideshow, Meet Local Filmmaker Jon Springer, and Campfire.


FILM
Global Lens, or Fast and Loose

The Walker's Global Lens series kicks off tonight with The Kite (Le Cerf-Volant) and All for Free (Sve Dzaba). Tour across four continents over the next 11 days, glimpsing into varied cultures and personal stories via 10 excellent films. The Kite (7 p.m.), directed by Randa Chahal Sabbag, examines marriage and tradition in Lebanon; while director Antonia Nuié's All for Free addresses rediscovery and loss in Croatia.

And if you'd rather play it fast and loose (whatever the heck that means in this context), then meander on over to the Edina Cinema for their weekly double feature. It's an action packed night with two (can't believe it, but...) classics: Dr. No (1962) and Rocky (1976). We're talking Sean Connery and Sylvester Stallone, p e o p l e !

BOOKS & AUTHORS
Republican Strategist Discusses Bad Money

Yeah, the title sounds like a given, but it's not what you think. (Sorry, I couldn't help myself.) Best-selling author and noted Republican strategist Kevin Phillips is in town tonight to discuss his new book Bad Money: Reckless Finance, Failed Politics, and the Global Crisis of American Capitalism. Wow. That's a mouthful — and a head-full. Whew. And it ought to be just about as comprehensive as it sounds. Phillips, who warned us against our dependence on oil and credit in American Theocracy, now examines the causes and effects of the decline of the dollar and other important economic shifts.

7 p.m., University of Minnesota Bookstore, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-625-5549; free.


POETRY
Poetry Lovers

Of course, you can always bypass the politics and economics and opt for the language of love. I just received an email from local poet Todd Boss today informing me that his poem, "One Can Miss Mountains," will be in the May 12 issue of The New Yorker. That's pretty exciting stuff for a writer (and for all of us), so what better way to celebrate than to hear him read his poems? Join the Verse and Converse series this evening for a night of poetry with Boss, Lightsey Darst, Margaret Hasse, and Richard Solly. Tim Nolan will host.

7 p.m., Nina's Coffee Cafe, 165 Western Ave., St, Paul; 651-292-9816.


MUSIC
DeVotchKa and Basia Bulat

Do you know about despair? Feeling wistful? Dreaming of a better world? DeVotchKa is just the sound. The Denver-based quartet — self-described as Eastern-bloc indie rock — features Jeanie Schroder on sousaphone, upright bass, and vocals; Shawn King on drums, percussion, and trumpet; Tom Hagerman on violin, accordion, and piano; and Nick Urata on vocals, theremin, guitars, bouzouki, piano, and trumpet. If you thirst for versatility and all that is dramatic, this may be your thing. Accompanying them this evening is Canadian singer-songwriter Basia Bulat.

7:30 p.m., First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-332-1775; $19.50.

BOOKS & AUTHORS
Keith Gessen and His Sad Young Literary Men

In honor of Max Ross's Cracking Spines defense of McSweeney's, n+1 founding editor Keith Gessen is in town tonight to discuss his first novel with us. (We'll just have to be sure to let him know that's why he's here.) Actually, side-pokes and literary journals aside, Gessen has proven himself quite adept at slacker fiction. All the Sad Young Literary Men weaves together the stories of three college grads as they sort out their literary and romantic ambitions. Soviets, Zionists, online dating — Gessen touches upon a host of interesting topics — and a host of different forms of abuse and self-abuse. Meet him tonight, hear what he has to say, and have him sign a copy of the book for you. I mean, after all, it is Keith Gessen!

7:30 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers Galleria, 3225 W 69th St., Galleria Shopping Center, Edina; 952-920-0633.

THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Come to the Cabaret, Old Chum

"Putatively, this Cabaret is the stage play of '66, with an English Sally and a regal German landlady (played by the absolutely magnificent Suzy Hunt). But it also alludes to the male-on-male dalliances of its hero, the American writer Cliff Bradshaw, which is confusing because the complications here are completely ignored. In fact, other than the single reference to his cruising days, Bradshaw, as played by Louis Hobson, comes off as a well-scrubbed prude. ... In between there are dance numbers introduced by the 'emcee' (Nick Garrison), a shiny-headed bald man wearing lipstick with an impossible loud and grating voice. He's impossible to love at first, as he descends from the ceiling in the Cabaret sign's 'C,' but by intermission he is impossible not to. A feat that Garrison effects by being alternately funny, self-deprecating, clownish, and sad. There is also that strident back story about the Nazis: they are infiltrating the club through the person of Ernst Ludwig, Bradshaw's patron and friend." —read Ann Bauer's full review. Tonight is the official opening.

8 p.m., Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St, St Paul, 651-224-4222; $20-$55.

MUSIC
Eric Nassau and Mary Bue

In the mood for a light-hearted evening of folk-troubadour crooning? Ohio folkster Eric Nassau might be just the thing. His sweet, lilting vocals keep the dark longing of the lyrics at bay, lending a playful air to adversity. And, though his vocals are front and center, Nassau masters his guitar with equal finger-picking charm. Joining in the charm-delivery tonight is Mary Bue, another sweet sounding folkster (and recent Minneapolis transplant) with a touch of Tori Amos in her soul.

9 p.m., 331 Club, 13th Ave. N.E., Minneapolis; 612-331-1746.

Secret Songwriters Ball

It's also time for another Secret Songwriters Ball at everyone's (or at least someone's) favorite watering hole. And since it's a "Secret," I won't reveal much. Expect a rockin' set of his tunes from host Chris Thompson and a slew of talented songwriters of all varieties. Ok, one secret: Ben Glaros will be performing at around 10 p.m.

9 p.m., Lee's Liquor Lounge, 101 Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis; free.


Motion City Soundtrack Releases First Acoustic EP

As of today, you should be able to download Motion City Soundtrack's first-ever acoustic EP from iTunes. The EP features acoustic versions of five tracks off of their latest release Even If It Kills Me. The two can be purchased as a bundled package for $11.99, or you can download the songs individually: "Fell in Love Without You," "It Had To Be You," "Broken Heart," "Can't Finish What You Started," and "Point of Extinction."