There seem to be an awful lot of things going on today, so be sure to spend your time wisely. If you're feeling decadent (and financially secure) head to downtown Minneapolis for the opening of r. Norman's, a new steakhouse on Hennepin. Tonight's opening is actually a benefit for Hennepin Theatre Trust, so your decadence will do some good for the theater community. If you have kids, or you happen to love children's theater, then check out Freedom Train, at O'Shaughnessy. And if you're half the Tom Waits fan I am, you'll take a break from this email to buy your tickets to Warm Beer, Cold Women, the Waits tribute opening at the Guthrie this evening.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Politics Without Words — an Interesting Prospect
We all know from Billy Joel
and Rage Against the Machine that music can be political. But
what about music without words? In her book
Symphonic Aspirations: German Music and Politics, 1900-1945, Professor Karen Painter argues
that symphonic music can and does play a role in politics. Painter
will be discussing her fascinating ideas today at the University
of Minnesota Bookstore. Join her as
she leads a discussion about the use of music as propaganda during WWI
and WWII, and how music can be much more political than it appears. You may discover that the messages that instruments convey may not be
so abstract after all. —Kate Leibfried
4 p.m., University of Minnesota Bookstore, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-626-0559; free.
MUSIC BENEFIT
Heart to Heart
Get your own heart racing as
you rock out to protect the hearts of others. The Fine Line is
sponsoring their Heart to Heart concert tonight to help raise
money for children with heart disease in the developing world.
And did I mention there's a rock show? Popular local performers —
including Hookers and Blow, Billy Johnson, and Atomic
Flea — will be donating their time and talent to support this Heartlink campaign. Buy a ticket, listen to some great
live music, and help support a great cause. General admission ($35) includes a drink and appetizers, but if you really want to
put your heart and soul into this event, buy a VIP ticket ($60) and enjoy cocktails and appetizers throughout the
night, a ticket to the 9 p.m. show, and exclusive seating. Happy
hearts guaranteed! —Kate Leibfried
5 -8:30 p.m. (VIP show at 9 p.m.), Fine Line Music Café, 318 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-338-8100; $35, VIP $60.
DANCE
Estampas Porteña: Tango Fire
Can you feel the heat?
The sizzling performance of Tango Fire, by the Argentinean group
Estampas Porteñas, will leave you hot, hot, hot. This aptly
named performance will lead you through the riveting history of tango,
the world's most alluring and exciting dance. Prepare to be
seduced as ten stunning dancers and a group of brilliant musicians perform
five different tango styles, including the fast-paced, heart-thumping
milonga, and the contemporary tango, which incorporates acrobatic stunts
and leaps. A ticket to this passion-filled performance would also
make the perfect early Valentine's Day gift for someone you love.
For further fiery fun, check out the Milonga tango party immediately
following the show. If you want to learn how to put a little sizzle
in your step, the Tango Society of Minnesota will give free tango lessons
in the Northrop lobby. Stay until 1 a.m. and dance the night away
to Mandragora Tango, a collective of Minneapolis tango
musicians. No mamacita or caballero is going to want to miss this! —Kate Leibfried
7:30 p.m., Northrop Auditorium, 84 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis; 652-393-2837; $31-$52.