FAMILY
A Taste of Minnesota
Party with the masses at this annual blowout celebration of Minnesota
in all it's glory! The Taste of Minnesota is all about music, revelry,
and most importantly, FOOD. This extravaganza almost (almost)
puts the
State Fair to shame with an endless list of delightfully
unhealthy delicacies. While the Taste doesn't have deep fried Spam like
the Fair, it does boast fried cheesecake, fried apples, and fried ribs. Mmmm...heart-attacky! Once your arteries are comfortably clogged, take in tuneage
by likes of R.E.O. Speedwagon, The Zombies, Seether, and Eddie Money -
just to name a few. If you're traveling with little ones, there's
plenty to keep them entertained;
carnival rides, kid-friendly performances, paddleboat tours, dance
parties, and even fireworks each night at 10:15. Just don't forget the leash.
Thurs., Sat., Sun. 1 p.m.-10:40 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 10:40 p.m., Harriet Island, Downtown St.Paul, Free
ART
First Thursdays in the Arts District
Now that the Art-A-Whirl after-glow has worn off a bit, you ought to be
primed and ready for another round of art-crawlin' in Northeast. First
Thursdays in The Arts District
is the perfect chance to leisurely peruse open studios minus the
throngs of tourists nipping at your heels. Stop into The Casket Arts
Building, the Thorpe Building, The Q.arma Building, or any number of
Arts District staples, then make a cameo at the Northrup King Building,
the granddaddy of all art buildings, for tons of open studios AND a
special "surprise" in the parking lot...Is it a dance routine? A pie
eating contest? Bingo? You'll have to come to find out.
Thursday, 5-9 p.m., Northeast Arts District, Various locations, Free
FILM
10 Second Film Festival
Is ten seconds long enough to spark real emotion? Put your reaction time to the test tonight at the Soap during this annual outdoor film festival!
Over 100 ten-second film submissions will compete for best-of
awards in
such categories as "Under the Influence", "Arthouse", "Kubrick Award",
"Most Disturbing" and more. The Soap makes this yearly tradition even
more raucous with live bands, a beer truck, and a panel of fun
celebrity judges. Get a bird's-eye view of the Riverfront fireworks
at 10 p.m., with the festival starting promptly at 10:15. Then, come back to the Soap Factory
between noon on Saturday and noon on Sunday for a full 24 hours of
performance and new media with Artery 24.
Friday, 10 p.m., The Soap Factory, 518 2nd Street SE, Minneapolis, Free
ART
Freedom: Annual Juried Art Show & Resident Artists Show
Altered Esthetics jumps on the patriotic bandwagon for the second year in a row with this "freedom" themed group show.
Considering AE's 
liberal nature, and considering that artists typically
lean towards the radical rather than the conservative, it's probably safe to say that this exhibit will have plenty of cool art with extra political
undertone. If you're not in the mood for heavy topics, however, don't
despair - This month AE puts on a double header show with work by their
Resident Artists as well. One major highlight is the installation by
mysterious local art duo "Pop Vomit",
which consists of a huge wall covered floor to ceiling with
duplicated and vibrantly colored panels of Warhol-esque proportions -
with a modern graphic twist. So, get yourself down to Altered Esthetics
for this red-white-and-blue-inspired opening reception which will also feature a barbecue, live music
and more. The perfect pre-fireworks activity if you want to keep your
evening all-american! Runs through July 26th.
Friday, 7-10 p.m., Altered Esthetics Gallery, 1224 Quincy Street NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free
MUSIC
Roomful of Blues
Being one of the classiest joints in town, the Dakota Jazz Club
knows just how to create a mood with their alluring ambiance, cool,
cool music, and decadent cuisine, and this weekends' festivities will once
again prove it. World-class ensemble Roomful of Blues rolls
in for a full weekend of jazzy jump-blues, soul, swing and r&b.
Singer Dave Howard, well known for his soulful vocals, adds a gritty and
nostalgic charm to this engaging group of mega-talented musicians, lead
by guitarist Chris Vachon. Make an exquisite evening of it by mixing
your music with a meal - The Dakota shines in the dining department
with gourmet fare
such as Scallion Crusted American Kobe Beef Tenderloin, Star Prairie
Trout Roulade, and Yucca Root Gnocchi, just to name a few. Or, just
stick to vino - the Dakota's got an amazing selection that will please wine snobs and booze-hounds alike.
Saturday & Sunday, 7 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., The Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Downtown Minneapolis, $21-$27
MUSIC
Acoustic Sunrise Series: Larry Ravenswood
Pop in to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts this bright and cheerful Sunday morning for some coffee and live music, then stick around for 
the art! Each Sunday, the MIA's ArtsBreak Cafe
hosts a different acoustic musician to entertain while you sip your
latte and scarf down a scone. You're especially in luck this time
around because local silver-tounged smoothie Larry Ravenswood
will treat you to a dose of his grooved-out, acoustic indie
pop from 11am to 1pm. After you've got your fill of tunes and tea take
a meander through the expansive galleries of the beautiful Minneapolis
Institute of Arts, which if you ask me, is the perfect lazy Sunday afternoon
experience. Acoustic Sunrise is sponsored by The Rake and Cities 97, so
you know it's good!
Sunday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S, Minneapolis, Free
