Tatiana Craine

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Tatiana Craine

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Minnesota Opera's "Lucia di Lammermoor" at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts: Melodrama at its finest

By Tatiana Craine, Arts Orbit

There’s a time-tested, audience-approved recipe for opera. In some cases, it’s funny, in others, it’s heart-wrenching; Lucia di Lammermoor falls into the latter category. Melodrama with a healthy dose of romance, a dash of foreboding, and a heaping spoonful of tragedy are the perfect recipe for tragic opera. However, there’s a secret ingredient that, unless added, will cause even the most-well constructed show to fail: talent. And boy, does Lucia di Lammermoor have talent.MORE »

MUSIC | The Current's 7th Birthday Party at First Avenue: Saturday night

By Tatiana Craine, TC Daily Planet

Photos By:

Meredith Westin

Seven years ago, it looked like 89.3 The Current was about to become the little radio station that could. With the dawn of 2012, it's clear that The Current has become a veritable powerhouse in the Twin Cities music scene. By releasing coveted tickets to MPR members before the general public, it's a wonder that there are still fans that haven't yet joined the ever-growing flock of individuals contributing to public radio in efforts to gain (or attempt to) access what have become member-exclusive shows. No exception to this members-only phenomenon, The Current's 7th Birthday Party sold out in a matter of minutes—even with the two-night split between eight treasured local acts. Finding a ticket to either show became a game of visiting The Depot and begging for a ticket (usually to no avail) or taking chances with Craigslist sellers who often resell tickets at exorbitant prices. And while there are a few kind-and-fair-hearted sellers willing to resell their tickets at face-value ("It's public radio! Why would I want to make a profit?"), it's clear that snagging entry to this birthday party was like winning a Golden Ticket.MORE »

MUSIC | Megafaun at the Cedar Cultural Center: A mega-fun time

By Tatiana Craine, TC Daily Planet

Photos By:

Meredith Westin

Smoke hung low amongst the packed gathering of twenty-somethings donning off-brand hoodies and hiking boots. Megafaun huddled in a semi-circle near the front of the stage as the crowd crooned at the band, “Come on ease your worried mind.” And while it sounds strange that an audience might perform for a band, the evening had subtly progressed into true collaboration between the musicians and the swaying crowd.MORE »

Things a mother pig might be thinking as she gives birth at the Miracle of Birth barn at the Minnesota State Fair

By Jay Gabler, Betsy Gabler, Kelsey McDonough, Tatiana Craine, and Jean Gabler, Local Lists

"Miracle," my ass!

You know, it's the video cameras that really cross the line here.

Sure, and where's this crowd going to be when I'm off to the ol' slaughterhouse next year?

One down, 13 to go. God, I hope that first one wasn't just the runt.

Pink. Again?!

If one more kid yells BA-RAM-YU!, I'm going to shoot the next piglet straight into his sno-cone.MORE »

Downsides of having your head carved in butter at the Minnesota State Fair

By Jay Gabler, Betsy Gabler, Morgan Halaska, and Tatiana Craine, Local Lists

Tubs of margarine thrown through your windows

Awkward family dinners for months while you use up the butter

Tasteless "on a stick" jokes

You always wonder whether you'd look better salted

People saying, "They sure do know how to butter you up!"

Getting mooned by fairgoers while you pose in the refrigerated boothMORE »