Jay Gabler is a digital producer at Minnesota Public Radio, creating online content for The Current and Classical MPR. He is a co-founder of The Tangential and a contributor to publications including Artforum.com. He was arts editor at the Twin Cities Daily Planet from 2007-2013. He lives in the Lowry Hill East neighborhood of Minneapolis.
When Jessie falls, she falls fast and hard—so of course she had a huge lady boner for the guy she met Friday night at the Buzza, and of course she wanted to talk about it, so on Saturday night I grabbed a six-pack of Big Ginger and went over to Elán to pregame.Jessie didn’t even know the guy’s name, it turned out, but she remembered that he worked at either MoZaic or MoZaic II, and that he’d mentioned a plan to hang out at Stella’s on Saturday. After a Big Ginger and a tallboy of Surly Filthy Rich each, we were feeling good and about to go scout the scene at Stella’s—when Jessie checked her phone and screamed. “Aaugh! That girl from Blue just checked in at Abilene! Should we go there?” I tried to be the voice of reason. Continue Reading
Celebrating Ramadan? Take a photo of your tradition, celebration, or observance and send it our way! We’d especially love to see photos of your iftar meals. Sharing your pics with us is easy: just tag them with #tcdpic on Instagram, Tumblr, Flickr, or Twitter—or e-mail them to jay@tcdailyplanet.net. Check back right here on July 29 to see your photos in our gallery. Continue Reading
Hitting the beach this week? Take a photo and send it our way! Sharing your pics with us is easy: just tag them with #tcdpic on Instagram, Tumblr, Flickr, or Twitter—or e-mail them to jay@tcdailyplanet.net. Check back right here to see your photos in our gallery.Previous photo challenges: Fireworks! Summer sun! Continue Reading
We’ve found stunning shots of ten Twin Cities watering holes—are these the best places to catch rays and take a dip this summer? Share your best beach photos via e-mail to jay@tcdailyplanet.net, or by tagging #tcdpic on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, or Flickr.Also read What’s the best Twin Cities beach for you? (Lucy Nieboer, 2012)Lake Owasso: photo by Eli Sagor (Creative Commons)Turtle Lake: photo by Priya Saihgal (Creative Commons)Lake McCarrons: photo by Paul Weimer (Creative Commons)Lake Johanna: photo by Priya Saihgal (Creative Commons)Lake Phalen: photo by Kevin T. Houle (Creative Commons)Lake Hiawatha: photo by Tiffany Renee (Creative Commons)Lake Harriet: photo by Mamichan (Creative Commons)Lake Calhoun: photo by Ernesto De Quesada (Creative Commons)Cedar Lake: photo by Bryan Kennedy (Creative Commons)Kiddie pool: photo by Micah Taylor (Creative Commons) Continue Reading
It seems like the summer’s barely started, but already the cold winds of autumn are starting to blow through Marcy-Holmes, where the Soap Factory has just announced the dates for its annual Haunted Basement attraction. This year’s Haunted Basement will be open from October 3 through November 3.In a crowded market for Halloween scares, the Soap Factory has distinguished itself by turning its spookhouse into a collaboratively-created art installation that’s completely different each year. Last year, director Noah Bremer brought a new dose of theatricality to the proceedings; Bremer will return to direct the Haunted Basement again this year. New this year are “test subject” tickets—for those daring to experience the Haunted Basement completely alone—and a Spooky Speakeasy for those who need a drink at the end of the experience.The Haunted Basement has become a major revenue source for the nonprofit art gallery; each year, nearly all available tickets sell out quickly, so buying early is a must. This year, visits to the deep will cost $25 on weekdays and $27 on Fridays and Saturdays. Continue Reading
There are many ways of being a pop star—each has his or her own mix of musical talent, charisma, ambition, and showmanship. Bob Dylan solved the equation over 50 years ago, and to see him today is to understand how remarkably well it’s served him. He works in traditional forms, which he both subverts and honors with his much-lauded lyrics and still-underappreciated music writing. He started acting like an old bluesman when he was a teenager, which has meant that he’s spent the last five decades growing into his own legend.Like the journeymen he emulates, Dylan tours constantly, which means that a home-state stand such as he staged on July 9 (in Duluth) and 10 (in St. Paul) with his “Americanarama” tour isn’t a rare event—among the state’s trio of eccentric music geniuses, Prince occasionally plays outrageously expensive shows as though he’s doing us a favor, and Paul Westerberg is rarely seen at all, while the first and greatest among them shuffles through once a year or so. Continue Reading
River strollers looking to stop for a sip and a bite at the Aster Cafe will now find a little more breathing room: with the blessings of the City of Minneapolis and the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association, the neighborhood favorite has recently expanded its outdoor seating area to approximately double its former size.The expanded space has been successfully used over the Fourth of July holiday and at special events, says the Aster’s Alex Rapatz. “It’s not going to produce a lot more noise,” he says. “It doesn’t really alter the scene.” Just creates a few more spots to perch when the sun is hot and the drinks are cold. Continue Reading
Who We Are We are a mixed-voice, non-audition choir with about 35-40 members who gather weekly for the joy of singing together. We are looking for a part-time director who is community-minded and has a sense of humor, yet is task-master enough to keep us on track and help us stretch our skills so we can sing at our very best. Our repertoire includes a broad range of music from classical and international, to pop, jazz, Americana, holiday music, and show tunes.We have two seasons per year. The fall/holiday practice season runs from mid-September to early December, ending with our main concert in early December as well as a few other performances at nursing homes. The spring season runs from mid-January through late April or early May, again with several performances in April and May. Practice is held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 in Southeast Minneapolis near University Ave. and Highway 280.The ideal candidate will:Welcome the opportunity to work with a diverse group of singers and has the ability to strive for high musical standards while having the patience to encourage singers of varied skills and abilitiesBe able to clearly communicate expectations and inspire singers to an enhanced understanding of the musicTransmit enthusiasm and knowledge to the chorus and the audienceEmbrace and promote an internal culture of civility and respect.A degree in choral directing or equivalent experience is required, as is a broad knowledge of choral repertoire and music theory. Basic keyboard skills are essential (advanced preferred). ResponsibilitiesChoose repertoire for concert seasonOrganize rehearsal schedule and lead choir in regular Tuesday evening rehearsals from September through December, and January through May. Direct choir concerts and provide information to audience about the music we are performing.Prepare program notes to be included in the printed concert program.Work with sections as needed to learn musicMake arrangements with outside performance venuesTo Apply Please send email to beth_bedell@yahoo.com and include your resume and letter of interest explaining how your skills and experience combine to make you an excellent candidate. Please put your last name and “Choir Director” in the subject line of the email. Continue Reading
