A Scottish Ramble at the Landmark Center; photo by Barb McLean
Event highlights this week include:
April 6, Red Wing Liverpool Legends
April 7, Maple Grove Longevity Expo
April 5-14, Little Falls Spring Dinner Theatre - Neil Simon's Rumors
April 6, Detroit Lakes VocalEsssence: River Tales Songs & Tales with Mark Twain
April 6-8, Duluth Cabin Fever Festival
Southern Minnesota
April 6, Red Wing Liverpool Legends Liverpool Legends are four incredibly talented musicians and actors hand-picked by Louise Harrison- sister of the late George Harrison of the Beatles. This year, the internationally-acclaimed group toured the world, with sold out performances for over 17,000 people at Arena Ciudad in Mexico City, as well as in Guayaquil and Quito Ecuador, India, Israel, Chile and Monterrey. Sheldon Theatre. 651-388-8700
April 7, Luverne Love the Ladies Expo Enjoy a day just for women with seminars, socializing, tastings, shopping, drawings and free brunch! Grand Prairie Events. 507-283-4061
April 7, Lanesboro Dinner on the Bluff Warm yourself up with a night of great food and enlightened conversation. Hear from Jim Fitzpatrick on the topic of Ivory-billed Woodpeckers. The current population status on this amazing creature is highly controversial. See past research projects and make the determination for yourself and adopt the "I Believe" phrase to help the process. Dinner on the Bluff evenings include a 3-course meal and an hour-long presentation. The dinner menu is by reservation-only, consisting of obscure food pairings: chili and cinnamon rolls, chicken and waffles, roasted garlic-dill radishes and sesame avocado chocolate mousse. Guests are encouraged to bring their own adult beverage of choice. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. 507-467-2437
April 14, Preston National Trout Center “Opener” House Take part in this fun open house with fly tying, kids' fishy crafts, free trout cookies, smoked trout and maybe even trout punch -- all free! National Trout Center. 507-765-2452
April 14, Welch Daughtry at Treasure Island With four albums reaching the Billboard Top Ten and multiple Grammy nominations, Daughtry is part of the next generation of rock and roll legends. Don't miss your chance to see them live! Treasure Island Resort & Casino. 651-388-6300
April 21, Austin Taste of Nations Festival The 7th Annual Taste of Nations Festival is a free, family-friendly event celebrating diversity. Activities include games, entertainment, dance performances, music, art and food from all over the world! Austin Armory. 507-279-3977
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Feb. 3 - May 27, Minneapolis Power and Beauty in China's Last Dynasty They ruled with unrivaled opulence. They led secret lives of infinite power and pleasure. They built an empire to end them all. Now, from the mind behind the groundbreaking theatrical performance Einstein on the Beach, comes this story of China’s last emperors. A rare spectacle of art, light, and sound that places you inside the palace walls. Among the desires and dreams, the mystery and splendor. Seated is limited, and tickets are timed. Reserve your experience today. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 612-870-3000
March 2 - June 16, Excelsior Guys and Dolls Frank Loesser's celebrated musical comedy about rolling the dice and falling in love under the bright lights of Broadway is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy. Enjoy just the show, or a show with lunch or dinner. Old Log Theatre. 952-474-5951
March 6 - May 13, Minneapolis Corduroy Join Corduroy on his delightfully destructive chase through every section of the department store in search of his missing button. Will the night watchman find him and return him to his shelf before he can find this important button? Will Lisa ever convince her mother to let her give the bear a home? The tender, enduring story about true friendship stirs up the stage with a bustling rumpus of action! Children's Theatre. 612-874-0400
March 10 - April 14, Minneapolis Familiar This feisty, heart-warming play features a Zimbabwean-American family preparing for their daughter Tendi’s wedding. Marvelous and Donald have built their American dream in Minnesota, so when Tendi requests a traditional African blessing before marrying her white fiancé from Minnetonka and a surprise guest drops a bombshell, the rehearsal dinner can’t come soon enough. Family fireworks are interwoven with questions of cultural identity in this acclaimed play. The Guthrie Theater's McGuire Proscenium Stage. 612-377-2224
March 23 - April 15, Anoka She Loves Me Considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written, She Loves Me is a warm romantic comedy with an endearing innocence and a touch of old world elegance. This Tony Award-winning musical is set in a 1930’s European shop. Lyric Arts Main Street Stage. 763-422-1838
March 23 - April 30, Apple Valley Farm Babies Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring at the Wells Fargo Family Farm. There's nothing cuter than baby chicks, piglets, lambs, calves, goat kids and bunnies. Check out the special "egg" treats for the animals. This fun enrichment activity includes colored Jell-O eggs, pinatas, and hard-boiled eggs. Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9200
March 24 - April 8, St. Paul Measure for Measure If she accuses him, who will believe her? Theatre Unbound presents the world premiere of a text freshly restored by director Kate Powers to come closer than ever to what scholars believe Shakespeare originally wrote. Experience the #metoo story of Shakespeare's time as only The Women's Theatre can present it. Gremlin Theatre. 612-721-1186
March 30 - April 8 (Friday-Sunday), Minneapolis Minneapolis Home + Garden Show Be inspired by more than 1,000 experts sharing new ideas and practical advice! Also enjoy hundreds of exhibits featuring innovative products and services related to home, gardening, remodeling and home decor. Other highlights include main stage presentations, the Tiny Home Village, Backyard Lounge, Flower Market, Ask a Designer, and great deals and specials. Free bus and light rail rides to the show! Minneapolis Convention Center. 952-933-3850
April 7, St. Paul A Scottish Ramble Take part in the Upper Midwest's largest indoor Scottish cultural festival, complete with highland dancing, foods, music, shopping and cultural information about all things Scottish! Landmark Center. 651-292-3063
April 7, Maple Grove Longevity Expo The Longevity Expo offers attendees options to look their best, feel their best and be their best at all ages. This show is all about products, services and information that will make lives more active and healthy. Maple Grove Community Center. 952-238-1700
April 7, Minneapolis A Live Broadcast of Town Hall with Chris Thile Town Hall is a live radio variety show now hosted by mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile. Town Hall is known for its musical guests, especially folk and traditional musicians, and tongue-in-cheek radio drama. Historic State Theatre. 612-339-7007
April 7, Chanhassen Almost Paradise - 1984 Prom Night Join Deb Brown and friends and travel back to your '80s prom night! Sing, dance and party to favorite hits from 1980-1984 when big permed hair, shiny and loud fashions and boom boxes ruled. Wouldn't it be fun to dress up for the prom and re-live those memories (good or bad)? Chanhassen Dinner Theatre's Fireside Theatre. 952-934-1525
April 7-8, Minneapolis Cloud Cult Soul-searching indie rockers Cloud Cult make their first appearance with the Minnesota Orchestra for a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Orchestra Hall. 612-371-5656
April 12-14, Minneapolis Textile Center Presents the World's Largest Textile Garage Sale This is the World's Largest Textile Garage Sale, yet so much more than a garage sale! Artists, students, makers, and bargain lovers will find heaps of fabric, yarn, patterns, tools, sewing machines, books, notions and more - all at garage sale prices! The Preview Sale on Friday, April 13, offers first chance at all the goods the Garage Sale has to offer, including the “Oval Room” of premium merchandise such as sewing machines, looms, high quality yarns and fabrics. Beat the crowds, and enjoy music from D.J. Rey and refreshments! Textile Center. 612-436-0464
April 12-28, Minneapolis Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival The 37th Annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival brings 250+ new feature length and short narrative and documentary films representing 70+ countries to audiences throughout the region. This year’s lineup features a Virtual and Augmented Reality Showcase, a Minnesota Made series with 80+ locally created films, retrospectives on the work of Frederick Wiseman and Sarah Pillsbury, and number of parties and social events including the MSPIFF Preview Party and annual XYZ Party. This is the largest film event in the Midwest. St. Anthony Main Theatre (and other theaters and venues). 612-331-7563
April 13-15, Shakopee Spring Festival, An Arts and Crafts Affair This show features hundreds of the nation's finest artists and crafters displaying and selling their handcrafted works. Also enjoy stage entertainment, hourly gift certificate winners, plenty of food & drink, lots of family fun, and free parking! The Arts and Crafts Affair is consistently ranked in the Top 100 Shows in the Country by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Canterbury Park. 402-331-2889
April 14, Minneapolis Monster Energy AMA Supercross The Monster Energy AMA Supercross features some of the best supercross riders in the world competing at amazing speeds. U.S. Bank Stadium. 612-777-8700
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances: Something Rotten at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, April 3-8 Little Big Town with Kacey Musgraves at the Target Center in Minneapolis, April 5 Live From Here with Chris Thile at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, April 7 Monster Jam at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, April 7 Foreigner & The Dave Eggar Orchestra at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, April 8 KC & the Sunshine Band at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, April 12 Tonic Sol-Fa & Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience at Ames Center in Burnsville, April 12 MercyMe at the Target Center in Minneapolis, April 13 Daughtry at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, April 14 Jo Koy at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, April 14 Lovett or Leave It at the Historic State Theatre, April 14 Monster Energy AMA Supercross at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, April 14 Joel McHale at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, April 20 Bill Mayer at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, April 21 Lavell Crawford at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, April 21 Max Raabe and Palast Orchester at the Pantages Theatre, April 21 Marco Antonio Solis at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, April 21 Prince - Live on the Big Screen at the Target Center, April 21 Tech N9ne's Planet Tour at The Armory in Minneapolis, April 21 Under the Streetlamp at Ames Center in Burnsville, April 21 Voices for Vision featuring Kat Perkins & Blind Joe at the Historic State Theatre, April 21 Al Stewart at the Dakota in Minneapolis, April 23-24 Jersey Boys at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, April 24-29 Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles (Touring) at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, April 27 Bon Jovi - This House is Not For Sale Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, April 28 Charlie Pride at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, April 28 Disney Junior Live: Dance Party at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 1 Pump and Dump Show - 2018 Parentally Incorrect Tour at the Pantages Theatre, May 5 Kenny Chesney - Trip Around the Sun Tour at U.S. Bank Stadium, May 5 Stars on Ice at the Xcel Energy Center, May 6 Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
April 5-14, Little Falls Spring Dinner Theatre - Neil Simon's Rumors Great River Arts is proud to present another outstanding Dinner Theatre production, Neil Simon's Rumors, along with a spectacular meal catered by A.T. the Black & White Restaurant. Great River Arts. 320-632-0960
April 6-22 (Friday-Sunday), St. Cloud Disney's Beauty and the Beast Based on the Academy Award–winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast! Paramount Theatre. 320-259-5463
April 7, Collegeville The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is the original (often imitated, never replicated) troupe of all-singing, all-strumming, all-ukulele players! For 30 plucking years, their performances have delivered witty, whistling, virtuosic, awesome, foot-stomping good times. Selling out concerts around the globe, these first-rate artists create big fun from small instruments as they slide playfully from Tchaikovsky to Spaghetti Western to Otis Redding. Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, Saint John's University. 320-363-5777
April 13-14, Brainerd Brainerd Lake's Everything Expo This exciting 2-day event introduces attendees to over 150 local business exhibitors. In addition, there will be a Lakes Proud Stamp Card Contest, a Meet, Greet and Photograph session, and live music! Brainerd's Essentia Health Sports Center. 218-829-2838
April 14-15, Onamia Sweetgrass Basket 2-Day Workshop Learn the art of making a coil sweetgrass basket in this two-day workshop. Sweetgrass is a fragrant sacred herb used in ceremonies and artwork by the Ojibwe. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided both days. Registration is required three days prior to workshop. Discount hotel rooms are available at Grand Casino Mille Lacs on Saturday night for all workshop participants; reservations must be made at least 10 days in advance. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
April 21, Spicer Earth Day & Recycled Outdoor Gear Sale This fun and educational experience for the whole family features booths, exhibits and activities to inform participants about water quality, energy efficiency, land management, and much more. More than 30 exhibitors will attend. Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. 320-354-5894
Northwest Minnesota
April 6, Detroit Lakes VocalEsssence: River Tales Songs & Tales with Mark Twain The VocalEssence Ensemble singers and former WCCO-TV anchor Don Shelby as Mark Twain celebrate life on the Mississippi River. Take a musical journey through the past and present with choral masterpieces, folk songs, spirituals and Americana, along with the immortal words of Mark Twain. Historic Holmes Theatre. 218-844-7469
April 6, Mahnomen Great White & Slaughter When Slaughter and Great White, two 80s rock legends, get together, you get two rock icons for the price of one! Shooting Star Casino. 800-313-7469
April 6-15, Bemidji The Elves and the Shoemaker Filled with delightfully wacky characters — including elves Mortz, Schwartz, Hazel, Gracie and Studebaker, this familiar tale is laced with clever dialogue to make audiences of all ages smile. This version of The Elves and the Shoemaker, a fun, toe-tapping musical, is based on the classic Grimm’s fairy tale of the same name. In the end, each group plays it forward in helping those less fortunate, proving that hard work is the secret to making dreams and wishes come true. Bemidji Community Theater. 218-755-8942
April 7, Bemidji Holistic Healing and Psychic Expo Spend time with like-minded people who believe in the metaphysical ways of healing for your mind, body and soul. Check out psychic readers, energy healers, natural skin care products, crystals and stones, and jewelry, as well as hourly seminars and a special 1 hour Group Gallery Reading. Hampton Inn Bemidji. 406-812-0540
April 12-14, Detroit Lakes Seedfolks - Children's Shows Children's Theatre Company (CTC) of Minneapolis is proud to present Seedfolks, a world premiere developed by CTC through the new play development lab. Based on the Newbery Medal-winning book by Paul Fleischman, Seedfolks is about an immigrant neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio that is transformed by a community garden. Actor Sonja Parks embodies the eleven distinct voices of Gibb Street in this enthralling, one-woman production. Historic Holmes Theatre. 218-844-7469
April 18-28, Thief River Falls Arts Expo & Annual Art Exhibit Reception The 2018 Arts Expo & Annual Art Exhibit Reception features the artwork of students and adults from the 7 county area with cash awards for best artwork. Winners will be chosen by a qualified juror while the exhibit is on display, and they will be recognized at the Artist Reception on April 28. Also enjoy various presentations on the day of the Reception. Ralph Engelstad Arena. 218-745-9111
Northeast Minnesota
April 5-15, Duluth Lend Me A Tenor Lend Me a Tenor is a hilarious romp through the high-stakes, high-strung world of opera. In this comedy by Ken Ludwig, the Cleveland Opera House is hosting the famous Italian tenor, Tito Merelli, whose celebrity has guaranteed a sellout performance. But is the management of the Cleveland Opera House ready for all the madness that comes with their guest star? NorShor Theatre. 218-733-7555
April 6-8, Duluth Cabin Fever Festival The Cabin Fever Festival is a weekend cabin fever reliever event featuring bluegrass, old-time stringband and related genres of music, along with stage shows, draw bands, workshops and jam sessions around the clock. Presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association. Radisson Harborview Hotel. 612-285-9133
April 6-28, Grand Rapids Six McKnight Artists & Natalia Himmirska Exhibits This annual exhibition, Six McKnight Artists, features new work by 2016 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists recipients Nicolas Darcourt (Minnetonka, MN) and Sheryl McRoberts (Plymouth, MN), as well as 2015 McKnight Artist Residency for Ceramic Artists recipients Kathryn Finnerty (Oregon), Lung-Chieh Lin (Taiwan), Helen Otterson (Kentucky), and Joseph Pintz (Missouri). This exhibition, supported by the McKnight Foundation, showcases the success of each artist’s fellowship or residency. In the Minnesota Gallery, see artwork by Bemidi resident Natalia Himmirska who was born and raised in Moscow and graduated with an MFA from Fine Art Faculty of the Moscow Technology Institute. On April 6, enjoy a free community event with food, wine, live music and a chance to meet the featured artists. MacRostie Art Center. 218-326-2697
April 13-14, International Falls Outdoor Expo This popular expo is in its seventh year. Come celebrate outdoor recreation with continued education, vendors, presentations, demonstrations and door prizes! Evangelical Covenant Church. 218-283-3365
April 14, Sandstone Dinner at the Lake After a wonderful dinner in a beautiful lakeside dining hall, enjoy a presentation by Lisa Pugh, who along with Alyce Kuenzli, became the first all-female expedition to canoe the 4th longest river system in the world - the Jefferson-Missouri-Mississippi River system. Lisa will share stories and film clips from their 200-day canoe journey that covered over 4,000 miles and 14 states. She'll talk about how they shared their curriculum along the way and the mission of their organization, Source of Confidence, which is to support girls and women navigating their own paths to confidence. Audubon Center of the North Woods. 320-245-2648
April 21, Mountain Iron Iron Range Earth Fest 2018 The Iron Range Earth Fest is turning 10! Earth Fest 2018 will feature vendors, hands-on demonstrations, food, live music, family activities, the 5th Annual Community Sustainability Initiative Contest & Silent Auction, the 2018 Green Innovator’s Expo and more! This year's theme, Reclaiming Traditions for a Sustainable Future, will tap into the sustainability knowledge of northeast Minnesota by inviting local experts to share their expertise on local products, services, foods, traditions and wilderness. Mountain Iron Community Center, Messiah Lutheran Church, Merritt Elementary School and Northeast Service Cooperative. 320-295-1637
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