Is it time to bedazzle a romance novel? Or is it time to see some Detroit hip-hop legends share a stage with some of the best musicians in the Twin Cities? What about bundling up for an outdoor protest and benefit concert with Celtic punk legends? There’s a lot on offer in March, and we’ve got some highlights here for you.
Monday
Let some cinema help you through this winter. This series of short films tackles topics like taking care of the outdoors, grassroots advocacy, and snowy adventures in the backcountry. You’ll feel even warmer inside because the ticket proceeds are split between Superior Highland Backcountry and Save the Boundary Waters.
Tuesday
🚀 Omnifest
We don’t talk enough about the joy of the Science Museum’s Omnitheater. In this immersive room with first-class sound, I’ve been transported to fossil digs in Wyoming and to lava rushes in the Ring of Fire. It’s a treasure to have a screen like this in the Twin Cities, and the Science Museum really lays it on thick during their Omnifest. Films include Apollo 11, Into America’s Wild, and Lost in Space: A Stellar Tours Adventure.
Wednesday
Slum Village will forever be associated with one of their original members, the late great James Yancey, better known as J-Dilla. But the legacy of Slum Village lives on and continues to develop under the stewardship of original member T3. Now partnered with Young RJ, T3 keeps the music alive in the studio and on stages across the world. The crew has been through the Dakota before, but this time they’ll be supported by some of the best and brightest from the Twin Cities. The fusion-friendly group Room3 will be backing the band for the event. Local piano powerhouse and Dilla acolyte Kevin Gamble will be opening the show.
Thursday
Remember books before bedazzling? I barely do. It was a dark time. But things are better now. You can decorate your favorite book with a level of panache and personality that could never be matched on your Kindle. Graze Food Hall is hosting this one, and while you’re bedazzling, you will be dazzled by open mic readings. Plus, proceeds from each ticket will be donated to local mutual aid initiatives. Pro-tip: the smut-friendly book bedazzling event is not one for kids. Grab a babysitter and start bedazzling.
The soundtrack of the last two months has been Rage Against the Machine. Whether it’s dropping into a brewery or seeing Tom Morello live onstage at First Ave, Rage Against the Machine has been top of mind ever since Operation Metro Surge touched down. We are lucky to have a top-notch Rage Against the Machine tribute band that can be called into action when the moment is called for. The band is fronted by the very talented rapper, vocalist, and radio host Diane and features a great cast of trusted players from town. So please, Mr. de la Rocha, please ignore your own lyrics for one night and “do what I tell you.” Go to the Turf Club, scream the lyrics you know at the top of your lungs, and get ready for the fight to continue tomorrow.
Friday
Sean’s friend Claudia enjoys a fish fry. (Chuck Terhark / City Cast Twin Cities)
You can’t swing a walleye without hitting a fish fry in the Twin Cities during Lent. My favorite reference doc for fish fry listings comes from Jess Fleming at the Pioneer Press, but I’ll save you some time … the fish fry at the Ukrainian American Center is one of the best! Not only are the fish, coleslaw, and french fries excellent, they also offer pierogies for those who aren’t fish-curious.
In their decades-long career, the Dropkick Murphys have been outspoken politically, and they continue that tradition this Friday. The Murphys will be gracing the stage of Palace Theatre in downtown St. Paul, but the tour bus is going to pull into town a little early to stage a massive Abolish ICE fundraiser at the Alex Pretti memorial site. The event runs from 1-8 p.m., and The Dropkick Murphys play acoustic at 4 p.m. Other acts include Obi Original, Brass Solidarity, Sophie Hiroko, and more!
Saturday
Mahjong is not just for ‘old biddies’, according to our City Cast Contributor Sam Choo. Ampersand Shops in Minneapolis is hosting a three-week series for beginners to learn the ancient tile game of mahjong. During the event, you’ll learn from a pro, and you’ll also be sent home with a workbook for any mahjong adventures you might get into on your own time. Plus, picking up the ticket secures you 10% off at Ampersand on the days of the lessons.
Tired of being warm? Boy howdy, do I have the event for you! Why not take a quick plunge into Lake Nokomis and then run a 5K? Maybe I sound skeptical, but my friends who have plunged swear by it, and I have to be honest, I enjoy a group 5K on a cold day over a hot one for sure. Plus, the proceeds will go to the Special Olympics. Plunge for a cause, then do a jog.
The Snapped Open Mic series at the Green Room has brought a whole new level of production to the open mic scene here in the Twin Cities. For one night, the team from Snapped is bringing that vibe out of the nightclub and into the iconic Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis. “The Highlight” is an open mic, so come ready to perform! The whole affair is hosted by the stellar multi-hyphenate talent Maya Marchelle.
Sunday
March is Women’s History Month, and this Sunday draws a special focus as it is International Women’s Day. The MN Abortion Action Committee (MNAAC) and the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) are organizing a march at Powderhorn Park with a focus on standing with immigrant women and girls and providing money for working families. The event gets started in the Northeast corner of the park.
