Sun. Dec. 26 at 2 p.m.: Kwanzaa celebration with African drummers and activities of children in the permanent African art collection. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 2400 Third Ave. S. ArtsMIA.org. 612-870-3131. FREE

Sun. Dec. 26 at 3 p.m.: Kwanzaa celebration on KFAI’s “Soul of a Community.” Hosted by The Grand Deeva, aka Dee Henry Williams, host of KFAI’s Great Blend of Watercolors on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. celebration on the Wave Project. KFAI 90.3 FM Minneapolis and 106.7 FM St. Paul. KFAI.org

Mon. Dec. 27 at 6:30 p.m.: annual Kwanzaa celebration with TC drummers, dancers, poets. Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S. 612-874-4444. InterMediaArts.org. 612-874-4444. “Harambee!” Let’s pull together.

(NOTE: All events open to the public. Location is Minneapolis, unless otherwise stated).

UNITY/UMOJA: working together in peace with family, community, nation, humanity

Thurs. Dec. 3 to Sun. Dec. 5: ART & COMMITTMENT. Pairs of artists from different mediums engage in “public conversations” with audiences about art’s role in society, censorship, propaganda. FREE artcom@umn.edu. 612-625-8096 x0. West Bank, University of Minnesota.

Thurs. Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m.: “Finding Common Ground, Dispensing With Fear.” Annual Community Conversation. Led by former state senator Gregory Gray and teacher/writer Julie Landsman. Homewood Studio, 2400 Plymouth Ave. N. FREE 612-587-0230.

Thru Jan. 8: Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S. 612-871-4444. Closed Mon. Tues-Sun. noon to 5 p.m. Multi-cultural/multi-media community-building through arts. Home/Land/Security. Twin Cities immigrant artists.

CHANUKAH

Wed. Dec.7 to 15: “Festival of Lights.” Honoring a Jewish victory over oppression and a miracle of one lamp of oil lasting eight nights.

Dec. 10 to 19, Sat. 7 p.m./Sun. 2 p.m.: “Hanukkah Lights In The Big Sky.” Play from true events; a lit menorah is followed by a brick thrown through Jewish family’s window in 1993 Billings, Montana. How the town responds inspires hope. MN Jewish Theatre Co., 1978 Ford Pkwy., Hillcrest Ctr. St. Paul. Weekday matinees $15 adults/$10 children. 651-647-4315.

Thur. Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.: POETRY. Sima Rabinowitz reads her “The Jewish Fake Book,” called “a slate of miracles.” Amazon Books, 4755 Chicago Ave. S.

Fri. Dec. 10 to Sun. Dec. 19: Jewish Film Festival, Bell Auditorium at 17th Ave./University Ave. SE, East Bank U of M. All screenings 5:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. $8/$6.50 students and seniors/$5 members

Fri., Dec. 10 and Sat., Dec. 11, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.: The film “Arna’s Children.” A woman from a Zionist family marries a Palestinian man in the 1950s, creates theatre for Arab children from Jenin refugee camp. Co-directed by her son. In Hebrew/Arabic w/English subtitles.

Wed. Dec. 15: “Death in Gaza.” James Miller’s look at lives of Palestinian teens, growing up with violent loss. Miller was killed making this film.

Thurs. Dec. 16: “Israel Moment.” Seventeen of Israel’s greatest directors make three-minute movies.

Fri. Dec. 17 to Sun., Dec. 19: “Another Road Home.” A young Israeli woman remembers her Palestinian childhood caretaker. Reunions reveal Jewish/Arab conflicts and connections.

Sat. Dec. 11, 2 p.m. and Sun. Dec. 12, 3:30 p.m.: MUSIC. Traditional violin and accordion. Permanent collection of Jewish sacred objects. Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Sat. Dec. 11, 5:30 to 8 p.m.: Hanukkah Celebration. Dinner, music, games. Secular humanist Judaism. Dept. of Indian Works, 1651 Summit Ave. St. Paul. RSVP for dinner: Phil Griffin 763-546-4652. $6 adults/$4 children 12 & under. Oremet.org.

Sat. Dec. 25, noon: New Tradition: Holiday at the Bell Auditorium. Chinese Buffet with “Broadway Danny Rose,” the 1984 Woody Allen classic about second-rate Broadway producer who still dreams big. $10 includes meal. FilmArts.org.

SELF-DETERMINATION/KUJICHAGULIA Set/accomplish goals.

COLLECTIVE WORK & RESPONSIBLITY/UJIMA: Team effort solves problems.

Sat. Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: HOMEMADE PEACE. Joan of Arc Church, 4537 Third Ave. S. Creating a Cabinet-level Department of Peace (51 co-sponsors in Congress). Dot Maver, on Vermont projects, lobbying. departmentofpeace@yahoo.com. Mary Jane, 651-426-8616.

Sat. Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Progressive Holiday Gathering at nonprofit bookstore. Short peace films in between Twin Cities activist events. Featured: Mark Nowak, Susu Jeffrey, more. Homemade sweets. Great gift-source. May Day Books, 301 Cedar Ave. (below Midwest Mountaineering), West Bank. 612-333-4719.

Every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Conversations at the Mad Hatter Cafe, 943 West 7th Street, St. Paul. 651-290-2584.

12/14: FILM “Four Sisters For Peace,” about Twin Cities peace activist nuns, the MacDonalds.

12/21: Open Mic Poetry (bring yours!) 12/28: Open Topic. Get future schedule: pattypax@earthlink.net.

COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS/UJAMA: Building businesses that sustain our communities and our environment.

PURPOSE/NIA: Future plans, willingness to help all succeed.

Check out local businesses that are good for workers, consumers and the environment: the Federation of Workplace Democracies. From bikes to books, art, food, tools. MNCooperate.org.

Resist corporate feudalism and support living-wage jobs at home and abroad. Buy sweatshop-free, union-made goods. UnionShop.AFLCIO.org.

Sat. Dec. 11 and Sun. Dec. 12; Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Winter Count Indian Artists Market. Entertainment, food, unique gifts. All Nations Church, 1515 East 23rd St. FREE. 612-879-1780. Organized by Two Rivers Gallery. MAICnet.org.org.

Sat. Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: 12th Annual Women’s Art Festival. Forty artists: photography, ceramics, weaving, more. Live music, food. El Colegio School, 4137 Bloomington Ave. S.

Sun. Dec. 12, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.: “Unity in Community,” North Country Co-op’s annual gathering. Potluck dinner. Music: Yawo (world beat), Lonesome Dave Kasel (country blues), Tin Star Sisters (playful acoustic). Seward Cafe, 2129 East Franklin. 612-338-3110.

Joan of Art Gallery (women-owned). Ceramic jewelry, collages, silk scarves, bronze sculpture. Wed-Fri 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends, Noon to 5 p.m. 3020 E. Franklin. 612-338-2511. JoanOfArt.com.

ARAB/MUSLIM CULTURE

Mon. Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.: PLAY: “In The Heart Of America,” Naomi Wolf’s searing story of an Arab-American, gay soldier in the first Iraq war and ghosts of the Vietnam War. (Not for kids) Joan of Arc Church, 4537 Third Ave. S. FREE Sponsored by Vets for Peace. 612-821-9141.

MIZNA, TC-based Arab-American Arts Journal. Gift subscriptions, $15. Order before Dec. 15th, get two back issues free. Mixed Blood production of “With Love From Ramallah” video, $20. “Food From Our Grandmothers,” literary anthology edited by Joanna Kadi. 612-788-6980. MIZNA.org.

“Song for Malmoud,” newest CD by progressive singer/songwriter David Rovics. Originals about war in Iraq, Palestinian struggle. DavidRovics.com.

EVENTS/GIFTS FOR KIDS

Sat. Dec. 10 and 17 and Sun. Dec. 11: Victorian Santa, 19th century holiday rooms. Sunday activities in permanent collection of African art. Mpls Institute of Art. FREE ArtsMIA.org.

Children’s Story Hour Sat. Dec. 11, 18 Noon: Great selection of children’s literature. Amazon Books Co-operative 4755 Chicago Ave. S. FREE.

New children’s CD songs “I’m Amazing” by peace activist/folk-singer Rachel Nelson.

Minnesota Children’s Museum. Activities from art to science. Children 10 & under. Closed Mondays. $8. St. Paul. 651-225-6001. MCM.org.

Make sure toys you buy are safe for kids! Annual report from national consumer advocates: ToySaftey.net

Are the video games on your child’s gift list age-appropriate? Or do they have realistic and large amounts of aggression, sexual violence and graphic murder? Includes footage of “Grand Theft Auto,” other bestsellers. MediaWise.org.

Check out art and science museums’ shops for gifts that are fun, creative and interactive!

CREATIVITY/KUUMBA: making communities better & more beautiful

MUSIC

Late night musical treats: Sun. overnight: 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. “Sonic Pleasures” Dec. 13, Frank Zappa Dec. 20, Holiday Edition/Best of 2004 Dec. 27. KFAI FM, 90.3 Minneapolis, 106.7 St.Paul KFAI.org.

Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. S, West Bank. 612-338-2674. TheCedar.org. Shows start 7:30 (except Sun)

Thurs. Dec. 19, Free Range Pickin’ Holiday Show. 10 adv/$12 day.

Fri. Dec. 10 Dakota Dave Hull (KFAI, Thurs. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.). CD Release w/Jeff Cahill. $12 adv/$10 day.

Fri. Dec. 10, 7 p.m.: DRUMHEART TC Women’s Percussion Ensemble. Brazilian, Caribbean, African. CD Release Performance. Amazon Books, 4755 Chicago Ave. S.

Sat., Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.: Ellis’ annual music food-shelf benefit. Folk-rock original. Ginko’s, 721 N. Snelling, St. Paul. $8 w/food donation/$12 without.

Fitzgerald Theatre, 10 Exchange St. St. Paul. Minnesota Public Radio series. Sun. Dec. 19: Peter Ostroushko’s Heartland Holiday (folk music) w/Ruth McKenzie $20-30. Tues., Dec. 21: Sounds of Blackness, TC Grammy-winning gospel group. $30 adult/$20 child.

Acoustic Sundays 11 a.m.: Dec. 12 Dana Thompson, Dec. 19 Ellis, Dec. 26 Billy Johnson at the Minneapolis Institute of Art ArtsMIA.org. FREE.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Big Wu, hippie jam band, DVD-release. University Ballroom, Radisson Metrodome, 615 Washington Ave. SE. ALL AGES. $25 adv. Electric Fetus. TheBigWu.com.

Nye Jamaican Jam. Cabooze, 917 Cedar Ave. S. 612-338-6425. Cabooze.com.

Special 10:30 pm performance of “Silent Night Fever.” Special 10 p.m. performance of “IKEA Xmas.” Brave New Workshop.

THEATRE/COMIC RELIEF

Thru Jan 1: “Christmas of Swing: Andrews Sisters Holiday Musical.” Letters from WWII GIs, Tin Pan Alley carols, appearances by “Bing Crosby,” “Abbot & Costello,” “Danny Kaye.” Great gift to take WWII-era grandparents. Wed. and Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun., 2 p.m. $27. Great American History Theatre, 30 East 10th St., St. Paul. 651-292-4323.

Thurs. Dec. 19 to Fri. Dec. 31: “Silent Night Fever.” Martini & Olive, w/Swizzle Sticks Dancers. Back to the 1970s disco days with a mistletoe twist. Thurs-Sat. 8 p.m. $22-25. Sun. 7:30 p.m. $22. Hennepin Stages, 824 Hennepin. 651-989-5151

Thurs. Dec. 9 to Sat. Dec. 11: “Inspecting Carol.” Dark comic look at a small theater group’s production of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” by the daring Stargate Co. 7:30 p.m. Loading Dock Theatre, 10th & Sibley, off I-94, St. Paul. $18 StartingGate.org/NowPlaying.

Fri. Dec. 10 to Sun. Dec. 18: “Bride/price,” the latest searing work created by Twin Cities women of color theater group. Courtship, dowry, same-sex marriage, reproductive rights. Times vary. Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 Fourth St. S. West Bank. $15 door/$13 advance. 612-338-6131

Fri. Dec. 10 to Thurs. Dec. 30: “A Very IKEA XMAS.” New comedy sketches. (Adult material). Times vary. $23. Brave New Workshop, 2605 Hennepin Ave. S. Uptown. 612-332-6620

Fri. Dec. 10 to Sun. Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2:30 p.m.: “Behind A Mask.” Louisa May Alcott (Victorian author of “Little Women”) also wrote steamy mysteries. Unexpectedly modern and suspenseful, produced by Hardcover Theatre. Playwright Center, 2301 East Franklin. 612-581-2229. $15/$12 students-seniors.

Fri. Dec. 17, Sat. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., and Sun. Dec. 19, 2 p.m.: Ethnic Dance Theatre “NUTCRACKER!” Music, dances of Bulgaria, Sweden, Russia, Appalachian cloggers. Hungarian nutcracker prince, Austrian music box ballerina. Pearson Theatre at Concordia, 312 Hamline, St. Paul. $25/$22 sr/$12 under 17.

LITERATURE

Weekly People’s Open Mic hosted by MN Spoken Word Association, every Thurs. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bring your poems! MAPP’s Coffee & Tea, 1808 Riverside Ave. West Bank Future events: MNSWA.org.

Thurs. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.: SASE’s GLBT Series. Coya Hope Breckinridge, Lakota queer spoken-word poet. $6. Patrick’s Cabaret, 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S. For other SASE events call 612-822-2500. elist: sase@saseonline.org.

Thurs. 11 a.m.: “Write on Radio” on KFAI. Twin Cities literary events. Get e-mail calendar: lynette@alltheprettyhorses.com KFAI 90.3 FM in Minneapolis, 106.7 FM in St. Paul. KFAI.org.

FAITH/IMANI: Belief in humanity and spiritual core of equality and justice.

Fri. Dec. 31, 11 a.m. to noon: “Art & Spirit Matters.” Marya Morstad’s Golden Reels Award-winning radio documentary about 14 Twin Cities creative people (painters, musicians, etc.) expressing their diverse religious beliefs (Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity etc.) KFAI 90.3 FM in Minneapolis, 106.7 FM in St. Paul. online for 2 weeks after broadcast KFAI.org.

Tues. Dec. 21: SOLSTICE. Longest night of the year, after which the sun begins its slow return. Celebrated by Pagans, Wiccans and Earth-worshippers globally.

Sat. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. and Sun. Dec. 19, 2:30 p.m.: Sixth Annual Yuletide/Solstice Celebration with folksinger Kari Tauring & friends. Family-friendly. Spans cultures: Nordic, Celtic music & myths. Evergreens, puppets, quilt art, ritual. Bring your percussion to participate. $10adv(includes 1999 CD of first Celebration), $12/door, $6/$5 child, under 12/seniors. Cedar Cultural Center, 419 Cedar Ave. S, West Bank.

Sun. Dec. 19, 2 p.m.: Solstice at Coldwater (Outdoors).
Earthtones, women’s a cappella chorale, singing watersongs from Scotland, Hawaii, West Africa, U.S. Prairie Teaching Circle ritual. Bring gifts for the Earth (stones, flowers, tobacco,) Dress warm! Directions: Coldwater is south Minnehaha Park, Hwy 55/Hiawatha, east (towards Mississippi) to 54th St. right, south to frontage road. Half mile, park @ aqua bldg. (Minneapolis) FriendsOfColdwater.org.

Sun. Dec. 19, 2 to 4 p.m.: Solstice Celebration (Family-friendly) at the Minnesota Center for Photography, 165 13th Ave. NE. Part of exhibition (thru Dec. 22) of Mike Hazard’s work “Solar Power & Moonshine: pictures, poems, & profound objects.” Hazard says his art is concerned with “wounds & wonder.” Exhilarating & provocative. 612-824-5500. MCP.org.

Thru Jan. 15: Indigenous Art by Lisa Fifield, Oneida/Iroquois painter. Exquisite and earthy watercolors of Indian women, birds and animals. Ancient Traders’ Gallery, 1113 East Franklin. 612-870-7555.

CHRISTMAS (Dec. 25)

Mary and Joseph were turned away at the inn, giving birth to Jesus in a stable. Jesus became a carpenter, who spent time with the poor, misfit and outcast of his day—not the wealthy and powerful. Jesus came to be known as the Prince of Peace, calling on us to care for “the least of these.”

Sat. Dec. 11, 10 a.m.: Talk by St. Thomas professsor Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, “Jesus, the Peacemaker in Our War-Addicted World.” St. Joan of Arc Church, 4537 Third Ave. S.

Sat. Dec. 11 and Sun. Dec. 12, 4 p.m.: “Illegal To Be Homeless,” Twin Cities housing activist Margaret Hastings’ film of people living on our streets and the system that makes it a crime to be homeless. Sat. Dec. 11, w/ “Security” and Sun. Dec. 12 w/ “Urban Warrior,” both by Matt Ehling and focusing on post-9/11 civil liberties under siege. Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak St. East Bank, U of M. $5.

Thurs. Dec. 16, 5 p.m.: 16th Annual Memorial March for Those Who Died Homeless 2004. Last year, almost 100 people died on the streets of Minnesota — a problem growing as unemployment and housing costs rise. Gather at the North Plaza of Hennepin County Government Center and march south along Nicollett to 28th St. Community dinner at 6:30 p.m., memorial service 7:30 p.m., Simpson United Methodist Church, 2740 First Ave. For info: Jim, 612-874-8683.

Sojourners: Magazine of liberal Christian values: social justice and peace. Edited by Protestant pastor with civil rights, economic justice and antiwar background. Gift subscriptions might open exchanges with conservative relatives. sojo.net.

Find gifts from Christian peace and social justice perspective. Books (including children’s), calendars, jewelry. St. Martin’s Table, 2001 Riverside Ave. West Bank. 612-339-3920.

Peacemaking: Complete calendar. MAPM.org. Pax Christi, 651-699-8565. Women Against Military Madness, 612-827-5364. WorldWideWAMM.org. Call Veterans for Peace 612-821-9141.

Sat. Dec. 11, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Veterans for Peace holiday gathering. St. Martin’s Table, 2001 Riverside Ave.

Sun. Dec. 12: Family Christmas Ceilie. Traditional Irish music & dancing. Cedar Cultural Center, West Bank, $9 adult/$7 children.

Sat. Dec. 18, noon: Bring the Troops Home! Peace vigil. Hennepin/Lagoon, Uptown library.

Support U.S. troops with mail. Read site completely first. Then, see requests by reading letters from units in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Overseas postage paid by U.S. military). anysoldier.us.

Support economic development, self-determination in “Third World” countries, by donating for seeds, animals, trees. Heifer.org. ||