Wednesday
December 12th
Nutcracker?! 2002 (not so) Suite
@ Illusion Theater
Ballet of the Dolls continues its holiday tradition of putting on the most non-traditional
Nutcracker in the city. This year’s Nutcracker 2002 (not so) Suite features Barbie
(played by Zhauna Franks) and Ken (played by Michael de Leon) as pre-pubescent
Maria’s favorite childhood toy and the nutcracker. Miss Richfield 1981 steps into the
story as the indulgent “Momma.” Don’t expect to find many sweet sugarplum
fairies in this unconventional escapade. This year there will be two showings of the
naughty and (not so) nice, adults-only Naughty Nutcracker on Dec. 19 & 28. Preview
Dec. 12. Opens Dec. 13. Through 31. Thu.-Sun. 7 p.m. $12-$47. Illusion Theatre, Hennepin
Center for the Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-339-4944. (Katie Bodin)
The Front Porch Swingin’ Liquor Pigs & Safety Last
@ Lee’s Liquor Lounge
Whether you’re a long-time Pigs wallower or just into timeless, inspired, authentic
American music done up with a wink ’n’ a grin, you’re in for a treat with
this gig. The Pigs’ Tom Siler-produced debut, Forget Your Truffles and Dance, was a
brilliant pairing of the Tulip Sweet keyboardist/axeman’s pop sensibilities and the
downhome, country-folk stylings of the sextet (sometimes less, sometimes more). Mixing
big-as-a-barn originals and worthy covers (The Faces, The Replacements), the album hit a
chord with a broad spectrum of local music fans, and is still winning over unsuspecting
listeners. I was fortunate enough recently to hear a sneak preview of the band’s
upcoming CD (also produced by Siler), and it’s everything the first album was and
more! Another reason to stay alive through the holidays! Safety Last opens. If you
can’t make this evening, both bands will play on Wednesdays through Dec. at
Lee’s. 9 p.m. $6. 21+. 101 Glenwood Ave. N., Mpls. 612-338-9491. (Tom Hallett)
Thursday
December 13th
Peace Rally & March
@ West Bank, U of M
“Peace on Earth” is a holiday sentiment resounding more deeply this year. The
multicampus coalition Students Against War is making a call for many faiths to stand for
non-violence, a value shared by different faiths. A short rally will draw on diverse
groups—Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and other beliefs, followed by a march through the
surrounding neighborhood. Honor Ramadan (Muslim), Chanukah (Jewish), Christmas
(Christian), Winter Solstice (Pagan and some indigenous peoples) by participating. 4:30
p.m. Free. Rally at U of M West Bank Plaza, followed by candlelight march. For more info
visit http://www.geocities.com/studentsagainstwar.
(Lydia Howell)
Quillan Roe CD Release Party
@ Bryant-Lake Bowl
Former Accident Clearinghouse frontman Quillan Roe hasn’t been resting on his laurels
since the untimely breakup of that much-lauded outfit (on the eve of the release of their
3rd album, Written in Rope), anymore than his fellow bandmates have. Mike Brady has an
excellent CD out, and most of the band (including Roe) appear on an absolutely stunning
upcoming EP called Portuguese for Oven? under the name First Prize Killers. Meanwhile, the
notoriously amiable (and sharp-dressed) singer/songwriter/guitarist has been working on a
solo album, “these first few months,” and honing his chops with a spiffy pickup
band, The Talented Gentlemen. Tonight’s gig is a rare chance for fans of all ages to
catch Roe in a cozy, comfy venue. Should be one they’re still talkin’ about this
time next year. Also, ACH fanatics should plan on attending The Turf Club’s New
Years’ Eve Bash, where the band will reunite and play faves old and new. 9:30 p.m.
$8. All-Ages. 810 W. Lake St., Mpls. 612-825-3737. (Hallett)
Friday
December 14th
Meet Two Cartoonists
@ Big Brain Comics
Every week, you follow the narrow escapes and resurrections of Ken Avidor’s
car-menaced critter of critical thinking, “Road Kill Bill” in Pulse. From the
Twin Cities’ humor monthly, “Funny Times” to the “New Yorker,”
people have been stunned by the single-panel power of Andy Singer’s “No
Exit.” These socially explosive artists now have books out. With apocolyptic wit and
a wealth of hard facts, these guys expose the human and environmental costs of our
rampaging car-culture and offer a sustainable vision for the future. Hilarity and great
heart merge in these cycling cartoonists. 4-6 p.m. Free. Big Brain Comics, 81 S. 10th St.,
Downtown Mpls., 612-338-4390. (Howell)
Mars to Mercury & Landing Gear
@ The Uptown
Another chance for fans of local power-pop to catch up-and-coming hookmeisters
Mars to Mercury, this time at the always popular Uptown Bar. A trio led by
singer/guitarist Lance Stevens, MTM delivers edgy, modern originals with just the right
amount of heartbreak authenticity. Backed by local stalwarts Scott Allen (bass, formerly
of Planet Melvin) and Sean Sauder (drums, ex-Rosy Overdrive), Stevens showcases material
the band’s written together along with his impressive solo back catalog. A great
night of guitar-driven rock ‘n’ roll. 9:30 p.m. 21+. 3018 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
612-823-4719. (Hallett)
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Saturday
December 15th
Larry McDonough
@ Barley John’s Brew Pub & Restaurant
A true hidden local treasure, jazz pianist Larry McDonough always delivers a great
evening’s entertainment. Whether he’s running through inspired sets of covers
(he could probably play you anything from pre-WWII ragtime to “Feelin’
Groovy”) or delivering his own bright, charming originals, Larry’s a wonder to
watch and an absolute joy to hear. A relaxing way to spend Saturday night—great
music, great food, a huge selection of brews, and a smoke-free environment. 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
Free. 21+. Barley John’s is located at the intersections of Old Highway 8 and County
Road D in Roseville. 651636-4670. (Hallett)
Sunday
December 16th
Kathe Kollwitz
@ Minneapolis Institute of Art
Go see the Kathe Kollwitz drawings and prints now on display at the Minneapolis Institute
of Arts. Her portraits of the horrors and tragedies of war are from the point of view of
women and children. If they haven't taken it down yet, Goya's etchings, "Disasters of
War," on the same floor are an interesting contrast. Goya sketches from the
battlefield (Napoleon's invasion of Spain--20,000 died in Madrid from starvation), a very
public perspective. Kollwitz's vision is private, personal and, perhaps, even more
powerful. Also on the third floor, check out the photos of Danny Lyon: some very early
Civil Rights photos, lots of modern Native American photos and a wierd fascination with
bikers. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is free, give them a $3 donation if you can.
Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday: 10 to 5 pm; Thursday and Friday: 10 to 9 pm; Sunday:
noon to 5 pm. (Ed Felien)
Soul Brains a.k.a. Bad Brains & Holding On
@ First Avenue
Back together with their original line-up for the first time since 1993, Bad Brains (now
under the moniker “Soul Brains”) will undoubtedly pull in a crowd on Sunday
night. Fans will recall Bad Brains as the classic all-black Washington D.C. ‘80s
hardcore band that successfully mixed punk, metal and reggae. Ex-fans will remember when
they adopted more and more Rastafarian beliefs, including homophobia, sparking their
infamous tiffs with ‘80s queer-friendly groups, like the Big Boys and the Dicks.
Whether that will keep you from First Avenue or not is your call. Holding On, local
sing-along youth crew hardcore with a new LP out on Havoc/THD/One Percent, opens. 5 p.m.
doors. $12 adv./ $15 door. All ages. 701 First Ave. N. Minneapolis.612-338-8388. (Amanda
Luker)
Monday
December 17th
G. Ningroy
@ 400 BAR
I grew up listening to the heavenly folk tunes of my parents’ Simon & Garfunkel
and Peter, Paul & Mary records, and I used to think that all you had to do was hold a
guitar in your arms and open your mouth, and expertly constructed melody and poetry would
spew forth from your soul (gimme a break, I was seven!). Since then, I’ve learned
this is definitely not the case. More often than not, hearing what frequently passes these
days for folk music makes me long for my more innocent years. But there’s a duo of
young upstarts on the local scene who pay homage to the best of traditional folk and
blues, while maintaining a fresh and innovative twist on both genres and inventing a few
of their own. And in case you’re wondering, when Tom Feldmann and Abraham Piper pick
up their acoustic, electric and resonator guitars and banjoes, all that good stuff I
mentioned does come out. I feel like a kid again! Don’t miss this evening of fabulous
acoustic music (and make sure you wish Abraham a happy birthday)—Kid Dakota, Martin
Devaney, Matt Marka, Matt Jennings and Lucky Jeremy also play! 9 p.m. $3. 400 Cedar Ave.
S., Mpls. 612-332-2903. (Erin Anderson)
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