Announcements

Southside United Neighborhood (SUN) Project
Over the past year, seven neighborhood organizations in South Minneapolis have worked together to explore strategic partnership opportunities that will improve operating efficiencies and ensure long-term sustainability of the sector while improving our capacity to engage and build grassroots leadership.
The partnership is called the Southside United Neighborhoods Project (SUN Project) and the following neighborhood organizations, representing eleven neighborhoods are participating: Bancroft Neigh-borhood Associa-tion, Bryant Neighborhood Organization, Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization, Corcoran Neighborhood Organization, Longfellow Community Council, Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association and Standish-Ericcson Neighborhood Association.

“By bringing together board and staff representatives from the seven neighborhood organizations, the SUN Project is facilitating discussions on how neighborhood organizations in our area can remain strong, reduce duplication of administrative functions and better share resources,” said Shirley Yeoman, community coordinator for the Standish-Ericcson Neighborhood Association. “It is exciting to see these collaborative conversations taking place.”
With generous support from the McKnight Foundation, the SUN Project has hired the Dendros Group to help guide the exploration and evaluation process. The organizational assessment period will begin in December 2011 and conclude in the spring of 2012 with a set of recommendations for how the seven organizations can move forward more collaboratively. The recommendations will be presented to the seven organizations and the communities at-large for final approval.

“This initiative will certainly build our collective capacity and ensure that residents have the opportunity to collectively address issues of importance long into the future,” said Cynthia Frost, board member of the Corcoran Neighborhood Organization.

The SUN Project will assess the feasibility of strategic partnerships to address the following needs: a stronger collective voice regarding policy matters; elimination of duplicate administrative functions within the seven neighborhood organizations; and development of a proactive response to the changes in neighborhood funding sources and the needs of the communities.

Maintaining the unique identities of each of the neighborhoods is a top priority as the SUN Project moves forward.

“Each neighborhood recognizes the need for residents to identify and collectively address issues related to neighborhood improvement and supports capacity-building to undertake neighborhood improvement activities,” said Andy Hestness, board member of the Bancroft Neighborhood Association.

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EVENTS

Info Meeting: Minnesota Coalition for a People’s Bailout
Tuesday, Jan. 3, 6 p.m.
Walker Community Methodist Church
3104 16th Ave. S.
This upcoming legislative session, the MN Coalition for a People’s Bailout will push for legislation that puts a moratorium on home foreclosures and the eviction of tenants from foreclosed properties. The effect of this bill would be to end foreclosures for the next two years. We will also be pushing for a bill that will dramatically raise taxes on the rich. There is no good reason that the poor and working people should pay for an economic crisis that has been created by the banks and wealthy investors. The coalition is made up of trade unionists, welfare rights, anti-war, immigrant rights and community groups. FFI: http://mnbailout.wordpress.com/.

Free Dinners:
Stop FBI
Repression
Thursday, Jan. 5, 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 16, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Walker Community Methodist Church
3104 16th Ave. S.
Eat with local activists targeted by the feds for their anti-war and international solidarity work! Get an update on the case. Vegan and gluten free options will be served. Kids welcome. FFI: StopFBI.net.
Transition Longfellow Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, Jan. 7, 9 to 11 a.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church
3900 36th Ave. S.
Transition Longfellow, the sustainability group, began one year ago. The breakfast is a celebration of all the accomplishments of the past year. Newcomers welcome. There will also be a silent auction featuring wine, jam, candles, cookies and more. To make a donation contact Leslie: macfoster@comcast.net. For more info call 612-221-0131.

Free Symphony Concert
Saturday, Jan. 7, 2 p.m.
Basilica of St. Mary
88 N. 17th St.
The Minnesota Sinfonia offers a free concert, featuring Andrew Staupe, piano, who will play Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 7 in B-flat, K595. A former student of Lydia Artymiw, Mr. Staupe has performed extensively across the U.S. and Europe. No tickets are necessary. It’s first-come, first seated; arriving early is recommended. Children are welcome. More info at 612-871-1701 or www.mn-sinfonia.org.

Public Hearing on High Voltage Power Lines
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 9:30 a.m. & Thursday, Jan. 12, 9:30 a.m.
Metro Square Building
121 7th Place E., Ste. 350, St. Paul 55101
For the past several years, the Midtown Greenway Coalit-ion has worked with an alliance of other neighborhood and community organizations to oppose the installation of high-voltage power lines in the Midtown Green-way Corridor. The alliance believes if the power lines are built, they should be routed underground under 28th Street, not overhead and not on the Midtown Greenway. The group would like to have at least ONE HUNDRED community members at each hearing to show support. The decision will be made in January 2012. The coalition also needs to raise $3,000 to pay attorney fees. Google Midtown Greenway Coalition.

Longfellow Garden Club
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 6:30 p.m.
El Norteño Restaurant
4000 E. Lake St.
Everyone is invited to join the Garden Club’s executive committee for a review of next year’s schedule of presentations and activities and to bring ideas, suggestions and names of great garden presenters.

Potluck and
Politics:
G8/NATO
Saturday, Jan. 14, 5 p.m.
May Day Books
301 Cedar Ave. S. (Below Midwest Mountaineering)
The Anti-War Committee is organizing a bus to go to the protest of the G8/NATO joint summit meeting in May. Take some time during the Martin Luther King weekend to eat with others and discuss who the G8 and NATO are and what their impact is across the globe. Organized by the Anti-War Committee.

Seeking Israeli/Palestinian Peace: Four Jewish Voices
Saturday, Jan. 14, 9:30 a.m. (Refreshments); 10 a.m. to Noon (Program)
Southdale Hennepin County Library
7001 York Ave. S. 55435
A DVD will be shown, featuring representatives of four Jewish organizations at a forum held at Central Lutheran Church in October 2011. Sylvia Schwarz, International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, will be present to respond to the video and take questions.

Minneapolis Jewish Humor Festival
Monday, Jan. 14 – Monday, Jan. 28
Sabes Jewish Community Center
4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park 55416
This two-week Fringe-like festival of one-person shows, stand-up comedy, improv, workshops, storytelling, film and special events will celebrate the Jewish contribution to the world of humor. The eclectic group of performers features both local and national talent.
Tickets range from $8 to $18 and can be bought at tickets@sabesjcc.org or 952-381-3499. For a full lineup see: http://www.-sabestjcc.org/arts_humor.htm.

Get to Know Nonviolent Peaceforce
Monday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m.
3136 Fremont Ave. S.
Chapter member Linda Burkett is hosting a gathering to present the work of Nonviolent Peaceforce in detail. NP is an international “peace army” that goes to areas of civil strife around the world to help reduce conflict. It relies on the spiritual and financial support of people all over the world. RSVP to 612-812-9395.

The Real Dirt on Farmer John
Friday, Jan. 20, 7:15 p.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church
3900 36th Ave. S.
Transition Long-fellow invites everyone to Free Movie Night. This film is a poignant and often hilarious look at an honest farmer’s struggle to keep his farm from foreclosure, and to save his family name. Farmer John creates an extended village where people and art thrive alongside agriculture. An optional potluck is held at 6:30 before the show. Bring something to share or just come to eat. Free and open to the public. Free-will donations are appreciated.

Occupy Wall Street; Occupy Minnesota Presents:
Friday, Jan. 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Occupy the Courts)
202 U.S. Courthouse
300 S. Fourth St.
Inspired by our friends at Occupy Wall Street, and Dr. Cornel West, Move To Amend is planning bold action to mark the second anniversary of the infamous Citizens United v. FEC decision!

art

Franklin Art
Works
1021 E. Franklin Ave.
612-872-7494
www.franklinartworks.org
Studio Work, Paul Mpagi Sepuya
Sugar Water, Eric Baudelaire
Ends January 28

Highpoint Center for Printmaking
912 W. Lake St.
612-871-1326
www.highpointprintmaking.org
TWENTY: The 20th Cooperative Exhibition
Until February 4

Intermedia Arts
2822 Lyndale Ave. S.
612-871-444
intermediaarts.org
Dimensions of Indigenous
An annual exhibition that features the work of Indigenous artists whose work demonstrates involvement in, and knowledge of, decolonization, building cultural identity and resisting futher colonization of any kind. We define Indigenous as anyone who considers themself to be indigenous to their homeland and who acknowledges that colonization occurred there.
Through January 14

MCAD Gallery
2501 Stevens Ave.
1-800-874-6223
www.mcad.edu
Across the Tracks, Chris and Liz Cunningham
The exhibition features collaborative pen drawings and photographs made by two siblings while traveling together in Europe.
January 20, Reception, 6 – 8 p.m.
January 7 – January 22
Intersections: Women, Leadership, and the Power of Collaboration
The show brings together the collaborative projects of fourteen teams of artists composed of women art department chairs from the greater Twin Cities area and their students and alumni.
January 17 – February 26

Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave.
612-375-7600
www.walkerart.org
Graphic Design: Now in Production
Featuring work produced since 2000 in the most vital sectors of communication design, the show explores design-driven publications as well as branding programs for corporations, subcultures and nations.
Through January 22

DAnce

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington St., St. Paul 55102
651-224-4222
ordwaycenter.st-paulboxoffice.com
Ronald K. Brown Evidence, A Dance Company
Founded in Brooklyn, New York, in 1985, the dance company Evidence focuses on the seamless fusion of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. The company’s work provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies and triumphs.
January 15, 7:30 p.m.

Bryant Lake Bowl
810 W. Lake St.
612-825-8949
www.bryantlakebowl.com
Molly Dean and the Orange Mighty Trio
Live score performance to the film “La Rivière du Hibou.”
Tickets $10 at the door.
January 21, 10 p.m. (Doors 9:30)

The Cedar Cultural Center
416 Cedar Ave. S.
612-338-2674
www.thecedar.org/
Charlie Parr, Keep Your Hands on the Plow
Parr is celebrating the release of his latest album, a mix of gospel, traditional folk songs and a chain gang number.
January 14, Time TBD

film

Bryant Lake Bowl
810 W. Lake St.
612-825-8949
www.bryantlakebowl.com
Molly Dean and the Orange Mighty Trio
Live score performance to the film “La Rivière du Hibou.”
Tickets $10 at the door.
January 21, 10 p.m. (Doors 9:30)

music

The Cedar Cultural Center
416 Cedar Ave. S.
612-338-2674
www.thecedar.org/
Charlie Parr, Keep Your Hands on the Plow
Parr is celebrating the release of his latest album, a mix of gospel, traditional folk songs and a chain gang number.
January 14, Time TBD

Theatre

Bryant Lake Bowl
810 W. Lake St.
612-825-8949
www.bryantlakebowl.com
Party in the Rec Room
Lorna Landvik performs her perennially popular one-person improvised comedy bash. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com.
January 7 - January 28

Illusion Theater
Hennepin Center for the Arts, 8th Floor
28 Hennepin Ave.
612-339-4944
www.illusiontheater.org
Always and Forever
Ends January 8

In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre
1500 Lake St. E.
612-721-2535
www.hobt.org
Mild Light: An Evening of Cantastoria
Historical, Lyrical and Pathetical examples of the ancient and post-modern art of picture-story recitation will be presented by Clare Dolan from the Museum of Everyday Life in Vermont. Stories range from accounts of bloody crime in the 1930s to the dilemmas of a modern-day heroine trying to make a living and achieve total happiness.
Recommended for age 14 and up.
Tickets: $10 or Pay What You Can
January 14, 8 p.m.
Stromboli’s Medicine Show
Guaranteed to raise gooseflesh and inflame the senses! This unique variety show is not for the weak-hearted. Recommended for ages 17 and up.
Tickets: $10 or Pay What You Can
January 21 – January 28, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.
Nautilus Music
Theater
308 Prince St., #250, Lowertown St. Paul
651-298-9913
Joan of Arc
The play is a powerful and intimate look at Joan as the teenager she actually was—captured by the English, tried as a heretic by the Catholic Church, and burned at the stake.
Tickets are $20; $15 for students and seniors. Available at www.brownpapertickets.com.
January 5, 6, 7 & 8

Orpheum Theatre
910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls, 55403
1-800-982-2787
HennepinTheatre-Trust.org
The Lion King
A cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world with music by Elton John and Tim Rice. Tickets may be purchased at the State Theatre Box Office, 805 Hennepin Ave. (no service fees) or at the website.
January 11 – February 12