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Yes, yes. we know. This is the third Grand Old Day post on the651.com this week. BUT, before ya jump the gun and go back to Googling yourself, know that we’re just here to make sure you have everything you need to have a great time this weekend! And since I’m the arts and culture writer we thought it appropriate to toss in a little art-related Grand Old Day material for ya.

Did you know Grand Old Day has its own Art District that runs from Hamline, all the way up to Snelling? It totally does! And for those of you familiar with that stretch of road, you know that’s A LOT of street. And all dedicated to artsy coolness? Color us impressed. Check out the all-day Art Fair, sponsored by the art-lovin’ folks over at Lavender Magazine, who’ve helped wrangle together scads of amazing local and regional art vendors who will be on hand to entice you with their wares. See (and buy) paintings, sculpture, bric-a-brac, jewelry and much more. In addition, you’ll be treated to a display of Art Cars — you know, the zany, motorized art pieces that you see every once in awhile and say “What the…?” Get an up close peek; who knows? You may very well be inspired to jazz up your own ride! The Art Cars will also participate in the parade starting at Cleveland & Grand at 10am.

Also on the sched is the Walker Art Center & mnartists.org Open Field Drawing activity. Art supplies are provided so the public can join forces with local artists to create a collaborative art piece!  The center of the tables will contain the working pool of pieces. Start a new drawing, slide it back into pool, pass it around, alter, edit and amend it until the group declares it complete. The end result could be amazing, or it could be scary — you won’t know unless you try! A great activity for kids and adults alike. ArtStart Projects will also be on hand for you to make your own take-home art project. Cool, eh?

Oh, and don’t forget to stop into Grand Ave’s staple art supply store, Wet Paint, to stock up on fun items to keep the art-making going past Sunday!

The Grand Old Day Art District is located on Grand Ave between Hamline & Snelling. The event runs from 8am-5pm on Sunday, June 6th and is free and open to the public. For more info visit www.grandave.com.

Summer in the Twin Cities pretty much revolves around chance to hang out outdoors, via block parties, parades, movies-and-music-in-the-park events, street fairs, BBQs, and ballgames. And of all the block parties, St. Paul’s annual Grand Old Day is the biggest they come.

Doomtree performs Sunday at Grand Old Day

But it’s the seven music stages lining the 30-block-long avenue that are the real draw. This year, the music bookers seemed to have set their sights on a more national bent than in previous years, with hipster Philly act Free Energy and Detroit rockers The Von Bondies headlining. It’s pretty cool that both national acts have local connections – Free Energy is composed of former members of now-disbanded local act Hockey Night, and The Von Bondies features local musician Christy Hunt. Crowd-drawing local acts include Mark Mallman, Jeremy Messersmith, Doomtree (and a separate set by member Dessa), The Melismatics, First Communion Afterparty, Heiruspecs, Zoo Animal, Hookers $ Blow, and Red Pens round out the lineup. But so many stages, and so many great bands, what’s a local music lover to do? We’ll list out our top picks in a handy guide, from the start to end of the festival.

Chooglin' (Photo: John Behm)

Noon: Zoo Animal vs. First Communion Afterparty vs. Chooglin’
The day kicks off with three local bands worth checking out. Jangly pop trio Zoo Animal – a runner-up in City Pages‘s 2009 Picked to Click best new bands competition – starts things off at the Green Mill stage (Grand & Grotto). The band’s strong songwriting, knack for melody, and engaging vocals by frontwoman Holly Newsom have made this band a local favorite. Over at the City Pages stage (Grand & Grotto), check out Brian Jonestown Massacre- and Mamas and the Papas-copping group First Communion Afterparty, which has worn off its initial novelty status thanks to strong musicianship and songwriting. If stripped-down pop and droning psych rock aren’t your deal, get thee to the Dixie’s stage (Grand & St. Albans) for hard-rockin’ Chooglin’. The band has had a fervant local fanbase since it hit the scene in ’05, but recent recordings on Fat Possum Records (The Replacements, Husker Du) and Heart of a Champion (Har Mar Superstar) show the band’s potential breaking nationwide. Trouble deciding? You’re in luck – the three stages are within three blocks of each other.
Edge: Chooglin’

The Von Bondies

1-2 p.m.: The Von Bondies vs. Red Pens vs. Dessa
Hitting the stage around the same time will be Detroit rockers The Von Bondies (between 1 and 1:30 p.m., Dixie’s stage) and the equally-rocking Minneapolis duo, Red Pens (1:15 p.m., City Pages stage). Known referred to as a “buzz band,” the Von Bondies are more of a touring band that occasionally rides the buzz wave. Hailing from Detroit, the “rock city” itself, the band is perhaps best known for its long-ago feud with fellow Detroit rockers The White Stripes. But for fans of guitarist Christy Hunt, who plays locally with Ouija Radio, it’s a chance to see our hometown girl shine. Selected as last year’s winner for City Pages‘ Picked to Click contest, Red Pens employ a decidedly slower, fuzzy brand of rock – but one that’s not any less loud. But despite the rockin’ happening between the two aforementioned bands, it’s an emcee and R&B singer that may be the one to really ignite the stage. Before joining her Doomtree cohorts later on at the Salut Bar Americain stage, Dessa will hold her own at the Green Mill stage (1:30 p.m.). Hot off stints opening for P.O.S. on a nationwide tour earlier this spring, making an appearance during the heavily-buzzed GAYNGS prom-themed show at First Avenue in May, and a talked-about set at Soundset last weekend, Dessa is on a roll to say the least.
Edge: The Von Bondies

Heiruspecs

2-3 p.m.: The Melismatics vs. Heiruspecs
You’d be hard-pressed to come up with two local bands that could be any more different. Power-popsters The Melismatics have long been known for their upbeat, infectious tunes, and its lineup is filled with seasoned musicians that often do double-time on other notable bands (including that of Mark Mallman). On the flip side, St. Paul’s own Heiruspecs are known for their Roots-esque, jam-my R&B and hip hop stylings. But it does share the Melismatics’ longevity (ten years running) and penchant for side projects (Big Trouble). But for what the Melismatics have in energy, Heiruspecs have in being THE live hip-hop band in town.
Edge: Heiruspecs

Jeremy Messersmith

3:30-5 Hookers $ Blow vs. Doomtree vs. Jeremy Messersmith
The final act of the night on their respective stages, expect extra-long sets from this trio. In the “if you’re going with your parents” category is the hilariously-named Hookers $ Blow (Billy’s stage, Grand & Victoria), which is Adam Levy of the Honeydogs’ classic rock cover band. It gained infamy during the RNC when it played an RNC-sponsored party and the national news circuit caught on. For the indie hip hop camp, there’s Doomtree (Salut Bar Americain stage) – joined by Dessa, of course, not to mention cohorts P.O.S., Cecil Otter, Lazerbeak, Paper Tiger, Mike Mictlan, Sims, MK Larada, and Turbo Nemesis. Fresh from Soundset, it’s a sure bet they’re throwing it down. Finally, for the indie-pop lovers there’s Jeremy Messersmith (Green Mill Stage), hot off his nationwide tour to promote his third album, The Reluctant Graveyard. His alternately breezy, booming pop tunes with a dark edge should make for a perfect end to the festivities.
Edge: Jeremy Messersmith

Free Energy

3:45-5 p.m.: Mark Mallman vs. Free Energy
The manic piano balladeer Mark Mallman (4:10 p.m., City Pages stage) is known to own the stage when he wants to – take his 52-hour marathon concert, his ten-hour live performance inside a refrigerator box, and his epic New Year’s Eve concerts at the Varsity Theater, which have had him dancing with Rollergirls and hopping a ramp on a motorbike. Likened to being “the most famous non-celebrity in town” by local music journalists, Mallman presents a conundrum – but one that never gets tired, somehow, thanks to excellent songwriting that outshines his wacky demeanor. But it’s a tough spot to be cage-matched against a hot national act such as Free Energy (4:10 p.m., Dixie’s Stage), beloved locally for its hometown members formerly in the local band Hockey Night. That’s right – members Paul Sprangers and Nick Shuminsky hail from our very own St. Paul – and Shuminsky even once worked for the mayor’s office! The Pitchfork faves, DFA-signed Philly act is the perfect festival fodder – its good-time, ’70s-flavored rock should go over well with a sun-baked, beer-drinking crowd.
Edge: Free Energy

The full list of bands by stage (bands listed in order from opening to headlining):

ROCK THE CAUSE STAGE, US Bank lot – Grand & Oxford
Ari Herstand
Catchpenny
Roster McCabe

SALUT BAR AMERICAIN STAGE, Grand & Milton
DJ Verb X
Jason Shannon
Heiruspecs
Doomtree

BILLY’S STAGE, Grand & Victoria
Arc Flash Hazard
Orange Whip
Hookers $ Blow

WILD ONION STAGE, Grand & Avon
White Iron Band
G.B. Leighton

GREEN MILL STAGE, Walgreens Lot, Grand & Grotto
Zoo Animal
Dessa of Doomtree
Jeremy Messersmith

CITY PAGES STAGE, Pier 1 Imports Lot, Grand & Grotto
First Communion Afterparty
Red Pens
The Melismatics
Mark Mallman

DIXIE’S STAGE, Grand & St. Albans
Chooglin’
Von Bondies
Grand Idol Winner
Free Energy

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, June 6.
Time: Event 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m., with music from noon-5 p.m.
Location: Grand Avenue between the Mississippi River to downtown, St. Paul.
Cost: Free, $10 for wristband (required to purchase alcohol, gets you into the concerts)
More info: grandave.com, 651-699-0029.

Get your free Grand Old Day iPhone app here!

Some say the start of summer is Memorial Day weekend, others state it’s June 21st.  The true kick-off for me is Grand Old Day!  This free, summertime festival is celebrating its 37th year, and is the largest one-day festival in the Midwest.  You do not want to miss this!  Vendors and crowds fill the street of Grand Avenue, stretching 30 blocks.

I have been going to Grand Old Day ever since I can remember and every year, my experiences have been unforgettable.  The eclectic mix of people that surround you make the experience even better.  Where else can you see people riding seven-foot tall unicycles?

It’s hard to forget the smell of cheese curds and mini doughnuts that fill the air as well as the sound of live music and the honking of parade floats.  This year, don’t miss the Teen Battle of the Bands from noon – 4:30 at Patagonia Parking lot!

Also, make sure to stop by the Grand Old Day Art Fair presented by Cafe Latte, Lavender Magazine and Walker Art Center in the Art District (Saratoga to Snelling). While you’re there, you will have the chance to make your own take-home art project!

Oh, and don’t forget to sample some food from the over 150 delicious food vendors!

Here are a few helpful tips to have a great Grand Old Day experience:

1.) ARRIVE EARLY.  If you live close to Grand Avenue, just walk.  Trust me, there will be no parking spots available for miles.

2.)  ARRIVE EVEN EARLIER if you’re planning on going to the parade at 10 am.  It’s crucial to get a good spot!  You don’t want to miss it!

3.) WEAR A HAT AND SUNSCREEN…you do not want to get a painful sunburn the first day of summer, do you?

4.) BRING EXTRA MONEY.  You never know what kind of eccentric foods or trinkets you’ll run into.

5.) BRING A CAMERA.  You’re going to run into a lot of people you know.

6.) IN FACT, BRING A LARGE TOTE to store all of your items and especially the free candy from the parade floats!

7.) GRAND OLD DAY APP for your iPhone is a much needed new accessory for this year!  Click here to learn more.

For more information about Grand Old Day, visit:  www.grandave.com/grandoldday

REMEMBER, Grand Old Day is Sunday, June 6th!  See you there!

I lived in the Twin Cities for many years, and my decision to ask my friends from l’etoile magazine to put on an epic bash for the premiere episode stemmed from my love of the two cities — I feel like Minneapolis/St.Paul is where I really came into my own as a fashion designer. Not to mention, the fashion community here is so very supportive! I’ve got a lot to do today, so I’m just going to share a few of my favorite things about St. Paul! Hope to see you tonight!

The Cathedral of Saint Paul

I love to go here at night to see all the beautiful details of the sculptures featured in the cathedral’s architecture. There is always a new element to discover each and every time. Also, there is the most beautiful view of the city from every angle. I really do love Downtown St. Paul for its architecture, which is so amazingly maintained — it has a much more historic feel to it than downtown Minneapolis which, don’t get me wrong, I love too; it’s just that St. Paul has a very classic vibe to it that is different and wholey unique. We tend to take for granted the fact that we have two very different cities right next to each other — it’s a very cool thing!

Grand Old Day

This annual event is always a must-go for me. It’s a great time to get together with friends, wander the never-ending stretch of entertainment, laugh, and enjoy the carefree nature of the city. What impresses me the most it is that the whole festival is really such a community effort! From the art fair to the numerous live music stages to the local businesses that go above and beyond to make sure a good time is had by all — Grand Old Day is truly a neighborhood party (that everyone is invited to!). That kind of attitude is also what makes St. Paul especially cool. In my experience, the city has been a very welcoming place to visit.

St. Paul Art Crawl

There is something wonderful about experiencing an artist’s work in the personal environment in which it is created. The opportunity to interact with artists that specialize in different media, whom you may not normally have contact with is fantastic! I love to explore the beautiful old warehouse buildings and peek into the personal world of the artists.This event really speaks to the nature of the cultivation of the arts that is a part of the pulse of the Twin Cities. And Lowertown St. Paul (where the art crawl happens) is also just a really cool place to hang out. The Black Dog Cafe is great for a glass of wine, and the artists of the area are always coming and going, so it’s great people watching. Not to mention, the Farmer’s Market happens in Lowertown during the summer!

For more info on Thursday’s premiere party at Landmark Center click HERE

Grand Old Day is said to be the biggest Minnesota one-day festival of the year, and always boasts a great roster of live music. (Check out St. Paul STAYcation’s Juleana Enright’s blog for more on the event in general, and Arts & Culture blogger Kate Iverson’s Grand Old Day Art Guide.) Besides a chance to check out some of the Twin Cities’ best musical acts, art, and parades, Grand Old Day provides the perfect opportunity to explore everything Grand Avenue has to offer every day of the year – namely, shopping.

SHOPPING

Courtesy jenontheradar.blogspot.com

St. Paul’s two most fashion-forward boutiques, Karma and Picky Girl, are both hosting special Grand Old Day in-store events. Karma, which carries mid-priced designer lines like Trina Turk, Tulle, Velvet, and Betsey Johnson, will be setting up their pop-up shop Beeline Boutique in front of the store. Expect deals on clothing, handbags and accessories ranging from $5-and-under to $34. (867 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-291-1997.) Picky Girl (home of lines like Kenzie Girl, Covet and 213 Industry) will be featuring special in-store guests Allison and Ashley Abbott of AbraCadabra Vintage, a new locally-owned online vintage shop. They will be giving tips on how to mix vintage with modern styles, plus there will be a fashion show and storewide sales. (949 Grand Av. @ Hamline Av. 651-698-4107.)

The lesser-known but equally chic boutique Sorrayah Studios boasts a sophisticated mix of Free People and Ella Moss, and for the plus-size shopper, the popular line Big Shirt. (794 Grand Av. @ Avon St. 651-228-0414.)

More Grand Old Day specials:
Lillian’s on Grand: The designer-inspired shop will be having a doorbuster sale, free gifts to first 200 to stop in, free EcoDiva tote bag with purchase of $25+. (841 Grand Av. b/w Avon St. & Victoria St. 651-290-2040.)
Stella.blu: The bohemian-styled shop will have sales booths in front of the store and on Grand & Victoria in front of Dixie’s. (1104 Grand Av. @ Lexington Pkwy. 651-644-4830.)
Trade Winds: The free trade boutique will have storewide sales of up to 20% off plus bounce-back coupons. (857 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-293-9275.)
Hot Mama: The chic maternity shop is having a 10% off storewide sale. (867 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-209-0222.)

Some of my other fave shops to hit up when I’m on Grand:

My Sister's Closet

My Sister’s Closet, which is a consignment store built into one of the old Victorian-style houses that line Grand Avenue. It has a great selection of vintage dresses, shoes, hats, and jewelry, and is owned by two sisters, natch. (1136 Grand Av. b/w Dunlap St. & Lexington Pkwy. 651-222-2819.)

Flirt is a new-ish independent lingerie shop. If I had money to be so fancy, I would totes buy all my undergarments here. (1330 Grand Av. @ Hamline Av. 651-698-3692.)

Photo by David J. Turner courtesy Minnesota Monthly

Getting married seems to provide a great excuse to buy delicate jewelry, frothy veils, and sweet little handbags. If you’re so inclined, hit up Che Bella, one of the most sophisticated and sweet bridal boutiques I’ve seen. (611 Grand Av. @ Dale St. 651-209-8822.)

Locally-owned gift shop Quince has a decent mix of gifts, accessories, and clothing. They’re a little on the crunchy granola side but you very well could stumble upon a handmade treasure or super-cute baby gift. Plus it happens to be in the same building at Café Latte, so you can get your fancy caffeine fix at the same time. (850 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-225-9900.) For more gifts, there’s always locally-owned chain Bibelot (1082 Grand Av. @ Lexington Pkwy. 651-222-0321.)

The Grand Hand Gallery is primarily a fine art and sculpture gallery, but it also carries jewelry from some of my favorite local jewelry designers, Karin Jacobson, Brittany Foster, and Emily Johnson. Karin in particular does a lot of work with fine metal and semi-precious stones, but I fell so in love with the laser-cut plastic earrings she made for a Cliché show that I commissioned her to create oversized versions for the Voltage ’09 runway. (619 Grand Av. @ Dale St. 651-312-1122.)

A selection from the "Lotus Collection" by Karin Jacobson

I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of the crunchy-granola style of most organic goods, but there are definitely some items worth checking out at eco-friendly shop Eco-tique. There’s a lot you can do with the soft, basic organic scarves, and it’s a go-to for organic home items like bath towels. The latest addition is goods from St. Paul-based all-organic online cosmetics shop The Nature of Beauty. (1045 Grand Av. @ Oxford St. 651-222-3127.) For more eco-friendly goods, check out Ten Thousand Villages, which offers fair-trade jewelry, gifts and home décor from around the world. (867 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-225-1043.)

The Twin Cities have a huge Scandinavian and Irish heritage, so it’s no surprise there are a bunch of shops selling themed goods along Grand Avenue. For the Finnish, there’s Saga Living, which boasts the largest selection of Marimekko products outside of Finland. (1055 Grand Av. @ Oxford St. 651-290-8577.) For the Danish, there’s Danish Bohemia, a children’s apparel and accessories shop from Scandinavian designers. (1144 Grand Av. b/w Lexington Pkwy. & Dunlap St. 651-222-8383.) For the Irish, check out Irish On Grand for Irish-themed gifts (i.e., a gigantic Guinness tambourine). (1124 Grand Av. b/w Lexington Pkwy. & Dunlap St. 651-222-5151.)

Little known fact: I was a dancer for 13 years throughout my childhood, so I made regular visits to locally-owned dancewear shop Grand Jeté. Funny thing is, I still take inspiration from dancewear, whether it be little black leather oxford-style jazz shoes, ballet flats, leotards and tights. Why go to American Apparel when you can get the real deal? (975 Grand Av. @ Chatsworth St. 651-227-0331.)

Speaking of which, why buy the $200 military-inspired bag or jacket when you can get the real thing for $20? Now that Ragstock has dropped their St. Paul and Minneapolis Warehouse locations, the go-to now is Zimmerman Dry Goods. It’s a little rough around the edges, sure, but you’ll walk out with a steal. (1656 Grand Av. b/w Macalester St. & Cambridge St. 651-699-4273.)

J. Crew: What can I say, it’s a chain mall store, but such a guilty pleasure. Clean and preppy basics are always chic, especially for the fellas. And if Michelle O approves, so do I! (870 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-292-1470.)

SALONS AND SPAS

phresh salon spa

You’ll need a break from the craziness and heat of the Grand Old Day festivities, so what better retreat can you have than a facial or mani/pedi?

The ladies of phresh spa salon treated me to a facial yesterday. Phresh is located in one of the old charming houses of Grand Avenue, so had a much cozier feel than your typical sterile white-walled spa. My esthetician Jessica offered me two options – one, a dermatologist-approved treatment and the other an organic treatment, which I chose. After applying steam to my skin, she cleansed, toned, and exfoliated it. After she applied a Quince Ice Wine Masque, she treated me to massages to my feet, arms and shoulders. Finally, the best (and least fun) part: The extractions! Good to get that junk out. She then used this electronic machine that restored my skin’s pH balance and finally applied a Rose Whip Moisturizer, Cucumber Eye Gel, Honey Apple SPF, and Citrus Lip Balm. Today, my skin feels amazingly smooth and looks radiant once again! I may very well go back in the recommended 4-6 weeks for another. ($85-90 for 60-minute facial.)

Other salons and spas on Grand Avenue worth checking out:

Juut Salonspa: Regardless of the location, Juut’s got the best haircutters, colorists, estheticians and spa specialists around, plus all yummy Aveda products. (857 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-222-4121.)
Grand Hair and Beyond: The full-service hair salon specializes in color and cuts. (1674 Grand Av. @ Cambridge St. 651-699-7074.)
Mella & Co.: This specialty spa is St. Paul’s only day spa; it’s dedicated exclusively to facials, ultrasonic, peels, and massage. (1204 Grand Av. b/w Ayd Mill Rd. & Dunlap St. 651-292-8406.)

THE ART OF MIKE CARNEY

Take your coffee with a side of art this Friday at Cosmic’s Coffee Shop! Local artist Mike Carney has garnered attention for his kaleidoscopic, pop culture-infused mixed media works, which will be on parade for your viewing enjoyment this evening, and through the month. Party with the artist at this fun opening reception while enjoying caffeinated beverages and live music from Reed & Ben. The show will be up for at least a month, so if you can’t make it to the opening party, be sure to stop in for a cup o’ joe sooner than later to catch a glimpse of this awesome art!

Opening Reception: Friday, June 5th / 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Cosmic’s Coffee, 189 N. Snelling Avenue (Selby & Snelling), St. Paul

CONVERGING TRADITIONS

Head Downtown this evening for an unusual and beautiful combination of musical influences! Expanding the boundaries of sound and tradition, composers Paul Elwood, a renowned banjo player, and Chinese pipa player Gao Hong will accompany Zeitgeist, a new music chamber ensemble that features percussion, piano and woodwinds. “Through new music, Converging Traditions will give audiences the opportunity to discover common ground between two musical traditions developed worlds apart,” said Heather Barringer, managing director and percussionist for Zeitgeist. Come experience this musical mashup of style and sound at Studio Z this weekend!

Performances: Friday June 5th & 6th / 8 p.m. / $10

Studio Z, 275 E. 4th Street, Downtown St. Paul

THE ART OF D.C. ICE

As you may have read in my introductory post, I recently bought a piece of art by D.C. Ice. And as luck would have it, Ms. Ice will be opening a new exhibit of her work this very weekend! Unfortunately for me, I am currently on an “art buying freeze,” due to lack of wall space (and moola), though owning more D.C. Ice is certainly tempting. One of my favorite St. Paul artists, D.C. Ice has a self-described “sinister but sweet” style that combines her girlish sensibilities with dark, poetic imagery, fine lines and thoughtful composition. Head to Highland Park this Saturday evening for a peek inside the mind of this imaginative up and comer, and go home with a D.C. Ice piece all your own. Show runs through July 6th.

Opening reception: Saturday, June 6th / 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Frameworks, Ford Parkway & Cleveland Avenue, Highland Park

GRAND OLD DAY GETS ARTY

Grand Avenue will be rockin’ with the annual Grand Old Day celebration this Sunday! There will be tons of arty goodness to check out, as the festival has its very own “Art District” that overflows the street between Snelling and Hamline. See work by local artists on display, art cars, and street performances; participate in art-making activities and even listen to live music! Visit www.grandave.com for more info on Grand Old Day, and be sure to mark these arty Grand Ave businesses on your map to check out this Sunday or next time you’re in the area!

Benevolent Acorn
1087 Grand Avenue

This cute little specialty shop is a go-to source for locally made artisian wares such as paintings, prints, photography, jewelry, purses, scarves, ceramics, sculpture, functional art, and more. www.benevolentacorn.com

Grand Hand Gallery
619 Grand Avenue

A Grand Avenue staple, the Grand Hand Gallery caters to the discerning art buyer with an eclectic selection of rotating artwork and crafts created by artists in Minnesota and across the U.S. including clay, metalwork, woodwork, fiber and jewelry. www.thegrandhand.com

Wet Paint
1684 Grand Avenue

One of the best independently owned art supply stores in the Twin Cities, Wet Paint is a crowded and lively shop filled with colorful tools for the artistically inclined. One stop into Wet Paint and you’ll surely be inspired to create! www.wetpaintart.com

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE ORDWAY!

Get your tickets now for these two amazing upcoming engagements at the Ordway, later this month!

Singin’ in the Rain

Runs June 16th-28th in the Main Hall

“In 1952, Singin’ in the Rain burst upon the scene and became one of the most celebrated movie musicals of all time. The musical stage production embraces the best of the beloved songs and characters and adds a remarkable dimension that delights theater lovers. This show overflows with romance and unforgettable dancing, and YES, it is going to rain!”

Click HERE to reserve your tix!

Mu Performing Arts presents Flower Drum Song

June 26th-July 12th, Ordway McKnight Theater

“In Tony Award®-winner David Henry Hwang’s new adaptation of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic, Mei-Li flees communist China and finds herself in San Francisco’s Chinatown. This naïve young refugee is befriended by Wang, who is struggling to keep the Chinese opera tradition alive despite his son’s determination to turn the old opera house into a swingin’ Western-style nightclub. The unique blending of American razz-ma-tazz and stylized Chinese opera traditions creates a beautiful theatrical tapestry in this lovely new version of an American classic.”

Click HERE to reserve your tix!

The next few weeks are packed with outdoor events worthy of planning for. Here are a few of my picks for getting outside, getting active, or cheering for your favorite athletes in St. Paul. I hope to see you out and about!

June 6: Who needs to travel to some far away, exotic destination for a volunteer vacation when you can get into nature and help spiff things up right here at home? June 6 is National Trails Day and there’s a local service project happening at St. Paul’s Battle Creek Regional Park. You’ll make new friends, feel good about your work, and get free lunch and a free wicking t-shirt. That’s the kind of staycation that’s way cheaper than, say, a volunteer vacation in Cambodia. Pre-registration is required. Contact Mikaela for more details at mkramer@rei.com or at 952-884-4315 x. 203.

June 7: There is a ton to do and see during one of St. Paul’s most festive days of the year—Grand Old Day—but for active types, get involved by signing up for a morning race. Choose from the in-line skate, 8K run, 1/2 mile youth run, or the 5K walk/jog and register here. Sports fans should head to the “Sporting District” between Fairview and Cambridge for interactive games, demos, and/or scrimmages by the Minnesota Rollergirls, Timberwolves, Minnesota Thunder, St. Paul Saints, and more.

June 10: Get absorbed in the high-speed energy of the Minnesota Bicycle Festival, which starts in St. Paul. Watch pro racers speed by (Mears Park is the best viewing spot) during the evening races. The women’s pro/elite race (40 laps) starts at 6 p.m.; the men’s race (45 laps) at 7:40 p.m. More info on the pro races is here. If you have kids under 12 who are budding racers, bring their bikes and helmets and sign them up for the Hoigaard’s Tour de Kids, which starts at 7:15 p.m.

June 13: REI is hosting its free Paddle Demo Day at Ft. Snelling State Park. Whether you’re a novice or a pro-paddler, you’ll find something at this Snelling Lake event. You can test boats and accessories, and get paddling tips from REI staff. Just bring a snack, water, and dress for getting wet. REI provides the boats, personal flotation devices (PFDs), paddles, plus a 15 percent off coupon good for the purchase of a full-price boat in case your passion for paddling is ignited. More info here.

June 14: The Happy Trails Family Nature Club is hosting a family walk at Crosby Farm Regional Park from 10 a.m.-Noon. The walk starts along a paved forest trail and goes to a soft, sandy beach along the Mississippi River. Happy Trails says about the event, “We will spend the majority of our outing playing and relaxing in this beautiful area on the beach.  Kids will love testing their skills as they climb the bent-down-low trees in this area.” Feel free to bring a picnic! Meet near the pavilion in the first parking lot.

Now you have no excuse for hiking your same-old, well-worn trail or worse, getting stuck inside. Put on your hiking, running, walking or biking shoes and get out to enjoy the abundant active life that St. Paul has to offer!