Makers

farewell

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:34:00 CST

On Thursday, I was told that the News Tribune was forced to cut my position due to slipping revenues. Several other newsroom positions were also cut.

I feel bad about this because this means that there will be no arts and entertainment reporter on staff. Without that position, I fear that the arts and music I love in this city won't get covered.

You will perhaps see my byline occasionally on freelance work (unless posting this blog entry is somehow against the rules!) but as you know that's not at all the same as having someone on staff covering this beat.

If this dismays you, let the paper know.

And keep in touch--I will be writing for other venues as well, and I would like to hear about your events. My home email is klefkal@cpinternet.com, and my cell phone is 218-393-9149.

Love to you all, and thanks!

Ann Klefstad

Design and Build an artwork for the Minnesota Arboretum

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:32:00 CST

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place, hundreds of acres out in Chaska (you likely pass it on your way to the Rennaissance Fair in Shakopee) that's both a study resource (it's part of the U of M) and just a hell of a garden, or actually lots of gardens. Every year they do a show of outdoor sculpture and landscape art, and it's time to submit your ideas. What follows is their Call for Entries.

Call for Entries for Waterosity 2009 Summer Exhibition

Waterosity: Go Green with a Splash is the theme of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretums summer 2009 exhibition, opening June 6. Waterosity will feature a juried exhibition of 10 innovative designs that explore the interplay of people, plants and water.
Designs may consider waters beauty, its life-giving nature for plants and people and our stewardship of this most precious resource. Designs may include water, but this is not a requirement.

The Arboretum encourages proposals that consider the exhibitions theme from diverse perspectives, including those of artists, designers, architects, landscape architects, horticulturists, scientists, educators, environmental organizations, or perhaps a collaborative team of these.

Waterosity also will feature exhibits on sustainable landscape practices including rainwater harvesting and water-efficient lawns.

A mandatory pre-proposal meeting for all interested parties will be conducted from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Arboretum. Please RSVP by Oct. 8 with Thom Dreeze, Arboretum events coordinator, at 952 443-1425 or dreez001@umn.edu. Only those who attend this meeting may submit an entry.

Deadline for submissions is Friday, Nov. 21. Ten winning designs will be announced on Dec. 2. Two levels of stipends toward construction and installation costs will be awarded: four stipends at the $5,000 level and six stipends at the $2,500 level. Winners names will appear in Arboretum promotional materials. Winning designers will meet with Arboretum staff in January to discuss installation and maintenance. Winners will install their designs on Arboretum grounds in May. For more information: www.arboretum.umn.edu.

Big Bayfront HipHop Concert Saturday: Heiruspecs and Doomtree

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:10:00 CST

Doomtree

The (semi)annual Hip Hop Back to School show starts 2 p.m. Saturday at Bayfront Festival Park, and runs til 10 p.m.

Headlining this year is Doomtree featuring all members of the crew, a Duluth first. Their new record sat at #1 on the CMJ hip hop charts; they just did a sold-out concert at the hallowed venue First Ave in Minneapolis. Doomtree's part of the rich Twin Cities hiphop scene, characterized by both complex sound and thoughtful lyrics. The wonderful and playful Heiruspecs will also perform, along with the Crest, Unknown Prophets, Die[Ode], Smokey Bogart, Parallax and Catalyst Dialog.

heiruspecs

Food and drinks from the Brewhouse will be available. Tickets can be purchased online at www.myspace.com/hiphopbacktoschool and locally at Electric Fetus and Damage Boardshop for only $15.

a photo blog from the Republican Convention

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:18:00 CST

"The RNC Look," by Ann Marsden

Twin Cities photographer Ann Marsden attended the RNC and gathered a few pretty amazing portfolios of photos. See them on her blog here. Do you know of other artwork inspired by the conventions that you want people to know about? Let us know, ok?

The upcoming Sept 25 Wave will be on art and politics. I'd like to focus on that on the web as well. If you have suggestions, post them here.

Thanks!

More Duluthians in Chicago

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:09:00 CST

Last week I got this email about the touring production of "Chicago" that's coming to town next Monday.

"In the WAVE on page 3 of todays' edition is a picture of the cast of 'Chicago,' the Broadway musical coming to Duluth. In the picture, to the left of Roxie is David Raimo, Jr., from Duluth.
"He's a 2003 graduate of Denfeld High School. He and Ben Elledge were both cast members of the winter and spring 2008 touring company of 'Chicago.'"

The woman who sent me the email is Raimo's mother, Julianne Raimo--mothers make the best press agents. Aspiring actors, treat your mothers well!

Elledge played Amos Hart; David alternated between the lead roles of Roxie's murdered lover Fred Casely or Roxie's attorney Billy Flynn.

Says Julianne, "David actually loved the role of Fred because it allowed him to dance and sing more than playing Billy Flynn. David is based out of NY City now, and this summer played the lead as Joe Hardy in "Damn Yankees" for the Premier Theatre, and the lead of Fantasticks as well. This year he plays the role of Munk Strap for the "Cats" national tour. David has also done commercials and voiceovers while in NY City as well. David thoroughly enjoyed his time with Ben and the cast of "Chicago.""

Our local thespians are thriving, it appears, in many far-flung locales. Does anyone know of more wandering Duluthian performers? Drop me a line if so . . .