Friday: Kesha at TCF Bank Stadium
This year’s homecoming concert will feature Kesha and Jidenna. While she hasn’t been able to release any new music following her legal battle with producer Dr. Luke — and isn’t touring on the strength of a new record — this round of shows is supposed to be pretty elaborate. At the very least, the tickets are relatively inexpensive, and your friends will be there.
Where: TCF Bank Stadium, 420 SE 23rd Ave., Minneapolis
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 (students) and $45 (public)
Saturday: Hocus Pocus Drag Brunch + Costume Contest
Doesn’t this sound like the greatest thing ever? The theme is Disney’s Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus”, (one of Sarah Jessica Parker’s best works). There will be hundreds of people in hilarious costumes, and the brunch is supposed to be pretty good. Tickets are going fast; if it sells out, you can always get a spot at the bar.
Where: Union Restaurant Rooftop, 731 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
When: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: $8, cash only
Sunday: Boy Kisses at Universe Games
This comedy troupe is one of the best in the Twin Cities. Each Sunday they do a free show at Universe Games. The troupe is made up of Turner Barrowman Casey, Robert Fones, Drew Janda and Collin Klug. Each Sunday show has a theme (such as “Wilderness Survival” or “Parallel Universe”). We don’t know what the theme is for this week yet, but it’s sure to be good.
Where: Universe Games 711 W. Lake St., Minneapolis
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: free
CULTURE TO CONSUME
Watch this: “The Birth of a Nation”
This new film is about the slave insurrection led by Nat Turner in the early 1800s. The movie is directed by, and stars, Nate Parker. It became Parker’s pet project over the last few years, and there are already whispers about possible award nominations. The directing is a bit stilted (this is Parker’s debut behind the camera), but it’s an interesting retelling of an underexplored story.
Listen to this: “A Seat at the Table” by Solange
Up until recently I didn’t understand why Solange was liked so much less than her sister. After “Lemonade”, I sort of got it, but Solange’s new record, “A Seat at the Table,” is every bit as good — just very different. Raphael Saadiq of Tony! TonI! Toné! is the band leader and producer responsible for the beautiful aesthetic. The accompanying videos are worth a watch, as well.
Listen to this: “Wild Firth” by Wild Firth
The band Wild Firth is originally from Appleton, Wisconsin but has recently relocated to Minneapolis. After seeing them play last week at Eagles 34, I checked out their debut record on Bandcamp — it’s incredible, and it’s definitely worth a listen. Will Fraser writes some of the best songs in the scene right now.
