THURSDAY
Ben Howard
Varsity Theater
1308 Fourth St. SE, Minneapolis
7:30 p.m.
$20
All Ages
As a folk singer-songwriter of the younger generation, Ben Howard knows just how to keep an audience interested. This summer he covered Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” in a style that was both sultry and a little sad. His original tunes boast the same pattern of heartbreak and anticipation supported by strong acoustic skills. With a unique accent and singing style, Howard will leave you entranced with his lyrics dripping in the innocence of youth in tracks like “Only Love” and “Keep Your Head Up.” This English crooner has it goin’ on.
SATURDAY
Appomattox
Guthrie Theater
818 S. Second St. Minneapolis
7:30 p.m.
$15-64
All Ages
Beginning previews on Saturday, this period piece is unique in that its two acts take part approximately 100 years apart. The first act is set in the final weeks of the Civil War, and the second in the heat of the Civil Rights Movement. Connecting themes rather than linear events tie this piece together, ensuring it will cover a vast history of race and politics in the U.S.
SATURDAY
Glen Hansard
First Avenue Mainroom
701 First Ave., Minneapolis
6 p.m.
$30
All ages
Frontman of The Frames and star of independent movie musical “Once,” Glen Hansard has taken to the road alone. His first solo album, Rhythm and Repose has the soft melodies and delicate instrumentation we learned to love in Hansard’s earlier work, but because this is a one-man show, it feels more intimate. With tracks like “Bird of Sorrow” and “The Storm, It’s Coming,” this show probably won’t be a major upper, but it will be beautiful none the less.
CULTURE TO CONSUME
See this: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Fans of this late ’90s teen classic may be worried about seeing their beloved characters on the big screen, but they have nothing to fear. The author of the novel is both the writer of the screenplay and the director of the film, safeguarding against any potential misinterpretations of characters or dialogue.
The story of Charlie, Patrick and Sam and their struggles as weirdoes trying to find themselves in a high school full of mean kids may not be totally original, but the characters believability and endearing friendship carry the movie.
Listen to This: Girl on Fire-Inferno Version
Alicia Keys was so busy having a baby and being married to Swizz Beatz she barely had a minute to record this catchy tune with Nicki Minaj. The Katniss-themed song has a heavy beat and a small piano accompaniment, really highlighting Keys’ major pipes. Minaj drops a couple lines making this the “inferno” version. Truthfully, the track is hot.
Follow This: @PreschoolGems
As “Kids Say the Darndest Things” 2.0, this Twitter account is run by an elementary school teacher who captures and shares the weird and hilarious things her young students say. Great for a quick break during the day. @PreschoolGems could bring a chuckle to the lips of even the most cynical.
