Friday: Gavin James
Irish singer-songwriter Gavin James is performing at 7th Street Entry on Friday, and he’ll be breaking hearts with his angelic vocals. James is like an Ed Sheeran with better facial hair, a Michael Buble of non-Christmas music or a Justin Bieber without hip-hop-inspired songs. In other words, he’s just a really good singer. Just this year he released his new studio album, “Bitter Pill.”
Where: 7th Street Entry, 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis
When: 7 p.m.
Cost: $15
Saturday: C.J. Chenier
Accordionist C.J. Chenier will be bringing his funk/soul/Motown vibes to the Dakota Jazz Club on Saturday. Chenier has worked with Paul Simon, and his father was the first Creole to win a Grammy Award on national television. Needless to say, Chenier’s life has always been about music. His latest sound is the kind of contemporary dance music that is guaranteed to leave you undulating.
Where: Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
When: 7 and 9 p.m.
Cost: $20 – 25
Sunday: Cafe Madrid
Maximiliano Rebman and Jennifer Benavides are taking over the Icehouse Sunday for an evening of flamenco. The art form, which is native to Spain, includes singing, guitar playing and dancing. Both Rebman and Benavides have been classically trained in dance their whole lives, so the performance promises excellence.
Where: Icehouse, 2528 Nicolet Ave. S., Minneapolis
When: 5 p.m.
Cost: $25
CULTURE TO CONSUME
Listen to this: “We Got It From Here … Thank You 4 Your Service”
The long-awaited new studio album from A Tribe Called Quest, “We Got It From Here … Thank You 4 Your Service,” combines a retro hip-hop sound with an exciting list of features — Kendrick Lamar, Jack White, Anderson Paak, Kanye West and Elton John are included, to name a few. All your favorite artists are on this record. It’s got a lot going for it.
Watch this: “Chef’s Table”
This original Netflix documentary series takes a cinematic look at the lives of the most revered chefs around the world. Made by the director behind works like “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” this documentary delves deep into the background, motivation and culinary genius of those who dedicate their lives to food. Feast your eyes.
Read this: “The Garden of Forking Paths”
Jorge Luis Borges isn’t new to the literature scene. In fact, he’s long dead and long heralded as the best Spanish-language author since Cervantes. His short stories are surrealist puzzles. They’re all short, sometimes just four pages. In the lull between midterms and finals, pick up some translated Borges, and maybe you’ll realize that contemplating metaphysics can be a fun pastime.
