Plan It July 2021

Grooving in Garden returns
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s free concert series, “Groovin’ In The Garden,” returns featuring some of the Twin Cities’ finest musicians, rain or shine. Pack a picnic and dancing shoes, spread out a blanket for free outdoor concerts and activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory every Wednesday, July 7 – July 28 from 6–8 p.m. Food, ice cream treats, beer and wine will be available to purchase.

Free lunch at the YMCA
The Midway YMCA is offering free lunches on Wednesdays from 12:30-2:30 p.m. for anyone under 18.

‘WE OUT: The Air We Breath’
AOT continues their WE OUT series with the latest installment premiering July 22 addressing the environmental justice movement. The program begins by immersing the viewer in the expansive music and words of prolific composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate and three-time U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo’s 25-minute chamber piece Found Again. The piece is performed by local artists Victoria Vargas, Alex Nishibun, Corissa Bussian, Mark Billy, Rie Tanaka, and conducted by Kristina Boerger. This performance will be the first full professional recording of the piece since its composition in 2015. The event continues through Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. at www.anoperatheatre.org and AOT’s Facebook page.

Interact opens gallery
Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts is pleased to present “BOOTY BODY,” the inaugural exhibition at Interact Gallery’s new space at 755 Prior Avenue North in Saint Paul. Named by artist Bonnie Thorne, “BOOTY BODY” is about patterns, the body, and the power of repeated marks and gestures over time. Twenty visual artists with disabilities will present work across fibers, bookmaking, drawing, painting, and ceramics. The exhibit is open July 12 to Aug. 18, 2021 by appointment Monday to Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Artists in the exhibition include Garret Anderson, Katie Bretzman, Katie Brinkman, Bill Crane, Vance Diamond, Janice Essick, Devra Goldstein, Peder Hagen, Kramer Hegenbarth, HML, Andie Kiley, Krystal Lewis, Lucy Picasso, Philip Price, Dan Schlag, Andrew Seymour, Briana Shelstad, Victor Van, Loni Joy Watts, and BDG Wolfe.

Emergence Festival at St. Paul’s Como Lake July 24
Emerging from the COVID cocoons, what kind of world can be imagined? A world where racial and economic justice prevail, ecosystems are healed, and where systems and people have the resilience to face future challenges? This is a moment of opportunity!
Representatives from Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, The Bell Museum, Afya Sanaa, BrightSide Produce, Transition Twin Cities, Ramsey County Emergency Management, Victoria Theater Arts Center, and more will share how they are helping transform the future. The Emergence Festival at Como Lake on Saturday, July 24 from 2-6 p.m. is designed for visitors and organizations to connect for social justice, earth care, resilience, and joy.
Parking may be limited, so it is recommended to ride share, bike, or ride the bus, if possible.Volunteers to help with logistics at the site or other tasks should contact Communications@transitionASAP.org. For more information www.TransitionASAP.org
Rain date is July 31.

Night Out at Jehovah Lutheran
Jehovah Lutheran Church invites neighbors to its National Night Out celebration, with music, games, food and giveaways, in the church parking lot from 5-7 p.m Tuesday, Aug. 3. The church, at 1566 Thomas in St. Paul, will give away good-condition clothing and small household items. Anyone wishing to donate such items for giveaway can contact the church at jelcoffice@gmail.com or 651-644-1421.
Raffle prize giveaways throughout the event include packaged food and other items. Spirit Freed, the church praise band, will perform and church volunteers will host kids’ games. It’s all free.