Although the St. Olaf campus has much to offer in terms of entertainment – both by students and by outside acts – it is impossible to ignore our close proximity to a huge metropolitan area with a thriving fine arts scene. If you’re looking to get off campus this month, here is a look at some upcoming events happening in the Twin Cities:
Concerts
Oct. 18 – Regina Spektor: Russian-born singer-songwriter Regina Spektor is known for her idiosyncratic singing style as well as her accomplished piano playing. Her 2006 album Begin to Hope made her a household name and featured what is still her biggest single to date, “Fidelity.” Her sixth album, What We Saw from the Cheap Seats, was released earlier this year to very positive reviews and the third spot on the Billboard Top 200. She will be at Minneapolis’ State Theater supporting her newest release on Oct. 18. Tickets start from $38.50.
Oct. 19 – The xx: This London-based band’s 2009 self-titled debut record was met with critical acclaim and peaked at three on the U.K. Albums Chart at its release. Its follow-up, Coexist, was released early last month and met with similarly positive reviews. Known for minimalist and experimental musical style, the band plays at First Avenue on Oct. 19 with openers John Talbot and 2:54. The concert is technically sold out, but there may still be tickets available on websites like StubHub for a heightened price. 18+
Oct. 26 – P.O.S: Local rapper P.O.S real name Stefon Alexander has been working steadily since 2004, releasing three solo albums as well as two with local hip-hop collective Doomtree. He attained national fame after the release of his 2006 album Audition. P.O.S’ work is characterized as punk rock-influenced rap. His solo Oct. 26 appearance at First Avenue comes three days after the release of his fourth studio album, We Don’t Even Live Here, which features artists such as Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and fellow Doomtree member Sims. Tickets are $15. 18+
Oct. 25-27 – Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra: The SPCO, now in its 54th season, is consistently lauded as one of the world’s best chamber orchestras. The ensemble’s fall program, “Baroque Invention,” looks at the evolution of Baroque music with sonatas and concertos by Bach, Vivaldi, Purcell and others. The four performances are in three different venues, but the program culminates with a final performance on Saturday, Oct. 27 at St. Paul’s Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $40.
Theater
Now through Oct. 21 – Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” performed by Ten Thousand Things: This theater troupe, based in Minneapolis, performs everywhere from homeless shelters and correctional facilities to the Minnesota Opera Center, but their public shows are at Open Book in Minneapolis. Performing without a stage, lights or makeup, the actors must convey their characters through the use of only simple costumes and their talent while the audience sits in a circle around them. The intimate setting allows for vibrant shows requiring the imagination of the audience. Ten Thousand Things performs Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” through Oct. 21 at Open Book. Tickets are $15 with a valid student ID.
Now through Oct. 27 – “Tales from Hollywood” at the Guthrie: Considered to be Christopher Hampton’s best play as well as his personal favorite, “Tales from Hollywood” focuses on the lives of German immigrants living in Hollywood after escaping the Third Reich. This production marks the Guthrie Theater’s 50th season of performing both original works and adaptations of works in elaborate and highly impressive productions. This production is on the Wurtele Thrust Stage through Oct. 27. Student tickets are $60, so this might be one to see with your parents!
Dance
Oct. 26 to Nov. 4 – James Sewell Ballet: Originally founded in New York City before moving to Minnesota in 1993, this innovative ballet company produces eclectic and critically-beloved work that, in the company’s words, consistently “explores the technical boundaries of ballet.” The dancers’ annual fall performance this year is “Dance Macabre” and features a new work inspired by the writing of Poe, a zombie-themed piece entitled “Grave Matters” and a “ghostly” interpretation of Giselle’s “Pas de Deux.” The company will perform through Nov. 4 at the Cowles Center in Minneapolis. Student tickets are $16.
hagen@stolaf.edu
