December 19, 2013 – Soul Sounds Open Mic’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Mic
December 5, 2013
Being that Soul Sounds is a community event we feel it important to create a space for dialogue around issues facing our community. Rooted in the arts, this evening will focus on addressing HIV/AIDS in our various communities. Perhaps you have written a piece paying homage to a loved one who lost their battle with HIV/AIDS? Maybe you have a poem of encouragement, a song that educates, or more? Tonight is the night for us to address a major issue in the Twin Cities community, through art and creative expression, while maintaining our sense of mutual love, adoration and respect.
December 18, 2013: Heid Erdrich presents “Double Hungry: Sustainable Poems” at the Lowertown Reading Jam
December 5, 2013
The "Double Hungry: Sustainable Poems" Lowertown Reading Jam will be presented on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, 308 Prince Street in Saint Paul. "Double Hungry: Sustainable Poems" gathers four diverse poets who will read on food in a changing world. This presentation of the popular and eclectic series is hosted by Heid E. Erdrich, whose newest book is Original Local—Indigenous Foods, Stories and Recipes from the Upper Midwest, and features poets GE Patterson, James Autio, and Kristin Naca.
December 12, 2013 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with Chia ‘Chilli’ Lor
December 5, 2013
Chia 'Chilli' Lor graduated from Saint Paul Central High School as an active participant in the social justice performing arts program, Synergy, and is currently attending St. Catherine University. Her poems have been published in local literary journal, Paj Ntaub Voice (“Storycloth Voice”) and the 2012 edition of the Saint Paul Almanac. Chilli has been invited to perform at open mics, reading series, conferences, racial equity trainings, the Minnesota State Capitol, and a variety of community events. Chilli is part of an APIA spoken word group, Speakers of the Sun (SOS). Her work has taken her into schools, nonprofits, and district planning councils. As an emerging community organizer, poet, and hip-hop artist, Chilli has a vision of impacting the lives of youth, communities of color, and women through the performing arts.
December 5, 2013 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with Hieu Minh Nguyen with Writing Workshop
December 4, 2013
Hieu Minh Nguyen was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota, by a Vietnamese-American single mother. He is the author of This Way to the Sugar (Write Bloody Press, 2014) and co-coached the 2011 University of Minnesota poetry slam team, which placed fourth at the College National Poetry Slam. In 2011, Hieu was also a member of the 5th-ranked Minneapolis adult National Poetry Slam team. Today, Hieu is a member of the Good News Poetry Tour, which travels across the country performing at colleges and universities. He is a proud alumni of the Central Touring Theatre and also works at a haberdashery.
Not Afraid of the Dark
December 3, 2013
My father has “old age of the eyes.” That means he’s going blind slowly from the inside out. He says I look like a model with my hair swooped back. He points out a covenant of blackbirds....
Minneapolis Star Tribune calls us “fat”—and we’re okay with that
December 3, 2013
On November 30, Minneapolis Star Tribune books editor Laurie Hertzel published an article, "Holiday books: 10 that reflect Minnesota and the region", which included a review of the 2014 Saint Paul Almanac. "From collected letters to collected stories, from memoir to adventure, these 10 books reflect Minnesota and the region", goes the byline, which introduces a variety of fiction, nonfiction, photo books, and several items of literary interest.
Kwvtij/Brothers
December 2, 2013
Wang Ger, also called Joe, has been trying to teach me to speak more words of Hmong. “I have learned English; you can learn more Hmong.” I am not a good student, but he does not give up...
This Week in Saint Paul: Monday, December 2–Sunday, December 8, 2013
December 2, 2013
Literature, music, theater, arts, and family events taking place around the city this week. Last week, we suggested some great ways to avoid the seasonal megashopping madness. This week, we change our tune...or perhaps just tune in differently, encouraging you to explore gift ideas by local artists. Readings and book launches include events at the History Center, Common Good Books, and the Red Balloon Bookshop. Holiday theater offerings include plays by the Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company, the Historic Mounds Theater, and the History Theatre. Kids and family have a lot to look forward to some Santa appearances, kid's drawing circles, and more.