Saturday news and reviews

Books/Writing

Black Books event draws literature fans of all ages in St. Paul

The Givens Foundation seeks not only to showcase the artistic prowess of unsung black authors, but to help up and coming generations to cultivate their creative writing skills also.

- Erica Deanes, TC Daily Planet

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Surely, they jest -- as much as possible

The creative process extends well beyond the writing at Literary Death Match, a live game show with authors.

- BILL WARD, Star Tribune

Acclaimed poet Buddy Wakefield to perform at Kieran's

In 2004 and 2005 Wakefield won the Individual World Poetry Slam Championship. He has also received accolades from NPR, HBO, BBC, and CBC, as well as from Norman Lear, Ani DiFranco, and Don Beck.

- Loren Green

Dance

Sewell dancers push the envelope

DANCE REVIEW Ballet program includes works fueled by punk rock, hip-hop and West African movement.

- CAROLINE PALMER, Star Tribune

Movies

Hispanics and the Oscar

Actor Thomas Gomez was the first Hispanic to win an Oscar nomination, more than 60 years ago.

- GREGORY HEWETT, Star Tribune

Music

(FYI, Def Leppard and Heart are coming to the Minnesota State Fair)

Classical music review: Koopman's joy in music-making bubbles through the SPCO

Ton Koopman might be a bit of a showboat for some tastes, but I found his effervescent joy in music-making to be ideal for the 18th-century repertoire on this weekend's concerts. What could have been dry and cerebral was instead a spirited celebration of the sound coming forth from Germany as the baroque era gave way to the classical.

- Rob Hubbard, Pioneer Press

Branford Marsalis talks about his new drummer, jazz families, classical music and more

On Sunday evening, Marsalis will perform at Orchestra Hall with his formidable quartet.

- Pamela Espeland, MinnPost.com

Hell's Kitchen ramps up 'Late-Nite' series

Popular downtown restaurant Hell's Kitchen recently threw their hat into the venue ring, seeking to better utilize their stage and sound system.

- Loren Green, City Pages

Baths, Braids, Houses: Fun with plurals at the 7th Street Entry

It was plural nouns night Thursday night at the 7th Street Entry when pop acts Houses, Braids, and headliner Baths took the stage.

- Sarah Heuer, TC Daily Planet

El Le Faunt Premiers New Album at Turf Club + Whole Band Interview

Led by Thomas Maddux's growling, Tom Wait-inspired vocals, the Traveling Circus spins creepy tales of circus geeks, a man born with crocodile skin & a passion for music, and the heartbreak of being in love with a Russian ballerina.

- Michelle Los, Examiner.com

Stage

Hennepin Stages sale moves forward

The Brave New Workshop is getting closer to staking a claim in downtown Minneapolis.

- Graydon Royce