Tuesday news and reviews

Art

Tut brings in loot, and a balancing act

To bring in major exhibits like the one opening Friday in St. Paul, museums pair with for-profit companies.

- Kristin Tillotson, Star Tribune

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Fashion

Just for Kix: Brainerd costume designers taste Super Bowl stardom

Cindy Klough's phone has been ringing off the hook ever since the Super Bowl, where her company's light-up body suit costumes were featured on the bodies of the backup dancers for the Black Eyed Peas.

- Sheila Regan, TC Daily Planet

General

In defense of the Mall of America

I love the mall, and I'm here to offer a defense for it.

- Max Sparber, MinnPost.com

Movies

Minnesota natives Joel & Ethan Coen have a great chance for Oscar gold...again

With numerous major accomplishments already achieved throughout the movie industry, it's surprising for many to learn this film is by far the Coen's most successful to date.

- Ted Engen, Examiner.com

Music

La Crosse native wins classical Grammy with St. Paul quartet

What does La Crosse native Karen Kim, Lady Gaga and Lady Antebellum have in common? Each won a Grammy Award at this year's honors on Sunday.

- Terry Rindfleisch, La Crosse Tribune

Caleb Hawley talks about "Idol" future at sold-out Aster Cafe show

Born and raised in Hudson, Wisconsin and living in New York City for the past four years, this messy-haired, sweet-blue-eyed guy is as approachable as your favorite bartender, but with enough talent and soul to leave you standing speechless.

- Natalie Gallagher, City Pages

Justin Townes Earle talks addiction, redemption, and the 'crap' we call modern-day country

Earle just released his fourth album, Harlem River Blues, on Bloodshot Records this past September, and it has already earned him praise unlike many of the contemporaries in the folk/Americana genre.

- Cindal Lee Heart, City Pages

Dwight Yoakam at Mystic Lake Casino, 2/11/11

My appreciation for Dwight Yoakam's live show, after his Friday night performance to a sold-out crowd at Mystic Lake Casino, has now passed through three phases.

- Nikki Miller, City Pages

Robyn at First Avenue, 2/13/11

It was clear from the first chorus of "Time Machine" that pint-sized pop star was going to deliver a show sans the diva trappings, with her frugal stage (some plastic pinwheels, some flashing lights) and spandex outfit (no glitter, no shoulder pads).

- Natalie Gallagher, City Pages

Best Coast, Wavves, and No Joy at the Varsity, 02/11/11

It's not often that an opening band steals the spotlight from two far more prominent headliners, especially by playing what amounted to only a 20+ minute set.

- Erik Thompson, City Pages

Stage

A powerful 'Ma Rainey' at Guthrie

Ma Rainey' rocks the Guthrie. The August Wilson show opened in a moving production over the weekend.

- Rohan Preston, Star Tribune

As "Mother Courage," Barbra Berlovitz is a must-see

Mother Courage represents the war machine that always keeps moving despite the devastation it causes.

- Bev Wolfe, TC Daily Planet

This 'Sarah Palin' takes aim with wit, not malice

Brave New Workshop tours Minnesota and skewers politicians of all stripes.

- Rohan Preston, Star Tribune

Michelle Perdue's "The Housekeeper's Dirt" takes on the issue of domestic violence

Michelle Perdue's The Housekeeper's Dirt at the Playwrights' Center dramatizes a not-quite savory and seldom-acknowledged aspect of black history.

- Dwight Hobbes, TC Daily Planet

Whips and wigs

In Genet's "The Balcony," the "sober ceremonies" of a brothel are tested in the real world. And found wanting.

- Claude Peck, Star Tribune

Ready for more Dracula?

Another adaptation of Stoker's novel doesn't sustain a sense of mystery.

- Graydon Royce, Star Tribune

Northrop's revitalization project approved and underway

Last Friday the Board of Regents at the University of Minnesota gave the thumbs up on plans to give the Northop a facelift.

- Jessica Armbruster, City Pages