10 things to do this month

As summer comes to an end, performing arts venues are revving up their calendars. September has lots to offer - here are just some of this month's highlights.

Dance

Ananya Dance Theatre presents Tushaanal: Fires of Dry Grass

Sept 8 - 11 at the Southern Theater

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Why you should go: Ananya Chatterjea and her dancers are out to change the world, with performances that take on environmental destruction and social injustices.

Ragamala Dance presents "Sacred Earth"

Sept 22 - 25 at the Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts

Why you should go: Ragamala Dance earned a rave review from the New York Times earlier this year, and its founder Ranee Ramaswamy was named 2011 Distinguished Artist by the McKnight Foundation, a high honor in the Minnesota arts scene. Plus their the first dance company to perform at the brand new Cowles Center.

Music

Bon Iver

Sept 6 and 7 at the Orpheum

Why you should go: Well, since the shows are basically sold out, you're going because you were lucky enough to get a ticket.

Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra with Cantus

Sept 9 and 10 at the Ordway

Why you should go: The SPCO opens its new season with a program that features Haydn, Bach, Brahms and a new work by hot composer Nico Muhly.

Ben Folds and the Minnesota Orchestra

Sat Sept 17 at Orchestra Hall

Why you should go: Smart and fun pop star accompanied by a world-class "back-up band."

Haley Bonar

Sept 30 and Oct 1 at the Dakota

Why you should go: Local girl with nationally recognized musical talent performs in an intimate setting with amazing food.

Theater

Neighbors

Sept 16 - Oct 9 at Mixed Blood Theatre

Why you should go: A strong cast takes on a surreal production about "post-race America." Plus, it's free!

The Burial at Thebes, based upon Sophocles' Antigone

Sept 24 - Nov 6 at the Guthrie Theater

Why you should go: Director Marcela Lorca stunned audiences a couple of years ago with "Caroline, or Change." This new work based on a Greek tragedy - with original music by J.D. Steele - has all the makings of another powerful drama.

A Wrinkle in Time

Sept 27 - Dec 4 at Children's Theatre Company

Why you should go: The CTC takes on Madeleine L'Engle's classic sci-fi fantasy.

Two Trains Running by August Wilson

Sept 29 - Oct 30 at Penumbra Theatre

Why you should go: Simply put, any August Wilson play directed by Lou Bellamy is worth seeing.