In this edition of Weekend Picks, read about Andrea Swensson’s new book, “Deeper Blues: The Life, Songs, and Salvation of Cornbread Harris,” and a new exhibition featuring artist J. White (Arikara) at All My Relations Gallery. Choose a puppetry performance to see from the various Minneapolis Puppetry Palate: A Taste of Puppetry offerings, and read about IndiaFest as well as Thomasina Petrus performing Billie Holiday with Artistry Theater.
J. White: Arikara Proper
One of the first things I noticed when I visited All My Relations Gallery to see J. White’s exhibition, “Arikara Proper” was the number three. A number of the self-taught painter’s works feature these rather imposing groups of figures in groups of three. White’s “Sisters” series paintings feature creatures with little facial features, and they all have turquoise circles placed where one of the eyes would be. In one of the paintings, their skull-like faces almost float above their shoulders, topped by billowing shapes akin to hair. In another painting, the figures look out at the viewer as if from the moon. Call them witches, call them weird; there’s an enigmatic power to them.
White’s exhibition also has portraits and works with two figures, and larger groups of figures. With a palette of vivid colors , White uses an expressive style, drawing on symbolism and motifs from Native culture and urban aesthetics. It’s compelling stuff, with a dose of cool and a mix of emotion and cultural connection.
J. White: Arikara Proper runs through October 5 at All My Relations. (free) More information here.
Minneapolis Puppetry Palate: A Taste of Puppetry
Take in some puppetry at Open Eye Theater, In the Heart of the Beast, and Stewart Park. I put together a guide to the event here ➡️
Sound for Silents
Multi-instrumentalist and composer deVon Russell Gray creates a new score for the Walker Art Center’s sunset outdoor screening of four short films from the Walker’s Ruben/Bentson Moving Image Collection. Among them is Duke Ellington’s first appearance on film, in “Black and Tan Fantasy” by Dudley Murphy, from 1929, and a film starring Bessie Smith called “St. Louis Blues” by Dudley Murphy. Also screening is an abstract film by Diane Kitchen called “Wot the Ancient Sod,” and the experimental “Otros Usos” by Beatriz Santiago Muñoz, shot at a former US Naval base in Ceiba, Puerto Rico.
An ensemble made of Ariadne Greif, Davu Seru, Nathan Hanson, and Andrew Broder perform the new tunes while you take in the films. Before the films start, checkout a hillside sound installation Gray created with James Everest, while DJ Sarah White sets the mood.
Thursday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m., film and performance at 8:30 p.m. at the Wurtele Upper Garden at the Walker Art Center (free). More information here.
Deeper Blues launch with Cornbread Harris, Jimmy Jam, and Andrea Swensson
A look at the Minneapolis legend through Minnesota music writer Andrea Swensson’s new book ➡️
IndiaFest
Take in the culture, food, traditions and dance of India at this year’s IndiaFest celebrating India’s day of independence at the State Capitol grounds. Organized by the India Association of Minnesota, the event boasts food trucks, artisan booths filled with Indian crafts, clothing and jewelry, and music and dance performances throughout the day, culminating in Bollywood Night from 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 8:3 p.m. at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds, 75 Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul (free). More information here.
The Best of Billie and Me
Thomasina Petrus channels the great Billie Holiday for one night at the Bloomington Center for the Arts, in an evening presented by Artistry Theater. The 90-minute show showcases Petrus’ acting and singing talents, and explores Holliday’s influences— including Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and more. Saturday, Aug. 17 at 8 p.m. at the Bloomington Center for the Arts ($30). More information here.
Sheila Regan
Sheila Regan is a Twin Cities-based arts journalist. She writes MinnPost’s twice-weekly Artscape column. She can be reached at [email protected].