News

Kofi Bobby Hickman featured in Almanac/Irrigate Arts banner project

This is the final piece in the Irrigate project “University Avenue Voices.” Our team met all summer to curate the written pieces (originally published in the Saint Paul Almanac), design, and find the locations along the light rail corridor for the posters and this one big banner. The banner was designed by Shaquan Foster with professional guidance by Michael Waite. The rest of the team: Lisa Steinmann, Diego Vázquez Jr., Patricia Young and Kimberly Nightingale. Please, walk or drive by the Old Home building at University and Western to see this grand banner.

Behind the scenes: 2014 Community Editors starting at the beginning

“There were about 20 of us, seated at a long table inside AZ Gallery in Lowertown. This first evening, I am always aware of what a mixer this gathering is. Except for a few from last year, these are people I have not met before. The group is recruited and selected in a way that ensures diversity of age, gender, neighborhood, community and level of ability. Last night was the first meeting of the Saint Paul Almanac community editor group and my second season as an editor. When our work is done, we will have helped launch the 2014 (and eighth) edition. It will make its debut next year in September.” Lisa Steinmann is a Saint Paul–based writer, teacher, and artist. Her work spans both sides of the Mississippi river and other divides as well.

November 29, 2012 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with Hieu

Hieu Nguyen is a rising star in the Twin Cities’ slam scene. He has competed at the National Poetry Slam with both the Minneapolis and Saint Paul teams, placing 5th and 12th respectively. In 2012, he was a Write Bloody finalist and performed with The Good News Poetry Tour. Also, his poems are really, really good. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Golden Thyme Coffee Café at 921 Selby Avenue (corner of North Milton Street) in Saint Paul. All ages are welcome, and there is no cover charge.

November 28th, 2012: J. Otis Powell‽ presents “Three Artists, Three Themes” at the Lowertown Reading Jam

The Saint Paul Almanac is pleased to announce the second in its 2012–2013 season of acclaimed Lowertown Reading Jams, which celebrate the rich literary history of Minnesota’s capital city. The “Three Artists, Three Themes” Lowertown Reading Jam will be presented on Wednesday, November 28th, 2012 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, 308 Prince Street in Saint Paul. This presentation of the popular and eclectic series, curated by J. Otis Powell‽, features performances by Shá Cage, Tish Jones, and J. Otis Powell‽

Video: Nick Nelson finds out more about the Saint Paul Almanac

City of Saint Paul videographer Nick Nelson talked with Saint Paul Almanac publisher Kimberly Nightingale about the release of the 2013 Saint Paul Almanac, a travel guide to Minnesota’s capital city and a collection of community stories. Also in the video, Joe Spencer from Mayor Chris Coleman’s office tells us how the city supports the Almanac and other arts through the Cultural Star Program.

November 15, 2012 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with Ashley Gold

Ashley Gold is a versatile singer/songwriter whose style ranges from spoken word to neo-soul. Her work is based on everyday struggles and triumphs, and has a universal appeal, with a voice and style that come off as nonchalant yet intentional at the same time. Ashley has worked with local heavyweights, Desdamona, Carnage, and Truthmaze. She is an artist and activist, and has donated her talents to various causes including Take Back the Night, The Great American Sleep Out, and B-Girl Be. She believes that all artists have a social responsibility to engage community and inspire people to create change. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Golden Thyme Coffee Café at 921 Selby Avenue (corner of North Milton Street) in Saint Paul. All ages are welcome, and there is no cover charge.

November 8, 2012 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with Spencer Virden

Spencer Virden was born in Northeast Minneapolis before that was considered a cool thing to do, so I guess you could say he’s a bit of a trendsetter. He spends his time rapping as Unfuh Qwittable with the Audio Perm crew and working the third shift at Rainbow Foods. His passions include reading, teaching/learning, and his family. Above all Spencer is a true representer of the scoundrel nation, lets go. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Golden Thyme Coffee Café at 921 Selby Avenue (corner of North Milton Street) in Saint Paul. All ages are welcome, and there is no cover charge.

November 1, 2012 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with Mankwe Ndosi and writing workshop

Mankwe Ndosi has been working in the Twin Cities and Chicago for more than 15 years as a musicmaker, performer, educator and culture weaver focused on sound, story, and expanding the vocabulary of singing. She seeks to infuse creative practice back into the worlds of healing, sustainable economic development, education, and new village community building. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Golden Thyme Coffee Café at 921 Selby Avenue (corner of North Milton Street) in Saint Paul. All ages are welcome, and there is no cover charge. First Thursday writing workshops will be held an hour before the open mic begins, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

October 25, 2012 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with Guante

Guante is a hip hop artist, two-time National Poetry Slam champion, activist, educator and writer based in Minneapolis. His newest project, a musical collaboration with producer Big Cats!, is called “YOU BETTER WEAPONIZE” and will be released on November 9th at Hell’s Kitchen in Minneapolis.

October 24th, 2012: Bao Phi presents “Where No Brown Has Gone Before” at the Lowertown Reading Jam

The Saint Paul Almanac is pleased to announce the first in its 2012–2013 season of acclaimed Lowertown Reading Jams, which celebrate the rich literary history of Minnesota’s capital city. The “Where No Brown Has Gone Before: Nerds Of Color Read Nerdy Works” Lowertown Reading Jam will be presented on Wednesday, October 24th, 2012 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, 308 Prince Street in Saint Paul. This presentation of the popular and eclectic series, curated by Bao Phi, features performances by Rodrigo Sanchez-Chavarria, Shannon Gibney, R. Vincent Moniz Jr. and May Lee-Yang.

October 18, 2012 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with Ashley Dubose

Ashley DuBose is a blooming Twin Cities-based singer/songwriter who is gaining local, national and even international attention only two months after the release of her debut album, Somethin’ More. Somethin’ More is a soulful collection of art which can only result from real- life experiences. Ashley writes songs that are relatable, powerful, and diverse in subject matter including songs about perseverance, spirituality, strained relationships, reminiscence and love.

October 11, 2012 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with Chantz Erolin

Chantz Erolin is a South Minneapolis poet and rapper currently trying to quit his job. A former student (Read: Drop-Out) of Sarah Lawrence College and graduate of the Literary Arts program at the Perpich Center for Arts Education, Chantz writes poetry based in radical anarchist politics (Read: Love) and critical race theory. He is also a member of the Minneapolis based, budding-rap-colossus “Audio Perm” and a smaller rap group “Art School Girls.”