May 22, 2014 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with RACBD
May 1, 2014
RACBD is to create a "RONDO RENAISSANCE" on University Ave in St Paul (the Green Line - LRT) from Griggs to Rice Street. We are developing a Historic Rondo Arts, Cultural, and Heritage District to strengthen and expand the African American business community. We want to leverage the legacy and history of the Rondo community to build a distinct business district that draws present visitors and new visitors to existing and new African American owned businesses on the Avenue! ASANDC’s current work on identifying and supporting the growth of arts and cultural destinations in Saint Paul forms the foundation for this project. This project is a tool to bring alive the idea of utilizing art and culture as a community and economic asset to bring benefits to and opportunities to enhance current African American businesses and promote the growth of new ones on the University Avenue (the Green Line).
May 15, 2014 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with brilyahnt peace
May 1, 2014
brilyahnt peace is a North Minneapolis native, currently exploring the solar—stars and spirit. A former student of the University of Minnesota and a (soon exiting) member of Voices Merging, she is on an ongoing journey to grow, heal, and speak. Poetry is her meditation and lifeline. Truth is her seed. Peace.
May 8, 2014 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with Leah Clark
May 1, 2014
Leah Clark is a solo acoustic artist that passionately writes her own music. She's been playing guitar and writing songs for over five years now and is looking to break out of her shell to share her music with anyone that will listen. In her free time she likes to swing in the park, spend time with family and friends, and take naps with her cat, Walter.
May 1, 2014 – Soul Sounds Open Mic with Mic RNS and writing workshop
May 1, 2014
"My love for words began in elementary. I've been in special poetry/writing groups since I can remember because I've always been an "above average writer". I also grew up surrounded by hip hop—so becoming an MC was almost inevitable. Though Just Cause is my first official project, I have been recording/writing rhymes since I was 14. I am finally at a point in my life where I feel comfortable with who I am as an artist and can actually afford to put myself out there. Let's be honest here, being an MC is expensive."
The Welcoming Energy of Lowertown
April 28, 2014
The final stop on the new Green line light rail in Saint Paul is historic lowertown: easy to get to, very walkable, and connected by the Morgan, Bruce Vento, and
This Week in Saint Paul: Monday, April 28–Sunday, May 4, 2014
April 28, 2014
We are not quite recovered from this year's Saint Paul Art Crawl. It may be the best weekend in the Twin Cities, but this coming weekend doesn't look too shabby, either, and I think you might see some of the same faces out on the streets, with more than enough sights and sounds to make it worth your trip. The middle of the week doesn't look to bad, either. Get out, because our shining faces on the city may encourage spring to shine on us, eventually.
An Interview with Mr. F. Steven Winfield… about His Last Baseball Game Played
April 27, 2014
I was living on the street . . . had used up all my clean undergarments . . . and did not have any money or place to wash. One day I was taking what is called a “sponge bath” in the White Castle on University and Lexington, feeling really low . . . hours passed, 2 p.m. . . . traveled down to the Loft Teen Center and filled up on penny candy, sitting on the corner of Oxford and Carroll Avenue. A grey four-door car pulled up slowly . . . right next to me . . . my head was down, very close to the street gutter entrance . . . I could smell the stench of whatever was down there. I heard a deep, smooth, radio personality voice saying, “What’s the matter, man?” I was like, “What?” I couldn’t believe it. “I need some clean draws . . . and socks!” I answered. This voice replied, “Get in.” Wow! My angel on Earth. Steve bought me a pack of clean boxers and socks. Then he allowed me to shower at his house so I could go to school . . . clean.
The Day Marvin Gaye Died
April 24, 2014
Every generation has its historical moments Of collective grief and disbelief Moments we forever remember Exactly where we were when . . . The deaths of Kennedy, King, Clemente The space shuttle Challenger explosion When the planes hit the towers on 9/11...
April 17, 2014 – Soul Sounds Open Mic featuring Save the Kids
April 23, 2014
Save the Kids (STK), founded in 2009, is an all-volunteer, national grass-roots organization dedicated to alternatives to, and the end of, the incarceration of all youth and the school to prison pipeline. STK is grounded in youth justice, transformative justice, and Hip Hop activism.
College Entrance Essay
April 22, 2014
During my twenty years of living I have made some really good and really bad choices. The worst choice I made was getting involved in gangs and drugs, which led to my unwilling trip to Mexico and life-changing events. Being in a gang is like playing chess: Only the king and queen survive, while the rest are and always remain pawns.
This Week in Saint Paul: Monday, April 21–Sunday, April 27, 2014
April 21, 2014
Last week, the Saint Paul Almanac received news that it has been nominated in five categories for this year's Midwest Book Awards—in the Culture, Midwest Regional Interest: Text, Publisher’s Website, Reference, and Travel categories. There are many congratulations to be shared with hundreds of people who share their stories and acknowledgement of all the sweat and tears behind the sweet voices. So many voices, sometimes it is overwhelming—like everything we would like to tell you about what’s happening this week!