Written by Mike Mullen
This year, getting to March means you’ve survived an extra-long February. Congratulations, happy belated Leap Day, and don’t hesitate to reward yourself by making plans to get involved with a couple of the Capri’s signature programs.
That starts in the middle of March, with the return of rehearsals for the celebrated Capri Glee! choir. J.D. Steele is back as esteemed director/teacher/head cheerleader, with his brother Fred Steele contributing on piano and vocals. Turnout for the community singing program hit record numbers in spring and fall 2023, and participants had rave reviews. “JD, Fred, and everyone involved brought such a warm, inclusive and encouraging energy,” said one singer.
All are welcome, no experience required — and if you’ve sung in Capri Glee! before, even better, and welcome back! Rehearsals are 7-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday starting on March 12, building up to an April 16 concert on the Capri stage. It’s free to join, though donations are always accepted (please designate “Capri Glee!” as the tribute gift). Registration required; sign up at thecapri.org.
If you’re making long-term social plans for late April, save the date for one of our biggest and brightest events of the year. The 2nd Annual PCYC Gala @ the Capri is coming up April 27 (5-9 p.m.), celebrating the 70th anniversary of PCYC. Contribute to a great organization while joining in the fun, food, music, auctions and stories of service.
The evening includes the presentation of the PCYC Lodestar Awards to valued community members. This year’s recipients are Jim and Anne Long, whose involvement with PCYC and the Northside community goes back five decades; and radio host Walter “Q Bear” Banks, who’s going on 40-plus years on KMOJ’s community airwaves. Also featured at the Gala are performances by Summer Camp Capri scholars Sara Jefferson and Imani Everett.
Tickets are available for individuals, couples or in 8-pack-set options. Buy tickets, become an event sponsor, volunteer and learn more at pcyc-mpls.org.
Next in our Legends @ the Capri series, Twin Cities vocalist Jennifer Grimm performs “Jennifer Sings Judy Garland,” her renowned renditions of classics originally sung by a Minnesota native and Hollywood icon. Showtime is 7 p.m. on April 6, and 3 p.m. April 7. Tickets $25 or $30 at the door; buy online at capri.simplextix.com.
The March edition of First Thursday Films @ the Capri features Mother of George, a critically acclaimed 2013 indie gem about a newlywed couple tested by infertility and near-impossible choices. The film stars Isaach De Bankolé (of Black Panther fame) and Dani Gurira, known worldwide for The Walking Dead, and locally as a graduate of Macalester College.
The film screens on March 7, at 7 p.m. After the movie, multidimensional local artist and Liberian native E.G. Bailey joins MSP Film programmer Craig Laurence Rice for a discussion with the audience. Entrance is free for Northside residents, and all others can find tickets for sale for $5 at mspfilm.org. Find the full lineup and schedule for First Thursday Films, presented in partnership with the MSP Film Society and the Minnesota Historical Society, at thecapri.org.
At Camp Capri S3, talented teaching artists guide middle school scholars through
the wonderful world of the arts, sparking all sorts of creative interests along the
way. In March visual artist Martina Mattox will guide our scholars on an artful journey of creation and collaboration. Youth in grades 5 – 8 are invited to attend Camp Capri from10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 17. It’s free, and lunch – and a lot of fun – will be served. Registration required at thecapri.org.
Capri rentals this month include a night of music, family, and Irish traditions at the Screaming Orphans’ “Celebrate St. Patrick’s Month” concert. Through three decades of touring and recording, this celebrated quartet of Irish sisters has established a sound that weds traditional Celtic folk music with modern pop sounds. This Capri rental takes place on Friday, March 15, at 8 p.m., tickets $30; buy online at capri.simpletix.com.
The Capri is located at 2027 W. Broadway. For more details and ticket info visit thecapri.org.