Written by Mike Mullen
If you’re reading this, you’ve made it through the darkest, coldest months of the year. Don’t put away your coat or plant your flowers yet, but there’s cause for optimism, and there are lots of ways to spend these increasingly sunnier days out in our community by joining your neighbors at the Capri.
Coming the first week of March is We Grown Now, this month’s selection for First Thursday Films. This ‘90s-era story centers on two boys living in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing complex. Released in 2023, the third film from director Minhal Baig was popular with audiences, critics and award show judges alike. We Grown Now screens at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 6. Minneapolis Community Education Youth Programs coordinator Kowanna Powell Anderson leads the conversation after the film, with MSP Film Programmer, Craig Lawrence Rice.
And look forward to April 4, when First Thursday Films presents The Book of Clarence, a “biblical comedy-drama,” followed by a discussion led by local comedian Fancy Ray McCloney.
Entrance to First Thursday Films is free for Northside residents; others can obtain $5 tickets at mspfilm.org.
At 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, weeks of hard, harmonic work culminate in the Capri Glee! concert, with the choir led by director and teacher J.D. Steele and his brother Fred Steele. The volunteer singers will offer their take on R&B, gospel, and a few surprises from the Steele brothers’ repertoire, with additional performances by special guests Mill City Singers and MacPhail Community Youth Choir. Free admission with registration at thecapri.org beginning Tuesday, March 11. Concert donations will also be accepted at that time.
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s Northside Series continues on Friday, April 4 with performances of works by Beethoven, Lalo Schifrin, and SPCO Sandbox Composer-in-Residence Valerie Coleman. Tickets are free for Northsiders (reservations required at thespco.org – enter your zipcode as the promo code) and children; reserved seating tickets $16-$36 for all other adults. Info at thespco.org.
On April 5 and 6, we’re taking it back to the band that kicked off the inaugural Legends @ the Capri series a decade and a half ago, the Wolverines Jazz Trio, together with vocalists Judy Vinar and Dennis Spears. Showtime is 7 p.m. on Saturday, followed by a 3 p.m. matinee Sunday. Tickets are $20 for groups of 10+, $25 for others, and $30 at the door, at capri.simpletix.com.
Join us at the 3rd Annual PCYC Gala @ the Capri on Saturday, May 10 for an evening of stories, celebration, entertainment and community building. The event offers plenty of ways to support PCYC and its mission: Become a Gala sponsor, make a donation, purchase tickets, donate items for the silent or live auction, or sign up as a volunteer to help make the event a success. Info at pcyc-mpls.org/gala2025/.
Rental events kick off with “The Spell of the Yukon,” a three-performance stint featuring the poetry of Robert Service, as performed by David Graham. Service’s poems capture the adventure — and hardship — of the gold rush in frigid Alaska, a setting that feels just about right with the weather we’ve had this winter. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1, with a 2:30 p.m. on Sunday matinee on March 2. Tickets $20.13, available at Eventbrite.
On March 7, the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center presents The Heart of Bassett Place, a documentary portraying the 100-year anniversary of the Black settlement house in Minneapolis that played host to Langston Hughes, W.E.B. DuBois and other luminaries. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., followed by the film at 5:45 p.m. and a panel discussion with the film’s producer and former Wheatley leaders at 7 p.m. This rental event is free to attend.
The West Broadway Business and Area Coalition’s Annual Fundraising Gala comes to the Capri on Friday, March 21, and promises a night of comedy, music and community, all for a good cause. Hosted by Sheletta Brundidge, and featuring a performance by Fanaka Nation, the evening is dedicated to “celebrating progress” and “amplifying voices that inspire.” Tickets are $65, and available at westbroadway.org.
And, a reminder: Due to ongoing construction next door, the Capri is temporarily operating with reduced parking availability. Before you come, we encourage you to visit thecapri.org/parking-capri/ to learn about regular parking options and any updates on changes as construction progresses.
The Capri is located at 2027 W. Broadway. For details and ticket info visit thecapri.org.