Celebrations both timely and timeless
Article written by Mike Mullen
Somehow, this year is almost over. We can’t tell you where the time went, but we’ve got some great ideas of what you can do with what’s left of it.
At 7 p.m. on December 3, “The Capri Presents: A Stevie Wonder Experience,” a tantalizing tribute to one of America’s great music legends. Expect a night of songs you know by heart, plus a few you might not, and top-notch music and vocals from start to finish. Featuring instrumentalists Craig Dion, Jason Craft, Sam Rosenstone, and Jordan Hedlund, and vocals from Dion, Kathleen Johnson, Cornisha Garmon and Rhonda Johnson. Tickets $25 or $30 at the door, buy online at capri.simpletix.com.
This month’sFirst Thursday Films @ the Capriis Chevalier, screening at 7 p.m. on December 7. The true tale of a biracial composer and celebrity in 18th Century France features romance, fencing, a stirring soundtrack, and the complicated intersections of race, class, fame and talent. After the screening, John Wright from the U of M leads a discussion with MSP Film programmer Craig Laurence Rice.
Entrance is free for Northside residents, and all others can find them 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.
The 57th annual PCYC Children’s Gift Sale returns to the Capri on December 9. Thousands of donations and hundreds of volunteers have made this event a yearly success, benefitting 600 North Minneapolis youth and their families. Learn how you can contribute to this year’s gift sale at pcyc-mpls.org/support/giftsale/.
For the second month running, Camp Capri S3 features award-winning local dance instructor Cierra Burnaugh, who will lead students on an interactive introduction to the movement arts. Saturday, December 16, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Students in grades 5–8 attend free; includes lunch. Registration required at thecapri.org.
Two other Capri partner events take place this month, including a seasonally themed concert by members of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra at 7 p.m. on December 1. The concert begins with a performance of Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, followed by works of Telemann, Vivaldi and Phillip Glass, among others. Tickets are free for Northsiders (reservations are required at thespco.org, enter your zip code as the promo code) and children; $15 for adults. More info at thespco.org.
Second on the remaining partner docket: Stay in the holiday spirit with the Capri Big Band’s “Music of the Season,” a jazzy, holiday matinee concert at 3 p.m., Sunday December 10. Free and open to the public.
Lastly, a Capri rental event: At 5 p.m. on December 17, Live 4 Love Charities presents a fundraiser in support of Lisa Clemons’ “A Mother’s Love Initiative.” This “Greats Gone 2 Soon” concert celebrates the legacies of Prince, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and more, with performances by Kathleen Johnson, Cornisha Garmon, RoShewn Harrington & LaMont Keton, and MFellaz. Special appearances by Mayte Garcia and DJ Willie Adams. Free entry with an unwrapped toy or suggested donation of $20.
The Capri is located at 2027 W. Broadway. For more details and ticket info visit thecapri.org.