Minneapolis Lakes, MN August 2023

Kids & Pets Issue

Thank Goodness for Children and Animals

August is a fabulous month in Minnesota. But it also signals the countdown to summer being over, stealing the last days at the pool or lake, the first days of the State Fair, and school starting up again.

For the Minneapolis Lakes team, August is our beloved Kids & Pets issue. But, no matter what the season, there is always time to celebrate our small ones and furry friends. Children and animals are still the adult link to loads of fun, laughter, and innocent hearts full of love.

We visited with Secondhand Hounds founder, Rachel Mairose. This is one of several great organizations dedicated to the love of animals. Since their inception, Rachel and her team have worked hard to provide new services to their already impactful rescuing, fostering and rehabilitating. She explains where they are today and ways you can help.

You might recognize the mansion across from Bde Maka Ska that you’ve been biking and driving by your whole life. That’s the Bakken Museum, which was started by Earl Bakken. He was one of the co-founders of Medtronic, and this space is all about the passion for innovation. It encourages, welcomes, and supports kids in their creativity and curiosity. The Minneapolis Lakes team spoke with them about their camps and their inclusive approach to sharing science with youth.

In addition to science, we caught up with a couple of students involved with programs at MacPhail, in order to learn what they love most about their musical journey. We spoke with Neighborhood Forest, a non-profit started right here in Minneapolis, which has since grown and continued to educate kids in Minnesota and beyond on the importance of continuing to plant trees.

Our culture sometimes is quite focused on sports, but there are some sports that don’t get as much attention as others. The Minneapolis Lakes team connected with students and parents in the fencing community to dive deeper into this special, life-changing sport where friendships are formed, endurance is built, and lessons are learned.

Lastly, we wanted to follow suit with a gift guide for the kiddos. Kiddywampus makes some great recommendations for that special someone on your list.

These August days are precious for everyone, and I hope yours are wonderful!

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Abigail Wharram | abigail.wharram@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff, Vivek Narula

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lucy Hawthorne, Andrew Vick

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

YEARS

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @MinneapolisLakes

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Stone Source Celebrates its 20th Year in Business

Stone Source is a slab yard/manufacturer who have been in business for 20 years now this summer. Stone Source imports exotic stone from over a dozen different countries and has 130 selections at any given time. They pride themselves on the transparent pricing and honesty they provide when customers come in looking to spice up their homes. Check them out at 13415 Water Tower Circle and go look into the best house jewelry available! stonesourceusa.com .

Surf + Turf Pop-Up at France 44

Join us for an exciting summer pop-up event at France 44 on the stunning rooftop patio of our new event space! Get ready for the Surf + Turf extravaganza, where we'll be serving our mouthwatering housemade lobster rolls, steak salad, corn on the cob, fresh pie, and of course, a selection of great beer and wine. No ticket required, just stop by France 44 on August 19th from 5-8 p.m. to join the party. france44.com .

Gai Noi Opens Near Loring Park

Chef Ann Ahmed’s newest eatery, Gai Noi, opened earlier this summer, serving traditional Lao dishes in a tropical atmosphere. She hopes her spot will be a binding agent for the community and a connector to a heritage, culture and lifestyle that is worlds apart from Minnesota. 1610 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis Gainoimpls.com | (612) 345-7075

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

Giving Free Trees to Kids

Sustainability and environmental protection have gained immense prominence today. Whether we tune into the news or scroll through social media, we see videos talking about the importance of reusing, recycling, or taking other steps to protect our environment. As adults, most of us understand the profound impact that even the smallest actions can have, especially when multiplied across a large number of people. Yet, what about our little ones who are the future? How can we inspire them to make a positive impact while fostering a love for nature and our planet?

Vikas Narula found an answer to this question many years ago: give children trees to plant – thousands and thousands of them – for free, every Earth Day.

That’s been the mission of his non-profit organization, Neighborhood Forest, since it was founded in Minneapolis in 2010. The organization gives free trees to any school, library or youth group that expresses interest. Parents sign up to receive a free tree for their child ahead of Earth Day, and then the trees are distributed through the child’s educational institution or group during Earth Week (April 22-30) for planting with their families.

“We want to give every child the chance to plant their very own tree, beautify our neighborhoods, reduce our carbon footprint, and cultivate a sense of magic, wonder, and love for the planet,” Vikas says.

FOSTERING FEELINGS OF MAGIC, WONDER, AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE HEARTS OF CHILDREN EVERYWHERE

Neighborhood Forest’s impact has been growing steadily. This year alone, they gave away over 42,000 trees, nearly three times the amount distributed just two years ago. However, Vikas is not content with thousands; he dreams of reaching millions of children, not just in North America but across the globe.

Vikas’ passion for trees dates back to his college years at Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa. During this time, he started an environmental club on campus, which adopted a free tree program pioneered by David Kidd in Ohio.

“We raised money and gave thousands of seedlings to children across Southeast Iowa,” Vikas says. “It was very rewarding and left a lasting impression on me.”

But the program wouldn’t continue for long. Soon after, Vikas graduated, got a job with a tech company and eventually moved to Minneapolis.

The next fifteen years were devoted to the corporate world and Vikas’ tree project dreams slowly faded away. That is until one fateful day when he became ill and ended up bedridden for a month. Sick in bed, staring at the ceiling, he had a lot of time to reflect on his life and career.

“I realized I wanted more meaning and purpose in my life,” he says. “My heart and mind kept coming back to the trees, the kids and the project that I did in college. I knew I had to start it again. So while I was sick in bed, I called up Lake Harriet Lower School (where my son attended) and a couple of other schools, and like that Neighborhood Forest was born.”

Starting with 400 children in four Minneapolis schools in its first year, the organization has now expanded to serve 1,500 schools, libraries and youth groups, engaging over 500,000 families and planting over 130,000 trees across 48 US states and Canada.

“We have recently witnessed a surge in interest from a diverse range of institutions,” Clara Radloff, Head of Community Engagement at Neighborhood Forest, says. “In addition to schools and libraries, youth groups like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have joined the program, along with park and recreation groups, centers for adults with disabilities, a reptile center,

a soccer club, a garden club, and even college sororities that work with children. The demand for trees is remarkable, with nearly 200 schools and libraries already on the waitlist for next year.”

The success of the tree program relies on individual donations and corporate sponsorships. Companies such as Winnebago, US Bank, AMD, 3M, Deluxe Corporation, Lakewinds Food Co-op, and UPS have played vital roles in scaling up the organization’s operations. UPS, in particular, has provided valuable shipping and logistics expertise to ensure the distribution of thousands of trees across North America.

To further support the program and provide teaching content centered around trees, Neighborhood Forest has partnered with an education company. They have developed supplements such as a board game, STEM curriculum, and a children’s book to enhance the learning experience for participants in the free tree program.

While Neighborhood Forest has faced challenges and moments of doubt, Vikas credits his wife, Priya, for her unwavering support. He believes, like she does, that every member of the family has played a crucial role in bringing the program to the place it is today.

“It has truly been a family affair,” Priya says. “Vikas initially planted the seed, and Vivek, his brother, nurtured it for six years. Our youngest son, Ishaan, participated in our videos, while our eldest son, Nayan, played a vital role in securing essential sponsors like UPS. Our mother provided invaluable support by contributing extra funding for trees. And even our beloved dog, Wolfee, played a part. Each one of us has made a unique contribution.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program for Vikas is the ever-growing library of then and now photos he receives from parents of children growing up with their trees.

“It’s a magic and beauty that everyone can witness,” he says. “Trees are the gift that keeps on giving, and they get more beautiful with time. We are inspired to give something to kids that will last for generations.”

To register for the program, or to donate and contribute to planting trees through the hands of children, visit neighborhoodforest.org for more information.

Bringing People

AND PETS TOGETHER

Secondhand Hounds, a nonprofit animal rescue in Minnesota, has saved over 28,000 lives since opening in 2009. That’s 28,000 dogs and cats who were given a second chance at life due to the kindness of volunteers who treat animals like family.

“Our pets do so much for us,” Rachel Mairose, founder and executive director, says. “They love us without barriers and judgment. There are so many pets living in great homes, but those that aren’t are often forgotten. That’s why I created Secondhand Hounds – to help those animals who have had a rough life, but still deserve respect and a loving, safe environment.”

While the organization today has 30 full-time employees and many volunteers, it had much more humble beginnings.

“I was pregnant when I started SHH, so I joke that the hormones made me do it,” Rachel says. “But in all honesty, I have always had a passion for animals. I grew up with foster pets and started fostering myself in college while studying conservation biology.”

For her, fostering was a fulfilling hobby, but nothing more.

“I didn’t see it as a business model until a while later when I realized that, unlike some rescuers, I loved connecting with people just as much as I loved rescuing animals,” she explains. “I thought there had to be a better way to make this a career path for people and save more of our furry friends.”

So as Rachel says, she decided to take a leap of faith and opened Secondhand Hounds as a small-scale rescue organization. However, what started as a few foster pups is now a giant operation.

“My goal was originally to have thirty dogs in the program at any one time, but we grew extremely fast,” she says. “We now have about 300 to 400 animals in our care currently and rescue around 2,500 to 3,000 annually.”

SHH opened with the core mission of rescuing dogs from all over the Midwest to find them a life filled with love.

“We took a lot of animals from kill shelters, local animal control, surrenders and so on,” Rachel says. “As the years went on, we were able to expand operations to include helping cats, diversified rescue programs and eventually we even opened our very own veterinary center.”

The vet center is a public, full-service clinic where all the profit goes back into the rescue process.

“Our center opened in 2020 and it has become another source of income, allowing us to grow the rescue and change more lives,” Rachel says. “Every penny of profit goes back to the animals, so if people in the public can’t foster or donate, it’s a great way for them to still help.”

The vet center is attached to SHH’s main office in Minnetonka, so now instead of taking new rescues somewhere else to get a health screening, it’s all under one roof.

“Once an animal is with us, they are looked at by our vets, microchipped, and then given to a foster family who will care for them until they are ready to be adopted,” Rachel says. “They don’t stay with us in a brick-and-mortar environment for long periods and since we have one main building, it’s super easy for foster parents.”

The foster process is also completely free to the fostering parents. Collars, food, litter boxes, food dishes, beds and all other necessities are provided upon pickup.

“We want to encourage as many people to become fosters as much as we can,” Rachel says. “It’s such a rewarding experience and I still have foster pups of my own on a regular basis.”

In addition to fostering, Secondhand offers many different programs such as Forever Loved Hospice, Neonatal, and a pet food shelf for those struggling with financial insecurity.

“Our hospice program is for terminally ill dogs and cats in shelters,” Rachel explains. “I simply refuse to believe senior and terminally ill animals need to live their final days in sterile, often understaffed shelters. We have foster families that open their hearts and homes to help these babies pass feeling loved. It’s an incredible program and I cherish it.”

She continues, “On the complete opposite side of life, our Neonatal Program is for puppies and kittens born with health issues or disabilities. Even with these issues, we have found that babies can thrive and make amazing pets with specialized around-the-clock care at the beginning of their lives. We understand that 24/7 care for

weeks at a time isn’t a possibility for most, but fortunately, we have committed foster homes that are not only experienced but able to provide hands-on care for these little ones before being adopted.”

For those needing help feeding their pets due to economic hardship, Secondhand Hounds’ has an animal food shelf in Minneapolis that offers free chow and supplies for cats and dogs. This is located at 2501 Minnehaha Ave for metro residents only.

SHH inherited the pet food shelf from People & Pets Together in 2021 with a focus on increasing the amount of food and supplies being distributed. Thanks to a partnership with Chuck & Don’s, the food shelf is now housed at Secondhand Hounds’ Minneapolis location, the Chuck & Don’s Pet Wellness Center.

Last year, they were able to distribute over 250,000 pounds of dog and cat food to those in need.

“No family should have to give up their beloved pet because they are having a hard time,” Rachel says. “Animals do so much for our emotional, mental, and physical well-being. If we can find a way to support that bond, we will do it.”

Between fostering, the vet center and all the different programs, one may think Rachel couldn’t make Secondhand Hounds any better. Let’s not forget that 28,000 animals have been saved to date and that number is only climbing. But Rachel says this is only the beginning.

“We are just now starting partnerships with a human domestic abuse shelter and an organization that assists unhoused veterans. We heard that oftentimes people won’t get help for themselves if they have to give up or leave their pets behind. This respite fostering program means that when people need space to heal, we will take in their pet for a pre-designated amount of time,” she says.

Rachel continues, “My big master plan for the next few years is to buy acreage to be able to rescue even more animals and increase respite care services for anyone who needs help temporarily - active military, those struggling with addiction or mental health crises, and seniors with health issues, just to name a few. Maybe we will even rescue a donkey or two. Everything we do is about bringing animals and people together and celebrating that unique, beautiful bond. Pets can help heal most, if not all, wounds. This new space would be about rescuing animals for sure, but also rescuing people.”

To learn more about Secondhand Hound and all their offerings, visit secondhandhounds.org .

Main office: 5959 Baker Road, Suite 390 952-322-7643

UNIQUE GIFTS FOR KIDS

Surprise Them With Something New

AirToobz by Fat Brain Rolio by Fat Brain Foosbots by Fat Brain

Arrange the tubes and connectors in any way you can imagine. Then, switch on the turbine and watch the foam balls go. Can you make them leap, hover, or cycle around endlessly? With adjustable airflow and hours of runtime, kids will never want to stop exploring!

$139.99

The colorful textured pegs move in and out as the cylinder rolls on its soft silicone tires. It’s amazingly fun to watch. The textures are fascinating for little fingers to feel. The pegs rattle beautifully when you give it a shake. Plus, it’s easy to take anywhere! Sensory learning is on a roll with Rolio.

$13

Play anywhere. Turn your surroundings into trick shots. Push your skills to the limit. Collect them all. Become the ultimate Foosbots champion!

$10

It’s August folks and that means summer is coming to a close. But that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Our friends at kiddywampus compiled this list of interactive toys sure to entertain for hours. Soak up the last rays of summer sun or cool off in air conditioning – these toys are indoor and outdoor safe.

Kiddywampus is an inspiring Minnesota toy store and birthday party destination. Created by a lawyer and mother of three, kiddywampus aims to provide a selection of the most unique toys, books, and accessories for creative, imaginative, and curious kids. kiddywampus.com .

Cheese & Charcuterie Board by Plan Toys

Everyone loves a charcuterie board. With this set, children can prepare a European-style appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress their guests. This set includes 2 pickled cucumbers, 2 strawberries, 2 crackers, 1 block of brie cheese, 2 slices of gouda cheese, 1 sliceable roll of salami, 1 knife, 1 sauce cup, 1 spoon, and 1 cutting board.

$40

Hydraulic Boxing Bots by Thames & Kosmos

These boxing robots use hydraulic power to move like real boxers. Packed with the excitement of a boxing match and the fun of constructing incredible mechanical models, this kit allows you to build two boxing robots and challenge a friend to a match. With complex shoulder gestures, two boxing punches (jab and uppercut), three waist postures, and interchangeable heads, these robots are designed to float like butterflies and sting like bees.

$50

Cats & Boxes Game by Smart Toys & Games

These cats are dying to get into a box! Move the puzzle pieces one by one until all cats are in a cardboard box. Can you help them get into their favorite sleeping spot? This sequential puzzle game for kids and adults comes in a compact format and is purrrrfect to take with you!

$17

en garde

BUILDING LIFELONG SKILLS THROUGH THE ART OF FENCING

When contemplating a sport for your child, why not consider fencing? After all, what kid wouldn’t be excited by sword fighting and all that goes along with it? For parents, knowing it’s also a safe sport can provide peace of mind. It’s also a great activity for building physical fitness, mental acuity and friendships.

“Fencers are true athletes,” says Paddy Murphy, former MN State Team Fencing Champion and coach with the Youth Enrichment League (YEL) Fencing Club who also has a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management. “They’re doing ladders and hurdles, and they’re sprinting. It’s also very technical. There are a lot of moves, like in a video game, to memorize and learn, and just the way it all goes together is different because there’s so much strategy involved.”

Fencing also increases hand-eye coordination as well as footwork skills. “Footwork is super important, but really quick thinking is probably the biggest benefit, and all

these skills help children, not just in fencing, but in everyday life,” he says.

Explains fencing mom Christina Snead of St. Louis Park, “When my son Caden found fencing in second grade, we also learned that he was dyslexic. I told him reading was going to be a struggle, but there were going to be strengths along the way that dyslexia was going to bring him. After a couple of years of fencing, one day he said, ‘Mom, my dyslexic brain really likes to think like a fencer.’ So, while anybody can do it, for kids that have different processing, fencing seems to be something that helps them.”

It’s also fantastic for kids who may not be into team sports. “Fencing, compared to most sports, is an individual sport and a lot of people really appreciate that,” says Paddy. “Of course, we encourage being a part of a team - our club is very friendly – and they’re all definitely teammates. But, at the end of the day, they rely on their own individual skills, especially in competitions.”

There are four types of competitions, or tournaments - local, regional, national, and international - and six different events in each competition with the three different fencing weapons - foil, epee and saber. While children make friends with their local teammates, they also often make lifelong friends with other participants throughout the country and the world.

“Kids meet in different competitions and that’s really cool,” says Christina. “My other son, Kai, who just recently started fencing, is my social kid. He loves hanging out at the club and being amongst everybody.”

Since youth fencing, especially under age 12, has exploded in Minnesota, YEL is now renting a dedicated space in Hopkins. Christina wanted to be able to help them set up this new space, so she and Caden, who designed a really cool fencing

logo that personifies a fencer in action, decided to start making T-shirts to raise some money. From there, it just grew.

“We started creating fencing designs for T-shirts, but then it turned into hoodies, hats and more,” she says. “Along the way, we realized that more diversity was needed on merch and wanted to represent both female and male fencer forms. We started a collaboration with an artist in the Philippines to help us. It’s been a fun project and we are excited to launch our new website and help our club grow.”

YEL has many different fencing packages available for all different skill levels and ages (the generally accepted minimum age is 7 years old). Adult classes are available too.

“For so many people, once they try fencing, they’re just hooked,” says Paddy. “It’s a lifelong sport once you get into it.”

YouthEnrichmentLeague.com

(800) 959-9261

A SPACE FOR CHILDREN TO INVENT UNIQUE AND EXCITING CREATIONS

SCIENCE COMES ALIVE

The Bakken Museum wants to make science exciting. “All of our programs are hands-on, interactive and they’re really based in humor,” says Laura Whittet, director of marketing and communications. “We want to make sure that science is not intimidating, but instead engaging and fun.”

The museum, located in Minneapolis, was founded by Earl Bakken, who was fascinated by electricity and all that it could do. After watching the film Frankenstein as a child, he was inspired to pursue a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota. Later, he would go on to co-found Medtronic, one of the world’s largest medical device companies.

Today, along with interactive exhibits, a medicinal garden, and a world-renowned collection of artifacts, the institution provides a variety of educational programs and has become a nationally recognized STEM education center.

One way in which it shares its founder’s fascination is through summer camps. The Young Makers Camp, for students in grades two and three, are half-day camps, and just like in the full-day Camp Innovation for students in grades four through nine, these youngsters get to work with real tools, laser printers, and all that goes into building a project.

“Something that’s really unique to the Bakken Museum camps is that they’re really not prescriptive,” she says. “Rather than giving kids a kit to make, what we do is ask them what they see as a problem in their lives and what’s something they would like to change or make better.”

The instructors, some of whom have been through the camps themselves, and others who are in the engineering sector, then work with the kids to make a plan to develop something that they can build using tools in its Makerspace. “That can be something like a new kind of boat they make out of cardboard,” says Laura. “These pieces usually have some sort of electricity in them. Last year we had a kid make a really great catamaran that had working lights. The students learn how to do the actual wiring, learn about electricity, and how to use the tools to build things.”

In these classes, failure is just fine. “In fact, we love failure, and our goal is to really not steer kids away from that, but to allow them to process and learn when they make a mistake.”

One parent states, “My camper enjoyed it fully. He spoke with pride about the things he learned and tried - soldering, for example - and the project he completed. It was a thrill to hear the sense of achievement in his voice. My kids appreciate the freedom to pursue projects of their choice.”

In addition to summer camps, the museum also offers Break Camps during the winter and spring when kids are off from school. Another program during the school year is its Inventors Club. “We have a Young Makers Inventors Club for the little ones and then we have our core Inventors Club for older kids,” she says. “These programs are held for four Saturdays for the younger group and six Saturdays for the older kids.”

The Bakken Museum also has a huge outreach education program, where instructors travel to libraries, schools and community centers outside of the area.

As a non-profit organization, the Bakken Museum needs support to offer all that it does, and to also provide programs for children who can’t afford them. People can sign up for memberships, they can volunteer to teach or to maintain the beautiful gardens, and of course, they can make financial donations, which are always appreciated.

To learn more, go to TheBakken.org.

3537 Zenith Ave S. | (612)-926-3878

Transforming Lives MusicThrough

MEET THREE MACPHAIL STUDENTS WHO ARE PUSHING BOUNDARIES AND HAVING FUN

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MACPHAIL

Our August issue is all about celebrating the little ones in our lives – whether they be furry pets or fun-loving kids. So, we teamed up with MacPhail Center for Music to showcase three outstanding students who are pushing boundaries and making a difference.

The mission of MacPhail is to transform lives and strengthen communities through inspirational music learning experiences. To learn more about its programs, visit macphail.org

Eira Lindberg, age 10

WHAT DREW YOU TO THE VIOLIN?

I’m drawn to the violin because I feel at ease playing pieces and communicating through music in front of others, something that doesn’t come as naturally in other areas of my life. Expressing myself through music feels more comfortable to me.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT STUDYING AT MACPHAIL?

My favorite part about studying at MacPhail is the long-lasting relationships I’ve built with teachers and fellow students. MacPhail was my first school. I started the Sing, Play, Learn Program at MacPhail when I was just 9 months old. The global community of teachers at MacPhail and my dedicated, talented peers consistently inspire me to practice more and strive for excellence. I am grateful for the ensemble opportunities with them.

Sing Play Learn Program

Jessica Nagel and daughter, June Nnebedum, 19 months

WHAT DREW YOU TO THE SPL PROGRAM?

We were drawn to the SPL program because I knew it would be a great way for June to be involved in a group with peers her age and for her to have a variety of music experiences that were all geared to her developmental stage. We have loved our SPL teachers. They are great at engaging the kids, getting on their level, and even going with the flow by adapting activities depending on what the group needs that day. Of course, June loves the songs too.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT LEARNING AT MACPHAIL?

I think our favorite part is the community feel of the classes. It’s been fun to get to know the other families and so great for June to learn from her peers. I think she’s been more confident trying new gross motor movements after seeing other kids in class do big movements when dancing.

Studies Electronic Music Production

Roland Bartels, age 18

WHAT DREW YOU TO ELECTRONIC MUSIC?

I started off making beats for my friends to rap on in 6th grade. It was honestly really cheesy, but I found that it was incredibly fun to be able to make something from a blank “canvas.” Since then, that’s what I love about it. With electronic music especially, there are tools to shape sounds into things people have never heard before. Of course, making random sounds doesn’t always sound good. There’s this balancing act between a sort of chaotic creativity and familiar sounds. For example, I play the viola and like to Auto-Tune it for this really cool effect that is both familiar and something we don’t hear very often.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

On a broad scale, my life experiences inspire me to capture the sound of what I’ve felt and thought. It’s very hard to describe thoughts and feelings and how they come about, but music in general is a great way to capture these abstract things.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

AUGUST 4TH

Honey Harvest

MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM | 10:00 AM

Get a look at how honey is harvested and bottled. Watch through the Honey House classroom viewing windows as the beekeeper at the Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center harvests this year's honey from the Bee Center's honeybee hives. Arb.umn.edu .

AUGUST 5TH

Crayfest 2023

603 N. WASHINGTON AVE | 12:00 PM

Join Smack Shack in the North Loop for the biggest summer block party. Enjoy all-you-can-eat crayfish boil, allyou-can-enjoy beer & hurricanes, and live music from The Vibe, Steeling Dan, and Viva Knievel! Not a fan of crayfish? Don't fret! We'll also have burgers and brats available. Plus, don't miss our famous crayfish eating contest.  smack-shack.com.

AUGUST 8TH

Jagged Little Pill

ORPHEUM THEATRE | 7:30 PM

Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, life — everything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show — is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music. hennepintheatretrust.org.

AUGUST 12TH

Back to the Block

119 N. 4TH ST. | 12:00 PM

The Pizza Lucé Block Party is back after a four-year hiatus. They're proud to present an eclectic lineup of awesome local music in the Minneapolis warehouse district. pizzaluce.com .

AUGUST 13TH

Into the Woods

GUTHRIE THEATER | 1:00 PM

Once upon a time, Cinderella pines to make a cameo at the ball, Jack (of beanstalk fame) tends to his cow, Little Red Riding Hood sets off toward grandmother’s house and a baker and his wife discover they are barren. Featuring beloved music and classic characters, this musical explores what happens after “happily ever after.” guthrietheater.org.

AUGUST 24TH

Minnesota State Fair

1265 SNELLING AVE N., ST. PAUL | 7:00 AM

The annual Minnesota State Fair is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. See your favorite band (line up includes The Black Keys, THE CHICKS, Keith Urban, Boys II Men and more! Eat your favorite foods and shop arts & crafts while celebrating summer and all our wonderful state has to offer. More details at  mnstatefair.org .

Are you in the know about your home investment?

Our team of professionals strive to provide the level of service you deserve, the knowledge you need, and the results you desire.

As a leading member of the invitationonly network, Luxury Portfolio International ®, Fazendin Realtors is your connection to qualified buyers all around the globe. And we don’t just list your property; we actively market it and provide a tailored, strategic approach to pricing and negotiation.

Be in the know throughout your time as a homeowner. Buying, selling, and simply living - Fazendin Realtors is here for you for all things real estate. Visit www.fazhomes.findbuyers.com today to get a complimentary snapshot of your home’s investment value.