The Music
Eve
Sun., Sept. 1, 10 pm • Epic, 110 N. 5th St., Mpls., 612-332-3742 or epicmpls.com • The Grammy Award winning rapper-songwriter, record producer and actress is touring in support of her fourth studio release Lip Lock – her first new release in over 10 years.
Minnesota State Fair
Through Sept. 2 • 1265 Snelling Ave N., St. Paul, 651-288-4400, www.mnstatefair.org • After you’re done visiting the Midway or the 100’s of animals on display in the barns, check out some of this year’s must-see acts: Sheila E, Aug., 29, Bandshell stage; Robert Randolf and the Family Band, Aug., 30 & 31, Bandshell stage and the Twin Cities’ own Chastity Brown, Sept. 1 & 2 on the Heritage stage at sundown.
Oliver Mtukudzi & the Black Spirits
Sun., Sept. 1, 7:30 pm • Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls., 612-338-2674 or www.thecedar.org • The Cedar celebrates the start of its 25th season by presenting a free concert by legendary Zimbabwean musician Oliver ’Tuku’ Mtukudzi. Tuku is one of the most successful African recording artists in North America. His concerts are described as having a rare combination of utter joy and deeply rooted humanity.
Les Nubians
Fri., Sept. 6, 7 pm • Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-1010 or www.dakotacooks.com • With a distinctive “Afropean” sound and irresistible grooves, Les Nubians have spent the last decade becoming the most popular French-speaking act in the U.S.
Mansur Scott & the Harlem Quartet
Wed., Sept. 11, 8 pm • Artists’ Quarter, 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-292-1359, www.artistsquarter.com • Vocalist/percussionist extraordinaire Mansur Scott, is known all over New York City as a serious sage and “the jazz mayor of Harlem.”
Saul Williams
Thurs., Sept. 12, 10 pm • Icehouse, 2528 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls., 612-276-6523 or www.icehousempls.com • Acclaimed poet, musician and actor Saul Williams will be performing his blend of poetry and alternative hip hop.
The Screen
Lee Daniels’ The Butler
Opens Aug. 16
Various theaters • Lee Daniels’ The Butler tells the story of a White House butler who served eight American presidents over three decades. The film traces the dramatic changes that swept American society during this time, from the Civil Rights Movement to Vietnam and beyond, and how those changes affected this man’s life and family. Featuring Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Terrence Howard, Minka Kelly, Lenny Kravitz, Melissa Leo.
The Stage
Eddie Griffin, The Labor Day Explosion!
Fri., Aug. 30, 7 pm • Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 1-800-982-2787 or www.HennepinTheatreTrust.org • Comedian Eddie Griffin appears with special guests Jay Lamont and Honest John.
A Brown Tale
Sept. 12-22 • Penumbra Theatre, 270 North Kent St., St. Paul, 651-224-3180 or www.penumbratheatre.org • Written and performed by James T. Alfred and directed by Lou Bellamy, A Brown Tale is a one-man show about his childhood in Chicago. It reels from the outlandish to the hilarious to the deeply poignant. Born in 1972, Alfred recalls a time when “the projects” contained a proud Black community that was tightly knit and well managed.
Send all Entertainment Spot briefs to abuchan an@spokesman-recorder.com, or call 612-827-4021.
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