Art Hounds: Globally infused banjo tunes on 'Intermodal Blues'

Michael Rossetto
Michael Rossetto performs music from his debut album "Intermodal Blues" Friday at the Cedar Cultural Center as part of a dual CD release concert with David Huckfelt.
Photo by Graham Tolbert

Vocalist and performer Lauren Asheim is headed to the Cedar Cultural Center on Friday for a dual CD release concert: David Huckfelt's "Stranger Angels" and Michael Rossetto's "Intermodal Blues." Asheim is particularly enchanted by banjo/guitar player Rossetto's new album, a collection of instrumental pieces that are infused with global influences.

Arts lover and supporter Janis Lane-Ewart is excited to check out something she's never seen before — a performance by black figure skaters. Brownbody is presenting excerpts from its new work "Tracing Sacred Steps," which is inspired by black social dances from slave-era America. Lane-Ewart said she's particularly curious to see how this performance translates to the ice rink — a space that's long been considered out-of-bounds for black people. Performances take place at 4 p.m. April 25 at the Anderson Ice Arena in Golden Valley and at 5 p.m. April 27 at the Highland Arena in St. Paul.

ArtReach St. Croix executive director Heather Rutledge is going to celebrate Earth Day by attending a singalong hosted by local impresario Dan Chouinard. Rutledge said she often feels the experience of singing in community to be powerful, and she hopes the experience helps inspire her to greater environmental action. Interesting fact: Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson was born a short distance from the St. Croix River, and fought to protect it as a U.S. senator. The singalong takes place at 7 p.m. April 26 at Marine Village Hall in Marine on St. Croix.

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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.