If you took the energy of a Nardwuar or “Hot Ones” interview and sprinkled in a little college charm, you would end up with something like the latest project of Radio K’s 24/7 online hip-hop stream, The Vanguard.

In an effort to highlight the Twin Cities hip-hop scene, The Vanguard hosts local artists for in-studio performances and interviews on weekly episodes of Local Vibes. In addition to these segments, they recently introduced a new format that mirrors the style of a late night talk show.

“The idea was really to have a more intimate, relaxed and creative kind of setup,” said Paul Schoening, program director of The Vanguard. “It feels a lot more personal.”

He explained that the talk show is the product of a collaboration between Radio K and Liberal Arts Technologies and Innovation Services, otherwise known as LATIS. Serving students, staff and faculty within the College of Liberal Arts, LATIS Video Services offers video and audio equipment, studio space and other resources to be used for media production. Conveniently, the Rarig Center on West Bank is home to both LATIS and Radio K.

Schoening accredits the idea behind the talk show to the producer and host of Local Vibes, John Kueppers.

An employee of both LATIS and Radio K, Kueppers saw the organizations’ physical proximity to one another as an opportunity for their collaboration. “I just thought it would be such a cool idea to utilize that space,” Kueppers said.

Kueppers came up with the idea for the project in October, and spent a lot of time over winter break planning its execution. After a number of meetings and rehearsals with other folks from The Vanguard, the show started to come along.

The first episode premiered Feb. 2, featuring Blu Bone, an interdisciplinary artist and University of Minnesota graduate student.

“For this first episode, I wanted an artist that was an incredible performer and someone that I knew people would want to hear from,” Kueppers said. “Blu Bone was definitely someone that stuck out to me …When I started researching him, I found out just how lucky I was to have him as the first guest and how incredible he is within so many different art forms.”

In traditional talk show fashion, Kueppers and Blu Bone came together for a casual sit-down interview, equipped with coffee mugs and armchairs. The set, decorated with artist posters and various items from Kueppers’ childhood, created a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. He described it as a “warm, come on in and stay a while” type of vibe.

“Radio can be kind of a nostalgic medium,” Kueppers said. “So I think it played off of Radio K’s history well, and their brand as a music hub that kind of has this messy, college vibe to it, but is still intact.”

Blu Bone took the stage for two electric performances, illuminated by his choice of vibrant blue and orange hues. Kueppers wanted to make it a priority that the artists had the ability to express themselves creatively throughout the whole process, all the way down to the set’s lighting.

“What will always be important to me is getting the artist’s vision across and getting their input on these sessions,” Kueppers said.

The teams at LATIS and Radio K came together to make this happen on the technical side, with between 15 and 20 people working behind the scenes on sound, lighting, camera work and other elements of production.

Nikhil Kumaran is The Vanguard’s outreach coordinator, and he worked on videography for this episode. Kumaran is a journalism student with interests in multimedia production, so when he heard that Kueppers was looking for volunteers, he said he’d gladly go behind a camera.

“I think the opportunity to work in that studio with LATIS was really cool,” Kumaran said. “I mean, that’s not something a lot of college students get to do.”

Schoening, Kueppers, Kumaran and the rest of the team will be back in the studio shortly to record the next show, and their goal is to release new episodes on the first Wednesday of every month. Without revealing who the next artist will be, Kueppers hinted that they started out with spoken word poetry.

In terms of what audiences can expect in the future, The Vanguard has a few visions. “Expect incredible femme artists,” Kueppers said. “Highlighting femme and nonbinary artists is a really high priority for us to do in the future, because a lot of the times the realm of hip-hop is male-focused. It’s really important to me and everybody else at The Vanguard and Radio K to get that bigger picture of the music scene.”

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, your love life (or lack thereof) might be on the brain a little more than usual these days.

But you can celebrate the upcoming holiday whether you’re in a committed relationship, heartbroken, in a talking phase or two, waiting patiently for “the one” or anywhere in between. Whatever your Valentine’s Day vibe might be, here are some movies to top off your Feb. 14 plans.

For post-breakup blues:
If you’re recovering from a breakup this Valentine’s Day (or even worse, missing a toxic ex), give “Jennifer’s Body” a try. This ultimate cult classic film starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried is about as far from a romance movie as you can get. Jennifer Check, played by Fox, is a demonically possessed high school cheerleader who kills and feeds on her male classmates. Watching this on V-Day might validate any resentment you’re feeling towards your ex-partner, because a little bitterness is certainly better than bloodthirst.

For the honeymoon phase:
If you’re spending Valentine’s Day head over heels in love, you and your partner should incorporate “Moonrise Kingdom” into your upcoming date night. This iconic Wes Anderson coming-of-age film perfectly encapsulates everything sweet, blissful and innocent about lovesickness. The story follows two kids who fall in love through pen pal correspondence and ultimately devise a plan to run away together, causing chaos in their New England town. If you would rather do anything than be apart from the person you love, this is the movie for you.

For when it’s complicated:
Maybe your love life is all over the place, scattered between multiple talking phases all while you’re still pining for your ex. If so, you might relate to the complete and utter chaos that is “Shiva Baby.” While attending a Jewish funeral service alongside her parents and family friends, a college student named Danielle (Rachel Sennott) winds up running into her sugar daddy with his wife and child. As if that weren’t enough, her ex-girlfriend Maya (Molly Gordon), for whom Danielle has some unresolved feelings, is also attending the service. If your current romantic endeavors feel like a bit of a claustrophobic mess, this is the drama for you.

For “Galentine’s Day:”
If you’re planning to stay in with friends this Valentine’s Day, grab some snacks and turn on “Palm Springs.” In this comedy, Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti play two wedding guests who get stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again with each other. This film offers a lot of laughs topped off with a bit of romance and makes for a perfect movie night with your besties.

For manifesting your soulmate:
If you’re spending this Feb. 14 daydreaming about the future love of your life, “Before Sunrise” should be your Valentine’s Day watch. The young Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) are strangers separated by different countries and walks of life, until they meet on a train headed to Vienna. With their small talk comes a budding chemistry, and the two decide to disembark together for a romantic journey that can only last until sunrise. Give this film a try if you’re dreaming of meeting “the one,” and who knows, maybe you’ll find your own Jesse or Céline on your next light rail trip.

For putting yourself first:
If you’re on your own this Valentine’s Day, don’t sweat it— there’s a certain beauty in being single and prioritizing self-love. “Legally Blonde” is a great watch for those looking to celebrate singleness. When Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) gets dumped by her boyfriend, she follows him to law school in an attempt to win him back. But once Woods realizes that she’s defined by more than her relationship status, she starts prioritizing her own dreams, and everything soon falls into place. If you’re looking for a little single empowerment, this movie is right up your alley.

For celebrating queer love:
The tragic queer love story trope is represented far too often in media, frequently depicting themes like heartbreak, violence and death. But in reality, queer love doesn’t always end in tragedy. If you’re looking for a heartwarming LGBTQ+ romance that doesn’t rely on trauma, check out “But I’m a Cheerleader.” Natasha Lyonne stars in this campy comedy as Megan Bloomfield, a high school cheerleader whose parents send her to conversion therapy upon suspecting that she’s a lesbian. She befriends another girl at the camp, Graham (Clea DuVall), who she begins to have feelings for. This kitschy, brightly colored film highlights the beauty, rather than the pain, of queer relationships. If straight love stories aren’t your go-to for romance media, this movie is a great Valentine’s Day option.

Between her recent acting debut and subsequent Golden Globe nomination, Alana Haim is quickly becoming a household name in cinema.

But most fans probably know Haim from the stage, not the big screen. The 30-year-old actress and musician plays keys, guitar and sings alongside her sisters in the pop rock trio bearing their family name, HAIM. The band’s most recent album, “Women In Music Pt. III,” earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year in 2021.

The sisters will hit the road this year for HAIM’s North American tour, stopping in Minneapolis on June 6 for a performance at the Armory.

On top of her musical success, Haim recently added “actress” to her resume with a stellar debut performance. She stars in director Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest ‘70s coming-of-age film, “Licorice Pizza,” alongside fellow breakout actor Cooper Hoffman.

Haim chatted with college A&E writers from across the country about her performance, the film’s iconic soundtrack, channeling the ‘70s on set and more.

You and your character in the “Licorice Pizza” have the same name, but do you have anything else in common with Alana Kane?

“I think the thing that I loved about her the most, and I’m definitely the same way, was that she’s incredibly protective over the people she loves. She rides for her friends and her family, and I can definitely see myself in that aspect.”

You spend most of your career performing at music venues, so did you have to shift your mindset to adjust from performing for a crowd to a single camera?

“When you’re playing to a crowd, everything is very big. You have to make your emotions really big, you have to be screaming, singing and having huge movements. For a camera, everything’s so close up, mostly on your face. When we perform, my sister has an amazing bass face, so the cameras are usually on her face but not mine. So, it was completely different, more subtle movements and really getting into my body. It was a really crazy transition.”

Music obviously plays a big part in this film. As a musician yourself, how did you feel about the film’s use of music?

“The songs in the movie are all songs that I love so much. I had no idea what was going on music-wise, other than the first song that’s played in the movie, which is “July Tree” by Nina Simone. That was the only song that I had heard on set. But I love the soundtrack so much. One of my favorite parts about filming the movie is when we got to the Pinball Palace, Paul would play music between takes or if we were reloading film, so it actually did kind of feel like we were all at a party in this Pinball Palace. Music was constantly playing, and it kept the vibe going.”

The music plays a big role in setting the scene for the audience. As an actress, how did you place yourself in the ‘70s without the help of the soundtrack?

“I mean, we basically lived in the ‘70s all the time. We never had any sort of technology on set, like no one had phones or anything like that. It was all very much like we were living in that time. Also, I had to do my own hair and makeup for the whole movie, so I would wake up every morning at 5:00 a.m. to do it, and that really did help. It helped the look and feel of the movie, because it looked real, I wasn’t very glamorous.”

It was really exciting to see a bit of a family reunion on screen. Did those scenes with your sisters and parents feel easier or more difficult to shoot because of your relationship with them?

“It wasn’t difficult and it wasn’t easy. It was honestly just funny, because we were all kind of looking at each other and being like ‘How did we get here?’ My dad improvised all of his lines, and that’s just really who he is, he’s so funny. We could hardly even get through one take, I think Paul had to be like, ‘Okay you guys, stop laughing.’”

Did you ever expect such an overwhelmingly positive acting debut for yourself?

“Oh my god, I mean, I had zero expectations. Even when we put out albums, we just put out things that we love, and we hope other people like it but it’s really just for us. But even making the movie I was like, “I have no idea what I’m doing, but hopefully it’s good.” Everyone working on the film was so supportive of me, and it was just a crazy experience that I had. It’s an honor being in any form of a Paul Thomas Anderson movie, I never thought that would happen.”

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The Minnesota Book Awards announced this year’s finalists Jan. 29, and a handful of past and present Gophers earned a spot on the lineup.

The annual awards, hosted by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, honor Minnesota’s finest authors and illustrators from nine different categories. One finalist from each category will take home an award at this year’s ceremony, which will take place on April 26 at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts.

Several University of Minnesota faculty and alum have been named as this year’s finalists. The complete list of finalists for each category can be found here.

General Nonfiction

Kim Heikkila — Heikkila is an award-winning teacher, author, speaker and oral historian. She attended the University of Minnesota for her Ph.D. in American studies, as well as a minor in feminist studies. Over the years, Heikkila’s oral history work focused on the antiwar movement, the work of immigrant entrepreneurs on Eat Street in Minneapolis, voting rights activists and more. She’s in the awards race for her oral-based history book, “Booth Girls: Pregnancy, Adoption, and the Secrets We Kept,” which tells the stories of women who passed through the Salvation Army’s Booth Memorial Hospital.

Kim Todd — In addition to her work as an author and essayist, Todd teaches nonfiction creative writing in the University’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program. Her most recent work, “Sensational: The Hidden History of America’s ‘Girl Stunt Reporters,’” details the story of undercover female journalists in the nineteenth century who risked their safety to expose the living and working conditions of the Gilded Age.

Genre Fiction

Tom Combs — Before adding “internationally bestselling author” to his resume, Combs studied biochemistry at the University and later worked as an emergency physician for 25 years. Today, his experiences in emergency medicine and trauma hospitals heavily influence his works of fiction. His book “Insurrection” tells the story of Drake Cody, an emergency physician who must act quickly during a devastating act of domestic terrorism.

Allen Eskens — Eskens studied journalism at the University of Minnesota before receiving degrees in law and creative writing from other universities around the state. He recently retired from practicing criminal law after working in the field for 25 years. Eskens’ book, “The Stolen Hours,” is the story of a Minneapolis-based attorney on a mission to put an assailant behind bars.

Memoir and Creative Nonfiction

Said Shaiye — Shaiye is a Minneapolis-based multimedia artist, as well as an MFA student and graduate instructor within the University’s creative writing program. His work uses writing and photography as tools to facilitate healing from childhood trauma. Shaiye’s “Are You Borg Now?” is an Afrofuturist memoir that examines identity through the intersections of culture, race, class, gender and nationality.

Ranae Lenor Hanson — Hanson is a storyteller, writer and activist who earned her Ph.D. in educational policy and administration from the University, with a focus on cross-cultural education. Born in the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Hanson is passionate about ecological justice and effective responses to climate trauma. “Watershed: Attending to Body and Earth in Distress” details her experience with Type 1 Diabetes, and explores the connections between the health of the body and that of the ecosystem.

Novel and Short Story

Brian Malloy — After moving to Minneapolis in 1978, Malloy became heavily involved with activism and volunteer work for LGBTQ+ rights. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, he did work with the Minnesota AIDS Project, the Minnesota March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, and founded the Minnesota Lesbian & Gay Community Funding Partnership. Malloy earned his M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Minnesota, where he now works as a creative writing instructor. His novel, “After Francesco,” depicts the struggles of a man who lost his partner during the AIDS crisis.

Diane Wilson — Wilson is a Dakota educator, writer, speaker and essayist who studied political science at the University. Outside of her creative work, Wilson is the former executive director for the Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance. Her novel, “The Seed Keeper,” is a story of reawakening that follows a Dakota family trying to protect their traditions and ways of life.

Poetry

Douglas Kearney — Kearney is a widely acclaimed poet, performer and librettist whose work appeared in a handful of anthologies and exhibitions. Currently, he teaches creative writing at the University of Minnesota. He utilizes a writing style known as performative typography, and often incorporates themes like politics, African American culture and contemporary music into his work. “Sho,” Kearney’s most recent poetry book, examines history, pop culture, myth and folklore.

Michael Kleber-Diggs — Kleber-Diggs attended law school at the University of Minnesota, where he earned his J.D. in 1993. Today, he teaches creative writing and writes essays, poems and literature reviews. His debut poetry collection, “Worldly Things,” documents the systemic struggles many Americans face and reflects on our potential for something better.

To Alejandra Peña-Gutiérrez, museums are much more than just historic institutions. She sees them as essential resources that adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of their surrounding communities, which is just one philosophy that will influence her work as director of the Weisman Art Museum (WAM).

Peña-Gutiérrez is an accomplished leader in the international art world. After studying architecture and earning a master’s degree in art history, she served as the head of art museums in Mexico and Puerto Rico, is currently a member of the Association of Art Museum Directors and serves on the International Council of Museums’ (ICOM) U.S. board. She recently embarked on the next chapter of her career when she assumed the role of WAM’s director in November 2021.

After several months of closure due to building maintenance, the WAM fully reopened on Jan. 19. In addition to the permanent collection gallery, visitors can check out two new temporary exhibitions on display: “Foundling: 100 Days” and “The Nature of Shoreham Yards.”

A&E chatted with Peña-Gutiérrez about her move to Minnesota from Puerto Rico, the visions she has for WAM’s future and more.

What made you want to work in museums originally?

“I actually got invited to work in a museum in Mexico as an architect, and that was really interesting. At the same time, while I was doing my master’s in art history, I had a teacher who was the director of Museo de Arte Moderno in Mexico City. She said she would be interested in having me apply for a curatorial position there, so that’s how I kind of left my architectural background and started working more in art history and museums.”

Where did your career take you from there?

“I entered this universe in Mexico that had a lot of possibilities, which is the National Institute of Fine Arts. It’s basically one of the largest institutions that not only does research, but also promotes creation and education in the arts. That’s where I sort of developed my career in this respect. Then I moved to Puerto Rico, where I spent almost the last 10 years working at Museo de Arte de Ponce. I started as deputy director, and was later appointed director of the museum.”

What pushed you to make the move to Puerto Rico?

“I really liked the work in museums because I felt that you could establish a more direct rapport with your community. So when this opportunity to move to Puerto Rico came, I just went for it.”

Has the opportunity to work with art from various parts of the world taught you anything about the roles, responsibilities and ethics behind museums?

“I really think that in art, as in anything, it’s important to stay connected and to know what’s happening globally. Not just what’s happening in terms of artistic creation, but also questions about the relevance of museums, how museums are changing, how their visions should change and how we’re adapting to the expectations of our communities.”

How will this influence your work at WAM?

“I would like to bring that discussion on the future of museums to WAM. How do we change? How do we become more relevant to our communities? How do we address some of the day-to-day problems that our communities are facing?”

I’m interested to find out what sparked your interest in this position. What were some of the things about WAM that you were drawn to?

“There were various things. The fact that it’s part of a university where there are so many resources and all of this young energy. You’re surrounded by young people who, at the end of the day, are the future of the field and of the world. I was also very much attracted to the diversity of the Twin Cities, and how having the Twin Cities be the epicenter of the Black Lives Matter movement would inevitably have an impact on everything.”

How has your move from Puerto Rico to Minnesota been so far? That’s a big change.

“It’s been great, my staff has been amazing. Even before I started, they organized a sort of happy hour so that I could meet with them. I’ve also been super welcomed by the directors of other museums in the Twin Cities, which has been incredible, and in general by the University community. Even other Mexicans and Latinos that are here have reached out to me, so I’ve gotten together with some of them and it’s been really nice.”

What are your day-to-day responsibilities looking like as WAM’s director?

“I think my main responsibility, at least for now, is to observe and see what the team has been doing. It’s been a very difficult time for everyone with the pandemic and the fact that the museum was closed for so many months. So I think another responsibility is really to bring the team together, and to work on a vision for the museum. And then of course, I have to raise money. Every museum director has to be involved in the development part of things.”

What are some of your visions for WAM’s future under your leadership?

“I would like to think that we could have a closer relationship with the University and its resources, as well as the students. I want them to feel like they’re included, and that they have a voice and a presence at the museum. I would really like to see this through collaborations where the students and their work is included. I also think we have a responsibility towards the diverse underrepresented communities in the Twin Cities, and I would like to strengthen the relationship with them. It’s important to collaborate with organizations that are already doing certain work, and see how we can come together and do things that will benefit the community. There are certain important subjects that I feel we have to address, like mental health and climate change. As times are changing, and the relationships of museums with their communities are also in a process of transformation, I think we have to look into that and see how we can become more relevant to the communities within our university and city.”

This interview has been edited for clarity and length

The Northrop Dance Series was among the 1,248 projects across the country selected to receive grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

NEA recently approved Northrop for the $30,000 Grants for Arts Projects award. The grant will support the series’ presentation of dance performances and audience engagement activities.

Established as an independent federal agency by Congress in 1965, NEA provides the funding and support necessary to give Americans opportunities to participate in the arts. Since its inception, NEA has awarded $5.6 billion to support performances, exhibitions and other art activities nationwide.

A handful of Twin Cities organizations received an award from NEA this year alongside Northrop; $25,000 was awarded to Mixed Blood Theatre Company, $55,000 to Children’s Theatre Company and $20,000 to Minnesota Opera, to name a few.

“The Grants for Arts Projects funds awarded by NEA will help support the presentation and audience engagement activities of six dance companies and musicians this spring,” Northrop Director Kari Schloner said. Opportunities for audience engagement will include family programming, school matinees, master classes and other activities.

Schloner noted the importance of grants for performing arts organizations as revenue from ticket sales continues to be adversely affected by COVID-19.

“It could easily be several years before we see pre-pandemic levels of earned revenue,” Schloner said. “While that source of funding remains unstable and unreliable, other sources of financial support such as grants like this one from NEA are more critical than ever.”

NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers said projects such as the Northrop Dance Series help support the community’s creative economy.
“Northrop in Minneapolis is among the arts organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts,” Eilers said.

The series’ lineup of upcoming dance performances includes a ballet by the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a new work from Paul Taylor Dance Company by Peter Chu, Ragamala Dance Company’s “Fires of Varanasi: Dance of the Eternal Pilgrim.”

“With this support from NEA, Northrop will continue to enrich our community, bringing world class dance and music to the Twin Cities and connecting artists and audiences in meaningful experiences,” Schloner said. “The arts unify, heal and give hope, which is something we all need now.”

If your experience in the kitchen boils down to heating up frozen meals from Trader Joe’s, you’re not alone. Getting into cooking might seem like a daunting task, and one that requires lots of extra time, energy and money. But this doesn’t have to be the case.

Learning how to cook can be a fun, inexpensive way to take care of yourself, and it’s not as difficult as it may seem. Three local food and cooking connoisseurs weighed in on the best practices to get started in the kitchen, ingredients and tools every beginner home cook should keep on hand and more.

Jess Fleming is the food editor at the Pioneer Press. Growing up, Fleming’s interest in good food was piqued by her family’s dishes, like her aunt’s Thanksgiving pumpkin chiffon pie. Today, Fleming enjoys cooking at home for her three children.

Beth Dooley is a food writer and author working to create an intersection between professional and home cooking. She created the Bare Bones Cooking Club alongside her son, Kip Dooley, with the hope of teaching audiences cooking fundamentals and how to prepare delicious meals using what they already have in the cupboard.

Madison Bessinger is the creator of Madison in MPLS, an Instagram account-turned-website that focuses on local restaurant reviews and a series of her own simple recipes to make for a night in.

Getting started

Whether you’re a hands-on learner or like to read about the process before doing something, there are various steps you can take to feel more confident and inspired to get started in the kitchen.

Bessinger suggested browsing good sources of food-related media, such as the New York Times Cooking subscription. The subscription includes an email newsletter that provides the subscriber with weekly recipe plans and cooking inspiration.

“Their recipes are classic and pretty impressive, but not overly complicated,” Bessinger said. She also recommended following recipe creators on Instagram to find food inspiration on your feed.

Once you’re in the mood to cook, Fleming said the key to getting started is picking something you’re hungry for, finding a recipe and reading it in its entirety.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve screwed up by not reading a recipe all the way through,” she said.

Dooley said investing in one or two basic cookbooks is another great place to start. “Find a recipe, make it once and then fiddle with it,” she said. “The whole point of recipes is to have guidelines, but you can mess with them a little bit.”

She also suggested learning a few fundamental cooking techniques like roasting. “The easiest thing you can do is learn how to roast,” she explained. “A pan of roasted vegetables tossed with a little oil and salt makes a beautiful side dish.”

Stocking your kitchen

There are a few basic ingredients and cooking tools that every beginner chef should have on hand.

Dooley noted the importance of having good oils and butter, both of which can be sourced locally. Other pantry staples include dried and canned beans, which are inexpensive and great vegetarian options.

Bessinger said greek yogurt and a hunk of parmesan cheese are two versatile ingredients that she uses frequently in her recipes. She also recommended using kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, both of which can really step up the flavor in a dish. “Buying a pepper grinder has changed my life,” she said.

Other inexpensive cooking tools she recommended include nonstick pans, a cheese grater and a Magic Bullet blender.

Fleming said she loves to stock up on chicken broth, which often comes in handy for making sauces or adding moisture to recipes.

Tips and tricks

In terms of cooking on a budget, Bessinger said that pastas are your best friend.

“They’re pretty impressive if you’re hosting someone,” she said. “You could make a pasta that just has good olive oil, red pepper flakes, lemon and frozen shrimp, and that’s a very nice meal with cheap ingredients.”

As far as techniques go, Fleming advised to not overcrowd your pan, and don’t be afraid to let something get brown. “That browning is flavor,” she said.

One tip that Dooley had for beginners is to slow down and pay attention to your senses while cooking. Cooking is a sensorial experience, she explained, one that takes us away from our screens and connects us with the natural world.

“I think everybody needs to just slow down and cook a nice meal and be together,” Dooley said. “I don’t think we do enough of that.”

While a new semester is exciting, some of us may already be feeling the stress of new classes and adjusting to a different schedule. As you shake off the winter break cobwebs and get back to the grind, it’s important to do things for yourself outside of work and school.

Luckily, there’s plenty of fun things to explore during these last few weeks of January, like concerts, the Winter Carnival, an ice palace maze and more.

1. The Current’s 17th Anniversary Party: The Current is a staple of local radio, and they’re celebrating 17 years of music with a concert at First Avenue on Jan. 22. The evening will feature a great lineup of musicians, including Low Cut Connie and Jade Bird, as well as local artists Kiss the Tiger and Miloe. Tickets are $24

2. Twin Cities Vintage Fest: Whether you’re into ‘90s t-shirts or ‘80s memorabilia, Twin Cities Vintage Fest is the place to be. It’s Minnesota’s largest vintage shopping event, and the next one is just around the corner on Jan. 29. The Minneapolis Convention Center will be filled with photo-ops, a vintage arcade, over 100 vendors and plenty of nostalgia to go around. Tickets for the event can be purchased online. Tickets range from $5-20

3. Stillwater’s Ice Palace Maze: If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, the Ice Palace Maze in Stillwater is open now through Feb. 20. This ice maze is the largest in the country, made up of over 800,000 pounds of ice. Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores and even cocktails from their ice bar. The maze is open seven days a week, and tickets can be purchased online. Tickets are $20 for adults

4. St. Paul Winter Carnival: The Winter Carnival in St. Paul is back for its 136th celebration. This year’s carnival will run Jan. 28 through Feb. 6 in Rice Park and at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. It will offer ice carvings, scavenger hunts, live music, a snow maze and more. A full calendar of events can be found on the carnival’s website. Free

5. “Come From Away” at the Orpheum: The award-winning Broadway musical recently opened at the Orpheum Theatre, and runs through Jan. 23. “Come From Away” tells the true story of 7,000 airplane passengers who were forced to land in a small Newfoundland town on Sep. 11, 2001, and the community that welcomed them in. Tickets start at $40

6. Classic Movie Screenings on Campus: Student Unions & Activities is offering free screenings of classic films during the last two weekends of January. “Jurassic Park” and “The Thing” will be shown in Coffman Memorial Union Theater and the St. Paul Student Center Theater. Showtimes for both movies can be found online. Free

7. Adam Melchor: The indie pop artist known for dreamy, lullaby-esque hits like “Real Estate” and “Moon in the Morning” will perform at The Whole Music Club on Jan. 22. This show is a great opportunity to catch Melchor before he hits the road with Chelsea Cutler for her tour this spring. Tickets for the concert are available on the Student Unions & Activities website. Student tickets are $5

8. “Dancing Our Way Out:” This film by University of Minnesota Dance Program students, faculty and guests was created in response to COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd. Northrop Auditorium is offering this program to audiences through streaming, and it’s available for on-demand purchase through Jan. 21. Tickets are sold on a “pick your price” basis from $0-50

9. Houndmouth: Following the release of their new album, “Good For You,” the alternative blues band is hitting the road on tour. The group will perform at the Fine Line on Jan. 25, alongside Milwaukee-based musician Buffalo Nichols. Tickets start at $30

10. Dance Theatre of Harlem: The 18-member dance company will perform three pieces that celebrate African American culture through the art of ballet. The show will take place at Northrop Auditorium on Jan 28, and tickets are available online. Tickets start at $30

“Am I sweaty or turned on?” Jordan Miller, lead singer and bass player of The Beaches, asked the crowd during the band’s high-energy set. “We’ll never know.”

The same question could be asked of the audience, as the Toronto-based alternative rock band exuded confidence and commanded the attention of every eye in the room. The group opened for The Aces on Nov. 30 at the Fine Line, whose calm, collected and comparatively underwhelming indie-pop performance made The Beaches seem like the night’s main attraction.

The crowd of teens and 20-somethings continued to shuffle in as the opening set kicked off. Most people went for a “casual but still cooler than you” look — leather jackets and blazers, sheer shirts, beanies and band tees aplenty. The same cannot be said of The Beaches’ on-stage attire, though, which was brightly colored and glistened in the spotlight.

Each musician’s look seemed to reflect their individual tastes and personalities, but when put together, the group took on a space cowboy-esque vibe. Miller’s sparkly red bodysuit was similar to the look of her sister, guitarist Kylie Miller, who donned a pink sequined mini dress. Guitar and keyboard player Leandra Earl went for a red jumpsuit and matching cowboy hat, while drummer Eliza Enman-McDaniel kept it simple with a white halter top and a bold red lip.

The Beaches’ set was just as expressive as their wardrobe. The 45-minute performance contained a hearty mix of alternative and punk rock jams that only seemed to get more electric as the set went on, which was matched by the audience’s exponentially increasing excitement. Their stage presence was energetic and infectious, as the band jumped around to a lineup of guitar-heavy tracks that beckoned a head-banging response from the crowd.

The band did exactly what any good opening act should do: they got the crowd ready for the headliner. It even seemed like the audience didn’t want them to leave, momentarily forgetting which band they bought tickets to see.

With the crowd primed and eager for more music, The Aces finally took the stage. “Minneapolis, are you ready to have a good time tonight?” lead singer Cristal Ramirez shouted, which quickly rekindled the audience’s excitement from the previous set.

The band came out with a bang, as the crowd cheered and enthusiastically sang along. The Aces’ indie-pop hits aren’t mosh-able by any means, but the audience expressed their enjoyment through raised hands and nodding heads that kept time with the upbeat tempo.

Ramirez, outfitted in a leather jacket, dark jeans and a vintage Flossie Band graphic tee, carried an undeniable confidence during the show. The same can be said for The Aces’ other three members, who remained calm and collected in their designated regions of the stage.

It’s clear that each of the musicians brought a significant talent to the performance, but the band’s demeanor and stage presence seemed to be their downfall that evening. Their ability to remain cool under pressure bordered on the edge of being nonchalant, which gave off a very different energy than what would be expected to follow such a bubbly, powerhouse opening act.

Because of this, it was easy to get lost in The Aces’ set. It became a bit sonically monotonous, aside from a few obvious fan favorites. Some tracks that stood out amongst the mix were “801” and “Kelly,” two unapologetic queer anthems that seemed to resonate with audience members.

“It’s not easy to be queer, not easy to be women on stage,” Ramirez said. “When you’re at an Aces show, you’re free to be whoever you want to be.”

Toward the end of the set, the band members began tossing roses into the crowd, who enthusiastically put their hands up as if they were reaching for the bride’s bouquet at a wedding. The warm gesture brought back a little of the excitement that was lost as the previous few tracks seemed to blend together.

Preceding a two-song encore, the band closed with “Daydream,” their most popular track. The crowd came to life upon hearing the song’s opening guitar notes, a clear shift in energy that remained through the encore. Their performance of “Stuck” concluded the show, a lively send-off that made the wooden floorboards shake as the crowd jumped around. Energy and excitement overflowed from the stage into the surrounding room, but it’s a shame that it took the entire setlist for this to happen.

It’s hard to believe that the fall semester is already coming to a close. With the weight of finals on our shoulders, it can be hard to carve out the time to do something fun — but everyone deserves a break during this final stretch, and luckily, the Twin Cities have plenty of activities to go around.

Whether you need to step away from the books or you’re looking to fill free time during winter break, here are 20 events happening nearby to check out this December.

1. Caroline Polachek: The singer-songwriter best known for her debut album “Pang” is hitting the road for her “Heart is Unbreaking Tour.” She’ll be performing at First Avenue on Dec. 7 with special guest Oklou.

2. Falling Into Winter Fashion Show: Black Motivated Women will hold their annual fashion show on Dec. 5 in Coffman Memorial Union’s Great Hall. Come celebrate the work of talented designers and artists for a great cause — donations taken at the show will benefit Black Women Speak, an organization that creates space for Black women to “heal, find joy and move toward liberation” on their own terms.

3. “Vision Portraits” Screening: The Weisman Art Museum and Student Unions & Activities will hold a screening of “Vision Portraits,” a documentary about art and disability, on Dec. 8 in Coffman Theater. The 2020 film provides a glimpse into the worlds of three artists who lost their vision, focusing on the ways in which their creative processes have changed. The screening is free to all, and registration is encouraged.

4. Gigs: The Whole Music Club will host the Gigs event on Saturday, Dec. 11 to highlight student artists and bands. Keep an eye on their event page for more information and the lineup, and come out to see some of your fellow Gophers take the stage.

5. “Anastasia” at the Orpheum: The Broadway musical “Anastasia” will run at Minneapolis’ historic Orpheum Theatre for a limited time this month. From Dec. 7 to 19, the show will transport audiences to 1920s Paris, following a young woman’s pursuit to discover her past. Tickets for the show are available for purchase on the Orpheum’s website.

6. “The Art of Change” Exhibition at MIA: The Minneapolis Institute of Art’s newest exhibition, “The Art of Change,” will open Dec. 11. It will feature nearly 50 works from one of Japan’s most notable potters, Kamoda Shōji, highlighting how his process revolutionized the creation of ceramic pottery for other Japanese artists. The exhibition is free, and will be on display until April 17.

7. Jason Mraz and Toca Rivera: The Grammy-award winning singer and guitarist, Jason Mraz, is touring with his longtime collaborator, Toca Rivera. They will be performing at Northrop Auditorium on Dec. 11 alongside folk musician Gregory Page.

8. Yam Haus: The Minneapolis-based pop band has gathered a lot of attention since dropping their album “Stargazer” in 2018, and they’ve been accompanying Blue October on a tour across the U.S. for the last few months. But Yam Haus is returning home for their own headline show at the Palace Theatre on Dec. 17. Joined by special guests DNM and Keep for Cheap, this concert is a great way to get out and support local talent.

9. Holidazzle: One of Minneapolis’ most infamous holiday traditions is back. The Holidazzle will return in-person to Loring Park Dec. 17 to 19. The weekend’s festivities include fireworks, amusement rides, visits from Santa and a handful of food, drinks and other goods from local makers.

10. GLOW Holiday Festival: A new wintertime attraction opened this year at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The GLOW Holiday Festival is a walk-through experience that features over one million lights, a three-story ice palace, Sky Glider rides, a State Fair food court and more. The festival is open now through Jan. 2, and tickets are available online.

11. Miracle at Lawless Distilling: Named Minneapolis’ original Christmas pop-up bar, Miracle at Lawless Distilling is back. This holiday-themed cocktail tasting experience will offer seasonal drinks and lots of festive decor to make for a great December night out. The pop-up will be open through Dec. 30, and reservations can be made here.

12. University Art Galleries: There’s lots of art on campus to check out this month. “Dreaming of Mythos” is a painting exhibition on display in the Coffman Art Gallery through Jan. 30. This collection combines classical, renaissance, baroque and modern imagery to express themes of identity, folklore, love and more. “Blue Psyche,” a series of paintings by Lelia Byron, is an artistic representation of her own dreams. This exhibit is on display through Dec. 10 at the St. Paul Student Center’s Larson Gallery.

13. Nutcracker Fantasy: This production by the Minnesota Dance Theatre is a classic Twin Cities holiday tradition, and it runs at the State Theatre Dec. 17 to 22. Whimsical choreography combines with an iconic orchestral score in this show, creating a fantastic dance production for all ages to enjoy.

14. Joyful Echoes: The Minnesota Orchestra will be holding their annual Joyful Echoes event Dec. 16 to 19. The Orchestra Hall will be filled with musical medleys and stories revolving around Minnesota’s holiday traditions, led by local artists PaviElle French and Kevin Kling.

15. Emo Night: If you’re a fan of My Chemical Romance, Avril Lavigne, Paramore and the like, this one’s for you. Amsterdam Bar & Hall is hosting Emo Night on Dec. 18, where you can grab a drink, watch drag performances and dance to the sounds of 2000s emo icons.

16. Cathedral Festival of Lights: The Cathedral of St. Paul’s exterior will come to life this month during their annual Festival of Lights. The extravagant outdoor light show will be joined this year by an immersive indoor show and holiday market, and the festival will take place Dec. 15 to 19.

17. Christmas Film Screenings: The Parkway Theater in Minneapolis will be screening old Christmas movies all month long. The lineup offers classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Dec. 11 and “Christmas Vacation” on Dec. 23 Tickets are available for purchase online.

18. The Last 2021 Rave: The 7th St Entry will be buzzing with some of the Twin Cities’ most electric artists and DJs on Dec. 29. “The Last 2021 Rave” will feature performances from killusonline, Juniper Douglas, Riotgrrrldarko, 6RIPS, 101115hotel and University of Minnesota student Joely Kelzer, aka DJ Mojo Jojo. If you like to mosh, you definitely don’t want to miss this show.

19. New Year’s Eve Danceteria: If a full night of dancing sounds like the ideal way to ring in the new year, check out the Danceteria event happening at First Avenue. The iconic venue will celebrate over 50 years of music on the night of Dec. 31, with the help of their lineup of DJs. Grab your tickets now and kick off 2022 with a bang.

20. 90s VS 00s New Year’s Eve Party: Maybe Y2K pop is more your style for a night on the dance floor. In that case, check out the 90s VS 00s New Year’s Eve Party at Fine Line on Dec. 31. The 90s dance party band, You Oughta Know, and local 2000s hits extraordinaire, DJ FooLProoF, will take the stage for one nostalgic night. Come celebrate New Year’s Eve by reminiscing about some iconic past eras in music.