Game shows were once a staple of television programming and have played a significant role in the entertainment industry for many years.

Game shows have delighted viewers and provided competitors with a chance at fame and fortune for decades, from classics like “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” to more recent additions like “The X Factor” and “The Masked Singer.”

According to an article in Collider, game shows that used to be some of the most popular programs on television have fallen in popularity or have been canceled altogether.

It is critical to look back to game shows’ prime in order to comprehend their collapse. Game shows were extremely popular from the 1950s to the 1980s, with viewers tuning in avidly to see contestants compete, solve puzzles and take on other challenges. 

Popular programs like “The Price Is Right” and “Family Feud” gained widespread recognition, while hosts like Bob Barker and Richard Dawson attained stardom.

During this time, watching and participating in game shows was a shared activity among families and friends gathered in front of the television. Since the contestants were everyday individuals, everyone could dream of winning big. 

“Game show producers make a killing by offering ‘free money’ to select contestants so we can continue to believe in windfalls outside of the wage inequities of exploitative capitalism,” said Maggie Hennefeld, associate professor of cultural studies and comparative literature at the University of Minnesota.

The rise of reality television is one of the important explanations behind the downfall of game shows. Beginning in the late 1990s with programs like “Survivor” and “Big Brother,” reality TV provided a novel and unscripted type of entertainment. 

These shows were appealing to viewers who desired real-life drama and conflict since they were frequently more dramatic and exciting. Game shows suffered as a result. The focus of the audience switched from trivia and puzzles to watching contestants deal with challenges, eliminations and interpersonal interactions.

Through editing and behind-the-scenes manipulation from the showrunners, reality TV offers a much more intriguing viewing experience, said Laurie Ouellette, a professor of communications and cultural studies at the University who has written multiple books on reality television.

The unpredictable nature of reality television as well as the chance to become famous and wealthy attracted viewers away from the more conventional game shows. The preferences of the audience changed along with the ways in which people watched television. 

Viewers now have greater control over what they watch and when they watch it thanks to the development of streaming services and on-demand entertainment. Traditional game shows had a hard time competing with the flexibility provided by streaming services.

In addition, the development of social media and online entertainment opened up new channels for interaction. Game shows could not match the level of engagement viewers could have with content provided by YouTube, social media and online gaming. 

“Game shows are just boring to me, they’re too slow for a generation raised on the internet allowing constant entertainment at our fingertips,” said Jane Buscar, a viewer at a “Survivor” watch party at the University.

A perceived lack of creativity is another factor contributing to the demise of game shows. Long-running game shows frequently adhered to their tried-and-true forms, which could seem old to contemporary audiences. While some programs did try to break new ground, such as “Celebrity Jeopardy,” these innovations were sometimes minor and insufficient to resurrect the genre.

New game shows occasionally air on television, yet they do not catch on the same way they did in the past. Having to guess whether or not Rudy Guiliani is the one singing behind a mask does not seem to have much appeal to a younger audience.

Most albums last between 30 and 60 minutes, but ambitious musicians are venturing to break the mold by producing lengthy works that reimagine what is possible for an album. 

Advancements in sound technology have allowed for the limits of music and audio to be pushed to new extremes.

Many long-form albums tend to be ambient or instrumental works that function as background noise rather than something to be listened to intently, said University of Minnesota Associate professor of music theory Sumanth Gopinath. 

“With the advent of streaming and the ability to listen to music continuously, more people are used to listening to music for long stretches of time while doing various activities — which isn’t the same as setting aside time for a dedicated musical experience in a concert or listening session,” Gopinath said.

A commonly-cited example of a “longest album” is “Sleep” by composer Max Richter, which is 8 hours and 24 minutes long. In the notes to the album Richter describes “Sleep” as an “eight-hour lullaby that is meant to be listened to at night.” 

Francisco Lopez, an experimental musician from Spain, has been making art for over 40 years and has had sound installations in museums all over Europe. “untitled #305 [seven nights]” is an album by him that is 56 hours long. 

“‘untitled #305’ was created by means of a long process of evolutionary transformation of original-environmental recordings, through many generations of mutation, recombination and diversification of sonic materials,” Lopez said. “Contrary to what most people think, this is not a process of ‘abstraction’ but rather the opposite: a method to get to the more ‘concrete’ and specific essence of sonic ontology.”

The modification and recombination of sounds is a common way to create music that seemingly lasts an eternity. British composer Jem Finer used a computer algorithm and six 20-minute loops of singing bowls and gongs to create Longplayer, a song that started on Jan. 1, 2000, and will play until Dec. 31, 2999. 

“Without the time limits historically imposed by physical-recording media, an album could, in principle, stretch on indefinitely — one could easily imagine the extreme case of a subscription-based model of an artist or group of artists playing every day, perhaps even in a tag-team 24/7 format, for as long as listeners are willing to pay and listen,” said associate professor of ethnomusicology Scott Currie.

Bull Of Heaven, a band composed of Neil Keener and Clayton Counts, who died in 2016, composed one of the longest pieces of music of all time. 

They released the song “310: ΩΣPx0(2^18×5^18)p*k*k*k,” on July 14, 2014. The song plays as an audio file stretched out and looped in a similar way to Longplayer, clocking in at 3.34 quindecillion years long. For reference, the Big Bang is theorized to have happened around 13 billion years ago, meaning this song is about 2.57*10^38 times the age of the universe.

Modern technology has been able to push the boundaries of music to infinity, and these works are a testament to the limitless possibilities of music. While you may never be able to listen to “310: ΩΣPx0(2^18×5^18)p*k*k*k” all the way through, its mere existence is evidence of the extent to which art and technology will continue to break ground.

The sun was shining, the air was warm and the jousters were jousting last weekend at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. The event faithfully recreates the grandeur of a 16th century European village through its design, scenery and in-character staff.

The festival, which is currently in its 52nd year, began its yearly gala in Shakopee, Minnesota on Aug. 19. With over 700 entertainers, 120 food booths and over 300,000 in attendance annually, it is one of the biggest festivals in Minnesota and one of the biggest Renaissance festivals in the United States.

The first thing I did after stepping inside was buy a turkey leg, a tried and true classic from the fair. The person who sold it to me stayed in character the entire time, even giving me his stage name, “Skippy,” when asked who to cite for the article.

“It’s a magical time and place full of knights, jesters and fair maidens,” Skippy said. “I am always in eager anticipation of the festivities. It is my favorite part of the year.”

The turkey leg was eaten while watching the show “Washing Well Wenches,” an act featuring two “wenches” who chose targets from the audience to ridicule and dump laundry water on. Fortunately, I was not a victim and was able to eat my turkey leg in peace.

Afterward, I tried “mead,” a drink made from fermenting honey and water. Mine was hibiscus-flavored and had a similar taste to cough syrup, but my girlfriend’s lemon-flavored mead was a lot more palatable.

The mead was sipped on while watching a joust. The jousters were donned in full knight gear as they rode their horses towards each other. Using giant jousting sticks, their goal was to knock each other off of their horses.

“Me and my kids find this place great. It’s very cool how determined they are to put on such an authentic experience. Where else am I going to be able to watch a joust?” fair-goer Mark Overberg said.

After the joust, in an ivy-covered stone tavern called Mac’s Pub, was a show by The Dregs, a six-piece band that played Irish ballads with wonderful harmonies. Everyone in the pub seemed to already be a fan of The Dregs, often singing along with their songs.

Next was a wine tasting hosted by Pirate Pete, a man who looked as if he spent the last 60 years weary from the sea and was now there to tell the audience all about the intricate flavors of the fair’s sponsored wine. After this, I rode an elephant at the elephant riding stand.

One of the booths featured a man who would insult you as you threw water balloons at him. I did not hit him once, which the man said was because I “stay inside and play League of Legends all the time.” I have never played League of Legends in my life.

A fencing competition was also offered, in which participants would aim to pop balloons tied to either side of their opponent’s helmet. I competed against my girlfriend, and after a valiant effort on both our ends, she won the clash.

“Working here is a joy. There are so many people that join in on the affair that it feels very communal, like one big family,” fencing instructor Annie Hanson said.

The night was capped with a wax hand mold. Ideally, the ice water would be cold enough to numb the hand, allowing it to sit in hot wax long enough to create a mold. However, the ice was not cold enough, which left my hand scalding as it sat in the wax. After multiple attempts of sticking my hand in boiling wax, I realized my efforts were futile and went home.

Overall, the experience at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival was very enjoyable. It had a lot more to offer than the Minnesota State Fair, as there were regular events to watch and participate in. The medieval component elevates the experience, creating a timeless effect. I would recommend the festival to anyone, and be sure to check out the Oktoberfest Weekend from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) remain in an ongoing conflict with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The guilds’ demands highlight the lack of residuals from streaming and the use of artificial intelligence to replace humans in Hollywood. 

The WGA began a strike on May 2, demanding fair regulations for their work in the demanding digital era, with the SAG-AFTRA joining soon after in July. 

The “Minimum Basic Agreement” (MBA) was passed May 2, 2020 and expired on May 1 of this year. The expiration of this agreement is what started negotiations between the WGA and AMPTP. 

The MBA established a minimum wage for writers and was found to only apply to broadcast television. Writers for streaming content have to individually negotiate their wages, causing a gap in pay between broadcast and streaming writers. 

“What has gotten worse is who is making money off of the work and how much camaraderie and creativity is lost when writers are forced to work in micro writers’ rooms, not to mention cutting the workforce, and AI seems like the freight train that could cannibalize all creativity,” said co-creator and former head writer of the Daily Show, Lizz Winstead.

The WGA proposal estimates an increase of $429 million a year going towards writers, while the AMPTP counteroffer estimates only $86 million. After weeks of WGA negotiations, the actors guild joined in on the strike.

After the most recent contract between the SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP expired, negotiations for a new one started. Issues in the negotiations were similar to the ones cited by the writers: streaming residuals and artificial intelligence.

“SAG-AFTRA is fighting for wage increases that match inflation. The numbers the AMPTP proposed actually amount to a pay cut,” said SAG-AFTRA Twin Cities Local Board President, Casey Lewis. 

According to Lewis, SAG-AFTRA Twin Cities Local supported recent modifications to a tax credit that will increase job opportunities for actors and entertainers and is anticipated to move to Minnesota. The results of the negotiations will have a direct influence on these jobs.

One proposal from the AMPTP that prompted the strike was the use of digital replicas of actors in a film, meaning an actor can get paid for a day of work and have their likeness generated by AI for the rest of the film.

“Here, the discussion of AI is not simply an abstract fear of future technology, but a real worry that companies will be able to write and rewrite scripts with AI to produce a formulaic product without paying writers,” said Graeme Stout, a film studies coordinator at the University of Minnesota.

As technology progresses, rights and fair residuals remain contentious issues. The strike illustrates the strength of unity and solidarity among industry professionals and how effective collective action can be. 

“The advice I would offer my fellow actor-performers on strike is to stay strong,” Lewis said. “Success with these primary concerns is crucial for us to have any chance at having good job opportunities in film, television and streaming projects.” 

The strike is a watershed moment in the entertainment business. It highlights the complexity of the digital economy and the necessity of fair payment for writers and creatives. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA will continue to strike for change to attain a safe and secure future for writers, actors and other entertainers.

SAG-AFTRA held a rally at the Minnesota State Fair on Sept. 4, which was declared “SAG-AFTRA Solidarity Day” by the Minnesota AFL-CIO, a Minnesota-based federation of labor unions. Union members across multiple trades supported the rally at the Labor Pavillion.

The next SAG-AFTRA Twin Cities rally is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. in Rice Park, St. Paul.

Coffee is a common way for students to cope with their early morning classes, yet a regular morning trip to chains like Starbucks and Caribou can quickly break the bank. Fortunately, there are many inexpensive options for a quick boost of energy. Here are the top five budget-friendly coffee shops close to the University of Minnesota campus.

5. Honour Coffee and Raw Juice

451 NE Stinson Blvd, Minneapolis, MN (Como)

For students living in Como, Honour is an option just north of Hennepin Ave that offers coffee and juices at a reasonable price. Their coffee drinks average around $5 a cup, and they also offer a variety of acai bowls and freshly pressed juice mixes. 

“I’d say the energy is always pretty vibrant here, especially in the summer, with all the plants, the green wall inside and all the outdoor seating,” said Honour employee, Evan Schmitz.

Honour offers delicious drinks like Miels and Golden Nut Milk, but due to their distance and slightly higher price point, it ranks at number five.

4. Black Coffee and Waffle Bar

1500 Como Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (Como)

A popular coffee shop on the corner of Van Cleve Park, their drinks average around $4 a cup. They also offer a large selection of specialty waffles and breakfast options to fuel your post-class study sessions. It is a distinctive and cherished location in the Como neighborhood.

A cappuccino at Black Coffee and Waffle Bar only costs $3.75, yet it is still a distance from campus, putting it number four on this list.

3. Bordertown Coffee

315 16th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN (Dinkytown)

Located in an old house behind the Sigma Nu fraternity, Bordertown is a cafe that has been on campus since 2004. With European-style specialty lattes as cheap as $4.50, Bordertown is dedicated to being accommodating and friendly with its customers. 

“Bordertown is a hidden gem that not many people know about. I have not found a better coffee on campus than I have here,” said University student Sean Martin. Martin’s favorite drink to get is the Salted Caramel Mocha.

Bordertown is very close to campus but has a higher price point, making it number three.

2. Code Blu

2620 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN (Seward)

Code Blu is a must-visit if you want something down-to-earth and reasonably priced. This folksy shop sells small lattes for $4.35 and small mochas for only $3.75. Located on West Bank in the Seward neighborhood, this location offers fair prices and is close to campus, which makes it number two.

1. $1.99 Americano

1407 4th St SE, Minneapolis, MN

The newest coffee shop in the heart of Dinkytown, $1.99 Americano, has a welcoming atmosphere and dirt-cheap prices. A latte is only $3.99 and, of course, an Americano is only $1.99. Their selection of coffee is paired with specialty waffles and ice cream to cure your sweet tooth, and their cozy seats and complimentary Wi-Fi make it a perfect place to study after class.

“The price point is definitely a selling point that makes everything worth it. I like to get the banana Nutella waffle,” said University student Ethan Nguyen.

If you don’t want to strain your wallet for a quick caffeine boost and can’t travel too far from the University between classes, $1.99 Americano is the closest and most affordable coffee shop near campus.

She’s Green, Big Delicious, Love, Monday and Lily Blue performed an evening of music at The Fernace, a charming backyard venue tucked away in the Como neighborhood of Minneapolis. 

The energy at The Fernace was set with a background of psychedelic visuals illuminating the bands, along with string lights draped throughout the yard. The trees and fence surrounding the stage created a sense of privacy as the performers brought life to the garage they played in.

Lily Blue, a local indie band consisting of Lily Perkins (guitar, vocals), Aaron AuClair (guitar), Wilson Kurschner (bass) and Santos Cisneros (drums), opened the show. Their airy tunes and dreamy vocals helped to curate the atmosphere. The band brought the audience into their ethereal world as the performance set the stage for the night to come.

“Performing in a garage is definitely very different from somewhere like the Entry. It’s interesting being able to actually see everyone in the audience, it’s almost a bit intimidating at the same time. When there are lights on you, you can almost pretend there’s no one there, but at The Fernace I could feel all the eyes on me,” Perkins said. 

Lily Blue is currently working on releasing music and is hoping to put out a single within the year. 

Love, Monday, another indie group with more of a slacker rock sound was the next act on the schedule. They are comprised of Ryleigh Gallagher (guitar, vocals), Ida Ward York (guitar), Pablo Sande (drums) and Brandon Burmeister (bass). Their guitar licks and engaging stage presence quickly got the crowd moving and their tight-knit musicianship made for an engaging and unforgettable set.

“The Fernace was a really fun venue to play, we love smaller shows and playing outside. Everyone organizing it was super friendly and we had a great time,” Gallagher said.

Next up on stage was Big Delicious, made up of Andrew Mills (vocals), Nicholas Finnegan (guitar) Avary Edwards (guitar), Calvin Carrison (bass) and Joshua MacGregor (drums). They immediately entertained the crowd. Mills was donned in a suit of chainmail while playing the theremin and smoking a cigarillo. 

“House venues like The Fernace help make the shows personal and high energy. Larger venues can sometimes feel stiff and there isn’t the same sense of community as in a house show,” Mills said. “Although The Fernace didn’t give us a complimentary 24-pack of Hamm’s and a private bathroom, they did give us a free beer and they did have a bathroom, so it all worked out.”

This was the fourth concert by Big Delicious and they will be playing their next show on July 28th in Winona at Ed’s No Name Bar with Sleeping Jesus and Charlieboy. They will be releasing their debut EP, “Demonstration of Deliciousness,” soon.

The evening concluded with a mesmerizing performance by headliner She’s Green, with members Teddy Nordvold (bass), Zofia Smith (vocals), Liam Armstrong (guitar), Raines Lucas (guitar) and Kevin Seebeck (drums). They captivated the audience with their dreamy production, creating a perfect end to the night.

The Fernace delivered an intimate show with a variety of clothing vendors set up throughout the yard in addition to the amazing music. Visitors to the concert could browse the selection of merchandise, which gave the whole event an extra element. 

The Fernace provided an outstanding concert experience, showcasing an array of brilliant and diverse performers that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. The Fernace will surely become a beloved destination for music fans in the Como area if it continues to hold such events.

The art exhibition “Letters to the Future” by painter Doug Argue is currently on display at Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota. It engages viewers with a journey through past works of Argue, featuring vivid hues, delicate brushstrokes and many chickens. 

The exhibit includes an enthralling selection of Argue’s work from the past 40 years. The exhibit opened on June 17 and will run until Sept. 10, allowing students and art lovers to have all summer to take in the visionary works of the artist.

Argue, born and raised in St. Paul, is inspired by art of all kinds, not just painting. 

“It brings me pleasure to create, experience and think about art no matter how tragic the theme,” he said, citing Hamlet as an example of a piece of art that inspires him. 

Argue’s varied collection of work takes viewers on a visual and mental voyage throughout the exhibit. Each piece of art, whether it is a vast canvas or smaller work, is visually striking. Argue uses abstract imagery and unique textures striking the eye in a mesmerizing way.

“I would like people to see each individual work for what it is but also to see the mental leaps and jumps between works, between ideas,” Argue said. “A testament to being alive.”

Weisman Art Museum director, Alejandra Peña Gutiérrez, was an executive director at the Museo de Arte de Ponce in Puerto Rico for eight years prior to joining the Weisman in 2021. She studied architecture and art history at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

“At the Weisman, we often include exhibitions of work by artists with local ties. I’m pleased that WAM can give our visitors a look over an artist’s career, as with this show,” Gutiérrez said. “The so-called chicken painting has been a visitor favorite for years. Now you can see that beloved work in context of the artist’s body of work.”

The “chicken painting” refers to a work Argue did in the mid 1990s of a seemingly endless corridor with full walls of caged chickens on each side. The painting is currently on permanent loan to the Weisman.

“The paintings are very surreal and have a great use of color,” museum visitor, Sariaya Ingalls, said. “They seem to be depicting a world other than our own, like another realm.”

Argue is currently working on a new series of paintings he has made from screenshots of various websites and apps. 

“I’m not sure if they’re going to work out,” Argue said. “I only started on it a few weeks ago, though I’ve been thinking about it for years. It’s a bit of a cliché, but I think it’s true, that if you’re afraid of doing something then it’s probably worth doing because it will lead to something new and different, and that’s what I’m hoping for in my work, to keep exploring.”

For art enthusiasts of all ages, Doug Argue’s “Letters to the Future” promises to be an engrossing and entertaining exhibit. Argue invites us to consider the possibilities laying through his skillful brushstroke and philosophical insights. 

Until Sept. 10, make sure to stop by the Weisman Art Museum on the University campus to experience this artistic journey and learn more about Doug Argue’s body of work.

With the release of Greta Gerwig’s new movie “Barbie” comes the star-studded soundtrack “Barbie The Album,” produced by “Uptown Funk” and “Valerie” producer, Mark Ronson. 

The album opens with Lizzo’s “Pink”, which (as stated in the song) stands for pretty, intelligent, never sad and cool. Its over-produced pop sound sets the stage perfectly for the rest of the album. The soundtrack then continues with “Dance The Night”, a carefree dance song by Dua Lipa. 

Next on the tracklist is “Barbie World”, a collaboration between rappers Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj sampling Aqua’s 1997 hit, “Barbie Girl.” Minaj brings a sophisticated flow to the track, while rookie Ice Spice’s verse seems to fall apart at the end. 

Next is a hard-hitting bubblegum bass song by Charli XCX which name-drops Voltaire and interpolates another past pop hit “Mickey” by Toni Basil. Following this is a reggaeton track from up-and-coming KAROL G, featuring Aldo Ranks.

The album then switches from the female-dominated ensemble with Sam Smith’s “Man I Am.” Starting the song with “This one’s for the boys,” this track is a satirical take on Ken’s masculinity in Barbie world. 

Tame Impala then has a short interlude with his minute-and-28-second “Journey To The Real World” featuring a similar disco sound to his 2020 album “The Slow Rush.” Ryan Gosling also has his voice heard on piano ballad “I’m Just Ken”.

HAIM, along with ex-Vampire Weekend member Rostam on production, brings a more solemn sound to the album with the song “Home,” while still maintaining its pop core. Billie Eilish continues this melancholic trend with stripped-down, “What Was I Made For?”

The “Barbie” soundtrack is a pure pop portfolio. At 17 songs, the tracklist seems daunting, yet its 44-minute runtime makes it an easily digestible album. Near the end the songs get somewhat weaker than the rest, but the somber songs in the middle allow for a break from the bright upbeat dance tracks.

“Barbie The Album” is a good gauge for the current state of pop music in 2023. It has its share of mainstream artists with top 40 hits (Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Sam Smith), artists who have seen success largely from internet buzz (Ice Spice, PinkPanthress, Dominic Fike) along with artists often labeled “indie” or “alternative” while still having an extremely poppy sound (Haim, Billie Eilish, Tame Impala). 

The prominent tracks from the album are the songs from Charli XCX and KAROL G. Charli’s unique, hard-hitting production and earworm melodies stick out from the rest of the tracklist, while KAROL G’s modern reggaeton sound allows for the Latin pop genre to be heard in a more mainstream setting.

Minneapolis and St. Paul have more to offer than a flourishing metropolitan culture and thriving arts scene. Beyond the busy city streets is a network of charming lakes that provide recreational and leisure activities for residents and visitors alike. These lakes offer a variety of recreational opportunities, from peaceful walks to thrilling water sports. 

If you are a University of Minnesota student looking for something to do over summer break or a Twin Cities resident bored on a hot day, these top lakes close to the Twin Cities are some any Minnesotan should check out.

Bde Maka Ska

Bde Maka Ska (previously known as Lake Calhoun) is a lively urban oasis tucked away in the middle of Minneapolis. It provides a diverse range of outdoor recreation options, including sailing and windsurfing in addition to kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals. Included with the rental is a free self-guided tour of the lake.

Joggers, cyclists and rollerbladers can travel the 3.2-mile path encircling the lake thanks to its wide network of pathways and take in the gorgeous view. 

“I’ve been visiting Calhoun for years now … it is such a staple in the Minneapolis community,” St. Louis Park resident John Carter said. 

Bde Maka Ska is the perfect place to spend a fun-filled day with family and friends because it also has a number of sandy beaches, picnic spaces and restaurants. Only 13 minutes away from the University of Minnesota campus by car, this lake is a close-by spot to visit.

Lake Nokomis

Lake Nokomis, which is located in South Minneapolis, is a well-liked destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It features beaches, fishing piers and walking and cycling trails. Swimming, sailing, windsurfing and kiteboarding are all common here. 

The lake is renowned for holding a number of events and festivals all throughout the year. The Painted Turtle is a restaurant on the beach offering a variety of food from wings, salads, chicken tenders and walleye. This lake is a 16-minute drive from campus, making it one of the closer lakes to campus. 

Lake Harriet

Located directly south of Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet is a popular spot for locals looking for a quick escape into the great outdoors. The lake is an 18-minute drive from campus, and offers a range of activities, including swimming, fishing and paddle boarding, all while being surrounded by green space. 

Along the shoreline, visitors may also take leisurely strolls or bike rides while taking in the panoramic views and the quaint bandshell. 

“I regularly walk around this lake when the weather is nice. I’m very lucky to have such beautiful parks nearby my house,” frequent visitor Cameron Friedland said. 

The park regularly hosts free concerts and movie screenings, with a full schedule of events found here.

Lake Elmo

A tranquil and untainted haven from the bustle of the city, Lake Elmo is nestled in the Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 26 minutes east of the University campus. The 166-acre lake is bordered by thick forests, rolling hills and an abundance of wildlife. Swimming, kayaking and fishing are just a few of the outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy. 

“It’s very easy to spend a day out here in the summer,” boater Ethan McCaffery said. “I prefer it to the St. Croix because it feels more private and peaceful.” 

The neighboring park is a great place for a weekend trip in the middle of nature because it has picnic spaces, hiking paths and camping areas. You can also try your hand at archery at their seven target archery range. 

White Bear Lake

White Bear Lake is a beautiful body of water surrounded by attractive towns and verdant woodlands. It is located northeast of St. Paul, a 23-minute drive from campus. With public boat launches nearby, it offers plenty of chances for boating and water sports enthusiasts. 

It is known for its fishing, with Lions Pier and City Pier being the best spots for fishers. Nature lovers can take leisurely lakeside picnics or explore the charming paths in the adjacent Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park. 

Residents and visitors to the Twin Cities can choose from a wide variety of stunning lakes as the summer progresses. These lakes close to Minneapolis and St. Paul provide the ideal setting for unique outdoor adventures; whether you’re looking for relaxation, exciting water sports or a tranquil natural setting. 

So gather your supplies, explore these gems and take in the serene beauty that the treasured lakes of the Twin Cities have to offer.

The bands Diet Lite, Creeping Charlie and Why Not performed at the Chop Shop in Southeast Como, Minneapolis on July 8, providing music lovers and followers of the local independent scene with an exceptional house performance. 

The concert cemented the Chop Shop’s status as a sanctuary for underground music by showcasing the great acts’ lively energy in a small-scale environment.

The Chop Shop is not your typical house event location. The snug basement-turned-venue became a gathering place for music enthusiasts looking for a genuine and immersive experience because of its commitment to supporting local acts. 

The first act was Diet Lite. The band comprises Max Niemann (guitar and vocals), Evan Marsalli (drums) and Kelson Kuzdas (bass). They recently released an album called “Into The Pudding” in April. They have been playing many shows all over the Midwest and an eight-day East Coast tour since its release. On Oct. 12, they will return to Minneapolis, playing with Zippo Man and Basketball Divorce Court.

“The energy down there was crazy,” Niemann said. “We’d been looking forward to this show all summer and it did not disappoint.”

The next band to play was Creeping Charlie, made up of Julia Eubanks (guitar, vocals), her sister Esmé (bass), Harry Miles (guitar) and Jack Malone (drums). The crowd was enthralled with their brand of indie with a unique ‘90s rock influence. Creeping Charlie is currently recording an album in Chicago, which will be their second album following their 2021 release, “How to Kill Creeping Charlie”.

The last band to play was Why Not, a band that has been stagnant in the Twin Cities music scene for a few years now. The band is made up of Isaac Dell (guitar), Henry Breen (bass, vocals) and Joshua MacGregor (drums). 

The atmosphere was transformed by the band’s pop songs and had everyone in the room jumping around. It was easy to get sucked into the pit as their guitar riffs shook the walls of the venue. Almost all of the songs they played were pre-COVID-19, including tracks like “Ding Dong,” and “Ready 4 the World.”

“It was a trip to play those songs again and I think reinvigorated our interest in those tunes,” Dell said. “There’s a really intense and immediate feeling of community at house shows like the one on Saturday.”

The Chop Shop’s compact environment made it possible for the audience to get close to the bands throughout the event, generating a sense of community in the Minneapolis neighborhood. Outside the house burned a bonfire where people gathered between sets and mingled. 

“A house can get you up close and personal with show-goers;it feels less formal and more loosey-goosey,” said one member of the “Special Guest” band that was kept secret due to their contract obligations.

The unique atmosphere of the venue solidified the Chop Shop’s position as an important center for creative expression. 

Diet Lite, Creeping Charlie and Why Not demonstrated the passion and spirit of local music with outstanding live sets. Because of the Chop Shop’s continuous role as a catalyst for raw talent, Minneapolis will continue to be a destination for music lovers looking for authentic experiences and cutting-edge sounds.