Stay out of the cold, and up to date on the latest heat for this week.

Something to watch:

“Malcolm & Marie”: While “starring Zendaya and John David Washington” ought to be enough to get you rushing to catch the latest gem to hit Netflix, if you have yet to watch it, “Malcom & Marie” delivers on all levels. “Malcolm & Marie” takes us into the world of a young couple and their ongoing dialogue over the course of a single evening. Diving into the complexities of their relationship as well as the beauty and challenges of intimacy, the film feels both extremely vulnerable and honest. While contained in only one evening with two characters, the film holds your attention entirely with the gorgeous cinematography, masterful writing and the film’s greatest strength: the chemistry between the two leads.

“Derek DelGaudio’s In and Of Itself”: Combining a variety of art forms, “In and Of Itself” is somehow a documentary film, magic act and dramatic one-man show all at once. Recently released on Hulu, this hour and thirty-minute event is one of a kind, as soft-spoken performer Derek DelGaudio shares stories from his life and stuns the audience with tricks of all forms. The show tackles issues of self-perception and identity, and may just leave you wondering how a magic show had you crying by the end.

Something to tap your foot to:

“EP2!” By JPEGMAFIA: A follow-up to his November project, “EP!”, JPEGMAFIA is back with another short but sweet collection of songs. JPEG continues to bring his unique style of production, genre-bending samples and noise-rap aesthetics, this time with a more meditative and reserved tone than we’ve seen on previous projects. The Brooklyn-born MC looks inward as “EP2!” discusses relationships, social issues and daily mental health struggles. While only 17 minutes in length, we will take what we can get as JPEGMAFIA continues to be one of the most cutting-edge artists working today.

“TYRON” by slowthai: The sophomore release from British rapper slowthai, “TYRON” is both fun and intriguing as it delivers on a variety of moods. Side one consists of largely hard-hitting tracks with grittier production and attitude-driven bars, while side two takes things down a notch with laid back beats and contemplative lyrics. The project features an array of strong features from the likes of A$AP Rocky, Skepta and Denzel Curry, all of whom help elevate each track. While it may be a while before anyone is going out again, there are several songs off “TYRON” worthy of a save to your party playlist.

Something to try:

Bordertown Coffee: Keep warm this week with a cup of coffee from Dinkytown’s own Bordertown Coffee. Serving ethically-sourced coffee and baked goods, this non-profit cafe has whatever boost you need to get through the week. When it’s especially cold out, like negative 20, their mochaccinos and matcha lattes are your friend. Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, they are open for takeout and socially distanced in-person seating.

“My simple advice is this. Plan a little, but don’t plan too much. This exact moment is the only moment you’re absolutely guaranteed to have. Look around — see how beautiful it is?”

That is one of the profound quotes from University of Minnesota graduate and Internal Medicine Chief Resident Courtney Burnett in her upcoming memoir “Difficult Gifts: A Physician’s Journey to Heal Body and Mind.” A first-time author, Burnett delves into the perils and silver linings of her recent battle with brain cancer.

The book, set to release Feb. 8, is an intimate and vulnerable telling of Burnett’s path from physician to patient, from fear to courage and pain to positivity.

A friend and colleague of Burnett’s, Dr. Reut Danieli admires Burnett’s resilience and courage in the face of her life-threatening illness.

“Her tenacity comes from this natural fight inside of her that will always fight for others before she fights for herself,” Danieli said. “She took such a horrible situation in her life, and not only improved her own life by finding this purpose but also strives to make other people’s lives better.”

Burnett first learned of her malignant brain tumor through a self-diagnosis nearly one year ago.

While in the third year of her internal medicine residency, Burnett spent the start of 2020 studying Eastern and complementary medicine in Thailand. It was there where she first began to experience abnormal neurological symptoms.

Burnett, in her words, “put on her doctor hat” and evaluated her symptoms as if consulting a patient. Upon realizing that what she was experiencing were potentially focal seizures, she rushed immediately to a Thai neurology clinic for an MRI scan.

“As weird as it sounds, when I saw that scan, I was in full-doctor mode,” Burnett said. “All I could think was, ‘Oh, you know, shoot, I’m gonna have to tell this patient some really bad news because this person has a giant brain tumor.’ And it took me a few minutes to actually realize it was me.”

Burnett immediately returned to Minnesota to undergo her first brain surgery and biopsy.

Six weeks of radiation therapy, six months of chemotherapy and a second intensive brain surgery later, Burnett’s cancer is currently stable. She has been able to finish her residency, as well as her memoir.

Burnett cites the beginning of her work on “Difficult Gifts” during her time in Thailand, where she began a blog and documenting her experiences. With no cell phone service, she started the blog to keep family and friends updated.

Her blog soon began to grow in popularity and gain an unexpected following. Readers wrote back, showing their appreciation for Burnett’s vulnerability and relatability, even to those having no experience with cancer.

Victoria Petelin, publishing project manager for “Difficult Gifts,” remarked on Burnett’s writing talents and work ethic during her time writing and editing her memoir.

“I would say that Courtney is a very straightforward person; she’s very pragmatic,” Petelin said. “She’s a very quick learner. We often say that publishing a book is like launching a small business, and throughout the entire way, she was scrappy and motivated and engaged.”

Burnett’s close friend Marisa Feld echoed this respect for Burnett’s drive and commitment in her work and treatment. “I don’t know when she sleeps,” Feld said. “She was doing her residency, she was dealing with her diagnosis, she was writing the blog and then writing a book. She is definitely very ambitious and driven.”

Along with her memoir, Burnett shared her story through various speaking engagements with brain cancer support groups, hospitals, and various other support networks. She has decided to donate 10% of the book’s profits to brain tumor research and patient care networks.

Looking forward, Burnett plans to finish her chief residency at the University of Minnesota this June and begin work as a primary care physician. She continues to write her blog and hopes to publish more pieces in the future.

“I just want to share my story in the hopes that it will help people who are either coping with cancer or just honestly coping with any sort of unexpected challenge that life has thrown at them,” Burnett said. “The biggest takeaway that I hope people get is that suffering is really a universal concept. We all experience it differently, but I think that suffering is a part of life, and despite that, we can find happiness. Happiness is the key.”

A mother of three, a self-proclaimed psychic and an all-around artist, local musician Mama Rose spent the latter half of 2020 in the studio.

Her debut EP, “drink More water,” is set to release on all streaming services on Feb. 26, with the project’s single, “sweet Waters,” dropping on Feb. 19.

A combination of sounds and influences from folk, hip-hop and neo-jazz, “drink More water” is a cathartic reflection on change, identity and discovering one’s relationship with the world and nature.

Rose began work on the EP in the summer of 2020 while pregnant with her third child.

“Right around that time, my partner and I found out that our baby had some pretty serious health complications,” Rose said. “And at that time in my pregnancy, we weren’t sure if he was even going to be able to breathe or swallow when he was born or if he would make it. So, I was in a very peculiar place of wanting, knowing that I had something coming up in my life that was going to be an extreme shift when he was born.”

Rose felt that despite the concerning news, it was the perfect time to create.

Before recording “drink More water,” Rose had been in a search for the perfect-fit producer who would help her realize her goals for her first release.

“I’ve been waiting for that person before creating my first project because I knew that whatever I put out to the world for my first project, it needed to be something that really represented me,” Rose said. “Finally, last summer, I found Jason Faye.”

Faye, a local musician and audio engineer, took point on recording “drink More water” after they met at a wedding, with Faye DJing and Rose officiating.

The two kept their recording sessions collaborative and unrestrained as they focused on improvisation and free-flowing ideas.

“Great songwriter,” Faye said. “She is just in the moment. She can just make things seemingly out of nothing and really work quickly. Very intuitive.”

Charlotte “Mama” Rose discovered her creative side at a young age. Her mother, a nonprofessional visual artist, encouraged Rose’s participation in every area of the arts, signing her up for art competitions, theater camps and eventually songwriting contests. Rose attributes her musical influences growing up to different family members, with her father playing classic rock around the house, her mother listening to funk and R&B and her older sister imparting her taste in hip-hop.

Coming out of high school, Rose was offered an academic scholarship for the nursing program at St. Kate’s University.

“The reason that I wanted to do that is because all four of my nieces and nephews — my sister’s kids — were born very early,” Rose said. “Three of them were born three months early, and they spent a lot of time in the ICU. So, I wanted to be able to help babies.”

Eventually finding herself in a transitional and transformative period, Rose left St. Kate’s at 19 to pursue music.

“I decided that I needed to stop going to nursing school because if I were to go down that path, I was never going to have enough time to be as committed to art and music as I needed to be,” she said. “I really didn’t know what that was going to look like. At that time, I was climbing out of a hole to try to convince myself that I was actually an artist, or could be.”

Rose began her performance career opening a show at Dr. Chocolate’s Chocolate Chateau, a now-closed St. Paul restaurant where she was working at the time. From there, she began to perform more regularly in the Twin Cities area. “That was the beginning of a new chapter. I did that and then just kind of slowly eased into doing more performances. After that, I created Mama Rose, which is the version of me that I share in all my art now,” Rose said.

Rose’s publicist, Krista Vilinskis, hopes that people will listen closely and take in the lyrics of “drink More water.”

“I really hope that [listeners] stop and smell the roses,” Vilinskis said. “The mindfulness behind her art is really authentic, and I feel it when I talk to her and when I listen to her music. Some people are just naturally talented, and she’s definitely one of them.”

As we get back into the swing of school, take a break from classes and treat yourself to some of A&E’s top pop culture recommendations for the week.

Something to watch:

“The White Tiger”: Based on the Booker Prize-winning novel by Aravind Adiga, “The White Tiger” is a dark and satirical look into India’s class struggle. The film follows Balram Halwai as he accounts his rise from a life of poverty to financial success as an entrepreneur and the corruption and perils that ensue along the way. Beautifully shot, written and directed, this film is engaging to no end. With fantastic lead performances from Adarsh Gourav and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, “The White Tiger” might be one to look out for as we move closer to award season.

“Disenchantment”: Back with its third season, this fantasy comedy cartoon from the creators of “The Simpsons” and “Futurama” hasn’t lost its touch. The social commentary and creative world-building are bonuses to the show’s raunchy dialogue and dark sense of humor. With 10 episodes per season and episodes running roughly 30 minutes each, “Disenchantment” is ideal for some between-lecture binge-watching.

Something to tap your foot to:

“Not Your Muse” by Celeste: Considering it’s Celeste’s debut album, the 21-song tracklist on “Not Your Muse” is nearly flawless. Blending sounds and jazz styles, neo-soul and funk, the project hits you with one jaw-dropper after the other. Whether it’s the endlessly catchy anthem “Tonight Tonight” or one of the slower and more vulnerable ballads like the title track, “Not Your Muse,” the production and performances are consistently brilliant. Celeste’s voice is spellbinding, drawing the listener in for more on every track. A master of her instrument, she proves that you can never have too much of a good thing over the album’s hour and 18-minute run time.

“Sound Ancestors” by Madlib: Legendary beatmaker and California native, Madlib has graced us with another addition to his revered discography with an avant-garde instrumental project. Combining his hip-hop background with samples and synths from all across the sound spectrum, the renowned producer poured his eclectic musical tastes and abilities over this 41-minute listening experience. While there may not be many lyrics outright, Madlib speaks to the listener in a language of his own with hard-hitting beats, groovy bass lines and memorable samples.

Something to try:

ViV!R Mexican Cafe, Market and Bakery: From the same team that brought you the Mexican fine dining restaurant Popol Vuh: a new Mexican cafe, market and bakery called ViV!R opened in northeast Minneapolis. Located in the former Popul Vuh location on Quincy Street, V!VIR opened its doors in late November. Offering a wide array of “mornin’ stuff,” like chorizo torta; “lunch stuff,” like mushroom cemita; and sweets, like mole chocolate cupcakes, ViV!R has a little something for everyone. In addition to the cafe and bakery, ViV!R includes a market that sells Mexican cookbooks, snacks, home goods crafted by local artists and more. Closed on Monday, ViV!R is open Tuesday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

While some museums are making plans to accept visitors as COVID-19 closures and restrictions begin to lift, others have yet to make plans for reopening. Here is a list of local museums and their current status as we move further into 2021.

The Bakken Museum: Open

The Bakken Museum reopened its doors to the public on January 12. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission requiring a reserved arrival time and a set capacity of 30 guests per hour.

During the period of closure in the spring of 2020, the museum began development on a new program called the “Bakken Museum clubhouse,” a program focused on tutoring and assisting students experiencing the difficulties of social distance learning.

“We’re excited to welcome visitors back to The Bakken Museum with careful health and safety measures in place,” said Joe Imholte, the Bakken Museum’s Vice President of Programs and Operations. “STEM literacy has, perhaps, never mattered as much as it does now. As a museum focused on innovation and inspiration we invite guests to explore STEM concepts and ask questions in a fun and welcoming environment.”

The Bell Museum: Closed

The Bell Museum, located on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus has set no specific dates, but hopes to reopen to the public sometime in early March, according to their website.

Minneapolis Institute of Art: Opens January 28

MIA will be welcoming back visitors on Thursday of next week. The staff is taking time to ensure a safe opening. The institute is enforcing masks and social distancing, and asking visitors to book tickets ahead of time on its website. The museum is admitting 150 visitors at a time, and will be unable to accept walk-ups.

The institute’s Chief Engagement Officer Kristin Prestegaard discussed some of the virtual gallery events being offered currently. “We really are excited that we’ve built up a lot of virtual and digital programming, like all museums have,” she said. “The beauty is that we’re open for those who feel comfortable, but we still have robust offerings for the majority of people who will experience MIA virtually.”

Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery: Open

The doors are open, and the new exhibit “Art is My Weapon” by Nikki McComb is on display now at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum. The museum asks visitors to sign in and have their temperature taken before entry, and only a certain number of guests are permitted to enter at one given time. Social distancing practices are mandatory as visitors move throughout the exhibits. Visitors can register online at the museum website.

Co-founder and Operations Coordinator Coventry Cowens says she hopes the museum can continue to safely bring intriguing and provocative historical exhibits to the public.

“We are open now and will continue to use the COVID-19 procedures implemented. Many of our visitors are senior citizens and we want them to feel comfortable in the Museum,” Cowens said.

The Museum of Russian Art: Open

The Museum of Russian art is open to the public with no reservation required. The museum is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum offers a special time slot Tuesdays and Thursdays, opening one hour early specifically for essential workers and the immunocompromised. Currently, museum capacity is set at 60 people.

Weisman Art Museum: Closed

Located on the University of Minnesota campus, the Weisman Art Museum has yet to make plans for reopening.

The Walker Arts Center: Closed

The Walker Arts galleries and shop will continue to remain closed to the public with no date set for reopening.

In the past eight months, masks have evolved as a new medium for self-expression. Whether it’s designs bought online or personal pieces made at home, state-mandated face coverings are now another piece of the outfit to be considered before venturing out into the world.

Minneapolis-based artist, Elizabeth Abraha, is taking this even further by showing that a mask can be more than a precaution for preventing the spread of COVID-19 — it can also be a canvas.

It has been just over a month since Abraha launched the Instagram page for her mask-making business, and she has quickly begun to accumulate a following. Under the name @thatcurlyhairedstitch, she showcases and sells hand-embroidered masks to the public weekly.

Each of her masks is made in unique styles and letterings, the majority of which display powerful political statements. “ACAB,” “Say their names” and “Burn it down” are just a few examples of the designs made available in previous weeks. With each Monday bringing a new set of designs, her followers never know what will be coming next.

On Mondays, Abraha posts a story on her Instagram showcasing the items available for that week, at which point customers message her with their selections. She wraps and packages the products herself and the next day makes personal deliveries to people in the Twin Cities area.

Abraha got her start in embroidery during the beginning of lockdown last spring. Stuck inside, she found the time to explore the craft, starting out by embroidering underwear and other clothes for herself.

“I’ve always been interested in it, but I never fully got into it until the pandemic. I had come back from Germany, and I did my two-week quarantine at home and obviously had nothing but time, so I spent it embroidering.”

Abraha got started on masks in July. Her first design of a pig beside the letters “ACAB” got the attention of her close friends who started asking when they could expect their own.

“Ever since then, everyone started asking me if I was selling them, so I made four more just to test it out and they sold out so quickly,” Abraha said. “It got to the point where I realized that I had something. So, I made them weekly.”

Ron Heichert, one of Abraha’s close friends, helps her make deliveries every Tuesday. He respects her originality as a creator and her newfound avenue to share her work with people who appreciate it.

“It all started organically,” Heichert said. “It was something that she loved to do, and it just happened to be that everybody else loves it too. It has really worked out in a positive way, and the community is behind her.”

Art and creativity have played a significant role in Abraha’s life from a very young age. Along with embroidery, Abraha also frequently works in photography, visual arts and other mediums, though mask-making now occupies most of her time.

“The one constant I’ve always had in my life has been art,” Abraha said. “It’s the one thing that’s come naturally to me. And even as a kid, I would always keep a notebook on me, and I’d always be drawing. It was my one accessory.”

Another friend and supporter of Abraha, Emily Finn, has been excited to see the attention that Abraha’s Instagram has been getting in the time that it has been up.

“It’s wild just like seeing the amount of people who are tagging Elizabeth in their stories or in their post because they’re wearing her masks,” Finn said. “Going to the grocery store, people have come up and asked me a couple of times if I’m wearing one of her masks, which is so exciting.”

As a natural artist who never expected her hobby of embroidery to evolve into an independent business, Abraha is excited about the future of her operation. She hopes she will be able to increase the scale of production while maintaining her handcrafted touch.

“I do think that these [masks] are a direct reflection of me,” Abraha said. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing something with the world if I didn’t feel strongly about it. Part of the reason why it was so difficult to say ‘yes’ to selling these in the first place because they fall in love with everything I do, and a little bit of me goes into every single one.”

“Africans, listen to me as Africans. And you non-Africans, listen to me with an open mind.”

Originally from the song “Shuffering and Shmiling” by Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, Wariboko Semenitari, a third-year student in the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA Acting Program, chose this phrase to be the standout line of his virtual play, “Naija is Alive,” which premiered online Nov. 6. Repeated powerfully throughout, this line highlights Semenitari’s hopes for how the stories and messages of his production will resonate with audiences.

The play centers around stories of victims of police brutality under the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) police force in Nigeria. SARS is a division of the Nigerian Police that was formed in 1992 to combat theft and other local crimes. Since its creation, there have been hundreds of accounts of physical assault, sexual violence, kidnapping and murder committed by SARS officers.

As a Zoom-based production, “Naija is Alive” is organized in a unique fashion. It moves and cuts between actors as they dramatically recite monologues and real testimonies of SARS victims. The scenes are frequently intercut with footage of protests in Nigeria, speeches from End SARS activists and various other firsthand video content acquired from online resources and social media.

Having created the play for a project in his BFA acting program, Semenitari dove in with the “do it yourself” mentality. He took on the roles of writer, director, vocal coach and more for the production, which is available to the public on YouTube.

From its inception to the final product, “Naija is Alive” comes from a personal place for Semenitari. Having been born and raised in Nigeria, he felt a strong motivation to bring awareness to the injustices taking place there and to the End SARS movement.

“[End SARS] is not something that’s new; it’s been going on for a while. But recently it has gained more traction and higher impact,” Semenitari said. “In seeing that, I was like, ‘If I don’t write about this, I’m cheating myself.’”

Along with the premiere of the play, Semenitari launched a GoFundMe campaign in order to raise money for various End SARS organizations and to establish a scholarship fund dedicated to a Black woman in the University acting program.

When presented with the script, Assistant Director Adedotun Salami saw the timing of “Naija is Alive” to be impeccable.

“My first thoughts were how incredibly timely it was as the End SARS movement really started to gain traction and notoriety, especially from global media in October,” Salami said.

The End SARS social movement officially took its name from the widely circulated social media hashtag #EndSARS in 2017, and it has experienced a recent revitalization.

“Oct. 1 is Nigerian Independence Day, and to see the End SARS movement pick up in the month that we just celebrated freedom from colonial rule was actually very inspiring,” Salami said.

Semenitari was deliberate in his inclusion of an all-female and all person of color cast, hoping to challenge trends of mainstream theater and provide representation where he saw it to be missing.

“I cast all Black women because I didn’t see enough of that on Twin Cities’ stages,” Semenitari said. “I want to write more parts for them, and I want to see more Black women onstage and on-screen.”

Actor and University graduate Jennifer Waithera Waweru played several roles in the production. While the show dealt heavily in what can be difficult and painful subject matter, Waithera Waweru sees the play’s content as a necessary examination on police brutality as a global issue.

“I think for us as Black people doing this content, it was very familiar,” Waithera Waweru said. “Although we’re still stepping into new territory. The concept of police brutality is something that a lot of us feel very close to, especially this year.”

As a director, Semenitari aimed to create a safe space where the cast and crew could thoughtfully work through the material.

“It was metamorphic,” Semenitari said. “Out of the times of rehearsal where it hit us emotionally, that’s where the most beautiful moments would come out. I tried as a director to foster this space of safety for my actresses in dealing with this hard subject matter.”

Like the Fela Kuti lyric repeated throughout the show, Semenitari hopes viewers go into “Naija is Alive” open-minded and prepared to educate themselves on the issues of police brutality in Nigeria and on the End SARS movement.

“I want people to watch it,” Semenitari said. “Everyone’s always asking, ‘How can I do more? What can I do?’ You can watch this show and educate yourself, you can share the GoFundMe and you share the show with people. And as you’re sharing this, you’re not only giving back to Nigeria and Black women’s education, you’re giving back to Black artists, especially these women, [the cast and crew].”

“A rustic, steel pipe kind of rebel rockstar vibe.”

This is what came to mind for local rapper NUR-D when describing his most recent performance atop a decked out 1992 GMC Vandura.

Complete with a fully functioning PA system, a 5-by-11 foot wooden platform stage and cruising at a cautious speed of 5 mph, NUR-D, known off stage as Matt Allen, was more excited than nervous to get the chance to test out the rolling venue.

“I loved the idea of just rocking out on top of a van,” Allen said. “I was like, ‘Are we gonna be driving down the highway like what’s the situation?’ I’m down to try whatever, I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t gonna fly off.”

NUR-D was the third performer in a new concert series aptly titled “Bands on Vans.” This series runs weekly shows every Saturday in October with a plethora of different acts and artists. Shows begin at 6 p.m. outside of Grumpy’s Northeast before taking things to the road. Halfway through the show, the trusty music-mobile slowly makes its way along the half-mile stretch of road to the 331 Club, where the performers kick off a second set.

The event is hosted and produced by community television network MCN6. Fresh off the launch of their new Minnesota music channel for the Roku app, the station has been hosting weekly livestreams broadcasting the Bands on Vans performances to their new channel and social media.

MCN6 marketing and production specialist Corinne Caouette talked about how many musicians and bands have been forced to turn to live-streaming due to the lack of live performances, and how many have struggled with it as a medium.

“There’s so many glitches and so many things, hiccups you come into technically that I think a lot of bands are really turned off to dealing with it, even though they want to try,” Caouette said. “But, you know, Stuart [the station director at MCN6] has the technical knowledge and a team that’s willing to go for it and make it happen.”

Next week’s featured artist is local musician, Athereal Rose, who will be taking the not-so-stationary stage Saturday, Oct. 17th. After having had her tour canceled back in February due to COVID-19 closures, she made sure to arrange big plans for her return to live performance.

“I’m dying to play a show,” Rose said. “In my second set, I am actually featuring six different feature artists. I have a backup vocalist, I have someone who does interpretive dance, I have a contortionist, I have someone who’s hooping. I tried to make it special, since it’s my first show back in Minnesota since my botched tour.”

The team at MCN6 has made a point to remind audience members to adhere to social distancing and to wear masks while in attendance.

“People were playing it safe for the most part, you know there were a few drunk people toward the end of the night that we had to be like, ‘Social distance! Wear a mask,’ but for the most part. people were respectful,” Caouette said.

The act set for Saturday the 24th is local Soul and R&B musician Krysta Rayford, who goes by K. Raydio. Rayford sees the Bands on Vans event, along with the resurgence of live performances everywhere, as positive and important spaces for people to come together as a community to celebrate art.

“I just want to say that, you know, I’m from the south side of Minneapolis, I’ve performed here for 10 years now and I think what is so unique and wonderful about the Twin Cities music community is moments like this, where people come together, not only to assist the performing artists, but to also really be there for their community,” Rayford said.

“It just really feels cool to be a part of something that’s much more about lifting the spirits of everyone right now and I think Minneapolis, truly needs to feel like we have things to look forward to and we can support one another through the arts. I think music is more important now than it has been for a very, very long time.”

Want to join a club or student organization but aren’t quite sure where to start searching? Look no further. A&E rounded up some of the most interesting, fun and downright wild clubs on campus to help get your search started.

Campus Meme Society
Memes have the power to bring us together. Amid the dark times we find ourselves in, this University organization offers a sanctuary for all. Campus Meme Society is a place where students can share and connect over the universal language of memes. The club functions as a forum for students to engage in the ever-evolving social media culture.

The group’s president, Andy Columbus, mentioned that in the past, the group would typically meet in person but is currently making plans for virtual meetings in light of COVID-19.

“We are right now thinking about doing online meetings a couple times this semester and hopefully to transition to a physical meeting once the spring semester rolls around,” Columbus said.

Canoe Battleship
If you’re craving excitement, looking for a new community and don’t mind a few water balloons thrown your way, this is the club for you. Canoe Battleship is a water combat sport like no other with the goal of building a team and besting the enemy.

Previously, Canoe Battleship has held battles in large indoor swimming pools with various crews in canoes attempting to sink their opponents boats with buckets and squirt guns. This year, however, the group will exclusively be hosting land battleship competitions.

The game functions as a life-size recreation of the board game Battleship, in which a large tarp is hung dividing a portion of the field in two halves. Players on either side of the tarp remain stationary in spots of their choosing — while remaining socially distant, of course — and attempt to hit the players on the other side with water balloons.

Enlistment officer Hannah Bui sees the club as a quality place for people looking to have some carefree fun. “You don’t really have to expect much,” Bui said. “You’re just going to get really wet, but you’re also just surrounded by a bunch of other maniacs who are just about having fun.”

Dungeons and Dragons Club
Who could say no to a short break from reality in times like these? Dungeons and Dragons Club is open to anyone and everyone looking to play the popular fantasy roleplaying game. Whether it’s your 50th campaign or you’ve never even rolled a die in your life, the adventure is open to all interested parties. The group mixes in other tabletop role-playing games as well.

Happy Accidents
In a semester of Zoom lectures, late assignments and social distancing, we all could use a way to relax and unwind. The answer? Bob Ross, obviously. Happy Accidents is a community painting club, a place for students to destress while painting along with legendary PBS art instructor Bob Ross.

In the past, the group met in person over coffee and snacks but is currently in the process of arranging socially distant Zoom sessions. The co-founder and president of Happy Accidents, Katie Daly, sees the club as a fun, low-pressure environment to make art and meet friends.

“It’s pretty low-key,” Daly said. “I’m not very good at painting. It’s not professional, it’s just an amateur art club. It’s nice to give yourself a break from doing school.”

Mindfulness for Students
This club is a nondenominational meditation group. Members practice kindness and connection toward their bodies, minds, spirits and community. The group accepts all new members interested in guided meditation and mindfulness.

For fall 2020, the group is hosting weekly Friday Zoom meetings from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and has a Slack channel available for member communication. The group’s president, Maria Arriola, finds the club to be a useful outlet for students at this time.

“I figured it would be important to still have the club running so people could connect,” Arriola said. “It’s still really focused on having the opportunity for people to have a sense of their in-community and that people are intentionally showing up to a Zoom link that’s not just for classes.”

Music Sharing Club
Listening to the same three playlists? Looking for some new tunes for the fall semester? Look no further than the University’s Music Sharing Club. At weekly meetings, each member gives another member an album to listen to and consider over the next week.

When assigning albums, each person explains what made them choose that album and why it is important to them. The group starts each meeting with members discussing the album that they were assigned, including thoughts, highlights and favorite tracks.

Something to watch:

“When They See Us”: Based on a true story, this four-part miniseries is a dramatic retelling of five Black and Latino teenage boys who, in the spring of 1989, were falsely convicted for the assault of a woman in Central Park. A compelling story of racial oppression in law enforcement and the criminal justice system, this series is extremely relevant to today’s climate. The series was written and directed by Oscar-nominated and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay, and features outstanding performances from Asante Blackk, Michael K. Williams and many others.

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”: This 2004 romantic science-fiction drama follows an estranged couple who, following a breakup, attempt to erase each other from their respective memories. With incredible performances by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, this offbeat story is full of twisted science, dark humor and heartwarming moments perfect for an autumn night in.

Something to tap your foot to:

“I Need A Man [2020 Remaster]” by Prince: One of a collection of singles re-released ahead of the upcoming “Sign O’ The Times (Super Deluxe)” remastered album, this release is chock full of funky basslines, classic ‘80s drums and groovy Prince vocals that are sure to get your feet moving. The collection features five other songs — remixed highlights from His Royal Badness including “Forever In My Life,” “Witness 4 The Prosecution” and more.

Something to try:

Kimchi Tofu House: A cozy favorite of Stadium Village residents, Kimchi Tofu House is perfect for the changing weather. Serving a plethora of Korean dishes from ramen to curry to authentic Korean barbecue, the menu is sure to have just what you’re looking for. On the corner of Oak Street Southeast and Washington Avenue Southeast, the restaurant is open for take-out and dine-in.

Something to do:

Greenway Glow Arts Festival: From 3-9 p.m. on Sep. 26, the Midtown Greenway Coalition will be hosting its annual arts festival, this year both virtually and in-person. Five miles of the greenway will be sectioned off for art installations and live performances. Face masks and a minimum social distance of six feet will be required by attendees and performers, with no more than 25 attendees at one installation at a time. If you’re not comfortable attending in person, a live stream of the event will be accessible through the Midtown Greenway website.