Written by Mike Mullen
You’ve made it to that time of year when everyone wants to get outside — to a park, on a patio, at summer camp, or on a scenic hike. There are only a few spaces that offer that same type of enrichment indoors and out. Count the Capri among them.
On Saturday, May 31, be outside at the Capri for the “Capri Plaza Palooza Arts Festival.” Attendees can make fence art, join voices in a sing-along at 2 p.m. (led by J.D. and Fred Steele), create “rocket bikes,” do some graffiti art, chow down on free lunch at noon and dance all day. All City Music Dance & Drill Drumline will perform on the Plaza Stage at 1 p.m., and the R Factor band is on at 3:30 p.m.
Note that registration and tickets are required for lunch, and there are a limited number of lunch tickets available. Register now for food and fun at thecapri.org/plazapalooza. And, the Palooza needs your help to make it a success: We’re looking for about 10-15 more volunteers that day, working in two shifts. Volunteer/info: thecapri.org/events/palooza.
Legends @ the Capri returns in early June, this time with “Arias in Paradise” an intimate musical showcase featuring four superb vocalists singing arias from well-known operas, show-stopping tunes from famous Broadway musicals, and many surprises in between. Set in the beautiful Paradise @ the Capri, Alannah Garnier, Anna Hashizume, Ann Michaels and Josh Eidem will take you on a musical journey like no other, accompanied on piano by Carson Rose Schneider.
Showtime is 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, and 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 8. Tickets are $20 for groups of 10+, $25 (standard price), and $30 at the door, available at capri.simpletix.com.
This month’s First Thursday Films @ the Capri is a throwback to another era — several eras ago, actually. Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970) stars Ossie Davis and comedian Redd Foxx in a zany buddy cop film that’s heavy on style and setting. This project from writer/director Davis is credited with helping to establish the Blaxploitation movie genre. Showtime is 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, followed by a conversation led by University of Minnesota professor emeritus Dr. John Wright. Entrance to First Thursday Films is free for Northside residents; others can obtain $5 tickets at mspfilm.org.
As part of a new and exciting partnership with PCYC, Hopewell Music Cooperative North will now office and teach music lessons at PCYC, 2210 Oliver Ave N, beginning June 1. “Both organizations share similar missions,” said PCYC Executive Director Melissa Denton, “and the possibilities for increasing the impact on our community and PCYC students are deep.”
Hopewell’s Executive Director, Alfred Sanders, adds, “This move to PCYC really strengthens our ability to build a thriving music community in North Minneapolis. We look forward to welcoming students and families from across the community to our new home!” For info on Hopewell music lessons and more, visit hopewellmusic.com.
On Saturday, June 21, in honor of Pride Month, The Capri Presents: ROAR! featuring BeBe Zahara Benet, the season one winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Here’s your chance to take in this world-renowned star on stage and up close at the Capri, backed on this night by a 10-piece live band. If that’s not enough, come to see and be seen in the night’s suggested dress code: “animal print eleganza.” Cocktail hour starts at 5:30 p.m., showtime runs 7-9:30. Tickets are $15 and available at capri.simpletix.com.
In rentals this month, another Pride event: “Juneteenth Jubilee 2025,” presented by Infringement Productions, on Friday, June 20. This burlesque performance features dancers from across the country honoring liberation for bodies and identities. Doors open at 6 p.m., showtime 7-9:30. Tickets are $60 for VIP and $35 general admission; for sale on Eventbrite through thecapri.org.
On Tuesday, June 3, Purple Playground presents internationally acclaimed saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield, a purveyor of smooth jazz who formerly played with Prince as a member of the New Power Generation. Crutchfield will be backed by a full band, and the evening will also include performances by Academy of Prince students, and Purple Jam. Doors open at 6 p.m., showtime is 7-9:30. Tickets $55 for general admission, $92 for VIP, and free 12-and-under; available at Eventbrite through thecapri.org.
Bring the whole family to the Capri on Saturday, June 28 for a morning of artistry, music and movement at “The People I See Are a Part of Me,” presented by DanceCo. This “kid-focused” program starts with an interactive element that turns the audience into participants, culminating in a 45-minute performance of poetry, percussion and dance choreographed by Karla Nweje. Free for all; first event 10-10:45 a.m., followed by another at 11:30-12:15.
The first-ever TrapriteTV Awards will recognize local figures “making waves in our community” from 5-10 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, with an evening of music, food and more. The dress code is black-tie, and the event features a red carpet and “no phone zones” for maximal socializing and networking. Tickets range from $50 (reserved seating) to $120 for Platinum level, available at traprite.tv via thecapri.org.
Stay tuned to thecapri.org for updates and more announcements on upcoming events. The Capri is located at 2027 W. Broadway. For details and ticket info visit thecapri.org.