Written by Mike Mullen
For not the first time in recent years, the Twin Cities has been forced into the global consciousness for a deeply painful reason. It’s times like this to pull together as families, friends, neighborhoods and a community to remind ourselves what’s most important, and where we’re strongest. As always, there’s no better place than the Capri to connect and build community.
We’re grateful to report that this month starts off with some big good news. Effective July 1, Maija Garcia will step into the role of Director of the Capri Theater, where she’ll take the lead on creative vision and community programming at the historic landmark venue. Garcia has helmed productions in countless venues across three continents, and counts Spike Lee and Bill T. Jones among her past collaborators.
Garcia says she’s “thrilled to begin a new chapter of innovation at the Capri,” adding “I believe the Capri is uniquely positioned to harness the power of arts to activate a rising generation of storytellers, game changers and world builders.”
“[Garcia’s] bold vision, artistic leadership, and strength as a seasoned community builder is central to our strategic priorities for the Capri’s continued growth and success,” said PCYC Executive Director Melissa Denton.
Know a local kid who loves to read? Or one you think just needs a little encouragement? Beginning June 30, PCYC Freedom School returns as a free five-day-a-week, all-day program serving area youth in grades 1-5. School day starts with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and features lunch, activities, recess, activities — and lots of dedicated time for reading and learning throughout the day. Enrollment is free for scholars in grades 1-5 (grades 1 and 2 are currently at capacity, with waitlist enrollment encouraged) and available at pcyc-mpls.org/pcyc-summer-freedom-school/. Freedom School is also looking for adult volunteer readers from 8:45-9:15 each morning; sign-up at the same link.
On Monday, July 7, middle school-age scholars start their Summer Camp Capri
experience of five weeks of art-full learning, fun, and making friends at the Capri under the tutelage of directors Dennis Spears and Greta Oglesby. Camp culminates in the performance of the musical The Big Bad Musical: A Howling Courtroom Comedy at 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, August 6 and 7. Registration for Summer Camp Capri, waitlist registration is available at thecapri.org/programs/youth/summer-camp-capri-2/.
In yet one more opportunity for youth, the Echelon Rising is a paid (!) internship to help you build college and career readiness in the world of tech, music production recording and podcasting. Hosted in the Capri Best Buy Teen Tech Center, this program runs 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from July 7-August 15; enrollees will make $16/hour and be provided lunch. Spots are limited, so get your name entered ASAP at thecapri.org/echelon-rising/.
Fresh food and homemade craft products will be available at the Peoples’ Market of MPLS on July 20 and August 1 (and repeating biweekly through the fall). Presented by the Farmers Markets of Minneapolis, the market is centered around Black vendors and focused on affordability, accessibility and quality. Market hours are noon-4 p.m., and SNAP, EBT, Produce Market Bucks and WIC-FMNIP are accepted.
The West Broadway Coalition’s Black Business Week comes to the Plaza @ the Capri on Saturday, July 26. This showcase of Black excellence will feature food, music, family activities and a vibrant marketplace. The event runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and is free to attend; vendor registration opportunities are still available at shopwestbroadway.com.
On the evening of June 28, youth and families interested in the future of media are invited to HYPE Film Screening Taking our Rightful Place in Media presented by TPT. This event features a series of short films made by talented local creators, followed by Q&As with the filmmakers. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with opening remarks to follow. Admission is free but registration is limited; sign-up available through thecapri.org.
Celebrate Minnesota’s growing reputation as a hotbed for hoops with a screening of Basketball State: The Land of 10,000 Hoops, a documentary on local talent in that sport. Doors open on July 23 at 6 p.m., with the film starting at 7 p.m., followed by a discussion featuring director Gabriel Hostetler and Minnesota Lynx broadcaster Lea B. Olsen, among others. Presented by the Minneapolis Park Foundation. Free to attend.
Bring the whole family to the Capri on 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 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, and are 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.