Friday, July 30, 2010

Calendar Of Events for the Weekend of 7/30-8/1 2010

Check out these great events this weekend!

Sommerfest 2010

“1964” The Tibute
The Best Beatles Tribute Band on Earth according to Rolling Stone Magazine
July 30th, 2010
$22-$40; VIP $50

Orchestra Hall
1111Nicolet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612.371.5600

Ryan Marshall
July 30th, 2010
Free

Peavey Plaza
Located adjacent to Orchestra Hall
 1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403

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Circus Juventas: Sawdust
July 30th - August 15th
$12.50 - $25

Circus Juventas Big Top Building
1270 Montreal Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55116


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Lowertown Music Fest
July 31  2 p.m.
$25 adv/$30 door

Mears Park
290 5th St E
St. Paul, MN 55101

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All Shook Up
Fridays : 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays : 7:30 p.m Additional performance at 2 p.m. on the 31st
Sundays : 2 p.m
$18 adults/$16 seniors & students/$20 box seats


Lyric Arts Main Street Stage
420 E. Main St.
Anoka, MN 55303
763-422-1838

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Paws On Grand
August 1st, 2010 Noon - 4pm
FREE

Grand Avenue - St. Paul
867 Grand Avenue
St. Paul, MN

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Paws on Grand This Sunday August 1, 2010

We all love our furry four legged friends but it's hard to bring them to social events and typically they are not welcomed with open arms, however not this Sunday on Grand Avenue.  Not only are they typical pets welcome to stroll down Grand Avenue with their favorite human, but even less common pets like snakes!  Yes it is that time again for Paws On Grand, when local businesses setup all along the avenue to give away pet treats and pet oriented discounts.  The Odd Couple Team is no different and we are pulling out all the stops this year!  We will be handing out a do it yourself pet toy, giving out dog treats, and a drawing to win a pet gift basket and prizes worth over $1,000!

There will be live human training:
1pm  First Aid / presented by Own Your Pets Life
2pm Animal Communication / presented by Pure Spirit
3pm Clicker Training /presented by On Cue Training & Behavior 


 The Pet Project will be present to help collect pet food donations to support families in need.  As well as Minneapolis Picks will be there to take your pet photo and enter them to win the pet photo contest.  There will also be a kissing booth, a pet look alike contest and even a chance to get your pets paw print in clay.  This event promises to be tons of fun for all (especially your pet!) 

Make sure to stop by and visit us and register to win some of the great prizes, (thank you to all our donors) we will be at 867 Grand Avenue don't forget to mention you saw it on our blog!!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Mind bending acrobatics performed by kids...

I don't know about you but growing up I saw the great performances put on by Cirque De Soleil and thought it was amazing, however it never crossed my mind that I could actually learn how to do those stunts; not for these students at Circus Juventas.  Not only are they learning these tricks they are also putting on full length, high quality shows performing them.  According to their website their mission is: 'Circus Juventas, a performing arts circus school for youth, is dedicated to inspiring artistry and self-confidence through a multi-cultural circus arts experience.' If you have never heard of them before you are in for a real treat!


Back in 1994 Circus Juventas was founded by Dan and Betty Butler originally under the name Circus of the Star, it was started as an after school program and could only accommodate 30 students, not only did the classes fill up immediately after opening within a year they had a waiting list of over 300 youths! Through the fund raising efforts of Circus Juventas they were able to reach their funding goals, secure a long term lease and build their infamous 'Big Top' by 2001.  Fast forward to the present and you will find they have performed in front of hundreds of thousands of adoring fans, all over the Twin Cities.  


Their latest addition to these amazing shows is 'Sawdust: Fame, Fortune, Glitz and Grit' a story about two circus performers from the 'golden age' of traveling circus' and the story through their eyes.  This show promises to be full of dare devil stunts as well as some good old fashion circus humor mixed in, and as always will be a performance suited for all ages.  To buy tickets check out their website or call 651.699.8229
Also if you have children between the ages of 2 and 21 and would like to learn to do these amazing stunts check out their Recreational Program.



The Odd Couple Team supports local youth programs like Circus Juventas and the arts.  As active Realtors in the Twin Cities area and members of the Grand Avenue Business Association, we work hard for our clients and give back to the community whenever possible.  If you have any real estate needs don't hesitate to call we are here to help!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

How to turn a negative into a positive

Anyone who has taken the Greenway bike trail that runs through South Minneapolis over the past few years have seen some changes at least on the Empire building (aka 'The Bomb Shelter") At 3415 E. 27th St. back in 2002 the owner Darrell Hutson purchased the building for his glass & door company, back then the space between the building and railroad tracks was "a scary place."  His goal was to clean it up by trimming the brush shortly after he started running into issues from the buildings past.  The rear of the building used to be a 'free wall' meaning graffiti artists were free to use it as a blank canvas as part of an agreement with the city of Minneapolis.  The city did this as an attempt to stop the vandalism all over the city but allow these artists a place to show off their craft.  However after mayor Sharon Sayles Belton ended this program in 2000 the building continued to be a canvas for these artists but now it was illegal.  Even worse when Hutson cleared the brush and the city found all the graffiti they ordered him to repaint the building to the tune of $12,000, within a week it was covered in graffiti again.  Worried about having to pay another $12,000 Hutson believed there had to be a better way. 

Invoking his first amendment right to freedom of speech, when a few local artists contacted him asking to make a true piece of art, he agreed.   This ended up being the best solution because once there was a serious piece of art by artists that were recognized, and he maintained the integrity of the wall, the city and other graffiti artists would respect it as well.

Now Hutson attracts artists from Florida, California, Philadelphia, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis.  Artists like NMPH, Yen34, Mike Fitzsimmons and John Grider have contributed.  When you get a chance ride by and take a look it's worth it!  For more information and pictures check out the article on Ask.com

Monday, July 26, 2010

Paws on Grand Gift Basket Sponsors

The Odd Couple Team would like to show their appreciation to all the sponsors that donated to our gift basket and give-aways for  Paws On Grand August 31, 2010

    Come join us and enter to win our gift basket and prizes valued at over $1,000  plus we will be giving away a do-it-yourself dog toy, that you can put together at our booth or take home with you!  Also we will be giving away FREE maps to local dog parks provided by Minnehaha Media.

Thanks to all our amazing sponsors including:

Sarah Beth Photography, If you're looking for high quality, modern images that showcase the personality, expression and spirit of your pets (or children!) you've come to the right place.You'll find her style is distinctive, artful, and just what you're looking for!

Sarah Beth Photography has donated a $100 gift certificate which can be used to get some amazing photos of you favorite furry friend.





  

   Grand Groomers, provoides complete dog grooming: bathing, brushing, nail clipping, teeth brushing, trimming. Doesnt' your dog deserves the best?
Grand Goomers has provided a gift certificate for a FREE pet grooming session!  Pamper you pet with a trip to the groomer today!


Pet Yard Pick-Up, Has your yard gone to the dogs? Does that certain household chore leave you “down in the dumps?” Pet Yard Pick-Up can help. Pet Yard Pick-Up is a low cost dog waste removal service. The concept is simple. They have been serving busy homeowners in the Twin Cities metro area since 1989. Their clients are people just like you! Ordinary people who have better things to do with their time. Disabled? Bad Back? Or just plain squeamish…Whatever your case, they’re here to serve you.

     Pet Yard Pick-Up has donated their services and will pick up those 'pet indiscretions' from your yard.




Minnehaha Media, Introducing Run+Play+Wag: Twin Cities Dog Lovers Map— a complete map of off-leash dog areas including acreage, amenities and permit requirements. The resource listings provide access to dog-friendly organizations and advocacy groups.  Enjoy these great parks with your favorite furry friend!

    Minnehaha Media will be donating FREE maps to everyone who registers for the gift basket which means you don't even have to win to get the map (what could be better than that!) Also check out their website for other great Twin Cities area maps.



    All these great prizes and more will be given away this Sunday at Paws On Grand from The Odd Couple Team and our phenomenal sponsors.  We will be at 867 Grand Avenue from Noon to 4pm Sunday August 1, 2010  We hope to see you all there!!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Paws on Grand Pet Food Collection

Help The Pet Project as well as other members of the Grand Avenue Business Association collect 5000lbs of pet food between July 19th and August 1st, 2010. According to their website 'The Pet Project helps people keep their pets by providing pet food and basic supplies to those who are struggling. The Pet Project also provides connections to basic veterinary care and information on finding pet-friendly housing.' With 'Paws On Grand' coming up on August 1st The Pet Project and Grand Avenue Business Association decided to team up and collect 5000 pounds of pet food. Thanks to Solid Gold Health Products for Pets donating 500lbs food and giving a great head start! The following are a list of businesses that you can donate between July 19th and August 1st

-A. Johnson & Sons Florist - 1738 Grand
-The Bead Monkey - 867 Grand
-Creative Kidstuff - 1074 Grand
-CVS Pharmacy - 1040 Grand
-Grand Avenue Chiropractic & Acupuncture - 976 Grand
-Grand Avenue Veterinary Center - 1140 Grand
-Grand Groomers - 956 Grand
-Health Foundations Family Health & Birth Center - 968 Grand
-Lillians on Grand - 841 Grand
-Maximized Living: Aspire Chiropractic - 333 Grand
-Northern Brewer - 1150 Grand
-phresh spa salon - 937 Grand
-Quince - 850 Grand
-Stella.blu - 1104 Grand
-Ten Thousand Villages - 867 Grand
-Treadle Yard Goods - 1338 Grand
-The UPS Store on Grand - 1043 Grand 
-Wet Paint:Artists' Materials & Framing - 1684 Grand
-Whole Foods Market - 30 S Fairview

Or if you are planning on visiting The Odd Couple Team at Paws On Grand on August 1st from Noon to 4pm
at 867 Grand Ave to make a pet toy and enter in the FREE drawing for a doggie gift basket, you can bring your donations with and drop them off at 1261 Grand Ave (just in front of Kawalski's) where College Muscle Movers will gladly load them into their truck and give you a cool prize donated by Royal Pet!


Please help with any thing you can and pass on the message to others!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

What is the deal with all those cool photos on University Avenue in St. Paul ??


So, what’s with all those cool photos in the windows on University Ave. in St. Paul ??  It’s the ‘Wing Young Huie University Avenue Project: The Language of Urbanism, a Six-Mile Photographic Inquiry' of course!!

Driving down University you have probably seen all the photos in the front window of businesses, vacant buildings and on storage containers; some are of people, others local land marks and some even have people who have wrote some of their inner thoughts on a chalk board which they hold up for all to see.   Presented by Public Art St. Paul it covers 6 miles with over 400 photos and Wednesday through Sunday at night visitors to 1433 University Avenue will be greeted by a 40 foot projection screen and a show of pictures accompanied by music from local artists.  The show starts at twilight and will run for two full hours.  A thank you goes to Steve Dietz of Northern Lights. mn  who conceived it Meyer, Scherer and Rockcastle, Ltd. (MS&R) who designed it.  There are also various other events going on though out the exhibit check out the calendar for more information.

The University Ave. corridor was build by immigrants towards the end of the 19th century and is now called home by one of the highest concentrations of new immigrants.  Wing has done an amazing job creating a tapestry of pictures and words portraying the complex issues that many in this area as well as throughout the county face.  Issues including race, class, gender, immigration, sexual orientation, cultural disconnection and religion.  The photos are intended to be a diary of the conflicting, synthesized and ever changing American experience.

Interested in helping out?  The Language of Urbanism, a Six-Mile Photographic Inquiry is currently looking for volunteers, businesses, musicians and performers to assist in this massive project.  For more information about helping or to contact them about this project check out their website or send them an email info@theuniversityavenueproject.com

According to Wing Young Huie’s website: Wing Young Huie is an award-winning photographer who has received international attention for his many projects that document the changing cultural landscape of his home state Minnesota. His best-known work is Lake Street USA, which in the summer and fall of 2000 transformed six miles of a well-known Minneapolis thoroughfare into one of the most remarkable public art projects in recent memory.



The Odd Couple Team is a strong supporter of the Midway - Hamline area of St. Paul which includes the University Avenue and the Wing Young Huie University Avenue Project: The Language of Urbanism, a Six-Mile Photographic Inquiry.  When people from the area think of real estate they think of The Odd Couple Team because of their determination to help buyers and sellers with all of their real estate needs.  Feel free to check out their blog for other local events going on in the area.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Highland Fest


Come check out the 27th annual event July 16-18, 2010.  During Highland Fest you will enjoy a juried art fair, live music on two stages, over 20 food vendors, a 5K, a strongman competition, a petting zoo, a costumed kiddy parade, amusement rides and more!  There is something for everyone at Highland Fest!  http://www.highlandfest.com/
  • *Things to look for in 2010:The 5K on Mississippi River Blvd. has a certified course!
    An improved festival layout with a music stage and food court at Ford Parkway and Finn
    More artists in our Juried Art Fair
    Second Annual Home Improvement Expo
    Second Annual Beer Dabbler Showcase!
    An expanded Midway with more rides and games than ever!