Each day in France started with a list of places to visit that was far too long for the time available. Narrowing that list down tended to be a pretty random process. For example, Guérande Read More …
Sparreholm Castle (Sparreholm Slott) is one of the hundreds of manor homes that wealthy land owners once built in the Swedish countryside around Stockholm. Over the years, Sparreholm has undergone significant changes in both its Read More …
Simple bamboo xylophones (dàn t’rung) are traditional musical instruments from Vietnam’s Central Highlands, but more elaborate versions can be in music groups performing throughout Vietnam. . . Like this one being played outside a restaurant Read More …
Minneapolis, Minnesota, spent the weekend turning the city purple to mourn and celebrate our hometown star. Goodnight, Prince. Your music will live on.
While in Hill Country a few weeks ago, we took some advice from the 1977 country song and headed for Luckenbach, Texas, where there “ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain.” Waylon and Willy could join us Read More …
The beginning of November brings Dia de los Muertos – the Days of the Dead. Although today this celebration is often linked to the Catholic All Soul’s Day, Dia de los Muertos has ancient roots, Read More …
Friends of mine are playing in the band Timbre Junction at the Minnesota State Fair tonight. We stumbled on them more or less by accident and were pleased to see they had a decent crowd. Read More …
Denver, Colorado, is participating in what has become a bit of an international urban craze over the past few years – placing artist-decorated pianos in public places for use by anyone who happens to wander Read More …
Throat singers Nina Segalowitz & Lydia Etok made it through the border crossing for a return engagement at Sivertson’s Inuit Art Premiere in Grand Marais, Minnesota. They are talented, interesting, and funny as they sing, Read More …
I’ve long had a love-hate relationship with the Dakota in Minneapolis: I love the music and intimate setting, but am put-off by the extremely short sets, relatively high ticket prices, and class priority for seating; Read More …
The Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant is one of my favorite places – where else can you hear international caliber musicians in a venue where they are close enough to touch!?! (And, if you are Read More …
This weekend it is possible to visit Asia without ever leaving Saint Paul simply by attending the local Dragon Festival. Dragons and dancing in Saint Paul, Minnesota Although the festival’s centerpiece are the Chinese dragon Read More …
There are places I’ve always wanted to see just because I heard them when I was a child and couldn’t believe they were real. I’ve had the great privilege of seeing many of those places Read More …
It is Sunday and the streets of Old Town are mostly closed to traffic. It is wonderful to be here on a lovely peaceful morning, wandering along a street lined with lovely colonial buildings. As Read More …
On today’s excursion to the Ecuadorian countryside, visit the small town of Calderon where miniature bread figurines are made. Descend into spectacular Guayllabamba Gorge before arriving at Otavalo, a sprawling Indian market. Here, you’ll find Read More …