Here’s your weekly guide to the best Minneapolis and St. Paul events.
TUESDAY 9.21
Tinashe
First Avenue
“2 On” made Tinashe the R&B It Girl in 2014, her sinuously playful call to hedonism riding tight with the intricate trap minimalism of a quintessential DJ Mustard beat. But her varied RCA debut album, Aquarius, set up expectations that her follow-ups never quite realized. Then, in 2019, she parted ways with the label; she’s since recorded two independent albums in her home studio, Songs for You and latest 333. Tinashe is still occasionally pulling her punches, but both albums showcase a singer with her own cross-genre vision and with the biz connections to achieve it. Her only headlining show ’round here was at (anyone remember?) Mill City Nights in 2016. With Rei Ami. All ages. $25/30. 6 p.m. 701 N. First Ave., Minneapolis. —Keith Harris
THURSDAY 9.23
Isaiah Rashad
Fillmore
This celebrated Chattanooga rapper is hardly prolific. In late July he released his first album in five years, The House Is Burning, which is only his third for the Kendrick Lamar-anchored TDE label since his 2014 demo, Cilvia Demo. As on his previous albums, the tracks update the unhurried lope of Southern rap (sampling both Three 6 Mafia and Project Pat to show his roots), while his low-key, melodic rhyming style that splits the difference between druggy and laidback without ever slumping into lethargy. $35-$55. 6 p.m. 525 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis.—Keith Harris
SATURDAY 9.25
Bob Mould Band
First Avenue
When it comes to Mould’s solo work ymmv, but to my ears his past two albums have been his most fully realized since he disbanded Sugar a thousand years ago or so. In 2018 Sunshine Rock showcased what Rolling Stone critic Will Hermes called Mould’s “violently happy” side; the guitar bursts on last year’s Blue Hearts just keep exploding, and Mould sings like there’s a whole lot at stake—probably because there is. With bassist Jason Narducy and drummer Jon Wurster, Mould has formed the third great power trio of his career. (That’s gotta be some kind of record, no?) And as you’ve maybe heard, he’s not fucking around when it comes to COVID protocols: Proof of vaccination absolutely required (no negative test loophole) and masks up throughout. With Kestrels. 18+. $30/$32. 7:30 p.m. 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis. —Keith Harris
Corn Fest
Centro
Corn: It’s the monoculture crop that has pumped every aisle of the supermarket with high fructose corn syrup and allowed the ethanol industry to dupe Minnesota lawmakers into thinking E85 is a clean fuel. But man, corn fucking rocks. Nowhere is sentiment louder than at Corn Fest, Centro’s annual tip o’ the hat to those lovely yellow cobs. We're talkin' cake walk, tortilla toss, corn hole, raffle, and crafts for kids. We're tastin' elotes, tacos, sweet corn ice cream, blue corn margaritas, and micheladas. We're hearin' live tunes from Salsa del Soul, Los Alegres Bailadores, and others. Frankly, we can't imagine a life without corn, so we're headed to Northeast to celebrate everything those tasty kernels have given us. Free. 2 to 8 p.m. 1414 NE. Quincy Ave., Minneapolis.—Jay Boller
Tabletop Market Fall 2021
Minneapolis Cider Company
Tabletop gaming is one of the most versatile activities you can get into. It can be wholesome, teaching simple lessons to children. When played over beers, it can be a rowdy engagement between friends. It can be about strategy, or merely the luck of the draw. While some games bring people together, others induce a fierce competitiveness. Whatever flavor you prefer, you’ll find it at this special event at Minneapolis Cider Company. During the day, a handful of shops and makers will be selling and sampling their wares, including local designers at Leder and Thunderworks Games. Games for sale include brand-new and gently used items, and role playing books, miniatures, and collectibles will also be here for your perusal. Free. Noon to 6 p.m. 701 SE Ninth St., Minneapolis. --Jessica Armbruster
ARTCRANK MSP 2021
Fulton Brewing Production
Annual bike-art party Artcrank has returned for another party featuring beer and bikes in a parking lot. During the celebration, folks will be able to check out bike-themed art from a variety of artists, both local and national. Some works are pretty, others are cute, and some are a little rock ‘n’ roll. If you see something you like, you can take it home. Artcrank isn’t the only bike- and beer-themed happening at Fulton today; the production site will also be welcoming riders as they make it back from the Grand Fondo, a 100-mile ride (there’s also a 43 mile ride, too). Food trucks, live entertainment, and Oktoberfest-style beer shenanigans round out the day. Free. 1 to 7 p.m. 2540 2nd St. NE Minneapolis. --Jessica Armbruster
Borough Block Party
Borough
This Saturday Borough brings back its street fest for a day of tunes, music, and other fun. The day’s menu includes Parlour burgers, cocktails, and other treats, with Bauhaus Brew Labs bringing the beer. Music will be provided by cover band Private Oats, Monica LaPlante, speed rapper Carnage, and Chase and ovation. This event is kid- and dog-friendly, so feel free to bring the whole gang. Free. 2 to 10 p.m. 730 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis. --Jessica Armbruster
SUNDAY 9.26
Sheila for the People + Legally Blonde
Bauhaus Brew Labs
Minneapolis mayoral candidate Sheila Nezhad is not blonde. But that’s not stopping the brunette, DSA-endorsed, small-dog-having challenger to Jacob Frey from throwing a Legally Blonde-themed party blowout at Bauhaus in Northeast. “The Sheila for the People campaign invites you to join us in watching a woman with an adorable small dog overcome the stereotypes society places on feminine people, all while rocking great outfits and supporting the people around her,” the event description reads. And, really, it’s that simple: beer, food truck, trivia inspired by the iconic 2001 Reese Witherspoon vehicle plus Nezhad’s leftist policy positions, and, finally, a screening of the film. Reserve your tickets here. Free. 6:30 p.m. 1315 Tyler St. NE., Minneapolis.—Jay Boller
