By: Joe Kleinschmidt
STUFF TO DO
SATURDAY:
“Pride and Prejudice”
Be honest with yourself: you’ve never actually read a Jane Austen novel. You might as well start with the most well-known one. And hey, it’s the 200th anniversary of the famous 19th century romance. Like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, overcome your pride and prejudice — get off your ass and witness a stage adaptation of a true classic of English literature. For “Mad Men” fans, note that Pete Campbell himself, Vincent Kartheiser, plays Mr. Darcy in this production.
Where: Wurtele Thrust, Guthrie Theater, 818 South 2nd St. Minneapolis
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $30-$85
SUNDAY:
Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys
These two West Coast groups draw from a staggering amount of influences—rock, blues, soul and tejano, traditional Spanish and Mexican music. Reminisce to the single “Heaven” from the Grammy-winning Los Lonely Boys and discover the veteran prowess of Los Lobos. The latter has been around since the 1970s, a testament to the longevity of this singular American band. Expect classic rock and roll mixed with plenty of Chicano soul.
Where: Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $56-$68.50
MONDAY:
Pharaoh Sanders
Tenor saxophonist Pharaoh Sanders might not actually be the son of John Coltrane, who’s the Father Almighty. Yet according to avant-garde jazz musician Albert Ayler, the two are linked spiritually, as the Father and the Son (with Ayler himself as the Holy Ghost.) Whatever religious affiliation free jazz pioneer Sanders represents, the veteran’s long career shows a divine testament to the experimental side of freeform jazz. Since releasing his first album in 1964, the Little Rock, Ark. native continues to tour extensively today. He’s collaborated with Coltrane himself and received his nickname from Sun Ra. All you have to do is believe.
Where: Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
When: 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $25-$30
CULTURE TO CONSUME
LISTEN TO THIS:
“Magna Carta Holy Grail” by Jay-Z
Prepare for the second highest-grossing rapper’s twelfth album. It’s coming, whether you like it or not. Jay-Z’s long advertisements for “Magna Carta,” featuring a lounging, barefoot Rick Rubin and Pharrell, have already racked up some serious buzz. Coming off his “Watch the Throne” tour and album with Kanye West, the new record signals even further experimentation. Jay-Z borrows Nirvana and R.E.M. lyrics this time out. He’s also collaborating with his wife Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and Frank Ocean, just to name a few.
WATCH THIS:
“The Lone Ranger”
All eyes on Johnny Depp as he reprises the role of Tonto from the original 1933 “Lone Ranger” radio program. The portrayal of the Lone Ranger’s sidekick raises questions as writers like Sherman Alexie view the “Kemo sabe” — saying caricature of the past as degrading. It’s been 32 years since another “Lone Ranger” adaptation and now’s the time for a more satiric, biting Tonto. Let's hope the man who played Jack Sparrow and Edward Scissorhands can turn Tonto into something other than a stereotype.
READ THIS:
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
In the early 1950s, scientists took a sample from a woman with cancer. Her cell line would become one of the most important tools in medicine as the “HeLa” stock still lives on today. If you think you’re in for a stock biography of scientific heroism, you’re wrong. Skloot uncovers the story behind Henrietta Lacks and her family, a piece of investigative journalism in itself. While the biology provides plenty of informational backing to the book, the power of the story lies in how Skloot exposes grave inequality. A multimillion-dollar industry ballooned after one woman’s cells lived on while the Lacks family never received anything.