From Minneapolis to Shakopee was no problem. I have been to Valley Fair many times before. But as soon as I got off highway 169 onto 101, the discovery began: Where do I turn next? I went as far as the intersection to Valley Fair: Right to Valley Fair, left….oh shit, where is Canterbury Park!? I must have passed it. I made a U-turn. Drove until back at the ramp to 169. Still no sign for Canterbury Park. Not a macho man, I’m quick to ask for directions. “It’s the first left turn after Valley Fair” I was told, “You can’t miss it”. I hate it when they say that. It makes you think you are stupid when you do in fact miss it. Anyway, I made an illegal U-turn and headed back west. At the light after Valley Fair, I made a left turn as directed. When I didn’t see the park right there across the street, I eased on the gas. But decided to stay put in my place in the line of cars. They must be going to the same place.
(more…)

This past Sunday I was at Studiiyo23. Again. Before I elaborate further, let me say, in just about 6 months since opening its doors, this “store” is becoming a cultural icon in Minneapolis. And not even just for Jordan sneaker heads either. Hence the quotations around the word store; because Studiiyo23 is more than a store. All you have to do is pay attention, stop by for few minutes; you would soon realize there is more to this place than the shoes on the rack (as beautiful as they are). Studiiyo23 is fast becoming a hotspot for Twin Cities’ art. Although it has been mainly visual art (though the “stage” has before been christened by the likes of Muja Messiah and I Self Devine) Sunday ushered in the performing arts, the raw undiscovered talent brewing in the cities.

Studiiyo23 Open Mic was a phenomenal success! Let me just put that out there, in case you are like most blog readers, you don’t read past the first line in the second paragraph. (more…)

From: Ghana
Lives: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Find him: www.manifestmc.com