Aesthetically Speaking

Hip-hop for all; a brief conversation with white rapper Rittz

Alysha "AP" Price

Has hip-hop truly diversified?

Is the culture becoming more accepting of variety within itself? In recent years there's been an emergence of rappers ranging in race and gender. Perhaps the people have spoken and the culture has now evolved beyond the artist and resembles the audience. However, as in any organization the dominating party has the most influence and there is no question that African-American men make up the majority of hip-hop artists.

Artist Profile: Skinny

Alaina L. Lewis

Refreshingly rare, are words best associated with talented Twin Cities hip-hop artist Skinny.

Arts on Chicago prepares schedule for June 8 celebration

Almost 40 neighborhood artists involved with the 20 art projects of Arts on Chicago will come together to celebrate the year-long initiative on June 8, 9 a.m to 4 p.m.

TU closes its ninth season with three world premieres

The O'Shaughnessy company closes out its ninth performance season with a spring dance concert of world premiere works by Uri Sands and Camille A. Brown. Sands presents two premieres-a triptych of duets titled No Middle Name, and Escapades- an adventurous full-company work exploring themes of vice and escape of the everyday. Solo work makes up New York choreographer Camille A. Brown's new piece, Make Amends, which was specially commissioned for this concert by The O'Shaughnessy. Also on the program is Dwight Rhoden's lyrical B Sessions, set to the music of Beethoven. TU Dance's Spring Concert at The O'Shaughnessy is on Friday, May 31st at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 1st at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 2nd at 2:00 p.m. The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University is located at 2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105. Adults: $18, $25, $31; Seniors 65+/Students: $16, $23, $29 (Tickets include a $2 restoration fee). For more information: The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, 651.690.6700 / www.theoshaughnessy.com

Flow Art Space hosts national Polymer Clay exhibition

Flow Art Space hosts the national juried exhibition Polymer Clay - Gallery Style featuring some of the finest polymer clay work being created in the United States today. Thirty artists are represented in a rare exhibition which highlights this under-exposed medium.

Jon Jon Scott on all things music

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Jon Jon Scott has an opinion on just about everything.

"But I don't offer it unless someone asks," said Scott, the 47-year-old former bassist who mans the counter at the iconic Electric Fetus record store at the corner of Franklin Avenue East and 4th Avenue South in Minneapolis. Pick a topic – especially a musical topic – and Scott has an opinion.

Snapshots

1) It's a celebration: (from
left to right) Nikki Mc-
Comb, Jasheena Bond,
Brooke Walker, Stephanie
Webster, Amber Harrison,
Lisa Carter, Jackie Adams
(black hat), Antenisha
Gryggs and Shereese
Turner, celebrating Carter's
birthday during the
Afterwork Jumpoff at
Insert Coin(s).