Vocalessence

“The bar is available for walk-ins. The pasta program is exceptional — Kaysen spent formative years in Italy. The Warehouse District theater community celebrates here.”

“Wait 2 minutes before biting — the molten cheese will burn you. This is a documented medical fact of Minneapolis food culture. Order the Jucy Lucy and onion rings. Cash preferred.”

“The Northeast location has the best working-session energy of the Spyhouse locations. The arts community that lives in Northeast knows each other here. Large tables and reliable WiFi for extended sessions.”

“The Level 9 lobby and Endless Bridge are open to the public daily, free. The 178-foot cantilever over the Mississippi provides the best urban viewpoint in Minneapolis. Sea Change restaurant (in the building) is excellent for pre-show dinner.”

“The acoustic cube design creates a distinctive sound profile — bright and clear in the upper registers, warm in the lower strings. The Peavey Plaza park in front is the outdoor gathering space before performances.”

“The Summit-University neighborhood around Penumbra is where August Wilson spent formative years. Walking the neighborhood before a performance at Penumbra connects the work to the community that shaped Wilson's vision.”

“Go at sunset when the western light turns the Mississippi gold. On a clear winter day, the frozen river and the industrial ruins create a landscape that explains why Minneapolis arts have the character they do.”

“The Concert Hall's warm, rounded acoustic profile is excellent for opera. The Rice Park location — adjacent to the Saint Paul Hotel, the Landmark Center, and the Saint Paul Public Library — makes it the center of Saint Paul's civic arts life.”

“The Walker's performance program has presented Pina Bausch, Merce Cunningham, and international theater artists. Free admission to the Sculpture Garden. Museum admission free the first Saturday of each month.”

“Walk the bridge at midday to see the full scope of the mill ruins, the lock and dam, and the Guthrie downstream. The Mill City Museum outdoor terraces are accessible without a museum ticket.”

“The studio tour is approximately 2 hours and includes all of Prince's personal spaces. The wardrobe archive alone is extraordinary. Book tours in advance — they sell out on weekends.”

“The Lake of the Isles loop is the daily walk of South Minneapolis's arts community. In summer, the lake shores are populated with performers, artists, and students. In winter, the frozen lake paths are maintained for cross-country skiing.”

“The Green Line is the most useful transit connection for performers working in both cities. The Target Field station connects to the Blue Line for airport access. The Saint Paul Union Depot terminus is walkable to the Ordway and History Theatre.”