Artist at Sabes, Getting Rowdy at Toby Keith's

Being a young newcomer to St. Louis Park, I am eager to find out what this city has to offer for artistic types and weekend warriors alike. St. Louis Park's location between Minneapolis and the outlying suburbs makes for an eclectic mix of weekend entertainment for community members of all ages. With this weekly column, I'll be giving you the heads up on interesting events that are taking place right here in our community. Work is over ... go enjoy the weekend.

"10 Artists in 30 Days" at the Sabes Center for Jewish Arts & Humanities

The month of November gives the public a unique opportunity to watch renowned, professional artists work in person at the Sabes Jewish Community Center's Tychman Shapiro Gallery. Robyn Awend, Tychman's visual arts director, said, "We've always wanted to do an exhibit like this. I think it's important to bring the diverse group of artists from our community in and I think it will make for a very interesting show."

Varying time slots each weekday feature a different artist, and this Friday from 1-4pm is University of Minnesota art professor Joyce Lyon's turn. Working with the project's theme of "Sacred Spaces," Lyons will create a new drawing and respond to any questions or comments you might have. Event is free and open to the public.

Country artists Joe Nichols and Brian Gleason at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar

Toby Keith's I Love This Bar of St. Louis Park may not be in Nashville, but today's hottest country artists are still able to find it. For example, this weekend Joe Nichols will be performing songs from his 2009 release Old Things New, which features the No. 1 hit single "Gimme That Girl." This show is the last stop on Nichols' small North American tour.

The Minneapolis-based Brian Gleason Band will open. In a recent phone chat I had with him, Brian said "we've gotten the chance to share the stage with national acts before. We look at it as an opportunity to showcase what we've got. Also, playing at Toby Keith's is always a fun time — the crowds just love country music and usually get rowdy."

How rowdy? A waiter at Toby Keith's informed me that "countless security guards" and 21 bartenders will be on staff Saturday night. Tickets are available online for $20. Show starts at 7pm. 

Karaoke and Cosmic Rock & Bowl at Park Tavern

This is a St. Louis Park mainstay at a business that has been around for more than half a century. For those readers over 21, karaoke — beginning each Saturday night at 9:30 — is always perfect for good entertainment and is an amusing chance to show off your singing skills (or lack thereof). Afterward, the disco ball is turned on, the street shoes come off, the house lights are dimmed and the music is turned up. This is Cosmic Rock & Bowl, held every Saturday from 10-close. And for those under 21, Kids' Rock & Bowl takes place Saturdays and Sundays from noon – 2pm. 

Got a suggestion or recommendation for a weekend event that's coming up? E-mail Mike Behrends today!