MN Shortlist, October 17-23: ConFluence, Horrorthon, more

MN Shortlist is a curated weekly roundup of MPR News-recommended arts events, highlighting outstanding theatrical and musical performances, exhibitions, and gatherings throughout the region.

Featured Event: ConFluence at the Northrup King Building

October 18-19 — Minnesota is spoiled for choice when it comes to conventions that focus on pop culture and comics, like Twin Cities Con and AniMinneapolis. ConfluenceHowever, he is looking to create a specific place where pop culture fans and BIPOC nerds can have fun together.

“There aren’t a lot of spaces focused on BIPOC communities in the science fiction and fandom scene,” said Leslie Barlow, co-founder of the biannual conference. “It’s really important to us that color nerds aren’t on the sidelines, but are actually the main focus of our event in our community… We’re not just sidekicks, right? We’re central to our story.”

After debuting in 2023, ConFluence has expanded its space into its headquarters, the Northrup King Building. The weekend-long event is filled with panels and special guests, such as "”Dimension 20″ and “Critical Role” star Apria Iyengar and Tim Ross from Star Trek Voyager.

“It’s been really exciting to see our capacity grow;" Barlow said. (Jacob Aloy)

Horrorthon at the Pope Arts Theater

October 17 — The Rochester movie theater is hosting its first-ever movie theater “Dusk Till Dawn” movie marathon. Starting with the 1984 Freddy Krueger classic “A Nightmare on Elm Street” at 9pm on Friday, October 17. The theme, in general, is sleep, says Nate Nelson, who opened the theater with his wife, Maggie Panetta, a little more than two years ago.

Others include 1985’s “Re-Animator,” 1982’s “Slumber Party Massacre,” and Nelson’s personal favorite, “Hausu,” a 1977 Japanese horror comedy with a cult following.

“It’s like you take a couple of acids and watch ‘Scooby-Doo,’ and that’s basically what you get for ‘Howso,'” Nelson says. “It’s exhilarating.”

In the mix, there will also be secret short films, a 2 a.m. pizza party, free breakfast, and animation for those who survive the night. Nelson says he was inspired by terrifying movie marathons at the Trillon Cinema in Minneapolis and the Rivoli Theater in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

“It’s not that common to see these actual marathons anymore,” Nelson says. (Alex F. Cipol)

Mickey Perini Trio at the Turf Club

October 18 — Bringing a borderline mix of dreamy pop, Mickey Perini Trio Turf Club frontliners with their debut album “Tripla”. Miki Perini, who started her career with the band Lush, has been making music since the 1980s. The trio was formed when she co-wrote a book and show following the release of her 2022 memoir, “Fingers Crossed.”"

Perini expected to be asked to play a song or two during signings, so she recruited Kevin “Moose” MacKillop and Oliver Scherer to join her. Eventually, the group began making new music together, which they released earlier this year on the single “Tripla” and its accompanying single “Doldrum Days.” (Annika Best)

Midwest Queer Trans Zine Festival & Conference

Until October 19 – the Midwest Queer Trans Zine Festival & Conference Returns to Minneapolis. Programming for the free conference begins from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, October 17, at the Elmer L. Andersen Library at the University of Minnesota, home to the renowned Tretter Collection, “the largest archival repository of LGBTQ history in the Midwest.”

Faith Levine — author of “Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY Art, Craft, and Design,” art curator, filmmaker, and “handmade ambassador” by The New York Times — will deliver a keynote, followed by panel discussions such as “Building Community Power through Independent Publishing.”

The festival runs from noon to 5 p.m. on October 18 and 19 at Open Book, which will feature artists and vendors from all over the Midwest. (Alex F. Cipol)

“The Magical Girl” at the Red Eye Theater

Until October 25 – Multifaceted artist Emily Michaels-King debuted one of her signature pieces, “Magic Girl,” in 2019. The piece uses multimedia elements and movement to take the audience on a journey that is not linear but deals with the healing of what Michaels-King calls the “child self.”

“The show itself is a stripped-down memoir,” Michaels-King said, explaining that it focuses on the child finding the “sparkle” for life and reclaiming it as an adult.

After the artist debuted a companion piece to “Magic Girl” in 2024, she decided to revisit and reimagine parts of her original solo show.

“When I do my job, it’s very important to me that the content and what the show is about is really strong,” Michaels-King said. “But it’s also important to me that the craft is truly amazing.” (Jacob Aloy)

“Smash Graveyard: A Halloween Art Show” at Duck Duck Coffee

Until November 17 – For those who celebrate Halloween all month long (like me!), check out the beautiful small group art show “Graveyard Smash” at Duck Duck Coffee in Minneapolis.

Curated by Minneapolis artist and “Zenister” Liz Walker, highlights of the exhibition include the soothing, glowing pastels of ornate Twin Cities homes designed by Rachael Adams-Bliss and Spectroscopic Imaging by Arika Roweassociate professor of photography and video at Minnesota State University in Mankato. (Alex F. Cipol)

“Maternal memory” in all my relational arts

Until December 13th — All My Relationships Arts, the art gallery located in the heart of Minneapolis’ Native American Cultural Corridor, has opened its fall exhibition. “Maternal memory” is a solo exhibition by Hopi artist Michaela Schiffer (based in Olympia, Washington), featuring paintings, installations and poetry using non-traditional materials such as corn and chiffon.

The collection explores memory, emotion and cultural preservation.

“The process I use to create my art is brutal. My pieces are drawn, burned, and stitched. I want people to feel the chaos and calm and see their own journey in the lines and jagged edges,” Schiffer says in an art statement.

Schiffer will give an art lecture on November 15. (Alex F. Cipol)