Aesthetically It!

Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking. Aesthetically It! features venues, events, outings and more that are worthy of “It” status. If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is It worthy, email us at aestheticallyit@insightnews.com.

Monday, Jan. 21 – Sunday, Feb. 3

Monday, Jan. 21

WRITING

Playwriting I with Josh Tobiessen

Guthrie Theater

818 S 2nd St., Minneapolis

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

$150

Discover the key ingredients of great drama and comedy and work toward creating your own short play in this six-week class with local playwright Josh Tobiessen.

Tuesday, Jan. 22

MOTIVATION

The Time is Now

Phoenix Theater

2605 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis

6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Fitness trainer Jacob Johnson, motivational speaker Jesse Ross and MC Niles perform at this special event with DJ Huh Whut?

Wednesday, Jan. 23

HIP-HOP

Jarren Benton with Aaron Cohen

The Pourhouse

10 5th St. S., Minneapolis

8 p.m.

18-plus

$17 advance

One half of the production team The Flush and former Funk Volume member Jarren Benton hits The Pourhouse in downtown Minneapolis.

Thursday, Jan. 24

GOSPEL/SOUL

Sweet Honey in the Rock

Dakota

1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

7 p.m.

$50-$70

Sweet Honey in the Rock is a performance ensemble rooted in African-American history and culture. This internationally renowned Grammy nominated female a cappella group has a history dating more than four decades.

Friday, Jan. 25

HIP-HOP

Clear Soul Forces

Nomad World Pub

501 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis

9:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.

21-plus

$10-$12

Detroit’s Clear Soul Forces plays a special performance at the Nomad with St. Paul Slim, DJ SoSupreme, DJ Francisco, and hosted by Truth Maze.

Saturday, Jan. 26

KITES

Kite Festival

Lake Harriet

4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy., Minneapolis

12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Art Shanty Projects – think art homes on ice – are featured at this festival of kites. Take part in bingo, raffle’s smores and more.

Sunday, Jan. 27

JAZZ

Thomasina Petrus Sings Lady Day

Dakota

1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

7 p.m.

$25-$35

Celebrated singer Thomasina Petrus presents some of the best works of Billie “Lady Day” Holiday at the Dakota.

Monday, Jan. 28

SKIING/FAMILY

Major Taylor 365

Theodore Wirth Park

1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy., Minneapolis

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Take part in cross country skiing for all skill levels and ages. Major Taylor 365 evolved from the Major Taylor Bicycling Club to an organization committed to increasing the participation of the African-Americans in bicycling, recreation, transportation and health improvement.

Tuesday, Jan. 29

HIP-HOP

2 Hype Tuesdays

Nomad World Pub

501 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

21-plus

$4

Check out a hip-hop dance party every Tuesday hosted by T La Shawn with DJs Francisco and Dan Speak.

Wednesday, Jan. 30

HIP-HOP

Tek & Big Wiz present Burn After Rhyming

Nomad World Pub

501 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis

9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

21-plus

$7

Burn After Rhyming is a hip-hop show presented by Tek & Nic Swisher featuring SoloStar, Reed Benjamin, Yare, Sole and Sake Red Parks.

Thursday, Jan. 31

MOVIE

“The Matrix”

The Parkway Theater

4814 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis

7:30 p.m.

$9 advance, $11 door

Check out “The Matrix,” a classic film about a dystopian future starring Laurence Fishburne and Keanu Reeves.

Friday, Feb. 1

HIP-HOP

G Herbo

Skyway Theatre

711 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis

8 p.m.

All ages

$25

Chicago’s G Herbo hits downtown Minneapolis for a showcase at the Skyway.

Saturday, Feb. 2

REGGAE

27th Annual Songs of Freedom – Bob Marley Remembered

The Cabooze

917 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis

9:30 p.m.

18-plus

$15 advance, $20 door

The annual celebration of the life and music of Bob Marley takes place at The Cabooze. Get your tickets early as it’s sure to sell out.

Sunday, Feb. 3

R&B/NIGHTLIFE

Cuffin'Season R&B Blast Event

Nomad World Pub

501 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

21-plus

$10

DJ Cam Jones presents a night of R&B and hip-hop with Nuelz, Jus Will, Josiah Woods, Travid Ruffin, Shardae Robinson, ShayMarie WitIt, Cariah Brinae', James Mitchell, Percy Self Made Pryor, Brady Wade and Rashod ForKee Aed.