things to do

Saturday night, Ed Sheeran filled Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium with about 50,000 fans. Let that sink in. Ed Sheeran sold out a football stadium. Ed Sheeran. Really! The 27-year-old Brit’s enormous fame continues to surprise. More than a bit of an oddball, he’s now the sort of superstar who attracts everyone from tweens to grandparents. Slight in frame with dumb tattoos and unkempt hair, he certainly doesn’t look the part. And then there’s his live performance style. He plays alone, with no band, and uses effects pedals to loop his vocals and acoustic guitar into a surprisingly full sound. Early on, he explained it to the audience and added “everything you hear is completely live.” The problem is that Sheeran’s songs end up sounding alike, particularly in concert. He has two types of tunes, tender ballads and fired-up acoustic pop songs, with Sheeran often rapping on the latter. At one point Saturday night, he performed a medley of … [Read more...] about Ed Sheeran, one of music’s oddest superstars, fills Vikings stadium with adoring fans

“There’s not a lot of toxic masculinity at a Florence and the Machine show.” So sayeth Florence, and it’s true that feminine energy ruled the interior of downtown Minneapolis’ Target Center on Saturday night. But that doesn’t mean that there wasn’t aggression, anger and explosive energy flowing forth from the stage. No, Florence Welch and her eight-piece backing band can thunder and storm with the spirit of consummate stadium rockers. But she also has enough of an airy, affectionate nature to ask 8,000 people to turn to a stranger and hug them. Yes, the show that closed this London-based band’s North American tour was full of very positive energy, and Welch definitely earned the love accorded her by the enthusiastic crowd on Saturday. Not only did she unleash the powerful soprano voice of a soul siren throughout 90 minutes of world-weary ballads and shadowy synth pop heavy on the primal drum beats, but Welch proved a virtual dervish of a … [Read more...] about Florence and the Machine create thrills at Target Center

KittyCon Tampa Bay: Calling all crazy cat lovers! A convention for all things feline happens at the Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore on Saturday,, to benefit St. Francis Society Animal Rescue. Special guests include local celebrity cat owner Chris Poole, whose cats Cole and Marmalade are an internet sensation. There will be vendors, entertainment, a costume contest, children’s activities, panels and a Vegan Cat Cafe. $20, $25 at the door. Children 12 and younger $5, $10 at the door. VIP $100. kittycontampabay.org. John’s Pass Seafood Festival: It’s the last year ever for Madeira Beach’s 37th annual event. They’ll blow it out with more than 100 seafood options, a Halloween block party, 5K run, attempt to set the World Record Bloody Mary Toast and a fishing tournament. Free (food/drink additional). johnspassseafoodfestival.com. March of the Pumpkin King: File in behind the Pumpkin King as he leads themed floats down Seventh Avenue in Ybor City Friday, on this … [Read more...] about Top things to do in Tampa Bay for the week of Oct. 22-28

Members of the Woman's Reading Club in Stillwater, seated, from left: Marilyn Schmoeckel, Norma Swanson and Mary Lou Regis are served dessert by Judy Clausen, standing, left, and Charlotte Robledo during the monthly meeting of the club in Stillwater on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018. Founded in 1886, members are wondering whether the club will survive, and are looking for new members. (Scott Takushi / Pioneer Press)Marilyn Richert, 81, left, shares a laugh with Dorothy Gerson, 96, during the monthly meeting of the Woman's Reading Club in Stillwater, Monday, Oct. 1, 2018. Gerson is the oldest active member of the club, which was founded in 1886. Now, 132 years later, members are wondering whether the club will survive and are looking for new members. (Scott Takushi / Pioneer Press)The Woman's Reading Club of Stillwater was founded by Helen Jenks McCluer, seen in an undated courtesy photo, circa 1890, the wife of District Court Judge William M. McCluer. The couple wed in 1858 in Waterford, N.Y., … [Read more...] about Stillwater’s 132-year-old women’s club’s days may be numbered. Can new members save it?

Molly King scans the racks at the Halloween BOO-tique at Arc’s Value Village in Richfield on a recent October afternoon. Here’s a gown that could be distressed for a zombie bride. “Zombies are huge,” says King, marketing manager for the nonprofit thrift stores and donation centers. There’s a ’90s dress that could be part of a Spice Girls costume. “Everything that’s old is new again,” King says. Here’s an accessory that could be used as part of a “Black Panther” costume. “Creativity is the new currency,” says King. “We try to help people think outside the pre-packaged costume.” Since it’s that time of year again — that time when we haunt thrift stores and vintage shops in search of Halloween costumes and props — we thought we’d tell you about a few of our favorite thrifty places to shop (all year round). Arc’s Value Village  “We restock daily,” … [Read more...] about Reuse, recycle and reimagine: A few of our favorite shops, just in time for Halloween