birthday blast

What if I could promise you a night filled with friends and professional stand up comedy for free?! Well then I would be offering one of my all-time favorite Free Minneapolis events. Acme Comedy Co. has an amazing deal for the month of your birthday. On one night you can get six free tickets for the nightly show. That mean you and five of your favorite people (or people you just kind of like) can enjoy a hilarious night together.

I have taken advantage of this many times, most recently for my brother-in-law Joe's birthday (July 31). This last time we happen to be there during Acme's comedy competition. Locals looking to get into the stand-up scene compete for the most laughs. So we ended up getting to see about 6 different acts. Yes, some bombed, but that's what gives you time for a bathroom break! :)

They also have amazing specialty drinks that come in a carafe. Try the Root Beer Float (not in a carafe), made with vanilla vodka, root beer, and cream, tastes exactly like a root beer float!! Acme runs several other discounts and specialties including Dinner & Show Packages, Stimulus Plan 09, and College ID discounts.

Celebrate your (or a strangers) birthday with some great laughs, and check out the website for who will be performing!

play in the park

Wow, I have three Free Minneapolis activities to write about that I took part in this past week. I'll have to start with the one ending the soonest. On Sunday I was looking for somewhere new to go out shooting. This brought me to Boom Island Park on the edges of the Mississippi River. A great park, but not the subject of today's post.

Apparently this park is pretty popular because there was so much activity going on. A carnival for what I'm assuming was a company party, boaters headed out on the river, men fishing off the docks, and a Shakespeare play! The play is what I found most intriguing.

With signs all over the place for a "Free Play!", I just had to check this out. Perfectly positioned chalk arrows lead me to the location of the "stage." I ended up getting there later than the start time, so many people were already gathered around. The play was As You Like It by William Shakespeare, and the actors a part of the group The Strange Capers.

One of the members quickly came over and handed me a program, also asking if I was a member of the media. I understand that I look more important with my camera bag and tripod than I am. I said no, but figured the least I could do was throw a shout out on here (any exposure is good exposure). I wasn't planning on it, but I did end up taking a few photos.

It was a great play. I will admit to being Shakespeare-dense, but I still enjoyed the talent and humor I saw here. The Strange Capers have a Facebook page here, and judging on the photos it looks like I missed some great parts that I need to go back and check out. I ended up leaving before the end because it was soooo hot out that day!!

At one point when I had my tripod and camera situated towards the actors I was politely asked to put my camera away. Because they already had a photographer and with contracts and such they couldn't allow any "professional" photos. I completely understood and stopped shooting, I kind of liked being thought of as a professional photographer for the day.

I HIGHLY suggest taking advantage of the entertainment here. The Strange Capers will be showing As You Like It every Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 until August 16th. Two more weekends to visit Boom Island Park for an amazing show with a beautiful view of Minneapolis.