Best Bets

Quinceañera, 15th Unity Conference
MSUM: Comstock Memorial Student Union
Thur-Fri, April 28-29
Not your typical Quinceañera! The 15th Unity Conference taking place at MSUM this Thursday and Friday is going to be LA BOMBA! It’s a chance for la Raza to celebrate their roots, culture and find out about issues facing Latino people (including the 411 on college financial aid). It’s also a chance for non-Latino’s to get up to speed on Latino holistic medicine, Latino arts, Latino veterans and more. Come learn about the critical impact Latino’s have in our communities! And, if you missed the amazing performance by the Texicans at the Martin Luther King celebration, here’s your chance to take in their foot stomping show! Info: Contact Gerardo Rodriguez at 701-430-1914, Conference Schedule:  http://www.mnstate.edu/cultural/unityconference2011.cfm

Red Raven Reopening
Red Raven Espresso Parlor
April 29 - May 1
Join in the weekend celebration! The list of events is huge! Seed/Plant exchange, Caffeinated Bike Ride, Poetry reading, Cribbage Tournament, a variety music and comedy show, and so much more. Visit “Red Raven Grand Reopening Weekend Celebration!” on Facebook for a complete list of performers and events or call for details 701.478.7337. Parking in back. All events are free to attend. 916 Main Avenue

Next Stop: Horizon Band from Sweden Comes to Fargo-Moorhead
Hooperstad Stave Church, Hjemkomst Center
Sun. May 1, 2 p.m.
In partnership with Nordic Arts Alliance, Swedish band Next Stop: Horizon will perform. To learn more, visit Next Stop: Horizon’s Facebook or MySpace page. $10 per person. Space is limited.
If you would like to donate to Nordic Arts Alliance and contribute to their mission of connecting and educating people through contemporary and tribal Nordic arts, visit http://tiny.cc/goubv.

“Rising Above”
Courtyard by Marriott
Sun. May 8 at 7 p.m.
The Prairie Folk and Traditional Dance Institute is presenting a spring dance concert. A potpourri of dances from Ireland, India, the Philippines, Sudan, Mexico, and the USA will be performed. The event is free and open to the public. 1080 28th Ave. S., Moorhead

Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Faith Lutheran Church
Friday April 29, 6 p.m.
The event is being hosted a week early - celebration still the same, though - a great home cooked Mexican dinner (and it’s not spicy!) of tamales, beans and rice, salad, tortillas and Mexican dessert. Dancers from Raices de Mexico will perform; a silent auction and cake walk will take place and crafts and other Fair trade items will be available for sale. Think about Mother’s Day and graduation gifts. A lefse grill will be one of the silent auction items, plus some art work, home decor items… accomplish your shopping while supporting the efforts of the Faith Lutheran sister parish. Ticket prices: Adults - $10, Children ages 6-12 - $5, Children through age five are FREE! 27 2nd Ave. E. in West Fargo. Questions or to reserve tickets, contact Vicki Schmidt 701.282.0480

Mother’s Day Victorian Trunk and Tea Fundraiser
The Hjemkomst Center
Sat. May 7, first seating at 10 a.m., second seating at 2 p.m.
Vintage clothing collector Barbara Hundstad will give an illustrated talk called “Presenting Penelope: Victorian and Edwardian Fashion” at both seatings. Go for a fun friends’ get-together or a perfect Mother-Daughter outing to celebrate Mother’s Day. There will be dessert provided by Nichole’s Fine Pastry, coffee, and tea selections. Questions: 218-299-5511 Ext. 6739. Reservations required. Tickets are $10 per person, $12 at the door without reservations.

Monroe Crossing Concert
Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre
Friday April 29
Craving some good ol’ country music? Get your ‘twang down to the Monroe Crossing Concert this Friday! Monroe Crossing is known for their blend of classic bluegrass, gospel and original stylings. The concert will be a homecoming for Fargo-native Derek Johnson, the band’s guitarist and lead singer. Opening for Monroe Crossing is local favorite Tucker’d Out. Ticket prices: $16 in advance and $20 at the door. Reserve your spot now at 701-235-6778 or online at http://www.fmct.org. Visit Monroe Crossing’s website at http://www.monroecrossing.com for recordings, tour schedule and booking information.

Cecile Wehrman Author Event
Zandbroz Varietyz
Thurs. May 5, 6:30 p.m.
The Brothers Krimm-The Bank Robber and the Hero follows an investigative journalist as she unravels the twisted tale of a serial bank robber, his younger brother and how past abuse shaped them in dramatically different ways. This in-depth psychological study of a modern day Jesse James is a dramatic, revelatory journey into the mind of a serial criminal. The author is the editor of two community newspapers in North Dakota and has been a working journalist for twenty-five years. She was drawn into the story of Jimmy Krimm when he committed suicide in her rural neighborhood. 420 Broadway

Drawn to the West: The Life & Art of William Perl
Rourke Museum
The art of William Perl will be shown at the Rourke Museum from April 24 through September 2011. Mostly all of the art was created in 1938-1946 and will illustrate his evolution as an artist. Rourke Museum hours are 1pm – 5pm Friday through Sunday, and Wednesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Costs are $5 for adults, $2 for students and children, and children under 4 are free. 521 Main Avenue, Moorhead