First Thursdays Queen City kicks off Summer
Join us on June 2 for artwork and live music on Chestnut Street!
As we let go of the early stresses and temperamental Minnesota weather, take a few hours to relax, enjoy a warm evening in the sun and walk around historic downtown Virginia.
Start off by checking out Lyric Center for the Arts, featuring a new exhibit by Aaron Squandroni, “Earth, Iron and Dust”. “These drawings explore mine pits as objects of art, as accidental sculptures on a massive scale. Form emerges from the inside out and takes the shape of empty space. A mine is both birth and death, a cemetery of past industry and the creation of a new landscape.” states the artist, Aaron Squandroni. The Lyric Gallery will be open for extended hours today from 11 A.M - 6 P.M. with a reception starting at 4. In addition to the new exhibit, they will be hosting a live ZOOM performance onsite in The Annex only, straight from South America from 5-6 P.M.. Catch the samba swing of Brazil with Paulo Padilha e Bando. Born in São Paulo, Padilha travels between the sounds of traditional samba and other Brazilian popular musical styles. A music teacher of more than 25 years of experience, Padilha is a master musician and educator that specializes in rhythm and song workshops for children, teenagers, and adults. His clever lyrics have a special focus on telling about the urban lifestyle in Brazil in a very sharp and good-humored way. With a band of master samba musicians and dancers, Paulo Padilha e Bando will make you want to dance all the way home! This event is brought to the community through a grant provided to Arts Midwest.
Following these free and unique events, head over to Tommy’s Rainy Lake Saloon for dinner and some fantastic in-person live music brought to you in partnership with IROMA, music will start at 7 P.M. with the Christopher David Hanson Band and Karl Sundquist will play at 8 P.M. There will be no cover charge for the music, but supporting local businesses by purchasing food and beverage is appreciated as well as buying merchandise from the musicians.
Funding and support for FTQC is provided by Explore Minnesota, Revive Virginia, Virginia Community Foundation, Lyric Center for the Arts, Mesabi Iron Range Tourism and Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation.