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Writer's pictureJasmine McBride

4th of July Weekend picks: Beyond fireworks and BBQs


Headshot of a Black man in a white polo shirt. He has a moustache and beard and his hair is in locks.
Philando Castile

On July 6, 2016 Philando Castile was fatally shot at the age of 32 during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights by police officer Jeronimo Yanez of the St. Anthony Police Department. Castile was beloved by family and friends, as well as all those he impacted as a Saint Paul Public School support worker. A candlelight vigil will be held in his honor beginning at 8:35pm at the Philando Castile Peace Garden at 2379 Larpenteur Ave W in Falcon Heights. 


If vigils aren’t your thing, don’t fret. The Philando Castile Relief Foundation and Philando’s family are hosting their annual community BBQ on Sunday at 5pm at the Falcon Heights City Hall. This free event invites everyone to enjoy live music, dance, laugh, eat, rest, mourn, and celebrate. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Bring your kids to get their faces painted, and your pets are welcome, too! RSVP suggested. 



An artist print of a brown bottle with a label that reads "Roach killer" and an image of a cockroach.
La Cucarachalandia

If you haven’t yet experienced visual artist Tina Tavera’s exhibit Cucarachalandia in collaboration with musician Erick Biard, musician/poet Anaïs Deal-Márquez, and poet Gabriela Spears-Rico, head over to NE Sculpture in Minneapolis this Friday or Saturday, between noon and 5pm. 


The exhibit explores how “La Cucaracha,” a traditional folk song about a cockroach who cannot walk, is claimed by Chicano/Mexican artists as a symbol of resilience. Each artist employs their visual, musical and literary talents to reflect on "La Cucaracha," from its traditional roots to more contemporary interpretations. 




A rapper and his crew are shaking hands, passing money and posing for photographs.
KP SKIZZO

You’ve probably heard about the Taste of Minnesota going on this weekend with its wild and extensive lineup. But if super big crowds aren’t your thing and you lean more toward community-style events that serve a good cause, consider attending the Taste of Saint Paul! 


Taste of Saint Paul takes place at the Foundry Pub this Saturday from noon to 7pm. Enjoy a wide range of food from American tacos and BBQ to catfish nuggets and chicken wings. Grab a plate and a seat in time to witness the “Rondo Double Dutch” crew. Then stay for dessert and other treats, including performances by Itz Jayda and Shay Marie, and feature act KP SKIZZO. All ticket proceeds go to barbers participating in Cutting for a Cause.



A Salsa band performs on stage bathed in red and yellow lights.
Salsa del Soul


The Twin Cities based ensemble Salsa del Soul is bringing high-energy live Salsa music to MITO Latin Cuisine’s lower level in Roseville for an energizing 21+ night out. Bring your girls, guys, parents, and partners out this Friday, July 6. And I mean bring them all, as MITO’s dance floor is HUGE. Cover is $15; food and drinks will be available for purchase. 



Members of the MacPhail Community Youth Choir and recipients of the Sallie Steele Birdsong Scholarship are performing at Gold Medal Park in Minneapolis on Saturday at 4pm. The SSB scholarship provides access to singing lessons for local youth and is named after a remarkable mother who raised six musical children after the passing of her husband. Bring a chair, your favorite beverage and your hands for applause, as these young singers celebrate their journey forward in music. 

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