A survey of reader letters and online comments

In response to: “Metro Transit looks to improve safety and conditions on light rail system,” by H. Jiahong Pan (June 8, 2023, edition)

One answer to decrease crime on the LRT is to ensure that all riders pay the fare. Eliminate the “honor system.” Have passengers pay just like they do on the buses.

Hiring fare checkers and handing out fines is not the answer. They cost money, first to pay the fare checkers and then the court system to ensure the fines are paid.

Install fare boxes by the drivers and have entry through one door only. Eliminate one of the cars except on special events days (i.e., Twins game night).

-Dennis Louie

Install fare boxes on all buses and trains. Enforce fare paying. More cops on 22, 5, D Line, and more cops on all buses in North Minneapolis. More policemen all of the time. St. Paul train station is dangerous!

-Jeanne Harris

In response to: “Trump indictment reveals 37 felony counts relating to his mishandling of classified documents,” by Stacy M. Brown of NNPA (June 9, 2023, online exclusive)

I love your publication. I wish I could afford to pay for a subscription, and I appreci- ate being able to read online without charge. I first heard of you through the Small Business Revolution final season!

-Ivy Medow

In response to: “Governor Walz makes his case for ‘One Minnesota,’” by Charles Hallman (April 13, 2023, edition)

Walz made a lot of promises to get reelected and used the surplus to repay this debt. What happened in St Paul this past spring is nothing short of a transfer of wealth.

The $17.5B surplus that Walz spent is one-time money. What do you think is going to happen during the next budget cycle? You guessed it, tax increases. Spending never goes away, unfortunately it is forever, so brace for impact. Maybe when businesses begin to leave Minnesota the legislators in St. Paul will wake up, but by then it will be too late. -BRL

PCYC Summer Fun on the Plaza

June 15 – 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.

The Plaza at the Capri 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis

The Plaza at the Capri will be the place for mini-golf, food and fun on Thursday, June 15. Admission is free and free mini golf is available with advanced registration. For more info, visit thecapri.org.

Ranky Tanky with Special Guest Lisa Fischer

June 17 – 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The Dakota – 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

Ranky Tanky (a Gullah phrase for “get funky”) are five lifelong friends from Charleston, South Carolina, who have established themselves as passionate global ambassadors for their local culture and community. They are dedicated to faithfully preserve the traditions originated by African Americans in the coastal South during slavery that are kept alive through the present day. After four decades of featured background singing with icons like Luther Vandross, the Rolling Stones, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, and Nine Inch Nails, Lisa Fischer set out to take center stage with her own humble, heartfelt music. For more info, visit www.dakotacooks.com.

A-Mill Artists Lofts Summer Music and Art Fair

June 17 – 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A-Mill Artists Lofts – 315 SE Main Street, Minneapolis

Now in its third year, the A-Mill Music and Artist Fair was born out of the pandemic, those long months when our vibrant artist community was shut down and many routines disrupted. Coinciding with the Stone Arch Festival moving across the river, this event filled the void on Main Street and a new tradition began. Admission is free. For more info, visit bit.ly/AMillLoftsFair.

Stone Arch Bridge Festival

June 17 – 18

West River Parkway from 11th Avenue South to North Fourth Avenue, Minneapolis

Located at one of Minneapolis’ most scenic and iconic spots, the Stone Arch Bridge Festival is a weekend all about art and music. Here you’ll find three different stages with live music, over 200 local artists demonstrating and selling their creations, the Art of the Car show, Stone Arch Beer Sampler, and plenty of local food trucks to keep you going! They also have a family activities stage with performers and interactive theater so your kids will have a blast. For more info, visit stonearchbridgefestival.com.

Father’s Day Food Truck Festival

June 18 – 1:00 p.m.

Canterbury Park – 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee

Enjoy live racing while celebrating your dad! We’re excited to see you try different bites and treats from over 10 food trucks at the Father’s Day Food Truck Festival! For more info, visit bit.ly/FathersDayFoodTruckFest.

Judith Hill

June 18 – 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The Dakota – 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

On record and in concert, Judith Hill unveils an ambitious, kaleidoscopic vision detailing her journey of self-discovery. Her sound is a vibrant, defiant personal statement, a thorough excursion into the annals of Black music: past, present and future. She has performed live and in the studio with Michael Jackson, George Benson, John Legend, Josh Groban, and Prince, among many others. She was also wildly popular on the fourth season of the hit TV show “The Voice.” For more info, visit www.dakotacooks.com.

An Evening with Jupiter and Okwess

June 20 – 7:30 p.m.

Cedar Cultural Center

416 Cedar Avenue, Minneapolis

Jupiter and Okwess are fronted by Jupiter Bokondji, who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While his lyrics often tackle the serious issues facing that nation, his music—which blends a range of Congolese, American and European influences—is undeniably dance-able and fun. For more info, visit bit.ly/CedarJupiterOkwess.

HOPKINS JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

June 17 – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hopkins Center for the Arts

111 Mainstreet, Hopkins

MN ROOTS! is hosting a community gathering for Juneteenth with keynote speaker, attorney Lee A Hutton, providing a history of the emancipation of enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas. There will be musical entertainment and a BIPOC business market. For more info, visit bit.ly/HopkinsJuneteenth.

SLOW ROLL MSP JUNETEENTH

June 17 – 6:30 -10:30 p.m.

2834 10th Ave. S., Minneapolis

The Southside is home to several bicycle-riding groups. Among them is Slow Roll, which for years has led Black and Brown folks on bike rides through Southside Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods to build community and discover history.

The first ride of the summer will honor Juneteenth. The ride, which event organizers say will end at around 10:30 p.m., will feature a dinner and a DJ performance by Chaz Millionaire of KMOJ. Slow Roll organizer Anthony Taylor says the ride will operate no faster than 10 miles per hour and will be guided by trained bike escorts who will lead participants safely through intersections. For more information about the Juneteenth event or future rides, check the Slow Roll MSP Facebook page or melanininmotion.org.

DULUTH NAACP ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Jun 18 – Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Central Hillside Community Center and Park, Duluth

The Duluth NAACP will host its annual Juneteenth celebration!

A tradition for decades, the Duluth branch of the NAACP will once again honor and celebrate Juneteenth with free food, family fun, local vendors, community resources, music, prizes and more. For more info, visit duluthnaacp.org/Juneteenth.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

June 18 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Recreation Outdoor Center

3700 Monterey Dr., St. Louis Park

JUNETEENTH COOKOUT WITH ESBBN

June 19 – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

June 19 – 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Town Green Park – 7991 Main St., Maple Grove Maple Grove Parks and Recreation is hosting this Juneteenth celebration that includes a Black-owned vendor fair, music, food and more. For more info, visit bit.ly/MapleGroveJuneteenth.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

June 19 – 4 p.m.

Maetzold Amphitheater – 7499 France Ave. South, Edina

The City of Edina’s family-friendly event will feature live music and readings, a story stroll, book giveaway, other children’s activities, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden sponsored by Edina liquor. For more info, visit bit.ly/JuneteenthEdina.

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JUNETEENTH: FAITH AND FREEDOM

June 19 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Urban Refuge is hosting a screening of Juneteenth: Faith -

The Minnesota Orchestra is honoring Juneteenth with a pro-als” and William Grant Still’s “Afro-American” Symphony. Tickets

East Side Freedom Library

1105 Greenbrier St., St. Paul

The East Side Black Owned Business Network’s first annual Juneteenth cookout provides a perfect opportunity to build community and connections on the East Side. There will be free food, art, and family friendly activities. A screening of “Miss Juneteenth” is at 6:30 p.m. For more info, visit bit.ly/ESBBNJuneteenthCookout.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AT THE ZOO

June 19 – 10 a.m.  to  5 p.m. Lake Superior Zoo 7210 Fremont St, Duluth

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The City of St. Louis Park, St. Louis Park Community Education, and St. Louis Park Parktacular are partnering together for their second annual Juneteenth celebration. Enjoy Black-owned busi nesses, food, educational content and special guests. For more info, visit bit.ly/SLPJuneteenthCelebration.

GINGER COMMODORE AND FRIENDS: LEGACY — A MUSI

CAL CELEBRATION OF JUNETEENTH

June 18 – 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Crooners Supper Club

6161 Hwy 65 Northeast, Minneapolis

Enjoy musical performances from Ginger Commodore and The Black Experience that honor the musical achievements of Black American singers and musicians. Reserve a free table spot at bit. ly/GingerCommodoreJuneteenth.

JUNETEENTH BLOCK PARTY

June 18 – 8 p.m.

30,000 Feet Center – 1351 Arcade St., St. Paul

30,000 Feet promises an eventful night full of live music, food trucks, free food, a video game truck, bouncy houses and more. Community resources such as job opportunities, housing and life insurance, will also be present. For more info, visit bit. ly/30KFeetJuneteenthBlockParty.

JUNETEENTH MINNESOTA – WEST BROADWAY BLOCK

PARTY

June 19 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

West Broadway from Lyndale to Emerson Avenue North

Presented by BOB Rewards Club, Juneteenth Minnesota’s block party includes Black vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, inspiring guest speakers, activities for kids and more. For more info, visit www.juneteenthminnesota.com.

JUNETEENTH MINNESOTA – JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL JAM-

BOREE

The Lake Superior Zoo is excited to celebrate “Juneteenth at the Zoo” for 2023. In observance of the holiday, the zoo invites children, families and community to enjoy nature and learn more about conservation. On June 19, 2023, the zoo is offering a reduced admission price of $5. For more info, visit bit.ly/LakeSu-

BLOOMINGTON JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

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June 19 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

John F. Kennedy High School 9701 Nicollet Ave., Bloomington

This event features food trucks, music and art performances and local business vendors. For more info, visit bit.ly/BloomingtonJuneteenthCelebration.

SOUL OF THE SOUTHSIDE 2023 – JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

JAzz

Continued from page 8

Scott,” (published jointly by Columbia University and Howard University Press).

The 11-track collection, produced by Marcus Miller is Butler’s 10th for the label and his 28th overall release.

He told NPR, “This record is a big milestone for me, because every bit of my desire, my ambition, and my love for my country was put on this album.” His “return to roots” album features special guests including producerbassist Miller, Stevie Wonder, Keb’Mo’ and more.

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June 19 – Noon to 8 p.m.

June 19 – 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Bar Zia

420 South 4th Street, Minneapolis

Featuring Rico Nevotion, this festival will include live music and drinks. Old school hip hop, R&B and Afro beats are promised. Tickets are $5. For more info, visit www.juneteenthminnesota.com.

The Hook and Ladder | 3010 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis This festival features live music, speakers, poets, a Black-owned business marketplace, live art and food vendors. Tickets are required for guaranteed admission. Reserve free tickets at bit.ly/ SoulOfTheSouthside.

Jonathan Butler returned with an 11-track ode to his South African roots.

Courtesy of Artistry Music

Beloved singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler released his new album, “Ubuntu,” which arrived on April 28, via Artistry Music/ Mack Avenue Music Group.

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Butler defines Ubuntu as “a philosophy based in South Africa and spread by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, which states: ‘I am me because of you. You are you because of me. We are not separate. We are connected.’”

“Ubuntu” is currently #7 on the iTunes jazz chart.

Robin James welcomes reader responses to jamesonjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.