This Week in Geek (5/18/20–5/24/20)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, May 18, to Sunday, May 24.

Please note: Due to risks from the global COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tim Walz has declared a state of Peacetime Emergency, recommending social distancing (six feet from others in small gatherings), advising against nonessential travel, and ordering the closure of entertainment venues. In following current health guidelines, this column will exclusively share virtual events that can be enjoyed from the comfort and safety of home. During this time we will be including local, national, and international events, as well as separating them into weekly and daily categories. As time goes on and guidelines change, in-person events may be reintroduced.

One-Time and Weekly Events

39th Annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival

What: Movies
When: Friday, May 15, through Saturday, May 23
Where: Virtual 

The theme of the 39th annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is “Adjust Your View,” which became very apropos with the unexpected cancelling of in-person theater viewings due to COVID-19. The MSP Film Society adjusted its view and is now presenting the films virtually. See the the website for the full list of 50-plus available films and shorts, as well as how virtual screenings work. Tickets are $10 per film for general admission, or $5 for members.

Family Story Time

What: Books, Family
When: Monday, May 18, and Friday, May 22; at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Facebook

Library story time is live in your home twice a week from the Ramsey County Library. Expect story-time staples like colorful picture books, toy props, and large easels for learning fun. Videos of the streams are available for 24 hours, so you can watch it when it works best for your schedule, and have the opportunity to hit repeat on family favorites.

Minneapolis: An Improvised Biography

What: Books, Educational
When: Monday, May 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Facebook and YouTube

Tom Weber, author of Minneapolis: An Urban Biography, joins the Theater of Public Policy in a free livestream to discuss the history of Minneapolis and “how the people, politics, and identity of this place have changed over the years.”

Wizard World Virtual Experiences

What: Convention
When: Tuesday, May 19, through Sunday, May 24; various times
Where: Virtual via Website

If you’re getting stir-crazy, and want to connect with fandoms, Wizard World’s Virtual Experiences may be able to help bring some of the convention experience to the comfort of your home. Check the website for details regarding particular events, but know that they include a free Q&A livestream and additional options for paid experiences. During the week of May 18, there are events related to The Dragon Prince, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Versailles.

Not-So-Silent Planet: A Fundraiser for Strike Theater

What: Books, Arts, Community
When: Tuesday, May 19, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom and Facebook

The Twin Cities’ “first open-mic dedicated to speculative interpretations of myth” returns for a virtual fundraising event benefiting the Strike Theater in Minneapolis. The featured performers for this session are Tim Wick, Vu Dang, Tom S. Tea, Michael Merriam, Jeff Henry, Jei Herald Zamora, and Pat Harrigan. There is a suggested donation of $5 to $10.

Celebrity Jackbox Games and Giving

What: Games, Community
When: Tuesday, May 19, and Friday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch, YouTube, Mixer, and Facebook

Join Jackbox Games every Tuesday and Friday as they raise funds for organizations supporting COVID-19 efforts through livestream games with celebrities. Each stream features a different party game from their library, as well as featured guests and charity, so check their website or social media for the latest details. Viewers also have a chance to impact game scores, and in some cases actually beat the celebrities, by joining the audience room and casting votes.

National Air and Space Museum Live Chat

What: Science & Tech, Arts
When: Wednesday, May 20, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Facebook

Join the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution for a live chat with one of their experts every week. Ask questions and learn about different topics with subject-matter experts. This series will continue until the museum reopens; check the Facebook page for up-to-the-minute information. This week, they’re discussing women in aerospace with astronaut Mary Cleave.

Three Faces of Batman Webinar by Comic-Book Art Historian Arlen Schumer

What: Comics, Educational
When: Wednesday, May 20, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual

Since his 1939 DC Comics debut, Batman has been one of the most popular superhero characters across comics, television, and the big screen. During this “visualecture,” illustrator and comic-book art historian Arlen Schumer explores and analyzes the Caped Crusader through three popular versions: the Batman TV series (1966–1968), Neal Adams’ comic run (1968–1974), and Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995). The event ends with an open Q&A session for any-and-all Batman curiosities. Tickets are $10, and a full replay will be available after the event.

Merlins Rest Pub Quiz

What: Trivia
When: Wednesday, May 20, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Facebook

Merlins Rest will be presenting its weekly pub quiz via Facebook! Get ready to quiz and have some fun with pals from the safety of your own home. Karina will be running the quiz.

Penguin Worlds Book Club: Jim Butcher in Conversation with Patrick Rothfuss

What: Books
When: Thursday, May 21, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Jim Butcher, author of the Dresden Files series, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his first novel, Storm Front, as well as upcoming installments in the series, by livestreaming a book club conversation with fellow author Patrick Rothfuss.

Virtual Author Talk with An Na

What: Books
When: Thursday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

The Dakota County Library is a hosting a two-part event with author An Na, who will be sharing “how lived experience inspired her to write novels that address the Asian American experience and mental illness.” This free event for teens and adults requires registration. Part two of this event is at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26.

Virtual Third Thursday: Self-Care

What: Arts
When: Thursday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom and Conference Call

The Minneapolis Institute of Art, or Mia for short, is bringing its monthly Third Thursday community event to the virtual space. The theme this month is “Self-Care,” featuring an at-home activity and the members of the Funny Asian Women Kollective (FAWK) discussing “the importance of humor, family, and solidarity in self-care and community care in these times.”

Home Fitness with Justice Draconis

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Thursday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Work out at home with a free online fitness class lead by Justice Draconis of Dragons Lair Performing Arts, a Twin Cities studio dedicated to circus arts. This 60-minute class focuses on flexibility, habits, and body-weight exercises, so no equipment is needed to participate. For those wanting more workout options, Dragons Lair also offers paid virtual classes in flow arts, belly dance, contortion, and yoga.

Reverend Matt’s Monster Science: Better Armageddons Than This—The Modern Years

What: Comedy & Theater, Educational
When: Thursday, May 21, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

Reverend Matt’s Monster Science is a recurring comedic-lecture series that focuses on monsters. This week’s free livestream explores modern apocalypses, from Cthulhu and Planet of the Apes, to zombies and nuclear mutants.

Trivia Mafia Beer and Pizza Party

What: Trivia
When: Thursday, May 21, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

Trivia Mafia is teaming up with Pizza Lucé and Summit Brewing Co. to host a weekly party with just-for-fun quizzing, random prizes, and pizza discounts.

GalaxyCon Live

What: Convention
When: Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24; various times
Where: Virtual via Facebook

GalaxyCon is hosting free livestream chats with their celebrity friends during these socially distant times. They’re also offering paid experiences including one-on-one video chats, autographs, and personalized videos. Check their website for the most up-to-date scheduling and pricing. This week features chats with cast members of The Karate Kid, The Walking Dead, and My Hero Academia.

Doomtree TV

What: Music
When: Friday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via YouTube

Local hip-hop collective Doomtree will be presenting weekly episodes. This is your chance to see at-home performances, comedy, and more from this band of long-time collaborators and friends.

Vil Misérables: Villification Tennis Gets Off Broadway

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, May 22, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook

Vilification Tennis, a local structured improv show focused on insult contests, is taking its show online with a night of comedy, musical digs, and possibly some singing. This show is free, but a virtual tip jar is available for those who’d like to contribute.

Tech Talk: Aerospace Engineering

What: Science & Tech, Family
When: Saturday, May 23, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual

Kids and teens who are interested in aerospace technology have an opportunity to hear directly from the experts. In this free livestream, engineers Ryan Izant (SpaceX), Lauren Herring (Relativity Space), Olivia Chiu (Blue Origin), and Josh Kaye (Rocket Lab USA) will be discussing their experiences and careers, as well as answering students’ questions. Digital seats are limited and registration is required.

From Stellar Cradle to Cosmic Grave: The Life of Stars

What: Science & Tech
When: Saturday, May 23, at 3:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Discover how a star is born and learn all about its cosmic life cycle with Atlas Obscura and astrophysicist Dr. Anand Thirumalai. This one-hour digital experience will delve into the hard science of stars. Tickets are $,5 and registration is required.

Fleetwood Mac Digital Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Sunday, May 24, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch and Zoom

Flip Phone is taking their popular drag-brunch events digital while everyone is stuck inside. This Sunday’s performance celebrates Fleetwood Mac and the iconic Stevie Nicks. Performers include Pandora Boxx, Dusty Ray Bottoms, Biqtch Pudding, Sasha Cassadine, and more. This event is free, but viewers are highly encouraged to tip performers. Check the Flip Phone Facebook page for more drag events and themed dance parties throughout the week.

The Guild Plays Dungeons & Dragons

What: Gaming, Community
When: Sunday, May 24, at 9:00 p.m. (CST)
Where: Virtual via Twitch

Enjoy a night of streaming D&D with the creative team behind The Guild, including Felicia Day, Sandeep Parikh, Jeff Lewis, Robin Thorsin, Amy Okuda, and Vincent Caso. The game begins at 7:00 p.m Pacific Time (so 9:00 p.m. CDT) and is part of a four-session adventure arc.

Daily Events

Met Opera Streams

What: Theater & Comedy, Music
When: Daily, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Video Stream

Even though the Metropolitan Opera in New York has gone dark in these challenging times, the show will go on. “Each day, a different encore presentation from the company’s Live in HD series is being made available for free streaming on the Met website.” This week’s performances include Faust and Don Giovanni. Streams will be available for a full 23 hours and can also be accessed through the Met Opera On Demand apps.

LeVar Burton Reads

What: Books, Family
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; various times
Where: Virtual via Twitter

LeVar Burton is once again sharing the joy and adventure of reading. The former Reading Rainbow host will take a look in a book and livestream a story narration three times a week. Mondays at 11:00 a.m. will feature children’s books; Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. will be stories geared towards young adults; and Fridays at 8:00 p.m. will include selected readings for adults. For even more stories narrated by Burton, he also hosts a podcast with the same name.

Get Your Pets

What: Community
When: Daily (most days), at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Instagram

John Hodgman, humorist, writer, actor, and podcaster best known for his performances on The Daily Show and performances as “a PC” in Apple advertisements, has been hosting a pet-focused talk show on Instagram Live. On the show, participants will video chat with the host and allow him to chat with their pets.

#ASonnetADay

What: Books, Theater & Comedy
When: Daily, various times
Where: Virtual via Facebook

Sir Patrick Stewart projects stability and calm, two things much needed in this time. This virtual event is an opportunity to see Patrick Stewart (of Star Trek, X-Men, and I, Claudius fame) return to his Shakespearean roots as he reads a sonnet daily. Times vary for the event.

Vienna State Opera Livestreams

What: Theater & Comedy, Music
When: Daily, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Vienna State Opera Live App

Another opportunity to watch world-class opera and ballet while at home comes from the Vienna State Opera. Through their streaming app platform, recordings of previous live shows will be available to watch for 24 hours. The service usually has a subscription fee but is “free of charge until further notice.” This week’s performances include Götterdämmerung and Arabella. See the full schedule and program details in their announcement post.

So, which of these events will you be attending? What events would you like to see featured in the future? Let us know in the comments section below or contact us via email. And don’t forget to add your events to the Twin Cities Geek Community Calendar!