Notes from a Not So Reluctant Crew Member – learning to row at the Minnesota Boat Club
Posted: May 21, 2012 Filed under: St Paul app | Tags: learn to row, Minnesota Boat Club, st paul, St Paul Things to Do Leave a comment »Last week brought 2 and 3 of my Learn to Row lessons from the Minnesota Boat Club. For the first few minutes of the class we warmed up on the machines. While on one of the machines, I spent some time lost in my head fretting about my ability to row and wondering whether I would remember anything that had been taught. To catch you up, at our first lesson our instructors had us in the training barge rowing but tethered to the dock. My maiden attempt at rowing did not go as I had imagined. I thought, ‘really – how difficult could this be?’ Turns out there’s plenty you can screw up.
But onward and out to the barge we went. Our instructors, Kerry and Bruce, were liberal with their reminders; carry your oar blade forward, once in the boat never take your hand off your oar, keep the blade square to the water, etc, etc. Once out onto the water, Kerry broke us down into groups of 4 and had us start. As expected, there was a bit of flailing about but everyone seemed to get the hang of it quite quickly and soon all 12 of us were rowing (mostly!) in unison with our lead ‘stroke‘. Yay team!!
Here’s what I discovered very soon into it; I like this team sport. I like the individual effort required much like a more solitary sport such as running but because you have to match the stroke of your leader, I found I stayed more in the moment instead of getting lost in my mind with some needless thought. My brain felt scrubbed clean. Too bad those newly formed blisters kept interrupting my Zen!
By lesson 3, we just got better and better. It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning on the river. At times we would hit that sweet spot where everyone’s blade hit the water at the same moment – at the ‘catch‘, followed by the ‘drive‘ when the blade is in the water moving us forward, the ‘finish‘ as the blade comes out of the water and finally, the ‘recovery‘ as we all slide forward in one fluid movement.
I have 3 more lessons yet; can’t wait! Stay tuned.
KAL
Notes from a Reluctant Crew Member – learning to row at the Minnesota Boat Club
Posted: May 18, 2012 Filed under: St Paul app | Tags: learn to row, Minnesota Boat Club, Mississippi, Raspberry Island, Rowing Leave a comment »A while back I was walking along the Mississippi River with a friend. As we passed the Minneapolis Rowing Club’s building, my friend mentioned the St. Paul version of the rowing club, Minnesota Boat Club, on Raspberry Island. While she was lost in reminiscing about hot summer nights, partying at the River Serpent bar, I was distracted by her offhand mention of Learn to Row classes that she said would be starting up soon. This got me thinking about rowing. I’ve always been an athletic person and while most of my pursuits have been more solitary, the idea of being in sync with a group of people gliding across the Mississippi River certainly held some appeal. Thank the internet for turning a whim into reality; before the day was over, I had Googled Minnesota Boat Club’s website and signed up for the first session offered in May.
My first class was last Tuesday evening. We were greeted by our instructors, Kerry and Bruce, and given a tour of the Boat Club building. In short order our instructors had us in the workout room and onto the rowing machines or ‘ergs’ as they are referred to.
Now, as I mentioned, I’m a pretty athletic person. I trail run, I ride dressage competitively, I’ve had personal trainers blah, blah, blah – so as I’m watching Kerry demonstrate proper rowing technique, I’m thinking ‘no problem’. Um yeah; I climbed aboard that machine and felt as if someone had just asked me to pat my head and rub my tummy while jumping on one foot. But eventually I got into the groove along with everyone else in the class. We all got several turns on the machines, recieved individual feedback on our form and worked on some drills.
Next we were taken out onto the training barge tethered to the dock on the river. The training barge isn’t the sexiest boat on the river, let me assure you, but it was stable and built to withstand our clumsy first-time attempts at rowing. Before we actually got to row, I discovered that they don’t untether the boat from the dock. Once we got into position and were instructed how to row, I understood why. Good call.
I learned a surprising amount in a short time. And while mostly I felt like a total spaz, the instruction was solid, Kerry and Bruce were patient and we all did show improvement by the end of the evening. Like anything else, practice makes perfect.
My next class is Thursday night. I’ll let you know how it goes.
KAL
St Patrick’s Day – St. Paul style
Posted: March 9, 2012 Filed under: St Paul app Leave a comment »We love lists, and helping you find your way around the ultimate party on St. Patrick’s day proved to be a great challenge. Get out your green, the old fashioned kind, and set your GPS on St. Paul for March 17 (plus a little before and after)
Wednesday, March 14
07:00pmSt Patrick’s Day event- Worst Irish Tennor (with The Gallivanters) @ Mancini’s Char House
Thursday, March 15
01:00pmSt Patrick’s Day celebration – Tent Party @ Eagle Street Grille
07:00pmSt Patrick’s Day – Miss Shamrock Crowning @ O’Gara’s Bar and Grill
Friday, March 16
01:00pmSt Patrick’s Day celebration – Tent Party @ Eagle Street Grille
04:00pmSt Patrick’s Day celebration – The Gallivanters @ Burger Moe’s
08:00pmSt Patrick’s Day celebration – Rocket Club @ Burger Moe’s
Saturday, March 17
All Day EventMUSIC: St Patrick’s Day Concert @ SteppingStone Theater
07:00amJOIN CLADDAGH COFFEE IN CELEBRATION OF ST. PATRICK’S DAY 2012 @ Claddagh Coffee – West 7th Street
08:00amSt Patrick’s Day celebration – Tent Party @ The Liffey Irish Pub
08:30amSt Patrick’s Day celebration – Tent Party @ Patrick McGovern’s Pub
09:00amSt Patrick’s Day celebration – Tent Party @ Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub
10:00am – 05:00pmMIDA St. Patrick’s Day Celebration @ Landmark Center
10:00amSt Patrick’s Day – A Day of Irish Dance @ Landmark Center
11:00am – 11:00pmSt Patrick’s Day celebration – Tent Party @ Bennett’s Chop and Railhouse
12:00pm – 11:59pmSt Patrick’s Day Tent @ The Shanty at O’Gara’s
12:00pmThe 46th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade @ See event notes
02:00pm – 05:00pmSt Patrick’s Day celebration – Uncle Chuck @ Burger Moe’s
06:00pm – 09:00pmSt Patrick’s Day celebration -Steve Sullivan and the Factory @ Burger Moe’s
07:00pm – 10:00pmMUSIC: Saint Patrick’s Day Concert” presented by Wild Intention Teen Troupe @ SteppingStone Theater
07:00pm – 11:00pmSaint Patricks Day Irish Dance @ Celtic Junction
07:30pm – 09:30pmMUSIC: Katie McMahon’s Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration @ The O’Shaughnessy /St. Catherine’s
09:00pmSt Patrick’s Day Bill + Tom Show @ The Shanty at O’Gara’s
09:00pmSt Patrick’s Day celebration – DJ Stevie Ray @ Burger Moe’s
Sunday, March 18
10:00am – 05:00pmST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION at Landmark Center @ Landmark Center
10:00amSt Patrick’s Day – A Day of Irish Dance @ Landmark Center
07:30pm – 09:30pmMUSIC: Katie McMahon’s Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration @ The O’Shaughnessy /St. Catherine’s
Monday, March 19
07:30pm – 09:30pmMUSIC: Katie McMahon’s Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration @ The O’Shaughnessy /St. Catherine’s
Tuesday, March 20
07:30pm – 09:30pmMUSIC: Katie McMahon’s Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration @ The O’Shaughnessy /St. Catherine’s
Stop-In the Name of Love -Valentine’s Day in St. Paul
Posted: February 2, 2012 Filed under: St Paul app | Tags: big table studio, stpaul spot, valentine at children's museum, valentine dinner at como, valentine's day in st paul, valentines day Leave a comment »Valentine’s Day events are starting early this year, with valentine art sales and crafting events, for adults and kids.
Here’s the invite from Big Table studio.
This list will keep growing as more venues publicize their V-day events. Keep checking.
Friday, February 03
06:00pm – 09:00pmValentines Art Sale – Lowertown Lofts Artist Cooperative @ See event notes
07:00pm – 10:00pmFor The Love Of Love Poster Show – Valentine events @ Big Table Studio
Thursday, February 09
06:30am – 10:30pmMake a Valentine @ College of Visual Arts
Saturday, February 11
10:00am – 05:00pmYucky Valentine’s Day party @ Minnesota Childrens Museum
07:30pm – 09:00pmValentine’s Weekend Comedy Show @ Padelford Riverboats
Sunday, February 12
04:00pm – 05:30pmRhythmic Romance: Co-ed drum circle for Valentine’s Day @ Women’s Drum Center
06:00pmEnchanted Evening – A Valentine’s Dining Experience @ Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park
08:00pmVIP BADBOYZ productions presents VALENTINES DAY CONCERT @ Minnesota Music Cafe
Monday, February 13
06:00pmEnchanted Evening – A Valentine’s Dining Experience @ Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park
Tuesday, February 14
09:00am – 05:00pm2nd Annual Valentines – Hearts ‘r’ Running 5k @ Como Lakeside Pavilion
05:00pm – 11:00pmVALENTINE PARTY WITH THE TRAVELIN MOBURYS and PAUL MAYASICH @ Minnesota Music Cafe
06:00pm – 08:00pmCelebrating Valentines Day – Chris Wilson – Classical Guitar @ Trotter’s Cafe – Since 1989
06:00pmEnchanted Evening – A Valentine’s Dining Experience @ Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park
07:00pm – 11:00pmShot Through the Heart -Valentines Day @ James J Hill Reference Library
08:00pmMUSIC: Love Lies Bleeding: A Valentine’s Day Tribute to Elton John @ Amsterdam Bar and Hall
Music in St. Paul this weekend
Posted: January 27, 2012 Filed under: St Paul app Leave a comment »Friday, January 27
05:00pmMUSIC: Friday Happy Hour Show with Mary Elias @ Minnesota Music Cafe
05:30pm – 07:30pmMUSIC: Todd Harper on Piano @ Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
07:00pm – 10:00pmMUSIC: Big George Jackson @ Wilebski’s Blues Saloon
07:00pm – 11:00pmMusic – JoAnn Funk Jazz in the Lobby Bar @ The Saint Paul Hotel
08:00pmMUSIC: Cody McKinney @ Dubliner Pub
08:00pmMUSIC: Cwn Annwn, Deretia, Cold Corpses @ Station 4
08:00pmMUSIC: Inish Mohr @ The Coffee Grounds – neighborhood coffee shop- Como
08:00pmMUSIC: Merciless Ghost @ Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
08:00pmMUSIC: Scapegoat w/Skin and Bones @ Hat Trick Lounge
08:00pmMUSiC: DEMO (Diverse Emerging Music Organization) presents LANGER’S BALL @ The Palace Stage at Wild Tymes
08:30pm – 10:30pmMUSIC: Dian Jarvi / World – Folk @ Dunn Bros Coffee – Snelling and Grand
08:30pmMUSIC: Rockin’ Hollywoods @ Mancini’s Char House
09:00pmMUSIC: Bryan Nichols Quintet @ Artists’ Quarter
09:00pmMUSIC: SKOAL KODIAK/ SEAWHORES/ GAY WITCH ABORTION @ Turf Club
09:00pmMUSIC: Scrape @ Hat Trick Lounge
09:00pmMUSIC: The LEGENDARY LAMONT CRANSTON BAND with special guest MAURICE JACOX @ Minnesota Music Cafe
09:00pmMUSIC: Speedboat Girls, Pony Trash, Dirty Dancing, Tramps Like Us @ Amsterdam Bar and Hall
09:00pmMUSIC:7 Sweet Stache with Exit Stage Right A tribute to the music of Rush @ The Shanty at O’Gara’s (formerly The Garage)
10:00pmMUSIC : Friday Nights with DJ King Otto @ Senor Wong Restaurant / Cocktail Lounge
Saturday, January 28
10:00amMUSIC: Free Children’s Show @ Ginkgo Coffeehouse
12:00pmMusic In Rice Park- Winter Carnival Event @ Rice Park
12:00pm – 06:00pmMUSIC: MN School of Rock @ The Shanty at O’Gara’s (formerly The Garage)
05:00pm – 10:00pmMUSIC: Winter Carnival Deepwinter Bonfire @ History Theatre
06:00pm – 08:00pmMUSIC: Local’s Night / Mark Grim – Country, Blues & Pop @ Trotter’s Cafe – Since 1989
06:00pm – 08:00pmMUSIC: Local Nights @ Trotter’s Cafe – Since 1989
07:00pm – 09:00pmMUSIC: Mississippi Driftwood @ The Original Gabe’s by the Park
07:00pmMUSIC: Spruce Top Review @ The Coffee Grounds – neighborhood coffee shop- Como
07:00pmMUSIC: The Wednesday Sessions with Lonnie Knight @ The Coffee Grounds – neighborhood coffee shop- Como
07:00pmMUSIC:Sweet Rhubarb @ Ginkgo Coffeehouse
07:00pmMUSIC:Zeitgeist with the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts @ Studio Z
07:00pm – 11:00pmMusic – JoAnn Funk Jazz in the Lobby Bar @ The Saint Paul Hotel
08:00pmMUSIC: DEMO (Diverse Emerging Music Organization) presents STRANGE FOREST ANGRY WATERS MOROSITY BLOOD ROOT MOTHER BATTLE TOYS @ The Palace Stage at Wild Tymes
08:00pmMUSIC: Scattered Birdz @ Hat Trick Lounge
08:00pmMUSIC: Paul Collins Beat, The Magnolias, Crossing Guards and DJ Travis Ramin @ Amsterdam Bar and Hall
08:30pm – 10:30pmMUSIC: Reina Del Cid / Folk – Rock – Pop @ Dunn Bros Coffee – Snelling and Grand
08:30pmMUSIC: Rockin’ Hollywoods @ Mancini’s Char House
09:00pmMUSIC: Bryan Nichols Quintet @ Artists’ Quarter
09:00pmMUSIC: COMMUNIST DAUGHTER @ Turf Club
09:00pmMUSIC: Colonization: dVrg presents: dVrg quartet @ Celtic Junction
09:00pmMUSIC: HIGH & MIGHTY @ Minnesota Music Cafe
09:00pmMUSIC: Flock of Birds @ Hat Trick Lounge
09:00pmMUSIC: Mike Felten @ Ginkgo Coffeehouse
Sunday, January 29
11:00amMUSIC: Brunch music with House of Mercy Presents: Gospel Bruch w/ The Blood Washed Band @ Amsterdam Bar and Hall
12:00pmMusic In Rice Park- Winter Carnival Event @ Rice Park
12:00pm – 06:00pmMUSIC: MN School of Rock @ The Shanty at O’Gara’s (formerly The Garage)
02:00pmMUSIC: Zeitgeist with the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts @ Studio Z
03:00pm – 05:00pmMUSIC: Chopin Society of Minnesota presents pianist Nelson Goerner @ Sundin Hall at Hamline University
03:00pmMUSIC: Lyra Family Concert Series: Recorder Feast! @ The Baroque Room
03:00pmMUSIC: NELSON GOERNER @ Sundin Music Hall
05:00pmMUSIC: The Nicole and Joe Band, Bomba de Luz @ Amsterdam Bar and Hall
06:30pmMUSIC: AFTON SHOWS PRESENTS! @ Station 4
08:00pmMUSIC: Amplified Life Showcase @ Artists’ Quarter
08:00pmMUSIC: Cajun Hot Soles @ Half Time Rec
08:00pmMUSIC: WESTERN MOVIE NIGHT & CHILI COOK-OFF! @ Turf Club
09:00pmMUSIC: BLUES IN G-SHARP @ Minnesota Music Cafe
09:00pmMUSIC: The MN Songwriter Showcase @ Plums
Posted: January 27, 2012 Filed under: St Paul app Leave a comment »
Tonight in rice park
Winter Carnival – the list
Posted: January 23, 2012 Filed under: St Paul app | Tags: beer dabbler, bouncing girls tryout, carnival food trucks, carnival orchid show, children's art show, coronation, food trucks, geocaching, guard room, ice carving, ice palaces display, klondike kate cabaret, mtc free pass, music in rice, onspiel, orchid show, rock the palace, saint paul winter carnival, saintly city cat show, st paul spot, st paul winter carnival, st paul winter carnival children's art show, st paul winter carnival treasure hunt, st pual winter carnival parade, torchlight parade, treasure hunt, vulcans, winter carnival events, yoga in the cold Leave a comment »
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Wednesday, February 01
All Day EventSt Paul Winter Carnival Annual Art Show @
All Day EventThe Saint Paul Winter Carnival – Daily @ See event notes
All Day EventSt Paul Winter Carnival Children’s Art Show @ AZ Gallery
All Day EventMemories on Ice: The History of Carnival Ice Wall @ Rice Park
All Day EventMobile Food Trucks at the Winter Carnival @ Rice Park
All Day EventWinter Carnival Ice Palaces Display @ Rice Park
00:00am – 04:00pmSaint Paul Winter Carnival Card Tournament Bridge @ See event notes
12:00pmMusic In Rice Park- Winter Carnival Event @ Rice Park
05:00pm – 07:00pmBarrage in the Garage: Klinker vs Ferty: A Winter Carnival Event @ The Shanty at O’Gara’s (formerly The Garage)
Thursday, February 02
All Day EventSt Paul Winter Carnival Annual Art Show @
All Day EventThe Saint Paul Winter Carnival – Daily @ See event notes
All Day EventSt Paul Winter Carnival Children’s Art Show @ AZ Gallery
All Day EventMemories on Ice: The History of Carnival Ice Wall @ Rice Park
All Day EventMobile Food Trucks at the Winter Carnival @ Rice Park
All Day EventWinter Carnival Ice Palaces Display @ Rice Park
12:00pmMusic In Rice Park- Winter Carnival Event @ Rice Park
08:00pmIt’s So Cool It’s Hot Drag Show: A Winter Carnival Event @ Lowry Lab Theater
08:00pmWinter Carnival Event -It’s a drag @ Lowry Lab Theater
09:00pmJoin the Vulcans with Critical Mass- a Winter Carnival event @ Crowne Plaza St Paul Riverfront Hotel
Friday, February 03
All Day EventSt Paul Winter Carnival Annual Art Show @
All Day EventThe Saint Paul Winter Carnival – Daily @ See event notes
All Day EventSt Paul Winter Carnival Children’s Art Show @ AZ Gallery
All Day EventMemories on Ice: The History of Carnival Ice Wall @ Rice Park
All Day EventMobile Food Trucks at the Winter Carnival @ Rice Park
All Day EventWinter Carnival Ice Palaces Display @ Rice Park
12:00pmMusic In Rice Park- Winter Carnival Event @ Rice Park
04:00pmSt Paul Winter Carnival Event Vulcan’s ASHES SWING 4pm AND TRONIC TRIBE PRESENTS 2012 @ Minnesota Music Cafe
05:00pm – 07:00pmAshes Swing: A Saint Paul Winter Carnival event @ Minnesota Music Cafe
05:00pmWinter Carnival MUSIC: Vulcan’s Ashes Swing Party @ Minnesota Music Cafe
06:00pm – 09:00pmSt. Paul Bouncing Team Tryouts-Winter Carnival @ Landmark Center
06:00pm – 09:00pmWinter Carnival: Bouncing Team Tryouts @ Landmark Center
07:00pmWinter Carnival Event -Guard Room @ American Burger Bar
Saturday, February 04
All Day EventSt Paul Winter Carnival Annual Art Show @
All Day EventThe Saint Paul Winter Carnival – Daily @ See event notes
All Day EventSt Paul Winter Carnival Children’s Art Show @ AZ Gallery
All Day EventMemories on Ice: The History of Carnival Ice Wall @ Rice Park
All Day EventMobile Food Trucks at the Winter Carnival @ Rice Park
All Day EventWinter Carnival Ice Palaces Display @ Rice Park
09:00am – 05:00pmFamily Day: A Winter Carnival Event @ Landmark Center
09:00am – 05:00pmWinter Carnival: Family Day Events @ Landmark Center
10:00am – 04:00pmMemorial Blood Centers Blood Drive-Winter Carnival Event @ Rice Park
10:00am – 04:00pmGive A Pint, Get A Pint – Blood Drive: A Winter Carnival Event @ Rice Park
12:00pmMusic In Rice Park- Winter Carnival Event @ Rice Park
01:30pmWinter Carnival Event – Poetry in Motion @ Rice Park
02:00pm – 05:00pmAmbassador Pre-Parade Party: A Winter Carnival Event @ Barrio Tequila Bar
05:30pm – 07:00pmThe Saint Paul Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade @ See event notes
06:00pmA Winter Carnival Event -Vulcan Victory Dance @ Crowne Plaza St Paul Riverfront Hotel
07:00pmWinter Carnival Event -Guard Room @ American Burger Bar
07:30pm – 07:45pmFireworks! A Winter Carnival Event @ See event notes
07:30pm – 08:00pmOverthrow of Boreas – A Winter Carnival Event @ Saint Paul Central Library
Sunday, February 05
All Day EventSt Paul Winter Carnival Annual Art Show @
All Day EventThe Saint Paul Winter Carnival – Daily @ See event notes
All Day EventSt Paul Winter Carnival Children’s Art Show @ AZ Gallery
All Day EventMemories on Ice: The History of Carnival Ice Wall @ Rice Park
All Day EventWinter Carnival Ice Palaces Display @ Rice Park
St Paul Winter Carnival – the new list
Posted: January 23, 2012 Filed under: St Paul, St Paul app | Tags: deepwinter bonfire, st paul winter carnival, st paul winter carnival event calendar, torchlight parade, treasure hunt Leave a comment »
Posted: January 20, 2012 Filed under: St Paul app Leave a comment »
Snowy afternoon in St Paul
