Back to the list of All 2015 performances
Audience Location
Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis
Date and Time
June 20, 2015 at 5pm
Water Locale
Mississippi River
Choreographers
Marylee Hardenbergh, Artistic Director
Lori Mercil, Project Manager & Choreographer
Johnny Bates, Park Choreographer
Rae Eden Frank, Hydrology Laboratory Choreographer
Sharon Picasso, Balconies Choreographer
History of Site and Related Water Issues
The Falls in downtown Minneapolis are the largest falls on the Mississippi River. Historically, it was the power from the falls that milled the lumber and ground the grain into flour, making Minneapolis the “flour milling capital of the world” for several decades. In June, 2015, the lock that was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers is being closed down by order of the President to prevent the Asian carp from swimming upriver.
The main water issue here in the Upper Mississippi is the non-point source pollution which contributes to the Dead Zone of the Gulf of Mexico. Here our residents and farmers use a great deal of pesticides and fertilizers that drain into the river, resulting in overuse of oxygen in the water. Several environmental agencies locally are working with the residents to raise awareness of the importance of keeping our river clean for our friends downriver.
Music
Local music was written by J. David Moore, with Severin Behnin.
The Global Water Dances music was created by our very own Marcus Wise on the tablas, with punctuation by Reid Kruger. The tablas sounds blend with Afro-drumming and Andean flute music.
The Performance
As the audience stands on the Stone Arch Bridge, the rooftops, balconies, and structures surrounding the bridge come alive with dancers on them, bringing color and rhythm.
Directions to the Site of Performance
You can walk out on the Stone Arch Bridge from the downtown Minneapolis side at Portland Ave S & West River Parkway. From the other side, come onto the bridge from 6th Avenue SE and SE Main St.
Email for more information
How can I get involved?
Contact Lori Mercil, [email protected]
Local Website
http://www.globalsiteperformance.org/upcoming.shtml
Other resources and links
http://www.hamline.edu/education/cgee/solstice-river.html
https://www.facebook.com/events/1558927334392733/
“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Fund.” – MRAC Acknowledgment
