Showing posts with label Rockin this Town. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rockin this Town. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS LANDMINE MAP RELEASED

EAT. PLAY. STAY. DOWNTOWN.
I'll say it again and again. Downtown Minneapolis is a great place to be - one of the coolest cities I've had the pleasure of living in. But, like all cities, it has its challenges and problems. 
People are what make a city great, and I've met some amazing people in Minneapolis. But people also make a city a scary place for some. After voicing my opinion for several years on end about crime downtown, actions taken by the city, allocation of resources and simple daily observation in patterns and habitual behavior - I've decided to help. Help for downtown residents, help for travelers, and help for suburbanites.
I didn't earn the title "Mayor of Minneapolis After Dark" for nothing.. I'm out late. Often. And when I walk the streets, I watch and observe and I see things. I've seen muggings, knifings, violent flash mobs, and straight harassment. The issues are centralized in certain spots and spotted throughout some others.
Minneapolis provides public data about crime in Minneapolis. One of the resources that may be alarming to many is the Minneapolis Shot Spotter. Visit this page HERE and click on each week. You'll notice that North Minneapolis has consistent issues with shots fired, and actual shootings. But you'll also notice that Hennepin ave and the downtown proper area have their issues and reported shootings just this past week. This does NOT include, knifings, harassment, beatings, gang violence or domestic abuse - only shots fired.
In order to help those navigating the city on their own or for the first time (or even those that are oblivious), the Downtown Business Coalition, which consists of local businesses, people and ideals, has released a map. The map is for the sole purpose of staying safe in our great city. It's meant to be a guide, and enhancement to your other resources. However, its focus is on Hennepin ave, Nicollet Ave and a small section of 1st Avenue as these are the most heavily trafficked areas. You can view the map below.
Landmine Map Tri-fold Front

Landmine Map Tri-fold Inside
The Downtown Minneapolis Landmine Map is a useful guide that will serve as an amendment to other maps. The map reveals three different zones to be aware of after 8pm in the evening.
* High Danger Zones are signified by the landmine icon.
* Medium Risk zones are orange.
* Safe Zones are marked in green.
The key education points on the Downtown Minneapolis Landmine Map are meant to focus the public on safety and serve as a reminder to be educated and safe while enjoying downtown.
The Downtown Minneapolis Landmine Map is a product of www.meetMYminneapolis.com and funded by the Downtown Business Coalition. The map will be downloadable, sharable and printable. The map will also be available at participating downtown businesses, primarily in the “safe zones.”
Maps will be available for local businesses upon request at no charge.

Download the map HERE.
Tell em' L.A. Nik sent you..

Thursday, March 1, 2012

DO YOU SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS? PROVE IT

You never know what's going to happen at the Gong Show Minneapolis.
Not even I know! That's how I ended up playing drums for Rape Door this past Sunday night!
If you missed it... well you just never know what will happen here.

Many of you know that I am a huge supporter of local arts in Minneapolis.  Having lived a career as a touring musician I have an in-born knack for reading people and finding talent.  This is why I've created the Gong Show Minneapolis.

The Gong Show from back in the day was a true variety show.  Participants could come on stage and do just about anything on national television to be seen.  We like to do the same thing with Minneapolis artists.  Currently, we run our show every single Sunday Night in the Caterpillar Lounge.  Its a 2 man stage with an intimate environment.

What's so great about Gong Show Minneapolis?
Casey "Eca" Setzer -  Contact Juggler
2 Things

The FIRST is that I am constantly on the lookout for new talent and have found some great performers right on Nicollet Mall playing instruments for coins.  We find unknown talent and give them a place to perform in front of a crowd.

The SECOND is that Gong Show Minneapolis has become a regular place for comedians to come try out new material or a new crowd for free.. Our MC is national comedian Daryl Horner, and we've had the likes of Fancy Ray and Kevin Craft grace the room.  These are big names !  And we have them for you at the Gong Show Minneapolis.

Jayder Kalk - Church of Cash
Crazy Fans!  Jessica Mae - Warpaint International
Jeff Krohn - Stand up Comedian
We've even got a Gong !!!!
 Janice Bees is a regular tap dancer who loves to work on her game during her off days.


Nik Rod is a regular musician who always pleases the crowd.  He can take requests and does acoustic and electric with a second guitar partner - Amanda.

And your DJ is award nominated Xavier Marquis - every single Sunday night!
Xavier Marquis
Listen,  if you can't find something you like at one of the only true variety shows in Minneapolis, then there's just something wrong.  We find unknown talent and put them in front of a crowd.  We support local and starving artists by trying to make a small difference in their lives and we always enhance your life by bringing it to stage.

Doors open at 8PM on Sunday nights and the room fills quick.  The show starts at 9PM and goes until its done.  There is NO COVER to enter the Gong Show Minneapolis, but we do take donations at the door.  You have to come support local artists and put money in the box - its how we keep it alive!  This is charity folks!  We don't make a dime.

If you don't come downtown or simply can not make it to this event, you may donate to the cause here to help keep local artists in front of people to practice their skills and deepen the creative community in Minneapolis and St. Paul by clicking here:

Register for L.A. Nik's Gong Show Minneapolis in Minneapolis, MN  on Eventbrite

~ L.A. Nik

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Rock Against Breast Cancer !

Join me at Fine Line Music Cafe on August 12th as we Rock Against Breast Cancer.
You can buy pre-sale tickets AND you may make donations which will be given to Treasured Chests of the Twin cities by visiting www.RockinThisTown.com and clicking on the events tab.



Event Brite Ticket Sales and Donations