Caponi Art Park in Eagan is getting set to start its 2014 season with an open house May 31, and it has announced plans for a new bluegrass festival in addition to its typical seasonal offerings, Family Fun Tuesdays and the Summer Performance Series.

The bluegrass festival on Sept. 14 will feature the Okee Dokee Brothers, Monroe Crossing and more. Tickets are $20; kids 12 and under are free. Tickets are on sale now at www.caponiartpark.org.

The Family Fun Tuesdays series starts June 3 and includes music, dance, puppetry, storytelling and more. The Summer Performance Series begins June 8 with a performance of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night."

The free open house, featuring music and kids' art activities, is 1 to 4 p.m. May 31. For a calendar, see www.caponiartpark.org/calendar.

The 60-acre park, founded by former Macalester College Prof. Anthony Caponi, is at 1220 Diffley Road.

HASTINGS

State hospitals are focus of author talk

The sometimes-troubling history of Minnesota's state hospitals — including the Hastings State Hospital — will be the focus when two authors discuss their work at the LeDuc Historic Estate in Hastings on Sunday.

Michael Resman, author of "Asylums, Treatment Centers and Genetic Jails: A History of Minnesota's State Hospitals," and Heidi Langenfeld, a historian who interviewed many former employees and relatives of patients at Hastings State Hospital, will discuss their work starting at 1 p.m.

The LeDuc Historic Estate is at 1629 Vermillion St. The event is open to the public, and a $2 donation is requested. For more information, call 651-437-7055 or see www.dakotahistory.org.

STAFF REPORTS

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