Arts briefs: 'Grace of Silence' is first Minneapolis citywide read

Minneapolis is launching its first community-wide reading event with "The Grace of Silence" by Michele Norris, a memoir of growing up in south Minneapolis and an exploration of family roots.

The author, a National Public Radio host, will appear at the Guthrie Theater at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 to discuss the book.

The idea of encouraging city residents to read a book focusing on interracial themes grew out of a dispute over the controversial proposal for a dog park at Martin Luther King Park in south Minneapolis.

The "One Minneapolis, One Read" project will include opportunities for community discussions of the book and its themes. More information is available at www.OneMinneapolisOneRead.com.

'Gypsy jazz' at the Hopkins arts centerConnie Evingson and the John Jorgenson Quintet will perform a lively program of "gypsy jazz" at 8 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet.

Gypsy jazz, which combines elements of swing jazz and French gypsy music, has surged in popularity, with numerous "hot club" bands around the country.

Evingson has been a featured guest vocalist with the Minnesota Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony, among others, and is known for her albums "Gypsy in My Soul" and "Stockholm Sweetnin'."

This is the first performance in a 10-concert series at the Arts Center that will feature national and regional touring artists.

For more information, go to www.hopkinsartscenter.com.

Art Social Club of Hopkins organizesMembers of the Friends of Hopkins Center for the Arts are organizing a monthly "Art Social Club of Hopkins" beginning with a session from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Wild Boar, 1106 Mainstreet in Hopkins.

The free event is open to the public and intended as a way to bring together visual and performing artists, writers, musicians, dancers and art lovers to informally network and socialize.

The organizers say it will be a chance to share news, learn about upcoming events and opportunities, and perform during open-mike periods.

Vampire series author will appear at libraryHeather Brewer, author of the bestselling teen vampire series "The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod," will talk to teens at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Drive in Minnetonka.

She'll be discussing her new spin-off series, "The Slayer Chronicles," as well as teen bullying and anti-bullying behavior. Her latest novel is "First Kill," about a group whose mission is to rid the world of vampires. She will read a selection from her new book and answer questions and sign books.

Brewer says she "was not your typical teen growing up," and that her writings draw upon her own experiences as an "outsider" in high school.

Brewer has blogged that "Books save lives. ... In particular, YA [Young Adult] books save lives. When I was growing up, hated by virtually everyone, and so terribly bullied, my escape, my refuge, my island in the storm was the library. I escaped the painful world that was my own and delved into other worlds -- worlds that entertained me, worlds that gave me hope.

"Without those books, I might never have known that some people had it worse than I did in school ... or that I wasn't alone in my body changes. ... Books helped me get through being a tween and teen."

Vote in Promenade sculpture contestVisitors to the Promenade near Centennial Lakes Park are invited to vote on their favorite open-air sculpture in the area by dropping ballots in boxes at the Promenade near 70th Street and at the entrance to the park.

Seven sculptures are on exhibit and eligible for three prizes ranging from $500 to $1,000. Winners of the Peoples' Choice Award and the first-place winner will be invited to exhibit for a second year.

Votes must be submitted by Sept. 30. More information can be found at www.edina artcenter.com/PDFs/Prome nade-2011-Sculptures.pdf .

Indian Dance Academy fundraiserModern Indian Dance Academy RGK will present its dance drama "Cauvery" on Saturday at the Hopkins High School Theatre, 2400 Lindbergh Drive in Minnetonka.

This is the academy's eighth annual fund-raiser for charity, with proceeds this year to aid north Minneapolis tornado victims. The show begins at 6:30 p.m., with a silent auction from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and dinner after the show at 8 p.m., from Bombay Bistro.