The Monday Briefing: Music in the great outdoors

PICK OF THE WEEK: There's one inviolable rule for living in Minnesota — we must spend as much time as possible outside in the summer. That includes getting our music alfresco. To help us do just that, the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board has launched its outdoor music program, offering a diverse mixture of styles and locations. The lineup includes shows at Lake Harriet (seven days a week), Minnehaha Park (Wednesdays through Fridays), Bryant Square Park (Tuesdays and Thursdays), Nicollet Island Park (Mondays), Father Hennepin Bluffs Park (Tuesdays) and Loring Park and Theodore Wirth Park (selected days at both). There are 185 summer concerts in all — and they're all free. (Click on "events" at minneapolisparks.org)

Cheat sheet: Father's Day is coming up on Sunday. Once dad is done telling you about his bunions, here are some other things to talk about:

• Roughly half as many cards are bought for good old dad as the number purchased for Mother's Day.

• A presidential declaration designating Father's Day used to be made every year until Richard Nixon signed a law in 1972 making it permanent.

• The two most popular gifts are a tie — natch — and a hammer. Screwdrivers do pretty well, too (we're talking about the tool, not the drink, although with some dads, both would be appreciated).

Day by day: Monday is national Kitchen Klutzes Day. Before you celebrate, make sure that you have plenty of paper towels and that your emergency medical kit is fully stocked.

LIFE HACK: If you're heading out on a picnic, you can make a reusable, non-drip ice pack by freezing a soaked sponge and putting it in a zip-top bag.

JEFF STRICKLER • jeff.strickler@startribune.com