Weekend Happenings: October 2-4, 2015

Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon

Downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul
Oct. 3-4, 2015
Marathon starts at 8:00 AM, Oct. 4
Cost:  Free to attend



Come cheer on the runners in this inspiring community event.  Dubbed the Most Beautiful Urban Marathon, the race begins in Minneapolis while the course takes you around our gorgeous lakes and river parkways, ending spectacularly at the State Capital in St. Paul.

While the marathon takes place on Sunday morning, there are fun family events starting on Saturday.  There are smaller races, a health and fitness expo, and fun events for the kids.  Come enjoy the beautiful weekend while being active and healthy.

Minnesota Renewable Energy Tour

Statewide
Oct. 3, 2015
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost:  Free





The Minnesota Renewable Energy Tour highlights clean energy projects across the state and in the Twin Cities metro area. We have over a dozen homes in the 7 county metro and over 50 homes, businesses and farms statewide with renewable energy systems and sustainable practices who are opening their doors for visits from you!

The tour is run completely by volunteers and free of charge to participate or attend.  The event will be self-guided with the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society providing a list of sites. On the day of the tour you can visit any of the sites during the tour hours of 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and someone will be available to describe features of the location. This is a great opportunity for you to see renewable energy in action and talk to owners with real-life experiences living sustainably.

An Evening With Martin Zellar

Chanhassen Dinner Theater

501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen

Oct. 2 & 3, 2015

8:00 PM

Cost:  $40 to $55

In this very special evening of entertainment, the renowned Martin Zellar features some of his favorite songs by Neil Diamond and showcases his songwriting talent playing fan favorites from the Gear Daddies and Martin Zellar catalogs.

Martin Zellar rose from the ashes of the legendary Gear Daddies, the Midwest-based country-rock band led by the singer-songwriter. The Gear Daddies formed in 1985. A rabid fan-base soon developed and the band dished out two releases on major label Polygram, “Let’s Go Scare Al” (1988) and “Billy’s Live Bait” (1990). Critics gushed about the band’s “gutsy, country-tinged songs filled with heartland angst” as the group spawned a string of tunes about lost souls, drunken nights and unrequited love. The group even appeared on “Late Night, with David Letterman.” Zellar also wrote the world-wide novelty tune “The Zamboni Song” which has appeared on the soundtracks of many movies, including “The Mighty Ducks” and “Miracle.”

In 1992, much to the chagrin of the band’s now nationwide following, Gear Daddies amicably disbanded, leaving a mark on the Minneapolis music scene that continues to this day. Zellar went on to release several solo records and perform with his band,The Hardways, across the Midwest and the country, opening for such acts as The Eagles and Idina Menzel. Although he is first and foremost held in high regard by fans and critics alike as original singer and songwriter, Zellar also openly acknowledges and honors his musical influences, including Neil Diamond, timeless songwriter and entertainer.