Art Hounds: Blackout and 'The Genealogy of Happenstance'

This week Art Hounds recommend a new book by a Minnesota author, the improv show "Minority Report" and a one-woman show called "The Genealogy of Happenstance."

Theater-maker and comedy-doer Levi Weinhagen thinks you should see "The Genealogy of Happenstance" because, as he puts it, "it will touch you in ways you wouldn't expect." Storyteller Allegra Duncan Lingo brings all her talents to bear as she recounts her and her partner's attempt to conceive a child — a child Lingo is related to only by the "genealogy of happenstance." Performances run tonight through Sunday at the Guthrie Theater in the Joe Dowling Studio.

Duluth performer Blake Thomas is looking forward to author Spike Carlsen's reading from his new book "Cabin Lessons" at The Bookstore at Fitger's on Sept. 22nd at 6:30 p.m. Thomas says Carlsen's real-life story about buying a piece of land on the North Shore and building a cabin on a crumbling cliff is sweet and funny and has its own distinct voice. Earlier in the day Carlsen will also be doing a free presentation on the craft of writing at University of Minnesota Duluth where he will use his carpentry skills to demonstrate his writing process.

Improv artist Brandon Boat recommends people check out the new improv troupe Blackout and its show Minority Report. Boat says Blackout is the only all-black improv troupe in the state, and it aims to take on topics of the day while also getting laughs. Blackout performs Friday night at 10:30 p.m. at the Phoenix Theater in Minneapolis.