MINNESOTA SUR SEINE 2008   Jacky Molard,Gabriel Gonzalez, Francois Corneloup, Hélène Labarrière, Jacky Martin, Miguel Linares, Tony Hymas (Photo: Sergine Laloux)
Watch clips of Boots Riley and The Coup performing at the 2008 Black Dog Block Party! "A hip space?" did he ask, "An open space!" she said. The Black Dog opened its doors in early 1998, didn't really get its name from the Indian chief, the Led Zeppelin song or the Jazz standard or maybe (and more likely) from the three at the same time. Originally, a little coffee bar and quickly--under good vibrations--a meeting place for ideas and good food. "Organic?" did he ask, "Organic and locally grown whenever possible," she said. The Black Dog is St Paul's central hub for food and drinks featuring the finest locally-roasted espresso and gourmet coffees, a select and creative wine list, favorite domestic and imported beers, French limonade, as well as creative pizzas to name few selections. The Black Dog features exhibits by a wide diversity of artists, locals and internationals such as cartoonist Andy Singer, Magnum photographer Guy Le Querrec, English portraitist Caroline Forbes, Ojibway painter Joe Geshick and many others such as Takumba Aitken or recently Jorge Louis Silva Santana from Brazil. And yeah! At a time where not everything is audible and so many mouths are shut, the Black Dog has welcome poets, philosophers and have encouraged people who have something to say to do so, sometimes after a movie for debate. The St Paul Almanac lowertown reading jams presenting poets of various origins and generations takes place once a month and Rich Broderick invites every once in a while those who still believe in the idea of a Commune. Music has also been a permanent resonance in the building, with the Black Dog being the headquarters of the international Minnesota sur Seine music festival (final jam sessions have certainly been memorable) as well as series of concerts involving players of different genres from be bop to hip hop. Musicians such as Bruce Abbott, Noël Akchoté, Aviette, JT Bates, B'net Houariyat, The Brass Messengers, Broadcast Live, Brother Ali, Taina Asili, Café Accordion, Carnage, Denis Colin, Francois Corneloup, Vic Corringham, Anthony Cox, Pablo Cueco, Davina and the Vagabonds, Desdamona, Fat Kid Wednesdays, Nathan Hanson, Happy Apple, Todd Harper Full Moon Rabbitt Orchestra, Régis Huby, Tony Hymas, Imbert Imbert, Junkyard Empire, Kill the Vultures, Hélène Labarrière, Jimmi Langemo, Dean Magraw, M.Anifest, Jacky Molard, Los Nativos, Evan Parker, Dominique Pifarély, The Pines, Didier Petit for his classic Black Dog gigs during his annual US Tour, Rahjta Ren, Boots Riley and The Coup, Brian Roessler, Dorado Schmitt, Gary Schulte, Tarace Boulba, Chris Thomson, Ursus Minor, Donald Washington, Toki Wright and many others have performed at the Black Dog, not to forget the Fantastic Merlins (truly fantastic) doing their full of surprises Fantastic Friday music series every friday : a Pandora box with so many great guests. And famous French top reed player Michel Portal even named one of his tunes after the Black Dog in his best seller record Minneapolis. "A family business?" did he ask. "Well, yes, Sara, Stacy and Andy Remke. Sometimes family does well, remember the Marx Brothers, the Pointers Sisters, the Steeles, The Nicolas Brothers or even the Warner Bothers" she said. "Euh ... Internet?" did he ask. "Wireless!" she said. "Okay then ! Ready for une tournee du Chien Noir"