MN OPERA LITERACY FESTIVAL
The MNOP Literacy Festival is a three-day series of events planned in conjunction with the main stage production, The Snowy Day. Over the course of three days we will host a number of performances, discussions, and giveaways with the intention of highlighting the importance of literacy and addressing challenges through public discourse, while amplifying the art and traditions of a diverse cohort of local artists.
DAY ONE
Feb. 4
11am
Network for the Development of Children of African Descent Family Center
3255 Spring St. NE, Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55413

Experience a day of creativity and discovery at NDCAD’s family-friendly festival! Kids can unleash their musical talents in the interactive Music Room, filled with instruments to explore under expert guidance. Story lovers will enjoy a special reading of Noah’s Big Opera Dream, with free book giveaways, and an engaging dramatic retelling of a traditional African folk tale by a talented local performer.
Plus, the Free Book Buggy will be on-site, offering children the chance to pick out books to take home. Older students can also explore future opportunities through their job shadow and board mentor program.
DAY TWO
Feb. 5
11am
Milkweed Books & FRGMNT Coffee
1011 Washington Ave S Suite 107, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Register early and enjoy a special treat! The first 15 attendees to sign up will receive a free beverage or pastry from FRGMNT Coffee to enjoy during a captivating reading of Echo in the Distance by author Shayla Michelle.
After the reading, guests will have the chance to meet Shayla and receive a signed copy of her book.
6:30pm
metroNOME Brewery
385 Broadway St,
St Paul, MN 55101
OFFSTAGE
Literacy and the Arts: Examining the Arts as a Literacy Tool
This free, casual event will feature a panel conversation between VP of Impact Darius Gillard, local performer and educator Ilah Raleigh, and local author Shayla Michelle, on the ways in which the arts can serve as a tool to address literacy challenges.
You can also look forward to a musical performance by a cast member from MNOP’s production of The Snowy Day.
DAY THREE
Feb. 6
11am
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington St.
Saint Paul, MN 55102

Students are invited to watch the final orchestra dress rehearsal of The Snowy Day.
7:00pm
Minneapolis Central Library
Pohlad Hall
300 Nicollet Mall,
Minneapolis, MN 55401

The Art of Storytelling
This event will feature a discussion about storytelling from various cultural perspectives to include Western European Art Song, American Theatre Tradition, and Hindustani Vocalism.
The discussion will be punctuated by performances from speakers representing each tradition:
- Pooja Goswami Pavan, Vocalist/Panelist
- A. Pavan, Tabla/Panelist
- Ilah Raleigh, Soprano/Panelist
- Kavyesh Kaviraj, Indian/Jazz Pianist