Get ready to move and groove with a lively day of music and play! Join hip-hop producer and DJ Kool Akiem for an inside look into the science, art, and skill of spinning beats, and dance along with Kashimana and her band.
Outdoor Performance and Event Guidelines
Mask-wearing is recommended for outdoor performances, and at any time when 6 feet of physical distancing is not possible from people not in your group. Lawn furniture and smoking are not allowed. Picnic blankets are welcome for performance seating.
Free First Saturday also features free gallery admission on the first Saturday of every month. Gallery admission tickets are available on-site on the event day from the Main Lobby desk; quantities are limited.
On Free First Saturdays, we require visitors over age 2 to wear face masks inside the building to support the safety and comfort of families and attendees. We ask that you continue to maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet away from people not in your household group.
Please note: This event will be documented with photography. By attending, you consent to having your image documented.
Activity Information
Art-making Activity: Secret Soundtrack, 10 am – 12 noon and 1 – 3 pm
Discover your artwork’s secret soundtrack with pianist, composer, and educator Stephanie Henry! Henry will improvise original keyboard compositions in response to participant drawings.
Art-making Activity: Wind Song, 10 am–3 pm
Choose from a variety of unexpected materials to create your own wind chime and capture the sound of the breeze.
Bell Museum Songbird Celebration Station, 10 am–3 pm
Humans aren’t the only music-makers around! Test your songbird knowledge and collect facts from Bell Museum bird lovers and experts.
Guided Tour of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 12 noon
Join a Walker educator for a family-friendly tour of artworks in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Tours meet outside of the main entrance on Vineland Place 5 minutes before the start time. Tour size is limited to 20 participants. Find more information here.
Performance Information
DJ Kool Akiem, 10:30–1:30 am and 1–2:30 pm
See DJ Kool Akiem in action and get an introduction and “hands-on” knowledge of DJ equipment, styles, and skills during interactive DJ sets, presented in partnership with COMPAS.
Kashimana, 12 noon
Listen, dance, and sing along to the joyful and soulful songs of Kashimana and her band!
About the Performers
DJ Kool Akiem is a renowned DJ of 20 years as well as a music producer and pioneer of the Twin Cities hip-hop community. He has worked as a DJ and producer for the legendary Micranots as well as DJ for MF DOOM. He has toured nationally and internationally, sharing stages with artists including Atmosphere, Public Enemy, KRS One, De La Soul, the Roots, Hieroglyphics, Grandmaster Flash, Jazzy Jeff, Mos Def, and many more.
Kashimana is a mother, musician, vocalist, composer, producer, and teaching artist. The name Kashimana means ‘that’s their heart’ and you can hear it beating in the compelling sound of their music, which is an immersive exploration of soul, acoustic R&B, folk, Afro-funk, and more. Kashimana’s work authentically expresses a vulnerability full of joy and pain. Their performances seek to heal, soothe, ignite connected creativity, and transmogrify each participant to a deeper level of life, love, understanding, and consciousness.
Stephanie Henry is a classically trained pianist and composer from Minneapolis. She has performed with classical and theatrical ensembles as well as with rock bands. She composed original works for film, musical theater, orchestras, quartets, and solo piano. Her music has been celebrated for its originality and charismatic charm. She studied music at St. Olaf College and received her master’s degree from Hamline University.
Accessibility
For visitors who need to plan accessible transportation to the Walker, please email access@walkerart.org or call 612-375-7564 to inquire about reserving timed admission.
Assistive listening devices are available upon request for guided tour participants.
Limited seating will be available under the Cowles Pavilion during Kashimana’s performance.
To request accommodations for this program or for more information about accessibility, visit our Access page, call 612-375-7564, or email access@walkerart.org.
Attendance Requirements
Masks are strongly encouraged inside the museum for all visitors ages 2 and older regardless of vaccination status. On Free First Saturdays and Sensory Friendly Sundays, we require visitors ages 2 and older to wear face masks inside the building to support the safety and comfort of families and attendees.
If you have questions or require additional assistance, please email orders@walkerart.org or call 612-375-7600.
