The Scene

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026

Sophia Arndt
February 18, 2026

Good morning or afternoon or whenever you’re reading this!

Happy Lunar New Year! It’s the Year of the Horse, and horse girls around the world are celebrating!

It’s birthday week at the A&E desk, and I am not above guilting you (yes, you!) to read my desk’s wonderful work! Fulfil their birthday wishes by reading our articles, including a scathing review of the new “Wuthering Heights” movie, some love for the local Post Modern Times (their food is amazing, you should definitely give them a visit) and the return of Hippocampus to First Ave!

And if you don’t read our news? I’ll just assume you hate birthdays!

Until next week,

Sophia Arndt | Arts & Entertainment Desk Editor | [email protected]

In the Spotlight

Hippo Campus, Justin Vernon and local musical legends unite for a sold-out mutual aid benefit show at First Avenue hosted by the Twin Cities United Performers. | Photo by Emma Vasa

Neighborism in action: How the Twin Cities music scene built a movement

by Emma Vasa | A&E Reporter | Published Feb. 17, 2026

On Feb. 15, First Avenue Productions presented “ICE OUT!,” a mutual aid benefit show organized by the Twin Cities United Performers. Initially announced Jan. 16 with a lineup featuring Hippo Campus, Papa Mbye and 26 Bats!, the roster later expanded to include Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and the indie-rock group Durry.

The benefit aimed to support the Twin Cities community amid Operation Metro Surge, with proceeds donated to several local charities. Along with ticket sales, the event featured a silent auction with items donated by local businesses, including a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar with a gig bag — a soft-sided musical instrument case — from Twin Town Guitar and a pair of First Avenue tickets to every Mainroom show for the remainder of 2026.

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Arts & Entertainment News

Free meals for all: South Minneapolis restaurant uplifts neighbors

By Abbey Mulcahy

Post Modern Times operates on a donations basis, ensuring everyone has access to restaurant-quality meals.

Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ swaps gothic depth for fan-fiction flair

By Emma Vasa

While Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” is a visual spectacle, its colorblind casting and narrative omission reduce a Gothic masterpiece to a high-budget fan fiction.