june 11, 2025
James Barnett, Artistic Director of Skylark Opera Theatre, begins his Thread,
"I have attended music events in Downtown Saint Paul since I moved to The Twin Cities for grad school almost 20 years ago. The wealth of art and culture offerings in such a concentrated area is unparalleled in my travels throughout the country."
James goes deeper,
“I love being a part of such a rich artist community that resides throughout Downtown Saint Paul. I love introducing hidden spaces like the Lowry Lab Theater in SPCPA and Nautilus Music Theater in Lowertown to our audiences who might only be familiar with The Ordway, The Palace, or Park Square Theater.”
“The Landmark Center itself has such a wide variety of performance spaces beyond the exquisite Musser Cortile tucked away in the basement or spread out amongst the four floors of historic courtrooms, all with their own unique programming.”
When asked how Downtown Saint Paul can be better, James Barnett, Artistic Director of Skylark Opera Theatre, responds succinctly,
“(We need to) find sustainable housing solutions for all residents.”
Barnett explores the future of Downtown,
"I hope that Downtown Saint Paul's vibrancy returns; people spending an entire day versus just coming in for a single event. As Artistic Director of Skylark Opera Theatre, I strive to create art that inspires audiences to engage with their community. I'm always looking for partnership opportunities to build connections with other organizations and businesses that highlight everything that Downtown Saint Paul has to offer."
Barnett says his favorite place Downtown is,
"The Landmark Center; the amount of art and culture in this one building encapsulates the very best of Downtown Saint Paul. From the Schubert Club Museum to the abundance of free musical concerts offered throughout the week, I love how the arts facilitate our civic engagement in this beautiful public building."
