Cocktails at the Castle

There’s no question that Fanaka Nation is a rising star in the Minneapolis rap scene. From sharing the stage with Soulja Boy, to selling out Minnesota’s legendary First Avenue venues, to hosting the Cedar’s reoccurring MPLS Afrobeats Party, Fanaka has cemented himself as a force to be reckoned with. His freshman album in 2021, Culture Rap 1: AFROTRAP, made waves as a fresh blend of Hip Hop and African sounds. With his wide range of musical collaborators and commanding stage presence, Fanaka will make waves in Minneapolis’ music scene for years to come.

Arthur “L.A.” Buckner, one of the Twin Cities’ most creative drummers, took the jazz world by storm with the release of his project BiG HOMiE, which reached the #1 Jazz position on iTunes within 24 hours of its August 2020 release. A fusion of his musical influences of Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, African Rhythm, and Jazz explodes in a fiery journey of syncopation and truth, earning the respect of the most trained musical ear to the everyday music lover that appreciates a good “bop.”

As a beloved figure in Minneapolis music scenes, Obi Original has brought together diverse communities to revel under the rich sounds of rock, Afro-fusion, highlife, and bluegrass. His music serves as a bridge between cultures, inviting listeners to embrace the beauty and diversity of African musical traditions. With deep roots in Nigeria’s vibrant music culture, Obi Original is more than just an artist and producer; he’s a musical visionary with a mission to share the heart of African music with the world.

Abinnet Berhanu’s Ahndenet አንድነት pays respect to Ethiopian folk and popular music by exploring the rich instrumental legacy from across the country. Abinnet started his fascination with music on the trumpet but later fell in love with the sheer power of the drums. Having a reputation for being a passionate, explosive drummer, Abinnet has appeared at venues including the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institute, Blues Alley, Bohemian Caverns, Twins Jazz Club, Twins Cities Jazz Festival, and the DC Jazz Festival, among others.

No party would be complete without good food and drink! FIKA Café creates a food and drink menu inspired by the CATC theme and current exhibition every year.

Each Cocktails at the Castle is unique and inspired by ASI’s current exhibition!

• Country House Party (Karin Larrson: Let the Hand be Seen, 2024)
• Punk at the Castle (Leaving Your Mark: Stories in Wood, 2023)
• The Morning Dip (The Morning Dip, 2022)
• ragnaROCK (The Vikings Begin, 2019)
• Chroma Craze (Gudrun Sjödén—A Colourful Universe, 2018)
• Fantastical Worlds (The Fantastical Worlds of Kim Simonsson, 2018)
• Light Up The Night (The Watercolor Worlds of Lars Lerin, 2016)
• All Strings Attached (Amp Up! The Hagstrom Guitar Sensation, 2015)
• Dynamite Night (2015)
• Cocktails at the Cabin (2014)
• Loki’s Halloween Bash (2013)
• Bonfires, Birchwood and Decoupage Revisited (Son of a Birch: It’s Popular Again, 2013)
• Hot Shop Herring (Glass Blow Out, 2013)