Mark Twain’s oft-quoted comment that reports of his death had been “greatly exaggerated” can also be applied to the much-maligned downtown of our own capitol city. Yes, downtown St. Paul is hurting in some areas. But a recent Friday night provided evidence that things are not as bleak as the naysayers would have us believe.

On Friday, April 10, a friend and I drove downtown to see a concert by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in their beautiful Concert Hall at the Ordway Center. As we got near the Ordway, we noticed that the sidewalks were full of colorfully dressed people heading to see one of the world’s biggest pop stars—Lady Gaga—at Grand Casino Arena on her Mayhem Ball tour. We found on-street parking near Rice Park and walked to the Ordway, which we discovered was hosting another live event on the same night. It was “Freddie,” a ballet set to the music of the rock group Queen.

We grabbed cocktails in the lobby, found our seats in the Concert Hall and enjoyed a typical stunning performance by the SPCO. After the concert, we drove down West 7th a few blocks for a late dinner at Shamrock’s, which was busy as usual and, as it happened, was presenting live music by a local group called the Top Shelf Band. (Across the street from Shamrock’s, the White Squirrel had two bands, Brunch and Bright Young Things.) If you’re counting, that makes for six different live music performances. Also, the next day, with a little help from my friends at Google, I discovered that downtown St. Paul had also hosted a comedian, Matt McCusker, at the Fitzgerald Theater on Friday night. Not bad for a town that gets more press for its supposedly “deserted streets and skyways” than a vibrant entertainment scene.

So, the next time you hear Debbie Downer complaining about the lack of “action” in downtown St. Paul, suggest that she check out the calendars of the Ordway, the Fitzgerald Theater, Palace Theater, Park Square Theater, CHS Field and, of course, Grand Casino Arena, where, in addition to concerts by world-famous stars, a certain NHL hockey team is making a run for the Stanley Cup. If you just open your eyes to what downtown St. Paul has to offer, there’s more than enough to keep the most demanding patrons of the performing arts—or professional sports—plenty busy.

Paul Bard is a fourth-generation St. Paulite and a member of the Community Reporter Board of Directors.