MPR News Arts Reporter Marianne Combs joins Steve Seel and Jill Riley to talk about arts-related reasons to get oneself out of bed despite the ostensibly endless winter.

Shapiro & Smith Dance — Marianne describes Shapiro & Smith's work as "dance that starts in your brain." The substantive and virtuosic dance company will perform "Dance with Two Army Blankets" and "What Dark / Falling into Light" as well as the premiere of "Narcissus," a company piece about reflections — what we see and don't see, what we want to see and ultimately, what is really there. Shows run April 17 to 19 at the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts in Minneapolis.

The Shadow War — Presented by We Theater, The Shadow War is set in 1971 and follows five characters whose lives and destinies were woven together by the tragic circumstances of the American CIA-led "Shadow" War in Laos from 1954 to 1975, the Vietnam War's second front. Written by playwright Amy Russell, who lived in Laos as a child from 1969 to 1971, the play translates the political relationships of the war into an intimate personal drama. The Shadow War runs April 16 to 27 at the Wellstone Center in St. Paul.

Patrick's Cabaret — For adventurous arts appreciators, Marianne suggests visiting Patrick's Cabaret in South Minneapolis for "a gem of an experience." Patrick's Cabaret presents new and established artist who are trying new works; Marianne likens it to the Fringe Festival in that regard. Each cabaret evening features a range of performances, and can include dance, spoken-word, hip hop, opera, video and other art forms. Patrick's Cabaret is located at Minnehaha Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis.

Enjoy the Ride: A Year's Worth of Cycling Art — Local graphic artist Adam Turman presents this exhibition of his own original paintings and prints all about the subject of cycling. Many of the images in the show will be inspired from photos taken by Adam's friends including: Pete Crabtree, Robert Williams, Ben McCoy, Willie Humke, and others. The exhibition is catered by Chowgirls and 612 Brew, and 30 Days of Biking (disclosure: the founder and director of 30 Days of Biking is an MPR employee) will help facilitate proceeds to the Free Bikes 4 Kidz non-profit that gives free bikes to kids. This event happens Saturday, April 19, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Chowgirls Parlor in Northeast Minneapolis.

Marianne Combs joins The Current's Morning Show for the Weekend Arts Roundup every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Read about all the latest arts news at the State of the Arts blog at mprnews.org.