As we head into 2008 we can't help but have stars in our eyes. Hopes and dreams are rampant and the mistakes and accomplishments of the past year inspire us to work even harder this time around. 2007 was a breakout year for our cities creatives - you amazed us (and everyone else) with your ingenuity and dedication. We can't wait to see what you come up with next!
So, gentle readers, whether you ring in the new year with close friends or with a wild mob (and we've got some suggestions) - l'étoile wishes you a marvelous 2008!
xo-l'étoile
THURSDAY DECEMBER 27TH
Men of Lesiure
@ the Entry
701 1st Ave. N
Downtown Mpls
8pm / 18+ / $6
Fast rapping funky beatmeisters Mike the 2600 King and DJ Espada kick off their mini-tour at the Entry tonight. Supported by The Millionth Word and DJ Cardboard Kitten, this evening's festivities will be nothing short of fantastic.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MIKE 2600 SITE
THURSDAY DECEMBER 27TH
Transmission
@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave.
North Loop
10pm / 21+ / Free
DJ Jake Rudh makes an unusual Thursday night cameo at Jager for Transmission, his weekly new wave dance party that is typically held on Wednesdays. Come dance off those Christmas cookies!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TRANSMISSION MYSPACE
FRIDAY ART PICK: PHILLIP SCHILLING
Germany's 19 year old Phillip Schilling creates juicy design work that is part organic and part robotic. Seemingly influenced by a number of design trends, Schilling manages to put a unique spin on his mish-mashed and visually delicious personal work.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PHILLIP SCHILLING SITE
FRIDAY DECEMBER 28TH
Black Eyed Snakes and Romantica
@ Cedar Cultural Center
416 Cedar Ave. S
West Bank
8pm / $12 Adv / $15 door
Wiley blues rockers, the Black Eyed Snakes, make a highly anticipated appearance at the Cedar tonight. Local smoothies Romantica open.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CEDAR SITE
FRIDAY DECEMBER 28TH
Mode
@ Shinto Lounge
1201 Harmon Place
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / Free
Temple's weekly dub-step dance party welcomes Jonathan Ackerman to the Shinto Lounge tonight. Expect an eclectic set from one of the Twin Cities most versatile and energetic DJs.
Mode's January lineup includes Jon Hester, Heavy Arms, James Patrick, and Easyrider - so stop in each Friday for good tunes plus stellar drink and appetizer specials.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MODE MYSPACE
FRIDAY DECEMBER 28TH
Man at Arms & Woody McBride
@ Foundation
10 S. 5th St.
Downtown Mpls
10pm / 18+ / Cover tba
German acid DJ, Alex Jaeger aka Man at Arms, joins cohort and Minneapolis techno legend Woody McBride aka DJ ESP for this epic pre-NYE party at Foundation. This is old school, ya'll.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FOUNDATION SITE
COOL LINK: LUCID MOVEMENT
Lucidmovement.com is an extensive collection of high-speed-to-slow-motion film clips. Enthusiasts capture in high-definition detail everything from exploding eggs to something as simple as curling smoke. The results are beautiful and almost unbelievable - so much so you'll be stuck on this site for hours!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LUCID MOVEMENT SITE
SATURDAY DECEMBER 29TH
Black vs. Convergence
@ The VIP Room
701 1st St.
Downtown Mpls
10pm / 18+ / $5
Some of the Twin Cities most hardworking DJs (and their international friends) go head to head tonight in the VIP room. Dance your lights out to Süz, Mike G, Jon Hester, Jesse Jacob, Aaron Bliss, and more!
BONUS: Check out Too Much Love in the mainroom with Soviet Panda and Andrew Wood!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HOME MYSPACE
SATURDAY DECEMBER 29TH
Acadia Cafe Moving Party
@ Acadia Cafe
1931 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis
9pm-1am / Free
Another Minneapolis music institution is packing its bags and running from the encroaching condos to the far away land called the West Bank. This time it’s the Acadia Café. Stop by Saturday to have your Polaroid taken, eat and drink at liquidation prices, and see some awesome local bands.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ACADIA SITE
SATURDAY DECEMBER 29TH
Original Cuts
@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave.
North Loop
10pm / 21+ / Free
Dance off those billion calories you consumed this holiday season at Clubhouse Jager tonight. DJ Focus and friends will be spinning the 12 inches properly, throwing in some disco and other cuts to get your parts jiggling.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE JAGER MYSPACE
SATURDAY DECEMBER 29TH
Battle Royale CD Release Party
@ The Entry
701 1st Ave.
Downtown Mpls
5pm / All Ages / $7
Afternoon Records must be proud to be releasing Battle Royale’s album, complete with organ grooves. There’s plenty of room to shake it at the Entry, and Battle Royale will be kicking out the jams for you to do so. We All have Hooks for Hands and Haunted House open.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BATTLE ROYALE MYSPACE
SATURDAY DECEMBER 29TH
The Mood Swings
@ The Turf Club
University & Snelling
St.Paul
9pm / 21+
These ladies (and a couple guys) will make you wish you knew more than just air guitar. Their self proclaimed Motorhead-influenced nuggets of rock will wash any leftover carols from your ringing ears. So it Goes, Mercurial Rage, and Farewll Circuit open.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MOODSWINGS MYSPACE
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: JACONFETTI
Wow. If we had a free plane ticket right now we'd fly to Copenhagen to meet the lovely pair of temptresses that make up JaConfetti. Dressed like magical Renaissance-era superheroes, their Balkan/beatbox/reggae/pop inspired tracks are as dazzling as their outfits.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE JACONFETTI MYSPACE
SUNDAY DECEMBER 30TH
NE Punk Night
@ Stasiu's
Lowry & University
Northeast Mpls
9pm / 21+ / Free
Need a refresher on punk music? NE Punk Night at Stasiu’s will be your Cliff Notes. This is punk you can actually hear and may even be civilized enough to include a stand up bass. Plus, it’s at a place that rhymes with Mustacheau’s. Enough said?
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE STASIU'S MYSPACE
SUNDAY DECEMBER 30TH
Misery 20th Anniversary Show
@ Bedlam Theatre
1501 S. 6th St.
West Bank
8pm / Cost TBD
Misery has been around for 20 years now, which mean’s they’ve perfected their crusty take on metal. Obviously defying any odds, they will be spicing up the West Bank by celebrating this milestone at the Bedlam Theatre, the natural choice for metal.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MISERY MYSPACE
HAPPY NEW YEARS (EVE)!
Having a party? Going to one? We've prepared an snazzy guide that includes celebration destinations, entertaining ideas, style tips, and more!
KITSCH IS DELISH
This retro inspired rice crispy treat remix, cleverly decorated by you, can be the hit of the party!
1950's Pretty Crispy Crunch Bars
4 cups (or one bag) mini marshmallows
6 cups cornflakes
3 tablespoons butter
1 tsp almond extract
food coloring
edible decorations
Over low heat melt butter and stir in marshmallows, almond extract, and the food coloring of your choice until melted. Remove from heat and combine with cornflakes. Press into buttered or wax-paper lined pan and decorate to your hearts content!
On our creation below we used hot pink food coloring, edible glitter (in gold and magenta), silver and pearl dragees, and snowflake sprinkles - all available at Sweet Celebrations in Maplewood, Minnetonka, or Burnsville.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR OTHER SWEET TREAT IDEAS
BRUSHETTA: L'ETOILE STYLE
Try our sassy and savory version of traditional bruschetta - always crowd-pleaser!
l'étoile's Mushroom Bruschetta
2 Cloves of garlic (minced)
1 small onion (minced)
1 package of mushrooms (chopped)
1 tbs of brown sugar
6 tomatoes (chopped and drained)
salt & pepper to taste
Herbed Goat Cheese
Sliced Baguette
Sautee garlic, onion and mushrooms in olive oil on stovetop until golden brown. Add brown sugar to pan and stir into mixture until coated and melty. Drain any excess oil, cool, and toss sautee mixture with chopped tomatoes. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve on lightly toasted baguette rounds spread with herbed goat cheese. Wha-la!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR OTHER APPETIZER IDEAS
TEQUILA!
We all have tequila horror stories, but the following recipe (while meant to be enjoyed in moderation) packs a vitamin-infused punch that is not only delicious but a cinch to prepare in party-batches.
l'étoile's Tequila Sparkler
1 part Patron Silver Tequila
1 part Odwalla Juice (feel free to mix and match)
2 Parts San Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water
Combine in a pitcher Tequila, juice (we used a combo of Blueberry and Pomegranate Odwalla natural juice - normally found in the produce or health food sections of the grocery store), and sparking water. Serve over ice and enjoy, but remember, it's still Tequila!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR DRINK RECIPES AND MORE
A BIT OF THE BUBBLY
Our resident Wine and Champagne expert, Dana Lade, shares her top picks to make your New Year's toast sparkle and pop!
Francois Montand Blanc de Blancs NV Brut $11
A sparkling wine from South West France that will tickle your nose and not make you gag at it's tres affordable price point. Perfect for a volume purchase and deceptively elegant looking for sparkling wine at ten bucks. Dry, small bubbles, and plenty of street cred with this French sparkler.
Avinyo Cava NV $15
Spanish artisanal Cava made in the methode champenoise, which translates to a really good inexpensive beverage that will make your toast memorable and headache free.
Champagne Duval-Leroy Brut NV $35
When you want to pop for the real thing, this is the way to go. Never heard of this Champagne producer? Duval-Leroy has been making Champagne for eons, although they do not spend their money on marketing. Instead you pay for a first rate, non-vintage Champagne that runs circles around others of more famous pedigree; Veuve Cliquot NV ($55), Mumm ($50), Dom Perignon ($100), etc.
The above mentioned wines are available at the following retailers: Zipp's, Solo Vino, Sam's Washington Avenue Wine Shop, Byerly's Wine Shops, France 44, Surdyk's, & Sorella Wine & Spirits (a marvelous new shop on Washington Avenue in the location of the former Liquor Depot).
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HISTORY OF CHAMPAGNE
DANCE DANCE DIGITAL CRUSH
Looking for the perfect soundtrack for your soiree? Look no further. Digital Crush has whipped up a bangin' dance party starter just for l'étoile readers. Click below to download the mix, then upload to your ipod or burn to a cd. Proceed to dance your way into 2008.
CLICK THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD THE MIX
2008 IS GREAT
New Years Resolutions are not always so silly. Sometimes they change peoples lives but often they cost you $50 a month for an un-used gym membership. Personally, we think you're perfect and you needn't change a thing. Here, our staffers and readers share their own resolutions:
"This year I plan to play my electric guitar twice as much and revamp my wardrobe with vintage skirts and killer kicks. I'm sayin'." - Kate B Murray, l'étoile reader
"My New Year's resolution is to love the way i look naked, no matter what." - Jessica Colon, Editor & l'étoile reader
"To get money, write the great American novel, and watch my feet" - Jonathan Ackerman, DJ & l'étoile reader
".rorrim eht ni gnikool tuohtiw yad eno tsael ta og dna yrt oT" - Daniel Opdahl, l'étoile senior stylist
"My resolution is to replace all the burnt out lightbulbs in my apartment. Also, to make more ART!" - Kate Iverson, l'étoile Arts Editor
"My resolution for 2008 is to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth most of the time, and to pamper my pit mix puppy even more this year." - Lacey Prpic Hedtke, l'étoile writer
"I resolve as I crash head long into the last year of my 30's to have even more fun." - Allan Kleckner, l'etoile advertising manager
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR RESOLUTION IDEAS
CAB IT.
The $20 you'd spend on a cab is well worth avoiding a DUI, and definitely worth the staying alive factor. Still, there's no reason your drunk ass shouldn't be carted around in style, right? We swear by under-the-radar operation "Best Car Service". Get swooped up in a sweet ride (1980S Mercedes, anyone?) for about the same fare as a regular cab. Save to your phone: Best Car Service at 612-588-7626.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE TAXI SERVICES
BAUBLES AND FROCKS AND GLAMOUR, OH MY!
When we're looking for something shiny, Northeast Minneapolis boutique Rewind is a sure bet. This out of the way spot is brimming with vintage treasure for both guys and gals. Find the perfect accessory or party get-up for your New Years Eve shenanigans.
Rewind is located at 2829 Johnson St. NE
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE REWIND SITE
WHERE THE CHAMPAGNE FLOWETH:
SPOTLIGHT ON 414 SOUND BAR
@ 414 3rd Ave. N
Warehouse District
Upon approaching the entrance to the 414 Sound Bar, one may assume it's just another warehouse district psuedo-hotspot. Not the case. This tucked away party mecca's
sidewalk is bustling with chicly dressed nightlifers, coiffed and glittering. Upon entrance, Sound Bar staffers are quick to make their clientel feel at home. From an unusually genteel security detail to the smoothly styled and statuesque assistant to the owner, Erika Aresta, who's easy, sharp-witted charm adds warmth to the ambiance.The brainchild of nightclub maestro Johann Sfaellos and his partner Enrique, the Sound Bar itself has two main rooms; the front lounge suggests a contemporary swank, peppered with local artwork (which rotates monthly), modern decor, and sleekly dressed Sound Bar staffers, some of whom appear to be there simply for the charm factor. However, the real surprise is the backroom. White and glossy details adorn
this minimally decorated space. Hazy blue mood lighting and led sound reactive flooring compliment the main attraction: the impressive 7 projector system which rotates a vast array of eye candy live mixed by Sound Bar's resident VJ. Fog rolls into the room at a constant pace, creating a mood nothing short of ethereal. The well-heeled crowd is predominantly mid-twenities and up. Sexy sophisticates such as well-known Twin Cities artist and socialite Brant Kingman and his equally hot girlfriend, Kara, can be spotted putting out good vibes on the dance floor. Minimal electronic music 
accompanied by a live electric violinist (think Poindexter from Revenge of the Nerds except much hotter) creates a sonic experience that melds seamlessly with the decadent visuals.
Sound Bar is a rare and sparkling gem in the Minneapolis club scene which is predominantly ruled by Top 40 thuganomics and patronized by scantily clad twenty-somethings that forgo jackets in subzero temperatures. Keep it real tip: Sound Bar has a coat check!
New Years @ Soundbar
$50 Pre-sales/VIPs or $60 at the door
Enjoy an open bar, party favors, saxaphone, percussions, violin, live singers, 4 DJs, and visual sensory overload including international countdowns! 9pm-2am.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUNDBAR SITE
RIVERFRONT FIREWORKS
The New Years Eve fireworks display on the Minneapolis Riverfront is a yearly staple - if you can handle the temperature that is. Stake out a sweet spot on the Stone Arch Bridge or the 3rd Ave. Bridge to take in the show.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MPLS RIVERFRONT SITE
FOUNDATION NIGHTCLUB
10 S. 5th Street
Downtown Mpls
8pm / 21+ / $60 adv / $70 door
Tonight is a very special not-to-be-missed New Years Eve at Foundation. As you probably know, Foundation is closing its doors as of January 1st for many months of renovations - so get your fix while you still can! Highlights? Open Bar, Free Appetizers until 10pm, DJs Jimmy2Times, Plain Ole Bill, and special guests.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FOUNDATION SITE
PI BAR
2532 25th Ave. S.
Minneapolis
8pm / 21+ / $7 or $70 for 4-course meal and wine
Ring in the New Year with a bevy of lovely ladies (dressed as men) at Pi. Enjoy this year's drag king show with the option of a 4-course dinner and bottle of wine for $70.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PI SITE
art from imageyenation
THE MILLENIUM HOTEL
1313 Nicollet Mall
Downtown Mpls
9pm / 21+ / $35 Adv / $45 door
The Millenium hosts one of the most dancetastic NYE bashes in the Twin Cities. "ReSOULution" features over 30 DJs, including such notables as Christian James, Jon Hester, Dustin Zahn, DJ Talk Radio and many more. Spanning over 6 rooms with a 2000 person capacity, we're sure this party will one for the books.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RESOLUTION SITE
TRIPLE ROCK
9pm / 21+ / Free
Join the gang down at the T-Rock for a special New Years edition of Staraoke, hosted by the ever charismatic Arzu Gocken. Get there early to book your slot and you'll be ringing in the New Year with your favorite song, most likely sung drunkenly off key.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TRIPLE ROCK SITE
VARSITY THEATER
14th & 4th
Dinkytown
8pm / 18+ / $12
Mark Mallman rings it in for the second year in a row at the Varsity. Mallman heads a sweet lineup that includes The Alarmists and Solid Gold, as well a sexy lingere fashion show produced by hip styling troupe Eclecticoiffeur. This evening is sure to entice in more ways than one!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VARSITY SITE
BEDLAM THEATRE
1501 S. 6th St.
West Bank
9pm / 21+
Join the folks at the Bedlam tonight for a New Years Masquerade that we're sure will entertain. Live music from the Mojo Spleens and Dreamland Faces.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BEDLAM SITE
CHAMBERS HOTEL
901 Hennepin Ave.
Downtown Mpls
7pm / 21+ / $25-$90
The Red, White and F#*@ Blue Lounge pulls out the stops for this swank NYE celebration. Opt for dinner at the Chambers Kitchen ($60-$90) and recieve a free pass to the Rooftop NYE bash ($25 for party only). Rooftop party includes complimentary snacks, DJs, champagne toast and more. Don't miss the special New Years chilled shots and cocktails in the Ice Bar!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CHAMBERS SITE
SOLERA
900 Hennepin Ave.
Downtown Mpls
8:30pm / 21+ / $35 Adv / $45 Door
Vox Medusa presents "Twilight of the Gods", a 4-level party experience that mixes fantasy, whimsy and luxury. Featuring firedancers, performance, and visualizations as well as DJs Timmay, Hard Drive, Del 6, and Booka B.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOLERA SITE
RESTAURANT MIAMI
913 West Lake St.
Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / $70 Adv / $80 Door
Want a little 80's kitsch in your NYE dish? Look no further. Restaurant Miami knows how to party like it's 1985. In fact, their myspace page claims for the cover charge you can "eat, drink, and dance all you want". Live entertainment and a champagne toast round out your retro experience.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RESTAURANT MIAMI MYSPACE
FIRST AVENUE
701 1st Ave. N
Downtown Mpls
8pm / 18+ / $5 Adv / $15 Door
The Ave keeps it sparkly with another New Year's Party featuring rollerskating dancers, a solid gold theme, and lots and lots of booze. Need more incentive? Hometown Hero Brother Ali once again hosts in the Entry!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE 1ST AVE SITE
ANOTHER FUNKIN' NEW YEAR
Secret Location (new!)
Call info line 612-965-1509 day of event
8pm-LATE / 18+ id required / Donation
Sixone2 Entertainment and friends present Another Funkin' New Years Eve, complete with a killer dj lineup including DJ Rype, Jake Break, Modest, MC Terror and many more. Open decks from 8-11:30pm - so show up early to snag a spot. Raver gear optional!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SIXONE2 MYSPACE
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