Thursday, December 27, 2007

Weekend What's What & New Years Spectacular!

RESOLUTION REVOLUTION

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

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Weekend What's What 12/20-12/25

MISTLETOE DISCO

As the holiday spirit kicks into high gear the dancing spirit seems to follow suit. This weekend is jam packed with back to back to back dance parties, after hours craziness and hopefully lots of mistletoe inspired kissy-face. Put on your most dazzling christmas sweater and grab your bestest and truest companions for this whirlwind holiday weekend.

Kiss the DJ for us!

xo-l'étoile

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 20TH

Foto Saviour Faire

@ Beasthouse
600 Washington Ave. N
North Loop
(entrance around back)

8pm - 11pm / Free

Don't know what your F-stop is? White balance? ISO? Look no further. This photography inspired event will include 2 photo-pros giving away their best tips and tricks so that you can better use your own digital camera. Bring along your cam, take in a photography exhibit by BB Gun Billy, get your sexy self snapped by fashion photog Ingrid Werthmann, and enjoy complimentary drinks and apps.

BONUS: Special tag team house set by DJs Daniel Paul and theDEVIOUSone.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BB GUN BILLY SITE
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 20TH

Eyedea & Abilities

@ The Triple Rock
629 Cedar Ave. S
West Bank

9pm / 18+ / $10 Adv - $12 door

Run, don’t walk to get your tickets for the Eyedea and Abilities show at the Triple Rock. Their first homecoming show in two years will positively be packed with Rhymesayers enthusiasts and others with good musical taste, so get going.

TIP: All online tix are SOLD OUT. Stop into Fifth Element or Triple Rock - there may be a few left!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RHYMESAYERS SITE
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 20TH

Jenny Dalton, Bella Koshka, and Mary Bue

@ The Turf
University & Snelling
St.Paul

9pm / 21+

A triple header of lovely ladies enthrall tonight at the Turf. From keyboards to violins, each act brings a seperately unique and often ethereal sound. CDs will be for sale tonight so snap up a few for those still on your Christmas list.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TURF CLUB SITE
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FRIDAY ART PICK: SIMON HUSSLEIN

Specializing in optical illusions that double as visually riveting installation art, German-born globetrotter Simon Husslein's work is as beautiful as it is intriguing. From gorgeous light installations to trick-of-the-eye metalwork and glowing sculptural smart-chandeliers, we can't help but wish we lived in a world where Husslein designed the sun, the moon, and the stars.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SIMON HUSSLEIN SITE
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 21ST (THROUGH THE 23RD)

The Red Balloon & White Mane

@ The Oak St. Cinema
309 Oak St. SE
Minneapolis

1pm & 2:45pm / General Admission $8

The French are invading...the Oak St. Cinema! Both of these classic french films have been newly restored for your viewing pleasure. A lovely cinematic experience for both children and adults alike!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 21ST

Honeymooon

@ The VIP Room
701 1st Ave. N
Downtown Mpls

9pm / 18+ / $3 (or $10 t-shirt admission)

Reminiscent of Too Much Love before it moved from the VIP Room to the main room, The Moongoon's "Honeymoon" is an uber-hip electro dance dream complete with young, beautiful (and sweaty) party people and young, beautiful (and talented) DJs as well as good vibes and potent drinks - if you're 21 that is.

Dress Code: Ugly Sweaters!

EXTREME BONUS: Adam from the Chromatics guest DJs alonside the Goons and Mike 2600!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MOONGOONS MYSPACE
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 21ST

Kevin Backlund

@ SMB Gallery
4057 42nd Ave. S
Minneapolis

6-9pm / Free

Into landscapes? Or abstract? Perhaps conceptual art is your bag? Kevin Backlund is showing all these genres at the SNB gallery, an all-inclusive art space in South Minneapolis. Prints aren’t expensive, so pick a few up this Friday for last minute gifts.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SMB GALLERY SITE
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 21ST (RUNS NOV. 20TH-DEC. 29TH)

A Christmas Carol

@ The Guthrie
818 S. 2nd St.
Downtown Mpls

Hours Vary / $34-$64

Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future will be in attendance at the Guthrie’s 33rd production of A Christmas Carol. You already know what happens, but how can you pass up seeing ghosts up close, in person? You can’t.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GUTHRIE SITE
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COOL LINK: DIGITAL CRUSH PHOTOGRAPHY

Give the gift of photography this holiday season! Digital Crush is now offering 1-hour photo session gift certificates at the super-duper discounted rate of $100 each. Digital Crush's dynamic photography duo Kate Iverson and Susannah Dodge provide band promo photography, portraiture, art photography, bad comedy, and more. Event photography is not included in the Holiday Special rate, and no, they will not shoot you naked..unless you're really hot!

BONUS: DC is also running a special on their limited edition, award winning art photography prints - 25% off your purchase of an unframed print. Click HERE to view art prints or email kate@densitystudios.com.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DIGITAL CRUSH MYSPACE
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SATURDAY DECEMBER 22ND

Attitude City Christmas Party

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave. N
North Loop

10pm / 21+ / Free

Get your sexy Christmas disco dance on tonight! Attitude City will bring their hottest tracks and the mistletoe - all you have to do is show up ready to polish the dance floor and make out. Don't forget the strawberry lip balm!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ATTITUDE CITY SITE
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SATURDAY DECEMBER 21ST

Millions Billions & Talk Radio

@ Kitty Cat Klub
14th & University
Dinkytown

10pm / 21+ / Free

Beatmeisters Millz Billz and Talk Radio hold court tonight at the Kitty Cat. Expect lots of "Super Jam Alerts" and shot callin' along with the hottest tuneage in town.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MILLIONS BILLIONS BLOG
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SATURDAY DECEMBER 21ST

Get Fancy and Dance Holiday Party

@ Foundation
10 S. 5th St.
Downtown Mpls

8pm / 21+ / $5 or Unwrapped child's gift

Foundation opens early tonight for a special holiday party benefiting St.Joseph's Home for Children. Enjoy food, drink specials, art auction and raffle accompanied by fresh beats from Plain Ole Bill. This party goes into the wee hours, so keep dancing and make a cameo in the Deep Lounge for The Get Up! (auction and raffle end at 10pm)

Suggested Attire: Black and Metallic

TIP: As many of you know, Foundation is closing for renovations at the end of the month so make a point to stop in and show love.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FOUNDATION SITE
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SATURDAY DECEMBER 22ND

JUMP! The House Party

@ 2319 1st Ave. S.
Minneapolis
(enter through the back)

10pm / 21+ / $5

Turbochrome presents JUMP! - an 80's Rock Masquerade x-mas house party! Not crazy enough for you? Add in an epic jump contest, limbo challenge and a kick ass line up of DJs including Naughty Wood, Talk Radio, Grandmother Grant, Zebra and more.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TURBOCHROME MYSPACE
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SATURDAY DECEMBER 22ND

Moongoons After Hours

@ 117 Washington Ave. N
Downtown Mpls
(Next to Sex World)

2am / 18+ / $5-$10 + free cd at the door

$10 for all you can drink / $5 for non-drinkers

Can you handle it? The dance-a-thon continues at this hot, hot after-p! The Moongoons have created a party monster that shows no sign of slowing, and we love it. Featuring the Hood Internet, Adam from the Chromatics, The Moongoons, and special guests.

Not a late-night owl? Hit up Too Much Love, where you'll be able to catch a similar killer lineup or check out BLACK in the VIP Room.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MOONGOONS MYSPACE
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SATURDAY DECEMBER 22ND

A Family Affair featuring Ralph Laurenn

@ DEFI
Not-so-Secret Location
Downtown Mpls

11pm-4am / 21+ / $6

A stellar lineup rules this smokin' after party at everyone's fave not-so-secret location. Featuring a RARE half-hour set by ghetto-house legend Ralph Laurenn plus sets by DVS1, Jack Trash, Mike G, DJ Scam, Nick Gunz and many more. This old-school vinyl throw down is definitely worth cancelling Sunday brunch with the fam.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BASS UNITED SITE
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SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: DANCE ROBOTS, DANCE!

Since we're in the dancing mood, we decided to let you in on a little secret: Dance Robots, Dance is an Oklahoma-based collective of international djs, remixers, producers, and masher-upers that you definitely should know about. Killing dance floors all over their home state and beyond with smoldering dj sets that include everything from disco punk to electro, DRD is an absolute necessity for the party-minded.

BONUS 1: Dance Robots, Dance will be hitting Minneapolis January 4th-6th to guest DJ "Hotel" at the Kitty Cat Klub with Jonathan Ackerman, as well as rock a super secret after party!

BONUS 2: Check out the Dance Robots, Dance podcast HERE to get your mitts on some free downloadable ear-candy!

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SUNDAY DECEMBER 23RD

Jingle Bell Rock

@ The Entry
701 1st Ave. N
Downtown Mpls

9pm / 18+ / $5

This charming dance night, presented by KFAI, features Mike the 2600 King and DJ King Otto spinning golden oldies for your nostalgic listening pleasure. Don your best christmas sweater and jingle all the way to the Entry tonight!

Love it? Buy "Things Kings Do" an oldies mixtape cd by Mike the 2600 King and King Otto - out now! We condone this as completely cute - and a great gift for your sweetie. Purchase HERE.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MIKE 2600 MYSPACE
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MONDAY DECEMBER 24TH

Jewbilee 2007

@ Grumpys Downtown
11th & Washington
Downtown Mpls

9pm / 21+

Grumpy’s hosts the 3rd annual Jewbilee! Serving up Chinese food (naturally), DJs, Staraoke and gifts for those lucky Jews or "Jewannabes" not cooped up with their Christmas-lovin families on James Brown Eve (formerly Christmas Eve).

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TUESDAY DECEMBER 25TH

Merry Christmas!

l'étoile would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and safe holiday season. Show your love for those nearest and dearest, be thankful for your ultra-fabulous life, and go easy on that nog, ya'll!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR A CHRISTMAS DAY MOVIE LISTINGS
Illustration by Andrea Innocent
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TUESDAY DECEMBER 25TH

Shitty Gift Exchange

@ The 331 Club
University & 13th Ave. NE
Northeast Mpls

9pm / 21+ / Free

The 331 Club's annual bad gift exchange is back once again! Trade that framed picture of your sister's baby super-imposed into a brandy snifter for a pair of stuffed Taz slippers. One man's trash is another man's treasure!

Drink special? $2.50 Margaritas

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE 331 CLUB SITE
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COOL OPPORTUNITIES

mnSpin Call for Minnesota Musicians

mnSpin presented by mnartists.org and sponsored by Summit Brewery

mnartists.org is launching mnSpin a quarterly music contest featuring Minnesota musicians with winning tracks selected by panelists from the music industry.

Deadline for submissions for the first series has been extended. Deadline is Friday, January 11, 2008.

Each week a three song play list from the winning submissions will be featured on the mnartists.org and Summit Brewery websites artists. Monthly listening parties at area venues will be coordinated for each series and a compilation CD mix of music from the year long series will be produced.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR SUBMISSION DETAILS
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