Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Weekend What's What 8/28-9/2

REPUBLICAN PARTY!

As Republican delegates from all over the country breeze into town in preparation for next week's RNC melee, the city is literally ablaze with more art, entertainment, and political buzz than you can shake a stick at (no State Fair pun intended). Show your stripes by hitting up such inspired events as the Liberty Parade, the Call & Answer Block Party, or the Take Back Labor Day Festival - all of which give the term "political party" a whole new meaning.

xo-l'étoile

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THURSDAY AUGUST 28th

Hardland/Heartland: Millions of Innocent Accidents

@ Minneapolis Institute of Arts
MAEP Galleries
2400 3rd Ave S
Minneapolis

7pm-9pm/free

This artist collective has been tearing through the city lately. How can humans make so much work? Their “ongoing saga of grandiose proportions” draws on popular culture, graffiti, and contemporary science fiction, to name a few. Consumer culture gets more bashing with HL/HL’s installations and performances. Since you’ve moseyed over to the MIA, check out coinciding exhibit, Unconventional Wisdom; print works with an emphasis on funny text, storytelling and a range of vintage and contemporary media styles. Through October 26th.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
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THURSDAY AUGUST 28TH

The Pines

@ Black Dog
308 Prince St
Lowertown, St. Paul

8pm / All Ages

The Black Dog Coffee and Wine bar in lovely Lowertown will kick off their RNC related festivities with a special two-set performance of protest songs by poetic Americana band The Pines as part of their “Call and Answer” series. The cover for the show is donation based, so pay what you can while enjoying java or vino in one of St. Paul’s most charming cafés. Click below for a complete list of happenings at Black Dog during convention craziness.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BLACK DOG SITE
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THURSDAY AUGUST 28th

Youth & Boobie Brigade Bake Sale

@ 7th St. Entry
7th St. and 1st Ave N.
MPLS

8 PM/ +18/ $8

Who says a party can't save the world? Join 1st Ave and the Entry in presenting a fundraiser in honor of the 3-day Breast Cancer Walk (in the Twin Cites September 19-21st). Get your dance on with DJ Jonathan Ackerman, dynamic duo Tendercakes, and electronic indie-rock trio Tim Rally Gold. Munch on scrumptious sweets, and feel good about it because it's all in support of an awesome cause: your boobs!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE CAUSE
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FRIDAY ART PICK: STEVEN GAGNON

@ Intermedia Arts
2822 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

Nightly, 7pm-12am

The only police patrol car that won’t be looking to bust protesters is rolling into town, fresh from the DNC in Denver. Installation artist Steven Gagnon’s Border Cruiser is a mobile video projection, with a Brazilian immigrant’s story flashing on the back windows of the car. The work focuses the ordeal of entering and staying in this country “illegally”, and the difficult daily lives of undocumented workers. People have been talking about this work all the way from Art Basel, so you’ll have a chance to chase down this cruiser for a change. August 31st through September 4th.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE STEVEN GAGNON SITE
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FRIDAY AUGUST 29TH

Critical Mass

@Loring Park
leaves from fountain on the downtown side of the park by Grant Street

5pm / free

Critical Mass is a worldwide organization to promote bicycling as a means of transportation. On the last Friday of every month, bikers take to the streets as part social event, part rally and demonstration, and part lovely bike ride. This ride marks the one-year anniversary of the police attack on Critical Mass that resulted in injuries and 19 arrests. Although not formally associated with any organized protest, this ride is informally the kick off to RNC protests, so it’s bound to be lively. Meet some fellow bikers, claim the streets as your own, and enjoy the end of summer with a bike between your legs.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CRITICAL MASS SITE
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FRIDAY AUGUST 29TH (THROUGH SEPT 4TH)

The UnConvention

@ Intermedia Arts (and various locations, see site)
2822 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

Intermedia Arts is opening its doors to all artists, activists, organizers, journalists and others of the democratic persuasion as a place to rest, exchange information, and mentally climb on their digital information playground. This includes online reports from community journalists, political karaoke, a one mile UHF TV station, (you had us at karaoke), and of course, art. The UnConvention is a non-partisan exercise in participatory democracy using art, community activism and input, and forums for free discussion in response to the RNC. Many, many, many other associated Unconvention events are going on throughout the RNC so visit the link below to find out more!

Click HERE for the Unconvention Site.




FRIDAY AUGUST 29th

Minneapolis Underground Film Festival

@ MCAD
2501Stevens Ave S.
MPLS

7:30 PM/$8 per film/ $29 all access

The Minneapolis Underground Film Festival (acronymed MUFF-seriously?) premieres this Friday with shorts to full lengths, locally made and international films. With topics like parallel universes, train hoppers, and snuff films this branch of underground film making truly defines conceptual experimentation, both in structure and content. Buy a festival pass and you not only get access to all the films, but also a free drink after the shows at the opening party (just around the corner at Vietnamese wonder Jasmine 26) and a $10 gift card at Cinema Revolution, the ultimate location for indie-DVD rentals. The festival runs through August 31st.

Visit the MUFF 2008 site below for trailers and program schedules.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MUFF SITE
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FRIDAY AUGUST 29TH

Poster Offensive IV

@ Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar
308 Prince St.
Downtown St. Paul

5pm / Free

From Uncle Sam to Rosie the Riveter, posters have been the most memorable form of American political commentary. Join Anthem Heart and other local artists showcasing their work at the fourth Poster Offensive event on display and for sale until September 15th. Running right along side the RNC, PO4 is already garnering attention-Kare 11 news recently did a segment review-and it's easy to see why. Emerging with an emotionally charged graphic set, PO4 is designed to pay homage to democracy, encourage the peaceful protest, and push your buttons. Opening reception is equipped with music and drinks and just happens to be on “grandpa” McCain's 72nd birthday. Does it offend you, yeah? That's the point.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BLACK DOG SITE
Art by Ken Hannigan
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FRIDAY AUGUST 29TH


ARP! Issue Release Party

@ Art of This
3506 Nicollet Ave S
Minneapolis

7pm / $5 suggested donation

Every ARP! release party is a blast. This issue is appropriately entitled DissentObjectProtest. Taking on the lesser-realized forms of protest like buycotting, driving below the speed limit and voting for Mickey Mouse, the sixth issue of Art Review and Preview is shaping up to be timely and as always, provoking. Pick up a copy hot off the presses, support your favorite art writers and start formulating your own underhanded protest plans.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
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FRIDAY AUGUST 29TH

Cecil Otter CD Release Parties

@ Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Avenue
West Bank, Minneapolis

6pm / ALL AGES / $9
9:30pm / 21+ / $9

Doomtree has got a full head of steam going right now as their very own Cecil Otter is finally ready to drop his first official album, titled Rebel Yellow. Offering not one but two CD release parties in one night, you will have ample opportunity to get down and see the charismatic Cecil spit fire with an unmatched blend of poetry, humor, and irony against his signature dusty, moody beats. The all-ages affair begins at 6, and if you’re of age come on down after 9. Get there early to catch Doomtree cohort MK Larada’s rock band, the Millionth Word.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CECIL OTTER MYSPACE
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FRIDAY AUGUST 29TH

So Electric & Jonathan Ackerman's B-Day Bash!

@ Bar Fly
711 Hennepin Ave
Downtown MPLS

10pm / 18+ ($8) 21+ ($5)

This MPLS monthly dance party extravaganza jams out with The Moongoons and DJ Bach in the main room and So Gold, Tendercakes and Gary Slam in the front room. Sponsored by Triple Caff Energy drink, there's prizes to be won, drink specials (ask for the signature “Toothjuice” drink) and to make it even more special, it's local DJ and event promoter Jonathan Ackerman's birthday! Recently nominated for Vita.mn's most eligible, Ackerman has been making a name for himself in the TC not only for his flashy style, charming personality (think the epitome of MN nice) but also for his block rockin' beats incorporating dance rock and disco house. Join in the fun and let the So Electric feel turn you on!

RSVP at the link below for a discounted $3 cover.

FREE MIX ALERT: Show Jonathan you care by downloading his latest kick-ass mix: Jonathan's Double Doggin' Mix

CLICK THE IMAGE TO RSVP FOR SO ELECTRIC
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FRIDAY AUGUST 29TH

Lock Inn 7

@ The Lock Inn
email jp@secrettechno.com for directions
Warehouse District

2am (you must arrive by 3am to gain admittance)

Another edition of the alway rockin' Lock Inn! Party until the sun comes up at this secret location with Berlin's own Sammy Dee on the decks, spinning a 4-HOUR set that will definitely start the dance floor ablaze. For those already in-the-know, be sure to enter through the fire escape, as is recent Lock Inn custom.

BONUS: Hit up Shelter (see our ad somewhere to the right of your screen) at the Loft above Barfly, featuring special guests Explorer Club for a kick-ass pre-party!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SECRET TECHNO SITE
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COOL LINK: THE SOCIETY

Television news is so blasé, the future is all blogs, baby! Of course, you knew that or you wouldn't be here. Check out this newly revamped site from l'étoile's friends,The Society. With eclectic posts about consumer tidbits, music and entertainment news, politics, local updates and a little flossy flossy fashion wear; you can find out who Obama chose as his running mate and learn Da Brat got sentenced to 3 years in jail all in one place! Definitely a pop culture junkie's dream.

BONUS: The Society throws killer secret location parties every so often, keep your eye on their blog for details!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOCIETY SITE
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SATURDAY AUGUST 30TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

All-Star Estate Sale

@ 3844 Bloomington Ave S.
Minneapolis

Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm

Some of the cities' most sassy and stylish have gathered together to sell their stuff! Hit up the All-Star Estate Sale for sweet deals on vintage/show clothing, accessories, antiques, show props and collectibles, books, household items and tons and tons of music!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE SALES IN YOUR AREA
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SATURDAY AUGUST 30TH

The Show is the Rainbow

@ The Uptown Bar
3018 Hennepin Ave
Uptown, Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / $5

The Uptown bar has certainly been bringing some incredible talent to its stage this summer, and Lincoln, Nebraska’s one-man band The Show is the Rainbow is no exception. While his recorded music is awesomely heavy in the blippy electro-meltdown department, who knows what it’ll sound like live, but the results will most definitely be somewhere in the neighborhood of mind blowing. Local hot boys MC/VL open.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SITR MYSPACE
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SATURDAY AUGUST 30TH

Spark24

5 p.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday
Peavey Plaza and Orchestra Hall

A non-stop marathon of free entertainment called Spark24 will get underway at 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2008 and will continue until 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 31 in the days just preceding the start of the Republican National Convention. For 24 hours straight, Peavey Plaza and Orchestra Hall on Nicollet Mall will be filled with a showcase of entertainment, visual arts, music, and dance performances. Plus, over 60 venues, ranging from restaurants and bars to hotels and retail stores, will also feature live entertainment during the 24-hour period. Spark24, offered free to both visitors and local residents, was designed to promote the local arts scene to a global audience during the convention. Highlights include an all night jam at Orchestra Hall featuring Cloud Cult, White Light Riot and a slew of others; an assortment of the finest local dance and theater companies such as Zenon and the Brave New Workshop will also be on exhibit.

BONUS: Look for What's What Editor Kate Iverson downtown and ham it up for her camera as she live-blogs and documents the occasion for The Rake for 24 hours straight!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SPARK 24 SITE
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SATURDAY AUGUST 30TH

Private Dancer CD Release Party

@ The Turf Club
1601 University Ave
Saint Paul, MN

9pm / 21+ / $TBA

You'll have your very own private dancer at the Turf Club on Saturday night for the release of “Trouble Eyes”, the long-awaited debut LP (released exclusively on vinyl) from Private Dancer, and they’ve brought out an all-star cast of players to help them celebrate. Another bang-up rock & roll blowout will take place at the Turf with an amazing line up of supporting acts Vampire Hands, France Has the Bomb, and King Kustom and the Cruisers. There will also be special guests galore all evening long to assist in the merry making. Featuring members of the STNNNG, Private Dancer is definitely a new act on the scene worth keeping close tabs on!

BONUS: DJs Macku$ and Jen of Hot Roxx fame will be spinning the vinyl all night long downstairs in the Clown Lounge!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PRIVATE DANCER MYSPACE
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SATURDAY AUGUST 30TH

Punk Bowling Awards Show

@ Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Ave S
West Bank, Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / $10 or free if you signed up to bowl

Just when you thought bowling was getting boring, crusty punk kids grabbed it in a headlock, traded their combat boots for bowling shoes, and Punk Rock Bowling was invented. And it just doesn’t get more punk rock than rolling heavy balls into stuff. After a day of hardcore bowling at Memory Lanes, make your way down to the t-rock for the award ceremony show, which pairs two influential punk bands of different eras – legendary LA scene staples Youth Brigade and local thrash faves In Defense.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PUNK BOWL MYSPACE
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SATURDAY AUGUST 30th

Attitude City

@ Clubhouse Jäger
Washington Ave and 10th St. N
MPLS

10pm / Free

And on the eighth day God invented dance, sexy dance, and it was good. After a recent trip aboard the good ship electro yacht-the Attitude City Yacht party-the boys are back at NE hotspot Club Jäger to dish up some music that breaks through the glass perimeter . Disco, Italo, electro-funk fusion and more - like a box of chocolates you never know what you're gonna get from AC.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ATTITUDE CITY SITE
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SUNDAY AUGUST 31ST (AND SEPT 2ND)

Call & Answer: Black Dog Block Party

@ Black Dog
308 Prince St
Lowertown, St. Paul

2-10pm / All Ages / FREE

Sunday promises to be an incredible day, with the second annual street bash thrown by the Black Dog Café and Wine bar. Taking inspiration from the Robert Bly poem of the same name, Call and Answer is the mission and theme for the festivities at Black Dog this weekend. The first of two days of music in the streets of Lowertown will host largely experimental bill of jazz, folk, instrumental and indie bands from both sides of the river, including Bloody Turncoats, Aviette, Big Quarters, Spaghetti Western String Company, The Brass Messengers, Down Lo, and many more.

Co-Sponsored by l'etoile magazine!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BLACK DOG SITE
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SUNDAY AUGUST 31ST

The Liberty Parade & After Party

@ Nicollet Mall to Loring Park

1pm parade, music around 2:30pm or 3pm / Free

Billing itself as Minneapolis’ art and music celebration for freedom of expression, the Liberty parade takes liberties with the definition in question. For instance - most parades don’t have the Missle Dick Chicks, who mock sexism and consumerism while wearing missle dicks. Follow the parade down the route and end up in Loring Park to see The Dillinger Four, The Retribution Gospel Choir, STNNNG, Happy Apple, Vampire Hands, the list goes on. This DIY approach to the UnConvention cost the organizers a lot of money, so ante up if you can.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LIBERTY PARADE SITE
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SUNDAY AUGUST 31ST

Flaming Carnivale of Deviance

@ Pi Bar
2532 25th Ave S
Minneapolis

4pm-12am /$5 or free with costume

A summer carnival is a great distraction from all the political craziness and a reason to wear a costume. DJ Lori Barbero spins, The Knotwells, Gay Witch Abortion and Doric make music, and adult vendors and a fire show amaze all comers. Sideshows and Dykes on Bikes keep company with all the carnival game players. The performances are outside, so wear something non-flammable yet still danceable.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PI SITE
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MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST

Take Back Labor Day Festival

@ Harriet Island
St. Paul

11am-7pm / 21+ / $10

Labor Day used to stand for a lot more than a three-day weekend and the chance to throw up at your friend's barbecue. Thankfully for working folks, the Service Employees International Union are hosting an all day concert that’s going to be so good even the McCainsters will want to come. Just across the Mississippi River from the RNC (which happens to open the very same day) will be an insane bill of world-class music that should appeal to folkies and hip-hop heads alike – a reunion of the full, original lineup of the Pharcyde, a rare appearance by rapper Mos Def and local idols Atmosphere; plus outspoken political folkster Billy Bragg and protest country singer Steve Earle. And in anticipation for their massive reunion show at the Target Center, Tom Morello shares the stage with some very special guests.

TIP: Buy tickets at Fifth Element to avoid extra fees.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
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TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 2NDTH

Silver + Gold

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave.
North Loop

Every Tuesday / 21+ / 10pm / Free

Join DJ Jonathan Ackerman and l’étoile magazine for an evening of sly winks and sideways glances every Tuesday at Clubhouse Jager. Create some mystery, sip 2-4-1 cocktails with pretty people, and dance the night away to electro, pop, and so much more.

BONUS: Flirt up a storm then visit letoilemagazine.com on Wednesdays for "missed connections" from the night before!

Sponsored by l'étoile magazine & Alphasuede

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR L'ETOILE TEXT CONNECTIONS
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What's What Editor: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright


ALL CONTENT © L'ETOILE MAGAZINE 2008

Dirty 30 @ The Hex

The Hexagon Bar was jolted with the electro dream rock stylings of Solid Gold, old school dance music from Tendercakes, and surprise appearances by Vampire Hands and POS from Doom Tree. But this was more than just another rockin' good Saturday night at the Hex: local music publication Rift Magazine celebrated their 25th issue, and Minneapolis music lover and sassy l'étoile staff writer Robyn Lewis (see babe in many pics below in blue and white tank top!) celebrated her Dirty 30th b-day.

To see more pictures from this event visit www.digitalcrushphoto.com

Photos by Digital Crush
















Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Weekend What's What 8/21-8/26

FLIRTIN' WEATHER

Take advantage of the fleetingly bright sunny days and hot balmy nights to bare some skin and jazz things up! Stop by the Smitten Kitten's birthday weekend kickoff party for a game of adult bingo on Thursday, or check out Tendercakes and Solid Gold at the Hexagon Bar for The Rift Magazine Release Party this Saturday, which also features the epic 30th B-day party of lovely l'étoile staffer Robyn Lewis! And while you're there, make time to step outside and patrol the cuties that inevitably congregate on the Hex sidewalk. There's still plenty of time for a sexy summer fling, and according to l'étoile's staff meteorologist, flirting conditions will be ideal.

xo-l'étoile

Photo by Eric Eul for l'étoile

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THURSDAY AUGUST 21ST

Gallery Grooves: Face the Nation

@ MN Center for Book Arts
Open Book Complex
1011 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis

6pm-9pm / Free

When The Rake, Jazz88, amazing art and liberally poured wine collide good things happen! This month Gallery Grooves makes a cameo at the MCBA for a peek at Face the Nation, the current exhibit exploring typeface design from 1900 to 1960, and the role national identity and politics played in the evolution of American typography. Drummer Wallace Hill will keep the beat with the Progressive Percussion Ensemble while you mingle and sip wine courtesy of Artisan Vineyards. A sweet start to your Thursday night!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RAKE SITE
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THURSDAY AUGUST 21ST

Smitten Kitten 5th Birthday Party Kickoff!

@ Pi Bar
2532 25th Avenue S.
Minneapolis

7pm / Free

Happy Birthday Smitten Kitten! We’re glad this lady-owned adult shop is around, and even more so that they know how to throw a weekend-long birthday party! Tonight promises Live! Nude! Drag!, a gender-bending burlesque show that is sure to delight, and a game of adult (ahem) bingo. These aren’t your grandma’s bingo prizes, and all proceeds go to a local charity, so get your bingo markers and visors out. Party through Saturday with Smitten Kitten by checking out even more events at the link below.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SMITTEN KITTEN SITE
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THURSDAY AUGUST 21ST

Chokecherry CD release show

@The Hexagon Bar
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / Free

This album has been a long time in the making, and we’re just about to explode with excitement! If you haven’t yet heard Chokecherry, now is the time. They have a brand new CD to sell you, it’s their tour kickoff show, and they’ve invited their friends Nancy Drew Crew to rap about crafts and deodorant, Baby Guts to scream their heads off, and The Knotwells to continue the raucous dancing. As always, if you buy your drinks at the back bar, the bands get a cut, so drink up and dance, dance, dance to that Chokecherry song that will be stuck in your head for days.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CHOKECHERRY MYSPACE
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THURSDAY AUGUST 21ST

Yeti Release Party

@ ROBOTlove
27th & Lyndale Ave. S
Minneapolis

6-8pm / Free

Join our pals at ROBOTlove for a triple-header designer toy extravaganza! Artist Erin Currie will be on hand to celebrate the release of Curster's Yeti! designer plush. Each Yeti is 9.5” tall with 4 face options available, and this series is limited to 375 pieces per style, so get 'em while they're hot! Chat with Erin about her super-adorable creations, then stick around for ROBOTlove's monthly Dunny trading party, and while you're there, you might as well get your claws on toys from the Kidrobot/Matt Groening Simpson's collab series, also releasing today!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ROBOTLOVE SITE
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THURSDAY AUGUST 21ST

DJ St. Croix and Hardland/Heartland

@ King and I Thai
1346 LaSalle Ave.
Minneapolis

10pm / Free

Join the multi-faceted DJ St. Croix as he continues his sizzlin' monthly DJ series (every third Thursday) alongside special guests, avant-garde art collective Hardland/Heartland. Chill out in the lounge as these cool cats play some of their favorite funk, disco, and new wave records - creating the perfect late summer soundtrack to sip infused martinis to.

FREE MIX ALERT: Click HERE to download the steamy hot l'etoile Summer Soul mix courtesy of DJ St. Croix himself!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DJ ST. CROIX MYSPACE
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THURSDAY AUGUST 21ST (THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1ST)

Minnesota State Fair

@ Minnesota State Fairgrounds
1265 Snelling Ave
North St. Paul

6am-midnight/ $11 (adults) $8 (kids)

If you think the Minnesota State Fair is strictly for the generic, think again. Once you get past the crowds (it’s the second largest fair in the country) you’ll find an eclectic and often eccentric underbelly. With attractions like the 3rd Lair Skatepark; the lumberjack competition; performances by Gnarls Barkley, The Black Keys and De’Anna-The Hypno Chick - not to mention some primo people watching - the State Fair can feel like a modern day freak show. So, while getting your "freak" on, indulge in a deep fried/on a stick concoction - this year's fad being chocolate-covered bacon. Record the whole experience with a video camera and you'll have a chance to win a prize package through the Video Commercial Contest. Don’t have a car? That’s no excuse, because express buses travel daily, and are probably your best bet for a stress-free fair commute. Visit metrotransit.org for bus schedules.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE STATE FAIR SITE
Photo by Digital Crush
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FRIDAY ART PICK: ESTHER SOLONDZ

Fall is just around the corner, so it’s time to start finding fitting things that are a little bit creepy and otherworldly to get us through the season. Solondz works with rust, hummingbird nectar and mud, branding portraits into felt, beeswax and Styrofoam and creating installations of rusted faces and massive salt sculpture. As Little Edie says, "it’s hard to keep the line between the past and the present" and Solondz’s haunting images blur that line even more.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ESTHER SOLONDZ SITE
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FRIDAY AUGUST 22ND

In Celebration of Russell Mroczek

@ Soo VAC
2640 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

5:30pm-8pm / Free

The late, great Russell Mroczek was the chair of MCAD’s Design Department, and contributed to the college’s outstanding reputation for over 30 years. He loved Chinese and Japanese art and cultural studies, and his work reflects that. This weekend is your chance to see his work, appreciate his contributions to the city, and talk with people who knew and loved him. Through August 24th.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
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FRIDAY AUGUST 22ND


The One Show: Advertising + Design + Interactive

@ MCAD
Concourse Gallery
2501 Stevens Ave
Minneapolis

The One Club knows good advertising, in fact, for many years they've built their brand around recognizing and promoting it. Advertising advertising! Catch this fantastic touring exhibit of the best radio, television, design, interactive, new media and print design in the universe. Minneapolis’ own Fallon has some winning designs in the show (of course), so stop in for a peek and a lil' bit of ad-driven inspiration. Through September 24th.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ONE CLUB SITE
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FRIDAY AUGUST 22ND

VimLab/Sol Funke Boat Party

@ Boom Island Park
700 Sibley St.
NE Mpls

9:30pm-1am / 21+ / $30

The Minneapolis Queen is set to cruise (rain or shine) for the second time this summer with a party coordinated by VimLab Promotions. The boat sets sail at 10pm (no later - run if you have to!) and takes course down the Mississippi River through the locks and under the new 35W bridge, providing an Emerald City-like view of downtown. Special guests include DJ Spur, Jeff Kash, Patrick James and Nate Laurence. Also displaying her amazing talent is hula hoop artist extraordinaire Jessica Bessette, juxtaposing dance moves and techno to rock the plastic hoop! Connect with your inner Captain and Tennille aboard this moonlight adventure ride.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VIMLAB SITE
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FRIDAY AUGUST 22ND

LA Riots

@ 1st Ave
701 First Avenue North
Downtown Minneapolis

10pm / 18+ / $12

Vita.mn, Sound In Motion and The Moongoons present electro-crazy cool kids LA Riots, making their first ever appearance in Minneapolis! Get your riot/dance gear on, because this Los Angeles DJ power duo have been absolutely destroying the scene with their killer remixes - everything they touch becomes a fist-pumping adrenaline-fueled banger! Get ready to hear them everywhere - they are on the brink of blowing up in a beyond-the-blogsphere sort of way.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LA RIOTS MYSPACE
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FRIDAY AUGUST 22ND

Bits Screening featuring Vampire Hands

@ Uptown Theatre
2906 Hennepin Ave
South Minneapolis

11:30pm Doors / Free (donations accepted)

The word “inventor” can conjure up the stereotypical image of a socially inept, awkward loner. Brilliance always seems to come at a price. In Bits, the first film by local crew FRD Productions, Steve, an amateur inventor, loses himself, and at times his sanity to a project intended to drastically alter human connection as we know it. Local psychedelic indie rock band, Vampire Hands, are scheduled to perform before the screening and also have songs featured in the film. Drop your Blackberry and attend this screening, because it just may be your ticket to futuristic communication.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BITS SITE
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COOL LINK: THE FRISKY

This one is definitely for the ladies! Consider this website your one-stop shop for love, sex, and shopping news and advice. Toss in some celebrity gossip and astrology, and you’ve got your work woes covered. The Daily Hotness provides fodder for unattainable crushes, while dating dos and don'ts round out the powerhouse of good advice The Frisky has going. The ultimate girly time-waster.

CLICK THE LINK FOR THE FRISKY SITE
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SATURDAY AUGUST 23RD

Design Collective Quarterly Sale

@ Design Collective
1311 26th Street West
Uptown

Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun Noon-6pm, Closed Tuesdays

Hit up hip Uptown design boutique Design Collective today through August 31st to snatch up swift deals on clothing, accessories, jewelry and gifts from your favorite independent designers! There will be markdowns on items by many l'étoile faves such as Labrador, Drawl Graphics, Ann Alyse Clothing, Renee Larson jewelry and many, many, many more. The perfect way to waste your renter's rebate - if you were smart enough to file one in time, unlike some of us.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DESIGN COLLECTIVE SITE
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SATURDAY AUGUST 23RD

30 Percent More Commercial

@ First Amendment Arts
1101 Stinson Blvd
Basement Studio A
Minneapolis

7-10pm / Free

Creators of the Emmy Nominated rock n' roll kids show Yo Gabba Gabba, local interactive firm PUNY Entertainment brings you 30 Percent More, an animated installation featuring the stylish work of 22 artists, designers, and programmers who "throw shit against a wall to see what sticks" at First Amendment Gallery. On display through September 25

CLICK THIS AND OTHER ART EVENTS AT MPLSART.COM
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SATURDAY AUGUST 23RD

Important if True (Hootenanny in E)

@ Burnet Gallery
901 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

6pm-9pm / Free

Seven heavy-hitters in the art world tackle the theme of politics just in time for the streams of pols coming our way for the you-know-what. Photography, painting and even neon take on the topic, while three projected videos by Jeremy Lion will screen in the lobby lounge area during select times, including throughout the RNC. Through November 2nd.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
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SATURDAY AUGUST 23RD

Hindsight is 20/20 Exhibit

@ The Weisman Art Museum
U of M West Bank
333 East River Road
Minneapolis

Visit the website for museum hours/ August 23, 2008-January 4, 2009 / Free

If seeing is believing, what is hearing? If we hear a phrase often enough does it ring more true or just become double talk? The ever provocative Weisman Art Museum presents an exhibit by New York visual artist and composer, R. Luke DuBois. The exhibition consists of 43 graphic prints organized by the rate of word usage in State of the Union addresses, and features an example from each U.S. president. Metaphorically displayed in the form of an eye chart, the prints graze how politicians use propaganda and the repetition of rhetoric to sell their vision to the American people and persuade the eyesight of a nation. The exhibit runs well into the next year but visit early and what you see may change your perspective on what you hear in the upcoming election.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
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SATURDAY AUGUST 23RD

RIFT Magazine Release Party & DIRTY 30

@ Hexagon Bar
701 First Avenue North
Seward

10pm / 21+ / FREE

Stop by the Hexagon on Saturday night as some of the best bands in town celebrate release of local music publication Rift Magazine’s 25th issue, and wish a happy Dirty 30 to Minneapolis music lover and sassy l'étoile staff writer, the amazing Robyn Lewis (who we definitely could not live without!) Things are bound to get buck wild as the babes of Tendercakes liven up the Hex with an old school dance party, and the hot-as-hell boys from Solid Gold shake things up. The fun doesn’t stop there – two super special guests will be making surprise appearances in honor of the occasion, and believe us, you do NOT want to miss out.

IMPORTANT TIP: Buy your booze from the band side of the bar to benefit our kick-ass pals at Rift Mag!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RIFT SITE
Poster by the amazing Miss Amy Jo
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SATURDAY AUGUST 23RD

Honky Tonk'n Hoe Down

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

Join the lovely dames of Double Trouble for a boot-stompin' good time at the Clubhouse! Channel your inner Dolly as the girls spin a slew of classic country hits while you suckle down moonshine and make stupid jokes about how hard it was to park your horse downtown. Tonight is one of those rare occasions that you'll actually be able to wear those ass-less chaps without being questioned. Well, you probably will be questioned, but at least you'll have an excuse, thanks to good ol' Clubhouse Jager.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DOUBLE TROUBLE MYSPACE
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SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: HALEY BONAR

Only 24 years young, Minnesota dweller Haley Bonar's country-inspired brand of folk has garnered her some serious acclaim. With an enchanting new full-length release entitled Big Star on Afternoon Records, Bonar offers her most compelling album to date. Having already shared stages with the likes of Neko Case and Arcade Fire, and contributed to Andrew Bird's mind-blowing 2007 album Armchair Apocrypha, Bonar's Big Star solidifies her as a songwriter worth paying close attention to. Hers are the type of songs you want on your ipod as you zone out watching the human race go by.

Visit the link below for upcoming local shows and more info.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HALEY BONAR MYSPACE
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SUNDAY AUGUST 24TH


What Light Poetry Reading

@ Magers and Quinn Booksellers
3038 Hennepin Ave
South Minneapolis

5pm / Free

Wine, poetry, a fleeting glimpse of a beret? You don’t need to be a beatnik to appreciate these pairings. Each quarter, Magers and Quinn and the Walker Art Center’s mnartists.org present the What Light poetry contest for mnartists.org members and residents of Minnesota. The winning poems are published in an anthology collection and featured in a quarterly reading series. Now in its third year, What Light is attracting some distinguished and recognizable figures. Carol Muske-Dukes, National Book Award finalist and critic for the New York Times Book Review is among the judges, while Joyce Sutphen, whose poems have appeared in American Poetry Review is one of this year’s winners. Join the poets for a reading and partake in a wine sampling sponsored by Artisan Vineyards. Can ya dig it? *snap*

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MNARTISTS.ORG SITE
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TUESDAY AUGUST 19TH

Silver + Gold

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave.
North Loop

Every Tuesday / 21+ / 10pm / Free

Join DJ Jonathan Ackerman and l’étoile magazine for an evening of sly winks and sideways glances every Tuesday at Clubhouse Jager. Create some mystery, sip 2-4-1 cocktails with pretty people, and dance the night away to electro, pop, and so much more.

BONUS: Flirt up a storm then visit letoilemagazine.com on Wednesdays for "missed connections" from the night before!

Sponsored by l'étoile magazine & Alphasuede

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR L'ETOILE TEXT CONNECTIONS
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What's What Editor: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright


ALL CONTENT © L'ETOILE MAGAZINE 2008