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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
What's What Editor: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright
ALL CONTENT © L'ETOILE MAGAZINE 2008
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