Monday, November 30, 2009

l'étoile's Guide to Holiday Theater

By Rob Callahan

We heart dramatic holiday classics and quirky new plays alike, and luckily for us there's definitely an abundance of both circulating around the Twin Cities theater scene this month. From offbeat comedies to Nutcrackers, our handy-dandy seasonal performance guide will fill you in on some of the best of 'em. Feel free to add in any great ones we've missed in the comments section below!


Holiday Pageant at Open Eye Figure Theater

In this edgy yet family-friendly production, The Shepherd's Play is transformed through a modern, mischievous interpretation that tells the story of the Nativity from Lucifer's point of view. Combining astonishing puppetry and memorable music, Open Eye's Holiday Pageant boasts trumpets & tricks, angels & devils, shepherds and a little lamb and provides fun for the young and old.

Running Thursday through Sunday until December 20th, with additional shows on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd at Open Eye Figure Theater, 506 East 24th Street in Minneapolis. Box Office: (612) 874.6338

NOTE: This is a Theater All Year eligible performance. Visit theaterallyear.com to purchase discounted ticket voucher packages good at over 3 dozen local theaters for yourself or as gifts.

Miracle on Christmas Lake

Yellow Tree Theatre revive their wildly successful holiday comedy, Miracle on Christmas Lake. In an original play by Yellow Tree founder, Jessica Lind, you'll follow the adventures of two New York City actors who leave behind the bright lights of the big city to run a small community theatre in Minnesota. When their theatre's holiday production falls apart with only twenty-four hours to go before opening night, heartwarming hilarity ensues as the cast scrambles to complete a new show literally overnight.

The show runs Wednesday through Sunday until December 27 at Yellow Tree Theatre, located at 320 5th Ave. S.E. Osseo, MN 55369. Box Office: 763-493-8733

Fat Man Crying

Joking Envelope presents the story of a depressed Santa on the verge of giving up and the couple who try and save him. An irreverent and vaudevillian production with a small, talented cast, this show explores the deep hilarity inherent in the idea of a Santa who has lost his powers. As Father Christmas drinks his sorrows away and tries to bring the happy couple down with him, an old enemy lurks in the background. Beware of Santa's mysterious arch-enemy: Dave!

Playing December 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 18th and 19th at Minneapolis Theatre Garage, 711 W. Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis. Box Office: 612-280-9210

Brett Favre's Christmas Spectacular

From Brave New Workshop comes the topical yuletide tale that will spike your holiday season with comedy. The new show from this mainstay of Minneapolis performing arts offers a break from the family fumbles of the holiday season. Featuring seasonal favorites along with all-new sketches and songs, from now through the first week of January.

Tickets to "Brett Favre" are available at the production's website, with dates that aren't sold out yet indicated in bold. Brave New Workshop is located at 2605 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis, in the heart of Uptown. Box Office: (612) 332-6620.

NOTE: This is a Theater All Year eligible performance. Visit theaterallyear.com to purchase discounted ticket voucher packages good at over 3 dozen local theaters for yourself or as gifts.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Ornaments come to life with pageantry, music and majesty transforming ordinary holiday figurines into extraordinary aerialists, acrobats, musicians and dancers performing fantastical feats of pomp and cirque-umstance. Bonus: booze, gambling and casino buffets.

through December 27th at Mystic Lake Casino. Box Office: 952-496-6563

S. Gunter Klaus and the Story Before

Presented by Jon Ferguson Theater & John Heimbuch and set in a remote village, S. Gunter Klaus and The Story Before tells the fantastic tale of a lonely toy-maker engaged in an epic battle with the dark of winter. This world premiere production, created by award winning director Jon Ferguson and acclaimed playwright John Heimbuch in collaboration with an ensemble of some of the Twin Cities’ most exciting theater artists, promises to become an instant holiday classic and extraordinary excursion from the norm. A celebration of the power of the imagination and the gift of hope. Witness a magical new story of the origin of Santa Claus, long before we told it.

Running December 10th through the 23rd at the Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Avenue South in Minneapolis. Box Office: 612-340-1725

NOTE: This is a Theater All Year eligible performance. Visit theaterallyear.com to purchase discounted ticket voucher packages good at over 3 dozen local theaters for yourself or as gifts.

The Bible: The Complete Word of God (Abridged)

Three actors attempt to take us through the entire Bible in 90 minutes – complete with an expanded Christmas story. An affectionate, irreverent roller coaster ride from fig leaves to Final Judgment posing the theological question: Does God have a sense of humor? Three versatile performers prove He (or She) undoubtedly does, as they combine shtick, wordplay, physical humor, sight gags, and jokes as old as Methuselah. Whether you are Christian, Jew, Muslim, Atheist or a Purple People Eater, you will be tickled by The Bible: The Complete Word of God (Abridged), a romp through old time religion. More fun than sittin’ in your own pew!

Showing December 3rd through 6th, 10th through 12th and 17th through 19th at Pioneer Place on Fifth, 22 Fifth Avenue South in Saint Cloud. Box Office: (320) 203-0331 or (320) 203-1233

Miss Richfield 1981's Annual Holiday Show

Our favorite gal from Richfield is on the bus as President Obama’s Czaress of Tolerance. She will acknowledge those who are different in color, religious beliefs and even physical capabilities. Nobody is left out of this show, which Miss R promises will go to new depths with new music, new videos and even some new jokes because it’s a new world out there!

Running through December 13th at the Illusion Theater, 528 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis. Box Office: 612-339-4944

NOTE:
This is a Theater All Year eligible performance. Visit theaterallyear.com to purchase discounted ticket voucher packages good at over 3 dozen local theaters for yourself or as gifts.

The Mystery of the Magi's Gold

This holiday installment of the popular Late Nite Catechism series finds recurring protagonist Sister in search of the Magi's Gold. The show promises audience interaction, musical highlights, wacky prizes, and non-stop laughs for one night only at the Ordway McKnight Theatre.

Running until December 27th at The Ordway, 345 Washington Street in Saint Paul. Box Office: 651-224-4222

Fezziwig's Feast 

In this play within a play, the friends of Charles Dickens gather to act out his newly-penned ghost story (A Christmas Carol) during a holiday party. Fezziwig's combines the elements of the Spirit of Christmas – the celebration, the delicious repast, and the fine fellowship of kind old Fezziwig and his family – and the story – Mr. Dickens's wonderful ghost story of redemption and compassion for one another.

Running Thursdays through Sundays until December 20th at the Harriet Island Pavilion, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd in Saint Paul. Box Office: 651-227-2464

A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol

The cast of the original Don't Hug Me reunite to reinterpret Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale in the style of traditional Minnesotan self-satire. If you enjoyed How To Talk Minnesotan or A Prairie Home Companion, then you'll be delighted by Gunner Johnson's magical journeys through his own past, present at future as he's guided by the spirit of folk legend Sven Yorgensen one man's history of the fictional town of Bunyan Bay, MN.

Running Thursday through Sunday until January 3rd at Hennepin Stages, 824 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis. Tickets: 800-745-3000 or 800-982-2787

The Nutcracker According to Mother Goose

Nursery rhymes blend with the music of Tchaikovsky in a mash-up of modern dance and theatre featuring the escapades of Mother Goose herself, along with Wee Willie Winkie, Mary Quite Contrary and Little Bo Peep. A child-friendly show with subtle subtext that will have parents chuckling under their breath at the production's outrageous wit.

Saturday, December 19th at the Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave. N.E. in Minneapolis. Box Office: (612) 338-1101

Ballet of the Dolls Nutcracker (not so) Suite

A touching and risque take on the classic ballet, retold with attention to such timely concerns as Christmas in a recession and Barbie's 50th birthday. As always, the Doll's spice things up with their sassy spin on classic ballet, replete with some of the coolest costumes and unique production design we've every been privy.

Running select nights through December 31st at the Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave. N.E. in Minneapolis. Box Office: (612) 338-1101

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

A traditional Nutcracker performance featuring spectacular sets and costumed Russian dancers, this whimsical and imaginative retelling of the classic is a rich and unique holiday event.

December 11th and 12th at the Orpheum Theater, 910 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis. Box Office: (612) 373-5600

Minnesota Ballet's Classic Nutcracker

Back for its 22nd season, Choreographer Andrew Rist interprets this classic tale with the graceful help of the Minnesota Ballet company. Heralded for its phenomenal sets, dazzling costuming, and enchanting choreography, this ballet is so charming you'll likely want to see it twice!

December 18-20th at the O'Shaughnessy Auditorium, 2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul. Box office: 612-673-0404

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Weekend What's What 11/26-12/1

GIVIN' THANKS

It's hard to believe the happy holidays are already upon us! This year has definitely been a wonderful whirlwind of art, fashion, music and all the trimmings -- and who wouldn't be thankful for that? We hope that this weekend you'll take a minute to really appreciate how lucky we are to live in such an amazingly artistic and constantly evolving environment. With plenty of rockin' shows, colorful art exhibits and bumpin' dance parties, we're pretty sure it won't be difficult to find a reason or two to be thankful.

xo-l'étoile




THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26TH

Magers & Quinn Thanksgiving Day Book Sale

@ Magers & Quinn
3038 Hennepin Avenue
Uptown Minneapolis

Noon-9pm

If you're not glued to the couch in a tryptophan coma today, we encourage you to pop into Magers & Quinn Booksellers for their annual Thanksgiving Day Sale! Our favorite written word slingers are offering 20% off EVERYTHING in the store, and, they're coming in to work over the holiday to do it. Now that's dedication to literature, if you ask us. Pop in on your way to dinner with the fam, before ya put the Turkey in the oven, or after you've sufficiently stuffed your face -- the stellar deals run all day. We're definitely thankful for books...especially when they're nicely discounted!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MAGERS & QUINN SITE
l'étoile staff writer Rob Callahan checks out the merch at M&Q/Photo by Digital Crush



FRIDAY ART PICK: GERHARD RICHTER ATLAS COLLECTION

How often are we given the chance to flip through a famous artist’s personal scrapbook? Renowned German painter Gerhard Richter is invites us to do just that. The Atlas collection features pages and pages of newspaper clippings, sketchings and photos that served as the source material and inspiration for a good portion of Richter's work. Definitely an interesting peek into the creative process of this respected artist, who has been heralded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Pretend you’re behind the scenes in his studio, and wile away a some down-time digitally flipping through these telling archives and checking out Richter's amazing works of art.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GERHARD RICHTER SITE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27TH


l'étoile's Black Friday Shopping Guide

@ Various Locations
Twin Cities

Here at l'étoile, we wholeheartedly believe in penny-pinching. But what we're not a fan of? Getting up at the crack of 4 a.m. to wait in a line in the cold, especially mere hours after gorging ourselves on turkey and libations. So we're here to encourage you to avoid the mall (and the stampedes) and instead, shop local this Black Friday. Check out our extensive Black Friday Shopping Guide put together by l'étoile's always-on-the-ball Fashion Editor, Jahna Peloquin. Chocked full of independent shops and boutiques offering sweet deals, we've got your Black Friday shopping itinerary all mapped out. Buy local, say we!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR OUR BLACK FRIDAY GUIDE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27TH

The Pines + Kill the Vultures

@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave
St Paul

9pm / 21+ / $6

In an unlikely but intriguing pairing, The Pines and Kill the Vultures share the Turf Club stage Friday night in what will promise to leave you simply captivated. Born from the ashes of legendary Minneapolis rap group Oddjobs, Kill the Vultures expertly command elements of the raw holler of old style delta blues, the jagged clatter of New York’s brash punk-jazz scene, and the earthy outbursts of Tom Waits mixed with beats that boom like thunder and clank like metal dropped on a factory floor. On the flip side, The Pines evoke the spirit of Dylan and Greg Brown, but also bring to mind genre-bending acts such as Calexico, resulting in a startlingly mature blend of sweet Americana and timeless folk. If you as us, this will be the perfect way to shake that tryptophan haze.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TURF CLUB SITE
Photo by Staciaann Photography



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27TH

A Tribute to the Replacements / All Over But the Shouting Paperback Release Party

@ First Ave / 7th Street Entry
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis

7pm / 18+ / $8

Ah, the Replacements. Rock's most famous anti-heroes, and clearly one of the best bands to ever commit words to melody. Lucky for us, Minneapolis fixture Jim Walsh, aka the Mad Ripple, has immortalized Minnesota's bastard sons in an oral history documenting a time in place when you could still tell something about a person by whether or not they liked the Replacements. In conjunction with First Ave’s 25th anniversary celebration of the release of classic album 'Mats album Let It Be, Walsh offers up the newly released paperback edition of his epic book The Replacements: All Over But The Shouting. A mere eight bones gets you admission to both the Mainroom and the Entry, which will be filled with the re-interpreted sounds of a band deeply branded into the souls of so many local music fans. Join Jeremy Messersmith, Martin Devaney, Lookbook, Idle Hands, Gospel Gossip and many more Y-gen faithfuls as they pay a boozy homage to the one and only ‘Mats.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FIRST AVE SITE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27TH & SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28TH

Halloween, Alaska + Haley Bonar

@ The Cedar
416 Cedar Ave. S.
Minneapolis

8 pm / $18 advance, $20 day of

The Cedar knows just how to wrap up your post-feast Thanksgiving weekend –- with 2 days of passionate indie sounds, of course! MPLS natives, Halloween, Alaska and formerly local folk-pop sweetheart, Haley Bonar, split headlining spots this weekend. Friday night the brooding electronic poppers Halloween, Alaska headline, playing tracks off their latest album, Champagne Downtown, with Bonar supporting. On Saturday night, the tables turn and Haley Bonar fans rejoice as the blonde guitar-toting storyteller takes the top slot. No matter who "headlines," we think a double dose of music from these two stellar acts is just what the doctor ordered.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CEDAR SITE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27TH

Black Friday Art Show

@ The Loft
711 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis

7 pm-2am / 18+ / $7 pre-sale, $10 door

Why risk having your pretty little face trampled in mall lines and stampede sales? Celebrate Black Friday in a more visually appealing way! Tonight's hyped-up party features graffiti body painting; over a dozen models and artists in a live photo shoot; a roof top mural; visual projections from Time Squid; a killer light show; an indoor skate park; and custom live screenprinted tees from the Anthem Heart boys featuring $10 official "Black Friday" shirts (bring your own shirt and get it printed on for only $5). Work off those T-Day calories dancing to music courtesy of Big Zach (featuring Alicia Steele), Parallax, and Longshot, plus late-night DJ sets and all-you-can-drink well drinks from 9 to 11 pm. If you can see past the fact that this event is being held at a downtown meat market nightclub, you'll probably have a blast. Pre-sale tickets are available at vitalculture.com.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27TH

BOMP Vol. X: The Black Friday Edition

@ Bedlam Theatre
1501 S. 6th St.
Minneapolis

10pm / $5 / 18+

This body-rockin' post-Turkey Day edition of Bomp will, as usual, be a hot spot to mix and mingle with punx, hipsters, weirdos, thugs, dancing queens, art nerds and many more interesting characters. Bomp regularly brings together the best of the best in local DJs to throw the end-all-be-all of genre-bending sonic extravaganzas. Head to the West Bank for the most varied throwdown of 'em all and dance those mashed potatoes off your ass with the help of bangin' beats from The Moon Goons, Jimmy 2 Times, Shannon Blowtorch, WzzWnshp & DJ TRL.

Co-sponsored by l'étoile magazine, of course!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK PAGE



COOL LINK: L'ETOILE'S GUIDE TO HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENTS

Not to be confused with our aforementioned "Black Friday" Guide, our big guide to Holiday shopping events is a different beast all together. Featuring craft fairs, sales, open studio events and more throughout the months of November and December, you're sure to not only find something fun to do, but you'll easily map out numerous opportunities to score handmade wares straight from local artists -- and that, friends, is something we always encourage.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR L'ETOILE'S GUIDE TO HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENTS



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28TH

Shiny Robot Holiday Art Sale

@ Shiny Robot Studio
501 1st Ave. NE, 2nd floor
Minneapolis

12pm-7pm/free

While there may not be any actual shiny robots in sight, your eyes will still be dazzled by the work that is for sale, right in time for the start of holiday shopping, of course. Snatch up handmade awesomeness direct from artists such as John Alspach, Josie Lewis, John Largaespada, Nick Howard, Sean McNulty, Jen Davis, Terrance Payne and many, many more. Not only that, but you can poke around the space where some of these prolific painters work, which is always a treat!

Bonus: Pop into adorable gift shop, I Like You, located on the lower level to snap up even more cute locally-made merch!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
Art by Terrance Payne



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28TH

King Mini's Canyon Land

@ Pink Hobo
517 E. Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis

7 pm/ free

Local ink and word slinger, King Mini knows how to perfect a glistening tale, complete with picturesque detail. His latest apocalyptic illustration, Canyon Land opens tonight at the Pink Hobo and will feature plenty of ominous graphics and stenciled drawings for your viewing pleasure. As the founder of King Mini International, the artist has published memorable illustrative pamphlets – including Robot Investigator and Things We Carry – out of his North Minneapolis publishing house. With plenty of magazine and book credits under his belt, this work of this hot commodity illustrator is just the thing to liven up your Saturday night arts itinerary -- not to mention, any opening at Pink Hobo is always a blast. Be among the first peeps to peep this exhibit while the ink's still fresh!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28TH

Bitch n' Brown CD release

@ Hexagon Bar
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / Free

Bitch n’ Brown are one of those bands that have been around for a few years but whenever you see them you wonder, where have you been all my life? Country music with a twist, their new release will have you stampeding for a copy. (Sorry, couldn’t help it.) Their friends A Night in the Box, Fuck Knights, and Cadillac Colstad and the Flats help them celebrate.




SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28TH

Gospel Gossip EP Release

@ Sauce
3001 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / $5

Four new songs a la Gospel Gossip is definitely reason enough to have a release party. Pay whatever you feel like paying for their limited edition EP Drift at the show tonight. Brilliant! If you’ve worn out your copies of their other albums, tonight's a chance to fill up on your daily requirement of local indie rock. Gospel Gossip, we want you around all the time. With Red Pens and Zoo Animal.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GOSPEL GOSSIP MYSPACE



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28TH

DanceGiving

@ Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Ave SE
Minneapolis

10pm/$5/21+

Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time for The Embassy’s monthly International Night. Think about it: European settlers mixed with Native Americans tossed with a slick dance floor equals a cornucopia of beats. DJ Bach will help you work off at least one slice of pie, and Tai scoops up a serving of electro-pop later on.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28TH

Black: DVS1 Birthday Bash

@ First Ave VIP Room
701 1st. Ave. N.
Minneapolis

10 pm/ 18+/ $5

Attention techno heads: the weekly dance night collaboration from Particle People, Loud & Clear and Hot Dish is über special tonight as the local DJ virtuoso, DVS1 celebrates his b-day with a signature set of crafty techno. The vinyl master's latest stripped down 12'' was recently scooped up by German label, Klockworks, and features tight beats and doses of atmospheric sound – a sound guaranteed to be blasted from the speakers and onto the VIP floor tonight. So, come down, dance to hot house, drum & bass and techno sounds of the underground and pay your birthday respects to the local techno pioneer.

BONUS: Check out Jack The Box's recent podcast interview with the Devious One himself HERE.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28TH

Attitude City

@ Clubhouse Jager
913 Washington Ave
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

The Attitude City boys are back at Jager once again for their monthly mix of badditude, blowing up the dance floor with a carefully curated cache of beats and creating the perfect setting to get buck wild. Sweat and shimmy to the glorious disco sounds of this longtime favorite DJ duo while sippin' cocktails and makin' eyes at the beautiful people. Most def one of our favorite parties of the month!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ATTITUDE CITY SITE



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28TH

45th Parallel Prohibition Party

@ “secret location”
Email 45thparallelproductions@gmail.com for info

9pm-6am / $10 donation

Don your flirtiest 1920s attire and Charleston on down to this secret location party, lavish with fiery rebellion and moonshined freedom. A benefit for the 45th Parallel SXSW Showcase which includes musicians from cities along the 45th latitude line – Portland, MPLS, Montreal and NYC – this evening's decadent Prohibition Party celebrates drinking, jazz dancing and radical coup d'état flare in a classic speakeasy style. A donation of ten bucks gets you full access to the open bar with delicious cocktails, including infused vodka creations, mulled wine and cold beer. The location is hush-hush for the moment, but we can divulge that it'll be held in an amazing 1800's mansion with a veranda, gorgeous stained glass features, sleek hardwood floors, red velvet furnishings, and ornamental candelabras. Flapper dresses and fringe totally encouraged! Email 45thparallelproductions@gmail.com to RSVP and get the addy.

Bonus: This event is the unofficial, official after-party for Attitude City's Jager Monthly (see details in the listing above). So, hop over to the secret location after bar close for more party action.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO ON SXSW



SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: TOTAL BABE

The lazy, French pop sound produced by these young local darlings is not quite the melodies one would expect from teenage hipsters. In fact, nothing to do with this local indie-pop quartet is obvious; from the warm, dreamy vocals of lead singer, Clara Salyer, all the way down to the catchy organ/violin riffs on their effervescent tracks. Studying jazz bass and pop music for the majority of her teenage years, Total Babe's songwriter/guitarist/vocalist, Salyer (a mere 17 years old) knows more about music than many folks twice her age. She even owns her own record label(!) called Personal Best – in cahoots with Afternoon Records – where she scouts for other talented youngsters with fabulous musical creds. Total Babe's recently released EP, Heatwave has been popping up on indie music blogs left and right, and its energetic jangle, “Bearbones,” has been in heavy rotation on The Current's daily playlist. You know, it's the one that sounds like Air and Brigitte Bardot had a musical threesome with Sunny Day Real Estate? Forget teen angst; tweeny clap-happy pop is much more danceable.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TOTAL BABE MYSPACE



SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29TH

Bedlam Craft Fair

@ Bedlam Theatre
1501 S. 6th St.
Minneapolis

6pm-late / Free

Since everything the Bedlam does is off-kilter and delightfully eclectic, a craft fair hosted here promises the same. Stock up on jewelry, zines, paintings, cards, silkscreens and wallets created by fabulously eccentric local artists. When you’ve shopped until you feel like dropping, let The Knotwells, Myrrh and Jeff Mil get you back on your feet and on the dance floor, starting at 9pm.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BEDLAM SITE



TUESDAY DECEMBER 1ST

JagerCon: Sci-Fi Tuesdays

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N.
Minneapolis

Every Tuesday
10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

Join hosts Kate Iverson (l'étoile magazine, Secrets of the City) and Beth Hammarlund (l'étoile magazine, A Tiny Machine) every Tuesday Night for JagerCon! JagerCon is a weekly sci-fi party featuring screenings of classic nerdy movies and television shows -- topped off with 2-4-1 cocktails all night served by Star Captain Paul!

Mingle with like-minded sci-fi geeks, discuss D&D strategies, and use that Captain Picard impression you've been perfecting to pick up chicks at the bar. Snort-laugh the night away while bragging about your MMORPG addiction and enjoy a cozy, nerd-friendly environment.

Upcoming Events:

DEC 1: Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog
DEC 8: The Fly
DEC 15: JageCon Anniversary Party / 12 Monkeys
DEC 22: Slither
DEC 29: Back to the Future
JAN 5: Spaceballs
JAN 12: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
JAN 19: The Forbidden Zone
JAN 26: Earth Girls Are Easy
FEB 1: Return to Oz
FEB 9: Dune
FEB 16: Dreamcatcher
FEB 23: Nightwatch
MAR 2: The Hunger

This week's flick is Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog



GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

Beth Hammarlund is obsessed with Korea, and we tend to agree.

korea, je t'aime

I love Korea. Like, love love. Although I've never actually been there, I feel like I go there all the time in movies and magazines. I adore K-Horror, I obsess over Korean fashion, and I've never met a plate of bulgogi that I didn't like. I know I shouldn't judge an entire people based on food, fashion and film, but let's be completely honest: If you're Korean, I probably love you. So it's no surprise that I'm a big fan of Vogue Girl Korea. I wish some of the magazine's joie de vivre would influence more teen media in the states.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE PICTURES



L'ETOILE NEWSWIRE

HOT TICKET ALERT: WAMplified! featuring Mates of State

Music is at the center of WAMplified!, a new late-night series at WAM. Offered three times a year, WAMplified! presents a live performance by a band or musician with a thematic connection to the major exhibition in the galleries.

In conjunction with the WAM exhibition To Have It About You: The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection, Mates of State--featuring husband-and-wife team Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner--headline the inaugural installment on December 12, 2009 (doors at 9 p.m.). The event also includes food, drink, a video game lounge, and a midnight tour of the exhibition led by curator Diane Mullin and artist Lisa Bradley.

Purchase tickets at http://northrop.umn.edu or call 612-624-2345.

Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin, Rob Callahan

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

It's going to be a Black, Black Friday

by Jahna Peloquin

Here at l'étoile, we wholeheartedly believe in penny-pinching. But what we're not a fan of? Getting up at the crack of 4 a.m. to wait in a line in the cold the day after gorging ourselves on turkey and libations. So we're here to encourage you to avoid the mall (and the stampedes) and instead, shop local this Black Friday.

[Blacklist Vintage. Image by Kate Iverson/Digital Crush]

One of our fave vintage stores, Blacklist Vintage, is hosting the appropriately-named
Blacklist Friday event. They're taking 10 percent off storewide, and offering gift wrapping on jewelry and small items with 1960s paper. (Noon-7 p.m. 2 E. 27th St., Mpls. i612-872-8552.)

Another vintage shop we frequent, Tatters, is taking 25 percent off everything in the store - hats, winterwear, vintage dresses and suits, leather jackets, and more. (2829 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. 612-823-5285.)

[A fall 2009 look by Alice + Olivia at Bumbershute]

High-end boutique 50th & France boutique Bumbershute is taking 20 percent off everything, including Opening Ceremony, D&G, and Alice + Olivia. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. 5014 France Ave. S., Edina. 952-475-2684.)

Stock up on art supplies at Utrecht, which is offering 40 percent off all paint, canvas and paper products. (7:30 a.m.-noon. 1601 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. 612-339-5024.)

Uptown boutiques Drama and Covered will be taking 30 percent off all apparel and handbags from 10 a.m. to noon; after noon, save 20 percent on the same items throughout the weekend. Bonus: Covered is serving beer, wine, and cider all weekend long. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Through Sun. Drama, 1203 Lagoon Ave., Mpls. 612-338-9423. Covered, 1201 Lagoon Ave., Mpls. 612-825-1610.)

[A look from Picky Girl]

All regular priced clothing and shoes at trendy Grand Avenue shop Picky Girl will be 50 percent off. Discounts will continue through the weekend. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Sun. 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107.)

Get a free b.tempt’d thong with any purchase at lingerie boutique Flirt, and receive a coupon for a free cupcake at the nearby Sweets Bakeshop. (10 a.m.-7 p.m. 177 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul. 651-698-3692.)

[Collectible Dunnys from ROBOTlove]

ROBOTlove will offer 20% discounts in different areas of the store, changing every hour on the hour. Including designer toys, housewares, books, clothing and more. Load up on Dunny stocking stuffers! No restrictions or limits on sale items -- here's lookin' at you, rabid toy collectors. (open 11am-8pm, 2648 Lyndale Avenue S., Minneapolis. 612-871-9393)

Stephanie's is taking 20 percent off everything, and they'll also have a few racks of 50 percent off merchandise. (Opens 10 a.m. Fri. Through Sun. 5005 France Ave., Mpls. 612-929-2087 & 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-690-3802.)

[BlackBlue in St. Paul]

BlackBlue, our fave new local boutique - and probably the hippest men's boutique in the Twin Cities - is taking 10 percent off everything in store. Check out new arrivals from Hyden Yoo, Fred Perry and more. (Noon-9 p.m. 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul. http://www.blkblu.com/)

Head to Len Druskin Outlet for bigger deals than ever. "Len Busters" include items starting at $2.50, and for every $25 you spend, you'll receive a ticket for hourly drawings for $100 gift certificates. (5 a.m.-1 p.m. Southdale, main level, Edina. 952-920-0472.)

Take 30 percent of everything at European-styled shop Il Vostro Boutique, including dreses, denim, jewelry, handbags and more all weekend long. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Sun. 5045 France Ave. S., Edina. 612-920-3167.) [Dolce Vita flats at Ladyslipper]

The owners of Bluebird Boutique and and its sister shoe store Ladyslipper are offering 20 percent off through the weekend. (8 a.m. in Maple Grove and 10 a.m. in Edina on Fri. through Sun. Edina open until 8 p.m. on Sat. Bluebird Boutique, 3909 W. 50th St., Edina. 952-746-8675 & Blubird at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 12459 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove. 763-315-6524. Ladyslipper, 4940 France Ave., Edina. 952-224-1900.)

Selby & Snelling shop A. Michele is offering 20 percent off your total purchase, and if you spend $150, you can receive a $20 gift card for your next purchase. (11 a.m. Through Sun. 1591 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-917-6966.)

[Plastic Island winter coat at Belle Reve]

Here's some motivation to get up early on Firday: the first 30 customers to spend $75 or more at Belle Reve receive a set of glitzy bangles. (10 a.m.-7 p.m. 320 E. Hennepin Ave., Mpls. 612-333-3148.)

During the holiday kickoff sale at Birch, take 20 percent off any regular priced item. In addition, you can take 25 percent off two items, 30 percent off three or more, and an extra 10 percent off clearance. (11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. Through Sun. 2309 W. 50th St., Mpls. 612-436-0776.)

Save 20 percent on all outerwear at trendy women's and men's clothing shop Atmosfere. Cocktails will be served Saturday. (10 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri. Through Sun. 1426 W. Lake St., Mpls. 612-332-0381.)

Eco-friendly beauty shop StormSister Spatique will help you get your fix on luxe, healthful beauty products with 25 percent off everything. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. 635 Smith Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-221-4668.)

[A look from Drama]

Uptown boutique Drama is offering deals on all apparel and accessories, including circle scarves, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and trendy tops, dresses and denim. From 10 a.m. to noon, take 30 percent off; after that, take 20 percent off through the weekend. (10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri. Through Sun. 1203 Lagoon Av., Mpls. 612-338-9423.)

Also in Uptown, high-end clothing and accessories boutique Ivy is taking 25 percent off almost everything. Bonus: Spend over $250 and receive a $50 gift card toward your next purchase of $200 or more. (11 a.m.-8 p.m. 1440 W. Lake St., Mpls. 612-827-2764.)

Shoe boutique Pumpz & Company is kicking off its ongoing holiday sale on Black Friday, taking 30 percent off all fall merchandise from designers such as Mulberry, Stuart Weitzmann, Pons Quintana and more. (9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. 3335 Galleria, Edina. 952-926-2252.)

[Opitz Outlet. Images by Kate Iverson for l'étoile agency]

Our favorite designer discounter, Opitz Outlet, has already started its Black Friday sale early. The store is freshly stocked and loaded with deals. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. 4320 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park. 952-929-8715.)

One of the hottest men's stores in town, Elsworth Menswear, is taking 25 percent off everything, and when you buy a regular priced item you'll get the second (of equal or lesser value) for 50 percent off. Also: take an additional 10 percent off clearance items. Get there early for mimosas and pastries
! (7 a.m.-7 p.m. Highland Bank Court, 811 LaSalle Ave., Mpls. 612-339-0763.)

Treadle Yard Goods is having its biggest sale ever. They're taking 20 percent off all fabric, plus an extra 20 percent off already discounted merchandise. That includes major pattern lines and trunk show merchandise. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Sun. 1338 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-9690.)

Every Friday through December 18, Gaviidae Common is hosting its Gaviidae Indoor Artist Market. Check out goods from local artists and artisans. While you’re there, be sure to swing by all-local pop-up shops MNfashion and Twice the Gift. (10 a.m.-8 p.m. 651 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. 612-465-8899.)

[Lucky Lola Designs]

You can stay indoors and still save on Friday with local jewelry designer Lucky Lola Designs. The handmade line is having an online sale, offering 20 percent off her necklaces made from materials such as semi-precious gemstones, shells and glass through November 30. To take advantage of this offer, simply type "MNsale" into the "Message to Seller" box on the Etsy Checkout page and you will be refunded 20 percent of your purchase through PayPal. (luckyloladesigns.etsy.com)

Score secondhand records and electronics at sizable discounts at Shuga Records' Black Friday event. All used media will be 50 percent off, and electronics at 30 percent off. They'll also be having live music in-store performances by the likes of Red Daughters, Megachurch, and six other groups beginning at 5 p.m. (10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Free. All ages. 223 4th Ave. NE., Mpls. http://www.shugarecords.com/)

["Black Friday" t-shirt design by Senza]

After a full day of shopping, dance it out at the Black Friday Art Show at the Loft at Barfly. On deck aer graffiti body painting, visual projections and light show, installation skate park, art gallery, and DJs Big Zach, Parallax, Longshot, and more all night. But we're mainly going to snag a limited edition, live screen-printed "Black Friday" t-shirt by our pals in Anthem Heart for 10 smackers. (7 p.m.-2 a.m. $7-10. 18-plus. The Loft at Barfly, 711 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. 612-333-6100.)

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Weekend What's What 11/19-11/24

FUNKYTOWN

It seems to be the Winter dance party season opener this weekend! With both Friday and Saturday dominated by l'étoile-worthy club jams and secret location parties, you'll be hard-pressed not to run into an opportunity to get your "Butterfly" on. At this rate we'll be sweatin' right through the hard freeze! Of course, there's plenty of awesome art to go around and even a few can't-miss rock n' roll shows -- so those with two left feet, fret not -- we've gotcha covered!

xo-l'étoile




THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19TH

High Fashion Holiday Hi-Jinx

@ Miyagi
411 E Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

6:30pm-9:30pm/free

How can one little salon pack so much cool stuff onto its calendar? Miyagi's second annual holiday trunk show is upon us! This includes, but is not limited to: knit accessories by Attagirl by Kedrin, must-have hats by Ruby3, mean bags and cards from Maybe You Should Die, stationary by Mary Bruno, and jewelry by Third Willow. But did we mention a silent auction of discontinued Aveda products and makeup consultations? Bring non-perishable food items and get raffle tickets for good for glorious prizes.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MIYAGI SITE



THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19TH

MAEP Opening Reception + Third Thursday Party

@ MIA
2400 Third Ave. S.
Minneapolis

6-9 pm / free

Don't miss the MAEP opening reception featuring new works from artists Tetsuya Yamada and Michael Kareken. In Yamada's multimedia installation piece, "Commuter," the artist explores the lines between public and private spaces. His installation – inspired by daily train rides in his native city - examines the human/machine relationship while celebrating the mechanical rhythms involved in everyday routine. Kareken's latest series of oil paintings, Scrap, were influenced by the Rock-Tenn recycling plant – as seen from his studio window – and features “lovingly rendered refuse heaps” and dramatic “monochromatic studies of twisted metal.”

While you're at the MIA, drop down to the museum-wide, free Third Thursday event: Ooh la Louvre! from 6-9 pm. Tour the museum's monumental exhibit The Louvre and the Masterpiece, donned in your best beret and humming your favorite Edith Piaf ballad; attend “Six-Pack,” a series of six 10-minute talks on artwork in the exhibit's sister show, In Pursuit of a Masterpiece; and even enter to win dinner for two at Barbette! Plus, enjoy cocktails and a live set from local indie-pop band, the Hopefuls. As if we needed more reasons to heart the MIA!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM



THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19TH

Workhorse

@ The Soap Factory
518 2nd Ave. SE.
Minneapolis

7-10 pm / free

Let's face it - if you're not taking a class, it's difficult to receive any sort of critical feedback or positive reinforcement on a project in its seminal stages. Enter Workhorse. Curated by Colleen Harriss and presented by The Soap Factory, the second installment of the Workhorse showcase offers brave artists a chance to present their work – mid-stages or just finished – and gain feedback from audience members. View a cube arranged, multi-channel video installation of underwater footage from artist Siddarth Saikia; an interactive theater performance featuring special effects and experimental visuals from Ellis Isenberg; and a sensory interactive installation using DIY computing to recreate sense of touch from artist Anthony Tran. Meet the artists, enjoy new work and get ready to add your two cents!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM



THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20TH

Project Runway Weekly Screenings: SERIES FINALE!

@ Hell's Kitchen
80 S. 9th Street
Downtown Minneapolis

8-9pm Fashion Trivia with l'étoile
9-10pm Project Runway
10-11pm Models of the Runway


Put on something snazzy and join us for weekly screenings of Project Runway, sponsored by l'étoile and Metro Mag! Show up early from 6-8pm for live music, drink specials and the full dinner menu, then play fashion trivia with Kate and Beth from l'étoile, who will be giving away sweet prizes including a $50 bar tab every week. From 9-11pm settle in and watch back to back eps of Project Runway and spin off show, Models of the Runway, live on Hell's big screen. Enjoy drink specials, fashionable revelry, and damn good food at Hell's Kitchen every Thursday with us! Parking: $5 parking in adjacent lot, or metered street parking.

Bonus: Christopher will be joining us for the final episode of course!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT



FRIDAY ART PICK: RYOHEI HASE

Call us creeps, but we kind of want to make out with Ryohei Hase. His crushingly violent paintings of animal-human hybrids clawing and intertwining have a sort of sexual vibe that's both scary and mesmerizing. Based in Tokyo, this young artist claims his paintings express "the darkness of mind which is sad and gloomy but at the same time beautiful and strong." Also an accomplished digital illustrator, Hase has an extensive portfolio which includes not only paintings, but also eye-poppin' commercial and print work. Love!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RYOHEI HASE SITE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20TH

Art Bar

@ Mill City Café
2205 California St NE
Minneapolis

5pm-1am/free

Artist Aldo Moroni has been makin' creative magic since we were mere twinkles in our hippie parents' eyes. And it just so happens that Moroni is feeling a bit of nostalgia for the Stevens Gallery Co-op where "Dogs ran through the gallery and hippies stumbled into the franklin stove, knocking the bean stew onto the floor. Pregnant women lounged along the window sills in Mama Cass moo moo’s and bad poets exchanged lines in the smoke filled gallery." His first show was 35 years ago this month, so join Aldo and friends for cheap drinks and music of the times. This party is sure to be filled to the brim with quirky, opinionated old artists, who incidentally, are our favorites.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20TH

MCAD Art Sale

@ MCAD
2501 Stevens Avenue
Minneapolis

Friday: 6-9pm / $40
Saturday: 9am-5pm / Free

Ah, the MCAD Art Sale. The art hunter's dream come true. Each year the school holds the biggest art sale in the Twin Cities within their sprawling halls, featuring over 7,000 pieces up for grabs. What's better? Every piece is priced under $1000, with the average price being under $100. So, for budding and established art collectors alike, the MCAD art sale is a god's honest art gold mine. Scour the premises for fresh new talent to adorn your walls with -- you may just discover the next big thing! Personally, we can spend hours nitpicking through this amazing sale; the size and scope of it is simply, wonderfully maddening. Friday's preview includes a $40 admission that allows you first chance at getting your paws on the goods (warning, there could be eye-gouging involved), while Saturday the doors open to the public with free admission. Our advice? Wear a nut cup; collectors do not mess around at the MCAD Art Sale.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20TH

Walker After Hours

@ Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis

9 pm-midnight/ $35 ($25 members)

Celebrate the unveiling of Benches & Binoculars – a salon-style hanging of 100 paintings that challenge the “contemporary” genre, which have been gleeful unearthed from the Walker's vaults. As usual, the Walker invites its After Hours guests to view a visually captivating preview show before the galleries open to the public. Aside from being among the first to peep this new exhibit, you'll enjoy a killer interactive party with tunes from DJ Scott Stulen in the Cargill Lounge; a live set by electro darlings Lookbook in Gallery 8; a screening of Kenneth Anger's avant-garde film Scorpio Rising featuring themes of leather-clad bikers, Jesus, Nazis and the occult all set to bubblegum pop music; a special performance from Dafnis Prieto and Judith Sanchez Ruiz in the Burnet Gallery; and a “You're the Curator” arts and crafts project. Sip tasty cocktails, nibble on complimentary Wolfgang Puck treats, and work your angles in the popular Party People Pictures photo booth all evening long. We'll be there; will you?

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20TH

Moodswings CD Release

@ Sauce
3001 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / $7

Epic Minneapolis indie popsters the Mood Swings are releasing their cleverly titled third album, Recessionista, tonight with a little help from their friends at Susstones. Recessionista is a poptastic disc full of humorous, irony-laden anthems about being thrifty yet fashionable in these trying times. With charismatic swagger, bold stage presence and shitloads of attitude, The Mood Swings guarantee enough ass-shaking goodness to get you through the weekend. We highly recommend scooting down to Sauce Soundbar tonight, as some of our other local faves including Two Harbors, First Communion Afterparty, and Blue Sky Blackout round out a magnificent bill of good old-fashioned rock and roll.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SUSSTONES SITE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20TH

Birthday Suits Tour Kick Off

@ 7th St Entry
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis

9pm / 18+ / $6

There's no shortage of sonic fury at the Entry tonight with the unstoppable combination of Birthday Suits (playing their last local show of the year), Ouija Radio, The Heiz (all the way from Tokyo!) and Glowing Eyes, conjuring up a sonic storm of driving rock, garage, punk, and psychedelic. Prepare to have your mind (and eardrums) blown.

Bonus: After getting your fill of loud-ass punk rock, mosey on up to the VIP room and dance till bar close with legendary DJ Frankie Bones!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FIRST AVE SITE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20TH

Star Eyes & Jubilee

@ Secret Location
Minneapolis
Join the Burlesque mailing list to receive location via email

10pm-2am

Crazy dance party alert! This Friday night the cool cats at Burlesque of North America team up with two on-fire female DJs from the NYC: Star Eyes (Trouble & Bass) and Jubilee (Nightshifters/Flashing Lights). This Friday's "secret location" extravaganza is billed as a "spaced-out bass odyssey" and brings to mind the good old rave-days with a stylized, girl-fueled twist. We've been harboring a hard lady-crush on Ms. Star Eyes, whose appearance last year at Burlesque's "Do It To It" blow out at First Avenue got us all in a twitter with her combo of swarthy good looks and epic noise-bringing abilities. And Jubilee, though new to our ears, has easily added herself to our list of cool girls on which to obsess. Friday's bash also includes the ghetto tech stylings of Bitch Ass Darius and the funky breakdowns of Mike 2600. Add yourself to Burlesque's mailing list HERE to be alerted to the secret party location!

BONUS: The girls are currently on a mini-tour, enroute to Minneapolis, but they took a few minutes to answer a few of our pressing questions via e-mail. Click HERE to read our interview with Star Eyes and Jubilee!

CLICK THE IMAGE TO SIGN UP ON THE MAILING LIST FOR DETAILS



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20TH

Stachefest

@ Bedlam Theater
1501 6th Street S.
West Bank Minneapolis

10pm / 21+

We're a bit sick of the "ironic mustache" situation that's been going on for the past year or so. However, we can't help but appreciate a good party at the Bedlam, over-hyped lip worms be damned. Billed as a "costume contest in the center of your face," Stachefest will feature prizes for the best real and fake mustaches as well as killer tunes from Sam Keenan, Pretty Ugly, Hot Ashes, Jonathan Ackerman, The Sexbots, and Attitude City.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20TH

I Like Your Status

@ Super Secret Location
Northeast Minneapolis

1-4 am / $5

Secret dance parties are the trend à la mode this week with mad beat bashes such as the Star Eyes & Jubilee Party and this über hushed after hours dance party, I Like Your Status. Although its creators aren't revealing many deets yet, we managed to score a few highlights from ILYS creator, Ashley Ryan – including a DJ roster that features dangerously hot sets from DJs Wizard of Gaz, So Gold, Kid Slyce (ATX) and tons more. Dance your ass into the wee hours of the AM and enjoy $2 drinks! Want the addy? ILYS peeps will be on hand Friday at Club Jager's Wants Vs. Needs, The Bedlam's Stachefest and also Star Eyes & Jubilee to provide potential party goers with the Northeast's secret location, so ask around. Oh, and btw, we like your status too!

Note: Don't get confused and miss the party wagon. This event starts at 1 am Saturday morning, aka super late Friday night.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT



COOL LINK: CHANDI LANCASTER

There's been a lot of Full House-related nostalgic prattle between the l'etoile girls lately –- and we're not afraid to admit it! When we discovered that the new line from Brooklyn-based clothing designer Chandi Lancaster screamed "Kimmy Gibbler," we couldn't help but share. With a few odd notches under her belt including an appearance on the early '90s Ricki Lake talk show as well as the apparel line she started in 1996, scandalously named “CUNT Clothing,” Chandi might as well be Gibbler's long lost twin. Her kooky design style matches gaudy fabrics and prints and features cutout bandage dresses, onesies, bike shorts and random screenprint tees full of clocks, fangs and wild animals, creating a line she claims would make the girls of In Living Color damn proud. Full House? In Living Color? Sounds like a hot '90s mess we wouldn't mind putting on our bodies.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CHANDI LANCASTER SITE



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21ST

Holiday Boutique Crawl

@ Various locations
East Hennepin Avenue-ish
Northeast Minneapolis

10am-6pm / Free

A grip of Northeast boutiques have teamed up to help you with your holiday shopping. Get it all over with in one swoop today, at shops like Bone Adventure (for your furry ones), Pacifier (for your little ones), I Like You (for your crafty ones), Belle Reve or Parc Boutique (for your stylish ones) and for the gourmet eaters on your list, snap up a gift card at the Red Stag Supper Club, Bulldog, or Punch. Also, enter to win a $500 shopping spree and score sweet deals at many of the participating shops!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21ST

TC Electropunk Compilation Release Party

@ Club Underground
355 Monroe St. NE
Minneapolis

8pm / $5 / 21+

The long-awaited Twin Cities Electropunk Vol. 5 compilation is finally here, and what's more, it will be available for free tonight at Club Underground! Electropunkers Avenpitch, Thosquanta, and OBCT will be on hand to commemorate the event, along with Pop Inc, milkbar and The Trapezoids. Good music, good times.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21ST

Booby Trap

@ The Bolt Underground
515 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / $5 / 21+

Hey laaaaadies! It’s your night tonight at the usually testosterone-fueled Bolt Underground. Every third Saturday, The Booby Trap Girlz invade the subterranean downtown club for a smokin' hot lesbionic dance party and go-go show of epic proportions. DJ Shannon Blowtorch rocks the turn tables while you sip stiff drinks and develop numerous girl crushes. Remember to tip the go go girls!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21ST

Menergy

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

And for the boys...Everybody needs to dance, and tonight is the night to meet your monthly quota. Menergy promises an extra blast of testosterone in honor of DJ Nightstalker, who is celebrating his birthday! Expect body rockin' beats from the Menergy crew as well as special guest DJ, Jobot. As usual, this is bound to be an epic evening full of chest hair, muscles and machismo, as well as sweet visuals a la VJ Gap Kidz, so get down there and watch the magic unfold. Preferably in a loin cloth.




SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21ST

Forever Young: West Bank Edition (PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE!)

@ Anthem Heart Studios (new location!!!)
1224 Quincy Street NE
Northeast Minneapolis

@ West Bank Social Center (CANCELED)

11pm-late / $5 with RSVP / $10 Without

The Moongoons are at it again with yet another late night dance bash, this time, at Anthem Heart Studios. This is a hush-hush, late night affair, if you know what we mean. A slew of "really awesome" DJs are rumored to appear, though you won't know the official lineup until the day-of via the Moongoons blog.

CLICK TO RSVP FOR REDUCED ADMISSION



SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: PINE HILL HAINTS

The Pine Hill Haints are a blast from the spooky, 1950s-haunted South. A washboard, mandolin, and washtub bass all make appearances in this group's repertoire. They'ves been around for ten years and just keep going. If you’re lucky and clever, get your hands on one of their self-produced records. That’s right, vinyl.




SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22ND

Gastro Non Grata 12

@ Triple Rock
629 Cedar Ave. S.
West Bank

6-10 pm/ 21+/ $5

Gastro Non Grata 12 is a salute to “comfort food” and “cans” just in time for the icy season. Warm your tummies with three sample courses from guest chef and Wienery hash slinger, Landon Schoenfeld. Much to the pleasure of local casserole lovers, Schoenfeld is scheduled to open his own restaurant, Haute Dish, featuring gourmet versions of comfort dish classics – we're hoping for a tater tot take on beef bourguignon – with two of tonight's sample courses straight from the Haute Dish menu. Gastro Non Grata also welcomes San Francisco's 21st Amendment Brewery as official beer agents, offering up their delicious cans of Hell or High Watermelon Wheat and Brew Free or Die IPA, plus a few new brews. Musical guests include Annandale Cardinals, the dueling pianos of the Legendary Cornbread Harris and Cadillac Kolstad, Arctic Universe, School of Rock Road Crew, and Falcon Crest. Dead Meat door prizes (yes, you heard us correctly) provided by Clancey's Meat and Fish and Northern Brewer beer samples kick off the event.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GASTRO NON GRATA SITE



TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24TH

JagerCon: Sci-Fi Tuesdays

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N.
Minneapolis

Every Tuesday
10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

Join hosts Kate Iverson (l'étoile magazine, Secrets of the City) and Beth Hammarlund (l'étoile magazine, A Tiny Machine) every Tuesday Night for JagerCon! JagerCon is a weekly sci-fi party featuring screenings of classic nerdy movies and television shows -- topped off with 2-4-1 cocktails all night served by Star Captain Paul!

Mingle with like-minded sci-fi geeks, discuss D&D strategies, and use that Captain Picard impression you've been perfecting to pick up chicks at the bar. Snort-laugh the night away while bragging about your MMORPG addiction and enjoy a cozy, nerd-friendly environment.

Upcoming Events:

Nov 24th: Legend

This week's flick is LEGEND!


GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

Beth Hammarlund raves about "The Quickies" now on stage at the Bryant Lake Bowl.

Enjoy a quickie this weekend

Last weekend I attended the second performance of Quickies 2009 at Bryant Lake Bowl. I'd missed Quickies 2008, but the buzz had been overwhelmingly positive. After a few beers, I went into the theater in good spirits and excited for a night of inexpensive theatre that didn't require me to dress up or sit in a seat for two and a half hours. Quickies delivered, and I found myself not only laughing out loud, but also unexpectedly touched by the material.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE REST OF THE POST



L'ETOILE NEWSWIRE

HOT TICKET ALERT: WAMplified! featuring Mates of State

Music is at the center of WAMplified!, a new late-night series at WAM. Offered three times a year, WAMplified! presents a live performance by a band or musician with a thematic connection to the major exhibition in the galleries.

In conjunction with the WAM exhibition To Have It About You: The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection, Mates of State--featuring husband-and-wife team Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner--headline the inaugural installment on December 12, 2009 (doors at 9 p.m.). The event also includes food, drink, a video game lounge, and a midnight tour of the exhibition led by curator Diane Mullin and artist Lisa Bradley.

Purchase tickets at http://northrop.umn.edu or call 612-624-2345.

Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin, Rob Callahan