Thursday, February 26, 2009

Weekend What's What 2/26-3/3

A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS

We can't help but notice that during the colder months, there seems to be a camaraderie between Minnesotans that you just don't find anywhere else. Whether it's driving a friend to the impound lot at 7 a.m. when their car's been towed during a snow emergency, or simply congregating in large, jovial groups for dancing and drinks to stay toasty; our local brethren knows how to survive the snowy season in style. Last week's mini-blizzard has since melted away, with another on its way, but that doesn't mean you still can't chum around with the best of them this weekend!

xo-l'étoile

Art from l'vaults by our friend Molly Butterfoss, 2007
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SPEAKING OF FRIENDS...

Peep this vid of animated gifs, a live photo booth collabration between Hal Schuler (Timesquid) and Clement Shimizu of Alphasuede for a Valentine's day party that was hosted by l'etoile's own Angie Hanson and her bf Ken Hannigan (a.k.a. Real Talk Radio/Anthem Heart). See if you're in the vid and then visit this link to view or save the individual animations.




THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26TH

Target Free Thursdays

@ Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis

5pm-9pm/ Free

Tonight's festivities at Target Free Thursdays include the music films of Derek Jarman. Known for his oppositional cinema and unique shooting style, Jarman achieved groundbreaking status with atypical adaptations and experimental narratives. Jarman's intensive and eclectic work includes the cult classic Jubilee featuring Adam Ant, the sexually charged politics of Sebastiane and music video collaborations with artists Marianne Faithful and The Smiths. Arrive early and stay late because tonight the Walker offers a plethora of fantastic interactive attractions including the gallery tours of the new Elizabeth Peyton exhibit; a film and music presentation by the Walker Teen Art Council entitled 13 Most Beautiful Young Artists; as well as lectures, a book reading and films.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE WALKER SITE
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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26TH

Rockin’ Raffle Photo Extravaganza

@ Turf Club
1610 University Ave
St. Paul

9pm / $5

Sure, your art collection is impressive, but how much photography do you own? What? Not enough? The students and staff of the MCTC photography program will remedy that. Tonight at the Turf Club you can buy raffle tickets for a buck, win some killer art, and listen to The Plastic Chord, Gospel Gossip, Gay Witch Abortion and Royal Doomed. Art + Music + Drinks = a great Thursday night.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT
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FRIDAY ART PICK: LEON MARK

Remember the art for Hole's Live Through This album with the disheveled prom queen in smeared make-up, looking a bit psychotic? Now imagine that picture chic-ed up, male and overtly sexual and you have the work of British photographer Leon Marks. Part innocent, part troubled youth, Mark's images look more like stills from a Gus Van Sant film rather than manually shot frames. It is this masculine Lolita, homoerotic, 70's home made movie quality that makes his work so voyeuristic and physical. Influenced by 70's surrealist photographer Bernard Faucon, and the characters of authors Bret Easton Ellis and Dennis Cooper; Mark uses glacier blurred techniques and vivid color balances to enhance the tableaux scenes of emotional detachment and apathy of his teenage models -- in a stylistic way of course. Check out his work featured in fashion/art zines, Dazed and Confused and Dazed Japan. And be on the look out for artist collaborations.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LEON MARK SITE
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27TH

Cargo

@ Franklin Art Works
1021 E Franklin Ave
Minneapolis

6-8pm / Free

It’s easy to forget how all our slap bracelets and coconut milk makes its way from point A to point B. New York-based photographer Shuli Hallak is fascinated with the shipping world. Using a 4x5 camera, she’s photographed the New York Container Terminal for years, which resulted in this spacious, cinematic photos. Through March 21st.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27TH

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

@ Sean Smuda Studio
2948 Chicago Ave S Buzzer #08
Minneapolis

8pm / Free

Until the mid-seventies, motorcycles and metaphysics weren't exactly synonymous with each other, but the release of Robert M. Pirsig's, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, changed all that. The novel is a philosophical narrative of a 17-day motorcycle journey the author made with his son where the physical act of manually repairing his during the ride leads to a soul-searching thesis. A blend of Eastern and Western philosophy, Pirsig's view was that using creativity and intuition one could increase the quality of life and solve basic problems. Regarded as one of the most widely read philosophy books, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is the spiritual manifesto of the baby boomer/Hell's Angels generation. Join local writers as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of the novel by reading favorite passages and sharing works inspired by the book, in Zen-like manner. The film On the Road with Robert Pirsig, which takes a glimpse into the life of the author and interviews with characters from the book, will be screened following the readings.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27TH

France Has the Bomb CD Release

@ The Hexagon
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / Free

Some bands need no explanation. They pop because they pop. They rock because they rock. Such is the case with the unfuckwithable France Has the Bomb. Taking post-punk to the garage, FHTB slap some grit on the concept of pop-tinged guitar heavy rock & roll with the release of their new 7”, Invisible Angle - a surefire killer with tension strung like telephone wire and a powerful rumble of bass underneath. Combined with a line up of can’t miss openers, including the Box Elders who have crafted some of the purest vintage pop sounds we’ve heard all year, things are bound to get crazy.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FHTB MYSPACE
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27TH

Bomp!

@ Bedlam Theater
1501 S. 6th St
Minneapolis

10:30pm / 18+ / $3

The boys of Burlesque continue to light up Minneapolis nightlife with their notable DJ lineups, inclusive vibe, and creative approach to partying. Week after week, they pack the Triple Rock with bodies eager to dance, and are taking that spirit to the Bedlam Theater the last Friday of every month with BOMP! The new, wildly popular monthly dance party. BOMP! will continue to feature all of your favorite DJs from Honeymoon, Too Much Love, Triple Double, Get Cryphy, Street Sounds, Hot Pants and more. And if that doesn’t make your night, the late night happy hour menu is sure to keep you properly hydrated while dancing the night away.

Proudly Sponsored by l'étoile magazine!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BEDLAM SITE
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27TH

Collision

@ The Loft above Barfly
711 Hennepin Ave.
Downtown Mpls

10pm / 18+ / Free

Techno party crew, Particle People, step it up a notch from their regular Saturday night throw down at the VIP Room with tonight's kick off of Collision. Featuring New York phenom Derek Plaslaiko, who's been heralded as "New York's Best Techno DJ" by the Village Voice, with opening sets from locals Jesse Jakob and Particle People. Plaslaiko is touring in support of Spectral 50, a compilation released by Spectral Sound, so get thee to the Loft for the live version, if you know what's good for you.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PARTICLE PEOPLE MYSPACE
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27TH

Stepa's Mixdown

@ Wrinkle Warehouse
2510 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

9pm-5am / 18+/ $10 Advance, $15 at the Door

How do you get people pumped about the release of your new mixtape? Throw them an all night warehouse party! That's just what Stepa's Mixdown plans to do tonight with a premier release party hosted by High Grade System featuring DJs Druski Task Rock, Bumpyscrew, 3 King Sound System and Kulcha Human in a powercore mash-up of Reggae, Hip-Hop, Jungle and Dubstep. Dance the night away and be the first to get your hands on hot copies of the Kulcha Human's 2 hour ultra mix. BYOB means you provide the treats, while they provide the beats.

Get your tickets in advance at Vital Culture below!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VITAL CULTURE SITE
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COOL LINK: ART SHANTY PHOTOS

l'étoile correspondent and Digital Crush Photography homeboy Stephen Stephens just posted his huge collection of photos from the Art Shanty Project. Who knew a shiny, mirrored ball could make for such interesting photos on a frozen lake? We give these pix 20 thumbs up.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DIGITAL CRUSH SITE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28TH

Renegade Book Sale

@ Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson St. NE, 3rd floor, #350
Minneapolis

10am-4pm / Free

l'étoile hearts books! Imagine vintage books, art books, old and out of print books from years of book dealing and collecting. This is going to be good, people, so bring your checkbook and your scavenging eye. And while you're there you may as well peruse the sweet selection of CDs, DVDs, and good old fashioned VHS tapes. Betty Scagnetti will be on hand, selling her clothing and accessories, and Andree Tracey will offer prints and collages. Go ahead, stimulate the economy!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NORTHRUP KING SITE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28TH

Familia Grand (Re)Opening

@ Familia Skate Shop (New Location!)
2833 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis

12pm-6pm / All Ages / Free

Everyone’s fave skate shop is moving to Uptown! Party with la Familia as they open the doors to their new location this Saturday. To celebrate this grand occasion, they’re throwing a full on party and skate-happy blowout! Check out an art show featuring new work by Todd Bratrud, and bop to live music provided by DJ Cerebral Paulsen. Congrats on your new digs, boys!

BONUS: See our listing below for deetz on the Familia/Millz Billz/Tendercakes after party at the Red Stag!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FAMILIA SITE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28TH

Art at 801!

@ 801 Lofts
801 Washington Ave N.
Minneapolis

6pm-9pm/free

You’ve been wanting to see what the 801 Lofts were like, so get down there, munch on some hors d’oeuvres, grab a drink and check out three amazing artists: Robyn Awend on the first floor, Suzanne Kosmalski on the second, and Paul Seidler on the third. Maybe once you’re there, you’ll realize you not only need a bunch of art, but a loft in 801 to put it in! (We wish.) Runs through May.

CLICK FOR MORE ART EVENTS AT MPLSART.COM
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28TH

P.O.S.

@ First Ave
701 First Ave N
Minneapolis

6pm / All Ages / $10

Local hip-hop powerhouse P.O.S delivers a stylized brand of hip hop that pulls upon punk rock foundations as it tears its way through the listener with razor sharp delivery and dark, dexterous lyrics. The swaggering beats, the urgent banter; P.O.S. means nothing but business the moment he strides to the mic. His phenomenal third release, Never Better, sees him quickly rising to the top of the Rhymesayers roster, a fact agreed on by critics and listeners alike. He’s performing this time accompanied by producer Lazerbeak, DJ Plain Ole Bill, and two of Doomtree's finest MCs, Sims and Mictlan. Arrive early, this will surely sell out.

BONUS: Never Better cover art (pictured below) was made by Hardland/Heartland artist Eric Carlson (see listing below this one for the H/H art opening, Our Starry Universe).

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE P.O.S. MYSPACE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28TH

Our Starry Universe

@ Art of This Gallery
3506 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis

7-11pm / Free

Throw on a space suit and prepare for departure because tonight's opening reception is taking you through the dimensions of an artistic galaxy, and you won't even have to chow down space food. A collaborative show between our fave locals Hardland/Heartland and visiting artist Monica Canilao, Our Starry Universe is an introspective and visual journey into a cosmic place often beyond our reach and our grasp. Using mixed media, painting, sculpture, video and performance; the artists have created an exhibit to explore their personal visions on the universal subjects of philosophy, life and culture. Runs through March 22nd.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28TH


Minimum Wage: 40 Paintings by Lizardman

@ Stevens Square Center for the Arts
1905 3rd Ave S
Minneapolis

6:30pm-10pm/free

Oh, what fun! Tonight’s show is a name-your-own-price for a painting, and you can take it home, as long as it’s above the federal minimum wage ($6.55). Artist Matt Wells has painted 40 pieces in an attempt to get people thinking: How much is art worth? Is it worth more than a ham (or veggie) burger? Should the artist get paid for their ideas, or just the materials used in the production of a piece? All artwork is first-come, first-served, so hurry! With music by The Spent .50’s, The Vignettes, and Ghostface Cow.

CLICK FOR MORE ART EVENTS AT MPLSART.COM
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28TH

Sirly Girly Show

@ Bryant Lake Bowl
810 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / $15 advance / $18 day of show

Mix the best of burlesque and drag, throw in a dash of speakeasy ambience, and ta-dah, The Sirly Girly Show, the new sexy, saucy, sultry, bawdy, boozy, randy, racy revue at Bryant Lake Bowl. Warm your cockles at this tassel-twirling extravaganza that marries the royalty of drag and burlesque, staring acid-tongued spit fire Foxy Tann and the moody sexiness of The Gentleman King. Who knows what kind of debauchery awaits!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BLB SITE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28TH

Millions Billions & Tendercakes

@ Red Stag Supper Club
509 1st Avenue NE
Northeast Mpls

10 p.m. / Free

We're not sure what to exactly call this party, other than a full on dance melee. Uniting two fronts this evening, the Red Stag plays host to after parties for both Familia's Grand Re-Opening AND the "unofficial" post-party for METRO Magazine's Fashion Fight Night (which has been sold out for weeks, hence the absence of a listing). The undisputed party rockers of the evening are l'étoile besties Millions Billions and Tendercakes, who will spin sexy jams til the break of bar close.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RED STAG SITE
Photo by Erin Nicole Johnson
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28TH

Gerald Prokop

@ Fort Awesome
Minneapolis

9:30pm / Free

A place called Fort Awesome is a place we want to be. Defending awesomeness from the ongoing persecution, Gerald Prokop plays tonight with a real drummer, which is a big deal, if you’ve ever had the pleasure of rocking out to his folksy rock. He’s also got the lovely Sarah Walsh on backup vocals and keys. This is going to be a show not to miss for all y’all local music lovers, especially those of you in the know about awesomeness. With Ficshe, TPP, and Angry Feminists.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR LOCATION AND INFO
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28TH

Attitude City

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N.
North Loop

10pm / 21+ / Free

The disco kings of Minneapolis return for their monthly stint at the Clubhouse tonight! Bringing with them crates of rare gems and hot electro treasures, Attitude City will surely inspire rampant booty dancing and maybe the odd shirt-ripping-offing -- it is Mardi Gras season after all.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ATTITUDE CITY SITE
Photo by Ingrid Werthmann for Industry Minne-zine/Styling by Jahna Peloquin
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SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: THOR

They call him the Legendary Rock Warrior. And ohhhhh, is he EVER. Thor began as a bodybuilder in the 70’s, earning titles such as Mr. Canada and Mr. USA, then quickly rising as a heavy metal star. In rockin' superhero style, his music is fantasy-based, employing many costume changes and props as part of his epic live show. He bends steel with his teeth and blows up hot water bottles to the point of explosion as feats of his amazing strength. Also a movie star and director, Thor is our renaissance Canadian. His confidence is contagious! If this man feels comfortable prancing around in tiny shiny underwear and wielding fake swords, then by golly, so do we.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE THOR SITE
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SUNDAY MARCH 1ST

Exco Night

@ Bedlam Theatre
1501 S. 6th St.
Minneapolis

7pm/free

This is going to be so much fun! First, take the city’s most danceable bands -- BFF and Nancy Drew Crew -- mix in some theatrical old-timey music from Old Man Orville. Then, add in a flurry of brainstorming about new free classes only our very own free college could teach, and you’ve got one hell of a Sunday night! EXCO is our friendly free school, and they want to hear about what classes you’d like to take or teach this summer.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE EXCO SITE
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TUESDAY MARCH 3RD

JagerCon: Sci-Fi Tuesdays

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N.
Minneapolis

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

Join hosts Kate Iverson (l'etoile magazine, Secrets of the City) and Beth Hammarlund (l'etoile 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 such as Buffy, Firefly, V, Star Trek, Blade Runner, Forbidden Planet and more -- 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.

Kate and Beth are life-long sci-fi fans who also dabble in art and fashion. They appreciate Joss Whedon, Karl Lagerfeld, and Matthew Barney on the same level. They can also party like Sci-Fi Conventioneers. Kate and Beth strive to unite the segmented nerd culture of the Twin Cities the only way they know how: with alcohol and awesome Sci-Fi entertainment.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, Mar 3rd: Blade Runner (Director's Cut)
Tuesday, Mar 10th: Forbidden Planet/Angry Red Planet
Tuesday, Mar 17th: Labyrinth
Tuesday, Mar 24th: Tron

Thanks to Marc Iwanin for the sweet promo design!

CHECK OUT THE TRAILER FOR BLADE RUNNER D.C.


CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE JAGERCON BLOG
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GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

A Tiny Machine dissects Oscar red carpet fashion!

L'Oscars

Freida Pinto in John Galliano: Not much of a surprise that Freida wore one of my favorite looks again. I love the deep blue color of her gown, as well as the subtle sari allusion. I've heard complaints that the sleeve and the beading are a bit Mother of the Bridey, to which I say, check out the original runway version (scroll a few dresses down into the post). That's about as distant from Mother of the Bride as one can get. I think that the alterations that made the dress more red carpet appropriate were beautifully done. And, as always, Freida is just plain hot.

For more red carpet pics and observations from A Tiny Machine, click the image below!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TINY MACHINE BLOG
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GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR

Scooped by our own guest blogger! Le Petit Connaisseur aka Jahna Peloquin shows off some promo shots from our latest photo shoot, in which she was a model. Look for our ad in the Art-A-Whirl Catalog, coming soon!

Art-A-Whirl Ad Image Preview

I was lucky enough to be invited by my friends at l'étoile magazine and Digital Crush Photography to be included - along with a venerable who's who in Minneapolis art, fashion, and eccentrics - in l'étoile's promotional photo shoot for the annual Art-A-Whirl this coming May. While the finale image is yet to be revealed, l'étoile's What's What editor and Digital Crush proprietress Kate Iverson sent me a preview of some of the images taken that night at the studio of artists Eric Inkala, Drew Peterson and Isaac Arvold. Art-A-Whirl 2009 is set for May 15-17 to happen at various locations in Northeast Minneapolis. See the final image (not pictured here) in l'étoile's ad in the Art-A-Whirl 2009 catalog and artist directory, coming soon.

To see more pix from the shoot click below!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR SITE
Photo by Stephen Stephens/Art Direction Kate Iverson
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What's What Editor: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson Contributing Bloggers: Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Weekend What's What 2/19-2/24

SPARK IT UP

This weekend is a sizzlin' electronic hotbed! Not only do we have some of the world's coolest new media artists in town for the Spark Festival, but we've also got a bevy of buzzworthy electro DJ nights and even a Techno Karneval! Channel your inner robot by wearing something that beeps, blinks, or glows! Or, just bust out those silver American Apparel leggings that we know at least 75% of you have in your closets. Speaking of robots, which ultimately remind of us of nerds -- be sure to hit up our new Sci-Fi night, JagerCon, every Tuesday at Clubhouse Jager! See our listing at the bottom of this week's blog to find out more.

xo-l'etoile

Photo by Kate Iverson /Styling by Eclecticoiffeur

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19TH

Slap!

@ The Kitty Cat Klub
14th & 4th
Dinkytown

10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

Originally this night was to be dubbed "Bitch Slap," and much to our personal dismay it was changed to simply "Slap," which we know is a bit more media-friendly, though definitely less catchy. The tunes, however, never cease their catchiness, and the DJs who run the night never cease being hott (yes, hott with a dubs T, you heard us). Hit up the Kitty Cat this evening for a pre-weekend throw down a la Millions Billions, Tendercakes, and DJ Last Word. Slap! is the only dance party in town that promises consensual physical violence, we're quite sure.

Sponsored by l'etoile magazine, foo!


BONUS:
Click HERE to download their latest mix, "Moms & Dad"

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT
photo by Erin Nicole Johnson
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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19TH

Gallery Grooves & iQuit Music Series

@ Rogue Buddha Gallery
357 13th Avenue NE
Northeast Mpls

7pm / Free

Join our pals from Secrets of the City, Jazz88, Prairie Vodka, UV Vodka, and the Rogue Buddha Gallery as they band together to throw a totally awesome Thursday night art party! Each month, Secrets of the City and Jazz88 put on an art, jazz, and wine soiree at a different gallery in the Twin Cities. What makes this edition particularly hip, you ask? Well, throw in fruity vodka drinks, wild art, and live music from the James Buckley Trio and Stew Frog and we need say no more. Enjoy apps and cocktails with the artists from 7 to 9 p.m., then stick around for the iQuit Music Series kicking off at 9 p.m.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GALLERY GROOVES PAGE
Art by Roxanne Jackson
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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19TH

Merlove

@ The Ritz Theater
345 13th Avenue NE
Northeast Mpls

6pm / 21+ / Free

If you're in the mood for something a bit more factual and less abstract, you can opt for film over art (see next door neighbor listing above). Tonight's event at the Ritz will appeal to your inner pretentious alcoholic! Featuring a wine tasting of the world's best Merlot from Sacre Bleu Wines and Haskell's from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a screening of the wine documentary Merlove and a special q&a with the director, who will be on hand for tonight's local premiere.




THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

The Spark Festival

@ Various Location
Twin Cities

Times vary, check website

There is often a competition in the world of electronic music, each sub-genre with a battling statement, proud of the specific musical roots they gain inspiration from. But this week, all that stands aside and a common integrity is found in musicians and aficionados with beats on their brains. The annual Spark Festival, put on by the University of Minnesota and a group of experimental electronic music fanatics and experts, is a week-long convention showcasing the eclectic/electric talents of new media artists from around the world. We could go on and on about the who's, the what's, and the where's, so we'll just say this: The Spark Festival is pretty epic and you need to be there. Peruse the extensive schedule for something that suits your fancy!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SPARK SCHEDULE
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FRIDAY ART PICK: GREG “CRAOLA” SIMKINS

It is both comforting and a tad bit frightening to know that any and every childhood experience can be warped into a dazzling array of artistic expression. Painter and illustrator, Greg “Craola” Simkins may have embraced his demons (or monsters under the bed) and in doing so, he's created a world that is dark but enticing, mysterious yet familiar. Starting off as a graffiti artist in California, Simkins' creative evolution and eclecticism can be seen through the long list of impressive clients and collaborators he's worked with, including Juxtapoz magazine, Dark Horse comics, Mattel toys, Vans, and the hip-hop group Gym Class Heroes. Simkins' sites everything from comic books and cartoons; the storytelling style of C.S. Lewis and Norton Juster (The Phantom Tollbooth); nightmares, and a plethora of childhood pets as his inspirations. The creatures in his artwork are skillfully weaved in elements of pop culture, classic fairytale and a hint of carnival flair, making each piece a sideshow of surrealist imagery. If you find yourself lost in the dreamworld of Greg Simkins, there's no need to be scared; just be sure you have a proper escape route.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GREG SIMKINS SITE
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20TH

Rift Magazine Fundraiser

@ Stasiu's Place
2500 University Ave.
Northeast Mpls

9pm / 21+ / $5

Help our pals at rockin' music and art rag Rift Magazine put out another print issue! Featuring the tuneage of SuperCollider (formerly Zibra Zibra), Zoo Animal, Guante, and Bill Mike (solo). One day, we hope to have a million billion dollars to dole out to all the wonderful independent art and music endeavourers in this world (including ourselves), but unfortunately we haven't saved quite that much yet. In the meantime, however, you can do your part...by partying with Rift!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RIFT SITE
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20TH

Honeymoon

@ VIP Room
701 1st Avenue N
Minneapolis

10pm / 18+ / $3 w/ RSVP

Bust out the bling and polish your grill because tonight the Moongoons will indulge your thug life fantasy! Roll up to the VIP with your bitches in tow and flash ice at this "Rap Video" themed edition of Honeymoon. Unfortunately Pitbulls are not allowed at The Ave, and you probably don't have the cheese to rent a tricked out Bentley, but we know you gots mad 'tude! We also know you can booty dance with the best of them. Featuring The Moongoons, Nadastrom, and DJ Bach.

Co-Sponsored by l'etoile magazine!

CLICK THE IMAGE TO RSVP
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20TH

The Dollhouse

@ The View
Calhoun Beach Club
2730 W Lake St
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / $8

It’s ladies night at The View! Titillate your senses with the stylings of Lil' Miss Sweetooth & The Daisy Dukes, Burlesque, a kissing booth, the Jagermeister Girls, and our favorite flame-haired hotties and yours, Tendercakes. The Dollhouse brings back the culture of the pinup girl era with a modern twist, so feel free to Bettie Page it up -- with a Valentine's Day twist of course!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20TH

Digital Underground

@ The Cabooze
917 Cedar Avenue
West Bank Minneapolis

9pm / 18+ / $17

All right!
Stop whatcha doin'
'cause I'm about to ruin
the image and the style that ya used to.
I look funny
but yo, I'm makin' money see
so yo world I hope you're ready for me.
Now gather round
I'm the new fool in town
and my sound's laid down by the Underground.
I drink up all the Hennessey ya got on ya shelf
so just let me introduce myself
My name is Humpty, pronounced with a Umpty.
Yo ladies, oh how I like to hump thee.
And all the rappers in the top ten--please allow me to bump thee...

You know the rest. And that's all we really need to say, isn't it?

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CABOOZE SITE
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COOL LINK: SOME E-CARDS

If you're too lazy to make a crazy card for your knocked up friend, or to break up with long-time boyfriend, Someecards.com has taken care of all your irreverent, free e-card needs. Pairing vintage-looking images with sassy sayings, they cover the gamut from music to flirting, cry for help to confession. Whoever you send these to won't be bored, but maybe a little offended -- and that's the point!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOME E-CARDS SITE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21ST

Multiples Mall: A Bookish Fair

@ Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis

11am-4pm / free

The zine and artist book scene is alive and well in Minnesota. Today, a fair showcasing and selling chapbooks, multiples of any relation to books, and other self-published reading material compliments their Text/Messages show. Meet the artists, hear a lecture on the history of chapbooks, and take home some recession-proof pieces of art.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE WAC SITE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21ST

Review=Reflect=Recycle Big Art Giveaway!

@ Susan Hensel Gallery
3441 Cedar Ave S.
Minneapolis

1pm-4pm / Free or donation

For the past month, the Susan Hensel Gallery has been covered from floor to ceiling with colorful collage influenced by calligraphy, Japanese culture, and texture from the mind of artist James Michael Lawrence. Today, all that work will be up for grabs, for FREE no less! JML's work spans 15 years, so his old could be your new piece of art! All work that is not taken will be "recycled" to the dumpster at the end of the day, so don't let this wonderful work go to waste. Any donations are accepted of course, but even if you can't afford to donate, the least you can do is save this art from certain death!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21ST

Almost Nothing

@ The Soap Factory
518 2nd Street SE
Minneapolis

7-11pm / Free

We here at l'etoile love us some weird, large scale, avant garde art, and New York-based installation artist Clive Murphy does not disappoint us. Extending throughout the entire 12,000 square feet of the Soap Factory, his inflatable sculptures will reconstruct the space, playing off the architecture and creating a strange geometric labyrinth. Made up entirely of black trash bags, this over-sized minimalist playground is one of those installations that could only be pulled off at the Soap Factory. Murphy is the artist ever to bravely tackle the entire, sprawling gallery space on his own, we expect nothing short of overwhelming!

Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com

Check this video interview from the Soap Factory's Gallery 4 with Clive Murphy in 2006.




SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21ST

The Obama Commemorative Paper Plate Show

@ Pink Hobo Gallery
507 E. Hennepin Avenue
Northeast Mpls

7pm-10pm / Free

If you've driven up Central Avenue in the recent months, you may have noticed the hot pink store front for Pink Hobo. We usually claim to be in-the-know about such things, but we'll admit, this pink enigma has remained somewhat of a mystery to us. We did, however, manage to catch wind of this weekend's arty party featuring numerous artists from the Twin Cities interpreting the message of hope and change a la Obama...in the form of commemorative paper plates! Pink Hobo promises to "live up to the high standards of excellence usually reserved for The Franklin Mint curiosities," and with enough beer on hand, we're sure they will.

BONUS: Make it a Northeast Night! After Pink Hobo, continue up Central to the Accumulated Objects Gallery in the basement of the Thorpe Building to see the work of assemblage artist Aaron Hinkle. Then hit up the Northrup King Building for the Bird x Bird exhibit, just around the corner!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PINK HOBO SITE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21ST

Hat Bash

@ Blacklist Vintage
2 e. 27th Street
Uptown Minneapolis

7-10pm / Free

Head to Uptown boutique Blacklist Vintage tonight for a festively fashionable get-together! Sponsored by your pals at l'etoile and featuring photography by Digital Crush, you'll be laden with sweet treats and champagne upon your arrival. Mingle and shop to your hearts content and take 10% off everything in the store while you're at it. Blacklist Vintage is known for its awesome selection of vintage hats, so come down with your friends and have your photo snapped in a pretty cap! The best photos will be framed and displayed in the shop. This fun champagne swillin' soiree is the perfect precursor to a night of impending debauchery -- You may even find the perfect accessory to pair with your already stunning ensemb!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BLACKLIST SITE
Photo by France Barbeau
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21ST

Techno Karneval

@ Germanic-American Institute
301 Summit Avenue
St. Paul

9pm-2am / 18+ / $5

How often do you get to celebrate Karneval (the German version of what we Americanos commonly refer to as Mardi Gras) in a totally sweet mansion on Summit Avenue? Get creative and costume up, it's what Karneval is all about! Think feathers, elaborate masks, and lots of shiny objects! The entire "haus" will be open for you to strut around in, and DJ TK1 will rock the ballroom with electronic euro-jams all night long. Two bars and assorted Karneval "treats" will enhance your enjoyment of this stellar social occasion. Tip: zexy Europeans will surely abound!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GAI SITE
Photo by Stephen Stephens
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21ST

Menergy

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave. N
North Loop

10pm / 21+ / Free

The testosterone flows as freely as the beats at this man-centric monthly dance party! Feel the Menergy tonight as your hosts Grandmother Grant aka The Nightstalker and video-king Time Squid rock the clubhouse all night long. Ladies are welcome too of course, as a boys night out would be lame without the girls, and "consensual Cancun sandwiches" wouldn't be quite as sexy on the dance floor. Tonight's edition features special guest wax-flippers DJ Real Talk Radio and Millions Billions, with new visuals by Lindsey Borgerson of Solid Gold. Still curious about the men behind Menergy? Check out this great article by Jon Hester on City Pages site.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE JAGER MYSPACE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21ST

Spark Festival After Party

@ The Slam Factory
Secret Location
Minneapolis
e-mail jp@secrettechno.com for info

2am / Cost tbd

This is one event that is not on the official Spark schedule. Probably because it's one of those hush-hush secret soirees that we here at l'etoile are always filling you in on. You're welcome, bt-dubz. Tonight's electronic showdown will have your ears burning and feet moving, so wear your dance pants (MC Hammer or neon Zubaz will do) and head to the Slam Factory! As always, respect the venue and enter like black ops...and e-mail jp@secrettechno.com if you don't know the spot!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SPARK FESTIVAL SITE
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SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: THE BLACK LIPS

If you enjoy loud, unapologetic rock and roll, the kind that acknowledges it's own outrageousness and celebrates accordingly, then check out the ragtag fuzz and hiss of ruffian foursome The Black Lips. They've built quite a reputation on batshit crazy onstage antics and overt debauchery - things like making out with each other, playing in the nude, and pissing into their own mouths. I mean, we can't make this stuff up folks, we've seen it in action. But on top of the sideshow freakishness, the Lips crank out catchy, interestingly textured flower punk songs inspired by 60's lo-fi and early 2000's garage. Their new album, 200 Million Thousand drops next Tuesday (resourceful peeps can already find it floating around the internets...) and they're sure to assault the Twin Cities at their Turf Club show next month. We advise you swoop up tickets now, before they vanish.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BLACK LIPS MYSPACE
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SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22ND

Vinyl Roulette

@ King and I
1346 LaSalle Avenue
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

Cap off your weekend with some fantastic food and chilled out sounds courtesy of the King and I and special guest DJs Sara Jean and Winship! This all-vinyl party is the perfect Sunday night respite if you ask us, and it certainly doesn't hurt when the talent is so good looking. Kick back with a Mai Tai, order some mock duck rolls, and accept the fact that the weekend is almost over...and enjoy it while it lasts! Vinyl roulette is a series of Sunday nights at the King & I pairing two different vinyl junkies together that may not normally spin together.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE KING AND I SITE
Photo of Sara Jean's feet by Kate Iverson!
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TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24TH

JagerCon: Sci-Fi Tuesdays

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N.
Minneapolis

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

Join hosts Kate Iverson (l'etoile magazine, Secrets of the City) and Beth Hammarlund (l'etoile 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 such as Buffy, Firefly, V, Star Trek, Blade Runner, Forbidden Planet and more -- 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.

Kate and Beth are life-long sci-fi fans who also dabble in art and fashion. They appreciate Joss Whedon, Karl Lagerfeld, and Matthew Barney on the same level. They can also party like Sci-Fi Conventioneers. Kate and Beth strive to unite the segmented nerd culture of the Twin Cities the only way they know how: with alcohol and awesome Sci-Fi entertainment.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, Feb 24th: Mirror Mask
Tuesday, Mar 3rd: Blade Runner (Director's Cut)
Tuesday, Mar 10th: Forbidden Planet/Angry Red Planet
Tuesday, Mar 17th: Labyrinth


Thanks to Marc Iwanin for the sweet promo design!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE JAGERCON BLOG
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GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

Another post from sci-fi/beauty blogger, A Tiny Machine. We love the new Love Magazine too!


Even More Love


Beth Ditto's Love cover! I adore the Ditto, not only because she's talented, clever, silly, and inspiring, but also because I didn't like my first name until she came along. Now I kind of love it. Beths of the world, unite!

For more posts from A Tiny Machine, click below.

CLICK HERE FOR THE TINY MACHINE BLOG
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GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR

Another post from fashion blogger, Le Petit Connaisseur. Also peep her article about Love Magazine (see related post above) at the link below.

Kanye West - The NeW Marc Jacobs?

It's only fitting that Kanye West, who's oft-professed his love for Louis Vuitton, would design his own men's sneaker line for the design house. The line includes five styles, but so far only one - a red, monochromatic midtop with a quilted flap in the back - has been made public. It was revealed in the Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 Men's Collection runway show in late January, apparently because it's easy to tuck pants into. "The inspiration came from a jacket with a huge collar in the movie 'Dune,'" West told the New York Times blog The Moment on his design. "Most sneakers focus on the tongue, so I wanted to do something different." The shoe line will be available beginning in June at Louis Vuitton stores.

For more posts from Le Petit Connaisseur, click below

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LE PETIT BLOG
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What's What Editor: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson Contributing Bloggers: Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin

CONTENT © L'ETOILE MAGAZINE 2009

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Weekend What's What 2/12-2/17

KISSING SEASON

Happy kissing season, gentle readers! We here at l'étoile hope your hearts are happy and your minds are dirty, because this weekend is shaping up to be one big hedonistic love fest. The Twin Cities goes above and beyond the standard flowers/candy/dinner concept with a number of outrageous events sure to tantalize both lovers and lonely hearts. Get frisky with sugar coated secret parties, rock shows, and art exhibits -- all designed with amoré in mind. Happy smooching!

xoxoxo-l'étoile

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12TH

Open Sky

@ Skyscape Condos
929 Portland Ave. S
Minneapolis

6-8pm / Free

Anyone who's ever spent any amount of time debating where to hang a piece of art understands the role space occupies in relation to said art, whether it be symbolic or ironic, void or vast. Tonight's art exhibit hosted by realtor David Abele, is a celebration of this combination of art and space with a expansive display of art work laid out in the penthouse level of Skyscape condos. Curated by Emma Berg, Sean Smuda, Terrence Payne and John Alspach, the event features the artwork of 24 unique local artists including l'etoile faves such as Rudy Fig, Scott Seekins and Issac Arvold, plus a performance by Otto Ramsted and Olive Bierenga of the Body/Cartography Project. Join the artists, experience diversified work and enjoy a beautiful view of the city.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12TH

Life: A Journey Through Time

@ Bell Museum of Natural History
10 Church St. SE
Minneapolis

7pm-9pm / $10

Happy birthday Charles Darwin! Thanks for that crazy evolution idea! It’s too bad he didn’t figure out how to evolve into a time-traveler, because this birthday party would blow his mind. Tonight U of M biologists will give quickie presentations using Frans Lantings' acclaimed photographs as a basis. Get smart in no time! Tonight's special event kicks off the exhibit, Life: A Journey Through Time, which features a collection of 62 awe-inspiring color photos paired with specimens from the Bell Museum’s collection. Exhibit runs through April 10th.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BELL SITE
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13TH

DemiEtoile, Dearling Physique, & Ghostband

@ Club Jager
923 Washington Ave N.
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+/ Free

If one of the artists at tonight's show looks familiar to regular Jager goers, it's because he's most commonly known behind the bar, slinging drinks and entertaining the masses. The music of live laptop-rock extraordinaire, Paul Teravskis a.k.a. DemiEtoile, is a nod to the experimental dark wave bands before him (think early Human League). His sound is poetically composed, creating a unique brand of noisecore with emotive undertones. Tonight's event also includes performances by talented locals Dearling Physique and Ghostband.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE JAGER MYSPACE
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13TH

Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton

@ Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

9pm–Midnight/ $35 ($25 Walker Members)

It is a common fantasy of famous creative types to be forever young, immortalized by a lifestyle based in the theory of “live fast, die young, leave a beautiful corpse.” Tonight's Walker After Party premieres the exhibit Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton, and offers a glimpse into pop culture history, beginning with Peyton's earlier works capturing such tragic heroes as Sid Vicious and Kurt Cobain, as well as numerous other well-known contemporary artists, historical figures, personal friends and more. In a style inspired by David Hockney and Andy Warhol, Peyton's portraits take an in-depth and intimate look into the lives of modern day icons. Tonight, enjoy complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, karaoke, music by DJ Jake Rudh, and a screening of the film Kurt Cobain: About a Son. And as always, capture the elements of your fabulous evening via the Party People Picture booth. It might not be playing at the actual event, but we guarantee that Alphaville's “Forever Young” will be stuck in the heads of at least half of those in attendance.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13TH

My Bloody Valentine Party

@ Stasius Place
2600 University Ave NE
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / $5

Ah, here it is again, Valentine’s Day (well, technically V-Day Eve). The time of year dreaded by most and anticipated by few. The time when pink, red and heart shaped objects attack you from every possible direction. Instead of sitting at home and self-mutilating, join the rest of the dispossessed, depressed, and unrequited lonely hearts at Stasiu’s for the My Bloody Valentine party. The music is better suited for blissed-out nodding than sexed-up dancing, but if you're looking for an anti-Valentine's Day soundtrack, this is certainly it. With Strangelights, Luke's Angels, Grey Skies, Basement Apartment, and DJ Christian Fritz & Sara Jean. The possibility of My Blood Valentine covers and mid-nineties nostalgia abound.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE STASIU'S SITE
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13TH

13 Bands Benefit

@ Hexagon Bar
2600 27th Ave. S
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / Free

On Friday the 13th the Hex will be rocking 13 bands on two stages, each doing 13 minute sets to raise bucks for a much needed new sound system. Featuring the musical stylings of (deep breath) Speeds the Name, Power of Two, Plastic Chord, Marvelle, Economy Team, Zyclon B Cool, The Nina and the Pinta, Nightinghales, Young Brides, Falcon Arrow, Kill To Kill, The Has been, Military Special, and a special guest. Whew! P.S. - We know who it is, we just can't tell you!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HEX SITE
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FRIDAY THE 13TH

Street Sounds V: Sea Sounds

@ First Ave VIP Room
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis

10pm / $5 / 18+

If you’re going to call your event “the most romantic Valentine disco dance party ever,” you need to be able to back it up. Luckily, those sweet Burlesque Design boys know how to get our hopes up -- and actually deliver. Tonight’s dance party promises all vinyl, all night! Featuring Attitude City, Mike the 2600 King and Winship: Four boys we totally wish were our valentines!

Sponsored by l'étoile magazine of course!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BURLESQUE SITE
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COOL LINK: SECRETS OF THE SWEETHEARTS

Ok, so we totally didn't have time to do our annual Valentine's Day "Guide to Getting Lucky" this time around. We've been busy bees! You can, however, still get a lil' dose of what you've come to expect out of us from our kissing cousins over at Secrets of the City. l'etoile editor Kate Iverson (who also happens to be The Rake/Secrets of the City's a+e editor) has whipped together a signature guide full of ideas on traditional and non-traditional gift-giving, romancing, crafting, cooking, and more.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SECRETS GUIDE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14TH

Fingers Crossed

@ Umber Studios
3109 East 42nd Street
Minneapolis

8pm / Free

Last year around this time, Umber Studios exhibited work by a couple of lovelorn local boys that stirred up quite a controversy. As if to flip the bird to the male persuasion in 2009, four feisty romantics put their sparkly, girlish spin on art with heart, adding a devilish dose of "evil, love, hate, curiosity, hunger, insanity, wounds, brilliance, quirks, whys, becauses, thoughts and middle fingers." The exhibit includes work by local lovelies DC Ice, Rebecca Sullivan, Jessica Helvey, and Torey Bonar -- four arty gals with snazz and pizzazz. Nibble chocolates, sip red wine, and cross your fingers -- the night is young, the art is good and cupid is loose!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14TH

Rejected Valentine's Party

@ Altered Esthetics
1224 Quincy Street NE
Northeast Minneapolis

7pm-9pm / Free

In conjunction with their Rejected Art exhibit, on display now, Altered Esthetics sticks out its tongue at the happy lovers of the world. Head to this Northeast art gallery for an artists’ discussion on the current exhibit, then stick around to tear up photographs, curse names, and maybe even flirt it up with other rejects of love. Indulging in a bit of wine and angst is just the thing to lift your spirits, say we!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ALTERED ESTHETICS SITE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14TH

VD09

@ Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson Street NE
Northeast Minneapolis

7pm-Midnight / Free

Lame Valentine's Days getting you down? Are you tired of V-Day parties cheesier than a Lifetime movie? Well, we can't promise that tonight's bash won't be cheesy, but at least it will be the kind of cheesy lovefest that all the cool people are at. Blending together multimedia art and a V-Day theme with an unconventional twist, tonight's TwoBetties hosted soiree is the ultimate heart-day art party. DJ Danny Sigelman plays the musical love doctor with hits from Barry White and other musicians sure to lull you into that loving feeling. Indulge your date with chocolates and wine while experiencing awesome visual art and video madness. Don't forget to sign up for the raffle for your chance to win lovable prizes provided by screen-print sweeties Squad 19. Dress sexy, get down, throw caution to the wind and let VD09 take the guess work out of seducing that someone special.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VD09 SITE
Photo by Mircea Grelus
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14TH

Dre Day VII: Minnesota Love

@ Varsity Theater
1308 4th St SE
Minneapolis

9pm / 18+ / $10

Yeah, hell yeah. Know what I'm sayin? It's Dre Day, and everybody's celebrating! The sassy kids of Burlesque are back with the seventh installment of the biggest and best hip-hop bash of the year -- a birthday party for one of the most prolific, versatile, and influential figures in the rap game, Dr. Dre. Gather yo bitches and hoes, crack a 40 in the name of Dre, and get down with the likes of Muja Messiah, Trama, DJ Jimmy 2 Times, and DJ Espada. Cause Minnesota knows how to party.




SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14TH

Rifted Heart

@ MindriftMN
Secret Location
St. Peazy

8pm-5am / $16

There's nothing like 4 stages of unabashed electronic musical gems to warm the chambers of your heart this Valentine's Day. For one night only The Rift - a collaboration between Bakpak and UncensoredUS - host an epic dance night jam packed with variety and spice, all the ingredients for a memorable V-Day. If you don't have a Valentine, not to worry. Let the dance floor be your lover and shower it with all the attention it deserves. Tonight's all night bash features a massive, energetic line-up from the best in drum n' bass, dark psy, techno, breakcore and more. No drugs, no trouble, just fun and all the love you can muster.

CLICK BELOW FOR DIRECTIONS TO THE LOCATION
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14TH

F*ck You I Love Me

@ Sound Gallery
414 3rd Ave N
Minneapolis

8pm / 21+ / $5-$12

Come one, come all to a V-Day carnival, with The Battle Royale, Koo Koo Kanga Roo (best. name. ever.) and DJ Loveless Aphrodite. Most importantly, there will be a kissing booth where you can suck face with hot strangers in exchange for cash. Fish for condoms, in case your night goes right, and search for romance while watching bad movies. It’s a benefit for Lamb Lays With Lion, an experimental theater company, which is as good a reason as any to fork over some cash to smooch a random.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14TH

Hotpants Valentine's Souled Out Show

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 N. Washington
Minneapolis

10pm / Free

Thank you Mama for making me hot pants! Ok, face it: there is absolutely nothing more danceable than soul and funk music. Nothing. God made it that way. Do the Boogaloo through the room to thank DJ Nick Soule for coming all the way from the Windy City Soul Club to spin for us. These expert 45 spinners have quite the evening planned for you, so go attack that dance floor!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14TH

Bleeding Hearts Romp

@ Bedlam Theatre
1501 S 6th St.
Minneapolis

10pm / $7

The scorned and loveless will come out in droves to make out in the unisex bathrooms tonight at the Bedlam. Actually, we think the Bedlam is one of the more romantic spaces in the Cites, so maybe love will be found in between cabaret performances.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BEDLAM SITE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14TH


Antony and the Johnsons

@ Pantages Theatre
710 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

8pm / $31

How can there possibly be tickets still available? Hurry! Get yours! Bringing your sweetheart to this show WILL make them fall in love with you. How can one man’s voice be so beautiful? The most hopeful songs sung by the most beautiful of Brits. Antony leaves us speechless. We love, love, love this magical musician.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS SITE
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14TH

MK3 Valentine’s Dinner

@ Seward Café
2129 E Franklin Ave
Minneapolis

6:30pm / $5-15 suggested donation

Nothing is more romantic than dining in honor of accused felons. More reverberations from the RNC are at least prompting fun events -- this time it’s folks from Milwaukee that need some cash for legal costs. A delicious dinner will be served while that upright piano that lurks about will finally have a use. A Paper Cup Band plays in the parlor. (There’s not really a parlor, but it’s going to feel that fancy tonight.)

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14TH

Boyz in the Hood

@ Uptown Theater
2906 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

Midnight / $9

Oh, the early ‘90s. Cutting school, doing drugs, riding in stolen cars...maybe it was the same all over for everyone. This film’s a classic, starring Ice Cube, a young Cuba Gooding Jr. and Angela Bassett. It made director John Singleton the first African-American to be nominated for an Academy Award. A story of three South Central friends and the cycle they’re stuck in. We would quote from the movie here, but there are too many cuss words, and this is a classy blog.

WIN BIG: E-mail kate@letoilemagazine.com with "UPTOWN" in the subject line, along with your full name to be entered to win a pair of tickets to this screening! Winners will be notified by e-mail by Friday, and names will be on a list at the box office for Saturday's midnight screening.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE UPTOWN SITE
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SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: ASOBI SEKSU

What's a Valentine's Day weekend without a few impromptu hook ups? With a name roughly translated in Japanese to “casual sex,” is it any wonder why the indie band, Asobi Seksu, is gaining popularity. Although they may look and sound cute and innocent, these New York bred shoegazing pop darlings are probably more seeing more action than any of us can even imagine. Singer Yuki Chikudate's high-pitched, songbird vocals and Japanese/English mixed lyrics are often reminiscent of the beautifully indecipherable phonetics of Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser. Although their first album debuted back in 2004, the dreamy, J-pop incorporated sound of Asobi Seksu was recently featured on television series The L Word's season 5 soundtrack, proving their style is still relevant and seamlessly catchy.

Bonus: Be hypnotized by the poppy mayhem as Asobi Seksu plays live at the 7th St. Entry March 7th.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ASOBI SEKSU MYSPACE
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SUNDAY FEBRUARY 15TH

Gastro Non Grata

@ Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Ave
Minneapolis

6pm / Free

Let's cover all the food groups tonight: rock and roll, cupcakes, meat, and beer. Yep, that’s it! We love this idea! Snack on treats from the Modern Café, listen to the likes of Gospel Gossip, suck on a Duvel beer, and reward yourself when you win the meat raffle with one (or two) of Miel y Leche’s much-lusted-after cupcakes. Plus, it’s free. FREE! Bring your Valentine’s day hanger-ons with you and make it a two-day date!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TRIPLE ROCK SITE
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MONDAY FEBRUARY 16TH

Snowball War!!!

@ Powderhorn Park
Minneapolis

Noon-4pm / $5 donation

If there’s still any snow by Monday, prepare your arm for a killer snowball war/Capture the Flag game. It’s not all just for giggles though, this is serious biznass. Not only is it a fundraiser surrounding RNC arrests (What cool thing isn’t these days?), but you can win prizes from Tatters, Arise Bookstore, and the Black Dog Cafe, whilst traipsing through the park, snatching their flags and defeating the other team. Game on!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
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TUESDAY FEBRUARY 17TH

JagerCon: V The Miniseries

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N.
North Loop

10pm / 21+ / Free

Join hosts Kate Iverson (l'etoile magazine, Secrets of the City) and Beth Hammarlund (l'etoile magazine, A Tiny Machine) every Tuesday Night for JagerCon! JagerCon is a weekly sci-fi party at Clubhouse Jager featuring screenings of classic nerdy movies and television shows such as Buffy, Firefly, V, Star Trek, Blade Runner, Forbidden Planet and more -- topped off with 2-4-1 cocktails all night served by Star Captain Paul! Tonight watch as much V: The Miniseries as you can possibly handle!

Who knows, you might meet a new valentine:

Me: Black trench coat with Star Fleet emblem embroidered on the breast, sullenly sipping a Mike's Hard Lemonade and muttering about samurai swords in the corner.

You: Giving off a sexy medieval wench vibe, animatedly debating your friend about which Doctor Who is the hottest.

I thought I felt our psychic ESP matrixes click, was I dreaming? I couldn't help but notice the sideways look you gave me when they were playing the deleted scenes from "Serenity." I wasn't sure if you had something in your eye, or if my Darth Vader heavy-breathing impression was creeping you out. Either way, I've got enough limited edition Batman comic books to line our marriage bed ten times over.

I'll be at the V screening next week, if you're nasty.




GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

Our fave sci-fi/beauty blogger talks Shakespeare!

An Evening at the Theatuh

I was a theater major in college, which means three things: I am extremely critical of acting and lighting design, I have a great passion for Henrik Ibsen, Jean-Paul Sartre, John Webster, and Christopher Marlowe, and I love me some William Shakespeare. Though he's not my favorite playwright, he is certainly one of the most talented and prolific. And I'm amazed at how relevant his stories remain today. Whether it's super serious (my college's production of Measure for Measure set in apartheid South Africa) or super light (10 Things I Hate About You), I'm a sucker for pretty much any re-imagining of Shakespearean stories. Enter the Guthrie with their production of the classic romantic comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona, set in a 1950s retro television show.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona runs through March 29 on the Wurtele Thrust Stage. To take advantage of a slick discount, attend a Sunday, Tuesday or Wednesday show. Just call the Guthrie Box Office at 612-377-2224 and use code "A74." Instead of the usual $29-$55 price tag, you'll be able to attend the show for a meager $20. This offer isn't valid online, on Area 1 seating, or on previously purchased tickets. But it's a fantastic deal. And in these depressing economic times, I think we could all use a little of the bard's romantic whimsy.

Keep in mind that Edward Albee's classic A Delicate Balance is running through March 1, and A Raisin in the Sun will open on March 12. It's the revolutionary play's 50th anniversary, so it's definitely a production not to be missed.

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GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR


Fashion blogger extraordinaire Le Petit Connaisseur updates us on local fashion!

Local Fashion Preview: New Land of Milk & Honey


One of my favorite local clothing designers Annie Larson of Swank Dollar and equally-excellent jewelry line SisBro are joining forces in late spring for a fashion event/performance, and they've just released a preview of the line on which they're collaborating, New Land of Milk and Honey.

Annie tells me there will be "ten-ish looks all together, with a good portion of it being sweater knit pieces on the knitting machine I just bought with Erin Smith (of SisBro)." I, for one, am excited for these knit pieces, and the designs depicted in the sketches make it clear that Annie is one of the few Twin Cities designers really pushing fresh, new design concepts. While it's clearly not for everyone, I can see at least a few pieces that I can see myself wearing.

What else we can expect: "The premise for the performance is that it is an expose on a peaceful commune of people that resides in Wisconsin, and in anticipation of the future they construct their lives around the use of Segways (you know, those little gyrscope scooter things)." There will actually be Segways in the performance, showcased on a futuristic landscape designed and constructed by Brett and Erin Smith of SisBro. The show, location and date to be confirmed, will also include a variety of other visual artists, musicians, and projection artists.

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What's What Editor: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson Contributing Bloggers: Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin

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