l'etoile magazine blog: April 2009

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Weekend What's What 5/1-5/5

NATURE CALLS

Despite the ever-wavering weather, Minnesota has declared this weekend Spring's official coming out party -- whether it likes it or not. With tons of outdoor events to partake in, we think you may even find a reason to apply a little sunblock. Head to West St. Paul for the spirited Cinco de Mayo celebration; wander the endless garage sales of the Bryn Mawr neighborhood; or channel your inner flower child at this Sunday's annual May Day Parade. See you in the sunshine!

Bonus: Check out our Fashion Week Recap, complete with a ton o' pix!

xo-l'étoile

FRIDAY MAY 1ST (THROUGH SATURDAY)

Cinco de Mayo Feista

@ District Del Sol
Westside St. Paul

Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 9am-6pm / Free

Whether it's for the end of unpredictably cold weather, the license to wear light dresses and flats or the plethora of outside events, MN hearts May. Okay, actually, we love every month out of the Winter spectrum, but with events like the Cinco de Mayo celebration, May just happens to be the month with the spiciest palate. The festivities kick off this afternoon in Westside St. Paul's District del Sol, where the 2009 Cinco de Mayo celebration is a two day long fiesta of non-stop entertainment that includes dancing, children's activities, a history area, a salsa tasting contest and a lowrider car show. Then, head down to participating MPLS venues El Nuevo Rodeo on Lake Street and Barfly in downtown, for a club-style Cinco de Mayo party and some Latin-style dancing. But pace yourself, because the Sunday May Day parade events are of a calibur not to be missed.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DISTRICT DEL SOL SITE

FRIDAY MAY 1ST

I Heart Northeast!

@ Altered Esthetics
1224 Quincy St. NE
Minneapolis

7-10pm / Free

Join the peeps at Altered Esthetics as they celebrate our very own Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, one of the only official Arts Districts in the country. The show will feature work about Northeast by local artists, and is the perfect opportunity to get geared up for Art-A-Whirl. Attend the opening reception to mingle with the artists and hobnob with the locals. Smugness about our awesome artistic community is not only allowed, but encouraged.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

FRIDAY MAY 1ST

Between Air and Water & FU-Utility

@ Gallery13
811 Lasalle Ave
Minneapolis

7-10pm / $7-15 Suggested Donation

While the official Earth Day may be over, the environment is still a prominent factor in the work of the artists in Gallery13's latest exhibition. With the daringly mixed elements of electricity and water in Mary Jane Mansfield's sculpture and an illustrative presentation of the futility of our culture's main energy sources from Alexandros Lindsay, tonight's two-show event is like a polished science fair. Explore the interactive art featured during opening night and enjoy performance art from Circus Manduhai performer, Chimgee as well as live music from Blue Moon, Grant Hart and Paul Metzger and jazz ensemble The Nick Haas Trio.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

FRIDAY MAY 1ST

501 Club Grand Opening Party

@ The 501 Club
501 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / Free

Minneapolis music heads rejoice – there’s a new rock club in town! 331 Club owners Jarret and Jon Oulman have opened a fancier, bigger, and still cover free sister venue to the awesome 331. To help them celebrate, they’ve wrangled some class act bands including Alan Sparhawk’s much lauded rock trio Retribution Gospel Choir. Imagine an amped-up stoner-rock incarnation of Low with some classic rock covers thrown in there. Also on the bill is everybody’s favorite 80’s movie soundtrack Lookbook. Sounds like a total hoot! While you’re there, check out the stencil-heavy artwork by the amazing John Grider.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE 501 CLUB SITE

FRIDAY MAY 1ST

Hotel

@ Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Ave SE
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

DJ Jonathan Ackerman returns to spin the platters at his hot monthly at the KCK with a killer mish-mash of his hand picked favorites. Those who attend never know for sure if they’ll hear minimal techno, club bangers, electro burners or disco anthems, but they are always guaranteed to lose their shit. This time around, Hotel welcomes none other than the lovely and talented Nightstalker, and Gerald is Growing.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO

FRIDAY MAY 1ST

Get Cryphy

@ First Avenue VIP Room
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis

10pm / $3 / 18+

One friend wants to dance to hip hop. The other wants club. You just want to go wild. Solution: Get Cryphy’s masterful DJs will reunite your sparring friends. Jimmy 2 Times, Plain Ole Bill, Fundamentalist and DJ Last Word are a quartet of craziness in the VIP room. Phenom and Familia are giving treats away, there’s cheap drinks, and its May Day, so tear it up!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GET CRYPHY MYSPACE

FRIDAY MAY 1ST

Aby Wolf & Omaur Bliss

@ The 331 Club
331 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

If it’s stripped down folk mixed with R&B you’re after on a Friday night, look no further than the cozy, dusty confines of the best bar in Northeast, the 331. The laid-back rhythms of Omaur Bliss (recalling the steady flow of early Digable Planets and Tribe Called Quest) have been known to get even the most tepid of hipsters to shake around a little. Coupled with the sweepingly gorgeous vocals of jazz influenced Aby Wolf, this eve promises to keep it real, relevant, and raw.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE 331 SITE
Aby Wolfe by Sharolyn B. Hagen

COOL LINK: STYLE ROOKIE

Culture/fashion blog, Style Rookie, would be worth a gander if just for the eerie images of the 13 year old (yes 13 year old!) blogger, Tavi, looking like a minature Michelle Williams, and the long list of “fangirling” style kudos -including the obscurely fierce Grace Jones to the recent Darfur advocate Mia Farrow -but luckily the site's fashion devotion isn't purely aesthetic. This style junkie's blog with a cause sells clothing items which not only expand your wardrobe but also assist the genocide victims of Darfur. Check out the fun array of vintage-inspired garments and hand-printed organic t-shirts and use your fashion sense to help an actively important cause. We consider it a much better option than a hunger strike, but good luck with that Mia!

Thanks to our pal Christina B. for the tip!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE STYLE ROOKIE BLOG

SATURDAY MAY 2ND

Festival of Garage Sales

@ Bryn Mawr Neighborhood
South Minneapolis

8am-5pm / Free

Oh those evil garage sales. One almost has to drive with eyes closed down side streets to avoid the temptation. Thankfully, there is a way to rid your system of such desires all at once - the Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association's annual Festival of Garage Sales. With over 100 homes participating in this community-wide benefit sale, it's easy to find that perfect item, whether it be furniture, clothes, or general oddities. We know where we're going Saturday morning!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR A LIST OF LOCATIONS

SATURDAY MAY 2ND

Craftstravaganza

@ Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Fine Arts Building
1265 Snelling Ave
St. Paul

9am-5pm / Free

You just got your tax return back, and you’re swimming in cash, right? Plus, Mother’s Day is coming up, and moms love crafty stuff. From letterpress, vinyl pillows and cute stuffed animals to gig posters, jewelry and baby stuff, there’s about a billion reasons to spend your whole paycheck here. Be one of the first 100 in the door, and get a free swag bag! Remember to bring cash for easy purchasing of handmade awesomeness.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CRAFTSTRAVAGANZA SITE

SATURDAY MAY 2ND

Free Comic Book Day

@ Source Comics & Games
1601 W. Larpenteur Avenue
Falcon Heights

10am-9pm / free

When the economic crisis becomes the apocalypse, the only recognized tender will be comic books and pictures of superheroes, so stock up! What’s free now will amount to billions in the future. Comic shops the world over are giving out free comics today, and in our corner of the universe, some very special guests are stopping by, including: the Justice League of America Costumed Characters, Tom Nguyen (Firestorm, Batman, Superman, Pinups) and 501st Vader's Fist Star Wars Fan Costume Group. Bam! Pow!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOURCE SITE

SATURDAY MAY 2ND

Bollywood Fashion Show

@ Midtown Global Market
920 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis

2-5 PM/ Free

India's infamous Bollywood scene continues to grow larger, more popular and more theatrical year after year, so for Midtown Global Market's Bollywood fashion show, expect nothing less than beautiful extravagance. Local Global Market clothing boutique, Geetanjoli Sari Fashions present the first Bollywood-inspired fashion show of new styles directly from Indian featuring colorful saris, hand embroided patterns, tunic tops, kurtas and vibrant jewelry. Don't miss this exotic event with live performances from Ms. Geetanjoli, Mr. Nawindranath, Ms. Mariyah (TC famous belly dancer) and music from Mr. Greg Herriges.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MIDTOWN SITE
Wedding Lehanga by Geetanjoli Sari Fashions

SATURDAY MAY 2ND

One Big May Day Party

@ Sister's Camelot
2657 32nd Ave. S.
Minneapolis

5pm / $5-10 suggested donation / all ages

Sisters Camelot has a new all ages show space AND it’s May Day weekend, wow! If that’s not enough to get you out, how about 14 bands, playing every half hour, food and drinks, and a benefit for the Twin Cities Branch of the Industrial Workers of the World. We recommend Bla Bla Blacksheep, Nancy Drew Crew, Chickadee Mountain Martyrs, Abandon Ship!, and Bouncer Fighter -- Which means you’re going to be there all night. Have fun!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SISTERS CAMELOT SITE

SATURDAY MAY 2ND

Justice Jam

@ East River Flats Park
360 East River Road
Minneapolis

5-10pm / All Ages / Free

After a week long series activism workshops at the U of M, students are proud to organize the 4th annual Justice Jam for the sole purpose of motivating social change though grass-roots community activism. Head down to East River Flats Park for the evening long spectacle that will include games, break dancing, a graffiti wall, yoga, and a swell musical line up consisting of Mel Gibson and the Pants, Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles, Kanser, A Night in the Box, Radio On, Old Time Religion, Military Special, and DJ Wes Winship.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO

SATURDAY MAY 2ND

Traffic Zone Open Studios

@ Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art
250 Third Avenue N
Minneapolis

5-9pm / Free

As the season of art fairs and craft shows begins, Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art kicks things off by opening its studios to the public. Home to 27 local artists, a wide range of visual expression will be on display and for sale in the working studios of the co-op including paintings, ceramics, photography, sculpture and prints.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

SATURDAY MAY 2ND

Cloud Cult

@ First Avenue
701 1st Avenue N
Minneapolis

6pm / 18+ / $15

“The original idea with Cloud Cult was to try and create something that would make people feel alive for a moment” states front man Craig Minowa a half hour into the band's recently released documentary, No One Said It Would Be Easy. And that perfectly sums up a Cloud Cult live experience. Whether it be violins, cellos, trombones, or xylophones, these brilliantly quirky tunesmiths not only play it -- they play the hell out of it. Coupled with the amazing visual feast that they present on stage (including 2 live painters), this band provides a thoughtfully incisive set that is as challenging as it is moving. Expect to have a smile permanently plastered to your face while you exchange mind-blown glances with those around you.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CLOUD CULT SITE

SATURDAY MAY 2ND

Howl's Moving Castle w/ Lookbook

@ The Uptown Theater
2906 Hennepin Ave. S.
Uptown Minneapolis

Music at 11:45 pm / Movie at 12:15 am / $9 / All Ages

The Uptown Theater continues its Saturday night tradition of music and movies with this week’s screening of Howl’s Moving Castle. Directed by the famed Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away), Howl’s Moving Castle is a breathtaking adventure sure to keep you glued to your seat. To make matters cooler, check out the pre-show performance by electro-smoothies and l'etoile faves, Lookbook. Upcoming Midnight shows at the Uptown include the Lynchian crazyfest Wild at Heart, The Terminator, and everyone’s favorite display of Linda Hamilton’s awesome biceps, Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: THE ASTEROIDS GALAXY TOUR

This Spring, there's nothing like a bit of catchy pop tunes on your iPod to put a little zest in your step. You might have first heard The Asteroids Galaxy Tour's infectious single, “Hero,” on an episode of Gossip Girl, but don't hold that against them. Besides, we know you're a closet fan of the teen voiced-over melodrama, just admit it and regain a clear conscience. Danish pop ensemble, TAGT, is a fusion of funk and 60's psychedelia, blending synth-pop instruments with a live sax and trumpet to create a brass band feel. Lead vocalist, Mette Lindberg's quirky lyrical style has a tinge of street corner beat boxing, while her weird, childlike vocals are a dead ringer for Miho Hatori (if she were singing through a megaphone...and Danish). So far, these European babes are sticking to concerts in their geographical backyard, but we're crossing our fingers for a U.S. visit soon.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TAGT MYSPACE

SUNDAY MAY 3RD

May Day Parade

Begins at Bloomington & 26th St.
turns right at 34th St
finishes in Powderhorn Park
Minneapolis

1pm-7pm / Free

In the Twin Cities, the day of the May Day parade is practically a state holiday. Here’s the deal: bring a chair or blanket if you care about that sort of thing, get a friend to host a brunch, smuggle in a drink, and walk or bike to the parade. See punks, old hippies, politicos, an orchestra and giant puppets traipse down the street and into the park, where the Tree of Life Ceremony takes place, usually utilizing the lake in its story. After you’re pleasantly giddy from a day in the sun with your skin exposed (feels weird, doesn’t it?), get a friend to host a post-parade BBQ and enjoy the day until the sun goes down.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MAY DAY SITE

TUESDAY MAY 5TH

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 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, May 5th: Doctor Who & The Daleks (1966)
Tuesday, May 12th: Evil Dead II
Tuesday, May 19th: Aliens Double Header
Tuesday, May 26th: Zardoz

For more info visit www.jagercon.blogspot.com

L'ETOILE NEWSWIRE

The Cherry Returns: A Love Story

Claes Oldenburg’s “Spoonbridge and Cherry” is one of the most iconic sculptures in the United States. Sadly, the pair was separated when the cherry was removed for

restoration this February, and since then the spoon has sat lonely and alone. But fear not! These two soulmates will finally be reunited when the cherry is returned to its home on Friday, May 1. To celebrate their reunion, Chef Asher Miler has developed a limited-edition Cherry Tasting Menu for the 20.21 Restaurant & Bar. For an appropriately affordable $20.21, you can enjoy cherry-themed treats such as Spring Pea Soup with Cherry Chili Oil, Sweet Cherry Hoisin, and Cherry Panna Cotta. This menu will only be available through the end of June, so don’t waste time making your way to the Walker Art Center to toast the happy couple.

GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR

Local graphic designer (and recent winner of a METRO Magazine "Keeper Award") Travis Stearns was enlisted to design a promotional t-shirt for Vita.mn. I managed to snag one at a recent event, and even though the fabric leaves much to be desired (I didn't look but I'm guessing it's Hanes) and it was a men's size medium, it looked perfectly cute when I wore it tucked into a high-waisted skirt.

You can win one of the limited-edition shirts in this month's Karma contest at www.Vita.mn.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE FROM LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR

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

CONTENT © L'ETOILE MAGAZINE 2009

Spring MNFashion Week Recap

By Beth Hammarlund

SUFFOCATE 4/21

Last spring, designer Ra'mon-Lawrence set a new standard for Twin Cities fashion with his solo show Eluded Love. Held at the Soo Visual Arts Center, the show was by far the Cities’ most ambitious individual presentation to date. This year Laura Fulk built on this new tradition of extravagantly produced solo shows. The designer's Spring 2009 collection was presented at The Lab Theater and featured production values that rivaled MN Fashion Week’s larger and more established group shows.

The clothes featured many of Fulk's signature details. The structured shapes and extravagant neck pieces that she has become known for were still a through line in the collection, though the looks had more ease to them than in previous Fulk collections. This was due in no small part to the adjustable technical details of the pieces. High funnel necks were molded into place and secured with snaps and buttons, magnets transformed a Siamese twin wedding dress into two individual gowns, and drawstrings unfolded a ruffled neckline into a beautifully lined cape. The transformative nature of the pieces was evocative of Hussein Chayalan, while the layered panels of fabric drew comparisons to Marc Jacobs Spring 2008 collection. The interactive elements of the clothing made for an engaging runway show, and the theatrical presentation helped the audience connect to the clothes as both wearable items and pieces of art.

Mplsart.com proprietors and Suffocate producers Emma Berg and Kristoffer Knutson raved about the space and the opportunity to be involved in every detail up to and including the lighting. The styling was strong, particularly the choice to outfit the models in shiny high heeled booties and thick beige dancing tights. The tights were worn over the shoes, allowing a glimmer of patent leather to shine through and creating an elongated leg that transformed the already lithe models into gazelle-like figures. Wearing dance tights over high heels may not be the most wearable trend as far as function, but the effect was accessible enough that I've been considering hitting up the Capezio website to attempt my own modified version. (Insider info: I was hoping to keep the tights from running by applying a border of clear nail polish around the sole. However, last night I asked Eclecticoiffeur stylist Jahna Peloquin about this technique, and it was actually something that they’d attempted for Suffocate, but with little success. Drat.)

The show clocked in at over half an hour, which ensured that the event was worth its $15 ticket price, but is also a lot of time for a fashion show. The models marched the runway one at a time, and though this provided audience members and photographers with substantial opportunity to absorb the individual looks, the presentation lost some of the collection’s fluidity. I'm not advocating the current standard of interchangeable models stomping past one another in brief ten minute shows, but having models pass one another on the runway helps an audience grasp the connections between individual looks.

That said, Suffocate boasted some of the most successful production design, both technical and artistic, that the Twin Cities fashion community has ever seen. It was an incredibly accomplished show and certainly the gem of MN Fashion Week.

Photos by Stephen Stephens

SKY PARK FASHION MIXER 4/22

l’étoile and Secrets of the City hosted the Sky Park Fashion Mixer last Wednesday on the rooftop terrace of the beautiful Eitel Building City Apartments. The turnout was fabulous, and the gorgeous sunset and excellent people watching certainly didn’t hurt matters. Delicious treats were provided by Joe’s Garage and guests sipped on drinks compliments of Sacre Bleu Wine and Crispin on Ice. Thank you to all of the sponsors who were present at the event and contributed to the excellent gift bags. In these economic times, free snacks, drinks, and swag are a pretty pleasant surprise!

Photos by Camille Bourgerie & Stephen Stephens

VOLTAGE: FASHION AMPLIFIED 4/24

This year’s Voltage production was significantly shorter than past shows, featuring only ten runway designers and five bands and band designers. However, the edited presentation made for a tighter production than in previous years, while still presenting a varied collection of talented Twin Cities designers. The runway extended from the stage at a 45 degree angle, as opposed to previous years in which it jutted perpendicularly into the audience. The modification worked in favor of both the presentation and the crowd, giving the models more angles to work with and creating space for a far roomier seating section than in years past.

Though there was a lot of fashion to enjoy, the highlight was finale designer Max Lohrbach. The clothes featured the designer’s signature painted fabrics and feminine shapes, with multiple trompe-l'œil bows and scalloped details . Models literally bursted through paintings, wearing ripped canvases and frames around their waists or shoulders. The voluminous trousers and baggy shorts were extremely on trend, though the collection was dominated by swingy skirts and flirty tops. The opening bustled dress was a masterpiece, and I couldn’t help wishing that we’d seen more of Lohrbach’s structured shapes. (This desire was exacerbated by sitting next to mplsart.com director Emma Berg, who was wearing a custom-made Lohrbach dress with a bustled skirt. It was a gorgeous creation that had me staring down at my pegged harem pants and wishing I’d gotten more dressed up for the occasion).

The music and sound editing were particularly strong this year, due to the bands’ excellent performances, as well as the crew’s impressively quick set ups and tear downs. First Communion After Party’s atmospheric set created an ideal atmosphere for a fashion presentation. And, as expected, Maria Isa kept the crowd’s energy up until the very end of her finale performance.

Every year Voltage continues to step it up technically. The video segments were well-edited, while the look book will certainly be the most treasured souvenir of MN Fashion Week. As always, the conclusion of Voltage raises the same inevitable question: How will they top themselves next year?

Photos by Stephen Stephens

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Weekend What's What 4/23-4/28

FASHIONAPOLIS, MN

With MNFashion Week in full swing, we've been running around like crazy people -- the mood is simply infectious! We're ridiculously proud to share an area code with so many talented artists, designers, and make-things-happeners. The past week has been surprising and inspiring and it's not even close to over! Amid our usual slew of awesome events this weekend, you'll find a number of Fashion Week funnings that you'll need to see to believe. So dress cleverly, dear readers, the local paparazzi are out in full force!

Bonus: For even more Fashion Week events, refer to our handy-dandy guide HERE!

xo-l'étoile

Photo by Eric Eul for l'étoile

THURSDAY APRIL 23RD

Salon Series 3

@ Minneapolis Photo Center
2400 2nd St. N
Minneapolis

7-10pm / Free

In Vita.mn's latest installment of Salon Series, local performers transfer from the stage to a venue a bit more uncommon for an informal -yet still stunning- version of their work. Tonight, the Minnesota Dance Theatre presents a free performance chock-full fancy footwork, documented by the MPLS Photo Center to be debuted an exhibit later this summer. Enjoy complimentary appetizers while you witness first-hand a show as visually professional as a formal production, but with the intimacy of a private rehearsal. RSVP at promo@vita.mn, appreciated but not necessary.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VITA.MN SITE

THURSDAY APRIL 23RD

Subterranean Twin Cities

@ Magers and Quinn
3038 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis

7:30pm / Free

There is an entire underworld of the Twin Cities that remains a deep, dark mystery. Beneath our roads and houses lies a different world; one of caves, tunnels and labyrinths. Author, historian and urban cave-lover Greg Brick discusses his underground forays tonight, with tales of sunken treasure, geology and exploration. Mystery revealed!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MAGERS & QUINN SITE

VOLTAGE FASHION PICK: IVAN IDLAND

Another designer holding us on the edge of our fashion-conscious seats is Ivan Idland. If you've ever witnessed the style of Idland in person, it's obvious where his creative palate draws inspiration from. With an adorably quirky style and love of unique, abstract and often asymmetrical design patterns, Idland's work is a vivid display of inventive fabrics and bold graphics. Architectural lines create overall comfy and unique apparel, not to mention, Idland dares to go where many local designers don't – men's wear. Last year, Idland took part in Voltage as stylist for the local band Zibra Zibra and returns this year as a runway designer. Like fellow Voltage 2009 designer, Maritza Ramirez, Idland recently previewed his Spring line during Cliche's Avoid the Grey runway show, where his garments patterned with geometrical shapes were met with excitement and crowd approval – a response we expect will be duplicated Friday.

If you haven't got yours already, Voltage tix are going fast, so step to it!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VOLTAGE SITE
Photo of Ivan Idland by Nicholas Marshall for Voltage

FRIDAY APRIL 24TH (WEEKENDS THROUGH MAY 3RD)

God's Ear

@ Red Eye Theater
15 W. 14th St.
Minneapolis

8pm / $8-18

If the Red Eye's latest production from writer Jenny Schwartz, God's Ear, seems nonsensical, it is -- and for good reason. Following a family coping with the tragic loss of a child to drowning, God's Ear uses unconventional language (from spoken to written word) to interpret the reeling emotions that proceed the death of a loved one. Fragments, repetition and overlapping dialogue from the three main characters – the mother, father and daughter - create a show with virtually no silence that parallels the stages of grief and internal restlessness in each family member. Don't miss this compelling and provocative performance which runs through May 3rd.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RED EYE SITE
Photo by Liz Josheff/Star Tribune

FRIDAY APRIL 24TH

Voltage: Fashion Amplified 2009

@ First Ave
701 1st Ave. N
Minneapolis

8pm / 21+/ $25 Advance, $30 At the Door

The crown jewel of Spring FashionWeek, tonight's showcase of talented locals mixes fashion, music and style, making Voltage: Fashion Amplified worth

way, a night of local art is the perfect complement to runway extravaganzas and chic fashion mixers. The 350 artists involved in this Spring's open studio crawl invite you to browse, mingle, buy, and just plain enjoy this local art medley. Check out www.artcrawl.org for more info and a complete schedule.

Stop in to these fun Art Crawl fashion destinations:

EJA Bonne Chance & Katherine Tilton Art
Hamm Brewery, Everest Center, 713 Minnehaha Avenue, St. Paul

Angie's Hats
Northern Warehouse, 308 Prince Street, #610, St. Paul

Carly Stipe
Lowertown Commons, 300 E. 4th Street, St. Paul

Jenny Carle Designs
Northwestern Building, 275 E. 4th Street, #425, St. Paul

FRIDAY APRIL 24TH

The Dollhouse

@ The View
2730 W Lake St.
Minneapolis

9:30pm / $8

Now that Pi Bar is no more, where do all the hot ladies go to find each other? The View hosts a lesbian lounge night reminiscent of the 1940’s pinup girl era, complete with live entertainment. Every last Friday we can look forward to specials on apps and drinks, dancing and DJs. This week Lil Miss Sweet Tooth and the Daisy Dukes treat.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DOLLHOUSE MYSPACE

FRIDAY APRIL 24TH

Walker After Hours: The Quick and the Dead

@ Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

9pm / $35 ($25 Walker Members)

Hordes of artsters, hipsters, and fashionistas will flock to the Walker tonight to preview the latest exhibition before anyone else! The exhibit, entitled The Quick and the Dead, explores new ways of thinking about time, space, and mortality through the works of 53 international artists in varying mediums. Tonight's edition of Walker After Hours features the usual tasty appetizers and cocktails, along with short film screenings, art projects for grownups, the ever-popular Party People Pictures, and live music by noise rockers To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie. And if you’re feeling especially mischievous, bring your date down to the Sky Pesher for some starry-eyed smooching!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

FRIDAY APRIL 24TH

Rift Anniversary Show

@ Hexagon
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / Free

Has it already been five years since the first Rift Magazine hit the stands? 25 printed issues later, Rift has been a valuable staple for local music and arts coverage, and the longest running zine of its kind in the Twin Cities. Head over to the Hexagon Bar this Friday to help Rift celebrate their anniversary (and its founder, our friend Rich Horton’s birthday!) with sets by Aviette, Mighty Fairly, Avenpitch, and Virtual CH. And as always, buying drinks on the stage side of the bar supports the cause!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RIFT SITE

FRIDAY APRIL 24TH

Bomp! 3.0

@ Bedlam Theater
1501 S. 6th St.
Minneapolis

10pm / 18+ / $5

On the final Friday of the month, Bomp! continues to be the finest and most supreme dance party our fair city has to offer, and has proven month after month to be the place to see and be seen on the nightlife circuit. Pooling together a crew of unstoppable musical forces including Winship, Shannon Blowtorch, MoonGoons, City Pages "Best of" winner Jimmy 2 Times (congrats!) and more, Bomp is bound to make your body move, shake, and sweat the night away. And of course your faithful host Wes Winship will be holding it down on the decks as well as snapping photos of the proceedings.

Sponsored, of course, by l’étoile -- because you know how we do!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT

FRIDAY APRIL 24TH

Particle People 1 Year Anniversary

@ Gallery 13
811 Lasalle Avenue
Downtown Mpls

10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

While this is not an "official" Fashion Week event, our homies over at Particle People are offering an admission discount to their all-night dance jam if you show your Voltage ticket stub or crew pass. Particle People put on BLACK in the VIP Room every Saturday, and they are pulling out all the stops for this anniversary secret location party. Expect some ear-drum bleeding bass and intense dancing, featuring Oliver Ho, Ghetto, Aaron Bliss, and Jesse Jakob. This space is a big, awesome art gallery in the heart of Downtown (definitely within walking distance of First Ave -- even in heels!) and it's going to be SWEET.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PARTICLE PEOPLE SITE

COOL LINK: UNBELIEVABLE

A new book about the Parapsychology Laboratory at Duke University is out entitled (deep breath) Unbelievable: Investigations into Ghosts, Poltergeists, Telepathy, and other Unseen Phenomena, from The Duke Parapsychology Laboratory. Author Stacy Horn has a blog that goes along with it, each day posting otherworldly stories and information. All the ghost stories, ectoplasm sightings, exorcisms and encounters with the dead you’ve ever needed!

Click HERE for the Unbelievable blog!

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

ROX Open House

@ Rox Studio and Boutique
California Arts Building
2205 California Street NE
Studio #403
Northeast Minneapolis

Noon to 4 p.m. / Free

It’s a busy time for ROX designer Robyne Robinson. Hot off the Buy/Collect exhibition she recently co-curated with Yuri Arajs, Robinson trades in her art

patron hat for that of a jewelry designer (just a couple of the “hats” she’s known for wearing). The bold, cuff-like bracelets Robinson has created to accompany Maritza Ramirez’s collection for Voltage are a bit of a departure from the organic, earthy arrangements that Rox is known for. Made from vintage brooches and charms, these wistful new additions will be on display (and for sale) at Robinson’s Northeast studio and boutique in the California Building, the day after Voltage. Go check it out!

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

I like you Re-Opening

@ I Like You
501 1st Ave NE
Minneapolis

11am-8pm / Free

Thank god I like you is opening again. Gift shopping has been hard the past few months without this awesome store that hawks independent artists' goods. Where else can we find handmade soaps, cool journals and sparkly artist-designed barettes all in one shot? Check out the new digs, snack on treats after 4pm, and ravage their inventory -- we know you can’t help yourself, and we don’t blame you.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE I LIKE YOU SITE

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

Cliché Open House

@ Cliché
2403 Lyndale Avenue S.
Uptown Minneapolis

11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

If you're not already a regular customer at this darling Uptown design boutique, consider Fashion Week a reason to introduce yourself! Home to such local designers

as Laura Fulk, Anthem Heart, Kjurek Couture and more, plus Voltage 2009 designers Amanda Christine, Arwyn Birch, and Ivan Idland. Shop throughout the day, or show up between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. for a more sociable experience during Cliche's reception for the designers, which will feature live models and a DJ.

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

Gray Matter: A Grayline Release Party

@ Design Collective
1311 W. 26th Street
Minneapolis

3 p.m. to 7 p.m. / Free

Make it a point to stop into Design Collective today to get an up close and personal look at Greyline Clothing's latest creations.

Featuring stylish men's and women's screen-printed pieces inspired by "nature, patterns, early 1900's art nouveau, and childhood fascinations." And who can argue with that? Be sure to check out Greyline's limited edition men's wear collection designed for the band Mercurial Rage for Voltage: Fashion Amplified. Refreshments and conversation with the designers will be served up with a smile as well.

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

We Don't Do Clever

@ First Amendment Gallery
1101 Stinson Blvd
Basement Rooms A & B
Minneapolis

7-10pm / Free

You know those kids in high school that couldn't help but be uncool no matter what they did? Well, the artists in First Amendment's new gallery exhibit have the opposite problem -- they are effortlessly cool by nature. Local artists and long time fans of each other, Jake Keeler and Jennifer Davis, have banded together in an exhibit of creative matrimony with We Don't Do Clever. Combining vivid colors, eye-catching surrealism, a love of nature and a nod to anthropomorphism, Davis and Keeler's unique painting styles are at times complementary and other times celebrate the differences and respective ranges of their individual work. Also on the docket are rockers The Book of Right On, debuting their bombastic pop sound, as well as First Amendment resident DJs Wes Winship and Mike the 2600 King. Enjoy home-brewed beer as you view art and groove to the tunes. Be sure to bring your irony.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

Punk Rock Prom IV

@ Nomad World Pub
501 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis

8pm / $6

So maybe your first prom didn’t go so well -- you got in a fight with your best friend, your date left with another person, and you realized that you hate the color fuchsia. Tonight, plenty of bands and free-flowin' tequila (because now you're "of age") will help you to erase all previous prom problems. MN Rollergirls will be on hand to get the party going; A Paper Cup Band, MC/VL, Bouncer Fighter and The Fillmores keep you hopping; and a prom king and queen contest will foster some friendly competition. Wear your gowns and tuxes (embellished with spikes of course), and channel Rock n' Roll Highschool!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NOMAD SITE

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

Androgyny Kings and St Paul Aerie for the Arts

@ Eagles Club
287 Maria Ave
St. Paul

9pm-Midnight / $5 donation / 18+

Drag and burlesque performers pitch in tonight for a benefit for Multiple Sclerosis. Enjoy a silent auction, special musical guests, munchables, and the sultry moves of Sarah Holiday, Johnny Sugar and a grip of sassy drag kings. Hosted by the art-party throwers of St. Paul Aerie Arts and the Androgyny Kings, tonight's entertaining festivities will be nothing short of stellar.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

Russell Bourrienne Runway Show

Calhoun Building
711 W. Lake Street
Minneapolis

7pm-11pm / Free

Russell Bourrienne takes big risks in his design work, and that's what we love about him. His exceptionally well-made

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

Daughters of the Sun CD Release

@ Hexagon
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / Free

The eagerly anticipated album by local psych-freakout experts, Daughters of the Sun, is dropping this Saturday night over at your favorite neighborhood dive, the Hexagon bar. The things that this shamefully press-starved band can do with percussion, melody, and drone is wholly spellbinding - a kaleidoscope of rhythmic texture so totally addictive it should come with a warning label. Supported by Modern Radio label mates Vampire Hands, who’s Chris Beirden was just awarded Best Male Vocalist by the City Pages (duh!). At a cost of Free, this one’s a no brainier.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DAUGHTERS OF THE SUN MYSPACE
Art by Josh Journey-Heinz

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

Attitude City

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

Those Attitude City boys seriously sweatify clubs and bars on the regular with their unmatched collection of dusty old dance gems, and their ability to read any crowd and mix music styles on the fly keeps partiers in a suspenseful fury of dance fever. Their monthly Saturday night throwdown at Jager promises wild times galore.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ATTITUDE CITY SITE

VOLTAGE MUSIC PICK: LUCY MICHELLE & THE VELVET LAPELLES

It’s been quite a year for local darling Lucy Michelle and her sassy sextet the Velvet Lapelles: heaps of glowing press, national tours, and now a coveted spot on the Voltage line up -- and for good reason. Who can resist the infectious joy of deconstructed standard sounds using Ukulele, accordion, stand-up bass and other unique instrumentation? Offering a snappy take on warm, vintage sounds that will nicely round out the rockin' Voltage bill, these kids will put you in a time machine to the days of old with music that recalls early folk, Americana and a touch of polka (yes polka!) set to modern times.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VOLTAGE SITE
Photo by Nicholas Marshall for Voltage

SUNDAY APRIL 26TH

Ruby3 Fashion Ride

@ Meet in Parking lot of ROBOTlove
2648 Lyndale Avenue S.
Uptown Mpls

1pm-4pm / Free

With more and more Minneapolitans opting for bikes over cars, there’s never been a better time to look stylish while cycling. The annual MNfashion Week bike ride

organized by Ruby3 designer (and Voltage producer) Anna Lee provides the perfect excuse to finally pluck your beach cruiser out of storage and don your cutest bike-friendly outfit. Don’t have a cute bike-friendly outfit? Stop by Design Collective to check out the Voltage collection from design duo 2709. The ingenious line was created for the bicyclist who desires both fashion and function.

SUNDAY APRIL 26TH

White Knight

@ Nick & Eddie
1612 Harmon Place
Minneapolis

8 p.m. to Close

Not an official event of Fashion Week, but has iconic Minneapolis artist Scott Seekins ever done things the conventional way? We think not. Head to Loring Park favorite Nick and Eddie to witness the official "changing of suits" when Seekins makes his seasonal transition from black suit to white suit. A recognizable character that you've no doubt met roaming the streets of the Twin Cities, or at any given art opening, Seekins switches up his signature style only twice a year; an all-white suit in the warm months, an all-black one for the chilly months. This evening celebrates Seekins in all his quirky glory, with drinks, tunes, and of course, "the artist" himself. Wear all white and receive a FREE drink; dress up like Seekins you may just win a dinner for two at Nick and Eddie PLUS a limited edition Seekins art print!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT

SUNDAY APRIL 26TH

The Unconvention Movie Premiere

@ St. Anthony Main
115 SE Main Street
Minneapolis

Screening at 5 p.m.

Local filmmaker and producer Chris Strouth debuts his documentary film, The Unconvention, tonight at St. Anthony Main as part of the MSP International Film Fest. Using a collection of footage gathered from numerous journalists and citizens, The Unconvention breaks down the intense four-day fiasco that was the 2008 Republican National Convention -- as told from the ground level. See harrowing escapes (and arrests) from protest frontlines; interviews with politicians, conventioneers, and radicals; and civil liberty being both challenged and revered. A conglomeration of media makes up this inspiring (and sometimes disturbing) doc, with footage shot in everything from HD video to cell phone cameras. The Unconvention captures a historic moment of political unrest, pre-election, that you've got to see to believe.

Click HERE for the Facebook event!

TUESDAY APRIL 28TH

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 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, April 28th: Dark City
Tuesday, May 5th: Doctor Who & The Daleks (1966)
Tuesday, May 12th: Evil Dead II
Tuesday, May 19th: Aliens Double Header
Tuesday, May 26th: Zardoz

For more info visit www.jagercon.blogspot.com

THIS WEEK'S FLICK IS "DARK CITY"

GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

a delicious spring thing

This commercial for Flora by Gucci is perhaps the most gorgeous fragrance ad I've ever seen. The video was directed by the crazy brilliant Chris Cunningham, and features a new recording of Donna Summers' "I Feel Love" and over 20,000 fake flowers. And is that Natalie Portman doing the voiceover work at the end?

GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR

Jahna Peloquin shows off some awesome pix she art directed from this week's issue of Vita.mn - on stands TODAY!

Check my story on Voltage coming full circle in this week's issue of Vita.mn. Lucy Michelle & the Velvet Lapelles on the cover of Vita.mn, dressed in Max Lohrbach with Ferociter accessories.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO READ THE FULL POST & MORE PICS
Photo by Carlos Gonzalez for Vita.mn/Styling by Eclecticoiffeur

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

CONTENT © L'ETOILE MAGAZINE 2009

Monday, April 20, 2009

MNFashion Week Spectacular!

MONDAY APRIL 20TH

Twin City Scene Mixer w/ Arwyn Birch

@ Urban Bean Coffee
3255 Bryant Avenue South
Uptown Minneapolis

5-7pm / All Ages / Free

Kick off your week with a little caffeine and couture at the Twin City Scene Mixer at Urban Bean

Coffee in Uptown. With music by l’étoile’s own Juleana Enright a.k.a. DJ Julie Grind, wine and beer thanks to local bloggers www.TwinCityScene.com, plus yummy treats and caffeinated bevies, this is the perfect opportunity to brush up on your hobnobbing skills for the week ahead. Voltage designer Arwyn Birch will be on hand to rub elbows with the crowd, and will showcase some pieces from her latest collection!

MONDAY APRIL 20TH

Textile Center Workshop

@ Textile Center
3000 University Avenue
Northeast Minneapolis

7-9pm / All Ages / $30 Course Fee

Zeus Jones bigwig Christian Erickson instructs this invaluable workshop that addresses marketing and promotion on the

web. Learn how to make most of the free online opportunities available to further your brand or just help you get your foot in the door. The Textile Center Workshops are often the unsung highlights of MN Fashion Week, so take advantage of a great opportunity to expand your virtual horizons and bend the ear of an expert.

TUESDAY APRIL 21ST

Suffocate

@ The Lab Theater
700 First Street North
The North Loop

Reception 6:30-7:30 / Runway Show at 8 / All Ages / $15

Twin Cities fashion designer Laura Fulk's first solo show is an event not to be missed. Known for her architectural

constructions that act as both social commentary and conceptual art, this three-time Voltage alum and award winning designer brings together multiple mediums in one seamless show (no pun intended). Tattoo artist Jay Langer and painter Melissi Breitenfeldt have provided imagery to be digitally printed on Fulk's eco-friendly garments, further blurring the line between art and fashion. Produced by the thoughtful minds and curators behind local website www.mplsart.com, Suffocate is sure to be a high-concept, fantastical affair. Visit the Lab Theater site for tickets!

TUESDAY APRIL 21ST

Extend Goodwill

@ Goodwill / Easter Seals Corporate Office
553 Fairview Avenue North
Saint Paul

6:30 - 8:30 / To volunteer, call Rebecca at 651-379-5937

Put on your do-gooding cap and expand your sewing skills at Extend Goodwill. By re-purposing used clothing into cute tote bags and aprons, Extend Goodwill is able to raise revenue for their self-sufficiency programs in an engaging and eco-friendly way. If you've never really found your knack with a needle and thread, this is a great environment to flex your creative muscles and build up that sewing callous. Or you could just, you know, bring a thimble.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 22ND

“The Walk”- Red Shoe Clothing, Co.

@ Cliché
2403 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis

2-10pm / Free

There's nothing like a band of fashionistas and style gurus promenading the streets and bridges of MPLS to get you in the mood for fashion week. This afternoon, with

Spring in her step, Kerry Riley – owner of the local brand Red Shoe Clothing, Co. - leads “The Walk,” a fashion event promoting Red Shoe and galvanizing the spirits of the fashion conscious. After 7 p.m., follow the gang down to Cliché for a post-walk reception to rest your doggies and party. And if we know Cliché receptions, you can expect tuneage, cocktails and mixture of all the right folks. Stay fixed to www.redshoeclothing.com for locales and times of the march.

Bonus: Hit “The Walk” then head over to the Eitel Building for the l’etoile/Secrets of the City party from 7-9pm (deetz below) – you’ll still have time to catch the tail end of the Cliché reception if you’re organized, and we know you are!

WEDNESDAY APRIL 22ND

Sky Park Fashion Mixer

@ Eitel Building City Apartments
1367 Willow St.
Minneapolis

7-9pm / Free

The fashion-forward chicas of l'étoile magazine and Secrets of the City have

been your stylish sages and the authority on quirky and cool weekly events since their web launches. So for tonight's mixer, expect nothing less than a shindig of the same fabulous caliber! Head to the gorgeous Eitel Building City Apartment’s Sky Park and Clubhouse to mingle with style-minded locals and ladies from l’étoile, Secrets of the City, and The Fashion Group International. Snack on complimentary treats from Joe's Garage and sip drinks provided by Sacre Bleu wine and Crispin on Ice. While you’re there, enter to win a pair of tix to the most talked-about event of MNfashion Week, Voltage: Fashion Amplified.

THURSDAY APRIL 23RD

Via's Vintage Sale

@ Via's Vintage
2408 Hennepin Ave. S.
Minneapolis

11am-7pm / Free

Stressing about what to wear to Voltage? Calm your inner stylist nerves and head down to Via's Vintage where you're sure

find that one-of-kind piece that perfectly pulls together your ensemble. Via's will be celebrating the remodeling of their new space with 10% off all store items. With an updated inventory - including the reproduction of a 50's Vivien of Holloway halter dress, revamped and recycled accessories from Vintage City Classics, and the Spring line from Reevolution. Get there early to receive a limited edition, screen-printed canvas tote with your purchase, so you can carry your goodies out in style. After the picking frenzy, enjoy a reception from 5-7pm with designers Sarah Holm of Reevolution and Holly Luke and Jen Des Lauriers from Vintage City Classics.

THURSDAY APRIL 23RD

Yelp and MNfashion Clothing Swap

@ Textile Center
3000 University Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis

7-9pm / Donations Welcome

Here at l'étoile, we suggest your Spring cleaning start in the most important room

of your house – your closet, of course! What better way to make room for a new Spring wardrobe than at this mass clothing swap, sponsored by Yelp.com and MNFashion, where one fashionista's forgotten frock is another's coveted treasure. The best part: a new-to-you garment won't break the bank! Talk about recession-proof. Bring along at least three clothing items (yes, accessories and shoes count) clean, gently used and rip-free, and start sharing your style with the world -- or at least MPLS.

FRIDAY APRIL 24TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)

St. Paul Art Crawl

@ Various Locations
Lowertown St. Paul

6-10pm Friday, Noon to 8pm on Saturday and Noon to 5pm on Sunday / Free

MNfashion Week and the St. Paul Art Crawl all in one week? Yes, it could seem overwhelming. But done in the right

way, a night of local art is the perfect complement to runway extravaganzas and chic fashion mixers. The 350 artists involved in this Spring's open studio crawl invite you to browse, mingle, buy, and just plain enjoy this local art medley. Check out www.artcrawl.org for more info and a complete schedule.

Stop in to these fun Art Crawl fashion destinations:

EJA Bonne Chance & Katherine Tilton Art
Hamm Brewery, Everest Center, 713 Minnehaha Avenue, St. Paul

Angie's Hats
Northern Warehouse, 308 Prince Street, #610, St. Paul

Carly Stipe
Lowertown Commons, 300 E. 4th Street, St. Paul

Jenny Carle Designs
Northwestern Building, 275 E. 4th Street, #425, St. Paul

FRIDAY APRIL 24TH

Voltage: Fashion Amplified 2009

@ First Ave
701 1st Ave. N
Minneapolis

8 PM/ 21+/ $25 Advance, $30 At the Door

The crown jewel of Spring FashionWeek, tonight's showcase of talented locals mixes fashion, music and style, making Voltage: Fashion Amplified worth

every hyped-over minute. Featuring the bands Maria Isa, Lucy Michelle & The Velvet Lapelles, Gospel Gossip, First Communion Afterparty, Mercurial Rage wearing outfits styled by Grayline, Jenny Carle Designs, Emily Melchert, Jodelle Gerdes, and Standard Issue Clothing with Branch Office Design; and the fabulous Spring lines of runway designers 2709, Allison Quinnell, Amanda Christine, Arwyn Birch, Calpurnia Peach, Carmichael Claith, Emily Weich, Ivan Idland, Maritza Ramirez, and Max Lohrbach. Voltage entry price not only gets you in to the hottest fashion party in town, but snags your copy of the 2009 Look Book, a MP3 Download Card of the Voltage 2009 Complilation CD, and access to the after party in the mainroom. Grab your tickets quick because this event may very well sell out, if past years are any indicator!

Voltage: Fashion Amplified is co-sponsored by l'etoile magazine!

FRIDAY APRIL 24TH

Particle People 1 Year Anniversary

@ Secret Location
Visit www.particlepeoplempls.com day of for location

10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

While this is not an "official" Fashion Week event, our homies over at Particle People are offering an admission discount to their all-night dance jam if you show your Voltage ticket stub or crew pass. Particle People put on BLACK in the VIP Room every Saturday, and they are pulling out all the stops for this anniversary secret location party. Expect some ear-drum bleeding bass and intense dancing, featuring Oliver Ho, Ghetto, Aaron Bliss, and Jesse Jakob. We know where the "secret location" is (it's within easy walking distance of 1st Ave) and it's going to be SWEET.

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

ROX Open House

@ Rox Studio and Boutique
California Arts Building
2205 California Street NE
Studio #403
Northeast Minneapolis

Noon to 4 p.m. / Free

It’s a busy time for ROX designer Robyne Robinson. Hot off the Buy/Collect exhibition she recently co-curated with Yuri Arajs, Robinson trades in her art

patron hat for that of a jewelry designer (just a couple of the “hats” she’s known for wearing). The bold, cuff-like bracelets Robinson has created to accompany Maritza Ramirez’s collection for Voltage are a bit of a departure from the organic, earthy arrangements that Rox is known for. Made from vintage brooches and charms, these wistful new additions will be on display (and for sale) at Robinson’s Northeast studio and boutique in the California Building, the day after Voltage. Go check it out!

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

Hale Bob Trunk Show

@ Il Vostro Boutique
5045 France Avenue
Edina

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. / Free

Pop out to 50th & France for a lunch with your ladies, and a peep into Il Vostro Boutique's trunk show for Los Angeles Designer, Hale Bob. Hale Bob's clothing has been spotted on such stars as Eva Longoria, Halle Berry, Paris Hilton, Cameron Diaz, Britney Spears, Sharon Stone and Heidi Klum. Sip refreshing refreshments, search the store, and even pick up a FREE Hale Bob Velour Jogset (worth over $100) with any Hale Bob purchase.

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

Cliché Open House

@ Cliché
2403 Lyndale Avenue S.
Uptown Minneapolis

11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

If you're not already a regular customer at this darling Uptown design boutique, consider Fashion Week a reason to introduce yourself! Home to such local designers

refuse to let sippy cups and baby bjorns cramp their style, the pair creates their line with a bit of whimsy; bold patterns and bright color combinations accented with suedes, velvets and jacquard ribbon are delightfully rampant throughout the collection. While you're at it, check out Hot Mama's stylin' selection of designer maternity clothes and accessories. Tonight's reception will include 15% off everything in the store, plus wine and desserts!

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

Russell Bourrienne Runway Show

Calhoun Building
711 W. Lake Street
Minneapolis

7pm-11pm / Free

Russell Bourrienne takes big risks in his design work, and that's what we love about him. His exceptionally well-made

garments walk the line of classic and ridiculous, with an unapologetic use of bold patterns and materials such as plaid, fur and colored leather -- with a little pirate sleeve thrown in for good measure. Tonight Russell will debut his spring/summer collection, which we know will be as interesting and original as his last. Pre-show at 7 p.m. with runway presentation at 8 p.m., followed by a wine reception. For guaranteed seating contact russell@russellbourrienne.com

SUNDAY APRIL 26TH

Foat Design Trunk Show

@ Foat Design Studio
1828 Marshall Street NE
Minneapolis

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. / Free

Yoga babes (and twin sistas) Kaja and Zoe Foat have been a fixture in the TC design scene for quite sometime. Creating stylish yoga clothing (that we think looks good even outside the studio) plus a daring couture line and custom wedding dresses, the Foat girls definitely have their hands full. Get a peek at their Spring line before it hits the boutiques, learn about how Foat stays eco-friendly, and pick up something sassy to wear to Yoga or one of their slinky numbers for an evening out on the town.

SUNDAY APRIL 26TH

Cliché VIP Local Designer Salon

@ Cliché
2403 Lyndale Avenue S.
Minneapolis

10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. / Call store to RSVP 612-870-0420

We were among the lucky few who got a seat (and a tasty mimosa) at last year’s VIP Designer Salon at Cliché. The annual event includes a mini fashion show of Cliché fashions (including Voltage lines from Amanda Christine, Ivan Idland, Maritza Ramirez, Carmichael Claith, Arwyn Birch and Emily Weich), plus refreshments and 10% off everything in the store. Think only the city’s most stylish can gain entry? Here’s a tip: You can be a part of the elite by calling Cliché to RSVP. Consider yourself well-connected.

SUNDAY APRIL 26TH

Ruby3 Fashion Ride

@ Meet in Parking lot of ROBOTlove
2648 Lyndale Avenue S.
Uptown Mpls

1pm-4pm / Free

With more and more Minneapolitans opting for bikes over cars, there’s never been a better time to look stylish while cycling. The annual MNfashion Week bike ride

organized by Ruby3 designer (and Voltage producer) Anna Lee provides the perfect excuse to finally pluck your beach cruiser out of storage and don your cutest bike-friendly outfit. Don’t have a cute bike-friendly outfit? Stop by Design Collective to check out the Voltage collection from design duo 2709. The ingenious line was created for the bicyclist who desires both fashion and function.

SUNDAY APRIL 26TH

Mimosa Reception for Voltage Designers

@ Design Collective
1311 W. 26th Street
Minneapolis

1pm-5pm / Free

You’ve seen the collections on the Voltage runway, but unless you had a VIP seat (or got a little tipsy), you probably missed out on a lot of the details that the designers slaved over for months. Now’s your chance to view the collections by Calpurnia Peach, Max Lohrbach, Allison Quinnell and 2709 up close while getting personal with the designers over mimosas and hors d’oeuvres at Design Collective. And you never know – you might just end up going home with your own collectors’ item.

SUNDAY APRIL 26TH

White Knight

@ Nick & Eddie
1612 Harmon Place
Minneapolis

8 p.m. to Close

Not an official event of Fashion Week, but has iconic Minneapolis artist Scott Seekins ever

done things the conventional way? We think not. Head to Loring Park favorite Nick and Eddie to witness the official "changing of suits" when Seekins makes his seasonal transition from black suit to white suit. A recognizable character that you've no doubt met roaming the streets of the Twin Cities, or at any given art opening, Seekins switches up his signature style only twice a year; an all-white suit in the warm months, an all-black one for the chilly months. This evening celebrates Seekins in all his quirky glory, with drinks, tunes, and of course, "the artist" himself. Wear all white and receive a FREE drink; dress up like Seekins you may just win a dinner for two at Nick and Eddie PLUS a limited edition Seekins art print!

Editor: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers for fashion guide: Juleana Enright, Jahna Peloquin, Kate Iverson, Beth Hammarlund

CONTENT © L'ETOILE MAGAZINE 2009

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Weekend What's What 4/16-4/21

SPRING IN OUR STEP

We've almost forgotten what the color "green" looks like, but thanks to Mother Nature that will soon be remedied. Along with the breezy, non-offensive weather comes a major upsurge in amazing events and we couldn't be more excited! Next week is MNFashion Week (check back for our special events guide coming out this Sunday) but this weekend is certainly an apt precursor with tons of stylin' events to get you warmed up. Check out prolific designer Kimberly Jurek's solo show at the W Hotel or test drive your fancy fashions at the new Pink Hobo Gallery in Northeast. With so much going on, we're not sure where to start, or what to wear, for that matter!

xo-l'étoile

Photo by Eric Eul for l'étoile agency

THURSDAY APRIL 16TH

MSP International Film Fest Opening Night: 500 Days of Summer

@ Kerasotes Block E
600 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

7pm / $10 General Admission, $8 Students & Seniors

The 27th Annual Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival kicks off tonight with a film from a director whose work you’ve most likely seen, whether aware of it or not. Marc Webb, director of 500 Days of Summer, is best known for his shorts and music videos, shooting countless pop charts artists from Regina Spektor to The Pussycat Dolls. His full-length, “500 Days of Summer,” stars the ever-popular She & Him member, Zooey Deschanel, and child actor (3rd Rock From the Sun, anyone?) turned indie celeb, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Told in non-linear shots, the story follows the summer office romance between a hopeless romantic and an alluring contrarian whose theories on love ultimately lead to the demise of their relationship. The film’s “bring-down-the-house” musical finale sets the tone for a series of romantic comedies screened at this year’s 14 day-long fest. After the film, stop in to Bellanotte for an Opening Night Gala celebration featuring a free dinner buffet, cocktails and a dance performance from local troupe, Kajal Belly Dance Company. Tickets are $20 for gala or $30 for film and gala party. Visit the MSPIFF website for a full list of films and schedules, special event details, and to purchase festival passes and packages.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MSPIFF SITE

THURSDAY APRIL 16TH

More Cowbell 5 Year Anniversary

@ The Turf Club
1601 University Ave W
St Paul

9pm / 21+ / $6

Our friends at MoreCowbell.net have been thoroughly and reliably covering the local and national music scene and cheerleading their favorite bands for 5 years now, and that’s a long time in blog-years! To celebrate, they’ve assembled some of the finest bands in town to rock the Turf, reflecting the site's wide reaching tastes - a perfect combination of familiar faves and lesser known bands, of which we are happy to be introduced. Joining headliners Romantica are country-rock ‘Mats soundalikes The Evening Rig and newcomers The Absent Arch.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MORE COWBELL SITE

THURSDAY APRIL 16TH

Slap!

@ The Kitty Cat Klub
14th & 4th
Dinkytown

10pm / 21+ / Free

Everyone's fave red devils, the sisters Tendercakes, and their beat slangin' best bud Millions Billions return to the Kitty Cat for yet another installment of SLAP! Never ones to give reason for randomly smacking people, T-Cakes and Millz Billz pull out all the jams for this Thursday night dance throw-down -- which may just leave your cheeks stinging and your ears ringing. The much buzzed-about DJ Gigamesh joins the gang this evening to ensure enough sonic abuse is doled out to the masses.

Sponsored by l'étoile magazine

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT

VOLTAGE DESIGNER PICK: CALPURNIA PEACH

A favorite of last year's Voltage show, the designers of Calpurnia Peach have returned with a design concept dedicated to wide-eyed, impish adventure and fairy tale imagery that even their name (based upon the escapades of an imaginary mischievous little girl) will attest to. And we've gotta hand it to the inventive ladies of Calpurnia Peach (aka Ashley Wokasch and Luci Kandler), their timing on juxtaposing pop culture and design couldn't have been more astute. The scary, yet wonderous world of children's book, Where the Wild Things Are -- gaining popularity as it's motion picture release date draws near -- is the muse for the line chocked-full of the “untamed” prints and daring silhouettes. As young and fresh as the designers themselves, Calpurnia Peach's garments are a testament to the art of screen printing, with bold colors and idiosyncratic, yet whimsical flair. We anxiously await the prints of scales, fur and googly eyes Calpurnia Peach boasts for this year's runway extravaganza.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VOLTAGE SITE
Photo by Nic Marshall for Voltage 2009

FRIDAY APRIL 17TH

Celebrate AE!

@ Altered Esthetics
1224 Quincy St NE
Minneapolis

5pm / Free / Donations Encouraged

Be it a restaurant, bar, or — even harder — a non-profit art space, sticking around for five years is nothing to sneeze at. Tonight’s anniversary/fundraiser promises a wood-themed art exhibition, silent auction and wood-themed games (our favorite?) Not to mention a raffle and live music. Do your part, no matter your budget, by snapping up a fistful of raffle tickets or even purchasing a piece of art. Supporting the arts makes us feel all warm and fuzzy!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
Art by Don VanAuken

FRIDAY APRIL 17TH

Gallery Grooves Meets Go Live II

@ 526 Salon Spa Gallery
526 Selby Avenue
St. Paul

6pm-10pm / Free

Our pals at Secrets of the City know how to do it up, and fortunately, so do our pals at 526 Salon Spa Gallery. These two forces combined will surely create one of the coolest art events of the weekend when SOTC's monthly Gallery Grooves art party makes nice with 526's new "Go Live" Series. See performance art, music by Aaron Keith Stewart, fashion and of course ART by Nick Minenko and Martha Iserman. Sample treats from the new St. Paul deli, Cheeky Monkey, and sip wines courtesy of the always delightful Solo Vino Wine Shop.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO

FRIDAY APRIL 17TH

Exclusively Spring by Kjurek Couture

@ The W Hotel
821 Marquette Ave South
Minneapolis

8pm / $10-$15

Shake the end of winter blahs with a little fashion-fun at "Exclusively Spring" at the W Hotel, an early event of MNFashion Week. This fashion extravaganza promises to delight with its bevy of stylish designs a la the talented Kimberly Jurek, who will be showcasing her brand new Spring line. Her garments are consistently wearable, fresh and fun, and will be paired with accessories by Adrienne. With music by l’étoile faves Attitude City, this event is bound to be the perfect kickoff for Fashion Week. Tickets will most likely sell out, so get to Cliché, Drama, Gallery 360 or Karma (in person or by phone) ASAP to score yours!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE KJUREK COUTURE SITE

FRIDAY APRIL 17TH

Deep North

@ Burnet Gallery at Chambers Hotel
901 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

6pm-9pm/free

How do our machines affect us? Local artist Chris Larson creates sculptures and images asking what our tools do for human nature, and what the side effects are. Using a shotgun to blast his pieces repeatedly, the final product is what's left behind. Add in an iced-over shotgun shack to create the atmosphere and you've got a chilly exhibit which lives up to its name. Through June 13th.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

FRIDAY APRIL 17TH

Exquisite Installation

@ Vesper College
201 6th street SE
Minneapolis

6pm-9pm / Free

You know what an exquisite corpse is -- someone draws a head, folds the paper over so the next artist can’t see, and everyone takes turns adding their piece without knowing their full impact until the end, when all is revealed. Over the past few weeks, this exact thing has been happening at Vesper College -- in installation form. Tonight everyone, including the eleven participating artists (including l'etoile's own Lacey Prpić Hedtke), will see the piece in its entirety. Ambitious!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VESPER COLLEGE SITE

FRIDAY APRIL 17TH

Eduardo Kac: Natural History of the Enigma

@ Weisman Art Museum
333 E. River Road
Minneapolis

6-7:30pm / Free

A genetically-modified petunia might conjure up thoughts of a 50's B-horror flick, but not to worry, the centerpiece of WAM's newest exhibit doesn't have killer teeth and isn't coming after your children – at least we hope not. The “Eduardo Kac: Natural History of the Enigma” exhibition is the product of a 3- year-long collaboration between ground-breaking artist Eduardo Kac and U of M scientist Neil Olszewski, whose work fusing proteins from both a plant and Kac himself created new life in the form of a transgenic plant. Kac explains it by saying, “The result of this molecular manipulation is a bloom that creates the living image of human blood rushing through the veins of a flower.” Is anyone else seeing the “Little Shop of Horrors” connection? Meet the artist at tonight's opening reception and check out the innovative - and yes, a tad scary- piece you have to see to believe.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

FRIDAY APRIL 17TH

Black Blondie CD Release Party

@ Triple Rock
629 Cedar Ave. S.
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+/ $8

Local hip-hop quad, Black Blondie, packs a bigger punch than most punk divas, a soulful sound their bluesy predecessors would be proud of, and a lyrical confessional style that could fit behind a pulpit. The versatile band - who URB Magazine says “sounds like: Esthero and Amy Winehouse living inside Betty Boop's head” - have shared a stage with Jill Scott, The Roots and Winehouse herself. Tonight, the sassy locals take the stage at the Triple Rock in promotion of their album, Do You remember Who You Wanted to Be?. With guests Chastity Brown, M.anifest and DJ Turtleneck.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BLACK BLONDIE MYSPACE
Photo by B Fresh

FRIDAY APRIL 17TH

Gay Witch Abortion & MC/VL

@ The Hex
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

We’ll be honest, sometimes it’s easy to judge a book by its cover. Between their nauseating MySpace background and their freakish band name one might expect Gay Witch Abortion to be Minneapolis’ answer to AIDS Wolf. Instead, GWA offers up a seamless blend of heavy stoner rock, a bit of punk blues and a dash of surf rock. MC/VL, on the other hand will deliver their usual rousing, manic set of rap tunes set against playful beats and looped found sounds. Seems an unlikely pairing, but might just be what you might need after a day of shiny, stylish event hopping. With Unicorn Basement and Baby Guts.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GAY WITCH ABORTION MYSPACE
Photo of GWA by Sarah Jordet

FRIDAY APRIL 17TH

Honeymoon

@ First Ave VIP Room
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis

10pm / 18+ / $3-6

Head to the VIP Room tonight and impress DJ Willy Joy, Shannon Blowtorch, and the Moongoons with your stellar dance moves at this month's Honeymoon. The theme? Super Heroes. So get creative with that spandex! Show these DJs that you haven’t forgotten how to shake it while hibernating over the winter. Dance, dance, dance your pants off!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HONEYMOON SITE

COOL LINK: L'ETOILE ARCHIVES

It’s not easy being irresistible. We know you can’t get enough of us, which is why we’ve made the past two print issues of l’étoile available online! If you’ve paged through a million times, and can’t rationalize taking your copy with you everywhere, you can still show your friends the magazine you love. Delve into our archives!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR OUR HOME PAGE TO ACCESS THE ISSUES

SATURDAY APRIL 18TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Buy/Collect Panel Discussions

@ Bookmen Stacks
345 Sixth Avenue North
Minneapolis
(enter through side courtyard)

2pm / Free

If you didn't make it to the packed-house opening of Buy/Collect at the Bookmen Stacks last weekend, this afternoon is your chance to see the exhibit in a different light. Today at 2pm, listen in on a panel discussion focused on "The Relevance of Arts Patronage" with panelists Emma Berg of mplsart.com; Amy Rice, visual artist; Frank Gaard, visual artist; Chris Atkins of the Minneapolis Institute of Art; and Sheila Smith of the MN Citizens for the Arts. Sunday at 2pm return for "The Growth and the Decline of the Contemporary Art Market in Minnesota" -- a must-hear discussion for working artists.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BUY/COLLECT SITE

SATURDAY APRIL 18TH

RGB Color Theory

@ Familia Skate Shop
2833 Hennepin Ave
Uptown Mpls

8-10pm / Free

l'étoile has known Nate Reiman longer than ya'll have known l'étoile -- and we happen to think Nate Reiman is tops! Not only is his photography stellar, but certain l'étoile-ites credit him as the inspiring force behind their pursuit of art photography. Head to Familia Skate Shop's new Uptown location this evening for the opening reception of RGB Color Theory, a collection of skate shots and portraits of some of the Twin Cities most kick-ass thrashers, a la Reiman. We can guarantee a spirited crowd and good art -- can you guarantee your attendance? We think you can.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FAMILIA BLOG

SATURDAY APRIL 18TH

Rumours Spring Fashion Show & Dance Party

@ Rumours & Innuendo
213 4th St. E
St. Paul

7pm / $7 / 21+

This isn’t going to take much convincing on our part, so we’ll throw out the vital information: 80’s styles, lingerie and couture, designs by Oskar Ly, Coco & Breezy (yes, THAT Coco & Breezy -- they are designing now!), Mitsou Ly and Brittany Hughes. Hosted by drag queen superstar Camille Collins at St. Paul’s newest gay bar. Don’t be shy about your own style either -- glitter and heels are encouraged!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT
Photo of Coco & Breezy by Kelly Lyall

SATURDAY APRIL 18TH

ARP! Release Party

@ Art of This Gallery
3506 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis

7pm-11pm / $5 suggested donation

Yes! The time we all wait for, when the new ARP! hits the racks. Each one’s better than the next. This issue’s theme is Cut and Paste, so look forward to articles on cultural appropriation, forgery and the future of the book. Pick up your copy at the release party, featuring tunes by Jon Nelson of Some Assembly Required and Slapping Purses, plus a film screening. Munch on Chow Girls food and sip Zipps beer, and admire the current exhibit, Rumble on the Southside.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

SATURDAY APRIL 18TH

Paper Toy & Pop Out Show

@ Pink Hobo
507 E. Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis

7pm-Midnight/ Free

Self-proclaimed geek art gallery, Pink Hobo, hosts an exhibit for design junkies, origami aficionados and paper art enthusiasts alike, proving once and for all that pop-outs aren't just for the kiddies. Tonight's group exhibit features a talented array of local and visiting paper design masters including Megan Brain, an artist for Cartoon Network; Milwaukee faves The Little Friends of Printmaking; and local talent, Mike Davis of Burlesque Design -- just to name a mere few. Don't miss this colorful, nostalgia-ridden show, but stock up on band-aids -- paper-cuts are an expression of this arts' affection!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

SATURDAY APRIL 18TH

Booby Trap

@ Bolt Underground
515 Washington Ave. S.
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / $5

The Twin Cities lesbo nightlife is fascinatingly varied, with everything from chic to leather. The Booby Trap (heh heh) is just one of a new string of girly nights popping up around the city, bringing the XX-chromosome crowd and their pals out in force. Sure, Booby Trap is definitely a home base for the girl-meets-girl crowd, but this joint also welcomes good-timers of all persuasions.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BOOBY TRAP FACEBOOK EVENT

SATURDAY APRIL 18TH

Menergy

@ Club Jager
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / Free

A bubbly thrust of human dance lust! A powerforce of classic and fresh dance ooze! Keep your body grooving, and your sex appeal at an all time high at this months legendary boy’s night known as Menergy! No, it's not the name of a porn, but the hairy, thrusting brainchild of DJ Grandmother Grant and video artist Time Squid. Tonight's edition features special guest Arlekeen rocking the clubhouse, as well as video artist Lindsey Borg. Hott!

Click HERE for the Jager Myspace!

SATURDAY APRIL 18TH

Idle Hands/Communist Daughter/Nightinghales

@ 331 Club
331 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / Free

Need something to brighten up the already fabulous weekend forecast? Check out The Idle Hands, whose latest album Loaded, (with a title track that is all over 89.3 The Current) is a sunny dose of wry, catchy pop just begging to be blasted out of your car this summer. The band's punchy sound comes with just the right amount of jangle, which you can see for yourself when the group plays Saturday at the 331 accompanied by Communist Daughter and the Nightinghales.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE IDLE HANDS MYSPACE

SATURDAY APRIL 18TH

MPLS LTD Party

@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave. W.
Minneapolis

9 PM/ +21/ $6

Local label, MPLS LTD, celebrates it's 10th anniversary in St. Paul tonight. With a killer local line-up of electro, rock, shoegaze, indie and psychedelic bands, the party's sound dips the stick into nearly every genre. Live performances from MPLS LTD label dwellers, First Communion Afterparty, Strange Lights, Mercurial Rage, To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie, Basement Apartment and Grey Skies. Between the sets, DJs Tim Ritter and Matt Werner hold down the dance floor for an intensely satisfying night of musical hodgepodge. And as if the bands weren't enough, paid admission also snags you a copy of the limited edition MPLS LTD 7” vinyl compilation. Party on LTD!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MPLS LTD MYSPACE
Mercurial Rage photo by Digital Crush

VOLTAGE MUSIC PICK: MARIA ISA

Voltage headliner Maria Isa is an explosive entertainer and fierce lyricist delivering a percussive, raw, and uptempo experience with a powerful combination of hip hop, Reggaeton, and R&B. Unleashing hot beats and sultry vocals at skull-crunching decibels, this Latina scene queen is quickly becoming a voice to be reckoned with. Best of all, Maria Isa and band will be sporting custom threads by Jodelle Gerdes. If that name seems somehow familiar, it's because Jodelle's cousin is Voltage/Project Runway alum Katherine Gerdes!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VOLTAGE SITE
Photo by Nic Marshall for Voltage 2009

TUESDAY APRIL 21ST

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 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, April 21st: War of the Worlds (original)
Tuesday, April 28th: Dark City
Tuesday, May 5th: Doctor Who & The Daleks (1966)
Tuesday, May 12th: Evil Dead II
Tuesday, May 19th: Aliens Double Header
Tuesday, May 26th: Zardoz

For more info, visit www.jagercon.blogspot.com

L'ETOILE NEWSWIRE

Tickets are going FAST for both Laura Fulk's Suffocate Fashion Show AND Voltage: Fashion Amplified! Get yours ASAP if you don't want to miss two of the most anticipated events of MNFashion Week!

Keep your eyes peeled for our full Fashion Week Guide, coming out THIS SUNDAY!

To buy tickets to SUFFOCATE click HERE

To buy tickets to VOLTAGE click HERE

Vid from Voltage 2008 by David De Young

Kingman Studios Robbed!

Say it isn't so! Famed party-thrower and l'étoile BFF, Brant Kingman, informed us that his Northeast art studio was broken into last weekend. Says Kingman, "If you see somebody hawking Persian carpets and DeWalt tools, and keeping tabs on sales with a WinBook laptop, please give me a call at 612-306-4597"

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE KINGMAN STUDIOS SITE

GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

Beth Hammarlund talks girl crushes!

another girl crush for the list...sort of

Michelle Obama. Carine Roitfeld. Daphne Guinness. Jane Espenson. The sisters Mulleavy. The Girl Crush is nothing new to me. Whether it's talent, style, or just that certain...I don't know what, I always have some new obsession on my radar. Lately I've really been into Dasha Zhukova's look. I know that she's the point of some controversy, and I'm not sure what she has to offer other than slamming good looks and a kick ass wardrobe, but right now, that's enough for me. I want her clothes. Especially her Rodarte.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TINY MACHINE SITE

GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR

Jahna Peloquin previews the HBO remake of Grey Gardens!

I'm so very excited to see the new film version of Grey Gardens this weekend when it premieres on HBO. The film stars Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange as the mother-daughter, accidental style icons both named Edith Bouvier Beale (the aunt and cousin of Jackie Kennedy). The 1975 documentary has long been a huge influence to fashion designers and stylists, and the film fills in the backstory on the duo before their legendary fall from riches to glamorous ruins.

Click HERE to read the rest of the article.

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

CONTENT © L'ETOILE MAGAZINE 2009

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Weekend What's What 4/9-4/14

PASTEL PRETTY

Although this weekend's party/arty itinerary has little to do with Sunday's Easter holiday, you can still embrace the pretty and go all out with a wardrobe tinged in pinks, yellows, light blues and greens -- it is Spring after all! Friday is rockin', with plenty of live music to keep you boppin', while Saturday satisfies your art tooth with a grip of awesome exhibits. Feel free to make this holiday weekend a wild one, though we wouldn't recommend showing up to brunch disheveled and whiskey-soaked -- mother will not approve.

xo-l'étoile

Photo/Design by Kate Iverson

THURSDAY APRIL 9TH

Solutions Twin Cities Spring Happy Hour

@ The Bedlam Theater
1501 S 6th St.
Minneapolis

5pm-8pm/free

Spring is the time to exit hibernation and start talking to people about all the projects you’ve been stockpiling over the winter. Solutions Twin Cities wants you to come out, enjoy the Bedlam’s rooftop patio and happy hour ($3 tap beers! Pierogies!) and share your ideas, projects, and brainstorms. Solutions’ new season of events is kicking off; their mission is to provide a forum for presentations and discussion on activism, art and design.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOLUTIONS SITE
Photo by George Byron Griffiths

THURSDAY APRIL 9TH

MOMENTUM: The New Comics Talk

@ MCAD
2501 Stevens Ave
Minneapolis

6:30pm / Free

Minneapolis is a hotbed of comic artists, and we’re lucky to call Zak Sally (of Low and La Mano fame) and Tom Kaczynski (of Transiberia minicomic and all-around awesomeness fame) our own. Peruse this retrospective show of comic art published in Mome, an anthology of contemporary comics, then gather 'round and listen to these two wax philosophical about their art, working as a comic artist, and living with dashing good looks.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MCAD SITE

THURSDAY APRIL 9TH

Kitten Forever & The Vignettes

@ Eclipse Records
1922 University Ave W
St Paul

7pm / All Ages / $4

Come down to Eclipse Records this Thursday for an early All Ages show featuring Kitten Forever and The Vignettes. Dishing it out fast, in short, sweet blasts of psychotic energy, this in-your-face, high-octane garage punk n' roll has more attitude than a Rottweiler on crack with their hilarious, irreverent lyrics full of sarcasm and sass. Consisting of just vocals, bass and drums, they yell, pluck, and beat their hearts out to fast, minimal tunes that bring you back to the days of riot grrrl. It’s like getting run over by a feminist fire truck! Openers The Vignettes pack more creativity and fun into garage rock than any other band in town.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ECLIPSE MYSPACE

VOLTAGE FASHION PICK: MARITZA RAMIREZ

With Voltage just around the fashionable corner, we're anxious to highlight our fave designers under MNfashion's premier umbrella! Ever inspiring local cutie, Maritza Ramirez, most definitely falls into that category. Whether she's behind the scenes at a local fashion show or working on her unique clothing line, she's not just a designer to watch, but a die-hard supporter of the MPLS design scene itself. Ramirez recently showcased her crowd-pleasing work at Cliché sponsored runway event, Avoid the Grey, where she collaborated to create a couture streetwear line that mixed her flare for feminity and fit with Anthem Heart's hipster-loved abstract screenprints. Asthetically adorable, Ramirez's collection caters to the “young, artsy Minneapolitan” ladies. We can't wait to see what flirty designs Ramirez has up her fashionable sleeves for Voltage! And speaking of sleeves, pay attention to them, since nature inspired, exotic accessory line, Rox Jewerly, will be complimenting Maritza's outfits for the Voltage runway show.

Get yer Voltage tix HERE, and don't delay!

BONUS: Check out the MNFashion Week schedule HERE.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VOLTAGE SITE
Photo by Nic Marshall for Voltage 2009

FRIDAY APRIL 10TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

MiniCon

@ Sheraton Bloomington
7800 Normandale Blvd
Bloomington

5pm Friday - 5pm Sunday / $20-$60

By now, you probably know that certain l'étoile-ites are die hard Sci-Fi fans (see our recurring Tuesday "nerd night" JagerCon, if you don't believe us), so it only seems natural we'd write up OG Sci-Fi Convention, MiniCon. This weekend revel in high levels of geekery rarely seen in polite society. Numerous panel discussions, lectures, gaming, musical performances, films, and of course, drunken room parties, will abound. Check out such informative panels as "Secret Underground Physics Labs," "How Not to Get Depressed when you Work Alone," and "Confessions of an Alien Hunter" among others. See unicycles and juggling, participate in the "Drunken Zar Sing-a-Long" at 5 a.m. both Friday and Saturday, and hit up numerous nerd-hosted after hours soirees in the hotel. A definite highlight is 11:30 a.m. Sunday morning, as our good pal and amazing author Rob Callahan will regale you with a few tales from his short story collection, Damaged Goods, as well as an excerpt from his novel Hellbound Snowballs and a few passages from his upcoming chapbook, Pent.

Click HERE to see Digital Crush's pix from last month's MarsCon at the Holiday Inn Select in Bloomington, and keep your eyes peeled for info on a l'étoile magazine sponsored party room (yes, really!) at this summers ConVergence at the Sheraton!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MINICON SITE
photo from MarsCon by Stephen Stephens

FRIDAY APRIL 10TH

Nightinghales CD Release

@ The Hex
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

The Nightinghales have been pleasing indie rock, dance, and folk audiences alike with their vintage sounding Kinks-esque pop tunes for a couple years now. This show will mark the release of their newest album No Looking Back. Aptly paired with awesome local bands Blue Bird, Zoo Animal, and Black Audience. If you foolishly miss this release, don’t fret. DJ Jake Rudh will be hosting a special listening party at next week’s Transmission at Clubhouse Jager, where the Nightinghales new album will be played in the midst of the sounds of their heroes – Bowie, the Kinks and T.Rex.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NIGHTINGHALES SITE

FRIDAY APRIL 10TH

Equilibrium Spoken Word

@ Weisman Art Museum
333 E. River Road
Minneapolis

8-10:30pm / Free

What better compliment to Weisman's featured exhibit Changing Identity: Recent Works by Women Artist from Vietnam, than a slamming spoken word performance from two of the nation's most talented and animated artists, Jennii Le and Sahra Nguyen. Linda Nguyen emcees tonight's rendition of the Loft Literary Center sponsored series, gaining props for its lexicon curveballs and ballsy rhythms. Special guests, super fresh Brooklyn-based hip-hop duo Magnetic North joins the stage for a night that'll have your head spinning with bombastic word treats.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE WEISMAN SITE

FRIDAY APRIL 10TH

Halloween, Alaska

@ 1st Avenue
701 1st Ave N
Downtown Mpls

8pm / 18+ / $8 adv, $10 door

Halloween, Alaska is back. After an accidental hiatus that involved several of the band members beginning families, switching locales, and embarking upon time-consuming side projects, their new album Champagne Downtown came out this week, and on Friday they play First Ave’s Mainroom. It’s an ambitious album, spanning many different styles and sounds, yet remaining cohesive.

Read the rest of l'étoile's article featuring an interview with Halloween, Alaska frontman James Diers by contributing writer, Max Ross, by clicking HERE.

BONUS: Acid Mother Temple in the Entry: Get ready to get down LSD-freak out style. This Japanese psychedelic “soul collective” was formed in 1996, and has been rocking ever since. Their shows are epic, 30 people have been in the band over the years, and they make good use of a synthesizer. With Sonic Suicide Squad. 9pm / $10 / 18+

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE 1ST AVE SITE

FRIDAY APRIL 10TH

Street Sounds Swirlin' Through My Mind

@ First Ave VIP Room
701 1st Avenue N
Downtown Mpls

10pm / 18+ / $5

Who slangs tha hottest jams in town? Street Sounds! You needn't look further than this hoppin' DJ night with its conglomeration of inventive wax flippers playing bangin' house, booty shakin' boogie, and glittery disco beats all night long. Dance your heart out while blowing kisses to cute boy DJs Mike the 2600 King and Attitude City, and sipping strong drinks a la First Avenue.

Sponsored by l'étoile, of course!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FIRST AVE SITE

FRIDAY APRIL 10TH

Robert Hood

@ The Loft
711 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

10 PM/ 18+/ $10 (21+) $12 (18+)

Alabama isn't exactly the state known for it's copious amounts of minimal techno, but that's exactly where world renowned DJ, Robert Hood, hails from. Part of the original line-up to popularize the minimal genre, Hood's style influenced the standard for techno music and ushered in a wave of stripped down, raw sound to the dance floors. As he continues to release albums, Hood's infusion of acid and industrial blends Chicago house and Detroit techno to create a progressive, hypnotic sound. Tonight, electronic party purveyors Hush and Aural Fixation present a funky set from the infamous Robert Hood with opening sets from thedeviousone, Ryan Tollefson and Jeff Wong.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HUSH SITE

COOL LINK: MIT OPEN COURSEWARE

You don’t have to be a genius, nor do you need to trek out to Cambridge, Mass. to take an MIT class. They’ve put almost all their course content online (1800 courses!) and made the readings, lectures, and quizzes available for free. This means you can take a class about American Consumer Culture, How to Stage a Revolution, or Feminist Theory all while lounging about your house. Get smart!

Bonus: Other schools have put their courses online, too. The Open Courseware finder helps you find them by keyword:

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE OPEN COURSEWARE SITE

SATURDAY APRIL 11TH

Buy/Collect: Arts Patronage in Minnesota

@ Bookmen Stacks
345 Sixth Avenue N
Minneapolis

Reception 6-10pm / Free

In case you haven't noticed, Minnesota is home to thousands of amazing artists and supportive patrons! Art Collectors and curators Robyne Robinson and Yuri Arajs have joined forces for Buy/Collect, a thoughtful representation of a select group of artists found in Robinson's eclectic contemporary art collection. A piece from her collection will be exhibited alongside newer pieces by each artist, prompting a dialogue between artist and collector. Well known locals of numerous mediums will be shown, including Terrence Payne, Al Wadzinski, Amy Rice, Frank Gaard, Ernest Miller, Aesthetic Apparatus, and more. Tonight, hit the opening reception, rub elbows with the artists, chat up the curators, and enjoy snacks and libations. You may just be inspired to start your own art collection!

An additional bonus to this exhibit is a series of panels occuring throughout the month that focus on arts patronage and relevance, the economic arts climate, and more.

Panel Discussions:

April 18 @ 2pm: "The Relevance of Arts Patronage". Panelists include: Emma Berg, mplsart.com; Amy Rice, artist; Frank Gaard, artist; Chris Atkins, Minneapolis Institute of Art; Sheila Smith, MN Citizens for the Arts.

April 19 @ 2pm: "The Growth and the Decline of the Contemporary Art Market in Minnesota". Panelists include: Greg Dickerson, artist; Sheila Smith, MN Citizens for the Arts; Martin Weinstein, Weinstein Gallery.

April 25 @ 2pm: "Designers & Galleries: The interdependence of Art & Design". Panelists include: Susan Wittine, Design Within Reach; John Alspach, artist/curator; Dan Ibarra, Aesthetic Apparatus Artists and Design Group.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BUY/COLLECT SITE
Art by Al Wadzinski

SATURDAY APRIL 11TH

Rift 36 Hour Songwriting Contest

@ The Beat Coffeehouse
1414 W. 28th St.
Minneapolis

7-10pm / $5

You can always tell it's American Idol season when music-related contests fill the air. And we're all for it, especially when the fate of the contestants rests in our in hands! Ah, the power. Rift Magazine sponsors a contest inviting talented locals to mix the spirit of improv with their lyrical genius to create - within the 36 hour allotted time crunch - a song that critics of the music world deem worthy of their stamp of approval. Come down and witness the action as 17 contestants hit the audience with their best shot. But don't be too harsh, nerves can do a number on even the best of musicians.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RIFT SITE

SATURDAY APRIL 11TH

Rumble on the Southside

@ Art of This Gallery
3506 Nicollet Ave S.
Minneapolis

7-11pm / Free

No, it's not a sequel to West Side Story. Rumble on the Southside is Art of This gallery's newest exhibit, featuring the work of artists Anthony Warnick, Patricia Healy, T.J. Barnes, Sarah Petersen, Jason Gaspar, Sam Hoolihan and more. Tonight's opening reception is the preview for this twenty-three day long Open Work involving “found objects” and encourages the audience to view the exhibit as well as participate. Fisticuffs not required.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

SATURDAY APRIL 11TH

Gamlelandet: Old Country

@ Umber Studios
3109 E 42nd St.
Minneapolis

8pm / Free

Without knowing it, photographer Sarah Christianson and painter Gary Christenson (not related) traveled to Gamlelandet, Norway in search of family ties and ancestral traces. Head to Umber Studios tonight and lay eyes on landscapes, images of family homesteads and portraits that bring the memory of the old country to the present.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

SATURDAY APRIL 11TH

Surrealist Party

@ Bedlam Theater
1501 S 6th St.
Minneapolis

9pm / $5

Practice drawing on your most outrageous Dali-esque mustache this week, because the Bedlam is encouraging surreal dress for tonight's party in honor of their upcoming production of Dali-DADA (Dali’s Liquid Ladies by Savannah Reich and Come to Dada by John F. Bueche). Local surrealist art will be adorning the walls; you'll be invited to make your own surrealist art piece; and spontaneous performance will take place. Plus, music by Hot Tony, DJ Dyanmo, and Asylum Soundsystem.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BEDLAM SITE

SATURDAY APRIL 11TH

ENVISION: Spring 2009

@ Graves 601
601 1st Ave N.
Minneapolis

9 PM-2 AM/ Advance VIP $35, Advance General $20, $25 at the show

Why do we love Spring? The multitudes of fashion shows of course! And nothing screams “Spring” like an extravagant mix of haute fashion, music, and hair art. ENVISION kicks of the season with an official launch party for Ignite Models and a fierce runway show higlighting new spring collections from some of hottest designers and boutiques in the Twin Cities: Cliché, Kjurek Couture and Local Motion, just to name a few. Tonight's entertainment features an interactive hair and makeup styling competiton judged by local fashion savvy correspondents including l'étoile contributor and Vita.mn fashion writer, Jahna Peloquin. Stylists from Moxie Salon, Rocco Altobelli's and L. Mae Artistry will be judged on creativity, technique and the ability to capture the vision of their paired garment. The interactive hair show will take place at 9, the runway shows at 11pm and Midnight with a electro set from DJ Timmay during the event followed by a house set from DJ Jevne. Don't miss the glamour, the swanky cocktails and your chance to absorb all of that Spring air talent. Tickets available at www.vitalculture.com as well as various local boutiques. Visit the website for more a full listing.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ENVISION MYSPACE

SATURDAY APRIL 11TH

Let's Dance

@ Red Stag
509 1st Avenue NE
Minneapolis

11pm / 21+ / Free

Just in case you were wondering what you were gonna be up to this Saturday, La Familia has it handled for you. Local faves Tendercakes and Millz Billz bring their move-bustin’ night known as "Let's Dance" back to the Red Stag this week for more beats and treats. If you haven’t checked these guys’ musical hijinx and turntable tricks, prepare to be impressed, as they pack the place from the windows to the walls with ass-shaking club bangers.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RED STAG SITE

VOLTAGE MUSIC PICK: GOSPEL GOSSIP

We’ve got a big old crush on a little band from Northfield gracing the stage at Voltage this year. Gospel Gossip picks at the corpse of early 90’s shoegaze bands like My Bloody Valentine or Galaxie 500, and expands on nearly everything sonically cathartic and explosive since then. Releasing forthcoming EP “Dreamland” on ridiculously underrated label Guilt Ridden Pop, we predict 2009 will see this trio burn the barn with their epic anthems of fuzzy, reverbed out guitar rounded by a plowing rhythm section, blending together into one thick wall of big, beautiful noise.

See Gospel Gossip live at Voltage: Fashion Amplifed on Friday, April 24th!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VOLTAGE SITE
Photo by Nic Marshall for Voltage

SUNDAY APRIL 12TH

Zombie Jesus

@ First Ave VIP Room
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis

10pm / 18+ / $5

Ah, Easter. The day when Undead Zombie Jesus shuffled out of his tomb and started wandering the countryside; hitting upon the foolproof idea that if he started putting out baskets full of candy, he could lure small children out to eat their brains. Party your pants off in the VIP room this Easter aka Zombie Jesus day, with Moongoons as you celebrate Jesus the OZ (original zombie) himself. After all, what would Zombie Jesus do?

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FIRST AVE SITE

TUESDAY APRIL 14TH

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 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, April 14th: Star Trek: The Voyage Home
Tuesday, April 21st: War of the Worlds (original)
Tuesday, April 28th: Dark City
Tuesday, May 5th: Doctor Who & The Daleks (1966)
Tuesday, May 12th: Evil Dead II
Tuesday, May 19th: Aliens Double Header
Tuesday, May 26th: Zardoz

For more info, visit www.jagercon.blogspot.com

Come watch Star Trek: The Voyage Home this week and you may just win a limited edition screenprinted JagerCon poster designed by local dynamos SQUAD 19!

Sweet flier design by Marc Iwanin

GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

Beth Hammarlund pays homage to the late Andy Hallett, one of our fave characters from Joss Whedon's Angel series.

Andy Hallett, who played the fabulous karaoke singer Lorne (aka "The Host") on Angel, died this week at age 33. Hallett had been battling a heart condition for five years. This fantastic entertainer and cult icon will be sorely missed.

Click HERE for more posts from A Tiny Machine.

Hallett's first appearance on Angel, singing "I Will Survive"

GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR

We announced it last week, and it has been all over the news since. Jahna Peloquin elaborates a bit on the long-awaited season of Project Runway and a few new fashion reality shows that will be debuting soon.

Bravo is developing its Project Runway ripoff, The Fashion Show, in which teams of designers work to create an entire line instead of individual pieces. Though truth be told, Bravo created Project Runway, so I can hardly blame them for ripping off themselves. Hosts include Isaac Mizrazi (yay!), Kelly Rowland (whaaa?), and Sr. Vice President of IMG Fashion, Fern Mallis. Check out the contestants via Project Rungay. It includes L.A. designer Andrew Christian, whose underwear line is regularly featured in gay-centric fashion shows in Minneapolis. (LOLing at Merlin!) This looks to be bitchy gay fashion fun.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LE PETIT SITE
Image courtesy of Bravo

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

CONTENT © L'ETOILE MAGAZINE 2009

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Sincerity, Minnesota: Halloween, Alaska frontman James Diers talks irony and music

by Max Ross

Halloween, Alaska is back. After an accidental hiatus that involved several of the band members beginning families, switching locales, and embarking upon time-consuming side projects, their new album Champagne Downtown came out this week, and on Friday they play First Ave’s Mainroom. It’s an ambitious album, spanning many different styles and sounds, yet remaining cohesive.

At first glance one gets a sense that Champagne Downtown might be a jaded, irony-heavy release. The songs have titles like “Hot Pink,” “Un-American,” “Gone With The Wind,” and even the title track – “Champagne Downtown” – seems to imply a snarky disillusionment with all that was once glamorous. Thankfully such is not the case.

When a certain amateurish music writer asked H,A lead singer James Diers about the possible ironic content of the new album, he was quick to set said hack journalist straight. The following is Diers’s uncut response. (Said writer had to restrain his narcissistic impulse to turn this into a narrative article – that is, something of his own invention – as Diers’s unbroken words are better, more entertaining, and more illuminating than any fake context they might have been assembled into.)

James Diers:

Irony is something we’re all pretty dubious about, actually. If you’ll allow me a backward tangent: We did a cover of the LL Cool J song “I Can’t Live Without My Radio,” which I think a lot of people read as ironic, maybe simply because, like, here’s this dude taking a totally brash hip-hop anthem and he’s singing it like a Thompson Twins ballad or whatever. But the truth is that it came from a really sincere place.

I grew up listening to hip-hop records, and that track was an early favorite, and I’d sort of rediscovered it and started thinking of it more as kind of a poignant thing. Like, the idea that having a huge fucking radio and just blasting your favorite music wherever you went was this totally revelatory, empowering experience, and then twenty years later it’s totally about iPods and everybody just having their own personalized playlists and preferences.

There’s really no risk in loving anything because you can go online anytime, any day, and find someone who’ll instantly validate you. Not that it’s all some horrible cultural backslide – that’s just been the evolution of things. I’m not disillusioned by that, per se. It just struck me as a little poignant. And so the idea for the LL cover was to treat it as kind of a wistful little tribute to the ghost of some bygone B-boy who might still be blasting his radio even if everyone was too occupied by their earbuds or Bluetooths or whatever to notice.

SO, that’s a long digression, but an extreme example of how I think irony can be unduly applied. I like to think we actually err on the side of sincerity, even if it’s not always totally direct.

See Halloween, Alaska live with Chris Koza and Aby Wolf this Friday, April 10th at First Avenue. 8 p.m., 18+, $8 adv/$10 door. Click HERE for tickets.

Max Ross is a blah blah blah writer based in Minneapolis. For more blah blah visit http://crackingspines.tumblr.com/

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Weekend What's What 4/2-4/7

AND SO IT BEGINS...

MNFashion Week is still weeks away but the scene is already putting on its game face. In the coming editions of l'étoile you'll be constantly reminded -- it's our job as art instigators and fashion lovers! Read up on a different designer each week, and plan out your itinerary early with the helpful info at the bottom of this blog. And while your here, you might as well figure out what you're doing THIS weekend; with everything from cool art exhibits to readings, dance parties to legendary punk accordionists -- we've got you covered.

BONUS: If you're in the mood for a laugh, check out our hilarious April Fool's Day blog, where we poke fun at some of our favorite Minneapolis scene staples.

xo-l'étoile

Photo by Kate Iverson/Styling by Eclecticoiffeur

THURSDAY APRIL 2ND

Grey Gardens

@ Ordway's McKnight Theatre
345 Washiongton St.
Saint Paul

8pm / $40-45

The once underground cult classic documentary of two indomitable women, Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter “Little Edie,” comes to life on the stage in the Park Square Theater/Ordway production of Grey Gardens. Every family has one, that embarrassing, eccentric relative, whose spit-fire personality you can either embrace or keep hidden. In the case of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, her aunt and cousin, the infamous Edies, became the gossip du jour in the 1970's. Headlines swirled around the once prime holders of a glamorous 1940's East Hampton estate who became reduced to cat-hoarding, squalid recluses. Channeling a young Bette Davis, with expressive eyes and charming demure, local actress Christina Baldwin stars in this two part musical set in the eras pre and post fame. Grey Gardens is at times humorous and other times heartbreaking. A look at fading glory and the sacrifices and psychological web of the family unit, with a musical score that plays the strings of laughter, cynicism and nostalgia. Runs through May.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ORDWAY SITE

THURSDAY APRIL 2ND

Bouncer Fighter/Bla Bla Blacksheep/Gerald Prokop/Telepathos

@ The Hexagon Bar
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / Free

If anything, tonight’s show at the Hex is going to be high energy. Bla Bla Blacksheep, a trio of charmers who play wistful tunes perfect for daydreaming or dancing, kick it off; Gerald Prokop’s perfect-for-a-rainy-day catchy songs are tested by a full band; and Anti-Civ’s Bouncer Fighter just plain rocks it.

BONUS: l'étoile's own Lacey Pripc-Hedtke plays in Bla Bla Blacksheep, so you know it's good!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HEX SITE

THURSDAY APRIL 2ND

Sin and Guilt/Holy Land

@ Minneapolis Institute of Arts
MAEP Gallery
2400 Third Ave S.
Minneapolis

7-9 PM/ Free

The two artists involved in the Minnesota Artist Exhibition Program's newest installation have set out to make “once a upon a time” personal. The exhibits of Sara Belleau and Nancy Robinson take the viewer to a folklore land where biblical texts become ubiquitous vernacular and a girl's memory can be transformed into a fantastic fable. In Holy Land, Sara Belleau mixes photography with lively, hand-painted backgrounds animating the ancient stories from the Bible, Toran and Qur'an into elaborate tales that explore their social/political meaning in modern terms. Memories transform into a story board of vivid color and humor as Nancy Robinson embodies iconic characters in the surreal self-portrait paintings that comprise the exhibit, Sin and Guilt. Join the artists tonight for a “mythical” opening reception of the exhibit which runs through May 31st.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

THURSDAY APRIL 2ND

Hot Roxx

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N
Minneapolis

10pm / Free

Join the Hot Roxx crew for tonight's super glam Ladytron after party at the Clubhouse! Resident DJs Jen and Nick are joined by special guests Annie of Awesome Snakes and Tracy of the Psychedelicates, ensuring that your evening will be choked full pure rock n' roll. You know how they do: Bowie, Pretenders, New York Dolls, Roxy Music and the best (and worst) of the 70s and beyond. Always a great soundtrack for vampin', drinkin' and flirtin', if you ask us.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HOT ROXX MYSPACE

VOLTAGE FASHION PICK: MAX LOHRBACH

Max Lohrbach has thoughtfully designed his Voltage 2009 collection for all the interesting ladies he’s met this year. Awww...He must be meeting some pretty incredible women, because his new line includes hand painted fabrics, embellishments, and the impeccable construction we’ve come to expect from Max. His love of the old seeps into his work; imagine fine couture vintage combined with historical costume dress, strained through a fairytale.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VOLTAGE SITE
Image by Jayme Halbritter for l'etoile/mplsart.com/Dress by Max Lohrbach

FRIDAY APRIL 3RD

Scion's Installation 5

@ Rogue Buddha
357 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis

7-11 PM/ Free

Rogue Buddha Gallery rolls out the red carpet tonight for Scion's Installation 5 Art Tour. Asked to create pieces of work based on the theme, “self-portrait,” the artists and painters involved in Installation 5 (making stops in only 9 cities across the country) have taken common concept and given it a fresh reinterpretation. Tonight's reception promises to be a mixer of art, music and visuals. Enjoy a set from DJs Jonathan Ackerman and Millions Billions and feast your eyes on stunning video art from El Yem, Ian Lynam, Peter Glover and Something In the Universe while touring the work of 20+ emerging and established artists, including Buddha's own, Nicholas Harper.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

FRIDAY APRIL 3RD

Coloring Outside the Lines II

@ Altered Esthetics
1224 Quincy St. NE
Minneapolis

6pm-10pm/free

Everyone’s always up in arms about “family values”. What about the children? (in a shrieky voice) This month, Altered Esthetics exhibits children’s art about their families, their idea of family and the ties that bind. We’re hoping to see some of the artists at the opening tonight. Talk to a kid about their art, get their take on families, and meet some mini-artists that can seriously be defined as emerging. Through April 25th.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

FRIDAY APRIL 3RD

Solid Gold/Yer Cronies/Switzerland

@ The Turf Club
Uni & Snelling
St. Paul

9pm / 21+ / $8

In case you haven't heard, our own hometown electro-psych rockers Solid Gold have been pegged to open The Walker Art Center/The Current's Rock the Garden extravaganza this June! They've been blowing up everywhere, so such a gig comes as no surprise. Tonight's intimate show at the Turf is a good opportunity to catch the boys in action before hordes of stampeding fans beat you to the front row. Openers Yer Cronies and Switzerland ensure you'll be primed and ready for dancing, and the Turf's signature stiff drinks will help ease the situation along as well.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOLID GOLD MYSPACE
Photo by D. Back

FRIDAY APRIL 3RD

Hotel

@ Kitty Cat Klub
14th & 4th
Dinkytown

10pm / Free

Jonathan Ackerman's monthly dance party, Hotel, welcomes newcomer DJ Niiko to the decks. Niiko's first time playing out pops off with a bang at this always-crazy dance riot. According to Ackerman, it's going to be awesome, "I've seen him in action and he's got what it takes, so come on out and heckle him, cheer him, and buy him drinks." And what Ackerman says, goes.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO

FRIDAY APRIL 3RD

Get Cryphy

@ First Avenue VIP Room
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis

10pm/$3/18+

It’s Jimmy 2 Times’ birthday! Which means he’s an Aries, and THAT means the party will be wild! No holding back tonight on the dance floor, ok? Give those DJs a run for their money. Scott Matelic is in town from Indianapolis to spin for ya’ll, and of course Plain Ole Bill, DJ Fundamentalist and the man of the hour, Jimmy 2 Times, will keep your panties in a bundle during this hot, hot dance party.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CRYPHY MYSPACE

COOL LINK: FINE WHINE BLOG

Sacre Bleu! A wine blog founded on unpretentiousness? No, it's not an oxymoron it's the basis of local blog Fine Whine. With features like “Should I Spit or Swallow?,” it's clear this blog is quirky and clever link with topics a bit cheekier than those gossiped about during your mother's wine tasting parties. In the spirit of the wine label, Sacre Bleu, hailing from the Southern France region Languedoc, where art is abundant and wine is a muse, Fine Whine merges pop culture -- youtube videos and twitter links -- with wine related facts, tidbits and details on Sacre Bleu sponsored parties. With the breeze of a click you can get schooled on the body of fine wine while still in your pajamas. Now, that's what we like to hear!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE FINE WHINE BLOG!

Sacre Bleu Wine is carried at Haskell's Wine Stores in the Twin Cities.

BONUS: Check out the Sacre Bleu ad campaign featuring music from The Alarmists and White Light Riot live from the Varsity Theater!

SATURDAY APRIL 4TH

Reads Like The Paper

@ Midway Contemporary Art
527 2nd Ave SE
Minneapolis

7pm-9pm/free

New York artist Patricia Esquivias has been working on a series of short videos since her MFA days at California College of the Arts. Spanning 3+ years of videos, her work brings up melancholy and the details of the day-to-day. Minneapolis mixed media artist Isa Newby Gagarin shows as well. Through May 30th.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

SATURDAY APRIL 4TH

Richard Barlow

@ ARThouse
117 1st Ave NE
New London, MN

5-9pm / Free

A few times a year, the private home of artists Andrew Nordin and Lisa Bergh opens up to become ARThouse, an unlikely space designed to showcase contemporary artists of the Midwest. Tonight, ARThouse invites you to view the works of art educator, musician, writer and artist, Richard Barlow. Barlow's digitally designed multiples and paintings are both locally and nationally known, with an aesthetic nod to the nature of Minnesota. While there, don't miss a chance to check out the intensive, eclectic art collection Andrew and Lisa's ARThouse boasts. And while this art destination may be a bit off the beaten path, it's definitely an excursion worth taking.

BONUS: Get there early, as the first 15 people through the door get a free arty door prize, a ARThouse tradition!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ARTHOUSE SITE

SATURDAY APRIL 4TH

Artcrank

@ One On One Bicycle Studio
117 Washington Ave N.
Minneapolis

7pm-Midnight / Free

We, like most of MPLS will unabashedly admit, heart a well-designed, eye popping poster, especially if it's local. Tonight, Artcrank returns to MPLS for its third year with a show of bicycle-inspired, original poster art for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. Artcrank 2009 features art work from l'étoile friends, Aesthetic Apparatus, Squad 19, Sevnthsin, and many more. Munch on snacks from Chowgirls Killer Catering; sip down free brewskies contributed by Rock Bottom Brewery; and enjoy tuneage by Keston and Westdal and DJ Millions Billions. Don't forget to enter a drawing for a special edition canvas bag - something no biker can have too many of – courtesy of Minnehaha Bag Company. We also hear pretty ladies and floral design dynamos Bastian + Skoog have a special surprise up their green sleeves, and that alone is reason to attend this party.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
Poster by Artcrank artist Steve Tenebrini

SATURDAY APRIL 4TH

Floating Worlds

@ Soap Factory
518 Second St. SE
Minneapolis

8pm-10pm / Free

In response to the latest gallery installation which features air-filled sculptures, Almost Nothing, from Clive Murphy, TalkingImageConnection and the Soap Factory present, "Floating Worlds." A reading event where Murphy's animated art is replaced by the oral word suspension of writers. Tonight's performers, Andrea Jenkins, Jen McClung, Meghan Maloney-Vinz, Heidi Rivers, Andy Sturdevant and Saymoukda Vongsay will share their work of poems and stories. Although both names could suggest a semi-ethereal theme, we promise an evening of tangible concepts.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOAP FACTORY SITE

SATURDAY APRIL 4TH

John Grider Art Opening

@ 501 Club
501 Washington Ave S.
Minneapolis

8pm / Free

It's official. Much to our excitement, 331 Club owner and art scene legend John Oulman and his son Jarret have returned with a sister location to the popular NE district venue. Bringing more numbers and, of course, more nightlife, the 501 Club promises tantamount, no cover parties with more performers than ever, as well as a larger menu and an expanded space. This laid-back, lack-of-label bar should be a nice pit stop for downtown dwellers, art lovers, and music scenesters alike. Tonight's art reception for local artist and graffiti guru, John Grider is a petit preview of the club's atmosphere, set to officially open for business Monday, April 6th. We're calling it: the 501 might just be our new fave spot!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
“Angel Baby” painting by John Grider

SATURDAY APRIL 4TH

Jason Webley Legendary Punk Accordionist

@ Bedlam Theater
1501 S 6th St.
Minneapolis

10:30pm / suggested donation

When an accordionist has a loyal following in Russia, they must be something special. Jason Webley’s wild squeezebox playing is sure to inspire a polka dance or waltz tonight. He’s theatrical, he’s a character, he’s well traveled, he’s produced a 7” record with Amanda Palmer from The Dresden Dolls about conjoined twin sisters both named Evelyn. Local bands The Painted Saints and The Bewitched open.

Twitter Gossip: Wildly popular fantasy writer, Neil Gaiman, just tweeted that he is going to see this show! Gaiman and Webley in one room may just make our heads explode and our shirts fly off!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BEDLAM SITE

SATURDAY APRIL 4TH

Satisfied 2.0

@ Secret Location
www.uncensoredus.com

While the flier design definitely brings the LOLs, we're pretty sure this sweet lineup of techno powerhouses will bring the dance party. Featuring Portland's own drum n' bass guru SPL, DJ/Producer Kyle Geiger, Hardstyle DJ Paladin 6.0, and Drop Bass Network co-founder Jedediah along with 24 more sonic purveyors playing electro, breaks, hardcore, house, trance, acid, and any other style of techno jamz you can possibly imagine. Click the link below to decipher the secret location, if you dare! Neon wigs and bras are not required, though probably encouraged -- it is a rave after all.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE UNCENSORED US SITE

MIXTAPE MONDAY: STRAIGHT THUGGIN'

OG gangstas Millions Billions and Tendercakes bust a cap in all previous music mixes with their latest download, Straight Thuggin'. A raw-dawg collection of rap anthems and street bangers, this mix is definitely not for the faint of heart. Warning: extreme booty dancing may be a side effect of this download.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE MIX

TUESDAY APRIL 7TH

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 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, April 7th: Hell Boy Blood & Iron (Animated)
Tuesday, April 14th: Star Trek: The Voyage Home
Tuesday, April 21st: War of the Worlds (original)
Tuesday, April 28th: Dark City
Tuesday, May 5th: Doctor Who & The Daleks (1966)
Tuesday, May 12th: Evil Dead II
Tuesday, May 19th: Aliens Double Header
Tuesday, May 26th: Zardoz

For more info, visit www.jagercon.blogspot.com

THIS WEEK'S FLICK: HELLBOY: BLOOD & IRON

L'ETOILE NEWSWIRE

Project Runway Back ON!

The following statement was released Wednesday night:

"NBC Universal, The Weinstein Company and Lifetime have resolved their disputes. The Weinstein Company will pay NBCU for the right to move Project Runway to Lifetime. All of the parties are pleased with the outcome. Harvey Weinstein added, "I want to personally congratulate Jeff Zucker and NBCU on their success in the litigation and thank Jeff for resolving this in a professional manner. We look forward to working together on our ongoing projects."

Look for Project Runway to debut on Lifetime sometime this summer! Perhaps with some rumored familiar faces, even. We can't wait!

Click HERE to read all about it!

WATCH A FUNNY MAD TV PROJECT RUNWAY SPOOF

Fashion Week: Save the Date(s)!

Spring Fashion Week is quickly approaching, so be sure to secure your tix and mark your calendars for the fabulous events during the week of April 20th-26th. Tickets are now on sale for both Voltage: Fashion Amplified at First Avenue AND Laura Fulk's Suffocate Fashion Show at the Lab Theater, so don't delay -- you wouldn't want to miss some of the coolest events of the season!

And just to put a bug in your ear: l'etoile is teaming up with our BFFs at Secrets of the City to throw a FREE mid-week fashion party on Wednesday, April 22nd at the Eitel Building's Sky Garden and Clubhouse on Loring Park!

BONUS: See Le Petit Connaisseur's weekly post below for the extended Fashion Week schedule!

To buy tickets to SUFFOCATE click HERE

To buy tickets to VOLTAGE click HERE

Vid from Voltage 2008 by David De Young

GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR

Jahna Peloquin fills you in on everything MNFashion Week!

With all the fashion events planned next month in Minneapolis, the entire month of April might as well be Spring Fashion Month. MNfashion has just announced the full schedule of events for MNfashion Week, held April 20-26. Click below for some events Le Petit suggests you put in your social planner.

Read more at the link below...

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SCHEDULE
Clothing by Coco & Breezy/Photo by Kelly Lyall

GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

Beth Hammarlund attempts yet another "Moon Manicure"

Over the Moon

I adore 1940s moon manicures (check out the nails at Christian Dior, below), but was slightly discouraged when I saw a few different online stories suggesting that this should only be attempted by a professional and/or must be achieved with nail sticker stencils. Well, I'm not one to pay for a manicure when I have a bin full of nail polish in my closet, and I've never had luck with those little drugstore stick'ems. (Though I have an intense love of tacky french manicures. They're coming back, ya'll.) So I've been determined to master the moon manicure on my own.

Read more at the link below...

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TINY MACHINE SITE

COOL OPPORTUNITY

Donate Wood-Themed Artwork to Altered Esthetics

From AE:

To celebrate our Anniversary and pave the way for another five years, we're having a big party and fundraiser. The silent auction will be wood-themed, and we need artwork!

Will you help?

You can participate by:
- Sending artwork created on wood
- Sending artwork created with wood
- Sending artwork about wood
- Creating art-blocks for our Art vending machine

What you get out of it:
- an in-kind donation receipt for tax purposes
- your work featured on the Ae website as part of the online gallery
- your Artist name and website listed
- the warm fuzzy feeling of helping an organization that exists to help ALL artists!
- extra warm fuzzy feelings (while supplies last, though Jamie claims to have an endless supply and is more than willing to share warm fuzzy feelings - and hugs too.)
- Artists can decide if either 50% or 100% of the final auction price goes to Ae.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE AE SITE AND MORE DETAILS

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

CONTENT © L'ETOILE MAGAZINE 2009

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

What's What Special April Fool's Edition 4/1

L'ETOILE MAGAZINE REBRANDS!

For years you've been saying it behind our backs, and once in awhile to our faces, so in 2009 we've decided it's high time we give in to popular demand. As of April 1st, l'étoile magazine will henceforth be known as "l'étwat magazine." The elitist attitude you've come to know and love will remain in tact, and we'll go above and beyond to inform you of even more events you probably won't be on the guest list for. To kick it all off, we've created this special edition of the new l'étwat magazine, highlighting some of our favorite cooler-than-you cohorts. Check out our brand new "Newswire" section, bringing you hot gossip and scene news, plus special features and articles on artists, musicians, and more (See today's "Before they were Stars" feature on DJ duo Tendercakes). Enjoy yourself today, and believe us when we say, you definitely need a makeover!

xo-l'étwat

THE L'ETWAT NEWSWIRE FOR APRIL 1ST, 2009

Too Much Love Calling it Quits?

This week DJ Soviet Panda made the shocking announcement that his wildly popular dance night, Too Much Love, would be canceled. l'étwat tracked down SP to ask a few pressing questions...

l'étwat: Too Much Love was so successful, why did you decide to cancel it?

Soviet Panda: Well, despite the easy money and easy girls, I kept telling myself I'm meant for something bigger, which is why I've decided to give up my life as a super star DJ to concentrate on my acting career.

l'étwat: Acting career? We didn't know you could act!

SP: It's a little known fact. I actually first starred in a Teddy Ruxpin commercial when I was 5 years old -- that's when I caught the acting bug. After that I went on to play rolls such as "child running with scissors," "extra" and "bully #2." When I got a bit older, I scored a roll playing a breakdancing Willow Tree in a teen musical theater company, which is when I became acquainted with "scratching records" and "beats." After that, my life took a different path, eventually leading me to Too Much Love.

l'étwat: So what are your plans? Do you have an acting job yet?

SP: Well, I have a lot of experience you know, Teddy Ruxpin commercial and all, so I am just going to wait for them to come to me. I did send out an audition tape Fox 9 News though, I read on their website they are looking for someone to crouch under the news desk and massage the anchor's calves in between segments. It's not really an acting job, but I think Robyne Robinson has killer gams, so I sent in the tape.

l'étwat: Ok. Well, do you have any plans to ever return to the turntables?

SP: Probably not. I am currently concepting my own cable access show entitled "Rock, Paper, Scissors" which is a full hour of a close up of my hand repeatedly playing rock, paper, scissors -- you know, so people can play along in their homes? That homeless guy that plays the bongos outside of 1st Ave told me it was brilliant, and I really respect that dude. My long term goal is to win an Oscar, so look out world, here I come!

Eclecticoiffeur Scores a Big Job

Our favorite styling troupe, Eclecticoiffeur, has been hard at work this year, producing photo shoots galore and helping bring the hottest local and national trends to your attention. A little birdy leaked some hot gossip to l'étwat: EC has been hired on by the National Association for People with Butt Chins to lead a campaign designed to promote the much laughed about facial feature. EC stylist Jahna Peloquin revealed exclusively to l'étwat, "For years, the butt chin has been considered an unattractive attribute. Much like Jennifer Connolly's unibrow or Angelina Jolie's fish lips, we think we can spin the butt chin into a national trend. Before you know it, people will be having their chins surgically split, thanks to us." she adds, "Celebrities like Ben Affleck, Michael Douglas, and Brooke Hogan all sport stylish butt chins, and everyone seems to like them." EC members Kelsy Osterman and Di Medlock concur, "People like butts. Let's face it. No pun intended!" laughs Kelsy. Di states, "As a makeup artist, I think adding a light dusting of body glitter and a little creative shadowing is all it takes to make your butt chin sparkle." EC's photo editorial "Butt Chins and Bling" will be featured in next week's issue of Vita.mn.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ECLECTICOIFFEUR SITE

Are Robyne Robinson and Scott Seekins Perfect Strangers?

Two of our hometown heroes have been cast to star in a remake of 80s hit show Perfect Strangers. The role of "Cousin Larry" will be played by Robinson, while the mad cap antics of "Balki" will be recreated by the charismatic Seekins. Details have yet to be officially released, but a Hollywood insider leaked the below promo pic and revealed exclusively to l'etwat that production will begin this May, and both Robinson and Seekins are said to be "ecstatic."

CLICK THE INFO FOR MORE INFO

SPECIAL EVENTS SECTION

WEDNESDAY APRIL 1ST

Dare to Dream

@ Fox Tax Gallery
501 1st Avenue NE
Northeast Minneapolis

6-10pm / Free

Just like a majestic bald eagle spreading its wings to fly, well-known curator and mplsart.com director, Emma Berg, takes the traditional concept of fine art to new heights. The new exhibit at Fox Tax entitled Dare to Dream is a vast collection of rare and out of print 1990s corporate motivational posters. Says Berg, "My day job as a HR professional at Target Corporation is obviously a big part of my life, and so is the art scene, so marrying these two concepts has always been a dream of mine." she adds, "Plus, I think bald eagles are really cool, and there are lots of bald eagles in motivational posters." Fox Tax Gallery owner Mark Fox says, "Since Emma installed the show earlier this week, productivity in the office has gone through the roof. We've even cut back our day drinking. If you ask me, nothing says "Teamwork" like a poster of a bunch of dudes holding hands while tandem skydiving." The opening reception will cap off with a corporate team-building workshop lead by Berg which will include trust-fall exercises and a 15 minute lecture about sexual harassment in the workplace.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MPLSART.COM SITE

WEDNESDAY APRIL 1ST

Bella Koshka CD Release Party

@ Ground Zero
15 4th St NE
Minneapolis

Midnight / 21+ / $10

Beloved local band Bella Koshka owns up to their own long-denied "goth" stereotype tonight by unveiling a new, one-track album entitled The Vampire Rises at Midnight. Poppin' off at historic Ground Zero, a cavernous, industrial-chic space perfectly suited for this epic event, the performance will feature a 45 minute long sound collage of rearranged audio clips from the 1931 Bela Lugosi classic, Dracula. Daywalkers will be captivated by the spooky sound of the new piece, as violinist Hilary Davis marathon-whistles throughout, and lead singer Laura Boland debuts her mad beat-boxing skillz for the first time -- creating the perfect soundtrack for good old fashioned self mutilation! In lieu of an opening band, Bella Koshka will release 100 rabid bats into the audience to kick things off.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BELLA KOSHKA MYSPACE

WEDNESDAY APRIL 1ST

Neon Bandana Swap

@ Robot Love Parking Lot
27th & Lyndale
Uptown Minneapolis

Noon to 3pm / Free

Popular design boutique ROBOTlove does its part to help hipsters remain en vogue during these trying economic times with today's Neon Bandana Swap. Bring your gently used banditos, neckerchiefs, and bibs to this Uptown staple and trade up! That hot pink bandana with the bright green and yellow paint splatters you've worn to Too Much Love a few too many times can be upgraded for a houndstooth fringe scarf, or maybe even a kitten bandito with an alcohol-related blood stain on it. ROBOTlove owner Kristoffer Knutson says, "While ROBOTlove mostly specializes in designer toys, housewares, and books, I'm a firm believer that no hipster kid should be without the proper gear, no matter their budget. If you don't have a bandana, feel free to bring your castoff lenseless glasses, fanny packs, or Run DMC t-shirts to trade." Show up early for complimentary Red Bull and ironic hot dogs, while supplies last.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ROBOTLOVE SITE

WEDNESDAY APRIL 1ST

Solid Gold Braces Benefit

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / $50

Head to Clubhouse Jager tonight and support a good cause as hometown heroes Solid Gold put on a wild benefit concert! Proceeds will go to help fund the band's longtime dream of getting braces. Says lead singer Zach Coulter, "Our teeth are pretty much perfect. In fact, everything about us is pretty much perfect. But if we're going to really be number one, it means going the extra mile and having the most perfectly perfect teeth. Sure, our music is good. But what really sets us apart is our dashing good looks - that's what we have to count on if we want to get anywhere in this industry, hence braces for the entire band!" The $50 cover charge will include a 5-song concert by Solid Gold, followed by a guy in an over-sized tooth costume performing David Bowie covers for three hours.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOLID GOLD MYSPACE

WENDESDAY APRIL 1ST

Bill Cosby Sweater Fire Sale

@ Coon Rapids Goodwill
11000 Crooked Lake Blvd. NW
Coon Rapids

10am-5pm

If you've been searching for the perfect ensemb to wear to the next ironic hipster convention, you've come to the right place! Hundreds of Cosby sweaters will be sold at bargain basement prices in assorted styles such as "geometric," "80s couch upholstery," "rejected Mexican poncho," and "eye-searing." Colors combinations may include, but are not limited to, teal, mustard, rust, brown, cream, fuchsia, hunter green and salmon. Also on sale will be a case of unearthed Dwayne Wayne flip glasses, nude photos of Lisa Bonet, and used copies of "Fatherhood." Complimentary Jello puddin' pops and jazz-shuffle lessons will be available on a first-come first-served basis.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BILL COSBY SITE

FEATURE ARTICLE

TENDERCAKES: BEFORE THEY WERE STARS

Sexy sister DJ Duo Tendercakes has been all over the place this past year, playing

the coolest parties and slingin' the hottest jams. But who were they before they were famous? L'etwat has unearthed a couple articles from our vaults by long-time correspondent Andi Hillestad, that paint a very different picture of the two glamorous record flippers.

An American Biography: Molly Louise Roberts

In this day and age it's sometimes hard for a girl to keep her chin up. American females are constantly bombarded with images of "perfect 10" women with no hopes of ever living up to their beauty. But in this great country there are also heroes that fight to balance the scales. Molly Louise Roberts is one such hero. I visited her at her salon, "Go Girl", located in an abandoned Dairy Queen in January 2006.

As I followed her through her establishment, she explained the philosophy behind the Go Girl Salon. "We pride ourselves on transforming women not only on the outside, but on the inside as well." She told me.

Molly stood behind a woman in a burnt up salon chair and began examining her hair.

"See, take this client, for instance- she's practically deformed. But I can use my gift to turn "it" into something that won't make people want to throw up. That's why I don't call myself a hair stylist. I'm a self esteem stylist."

The woman looked up at Molly. "Why are you combing my hair with a pinecone?"

Molly put her hands comfortingly on her clients shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Don't worry. When I'm done I'm sure someone will have sex with you… Probably."

Molly whispered to me "I'm gonna pray on that!" and escorted me into the next portion of the salon. We entered a small reception lobby with a color crayon sign that read "Self Esteem Therapy."

"This is a program I designed myself as part of the "inside" transformation we provide for these women. You can take a look at our Services List and get a feel for what it's all about while I finish up with my client"

I looked up at an old DQ wall menu with a list of services and short descriptions posted on it:

Ugly Therapy: I will show you several pictures of people who are much uglier than you and you can look at them.

T-shirt Replacement Therapy: I will give you an oversized t-shirt with a picture of a sexy bikini body on it. It's so realistic you can even fool a scientist!

New Face Therapy: I have life sized photocopies of my face that I will cut out and glue over your existing face. (I'm foine)

Eye Patch Therapy: I will give you an eye patch that will help to draw the attention away from your ugliness. If you are abnormally ugly, a rhinestone peace sign can be added to the eye patch to draw additional attention away.

Just then Molly emerged with her newly beautified client and exclaimed "AMAZING! Isn't it? I added some extensions for extra body- she's like a new woman! That will be four hundred dollars."

"But all you did was duct tape some shoelaces to my head and they don't even match!" Said the woman, "That costs four hundred dollars???"

Molly threw a DQ napkin dispenser at her face and said "YES BITCH!" then she took her purse and dragged her out the front door.

"Let me just put this in the cash register." Molly said as she pulled out a cardboard box full of purses. "Another satisfied customer! Now if you have any more questions, here's my card."

Molly handed me an empty packet of grape Kool-Aid.

"Call any time, but just so you know, I'll need those Kool-Aid Points back when you're done. This isn't a charity."

An American Biography: Josie Bell Roberts

A modern day hero, Josie Bell Roberts is a brilliant example of what the American Family is all about. As a stay at home mother, she devotes her whole life to the well being of her husband and two lovely children. I was lucky enough to tag along with the family one Monday in December 2005.

At sunrise, Josie wakes her family by shooting a gun into the wall.

"Oh don't worry," she assured me, "This is our special shootin' wall. We use it for practice, play, and just blowing off steam. It's great for waking everyone up, and it keeps the kids on their toes in case of martial law. Homeland security is a high priority in this house. I'm not really sure what's on the other side of this wall, but finding out is on the top of my to-do list."

Josie laid out the children's clothes for the day. For Lucy, she chose a magenta unitard and a Dale Earnhardt Jr. "Nascar" helmet. For Oliver, she laid out a purple dashiki and tap shoes, saying "This way, I can hear him if he tries to get up. It's sort of like putting a bell on a cat, but it's tap shoes on a baby."

As the kids were just getting ready for breakfast, Jeremy was heading out the door for work.

"WAIT! Don't forget your lunch!" Yelled Josie as she quickly filled his Kirby Pucket lunch box with a raw lobster. "Microwave it for 5 minutes on low" she said and out the door he went.

For the kids, she fried up a package of pork chops.

"As you may know, I'm raising my children on the Atkins Diet so they eat meat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but I like to trim the fat off of Lucy's portion, because her cholesterol is through the roof."

After breakfast, it was time go out.

"It's cold out, so put on your blankets kids." She told them. "Jeremy and I talked about it and decided that jackets are just blankets with sleeves, and we already have plenty of blankets so that's one of the places we save money in our budget."

We all piled into the car and headed out. Lucy drove and Josie rode shotgun.

"The first place we go is to drop off Oliver at his Baby Jujitsu class. We want him to know how to fight, that way he can protect the house. We don't have a dog so that responsibility falls on him."

After we dropped off Oliver, we pulled up to St. Paul Central High School. "This is where Lucy spends her days. She's only 5 and she's failing all her classes, but it's cheaper than daycare and she seems to like it."

Lucy grabbed her blanket and kissed her mom. "Word, I'm out!" she said as she kissed her fingers and made a peace sign, LL style.

"My little girl," Josie said fondly, "I'm just so proud of her."

We headed back to the house where we spent the rest of the day watching Mo Po, Oprah, and Judge Mills-Lane. At 3:00 I asked if we needed to go pick up the kids, to which Josie responded "Oh, no. They have cab money." And sure enough, 10 minutes later Lucy and Oliver came walking/crawling in the door.

Josie gave them both a loving high five and said "Hang up your blankets. There's some bacon on the table if you kids want a snack." Jeremy shuffled in the door soon after and emptied the lobster exoskeleton out of his lunch box into the trash.

After a dinner of beef jerky imitation crab legs, they put on some music.

"Time for Family C-Walk hour!" said Josie and Jeremy.

"YAY!" said the kids.

I was going to point out to them that they were not doing the "C-Walk" but only running in a circle, but they seemed happy, so I kept it to myself.

Josie went to the window. "Uh-oh. The suns going down… vampires will be out soon. Quick everyone, brush your teeth and put on your PJs!"

Once they were all ready for bed, Lucy led them in a prayer.

"Dear Elron Hubbard, thank you for my mom, thank you for my dad, thank you for Oliver, and most of all, thank you for my Latin Stars Hologram Poggs, especially Gloria Estefan. Amen."

"Amen." Said the rest of the family.

Josie looked at me and said "Get the fuck out!", then Oliver punched me in the throat. "HI-YA!"

When I woke up, I was in a bush on Marshall Avenue with a note stapled to my head that said "Don't come back!"

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TENDERCAKES SITE

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Monday, April 20, 2009

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

WIN A JOYNOELLE DRESS!

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