Tuesday, December 29, 2009

l'etoile New Year's Eve 2010 Guide

by Jahna Peloquin

We at létoile can't recall a year when there was more going on for New Year's Eve than this year. Perhaps everyone is just super-excited to blast into the next decade, or maybe it shows that the Twin Cities have finally reached a boiling point of creative talent. We'd like to believe the latter. Here's our comprehensive guide to What's What this New Year's Eve.


The swankiest shindigs in town

Want to see and be seen? Put these parties on your agenda.

Crystal Ball and reSOULution

@ International Market Square
275 Market Street
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+ / $35-80

The annual Crystal Ball is one of the biggest in town, and happens to boast our picks for Biggest Breakout of 2009, former Project Runway contestants Ra’mon-Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub. The twosome take a break from their busy schedules to co-host the fashion show, where they’ll also debut capsule collections of their latest designs as well as looks from OPM, Drama, Amanda Christine and more. The multi-level party also includes 12 DJs in two rooms, 20 bars, various lounges, and live music from The New Congress. CLICK HERE for a brand-new Q&A with Ra'mon!

[Christopher Straub + Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman / Image by Carlos Gonzalez for Vita.mn]

"Mad" New Year's Eve Celebration

@ The Hotel Minneapolis
215 S. 4th Street
Minneapolis

8 p.m. / $35; $199-299 per couple for hotel packages

Thanks to the success of Mad Men, ‘50s- and ‘60s-themed parties have been all the rage this season - all the better to dress to the nines for, we say. The swanky Hotel Minneapolis’ NYE fete includes a swinging soundtrack will be provided by jazz revisionists The New Standards, who are promising new tunes along with their usual mix of jazz-inflected pop covers. They’ll be joined by their choir, The Ascots, and seasoned multi-instrumentalist Ken Chastain. Discounted dinner and room packages are available if you want to make a night of it.

[The New Standards]

New Year’s Eve Casino and Lounge Show

@ Hell’s Kitchen
80 S. 9th Street
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / $65-85

Our favorite underground eatery gets transformed into an old-timey casino lounge for New Year’s Eve. Try your hand at casino games while Vic Volare and his eight-piece Lounge Orchestra take the Hell’s Kitchen stage. Admission includes hors d’oeuvres and desserts, unlimited champagne, discounts on cocktails, midnight party favors, and the show. Make a night of it with dinner reservations and you’ll get a discount on the ticket price.

NYE Masquerade Ball

@ Bedlam Theatre
1501 6th Street S.
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / $7-15

If New Year’s is just an excuse for you to dress as outlandishly as possible, Bedlam Theatre’s Masquerade Ball should provide the perfect backdrop. The evening’s eclectic music lineup includes the Mahadrin Klezmer Ensemble, DJ Asylum Soundsystem, and the singing saw-and-accordion outfit Dreamland Faces. Get crackin’ on your get-up now - prizes will be awarded for the best mask.

[Dreamland Faces photographed by Jenn Libby]

Naughty NYE Nutcracker (Not So) Suite

@ Ritz Theater
345 13th Avenue NE
Minneapolis

8 p.m. / 21+ / $22-27 for show only, $75 for package

Ballet of the Dolls offer up their annual one-night-only “naughty” version of their fantastic “Nutcracker (Not So) Suite” production to close out its 2009 season. We love this campy, gorgeously-executed show, which twists the classic “Nutcracker” fable to nearly unrecognizable form. We’d cry, “the audacity!” if not for the excellent choreography and top-notch dancing, hilarious performances (particularly from life-sized Barbie and Ken dolls), and over-the-top costumes. This evening also includes pre-show appetizers and desserts, post-show dancing and midnight champagne toast, and ultra-naughty intervals.

["Nutcracker (Not So) Suite"]

Dance into the future
At these parties, dancing is the name of the game.

Transmission New Year’s Eve Celebration

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N.
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+ / $5-10 (SOLD OUT)

Jake Rudh’s popular Wednesday dance night will make a one-time move to Thursday especially to ring in the New Year. This week, there's no theme - just your favorite mix of new wave, indie-rock, and Brit pop, and your regular dance floor boppers. Per usual on ticketed Transmission nights, the event sold out well in advance.

[DJ Jake Rudh photographed by Kate Iverson]

Deep Space Danceteria

@ First Avenue Mainroom
701 1st Avenue N
Minneapolis

8 p.m. / 18+ / $5-10

If "go big or go home" is your motto, First Avenue never disappoints when it comes to all-out parties. This year’s deep space-themed party, which will include a Moonwalk contest and Tang drink specials, a photobooth and a midnight “total eclipse,” is hosted by Drinking with Ian talking head Ian Rans, while the DJ booth is helmed by Too Much Love resident DJ Sovietpanda and friends. We’re hoping he brings out the Daft Punk and anything from the Tron soundtrack.

[DJ Sovietpanda at First Avenue photographed by Daniel Corrigan]

SOL2010: A Space Odyssey

@ Solera
900 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+ / $75-90

Another of the bigger parties in town is Solera’s multi-level bash, which will feature more than ten of the cities’ top DJs - including Bach, Jack Trash, and the Wants vs. Needs crew. Per the deep space theme, they’ll man the decks atop a giant spaceship stage, natch. To get you even more in the outer limits mood, our pal Timesquid (aka Hal Schuster) will be providing his zany blend of live video, alongside a live light show, go-go dancers and break-dancing robots, all hosted by MC Omaur Bliss. The ticket price includes open bar all night.


Timefog presents 2010: The Year We Make Contact

@ Secret Location
Downtown Minneapolis

10 p.m.-8 a.m. / 21+ / $20-25

Still wanna party? This all-night danceathon put on by the techno geniuses behind the Timefog collective goes into the wee hours of the night. The sounds come courtesy of Timefog’s very own James Patrick and Mike Gervais, as well as special guest DJs Someone Else of Berlin and Tlilaxieu of Philadelphia, and too many others to list. In true throw-back rave style, the off-the-radar event will be held at an undisclosed location with limited capacity; email info@timefog.net to snag your spot on the list.


More dance parties:
The Moon Goons headline Metromix’s party at Chambers Hotel with DJ Johnny D. Ticket price includes open bar. (8 p.m. $20. 21+. 901 Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-767-6900.) St. Paul gay bar Camp hosts a Black & White Ball, kicking off with a live comedy and variety show before going into a soul dance party and prizes all night long. (8:30 p.m. Free before 10 p.m. or $5. 490 N. Robert St., St. Paul. 651-292-1844.) DJ Frayz headlines GLBT club Rumours & Innuendo’s New Year’s Eve festivities. Also on tap: prizes, drink specials, midnight champagne toast, and a light show. (10 p.m. Free. 213 E. 4th St., St. Paul.) LUSH Food Bar has DJs Shiek and AJent Orange manning the decks all night and a free champagne toast at midnight. (8 p.m. Free. 990 Central Ave., Mpls.) The Centennial Showboat Theater sets off from Harriet Island to take a bumpin’ ride down the Mississippi. The hip hop-oriented lineup features a bunch of local MCs and DJs. (9 p.m. $25-50. Harriet Island, St. Paul. 651-227-1100.)

Rock ‘n roll out the New Year
More local bands play out on New Year’s Eve than any other year. Here’s our top picks:

Mark Mallman’s NYE Bash

@ Varsity Theater
1308 4th Street SE
Minneapolis

8 p.m. / 18+ / $12

For his annual NYE blowout show, manic troubadour Mark Mallman is promising a cover of The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love” with help from opening acts White Light Riot, First Communion Afterparty and Koo Koo Kanga Roo. His past NYE antics have included such stunts as him riding a moped on stage, a rollergirls singalong, and a cover of “Time of My Life,” so he surely must have more surprises in store. Bonus: Out-of-town DJs Attitude City put together the DJ playlist for the night.

[Mark Mallman]

2010: The Year We Make Contact

@ Marriot City Center
30 7th Street S
Minneapolis

8 p.m. / 18+ / $25-30, $75 VIP

2009 has definitely been the year of Solid Gold. We get to brag that we’ve been seeing them play New Year’s Eve shows for the past four years, and they’ve always put on a memorable show. This year, it’s for a good cause - proceeds benefit Vega Productions, which supplies musical instruments and art supplies to area schools. Also on the lineup: veteran DJ Freddy Fresh, electronic jam-band Heatbox, and Histronic. This is Solid Gold’s last hometown show for a while, so let’s hope they bring out their new, surprisingly awesome cover of “Danger Zone.”

[Solid Gold photographed by Eliesa Johnson for METRO Magazine]

Lookbook, Mystery Palace, Estate, Beatrix*JAR + Gigamesh

@ Sauce Spirits & Soundbar
3001 Lyndale Avenue S
Uptown Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+ / $10

Electro-pop fans, head to Sauce for an electro-fied New Year’s Eve. It’s hard for us to pick a favorite out of this bunch - electonic jazz maestros Mystery Palace, electro-pop duos Lookbook and Estate, experimental circuit benders Beatrix*JAR and remixologist Gigamesh. Admission includes one drink ticket, free champagne at midnight, and the chance to dance your face off.

Bonus: Check out this sweet just-released video by Estate for their brand-new song "In the Red"!


Unicorn Basement’s last show

@ 7th Street Entry
701 1st Avenue N
Downtown Minneapolis

8 p.m. / 18+ / $6-8

Over at the Entry, underground electro two-piece Unicorn Basement headline its last show ever . Apparently, they were born on January 1, 2005, and five years was long enough. The difficult-to-classify band has long caused music writers some head-scratching, but we’ll just say their sound has a psychedelic-meets-punk feel using experimental electronic sounds. Gospel Gossip, Gay Beast and MC/VL round out the top-notch bill.


New Year’s Eve with Kill to Kill, Jenny Dalton, Aaron & The Sea

@ 501 Club
501 Washington Avenue S
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / FREE

Backed up with the around-town buzz their debut EP Fighter landed them in October, indie-pop band headlines 501 Club’s first-ever New Year’s Eve show. The deep-toned trio gets much of its appeal from Sylvia Izabella’s sweet-yet-piercing vocals that bring to mind a more chilled-out version of the ‘90s riot grrrrl. They’re joined by another indie pop sweetheart, Jenny Dalton, whose backing back includes Cody Weigel and Adam Marx of Seawhores. Aaron & the Sea kicks off the l’etoile-sponsored night with their dark and dreamy pop.

[Kill to Kill photographed by Cody York]

New Year's Eve at the Red Stag with Jeremy Messersmith + Brad Senne

@ Red Stag Supperclub
501 1st Avenue NE
Minneapolis

11 p.m. / 21+ / FREE

If you’re in the mood for a more intimate, low-key New Year’s, head to Red Stag for an acoustic show by local singer-songwriter favorites Jeremy Messersmith and Brad Senne, sponsored by our friends at Secrets of the City. Snag some of the Stag’s famous truffle-oil popcorn, drink specials, and gift certificate and theater ticket giveaways from Master of Ceremonies, local entertainer Dylan Fresco. Get there early for a special prix fixe dinner from 5 to 10 p.m.


[Jeremy Messersmith, Brad Senne + Dylan Fresco photographed by Kate Iverson]

Grant Hart

@ Station 4
210 E 4th Street
St. Paul

8 p.m. / 21+ / $10-12

Hot off a fall tour for his first album in a decade, ex-Hüsker Dü co-frontman Grant Hart plays a rare gig with a full band. Hot Wax is a return to form for the eccentric performer, which Pichfork called “1960s-infused garage pop clearly from the same soul who wrote all those era-defining Hüsker Dü classics.” Opening is the Phil Solem Band, led by the former frontman of the Rembrandts, and the Beautifics.

[Grant Hart photographed by Steven Cohen]

Pretty Kids Collective New Year's Eve

@ Nick + Eddie
1612 Harmon Place
Minneapolis

8:30 p.m. / 21+ / $5

The so-called “Pretty Kids Collective” - The Idle Hands, Me and My Arrow, and Communist Daughter - play a show at the newly-revived Nick + Eddie. While we might cringe at the “pretty” moniker, we definitely won’t contest the fact that these are three of the rocking-est bands in the city at the moment. The eatery is also planning a tasty menu for the night and drink specials, so get there early if you’re so inclined.

[The Idle Hands]

New Year’s Eve Covers Night

@ Turf Club
1601 University Avenue W
St. Paul

9 p.m. / 21+ / $8

Turf Club’s third annual New Year’s Eve covers night boasts five hot local bands playing all-covers from the band of their choice. Vampire Hands is joined by Nate Nelson of Private Dancer to transform themselves into a psychedelic version of Television; Leisure Birds and Zach Rose (formerly of Young Dudes) take on The Monks; Daughters of the Sun aptly cover shoegaze legends Jesus And Mary Chain; Marijuana Deathsquad join with Total Fucking Blood and Gina to become Brian Eno; and Secret Language masquerades as Fleetwood Mac. While you’re there, head down to the Clown Lounge for DJ sets from Winship, TRL and Secret Language.

[Vampire Hands]

Black Blondie + Toki Wright

@ Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Avenue S
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 18+ / $7-10

It’s a hip hop-infused night at Triple Rock Social Club with headliners Black Blondie, which deftly mixes hip-hop, jazz, acid-soul and rock with the fiery vocals of Samahara Daly. Also on the bill are Rhymesayers rapper Toki Wright, reggae-ska band The Prizefighters, DJ Turtleneck, and champagne jello shots (yes, you heard us).


More rock shows:
Piano man Cadillac Kolstad faces off with Cornbread Harris at the Nomad’s New Year’s Eve celebration. Also on tap: Fuck Knights, The Goondas, giveaways, and “French Champagne” (not to be confused with sparkling wine, of course.) (9 p.m. Free. 21+. 501 Cedar Ave., Mpls. 612-333-6424.) Pretty Boy Thorson is joined by God Damn Doo Wop Band for a punk-rock-meets-doo-wop lineup at the always-free Hexagon Bar. The Evening Rig and Banner Pilot also play. (9 p.m. Free. 21+. 2600 27th Ave. S., Mpls. 612-722-3454.) Club Underground is featuring an all-bluegrass lineup, among them “comedy erotica bluegrass band" Courtney McClean and the Dirty Curls - which includes one of our fave local writers, Max Sparber. (7:30 p.m. Free before 9 p.m. or $10. 355 Monroe St. NE., Mpls. 612-627-9123.) E.L.nO. and Lucy Michelle & The Velvet Lapelles play Lee Liquor Lounge’s NYE “Rock-stravaganza” with DJ Jill Riley. (9:30 p.m. $10. 21+. 101 N. Glenwood Av., Mpls. 612-338-9491.)

Le'TALK: l'etoile interviews Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman

by Jahna Peloquin
Suffice to say, it's been quite the year for fashion designer Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman. Though we can no longer officially call him a local since his move to Milwaukee to take up a design position at Kohl's and jet-set around the country for his appearance on Project Runway's sixth season, our dear friend and frequent collaborator first established his design career in the Twin Cities fashion industry.

As he prepares to co-host Thursday night's New Year's Eve "Crystal Ball" event at International Market Square with fellow Project Runway bff Christopher Straub, he gives us the exclusive on what he plans to show at the event and the exciting things he has in store for 2010.

We've heard rumors that you and Christopher are not only hosting Thursday's event, but also showing some of your own designs. Will there be anything we haven't seen before?

Definitely. Christopher and I are showing small holiday capsule collections. I’m doing some all-new, really wearable pieces. Everything will be black and silver. One little jacket I'm doing is covered in four-dimensional diamonds. Literally, Brent (my boyfriend) was like, this looks like something Lady Gaga would wear. It’s all really cool. It’s very art nouveau meets space-age gothic.

Will the collection be available to purchase? We're sure people will be dying to get their hands on your new stuff!

It will be available on my website, hopefully shortly after the beginning of the year.

Speaking of the new year, what do you have in store? It's been a while since we've heard anything from you but we know you've been busy.

I will be on television again next year. It has nothing to do with Project Runway. I’ll be involved with two other reality-based programs, one of which is of The Real Housewives franchise. I’ll be showing (my Fall 2010 collection), but I might be bypassing New York this year. I have been asked to show during NOVA, Virginia’s fashion week and will also be showing at Chicago Fashion Week.

Besides your online store, will we start seeing the ra'mon-lawrence line sold anywhere else?

Yes. Ultimately in 2010, you’ll see ra’mon-lawrence as a label carried by a major U.S. retailer, which I cannot name at the moment. It’s a pretty, pretty major opportunity. I’m really excited about it.

We've heard murmurs that you've been planning a move.

I will be moving to New York in late spring/early summer, so that’s a go. What else... I’ll be doing an art-as-fashion exhibit at the Milwaukee art museum this summer, which will be a huge mosh of runway and installation. In late summer, I’ll be doing a college tour, going to different fashion programs and talking to the students, including a master’s workshop. And I’ll actually be going to Tokyo for awhile for a huge project which involves me getting with an overseas retailer as well.

Well it sounds like it will be some time before we get to see you again in the Twin Cities!

No, I'll still be around. I'm set to do a graphic t-shirt collaboration with (famed local graphic designer/owner of MCA and ex-YouWorkForThem co-founder) Mike Cina.

Ooh, we love him!

And finally trying to relax.

...Somehow we find that hard to believe. Tickets are available for "Crystal Ball" HERE. $35-50, VIP $60-80. Doors at 9 p.m., fashion show at 10 p.m. 21+. International Market Square, 275 Market St., Mpls. 612-338-6250.

[Image credits: Top image featuring Ra'mon in YouWorkForThem t-shirt by Carlos Gonzalez for Vita.mn; middle image by Eliesa Johnson for METRO Magazine; bottom image featuring ra'mon-lawrence designs by Robb Long for Minnesota Premier Publications]

Friday, December 25, 2009

Weekend What's What 12/25-12/29

HOLIDAY, CELEBRATE

With the combination of Christmas and "Snowmageddon," this weekend definitely has the odds stacked against it as far as events go. However, there's no need to panic! While this weekend may not be quite as eclectic or jam-packed as usual, there's still a plethora of good times to be had; film, music and dance parties abound. And if all else fails, you can always frolic in the snow!

xo-l'etoile


THIS WEEK ON L'ETOILE

The l'etoile staff reveals their Christmas wishes HERE

Stephen Stephens shoots our holiday party, Jubilee HERE

Jahna Peloquin updates our Holiday Shopping Event guide with POST-Holiday super sales! HERE

Horst Rechelbacher gives us his tips for a "green" holiday season HERE

Your daily gossip at LOL/OMG is online HERE


FRIDAY ART PICK: MARTHA RICH

She draws, she paints, she illuminates our insecurities and awkwardness! Martha Rich has a 1970s feel to her work, often drawing over pages of text. From the suburbs to the art world, Rich paints wigs, cakes, underwear, sassy sayings, and Loretta Lynn. Also, here is a quote from her blog, which fills us with awe and love for her: “I just realized I am reliving what happened to me at Denison University when a teacher told me I couldn't draw. Only this time I know they are wrong and I am not quitting.” She’s got a new website, so go and poke around on it for a while.

Click HERE for the Martha Rich site


FRIDAY DECEMBER 25TH

Silent Night, Holy Oulman Night

@ 331 Club
331 13th Avenue NE
NE Minneapolis

4pm / 21+ / Free

The 331 throws their annual "shitty gift exchange" party with a twist! This year sip drinks served up by guest bartender, art scene legend and hair stylist extraordinare, Jon Oulman, who owns the 331 Club with his son, Jarret. Oulman will be behind the 331's bar slingin' drinks and doling out shaved pork cheek sandwiches to the Christmas Dinner-less masses. Later that evening, Jarret Oulman and "Pigface" will behind the bar. From 4pm on, you're invited to trade your crappy Christmas gift for someone else's; just fork it over to the bartender and you'll be gifted with something potentially better...or worse.

Click HERE for the 331 Club site



FRIDAY DECEMBER 25TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

The Red Shoes

@ Trylon Microcinema
3258 Minnehaha Ave. S
Minneapolis

Various showtimes/ $8

We'll admit we have a bit of a soft spot for this Technicolor classic, The Red Shoes, based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Demonic shoemakers and magical ballet slippers are all set-ups which could have led the film down a very Buffy musical, dancer-exploding road, but instead the plot in this flick is more romantically charismatic than apocalyptic. In the British feature – now dazzlingly restored on 35mm – a young ballerina becomes the lead dancer due to some serendipitous red shoes. The film played heavy cultural significance for its devotion “art not war” theme at a time when the effects of a post-WWII American were still fresh in everyone's minds. Don't miss a chance to see this gorgeous classic in all its vivid glory!

Click HERE for the Trylon site




FRIDAY DECEMBER 25TH

A Very Special Xmas Staraoke Party hosted by Arzu

@ Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / Free

It’s a Triple Rock Christmas Tradition! Break free from your family and get what you really wanted for Christmas — a little tipsy, and a chance to sing your heart out. The bar opens at 8pm, so indulge yourself with some liquid courage, pick your song, practice your moves in the bathroom, and get ready to rawk at Staraoke. Hosted by local punk veteran, Arzu (Strut & Shock, Selby Tigers) the playlist will most definitely be more rock n' roll than Celine Dion!

Click HERE for the Triple Rock site


FRIDAY DECEMBER 25TH

No Ho Ho!

@ Jetset
115 N. 1st Street
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / Free

Jetset encourages you to get naughty this Christmas! After all, Santa has already made his rounds and you've got 365 more days to atone, right? Dance off that Christmas goose and eggnog with the sassiest gays in town at this intimate, stylish warehouse district hot spot. Featuring the bangin' beats of Ryan Smith (Rocket/NYC) and the one and only JR.

Click HERE for the Jetset site


FRIDAY DECEMBER 25TH

The Original Truth Squad's Xmas Edition

@ The Entry
701 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis

10pm / 18+/ $3

Local crunketeers and funk master flashes, The Original Truth Squad, deliver another round of party jams just in time to fill your stockings. With DJ sets from I Am Break, He is the Beat (feat. DJ Thunder Thighs and DJ Friends with Benefits), l'étoile fave Real Talk Radio and Rob Rob. Bring your college ID and get in for just a buck, plus enjoy ice cold PBR Tall Boy's for 2.50 a pop – now that's what we call the Christmas spirit!

Click HERE for the First Ave site


COOL LINK: LOL/OMG BLOG


We're still dishin' over at our new gossip blog, LOL/OMG! Check out one of our recent posts below and visit the blog for more!

Mallman & Friends cover the Cure

We love a good cover! City Pages' @gimme_noise tweets a link to Andrea Swensson's article which asks, "What happens when you combine two man-sized rats, a pair of dance-rap nerds, the singer from a psych-rock band, a hip indie rock dude, local piano man Mark Mallman, and the Cure? Well, it turns out you get a fun cover of "Friday I'm in Love," complete with a wintry little music video."

Featuring a cast of local all-stars including ringleader Mark Mallman, Bryan Atchison and Neil Olstad of Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Mike Schwandt of White Light Riot, and Carin Barno of First Communion Afterparty.

The video and song were release in promotion of Mallman's annual New Year's Eve bash at the Varsity Theater, which is always a wild time!

For more from LOL/OMG click HERE





SATURDAY DECEMBER 26TH

Home for the Holidays

@ Triple Rock
629 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis

5pm / $10 / All ages
9pm / $10 / 21+

Heiruspecs grants your hip hop holiday wishes with their back-to-back annual 'Home for the Holidays' shows featuring Desdemona & Carnage/Ill Chemistry, Minneapolis Dub Ensemble, DJ Bill Caperton, and of course the 'Specs themselves. In true egalitarian fashion, it doesn’t matter your age, you too can enjoy a show of epic proportions. The night after Staraoke, get thee back to the Triple Rock for this killer musical extravaganza!

Click HERE for the Triple Rock site


SATURDAY DECEMBER 26TH

Crunkmas 2009

@ Nomad World Pub
501 Cedar Avenue S.
West Bank

10pm / 21+

Get crunk with some of the Twin Cities funkiest funkesters, hippest hip hoppers and rockin'-est rockers tonight at the Nomad! Featuring City on the Make, Crunkmonster, Military Special, and Brown Moses, who will share the stage for this eclectic annual holiday foray into crunkosity.

Click
HERE for the nomad site


SATURDAY DECEMBER 26TH

Bomp XI: Special Saturday Edition

@ Bedlam Theatre
1501 S. 6th St.
Minneapolis

10 pm/ 18+/ $5

T'was the night after Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring...except for the Bomp kids! Tonight's super sweet Saturday holiday edition features DJs The Moon Goons, Jimmy 2 Times & Plain Ole Bill, Wzz Wnshp, Shannon Blowtorch & Asylum Sound System putting forth shimmy-worthy tracks all night long. Dance away the winter blues and work off those holiday cookie pounds you packed on yesterday. And since it's the last Bomp of 2009, prepare yourself for a killer time.

Co-sponsored by l'étoile!

Click HERE for the Bedlam site


SATURDAY DECEMBER 26TH

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

@ Uptown Theater
2906 Hennepin Ave. S.
Minneapolis

midnight/ $9

Buckle up those platform heels, swathe yourself in red feathers and tinsel glitter and get in line as the Uptown theater revisits their famed Midnight screening of the lustful, campy cult musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Prepare yourself for interactive melodrama both on and off the screen with racy live performances, sing-a-longs and a house full of steamy innuendos led by Twin Cities' famous Rocky Horror devotees, Transvestite Soup. Dammit your Janet, bed Brad and get your Meatloaf kink fix – all in one night! Can't get down to tonight's showing? No need to get your fishnets in a wad. There's plenty of sweet transvestite action to go around as Uptowns screens an encore Saturday, January 30th at midnight.

Click
HERE for the Uptown Theater site


SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: WHAM! “LAST CHRISTMAS”

As George Michael fans through the thick and thin (what bathroom incident?), we couldn't help ourselves this week. Really, who can resist this tearful Wham! ballad about a botched holiday relationship? Full of feathered hair, over-sized sweaters, bushy eyebrows, cheesy flashbacks – including an overly precious snowball fight – and the catchiest synth part to ever be in a Christmas tune. And omg, when George Michael is all wrapped up in tinsle we can hardly contain our '80s crush hysteria! It just isn't Christmas without adding a little Wham! flavor. Caution: this song will be stuck in your head for days. Merry Xmas from the 1980s.



TUESDAY DECEMBER 29TH

JagerCon: Sci-Fi Tuesdays

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N.
Minneapolis

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

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

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

Upcoming Events:

DEC 29: Back to the Future
JAN 5: Spaceballs
JAN 12: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
JAN 19: The Forbidden Zone
JAN 26: Earth Girls Are Easy
FEB 1: Return to Oz
FEB 9: Dune
FEB 16: Dreamcatcher
FEB 23: Nightwatch
MAR 2: The Hunger

This week's flick is Back to the Future




GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

Beth Hammarlund proclaims her love for Rhianna's video for "Hard" and works through a touchy fashion conundrum...

military fashion: yay or nay?

...I've always been a bit conflicted about military trends in fashion, especially when it's not just a thematic reference, but a specific item from military dress. Coming from an Air Force and Army family, for a long time I felt that using uniforms in an ironic sense or even just for aesthetic purposes was kind of disrespectful. (In high school, there no way my mom was going to let me go to school wearing a pair of army pants.) But as I grew up and my Vogue and W archives expanded to fill up an entire bookshelf, I got over these concerns. Don't get me wrong, I've still got my dad's framed flag in my living room and his dog tags on my dresser, but I also recently asked my mom if I could have his old garrison cap for fashion purposes. (She didn't seem to mind. Maybe she's gotten over her concerns too.) So what say you?...

Click HERE to read the rest of the article.




GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR

Jahna Peloquin recaps and links pretty much everything that was cool this month.
It's been a while since I've posted my usual weekly local fashion blog roundup, so here's a very-packed edition to peruse as you languish at your day job or sneak away from the family.

Click HERE for the Le Petit Connaisseur blog


Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson
Contributors: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin, Rob Callahan, Chris Larson

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

All I want for Christmas....

We asked our staffers what they'd most love to get for Christmas and the results ranged from Wikipedia entries to Slip n' Slides to art installations! While some of us are more likely to have our wishes granted than others, we're all in agreement that we're incredibly thankful for the gift of YOU, our readers. We hope you have a beautiful holiday season, and that all your wildest wishes are granted!

Rob Callahan

Staff Writer

In the early part of the decade, Livejournal gave out a handful of Permanent Memberships to select individuals. Most of them where either employees or influential online personalities (the likes of Warren Ellis and JWZ). Permanent Members were entitled to slightly better access than Paid Members, not to mention a certain hard-to-attain cache of cyber status, all without the need to pay a monthly fee. If I could have anything for Christmas this year, it would be a Permanent Membership not just to Livejournal, but to the whole internet. If I can’t get that, I will settle for a Wikipedia entry.

Juleana Enright
Culture Editor


I'm seriously tempted to pick the customized, studded metallic keytar Lady Gaga's been toting around on tour with her, but I ultimately decided on something very 'form meets function' – a haircut by the lovely Laura Boland. Besides being the vocalist in MPLS' dark noir band, Bella Koshka, Boland is one amazing, scissor-flailing stylist who specializes in “wearable artistic techniques,” “modern styles,” and “dry cutting.” Anyone who's seen the hair of Hilary Davis (Boland's bandmate and client), knows just how edgy yet perfectly polished her precision cuts can be. For some reason as my hair grows out it takes on a look I like to call “70's Leif Garret hair” - believe me, it's really not a cute as it sounds. I need a Boland hair-intervention, and pronto! Boland works at the Southdale Juut Salon in Edina Tues-Sat. and her gorgeous cuts go for $65 – a small price to pay for aesthetic excellence. But that keytar would certainly highlight the haircut!


Brian Gioielli
Advertising Manager

I really love water. If someone is looking to make my wishes come true this holiday season, they would consider the following anticipatory summer gift for me - a totally wicked slip 'n' slide. There are two I've been keeping my eye on. The Banzai Slip 'n' Six Pins is awesome because you actually slide into a set of pins to knock down! Bowling AND slip n slides all in one! I also think the Wham-o Triple Racer looks fun for when you really want to see which of your friends is the fastest slip 'n' slider of all. Plus, the Triple Racer comes with these mats you ride on simply called “boogies.” Grab your boogies gang and let's race! If I don't get a sweet slip n slide then I'm still open to Adult Space Camp (featured in the 2008 l'etoile holiday gift guide). I went to Space Camp as a kid after saving up my money for years and I'm ready for round two. Maybe I can convince them to make Pluto a planet again!


Beth Hammarlund
Founder & Creative Director

Ga Ga Oh La La! All I want for Christmas is this lacey woven raffia hat with four inches of fringe artfully hanging from the brim. Available from Not Just A Label, this avant-garde piece has been officially recommended by Lady Gaga herself and is a steal at just $149.00. The hat has been designed so that you can see your surroundings, but no one can see you. Perfect for nights when I'm too lazy to wear eyeliner. Oh Santa, I just need this ever so much.


Lacey Prpić Hedtke
Staff Writer

In my past life, I was a traveling 19th-century photographer, going from town to town and leaving a trail of tintypes in my path. John Coffer lives like it's the 1800s and teaches weekend workshops of antiquated photo processes in upstate New York. Students learn rare techniques like wet plate collodion – and camp the whole weekend – while learning from someone who's toured the country in a horse-drawn darkroom wagon. All I want this year is a workshop at Camp Tintype, pleaaaaaase? Only one spot left!


Jahna Peloquin
Fashion Editor

I am fortunate enough to have many friends with nice cameras and decent camera-wielding skills, but there are many forgotten moments I wish could've been captured. A friend of mine just purchased the Canon PowerShot SD780 IS Digital Camera, and I'm always left in awe of the results. Everyone looks beautiful and every moment, magical. And best of all, it's perfectly petite and flat - just the right size for my party clutch. Unfortunately, it's a bit out of my price range ($249.99) at the given moment, especially after a recent laptop purchase. Secret Santa or Mr. Moneybags, anyone?


Kate Iverson

Editor in Chief

If I could have anything my heart desires it would be to have local artist collective, Hardland/Heartland turn my apartment into a big, over the top art installation. I’ve long been obsessed with the multi-dimensional talents of this trio who count drawing, painting, sculpture, fashion, digital work and performance art among their many mediums. Their work transcends definition; constantly changing and evolving into a bigger, better and weirder visual phantasm. To have them redesign my living space would most certainly result in something beyond most human imagination. But if you asked me realistically what I want for Christmas, I’d probably just say a day away from my laptop without a massive amount of guilt and/or a single piece of art from Hardland/Heartland!


Chris Larson

Staff Designer

Leave it to a design geek to hunt out vintage magazines; I want every issue of Flair Magazine, which was founded in 1950 by renaissance woman Fleur Cowles (who passed away in June). The beautifully designed magazine—which featured contributions from the likes of Lucien Freud to Gypsy Rose Lee—only lasted a year, largely due to the expense of lavish papers and innovative fold-outs and die cuts...but it was stunning. Single copies are sold on eBay these days for upwards of $20 each.


Marina Maric
Staff Writer

All I want for Christmas is you. And a Chumby. This device may have a quirky name, but a powerful gadget hides behind it. Chumby is a wi-fi enabled radio, alarm clock, digital photo frame and a social networking information machine. It has a 3.5-inch touchscreen and apps like Pandora and Twitter; all in one handy little box. Love it. Want it. My morning pre-work routine (and by that I mean dancing and singing around the house while getting ready) would be so much more enjoyable if I had one of these.

What are your holiday wishes? Post in the comments section!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

JUBILEE 12/19

The most stylin' Twin Citizens came out in droves to the Rogue Buddha this past Saturday to party with l'etoile and Blacklist! Our super secret holiday jamboree was posted on the l'etoile blog last week for our readers, with a required rsvp to discover the secret location! We partnered with our bffs at Blacklist Vintage on this 1950s themed holiday cocktail party that included a lavish cookie buffet courtesy of the lovely dames of Cake Eater Bakery (as well as some from our friend and baker extraordinaire Katie Eiser); nostalgic holiday tunes (and after midnight, Bell Biv Devoe) from the amazing Jake Rudh; an open bar provided by Phillips Distilling featuring all manners of old timey drinks from scotch to Mai Thais; and of course sparkly holiday decor, lots of twinkly lights and wonderful friends!

l'etoile's staff photog, Stephen Stephens of Digital Crush was on-hand to capture all the fun!

For even MORE photos from this event, click HERE to visit the Digital Crush site.




































For more pix from this event, visit the full photo gallery on Digital Crush HERE