When we first heard the news that one of our fave hangouts, Azia, was closing, we shed a bloody tear. Not a True Blood vampire-style tear, but one consisting of tomato juice, wasabi and vodka. Our booze-lovin' hearts shriveled at the thought of no more Bloody Sundays on Eat Street. But our despair was short-lived: Azia's charming owner has brought his spicy Bloody Mary recipe along with him to his new incarnation, Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen. And that's not all. The brand spankin' new downtown locale offers up much more than just hair of the dog on Saturday and Sunday mornings, but fresh Dim Sum - a rarity in these here parts.
Armed with a camera, an appetite and one Janey Winterbauer, we popped into the Wondrous Kitchen on Saturday morning to sample Pham's new delectables -- and we certainly weren't disappointed. For those of you who aren't familiar with Dim Sum, let us explain: Dim Sum is a staple of Chinese dining culture, an Asian "brunch," if you will. A server comes around with a cart. Said server pulls up to your table, explains each mini-platter and prompts you to select what appeals to you. Think of it as an appetizer cart on wheels; each dish (served up in cute little steamer containers) holds typically 2-4 small samplings. Order a smattering and share - viola!
The Wondrous Kitchen's all-fresh Dim Sum selection will please both meat eaters and vegetarians alike. We sampled pillow-soft steamed buns and shark fin-style dumplings stuffed with chicken and pork; fluffy squares of steamed bean curd and saucy fried tofu; delicate, translucent dumplings filled with shrimp and veggies; spare ribs, squid, and a heavenly, sweet custard-filled bun. We topped it all off, of course, with a wasabi-infused Bloody Mary (and--we're not gonna lie--a Grand Mimosa, made with Grand Marnier).
Pham himself accompanied his cart of Dim Sum delights, explaining all the dishes in detail, and warmly welcoming us, as per usual. Yet another reason we love frequenting this gracious chef and restaurateur's establishments: Pham always remembers you, and treats all his customers as if they were his last -- a lost gesture in this day and age.
Want to try some Dim Sum? We don't blame you. The Dim Sum "brunch" is served both Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2:30pm. Wondrous also has lunch, dinner, happy hour and a fantastic night life schedule that we're looking forward to enjoying. Azia might be gone but it's definitely not forgotten, as the legacy lives on with Pham and the Wondrous Azian Kitchen.
It's no secret we've got serious warm fuzzies for the Twin Cities, and this weekend is as good a reason as any to shout it from the rooftops! From celebrating 25 years of one of our most iconic record labels to whoopin' it up at multiple CD release shows, epic dance parties and fantastical art openings, this weekend's line up holds a respectable cache of warm n' fuzzy summer memories waiting to happen!
@ Nicollet Island Pavilion 40 Power St. Minneapolis
7 p.m. / $20
To launch her F/W 2010 collection, local womenswear designer Amanda Christine is venturing out on her own for for her first solo runway show. The contemporary designer - long a favorite at local boutique Cliché and a regular at Voltage and Envision fashion shows - is bringing her collection to the Nicollet Island Pavillion for a Parisian-styled fashion show that will also include the new handbag line by Amanda Christine and K.Jurek, as well as a Cliché segment. We can already tell that her mix of bright colors, edgy zippers and romantic prints will definitely make one eye-catching scene down the runway.
Traditionally, the rock record books bode poorly for drummers-turned-singers. But S. Carey, the dude who plays drums and piano for Bon Iver, is busting out on his own with his first solo album All We Grow, and is debuting it live for the first time in a special in-store performance at the Electric Fetus. Fans of Bon Iver won't be disappointed - Carey has a gift for crafting expansive, cinematic pieces that unfold and bloom slowly and delicately, creating a stunningly meditative record that you'll want to hear on headphones on a quiet night - proving that drummers can do more than just bang the skins.
Bonus: Like what you hear? Head down to the Southern Theater on Friday night for the official CD Release show.
Artist and l'etoile homie, Dillon Bakke and photographer Mallory Lighter got a sneak peek of this year's Fine Arts show at the State Fair, and we're pleased to see some familiar faces! Around 400 Minnesota artists were accepted to the annual juried show, plucked from a pool of thousands of submissions. The Fine Arts Building (located on the corner of Randall & Cosgrove) is a great place to lay eyes on new work from artists--some known, some unknown--hailing from all around the state. Peep a few pix below to whet your whistle for the State Fair, which opens Thursday, August 26th and runs through Labor Day. We can't wait!
Amphetamine Reptile 25th Anniversary / GUIT.ART Show / AmRep Retrospective
@Grumpy's Bar (Downtown) 1111 Washington Ave. S. Minneapolis
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Free
While the big show on Saturday may be sold out, you can still pay your respects to legendary Minneapolis record label, Amphetamine Reptile, on Friday. Tom Hazelmyer's iconic label, which launched the careers of so many classic '80s and '90s punk and rock n' roll bands celebrates 25 years in the biz. And although AmRep has cooled down with its releases over the past decade or so, the beat plays on. Bands like the Melvins, the Unsane, Hammerhead, Boss Hog, Calvin Crime and more jumped to reunite for this blowout anniversary weekend under the perfectly tuned eye of godfather Hazelmyer. Head to Grumpy's Downtown this evening to rock out with the Unsane and Lollipop, check out a photo retrospective by seminal local rock photog Daniel Corrigan in the long-vacant (and sorely missed) Ox-Op Gallery space, and peruse an exhibit curated by Kii Arens featuring customized Waterstone Guitars from Aesthetic Apparatus, Grant Hart, Haze-XXL, Gary Baseman, Steve Ellis, Ed Fotheringham, Myles Karr, Jessie LeDoux, Little Friends of Printmaking, KOZIK, Plasticgod, Amanda Visell, plus tons of others. And like we said, the Saturday music lineup is sold out, but you can ease the pain by heading to Grumpy's in Northeast to suck up the sounds of Janitor Joe, Calvin Crime, and Freedom Fighters. Viva la AmRep!
@ Rhea Pappas Photography Studio 308 Prince St. Studio 411 St. Paul
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. / free
If you haven't gotten a chance to peep Rhea Pappas' breathtaking underwater photography project, Beneath the Surface, tonight is your last chance! One word we'd use to describe this series? Sublime. Languid, ethereal water-nymphs (who are actually real women of many shapes, sizes and ages) dominate large scale photo prints, bringing you into a quiet world of submerged beauty and light. Tonight, head on over to Lowertown and Pappa's studio for the exhibit's closing reception featuring a chance to chat with the uberly talented local about her subaquatic adventures and – of course – see them for yourself. Plus, enjoy live music from folk musician, Sarah Cotner, snack on delicious food, sip down something cool and mingle with awesome art-focused sorts. Maybe join us for a margarita at the Lowertown Barrio afterward too?
Local band Me & My Arrow have long been proving that size indeed does matter - at least when it comes to band mass. Packing a total of seven members (sometimes more, sometimes less) to create their mini-orchestra indie folk sound, the anthemic clan never fails to capture the crowd's attention and deliver riveting tracks laced with guitars, synths, accordions and strings. Tonight, the band celebrates their long-awaited EP featuring 4 unreleased songs with a killer show to back it all up. Expect sets from garage-punk rockers, Fuck Knights, recent Gimmie Noise “Band to Watch” and LOL/OMG approved band, Pink Mink and noise/electronic rockers, BNLX. Plus, DJ sets by Goldie Mink, Brian McDollars and DJ Skeleton Hand and a CD single release for Fuck Knight's “Bind, Torture, Kiss” track. Not to mention, Sir Gregory of Fuck Knights, Brian of Me & My Arrow and Pink Mink's Christy Hunt will all be celebrating their birthdays tonight so we can only imagine the kinds of shenanigans that will abound!
When we heard news that the Bedlam was closing, we gotta admit we were majorly bummed. But being the Ursula Upbeats that we are, we have total faith that the theater will eventually find a new home and the monthly dance night we've come to know and love, Bomp!, will continue to rock our socks off. For the moment, the Bomp! hosts say farewell to the Bedlam venue by throwing one last truly epic, ferocious par-tay starring an all-star classic DJ line-up with delectable dance tracks from The Moon Goons, the Get Cryphy deejays, Shannon Blowtorch, Wzz Winship, Rambo Salinas and Superbrush. Get your booties down to the West Bank, show your Bomp! love and get ready to shake it til it just can't shake no mo'.
We haven't heard a peep from this fantastic group in many moons! Musicians coin their own genres left and right these days, but we’re particularly fond of the way Minneapolis six-piece ensemble, Ashtray Hearts, has chosen to describe their forlorn, alt-country sound: Apartment Music (as it can be made and played in rented rooms). Slow, lush tales of broken hearts and regret are woven together with accordions, pianos, organs, and trumpets, creating a lingering music experience perfect for a lonely, stormy evening. But don’t hole yourself up with their record just yet: Ashtray Hearts is playing their only show of 2010 this Friday at the 331 Club. Because, really, melancholy music is much better enjoyed from the dark corners of a bar – with a good, deep lager and your most contemplative friends, of course.
No matter how bad life gets, everything just feels better in a pretty new dress. Just ask Marisa Lynch, a West Hollywood gal who, after losing her job just months before her 30th birthday, decided to give herself 365 new dresses in 365 days – on a budget of $365 dollars. Blogosphere, meet New Dress A Day, Lynch’s daily account of what thrift store dud she picked up for a dollar, and what she made of it. Uber-frumpy 80s floral mu-mu? Hello, sassy new sundress. Blue frock that looks like Mickey’s magician’s suit in Fantasia? No big deal – it’ll make the perfect shirt for a Dodger game. Follow Lynch’s sewing adventures and be inspired (you might want to un-drop your jaw, too) – here’s to the next 96 days (and $97)!
@ Clubhouse Jager 923 Washington Ave. N. Minneapolis
6 p.m. / 21+ / $8 before 10 p.m., $6 after
Step aside, pony rides and ice cream cake. Green Room Music Source may only be turning four, but they’re celebrating the real way: with drinks, a patio, and live music aplenty. Clubhouse Jager hosts an evening of local tunes from Ruby Isle, Story of the Sea, Johnny and Molly of Communist Daughter, and Maudlin on the patio followed by DJ sets on the dance floor, courtesy of The Current’s Barb Abney and the boys of Ruby Isle. The folks at Green Room are all about helping their artists reach a larger audience, so come on out and show your support – local bands in the national scene definitely deserves some celebration.
@ Cult Status Gallery 2913 Harriet Ave S Minneapolis
8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. / Free
Fans of crappy horror movies, put on your seatbelts! Tonight's art ride at Cult Status Gallery takes you on a visual tour of fictional artistic reditions of b-movies. Collaborators Heather Gabel and Chuck Norris (Steak MTN) piece together some creepy eye candy for you to suck on: movie poster art, film stills, collage and more. And no Cult Status opening is complete without some cold refreshments, some good tunes and lots of super-cool, artsy peeps.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY AUGUST 28TH
A Theory of Values
@ Soap Factory 518 2nd St SE Minneapolis
7 p.m. to 11 p.m. / free
The latest exhibition from the Soap Factory is a kudos to a short story by Minnesota-born author, Sinclair Lewis in which the protagonist seeks to ameliorate his surrounding and “do something in and for the world” in order to prove his value. In the spirit of creation as form of transcendence, curators Kris Douglas – Chief Curator of the Rochester Art Center – and Project Director for mnartists.org, Scott Stulen, present the biannual survey show featuring some of MN's most innovative contemporary visual artists. The experimental pieces and artists within this exhibit challenge and explore personal and cultural involvement with the notions of “place” and “location” while throwing a creative cog into the mix. Artists include Jesikah Orman, Andy Messerschmitt, John Fleischer, Joe Smith and many more. Not to be missed!
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
Art by Jesikah Orman
SATURDAY AUGUST 28TH
The Quickies! Tour
@ Clown Lounge at Turf Club 1601 University Ave. W. St. Paul
7 p.m. / Free
Few things are worse than long-winded, nonsensical prose, and nobody knows that better than the Quickies! In fact, this literary group is so adamant about quick prose, they’ve rented a van and embarked upon a Midwest tour, stopping Saturday at Turf Club’s basement Clown Lounge. In "short," each reader on this prose showcase has five minutes to read a complete work. Not poetry, not excerpts, not in five minutes and one second, but a complete work of prose in five minutes. Readers include bookseller, monster maker, and author of the forthcoming novel My Only Wife, JAC JEMC; Chicago-based slim fiction writer and co-host of a flash fiction reading series also dubbed Quickies, Lindsay Hunter; and Minneapolis’ own John Jodzio, whose If You Lived Here, You’d Already Be Home was recently published by Replacement Press. Long story short: don’t dither. Quickies! will be here and gone in a flash – and you don’t want to miss it.
Bonus: After the reading, head upstairs for the Debut's EP Release party. Details in our next listing below!
Ah, there’s nothing quite like a good indie rock band with solid guitar riffs and catchy energetic tunes. Enter the Debut, with all that plus major on-stage pizazz to boot. Debuting (pun intended) their new EP Carbon and Water, the band will yet again prove their chops alongside rockin' local bands White Light Riot, The Idle Hands and The 4onthefloor. Now, not only are we super excited to hear some new stuff from these talented gents, but we are thrilled to say that the cost of admission to this show includes a free copy of Carbon and Water. Um, hello? We’re so there.
The Ball is upon us, little monsters, so let’s celebrate! In honor of the lady herself, Jetset is throwing a dance party with nothing but your favorite Gaga songs, videos, and of course, cocktails in copious amounts. Even you suckers – er, unfortunate souls who didn't snag tickets for Gaga's Monday/Tuesday shows can get in on this event. So don your mesh bodysuits, tie your hair in a bow, and get your poker face ready: you may lose your keys and phone, but at least the dance floor’ll be hot like Mexico. Rejoice.
Bros of Dinkytown, step aside, it’s time for everyone’s favorite (and only?) monthly, mustache and muscle-inspired dance party. Sip the latest Menergy Drink and dance your you-know-whats off to the usual (read: pulsating and homoerotic) menergetic beats of “mechanical machismos” Bach 666, The Nightstalker and Sweet Talk Radio (Ken Hannigan of Anthem Heart). Show yourself off in the video portal by Playatta (peep the vid below to see what we speak of!). Serious Manplicants only (sorry, couldn’t resist).
When he's not serving up some lo-fi folk tunes as Peter and the Wolf, Austin's Red Hunter is doing the obvious: making catchy, ambient soft rock as his cross-dressing alter ego, Traffique. So it's not really the most obvious of hobbies for the folk singer, but we're digging it! A little more rock than Brian Eno and less operatic goth than Klaus Nomi, Traffique is holding it down for modern-day leopard-print-wearing rockstar dudes and bringing a little tranny flare to an otherwise tame indie world. Influenced by the native musicians Hunter met while playing in Fiji, Traffique's sound incorporates mellow beach harmonies and dreamy island jams with drum machines, psychedelic guitar riffs and synths. Summer ain't dead yet, baby!
Remember last year when Jake Rudh was in the top tier of contestants for the Mad Men Casting Call Contest, then got totally shafted when the website crashed for the last few days of the contest and a bunch of randoms who weren't even in the top somehow got into the finals? We remember it, bitterly. Anyhoo: the Transmission kingpin and general party starter (he's the one who throws the Mad Men party at Jax Cafe!) is not giving up. This year he's back once again for the online voting-fueled competition, which awards a male and female winner the coveted prize of a walk-on role on Mad Men. Visit site everyday HERE to vote for Jake. You needn't sign up for anything, just click "vote" - it's that easy. All personal l'etoile love for Jake aside, he REALLY would be great for the show. Just look at his picture: old-timey AND foxy!
Join l'etoile and the Minnesota Opera's Tempo group on Saturday, September 18th as we explore the depths of the Inferno and travel through the circles of Hell. You will indulge in luscious wines, nibble on tasty morsels and be seduced by the sounds of the Minnesota Opera's Resident Artists. myTalk107.1's Jason Matheson and Alexis Thompson will guide us on this perilous journey, which takes place on Saturday September 18 at the Minnesota Opera Center.
Tickets are available online for a well-worth-it $50: Includes wine, appetizers, and performances by the Minnesota Opera's Resident Artists. Sponsored by l'etoile!
Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Tara Sloane, Lauren Gantner, Natalie Gallagher, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin
Last weekend, l'étoile's own Kate Iverson and Jahna Peloquin, along with mplsart.com director Emma Berg, hopped town to visit designer and artist Max Lohrbach at the opening reception for his latest work in Mantorville, Minn. The amazingly intricate installation included painted figures in a late 1800s, Victorian-style arrangement - all wearing Max Lohrbach originals, of course. It was housed in the Mantorville Art Guild, which had awarded Lohrbach with a grant for the project. Afterward, we went to his charming old house, drank wine, tried on hats and looked at the thousands of historical trinkets scattered throughout the homestead. Fortunately, we captured all the loveliness.
A scene from Max's installation
A scene from Max's installation
A scene from Max's installation
A scene from Max's installation
Jahna wearing a Max Lohrbach design
Emma wearing a Max Lohrbach design
Jahna, Max and Emma at the Mantorville Art Guild
Mantorville Art Guild
The carriage house on Max's property
A selection from Max's 18th & 19th century button collection
Artist and l'etoile homie, Dillon Bakke and photographer Mallory Lighter got a sneak peek of this year's Fine Arts show at the State Fair, and we're pleased to see some familiar faces! Around 400 Minnesota artists were accepted to the annual juried show, plucked from a pool of thousands of submissions. The Fine Arts Building (located on the corner of Randall & Cosgrove) is a great place to lay eyes on new work from artists--some known, some unknown--hailing from all around the state. Peep a few pix below to whet your whistle for the State Fair, which opens Thursday, August 26th and runs through Labor Day. We can't wait!
Attention artists: The Fair hasn’t even kicked off yet, but the organization is already putting out a submission call for the 2011 Commemorative Art piece (the art that will rep the Fair throughout all the land next year!). The final piece should be the artist’s visual interpretation of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Attend this year’s State Fair for inspiration. Application deadline is Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 by 3:30pm.
As the dog days of summer dwindle down, the Twin Cities can't help but take full advantage. Fall (and winter, god forbid) are just a breath away so it really comes as no surprise that August has been--and still is--chocked full of lively outdoor events. From the grassy green slope outside the Walker Art Center to the gritty streets of the West Bank and even to the charmingly artsy strip that is 13th Avenue in Northeast, this weekend is all about soaking up the rays (hopefully without too much rain or humidity in the mix). We plan on seeking out as much summer as we possibly can. What about you?
xo-l'étoile
THURSDAY AUGUST 19TH
mnartists.org Field Day
@ Walker Art Center 1750 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis
2 p.m. to 9 p.m. / Free
Field Day is back again! The Walker Art Center is spending its weekly free Thursdays celebrating the success of our local artists and supporters with a full day of fun events and artsy activities. Join other doodlers at the Drawing Club in the Walker Open Field Grove or play lawn games and paint pictures in the famous sculpture garden. On top of all the festivities, the Walker will be holding a local Art Mart that will showcase tons of buyable goodies from 14 new-and-local artists. Shop tons of cool stuff, like limited-edition jewelry from l’etoile fave Ferociter, greeting cards from Vandalia Street Press, hand-drawn goods from Dear Deer Designs and tons more, all for thrifty prices under $30. To make things even better, all the proceeds from the art sale will support the Walker’s artistic and educational programs. Also included in the event are live musical performances, readings by the Rockstar Storytellers, food, drink, and creative camaraderie.
@ Minneapolis Institute of Arts 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis
6 p.m. / Free
You’re never too old for carnival games, and the MIA is celebrating this fact with an extra zany Third Thursday extravaganza! This time, the monthly celebration teams up with the museum's annual Art Perchance fundraiser. Try your hand at nine art-inspired carnival games, including “Van Gogh’s Olive Pool” (like regular pool, only the table is reminiscent of Van Gogh’s “Olive Trees” painting, and the 8 ball is shaped like an olive) and “Hoopla Doryphoros,” a ring toss on to Greek statues (like the one in the M.I.A.’s foyer). Continue the frolicking with live music by The Alarmists, a buffet of carnival treats, and cocktails aplenty at the cash bar. And as all proceeds go to charity, by all means overindulge (thankfully, this carnival left out the Tilt-a-Whirl).
After months of waiting and two rescheduled parties, the design-savvy folks at ROBOTlove are finally relaxing their long-sealed lips – the officially Dunny 2010 Series Release Party is upon us. The fantastic designs from Kidrobot’s curated group of of-the-moment artists and designers (including the likes of Amanda Visell, Aya Kakeda, CW, Damarak the Destroyer, Doktor A, Esther Kim, Frank Kozik, Huck Gee, Jesse Hernandez, MAD, MCA, Michelle Valigura, Shelterbank, Sket One, Sneaky Raccoon, The Beast Brothers, Tizieu, Travis Cain, and Triclops Studio) are sure to excite even the longtime collector. With 21 different variations – including wizards, sports fanatics, martial artists, BFFs, cholos, and condiments – this may be one of the most exciting and extensive series to date. Kidrobot is also giving away a super special Sket One three-inch Dunny and Dunny tote bags for those purchasing a full case. (Limit one case per person.) Oh, and gallons of vitaminwater will be on hand to keep excited fans hydrated.
A whole weekend of sick beats and hip-hop treats? Yes! Get ready for a sweet, three-show affair featuring music from local freestyle rapper, Eyedea; lyric-driven beat master, Carnage the Executioner; genre-sprawler, Kristoff Krane; free-jazz rappers, Face Candy; indie jammers, Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream; and Maryland's melodic hip-hop duo, Educated Consumers. The epic Mini-Sota Tour – which officially kicked off yesterday – continues tonight at Cause (the former Sauce bar) with a beat-bashing set featuring Face Candy and Educated Consumer and a taste of experimental comedic stylings from Twin Cities funnyman, Chris Knutson. Then on Friday, head to the West Bank as Eyedea & Carnage and Educated Consumers take the stage for a blow-out performance. St. Paul hip-hop fans don't despair, the tour wraps up with Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream, Kristoff Krane and Educated Consumer at the Turf Club.
London-based artist, Chloe Early has no use for frivolous things like gravity. Instead Early is endlessly fascinated with the balancing act of life itself. Her oil paintings feature urban landscapes where wondrous things happen, often at the ignorance of her suspended and obvious Beach-Blanket characters. Her works are a surrealist pop art journey through urban design and architecture, with underlying themes of nature, innocence, escapism, glamour and kitsch. They form regal art examples of an alternative universe more dystopian than uptopian.
Shuga Records 165 13th Avenue Northeast Minneapolis
Starting 6 p.m. Friday / Free
No Minneapolis summer would be complete without a music festival (or six) in every neighborhood. Showcasing some of our favorite bands in town, the folks of 13th Avenue are throwing the Nordeast Music Festival this weekend. Hit up the Ritz Theater on Friday and Saturday for tunage from The Hopefuls, Zoo Animal, Liminal Phase, The Mighty Mofos, the Goondas and others. Saturday. The party rocks to the 331 Club on Saturday, where you can catch more local acts, including Haley Bonar, National Bird, and Dark Dark Dark. Mayslack’s and Shaw’s will also hold shows throughout the weekend, and Shuga Records will play host to the Minneapolis Electronic Music Festival, with some of the sickest beats and breakdowns this city has to offer (think The Punisher, Woody McBride, Bach 666, Attitude City, Aaron Bliss, the Nightstalker and so much more). Sounds to us like next weekend’s fests have a tough act to follow.
Something to Do Until the End of the World: The Art of Curtiss A
@ Gallery 122 at Hang It, Inc. 122 8th Street SE Minneapolis
7 p.m. / Free
Named for a Minneapolis landmark and “born at the exact moment the Age of Aquarius dawned,” Curtiss A has epic written all over him (okay, not literally – although we wouldn’t be surprised if he did some day). One of the original artists on the Twin/Tone label, this local rock godfather is the man behind the annual John Lennon show at First Avenue and the star of an ongoing Amy Buchanan documentary, but we digress. After a family tragedy left Curtiss A on temporary hiatus from music, he began making dreamscapey collages – a showing of which opens Friday at Hang It’s Gallery 122. His collages are known for their curious mix of multiple mediums and periods of art (specifically different styles of comic book illustrations), and for their sense of humor. Fittingly, Curtiss has titled the exhibit “Something to do until the end of the world,” and the opening will feature a live acoustic set from the artist himself, as well as a live installation/re-creation of his 3-D sculpture work. Go, and expect the unexpected (in case, you know, the world ends Saturday and you don’t get another chance).
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY AUGUST 20TH (THROUGH AUG 28TH)
The Polish Pugilist
@ 1419 1419 Washington Ave S Minneapolis
8 p.m. / $15 standing tickets, $25 seated
Who'd have thought that a classic anti-capitalist novel revealing the horrors of Chicago's meat-packing industry and “The Italian Stallion” could combine to produce a radical performance piece on Polish immigration. And yet The Jungle and Rocky are indeed the couplet of inspiration behind writer/director Jeremy Catterton's latest production, The Polish Pugilist. Following the story of capitalism and immigration from the early 1900's to the mid-70's, the triptych production features three narrative acts – each set on separate floors of the 1419 space – exploring historic timeline and alternative theater methodologies. The show runs through August 28th and includes lighting design from Bryant Locher, visual art and design installations from Jesse Draxler and Nathaniel Smith, costumes by Hilary Falk, as well as collaborations with some of MPLS' most neoteric artists in the dance, music and theater scene. Tickets are only available by emailing ThePolishPugilist@gmail.com, so act snappy!
@ Cause Spirits & Soundbar 3001 Lyndale Minneapolis
9:30 p.m. / 21+ / $10
This Friday at the venue formerly known as Sauce, the band currently known as Halloween, Alaska will play its first Minneapolis gig in almost a year! Thoughtfully straddling that fickle line between electronic and organic, Halloween, Alaska delivers the perfect end of summer late night cocktail hour soundtrack with their deeply atmospheric brand of synth-laden pop and simmering indie anthems. Expect a disarming set of new and old tunes that will leave you truly mesmerized by the power of pop. Be sure to arrive in time for the Music Nerd Olympics, hosted by Sean McPherson of Trivia Mafia, and a live set by special guests No Bird Sing.
Local electronic music producer, Gigamesh, is one of the Twin Cities musical treasures. A stalwart fixture on local, national and international music blogs for his killer remixes of dance and indie tracks AND as a producer on numerous albums (as well as being a serious party-startin' DJ), it was only a matter of time before Gigamesh left us for greener pastures. The green pasture in question being Miami, where he'll join his musical collaborators, DiscoTech, to stir up more "stellar" sounds for the world to enjoy. You've likely heard about Gigamesh's viral remix of the infamous "Double Rainbow" video, where he laid some fresh beats over the hilarious words of the crazy "It's so intense!" hippy - instantly turning an internet meme into something purely danceable and epic. Join Gigamesh this evening for his going away party along with some of his awesome friends including the ladies of Tendercakes and Monsterbrüsten plus Grant and Maggie of Lookbook, who will debut a couple special new tracks that have the Gigamesh magic touch.
Click HERE to read Gigamesh's exit interview with Gimme Noise
COOL LINK: NOW LIKE PHOTOGRAPHS
What's l'etoile checking out on the web this week?
For those of you who prefer to stream radio online (or who can’t find an excuse to be the car from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays), NowLikePhotographs is the web counterpart to the same-named Radio K show that plays, in the words of its DJs, “epic experimental music,” straight up. That is to say, from stalwarts like Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky to probably you if you play instrumental music and send them a CD (their words again), Now Like Photographs features any assortment of instrumental post-rock, ambient, bedroom electronica, and neo-classical. What Monday (or any other day of the week, for that matter) doesn’t deserve a soaringly grandiloquent soundtrack? Aside from streaming in multiple speeds, the site highlights a new record every week and archives the show’s playlists. Because obviously the epitome of a cool link is one that helps you spew the names of songs, bands, and genres even your most hipster of friends have never even heard of.
Comic book nerds will surely be out in full force this Saturday as the inaugural Minneapolis Indie Xpo takes flight at the Soap Factory. An ode to independent comics and cartoonists, this event will be informative, educational, visually awesome and above all, nerdy (in the best possible way, of course)! Peruse a plethora of handmade comic books, meet comic artists, publishers and writers, listen in on discussion panels, or learn some mad skillz in workshops for screen printing, book binding and more. There will also be 90 vendors on hand, shilling their independently published tomes and comic-related wares. Not to mention, the Donut Cooperative will be on hand selling their to-die-for baked goods - and that alone is reason enough to stop by the Soap today!
You know what’s better than enjoying a pint of beer while relaxing with this great summer weather? Doing it to the tune of some of the finest local sounds the Twin Cities has to offer. The main outdoor stage will be in the lot adjacent to the Nomad, and begins with Spider John Koerner. The set list includes the epic sounds of International Reggae All Stars, the Brass Kings, Book of Right On, the furiously awesome Red Pens, the phenomenal Chooglin’, and the always entertaining Infiammati Fire Circus (we’re wildly excited based on the name alone). Tunes continue at multiple locations throughout the West Bank with performances from the likes of Dessa, Mark Mallman, Lucy Michelle & The Velvet Lapelles and many more. A $5 wristband gets you into all the venues. So Stop down, listen to music, enjoy life!
We know where we'll be this Saturday...hanging at the Red Stag's kick-ass Block Party, of course! Back for another round of summery outdoor fun, today's free, rain-or-shine event features an eclectic array of hot local musicians including sets from MPLS' fave cover band, E.L.nO; indie gospel-rich rockers, Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons; hootenanny-inducing zoukers, Black Audience; electro hip-hop duo, Bight Club and more! Plus, enjoy entertaining street feats from the North Star Roller Girls and Familia Skate Shop. Pop some hip-action during the Spot Spa Hula Hoop Contest or just take in the great local tuneage while chowing down on locally farmed, organic treats from the Red Stag's kitchen and sipping cold Prairie Vodka cocktails, Crispin Ciders, Schells and Grainbelt beer, Red Bull or OKO organic wine. After the fest, head inside for a danceable after-party with DJ Christian Fritz. Respect the Stag!
We're not going to pretend we know EXACTLY what will go on at Art of This gallery's final send off (as they've never been too forthcoming with actual information) but we're quite sure it will be a fitting end. For one, there will be brilliant art by the immensely talented Aaron Anderson and Eric Carlson of Hardland/Heartland, plus work from improvisational musician Casey Deming and AOT Executive Director, John Marks. Secondly, well, and this is where deets get sorta fuzzy: "awesome friends, cool bands, and clever artists that have agreed to show up" and who can really argue with that? In all seriousness though, the closing of this thoughtful contemporary art gallery will be a definite blow to the art scene, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. The gallery directors plan on continuing their Artist Residency program and will collaborate on events at other spaces throughout the year. The physical space may be lost, but the art beat goes on.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY AUGUST 21ST
Amazing Visions, Vanishing Acts
@ Form + Content Gallery 210 N Second Street Minneapolis
7 p.m. to 9 p.m./ free
Join Twin Cities' artist Christine Baeumler for a reflective solo exhibit on the Amazon Rainforest inspired by her recent Earthwatch expedition to Peru. Through a series of intimate photographs and multi-media pieces, Baeumler creates an installation that evokes both vitality and fragility and explores the current receding state of the Amazon Rainforest while celebrating its wondrous beauty. Tonight's open reception features a film screening of Dream People of the Amazon, directed by Lawrence M. Lansburgh, and donations will be accepted all evening long to benefit the efforts of RAN: Rainforest Action Network.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY AUGUST 21ST
Hot Chicks with D-Bags 2: “Electric Douche-aloo”
@ Clubhouse Jäger 923 Washington Ave N Minneapolis
10 p.m. / Free / 21+
The bass is bumping, the fists are pumping, everyone around you is wearing Ed Hardy, and you’re pretty sure that one guy just called you “dude bro.” No, you’re not a guest star on Jersey Shore, nor are you in hell. In fact, the hotts and scrotes dancing next to you are all your friends – and you’re actually really enjoying yourself. That’s right, ‘bags and ‘bag-ettes, this Saturday, Club Jäger is throwing its second “Hot Chicks with D-Bags” themed dance night, and this “Electric Douche-aloo” promises to be more slutty, obnoxious, and Affliction-clad than ever! So dress the part and psyche up for an evening of not-so-douchey electro, house, disco, and new wave tunes (sorry, Kanye), oh-so-appropriate drink specials ($3.50 Heinekens and $5 Jäg-bombs), and whatever the brah with the popped collar is chugging from his dad’s heirloom flask. You may not remember what happens, but you know it’ll totes be off the chaaiiiin!
With lyrics like “I can't pay my rent, but I'm fucking gorgeous” and a penchant for flamboyance (lead singer Justin Tanter frequently performs in lingerie and hooker heels), wild shows (gravity defying high kicks, spraying champagne into the crowd), and a rock n’ roll attitude, it’s really no surprise that Semi-Precious Weapons is opening for Lady Gaga on her Monster Ball Tour. But before you write them off as another lukewarm attempt to bring back guylined glam rock, think again. These boys live and breathe their own brand of filthy glamour – and it makes for an utterly captivating, rage-till-you-drop live performance. Their 2008 album, You Love You is an equally crass good time, a fierce blend of charismatic vocals, raw rock n’ roll stylings, and masterful musicianship (two of the members boast degrees in classical composition and songwriting) – a far cry from their hyper-studio-produced contemporaries. Music that’s dangerous, dirty, fun, and the real deal? Effing gorgeous, indeed.
Longtime fixture on the local gallery scene, Soo Visual Arts Center, is in a bit of a crisis. With mounting construction costs on the new space and with the added issue of not being open for four months, the gallery is in dire need of your support. $35,000 needs to be raised by September 20th if the gallery is to stay open. Click HERE to read about the problems the Soo is having and find out how you can help. And while you're there read a heartfelt testimonial from local art staple, Amy Rice.
Losing the SooVAC would be a huge loss to the Lyn/Lake neighborhood -- we absolutely can't let that happen! Peeps have been tweeting and Facebooking today in support of the gallery - and you can help by spreading the word and simply by becoming a member (with some cool benefits) for as little as $35. We just did!
Just think, for the price of a few cocktails you can help keep arts alive in the Twin Cities. And how good will that make you feel? Better than having a hangover, we'd expect. Do it now!
Keep up with the SooVAC on Facebook to find out about upcoming fundraisers and news!
Vote for Jake Rudh!
Remember last year when Jake Rudh was in the top tier of contestants for the Mad Men Casting Call Contest, then got totally shafted when the website crashed for the last few days of the contest and a bunch of randoms who weren't even in the top somehow got into the finals? We remember it, bitterly. Anyhoo: the Transmission kingpin and general party starter (he's the one who throws the Mad Men party at Jax Cafe!) is not giving up. This year he's back once again for the online voting-fueled competition, which awards a male and female winner the coveted prize of a walk-on role on Mad Men. Visit site everyday HERE to vote for Jake. You needn't sign up for anything, just click "vote" - it's that easy. All personal l'etoile love for Jake aside, he REALLY would be great for the show. Just look at his picture: old-timey AND foxy!
Join l'etoile and the Minnesota Opera's Tempo group on Saturday, September 18th as we explore the depths of the Inferno and travel through the circles of Hell. You will indulge in luscious wines, nibble on tasty morsels and be seduced by the sounds of the Minnesota Opera's Resident Artists. myTalk107.1's Jason Matheson and Alexis Thompson will guide us on this perilous journey, which takes place on Saturday September 18 at the Minnesota Opera Center.
Tickets are available online for a well-worth-it $50: Includes wine, appetizers, and performances by the Minnesota Opera's Resident Artists. Sponsored by l'etoile!
Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Tara Sloane, Lauren Gantner, Natalie Gallagher, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin
To request an event listing on letoilemagazine.com, or to inquire about advertising, e-mail kate@letoilemagazine.com
To send a promo or press release for consideration through U.S. mail:
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