The ladies of l'etoile live-Tweeted the Oscars last night at the Aegis Foundation's officially-sanctioned Academy Awards red carpet event and viewing party at Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis. Here's a recap from @jahnapeloquin (fashion editor Jahna Peloquin) and @atinymachine (founder/creative director Beth Hammarlund), via their Twitter accounts:
Seriously. No kidding.
We judge celebrities on the red carpet who pay stylists a lot of money to dress them in couture and do their hair. Because we can.
She is a goddess. Bow down to Cate the Great.
Co-host Hathaway scores tons of fashion points, thanks to stylist Rachel Zoe and eight outfit changes.
Our seatmate, legendary local stylist/interior designer Richard Anderson, was wearing a custom crepe bolero and lace ruffled pants he made himself. And he rocked it.
What's the deal, you two?
[Trent Reznor] Are we getting old or something?
[Hailee Steinfeld, aka Mattie from True Grit]
Wouldn't be surprised. Kids these days.
Welcome to the Academy AwARRRRdddds!!!
Visit #oscarsmpls for more Oscar-related Tweets from Jahna and Beth.
What do so many of this weekend's events have in common? Why, color, of course! From vivid art shows to wild dance parties complete with eye-poppin' video magic to (simply put) colorful characters a-plenty, this weekend is bold, bright and ready to sock one to ya in the best possible of ways. Bust out your most eye-searing ensemble and rock it; with all the fun that's on the agenda you might as well go all out. We're right behind you.
xo-l'etoile
ALSO THIS WEEK ON L'ETOILE
Jahna and Lauren update our Guide to Sales and Shopping
Lauren Gantner reviews the U of M Senior Fashion Show
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 24TH
Is/Is Tour Kick Off
@ Hexagon Bar 2600 27th Avenue S Minneapolis
10 p.m. / Free / 21+
The pretty popsters of Is/Is are going on tour, peeps! The girls will hit the west coast, then SXSW, then head back home for a loop around the midwest. Why not send 'em off with a riotous ole' party? Nothing could be better on a Thursday night than the rocking good sounds of Larry Wish & His Guys, Chambermaids, Leisure Birds, and guests of honor, Is/Is. Come partake, have some dranks and some Heggie's Pizza with a side of hot tunes. And, as always at the Hex, the cover charge is zilch.
Head to Jager tonight for a party jam throw down with the lovely ladies of DJ Dick Pic. Machen Davis and Maggie Morrison encourage you to flaunt your moves (not your junk, well, okay, maybe your junk) on the dance floor while you guzzle cheap drinks slung by none other than l'etoile's own Robyn Lewis (a.k.a. The Bitchelor). Bring a dick pic, get bonus points...and maybe an airhorn to the face.
Maniacal and bright. Creepy and colorful. Whether it’s covering fake baby legs with acrylics or using watercolors to create strange creatures on paper, local artist and student Ben Burwell has done it all. Drawing inspiration from the likes of musicians such as Nina Simone and Marilyn Manson, Ben often uses morbidly intense paint colors (sometimes even skillfully edited with a pen and ink) to produce his own unique world full of eerie monsters and creeptacular critters. Not only is he mad-good at painting up artsy animals and crafting unusual mixed media pieces, but he works wonders with watercolor, creating precise people portraits as well.
Ok, so the original Jazz Age may have long since passed but tonight you're invited to watch as the Slam Factory turns into a lively jazz club complete with plenty of futuristic experimentation. Tune your ears in for a mind-bending evening with some of the Twin Cities virtuoso nu-jazz kings as Timefog’s James Patrick introduces the first installment in a new series that blends jazz, impro and experimental tunes: Try This. Featuring live sets from John Keston, Tim Glenn and Jon Davis of bass bangers, DGK; the laptop synthy grooves of Aphex Twin kindreds, Eskimo Spy; and live nylon string samplings by James Patrick and Neverwas. Sip down cheap drinks, munch on complimentary snacks, and partake in some hookah smoking for a sleek, smooth evening the prohibition-rule breakers would approve of.
@ Pink Hobo Gallery 507 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis
7 p.m. to 11 p.m. / Free
Chef-driven, alcohol-fueled music machine Gastro Non Grata is known best for its rowdy evenings of local samplings, live bands and unusual meat raffles. Really, can any other event boast cow heart giveaways? Over the years the food fete has proudly featured local music from bands such as Phantom Tails, Pink Mink, Unknown Prophets and more; delicious gourmet treats from Corner Table’s Scott Pampuch, Modern Café’s Jim Grell, Cake Eater Bakery, and Sea Change’s Erik Anderson, among others; and has doled out loads upon loads of local brew samples. Tonight, join the tasty social scene-makers and promoters of intelligent eating as they present a spring exhibition celebrating the best design of GNG’s promotional past with photography, illustration and hand screen-printed posters. Featuring artwork by musician/photographer/GNG documenter Greg Schaal and “odds and ends” screen prints by geek artist, King Mini. And since no Gastro event would be complete without a little nosh, Fork In the Road Catering will be pulling up their food truck and offering salmon sliders, BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese sammies and more for under $10 each. Spend some dough, pick up some art and satisfy your stomach all while helping to fund future amazing GNG events!
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 25TH
Nightinghales CD Release Show
@ Kitty Cat Klub 315 14th Ave SE Minneapolis
9 p.m. / $5 / 21+
The Nightinghales are like British pop mixed with American rust-edged rock 'n' roll; somehow they manage to sound salty and sweet at the same time. And if you don't listen to the electric guitar riffs in the middle of their single "Darkness is Spreading" and immediately want to play air guitar, then there is something wrong with you. Join them and a few very special guests at the KCK this Friday night for their highly anticipated CD release show. Openers are Magic Castles, followed by Nightinghales, and then--added bonus--Pink Mink! Delish, we tell you.
Off The Record presents: Food Pyramid, Fire In The Northern Firs, and 2012
@ Hell's Kitchen 80 9th St S Minneapolis
10 p.m. / $5
When you’re as talented as the musicians of our local scene, it’s hard not to bounce from one stellar project to the next. Fortunately for us, Radio K’s Off The Record is there to keep track of them all – and put on some sweet shows to boot. This Friday, head to Hell’s Kitchen for performances from Fire in the Northern Firs, featuring members of First Communion Afterparty, Sun in the Satellite, and Goodday Montag; Grant Cutler’s 2012, the new ambient project from the man behind Lookbook and Grant Cutler and the Gorgeous Lords; and the mind-jumbling instrumentalist trio Food Pyramid. No, Janet Reno won’t be there (see event flyer), but it’s bound to be a crazy good time nonetheless.
Buzz on over to Honey tonight for a sweet little dance party with some of our faves! You'll get sticky with beats a la DJ Bach and lady DJs Monsterbrüsten, and when its time to cool down, you'll sip cheap alcoholic nectar including $3.50 PBR Tall Boys and $4 Jamesons. This time around, the Bee Cool crew has brought in special guest BadNraD to seal the deal with synthtastic guitar-fueled anthems a-plenty. Hopefully you're in synch with the l'etoile hive-mind, because we'll definitely be making a stop at Honey this Friday! Co-sponsored by us, of course.
Bomp is back again and this time they are all about the twos! Friday, join the Bomp crew to celebrate their big two year anniversary, complete with loads of DJs in two different rooms at Loring hot spot Nick & Eddie. Join the The Moon Goons dudes for a night of scrumptious tuneage with the help of our local lady fave Shannon Blowtorch, dance-party master Wezz Wnshp and Get Cryphy’s Plain Ole Bill. Not only will there be awesome music, but Nick and Eddie will be dishin’ up all the drinks you can handle--just be sure to get there before it fills up or be banished to the 18+ warehouse space.
What's l'etoile checkin' out on the web this week?
Our favorite annual music-meets-fashion blowout may be fifty days away, but we’re already beyond excited. Especially because the gorgeous new 2011 website, designed by Sevnthsin with additional art direction by l'etoile bestie Chris Larson, was launched this week. Noir-esque imagery, vintage fonts and color schemes dominate the layout, a fearless vision made even cooler by the work of photo goddess Stephanie Colgan, whose portraits pop by clicking on any one of the talented musicians, designers, stylists, and crew members. You can also listen to music by some of the featured artists, as well as purchase tickets, neither of which you should think twice about doing. Did we mention you can get your tickets already? Do it. If the site is any indication, this year's show will be extra-spectacular.
Resist Pop Fantasy II: New Work by Eric Carlson and Masters of the Universe
@ Soo Visual Arts Center 2638 Lyndale Ave S Minneapolis
6 p.m. / Free
With a name that sci-fantastic, you know the SooVAC’s latest exhibits (yep, Saturday’s reception is double the fun) are bound to be more than worthy of a total art-geek-out. Resist Pop Fantasy II will showcase the “archival vandalism” of the brilliant Eric Carlson, who collects, reassembles, and overrides what used to be, in favor of a larger, more malleable narrative. In a similar vein, Masters of the Universe, the collaborative effort of MCAD grad students Jessica Henderson, Mark O’Brien, and Casey Opstad, uses a variety of digitally manipulated images to investigate how the digital era effects social interactions and connections to our physical environment. Be there – and be square.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26TH
Zoo Animal
@ 331 Club 331 13th Ave NE Minneapolis
7 p.m. / Free
Saturday’s Zoo Animal show at the 331 Club may be a little earlier than usual, but don’t let that deter you: it’s free, and it’ll be finished just in time to get your ears to stop ringing before bar rush. Holly Newsom’s haunting, fervent vocals lead the trio, whose minimalistic, artfully uneven sound has made them one of the most touted bands on the local scene – not to mention the band’s knack for putting on an absolutely captivating live set. Stick around after the show to catch some more local music darlings, Gospel Gossip, Dirty Dancing, and Fire in the Northern Firs (see write up below!).
Props to the 331 for once again hosting an excellent Saturday night line up of epic proportions. After the early Zoo Animal show, stick around for Gospel Gossip - a band that continually impresses us with its sophisticated live shows full of thrashing energy and roaming instrumental bits that build and crash and wash over you like that giant wave of mutilation the Pixies sang about. Opening up are newbs to keep a serious eye on: Dirty Dancing and Fire in the Northern Firs, which feature members of FCAP and Sun in the Satellite.
A Tom Petty cover-band project is certainly a noble idea. But a Tom Petty cover-band project by some of the Twin Cities’ most ubiquitous musicians? Simply genius. Meet All Tomorrow’s Petty, the evolving collaboration between singer-instrumentalist James Diers (of Minneapolis-based rock bands Halloween, Alaska and Love-cars), guitarist Jacob Hanson (a fellow Halloween, Alaskan and member of Mpls Dub Ensemble), and drummer JT Bates (of Alpha Consumer and The Pines). The trio of heartbreakers are performing Saturday at the Red Stag, and by golly, you want to be there. Stick around after the show for a DJ set by Diers, whose remix artist moniker VIC 20 is a tribute to his ancient childhood Commodore computer. Awesome.
l'etoile pal & prolific local artist Dillon Bakke never ceases to amaze us with his knack for producing seamless, vanguard visual art, analog animation, brilliant stop motion, and generally pushing the boundaries of video experimentation. Tonight, come celebrate the awesome dude’s official uberly epic birthday bash at the 1419 featuring three floors of DJs, live bands and – of course – art! Featuring an all-star line-up of DJs, Live P.A. and VJs Genome; sexy moonstone techno from Detroit boiz, Seth & Sean; Moongoons’ Jonathan Ackerman; and Satan’s right hand deck suave, DJ Bach 666. Plus, raw live art from VJs Jim Weiss and Bakke, remixing live footage of you and your friends onto the space's walls all night long. Head to floor 2 for eardrum breakin’ live sets by bands Ex Nihilo, Grainbelt, Bouncer Fighter, Food Pyramid, Dojo Rodeo and Fische. Then, take a cosmic ride to a visual galaxy on floor 3 for art from photo artist Brian Hart, Bloodtime’s collage artist Justin James Sehorn and a collaborative installation from Ben Severns & Nicholas Knutson. Don’t forget to bring Bakke a killer b-day gift and prepare for a cameo by a special surprise guest!
Peep Bakke’s illustration skillz in this Cloud Cult vid by Bakke and Dan Huiting. So cool!:
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26TH
MENERGY Presents FEMERGY
@ Kitty Cat Klub 315 14th Ave SE Minneapolis
10 p.m. / 21+ / $3 w/ FB RSVP, $5 w/out
Like true gentlemen, the Menergy boys always know when to step aside and let the ladies rule the roost. Tonight, feisty femme action is on the menu as testosterone mixes with a little flamin’ estrogen for another round of the XX meets XY jams. Move your stuff to the DJ skillz of Nancy Cheng, Michelle Muse and Loveless Aphrodite, plus the mash up your mug in a visual acid trip in the popular Playatta Video Portal, wo-maned by Playatta Femme Squad members Kara Lovemelt and Carolyn Kopecky. And the evening gets even sexier as guest Le Femme premieres a shadow dance, juxtaposed with live body painting by Silvia Yordanova. Low on cash? Head down to the Kitty Cat early to get your drink on and enjoy rad happy hour specials on select beers and house wines. The Kitty Cat’s got a meeting in the ladies room, uh huh!
Dinosaur Jr. axe-wielding croaker and guitar god, J Mascis, tones things a few notches down this March with the release of the acoustic, folk-brandishing, Several Shades of Why – his first proper solo jaunt since ‘96. Hot on the heels of two very loud Dinosaur Jr. reunion albums and set to release on the Sub Pop label, the record features guest collaborations with indie musicians including Kurt Vile – who Mascis is on tour with this year – Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene), Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses), Sophie Trudeau (A Silver Mt. Zion), Pall Jenkins (Black Heart Procession) and more. Quite the antithesis of Dinosaur Jr.’s high gain, distorted melodic rock, Several Shades of Why dabbles in an unplugged, anti-noise sound with actually discernible lyrics and even tracks without drums!
BONUS: You don’t wanna miss this strange & awkward video interview hilariously conducted by the General Manager of Sub Pop Records’ mother, Maureen, and the big J man himself:
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 27TH
Oscar Night
@ Hotel Ivy 201 S. 11th St Minneapolis
5 p.m / $50 general admission, $150 VIP
Facebook or crazy Ozark Mountain-family politics? Who got dressed in the dark? Will Natalie Portman sweep, or will Annette Benning finally have her day? Yep, the Oscars are upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by cheering and jeering alongside fellow award season junkies, cocktails and hour d’oeuvres in hand, at the lush Hotel Ivy? At the Aegis Foundation's Academy-sanctioned Oscar Night Party, you’ll not only receive red carpet treatment and be able to watch on the largest screens in town, but all proceeds go to benefit The Smile Network, which funds surgical missions to repair birth defects, and The Link, which supports youth and families through life skills building, education, advocacy, and supportive housing. Dust off your red carpet finery and we'll see you there!
After being cooped up for months in the depths of their St. Paul sewing studios, last Saturday the senior fashion designers at the University of Minnesota brought each of their collections to Rapson Hall on the University of Minnesota campus to show off the results of their efforts. The 18 design students flaunted all their finished work, from menswear to lingerie to Gaga-esque dresses, in front of a big crowd of family, friends, fellow students and local fashion press.
The show was inspired by the theme "Distortion," and each of the 18 students offered their unique design perspectives on the theme over the course of an hour and a half runway event, emceed by local fashion, arts and culture icon Robyne Robinson.
Right off the bat, Elise Diebel’s '60s inspired, boldly-colored collection caught our eye. The funky-fun mix of high-wasted pants and skirts paired with neon patterned bandeau tops and vests strategically placed very geometric patterns next to organic fabrics that were both hand-printed and hand-dyed bright fuchsias, neon pinks and blaze yellows. The summery color palette and flirty cuts were the perfect start to the show and anecdote to our winter blahs.
[Design by Elise Diebel]
Diebel’s psychedelic looks were followed by a collection of comfy and wearable outfits by Kathryn Sterner. Her flowy onesies and high-wasted patterned shorts, accentuated by pretty gold buttons, are what we hope to see in our summer wardrobe. At the same time, her chic and shiny dresses topped with baggy jackets seemed like the perfect fit for fall. Altogether, Sterner hit the target with her versatile, multi-seasonal looks that are sure to sell at local shops like Cliché or Picky Girl. (We especially loved the grey button-up dress Sterner sported as line left the runway.)
[Design by Kathryn Sterner]
[Kathryn Sterner in her own design]
Other highlights included Laura Henslin, who took the cake with her set of cutesy, playful rompers in pastel shades, and Heather King, whose elegant chiffon creations and pretty peach color palettes focused on strategic layering and silhouette. Henslin's hand-sewn textures and tiny details were particularly impressive.
[Design by Laura Henslin]
[Design by Heather King]
Already on the local design circuit for the past couple of years, Niki English had a strong showing, changing the mood from cutesy to dark with her collection of edgy-gothic dresses, coats and pants. Her black-grey line combined sharp lines and dramatic cuts that left us wanting more. She used a mix of fabrics and textiles to create some super unique lines and silhouettes – whether they were boxy coats or square hips. The dramatic, statement pieces were a good mix of shock and chic, creating many looks that we’d love to wear.
[Design by Niki English]
Jessica St. George’s line hit the runway soon after with a set of girly J. Crew/Loft-esque looks with a hint of sparkle. Though it was a look we’ve seen before, she really excelled in her execution of her wearable cropped pants and pleated shorts, topped with long sleeves and sweaters with subtle dashes of sequins. Her bohemian style and warm designs seemed like a good everyday look for women.
[Design by Jessica St. George]
From Native-inspired collections to boho baggy creations, it is easy to see that some of these up and coming designers will definitely be making their way in the fashion world in a few years. And what can we say? - We can’t wait to get our hands on these looks at many of our local boutiques and shops!
Could we be rounding the bend from Winter into Spring? Considering we're in Minnesnowta, it's highly unlikely, but hey, we can pretend. And despite the fact we think Mother Nature still has some unpleasant surprises up her sleeve, the facts are that the end is in sight. With temps (be still our hearts!) in the upper 30s this weekend, we fully expect you to kick your winter doldrums to the curb and party like it's the month of March. Just don't forget your jacket!
xo-l'étoile
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 17TH
Third Thursday at the MIA
@ Minneapolis Institute of Arts 2400 Third Ave S Minneapolis
6 p.m. / Free
Italian ice, delicacies, language lessons, and paintings by Titan, Veronese, and Tintoretto await you Thursday at the M.I.A., who will be hosting a very Venetian Third Thursday festa! Serve up a plateful of Italian treats courtesy of the Italian Cultural Center – perfectly paired with a glass of wine or Bellini at the cash bar – and let the professore remind you of all those pretty nouns and verbs you forgot to memorize in college. After you’ve indulged, make like Marco Polo and explore the “Titan and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting” exhibit, and at 7 p.m., catch the 2008 award-winning Italian film Mid-August Lunch. Then – oh yes, there’s more – sway to local band Me and My Arrow, no doubt with another Bellini or two. Mamma Mia!
If you haven't yet caught a glimpse of XyandZ Gallery's latest exhibit, Anthology, be prepared to have the emotion knocked right outta ya, rock 'n' roll style like a elbow in a mosh pit. l'étoile own Robyn Lewis and Kate Iverson curate, along with CP's Andrea Swensson, for a trifecta featuring the most memorable musical experiences of the 2010 local scene as shot by Erik Hess, Steve Cohen and Stacy Schwartz and juxtaposed next to tear-inducing, intimate text by music writers from a variety of local publications. Including photos of local faves Jeremy Messersmith, The Jayhawks, Har Mar Superstar, Cloud Cult, P.O.S., Lookbook and more, Anthology is a heartfelt behind-the-scene gaze at the local artists on our iPods and in our hearts. Tonight's closing recep welcomes a panel discussion with participating artists and moderated by local music & arts coverage trailblazer, Robyne Robinson – former host of the 8-year running FOX 9 segment, The Buzz. Get an insiders look at the photographers' work, their connection to the music community and feast your ears as the artists' share long lost tales of rock n' roll mayhem. Have a epic backstage memory of your own? Following the Q&A, the floor will be open for Anthology attendees to share a personal anecdote inspired by local musicians. See you there!
As a kid, recess was always our favorite time of the day. Now that we’re all grown up, it’s easy to see that Recess is still something we get too excited for each month! Thanks to our favorite dudes at Anthem Heart, the Varsity Theater’s trendy dance fest, Recess, is back in action once again. For this bout of dance mayhem, the boys have booked tons of bitchin’ DJ’s, like Espada, Booka B, Estate, and Monsterbrüsen to spin some jams set to a vibrant projection showcase from Playatta. Pop into the Video Portal for some wacky green screen action and suck down a few $3 PBR Tall Boys or $4 Red Bull Vodkas. This adult playground is sure to break all the rules.
The urban jungle is a treacherous one (not that we’re longing for the land of man-eating snakes and poisonous vines), especially with the gigantic creatures of Belgian street artist ROA on the loose. Monochromatic and naturalistic rabbits, buzzards, wild boars, rats, and the odd capybara burrow and climb decrepit walls and abandoned buildings in cities all over the world, towering ten to twenty feet over passersby. But far from being cute cover-ups of urban decay, ROA’s creatures give voice to the underdogs of the natural world, glorifying the crows in a world of peacocks, so to speak--albeit their grotesque, bedraggled appearance. Metaphoric? Perhaps, especially considering ROA’s recent takeover of some of the roughest bits of Mexico City--at least eight new paintings appeared seemingly overnight. But utterly magical? Absolutely. We’re crossing our fingers for a Minneapolis migration.
@ Regis Center for the Arts 405 21st Avenue Minneapolis
6 p.m. / Free
Navigating the Aftermath, opening Friday, is the Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project’s newest exploration on the effects of the ongoing Iraq War. Ever poignant and personal, the opening evening is packed with art and dialogue, and the show addresses questions of what needs to be remembered, what we can let go of, and how we should move forward. Local, national, and Iraqi artists – each of whom is closely tied to the war through personal experience, friends and family, or activism – will be showing a variety of work, from photography to painting to video installation to book art. Complimentary food and beverages will be served, and pianist Salam Mrutada will be playing Iraqi music. Bring your thoughts, stories, and an open heart; if the organizers want us to walk away with anything, it’s healing.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
Art by Camille Gage
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18TH
Spectacular! SPECTACULAR!
@ Varsity Theater 1308 4th St SE Minneapolis
8 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. screening / 18+ / $20
Just because none of us were actually present for the “dazzling barrage of theatrical ravishment” that was turn-of-the-century France, doesn't mean we can't revel in its anamnesis. Tonight, join the Minnesota Opera and the hip opera-enthusiasts of Tempo as they preview of the upcoming production of La traviata--the thrilling Verdi opera Moulin Rouge was originally inspired by-- through an elaborate French galvanized event so nice they named it twice. Get a taste of the production's stellar cast with performances by the Opera's resident artists while you stroll through a Bohemian marketplace, complete with fortune telling by Madame Pamela, henna-weilding artists, vintage portrait sittings, jazzy Parisian melodies from the Café Accordion Orchestra, hors d'oeuvres courtesy of Loring Pasta Bar and even pick up a oh-so-naughty French phrase from the Alliance Française. For your ultimate viewing pleasure – and because it can never be watched too many times – enjoy a private 10th Anniversary Screening of the delightful Kidman/McGregor musical, Moulin Rouge, while live shadow performances of dance, aerial and more come alive during the film. And because it wouldn't be a French celebration with out a little skin – ooh-la-la – local troupe the Lovely Creatures Cabaret will be busting out their corsets and cabaret attire as they present vintage-style Parisian-inspired entertainment, all lead by the Boss of Burlesque herself, Foxy Tann. Leave it to the French to lavish things up!
l'étoile rarely misses a show from our pals, Blue Sky Blackout. Why? Well, not only are the dudes snazzy dressers and all-around great guys, but they also know how to put on a killer, dance-your-asses off rock show that makes Coldplay's Chris Martin look like Yanni – yeah, we said it. Be prepared for another jaw-dropping performance tonight that happens to be extra special, considering the boys will be celebrating the release of their new EP, John Hughes (which bt-dubs, we LOVE the cover art for!). The night will also feature the musical chops of guests The Seeks, The Original Mark Edwards and Grant Cutler and Gorgeous Joe Johnson. We would say see you there, but honestly, we'll probably be too busy air guitaring in a corner to notice ya.
Buffalo Moon, Mystery Palace, Chelsea Boys, Bight Club
@ Turf Club 1601 University Ave St. Paul
9 p.m. / $6 / 21+
The weather’s getting warmer and the shows are getting hotter – at least that’s what the Turf Club’s Friday line-up would suggest. Taking the stage, though not necessarily in this order, are samba soulsters Mystery Palace, the synthy, shirtless Chelsea Boys, the seriously hip-shaking, bossanova-ish Buffalo Moon, and hip-hop-funk-experimentalist wizards Bight Club. Looks like your Saturday night plans have just been made. Besides, any show that advertises with a gigantic inflatable Shrek on its posters is bound to be a riot.
OMG, Chooglin' is going to FRANCE, you guys! And what better way to send them overseas that with a great big American ho-down of a hoot? Join them Friday night at the Hex (where there is never a cover) for a phenomenal lineup featuring Chooglin', Don Von & the Solution, The Huckleberrys, and Hamburger Help Me! This will be an epically jam-worthy night that you better not miss!
It took a few months but without fail, Thom Pham and company have reimagined the chic spot known as the Caterpillar Lounge--in a new home, of course! With last year's closing of Eat Street's famed Azia Restaurant (and subsequently the adjacent Caterpillar Lounge), local electronic-fueled DJs have been crying tears in their beers, but no more. And this Friday one of our fave dance music slingers, Dirty Mackenzie, will kick off a new night of "Nu Disco and New Wave" in the recently remodeled spot connected to Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen. Expect a highly curated selection of obscure '70s and '80s disco, '80s new wave, Nu Disco, indie music and more. Where else can you enjoy Pham's legendary Cranberry Cream Cheese Wontons and pretend you're at an Far East-themed Studio 54 at the same time?
BONUS: Want more Dirty Mackenzie? He'll be spinning signature jams at Club Jag on Saturday as well!
Inspiration blogs dedicated to pretty things are a dime a ten dozen. But every now and again a little gem like The Drifter and the Gypsy shines through the masses, and we’re reminded again just how great an afternoon (or three) is one spent gawking over some of the most gorgeous little slices of life the web has to offer. From fashion and travel photographs to up-and-coming artists to interviews (including a recent one with ModCloth) to homes and boutiques all over the world, the stuff of The Drifter and the Gypsy is melt-in-your-mouth wonderful, and the vision as dreamy and romantic as sitting on a cloud. And the voice? It belongs to a wee San Francisco wanderer and aspiring photographer named Micaela, who started the blog at age 13. Full of italics, exclamations, and LOVEs, it’s pretty much a blog after our own heart. Click and drift, darlings.
@Rapson Hall Courtyard 89 Church St SE Minneapolis
5 p.m. & 8 p.m. / $10-$20
It’s that time of year again! For the 43rd year in a row, the U of M’s design students are once again ready to show-off their newest clothing creations on the Rapson Hall catwalk. This time around, the group's “Distortion” fashion show is all about flaunting all of the cutting-edge, bold and unique design perspectives from each of the program’s 18 upcoming designers. Not only will there will be two chances to catch some of Minneapolis’ new designers (with shows at both 5 and 8 p.m.!), but the two shows will be hosted by ROX Jewelry designer and l’etoile fave Robyne Robinson. Win-win!
If there's one thing for certain about Minneapolis-based artist, Sean Connaughty it's that the man doesn't take nature for granted. The multi-media artist's latest project investigates the relationship between the natural and urban environments in an exhibit that artistically reinvents salvaged tree branches, animal-made dwellings and organic found objects into still models and interactive “pods.” If you caught Connaughty's recent installation, “Bigloo” - a structure made out of snow on the slope behind the Walker – you know just how the artist can beautifully connect the viewer to the evolving natural environment around them. Not to be missed!
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19TH
Short Circuit: Monthly Live Electronic Music Event
@Shuga Records
165 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis
4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. / Free
Every third Saturday of the month, you, my fine friend, have the opportunity to sample some of the hippest local and out-of-town electronic music artists at Shuga Records. Why pass that up? This month, stop on down for sounds from WEb DiMension, Sputnik Viper, Square Wail, and Ostraka. Now, not only is electronic music all the rage and will make you seem way cooler than you are to everyone else, but with names like "Sputnik Viper", there's no way you won't have a good time.
Unless you've been living under a very uncool rock, you know about the infamous “Dre Day.” For the 9th year in a row – talk about consistency, yo – Burlesque of North America celebrates the iconic rapper's day o' birth. This year, check performances from local hip-hop kings Heiruspecs performing a live set of Dre, Snoop, Eazy & NWA classics, plus a live West Coast rap video mix from DJ Grocery and DJ sets from Dre Day alums, Plain Ole Bill and Mike 2600 spinning all the classic Dr. Dre bangers. Be prepared to lose yer shit and of course, snag brand new, official Dre Day merch. And like the Dre lord would say, “you never been on a ride like this befo' with a producer who can rap and control the maestro.”
It's been 5 years since the release of Sims' last album, and the much anticipated follow up "Bad Time Zoo" is finally here! Time to celebrate with a CD release party at the Fine Line featuring every member of the Doomtree collective. If Sims' performance of these new tracks at the recent Blowout is any indication, minds will definitely be blown. Sims has always had a knack for finding interesting ways to blend content with style, and this new record is no exception. His natural gift for writing tight, effortless rhymes and unwillingness to take shortcuts combined with Beak's dance-ready beats will surely result in extreme fun-having by all who attend. We wouldn't dare miss it.
Gather your eyeliner, black lace, studs and leather, local dark glam-punk legends All the Pretty Horses are riding in to the 331 Club Saturday and you don’t want to be left in the dust. Joining them are the SXSW-bound Goondas, whose gritty, oh-so intoxicating rock n' roll anthems will pair perfectly with the whiskey in your fist. And since we can’t ever get enough of Venus DeMars, the DJ/Bowie-glam goddess will follow her live show with a special edition of “Vinyl Venus Space Lounge.” Expect ‘70s glam, ‘80s punk, underground and rare retro gems from then to now that will no doubt keep you moving.
As if you needed another reason to get hyped about this weekend's Dre Day, local beat guru Mike 2600 has whipped up an oh-so-dope mix featuring some of his favorite Dr. Dre productions paired with original samples fittingly titled, Man, You Been Doin' All This Dope Producin'. The mix showers your ears with exactly one hour of chronic madness sure to get you in the mood for Dre Day. Check it!
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Seriously. No kidding.
We judge celebrities on the red carpet who pay stylists a lot of money to dress them in couture and do their hair. Because we can.
She is a goddess. Bow down to Cate the Great.
Co-host Hathaway scores tons of fashion points, thanks to stylist Rachel Zoe and eight outfit changes.
Our seatmate, legendary local stylist/interior designer Richard Anderson, was wearing a custom crepe bolero and lace ruffled pants he made himself. And he rocked it.
What's the deal, you two?
[Trent Reznor]
Are we getting old or something?
[Hailee Steinfeld, aka Mattie from True Grit]
Wouldn't be surprised. Kids these days.
Welcome to the Academy AwARRRRdddds!!!
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