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!
Click HERE for the MIA site
City of Music: Me and My Arrow from MPLS.TV on Vimeo.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 17TH
Anthology Closing Reception
@ XYandZ Gallery
3258 Minnehaha Ave S
Minneapolis
7 p.m. / Free
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!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
Chris Koza shot by Steve Cohen
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 17TH
Recess
@The Varsity Theater
1308 4th St SE
Minneapolis
10 p.m. / 18+ / $7 or $5 with RSVP
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.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
Recess 2 / PLAYATTA Party Time from Anthem Heart A/V on Vimeo.
FRIDAY ART PICK: ROA
What's l'étoile lookin' at this week?
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.
Click HERE for more art from ROA
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18TH
Navigating the Aftermath
@ 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!
Sponsored by l'étoile!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18TH
Blue Sky Blackout EP Release Party
@ Cause
3001 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis
9 p.m. / 21+ / $6
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.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17TH
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.
Click HERE for the Turf site
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18TH
Chooglin' France Tour Kickoff Show
@The Hexagon
2600 27th Ave. S.
Minneapolis
9 p.m. / 21+ / Free
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!
Click HERE for the Hexagon site
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18TH
Numbers: Nu Disco & New Wave Fridays
@ Caterpillar Lounge
Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen
533 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis
10 p.m. / 21+ / Free
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!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
COOL LINK: THE DRIFTER AND THE GYPSY
What's l'étoile peepin' on the web this week?
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.
Click HERE for the Drifter & The Gypsy
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19TH
Distortion
@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!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
Watch the show live-streaming on Saturday here:
Free TV Show from Ustream
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19TH
O: New Work by Sean Connaughty
@ XY&Z Gallery
3258 Minnehaha Ave S
Minneapolis
7-11 p.m. / Free
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
Minneapolis4:30 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.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19TH
Dre Day 2011
@ Triple Rock
629 Cedar Ave
Minneapolis
9 p.m. / 21+ / $12
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.”
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19TH
Sims CD Release Party
@ Fine Line
318 1st Ave N
Minneapolis
9pm / 18+ / $10
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.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19TH
All the Pretty Horses / The Goondas
@ 331 Club
331 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis
10 p.m. / 21+ / Free
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.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
Classic ATPH!
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: MIKE 2600'S DRE DAY MIX
What's l'etoile listening to this week?
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!
Click HERE for the free mix
Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Tara Sloane, Natalie Gallagher, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin, Lauren Gantner
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