Thursday, May 26, 2011

Weekend What's What 5/26-5/29

CALM AFTER THE STORM

Whether you were affected by the terrible storms of last weekend or are simply enjoying the post-Art-A-Whirl calm (like us), odds are you could do without cloudy skies for quite some time. However, the forecast mentions "sprinkles" and "overcast" so we can't help but be a bit mopey. When it comes down to it though, we're the "glass half full" types, so the bright side of the weekend comes with a plethora of festive springtime events and accompanying positivity. Enjoy!

xo-l'etoile



THURSDAY MAY 26TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)

Heliotrope 8

@ Loring Theater
1635 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

6 p.m. - 12 a.m. everyday / $12 per day, $24 for a 3-day pass

It's a possibility that you haven't heard any of the bands on the 8th edition of Heliotrope's exhibition of underground music festival, and that's okay – consider your trip tonight a smorgasbord of audio delights previously foreign to your ear drums. Presented by Flaneur Productions, the event once rocked the halls of the Ritz Theater. This year, Heliotrope makes the jump to the Loring Theater with a 3-day long fest featuring over 25 bands from the slightly more known – Skoal Kodiak, Chickadee Mountain Martyrs, Daughters of the Sun, Paul Metzger and Hastings 3000 – to the more obscure local bands – Blood Folke, Myrrh and Nomia. Plus, catch awesome live video montage and clips from local visual artists between sets. We'll meet you in the underground!

Click HERE for the Facebook event


THURSDAY MAY 26TH

Nyteowl (DJ set) + Raechel Bosch

@ Barbette
1600 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55408

10 p.m. / Free

There can be no better place to enjoy a little ambient music than Barbette, where you can look classy and munch on some skinny pomme frites whilst expanding your musical repertoire. Doesn’t that sound like a lovely evening? Raechel Bosch and Nyteowl will be providing just the right atmosphere this evening. Bosch is a soulful lo-fi songstress, and her simple harmonies, combined with her stunning voice, will be distracting enough that you might want to consider ditching your date and saving the bottle of wine all for your little self. On the other hand, it would make for the perfect, cozy little late-night stop. Be sure to swing by and catch some sounds.

Click HERE for the Barbette site


THURSDAY MAY 26TH

Recess 5

@ Varsity Theater
1308 4th St SE
Minneapolis

11 p.m. - 2 a.m. / 18+, 21+ to drink/ $7 or $5 with RSVP

Impromptu chroma; digital distortion; LED lights bursting out of every corner. No, you're not inside the TRON movie; it's another installation of Recess come to take you to the playground. Self-proclaimed as the “unholy love child” of screenprinting/party hosting demons, Anthem Heart & the boundary-pushing visual interaction masters, Playatta, Recess combines life-size, live stop-motion projections & animation effects with haute tunes heard at your fave local dance parties to procure an epic, 3-hour long auditory + ocular spectacular. Hosted by Truth Be Told of The Tribe and Big Cats, with killer sound alchemy from the Playatta & Anthem Heart DJs, Gigamesh and Mike 2600. We have seen the future and it is indeed polychromatic.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

Anthem Heart Presents: Recess 5! from PLAYATTA on Vimeo.



FRIDAY ART PICK: VECTOR LOUNGE

What's l'etoile looking at this week?

This week’s art pick is kind of like the World Cup finals, only it’s six months long, it probably won’t cause street riots, and its competitors are armed with iPads instead of shin pads. Sub-headed an “International Graphic Battle,” Vector Lounge pits graphic designers from four world cities – Paris, Copenhagen, London, and Berlin – against each other to create an artwork in 30 minutes. Broadcast live in front of on-and offline audiences (you can watch the footage here), the battles happen one per month through November. And if May’s colorful, politically-charged, and downright snarky creations (courtesy of Copenhagen and Paris) are any indication, these next five months are going to be insane. Catch the next one, Paris v. Berlin, on June 16. We guarantee you’ll be so hooked, you might even consider painting your chest for future occasions. Not that we’d encourage it.

Click HERE for the Vector Lounge site


FRIDAY MAY 27TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Constellation: A Backyard Art Expedition

@ Various locations
South Minneapolis

8 a.m. Friday – 10 p.m. Sunday

Far from lawn gnomes, pinwheels, and tacky garage door decor, the creations you’ll see at Constellation: A Backyard Art Expedition won’t make you cringe or wonder if your neighbors are creepers. That said, South Minneapolitans should consider themselves warned of any and all arty feats occurring in the hood this weekend, including (but not limited to) aeralists in trees, beer brewing demos, visual art, a mobile zine library, food, live music, and the karaoke Art Shanty. Centered on garages and backyards, the show addresses art as an integral – and, perhaps, inevitable – part of our daily lives and domestic communities. The master schedule can be found here, but we recommend the take-a-walk-and-see-what-happens approach (13th, 14th, and 15th Avenues South in the 20-30 blocks seem to be a hot spot), making sure you stop at 2731 14th Avenue South on Saturday between noon and five for a muti-channel sound installation called “Deep Phillips l -Ambient Tarp.” Happy art hunting!

Click HERE for more info


FRIDAY MAY 27TH

April Showers Bring Bitch Flowers

@ Varsity Theater
1308 4th St. SE
Minneapolis

7:30 p.m. / 18+ / $12 advance, $15 door

April showers have come and gone, which means it’s high time for Bitch Flowers’ (the drag persona of l'etoile bestie/stylist/interior designer Richard Anderson) annual spring awakening: a riotous dance party/drag show, aptly named “April Showers Bring Bitch Flowers.” Housed at the Varsity Theater, this year’s event introduces a new blossom – the restyled spring lines from local designers Emma Berg, Raul Osorio, and Ivan Idland, as well as a DIY-styled lingerie collection by Lollycopter. The night will also feature special performances from Krystal Kleer, Camille Collins, and Bitch Flowers herself, with special guest dolls Polly and the Hot Buttered Crackers and Esme Rodriguez, Harley Wood and the Wrecked Wheelhouse providing the soundtrack. After the show, dance all night long to DJ Shiek. A night of sass, camp, and bitchin’ fashion – we’re in!

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY MAY 27TH

VICES INC

@ Honey
205 E. Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

Something debaucherous this way comes. It’s… an art show? In a four-part harmony of sorts, mixed media miscreants Garrett Perry, Jesse Draxler, James Justin Sehorn, and Chris Park are bringing us VICES INC, a collection of 14 paintings worked on simultaneously by each of the artists throughout the past year. And if the sneak peek is any indication, we’re in for a wild ride – even more so considering the gaggle of live musicians, dancing, and mash-up DJs that will also be there, including World Class Art Thieves (erm, hope their name isn’t serious), Sluggydee, and Scooterboi. Vice, schmice. Like red wine, French fries, and bad TV, this event is just too good to abstain from.

Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com


FRIDAY MAY 27TH

Little Man - Orbital Amusement EP Release

@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave W
St. Paul

9 p.m. - 2 a.m. / 21+/ $8

Take everything you love about classic rock heroes Led Zepplin – the fuzzy guitar wizardry, powerful bass lines and echoed vocals – throw in a blues rock reminiscent of The Black Keys and a vintage cosmic twist that would make Barbarella and Flash Gordon proud, and you have the celestial sounds of Little Man. For tonight's release of their 6 track EP, Orbital Amusement, members Brian Herb, Chris Perricelli and Sean Gilchrist prepare to rock Turf Club-goers into the musical galaxies; ray guns sadly not included. With sonic distortionists the Red Pens, grit-rockers The Rockford Mules, and special guests the Cosmonettes.

Click HERE for the Turf Club site


FRIDAY MAY 27TH

Cirque du Soleil OVO

@ MOA (adjacent outdoor parking lot)
60 E Broadway
Bloomington

see website for specific times & dates / $31+

You know Isabella Rossellini's Sundance Channel short-film series about the seduction rituals of bugs where she dons an actual insect costumes? Well, Cirque du Soleil OVO is kind of like that, except more contortion-y and definitely more PG. Amid this colorful cast of “death-defying butterflies and high-bounding crickets,” lies a heartwarming tale of the enigmatic, chaotic and vibrant cycles of insect life. Be amazed by vivacious acts, labryinthine sets and the razzle-dazzle of futuristic superhero-esque bug suits, not to mention a beautiful 'samba meets electronic' soundtrack composed by the Brazilian-born Berna Ceppas.

Click HERE for more info




COOL LINK: AUTONOMEDIA

What's l'etoile looking at on the web this week?

Once a co-press with Semiotexte – a translation company founded to introduce Foucault and other 60's French philosophers to the U.S. – the small, non-profit, Autonomedia, is known as the “umbrella book” publishing house. Since '83, the org has been an all-volunteer editorial collective out of Brooklyn boasting more than 100 titles in distribution and proudly keeping intellectual anarchism and analytical activism alive. From arts 'n' media, cyberfeminism, drug lit and queer novellas to counterculture novels, economic and political theories, highbrow+lowbrow science fiction stories, graphic novels and poetry, the Autonomedia collection has it all. And believe us, you don't have to be a femi-nazi or radical lover of molotov cocktails to appreciate this site; just a literature fan with an open mind...And perhaps being a cultural studies geek wouldn't hurt. They also put out a really sweet annual calendar dubbed the “Autonomedia Calendar of Jubilee Saints,” where every day turns into a radical holiday or honors the life of an influential mogul of the progressive variety. FYI, it's not too late in the year to gift us one!

Click HERE for the Autonomedia site


SATURDAY MAY 28TH (THROUGH MONDAY)

Memory Lanes Block Party 2011

3 p.m. Sat-Mon / Free

@Memory Lanes
2520 26th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN

In case you don’t remember last year’s annual Memory Lanes Block Party (which is entirely plausible, given the insane amount of fun and dranks that goes down at this gig), let us remind you: food menu. Beer tent. Celebrity dunking booth. And—oh yes—a heavy-hitting local lineup, packed with artists you should really be paying to see. We would become apoplectic with joy were we required to list all the artists playing this weekend, but here’s some highlights: Saturday features the Goondas, Pink Mink, and the inexhaustibly awesome Mark Mallman; Sunday has both an outdoor stage with the Sex Rays, the 4ONTHEFLOOR, Lucy Michelle & the Velvet Lapelles, and Split Lip Rayfield while the Bootstrap Family Band and Cadillac Kolstad & the Flats occupy the Pabst Beer Tent Stage; Monday sees the Fuck Knights, Misery, the Goddamn Doo Wop Band, and Useless Wooden Toys. Plus, there’s DJed After Parties inside on Saturday and Sunday from DJ Shannon Blowtorch, Tomahawk Tassels & Her Tribe Of Tease, E.L.No., and Davina & the Vagabonds.

Click HERE for the Facebook event




SATURDAY MAY 28TH

Building on Building

@ XYandZ Gallery
3258 Minnehaha Ave S
Minneapolis

6-10 p.m. / free

Get a petit peek of the walls of New York as XYandZ welcomes NY-based street artist, Erik Burke (aka Over Under), for a residence exhibit and installation. Burke's latest work is a concentration/reflection on his hometown city where sprayed paint figurines lay locked inside the infrastructure of architecture. In one portrait, an anonymous leg bursts from a crack of a door; in another, urban landscapes stack on top of one another, exposing the restrictive natures of man-made scenery. Burke then pastes these images on the walls of his very edifice inspirations, and thus – as the title suggests – buildings beget buildings. Visually stunning, provocative, and not to be missed.

Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com


SATURDAY MAY 28TH

Sea of Tranquility: New Art by Isa Gagarin

@ Honeycomb Salon
3504 Nicollet
Minneapolis

7 p.m. / Free

On the off chance you’ve visited the Dead Sea, you probably have a photograph of you floating in it, maybe even holding a book or magazine for added airs, er, cool points (If not, Google it for some laughs and, admittedly, a moment of awe). Playing on such notions of buoyancy, oceans, libraries, and “highly subjective histories,” including personal family stories, book and visual artist Isa Gagarin has created a series of drawings and collages titled “Sea of Tranquility.” Opening Saturday at Honeycomb Salon, the show also incorporates elements from cinema, astronomy, and ethnographic imagery for a hodgepodge of the familiar and unfamiliar, of science and play. For added sweetness (or perhaps to balance out the saltiness of the Dead Sea), Cake Eater Bakery will providing treats, with DJ James Leonardo and Wasted Past covering the tunes.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SATURDAY MAY 28TH

Attitude City

@ Club Jager
923 Washington Ave
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

One of our favorite monthly dance jams is here! The badass boys of Attitude City are at it again with their installation of music and mayhem. Join the Jeff Dubois and special guest King Otto for a night of delicious dance beats and Clubhouse Jager’s tasty cocktails. Not only is it free, but we guarantee that you’ll have an awesome time mingling and dancing up on some of Minneapolis’ finest.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: STORNOWAY

What's l'etoile listening to this week?

With the onset of summer, nostalgia is just about as heavy in the air as humidity. And if you ask us, such a feeling should always have a soundtrack, a go-to album for both a sunny day car trip or a thunderstormy night on the hardwood floors, staring at the ceiling and delving into the great mysteries of humanity. Okay, maybe that’s a bit melodramatic, but Stornoway’s melancholy-yet-clever lyricism, not to mention its entire conservatory of instruments (horns, banjo, Celtic fiddles, upright bass, celesta), gets us all misty-eyed and existential in the best way possible, as only a British indie folk band formed beneath a banner of adoration for Teenage Fanclub could provoke. Besides, what’s not to love about a song called “Zorbing,” which compares that first love exhilaration to an obscure sport that originated in New Zealand (to “zorb” is to roll around in wide open spaces in a huge, transparent plastic ball)? Reminisce, away.

Click HERE for the Stornoway site



SUNDAY MAY 29TH

Soundset 2011

@ Canterbury Park
1100 Canterbury Road
Shakopee, MN

2pm / All Ages / $43

We don't typically write about Sunday happenings, but the annual Rhymesayers-procured Soundset extravaganza is simply too epic to ignore. The self-proclaimed "official midwest kickoff festival of the summer" is once again taking over Canterbury Park boasting a whopping 8 hours of live entertainment on two stages including some of the biggest names in independent rap. This years line up: (drumroll please) Big Boi! De La Sol! Brother Ali! Doomtree! P.O.S.! and of course Atmosphere. There is plenty to do at Soundset in addition to rapping-out - live painting throughout the day, skateboarding, and a sweet car show round out the day's activities. Hold on, its gonna be a wild one.

BONUS! Didn't get enough party packed into your day? Bring your sunburn on down to First Avenue for the Official Soundset Afterparty hosted by Brother Ali, featuring an all out blowout of Get Cryphy, Wants VS Needs, and Special Guests.

Click HERE for the Soundset site




Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Tara Sloane, Natalie Gallagher, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin, Lauren Gantner

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Weekend What's What: Art-A-Whirl Special Edition

WHIRL ME, BABY, ONE MORE TIME

It's here! The art-crazy weekend we wait for all year is back again and better than ever. Every spring we think it couldn't possibly out-do itself, but Art-A-Whirl proves us wrong time and time again. This year's neighborhood-wide art extravaganza goes above and beyond with big outdoor events, gallery shows, hundreds of open studios, live music, food, drink and pretty much every manner of awesomeness you can imagine. Our listings below highlight the events and shows that we plan on hitting, but for even more info on AAW, including a map, an online artist directory, trolley stops and additional special events, visit www.nemaa.org. Regular AAW hours this year are Friday 6-10pm, Saturday Noon-8pm, and Sunday Noon to 5pm.

Happy whirling!



THURSDAY MAY 19TH

No Hard Feelings

@ Nomad World Pub
501 Cedar Ave
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / Free before 9 p.m., $5 after / 21+

Kick of a weekend of Art-a-Whirl p(art)ies with not one, but two floors (and hopefully a patio) of shenanigans at the Nomad. Created by Tarnish & Gold Gallery and Bloodtime (mixed media duo Jesse Draxler and Justin James Sehorn), No Hard Feelings will feature a killer musical lineup featuring Mike Mictlan, Spyder Baybie, La Manchita, Alicia Steele, and Human Bear Trap, not to mention DJ sets all night long. And since it is Art-a-Whirl eve, after all, oodles of visual artists, including Miles Mendenhall, Jesse Draxler, Garrett Perry, Nick Howard, Daniel Luedtke, the Bloodtime boys and more, will also have some arty tricks up their sleeves for us. No hard feelings if you don’t go, but really, you’d be silly not to.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Curio: A Michael Thomsen Retrospective

@ Rogue Buddha
357 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis

friday 5-10 p.m., saturday noon-8p.m., sunday noon-5 p.m. / free

Curiosity may have killed the cat and TLC shows may scold the hoarders, but in the case of the artist, indulging your knack for “junk” scavenging is just another way to heighten the creative process and produce a highly interesting, eye-catching span of works. For Art-A-Whirl weekend, the Rogue Buddha proudly celebrates the 20-year art career of sculptor/installationist, Michael Thomsen. Curio highlights Thomsen's best from past years while debuting brand new pieces from the artist. Merging antiquities into the personal, Thomsen's sculptures and mixed media pieces often include trinkets, old-timey miscellanea and relics he obtained during an aberrant childhood filled with carnivals and live auctions, surrounded by a family of clockmakers, violinmakers and painters. More fanciful than a thrift store and more magical than a flea market, Thomsen's multifarious “retrospective” is not to be missed for lovers of all things unusual.

Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com


FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Art Form 1040: Mission Accomplished

@ Fox Tax
503 1st Ave NE
Minneapolis

5-10 p.m. / free

As we say “adieu” to the “oughts decade” – yes, that is what we were calling the 00's – virtually every opinion peddler has something to critique. “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” And with all the antithetical prattle going around between politicians, these days we're more interested to know our artist's commentary. As part of this week's blooming Art-A-Whirl, Fox Tax owners Mark and Alyssa Fox commissioned local artists to create dual artworks conveying their stance on the “ought decade” aka: the season of the Bush. From photography and collage to screenprinting and painting, check an eclectic and often disparate collection of original works from locals Nicholas Golfis, John Diebel, Colin Kopp, Melissa Loop, Aniela Sobieski and David Hansen. Like what you see, señor? Ten signed and numbered prints of each work will be on sale and available for purchase – via printer master, The Lab Digital's Eric Recktenwald – for a mere $40 each. Thus the cheeky 10:40 reference. Get it? Let the animadversion begin!

Click HERE for the Facebook event



FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Future Presence II

@ Future Presence Gallery Space
1126 2nd Street NE 55413
Minneapolis

Fri: 5-10 p.m., Sat: 1-8 p.m., Sun: 1-5 p.m. / Free

Now here’s a sequel to actually get excited about (no, really, we’re so excited we decided to sponsor it): Future Presence II, a group art show by some Minneapolis faves , including colorful creature creator Chuck U, comic book artist/genius Chris Park, light art maestro Bryant Locher, vivid and lovely painter Kate Burgau, and many more. Even better? This second installation is in the group’s shiny new NE gallery space, located a hop, skip, and jump from Shuga Records and Matchbox Coffee. Your future: be present at this show.

Click HERE for the facebook event



FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Czeslaw's Loop: The Final Opus

@ Mississippi Mile Marker 856.2 / Behind the Sample Room
2124 Marshall Street NE
Minneapolis

Fri: 6pm (performance at 8), Sat: Noon-10pm (performances all day, and starting at 8pm), Sun: Noon-5pm

You may recall from Art-a-Whirls of yore, the Creative Electric Boat Project at Mississippi River mile marker 856.2 (local bands playing on the river and an artily decked-out houseboat behind the Sample Room, anyone?) You may not recall Czeslaw Janecki, a late 1960s electronic composer whose final opus was never performed. But what you definitely will recall some day in the future, misty eyes and all, is Czezlaw’s Loop: The Final Opus, the event that bridges these two strange happenings together, produced by Permanent Art & Design Group (of which our own Editor in Chief holds the position of Creative Director). This weekend, some of Minneapolis’ core artists and musicians have signed on for a four-act opera split over a three-day period. For example: Act One: Desire, will be conducted by Gayngs’ Ryan Olson and P.O.S.’ Stef Alexander and will feature members from Marijuana Deathsquads, Martin Dosh, a fleet of drummers and musicians from local bands, electronic overtures, and large-scale projections and light visuals. Saturday night's phantasm will be conducted by legendary local producer Chris Strouth with a little help from his friends, including punk icon Tom Hazelmyer (AmRep Records, Halo of Flies), members of The Time and The Family, Paul Robb (Information Society), soprano Maria Jette (you seriously don't want to miss the finale), and oh-so many more. During the day on Saturday and Sunday be entranced by the experimental sounds and artworks of John Keston, Ben Garthus, Ostraka Performance, and Sean Connaughty. Performances and shenanigans run all weekend, and trust us, you’ll want to catch them all.

BONUS: Can't make it? Implex will be live-streaming the Friday and Saturday night performances HERE.

Click HERE for the Permanent Art & Design Group site


SATURDAY MAY 21ST

Johnstock

@ 2800 Block of Johnson St. NE
Minneapolis

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. / Free

While it may not change rock n’ roll history, Johnstock definitely marks a pivotal moment in the Minnesota calendar: block party season! Head to the 2800 block of Johnson Street Saturday and Sunday for an exposition of music, food, and arts and crafts in the sunshine (er, hopefully, it’s still Minnesota after all). Bands include ECID, Static Kill, These Unknown, No Man’s String Band, Vanessa Bray, and a Sunday afternoon dance party with DJ Riley. Eats are courtesy of the Johnson Street businesses Hazels, Amici, The Coffee Shop Northeast, and Jungs. Can’t hold off celebrating ‘till Saturday? “Tangled” will be playing outside Friday at dusk next to Hollywood Theater. Kids and kids at heart equally welcome.

Click HERE for the Johnstock Facebook




FRIDAY MAY 19TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Art-A-Whirl at Humans Win! Recording Studio

@ Humans Win Recording Studio
1423 29th Ave NE
Minneapolis

Regular Art-A-Whirl hours + party on Saturday 8pm-1am / Free

Humans Win! Recording Studio has decided to get in on the art-tastic action once more with an arty party and weekend-long exhibit. On top of hosting a late night party on Saturday (starting at 8pm), the studio which has recorded artist such as P.O.S., Dearling Physique, Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles and more is raising the bar starting Friday as they line the walls with new works from seven Midwest painters, illustrators, computer artists, sculpters and drawers - Dennis Conrad, Serita Hewitt, Jon Quijano, Lance Conrad, Josh Journey-Heinz, Alex Molitor, and Ben Nylen. Be sure to pop in after 8pm on Saturday for a late night soiree complete with snacks and music (of course!).

Click HERE for the Facebook event



FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

The Best and Worst of Frank Gaard & BRLSQ Garage Sale

CO Exhibitions
1101 Stinson Blvd NE Suite #2
Minneapolis

Friday until 8pm / Sat Noon-8pm / Sun Noon-5pm

The Art Institute of Chicago, MoMA and the Smithsonian may house some of his works, but Minneapolis is where art vanguard Frank Gaard calls home. And by golly if we aren’t just bursting with pride about it - especially so throughout all of our Art-A-Whirl shenanigans. CO Exhibitions has jumped on Frank Gaard by putting together a best and worst (more best than worst, of course) exhibit entirely in his honor. But, instead of getting worse, things just get better! In addition to the Gaard goodness, the Burlesque of North America boys will be holding down the fort with an Art-A-Whirl fire sale, shilling prints, t-shirts, old-school records, mags and books as well enough beef jerky to break your jaw.

Click HERE for the CO Exhibitions site



FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Hoolie Fest 2011

@Shuga Records
165 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN

4 p.m. / $1 per day, $2 for the weekend / AA

Shuga Records is once again bringing the rock—for three days, with over 75 bands on both indoor and outdoor stages! Does it get any better? Rogue Citizen and Chuck U will be creating original art all weekend in honor of Art-A-Whirl, and you can pick up some fresh screenprinting from Intrepid Minneapolis and Andy Mcinnis. On Saturday night, Anonymous of Wide Eyes will be hosting Hoolie’s hip hop lineup from 5-10 p.m., and on Sunday night, there will be mini-trivia happening between sets with free beer for trivia-ers and prizes.

Click HERE for the Hoolie Fest site


FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Art-A-Whirl at 331 Club

Friday through Sunday

10 p.m. Friday
Noon to 10 p.m. outside Saturday
10 p.m. to 2 a.m. indoors Saturday
1 p.m. to 9 p.m. outside Sunday

It would appear that this Art-A-Whirl, the 331 snuck in first and grabbed up all the finest bands in Minneapolis for their bill. We would run out of breath slash our hearts would explode if we listed them ALL here, but here’s a snippet: Friday features Gospel Gossip and the Blind Shake; Saturday at the outdoor stage it’s Blue Sky Blackout, Dosh, Satellite Voices, Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble, and Grant Cutler and the Gorgeous Lords; Saturday inside it’s Charlie Parr; Sunday inside it’s the Pines, Zoo Animal, the Goondas, Matt Latterall, and Bella Ruse. Plus more. Plus all the goodness that is the 331. Plus… oh, c’mon, just go already. You don’t need another excuse.

Click HERE for the 331 site



SATURDAY MAY 21ST

Grumpy's NE Art-A-Whirl BBQ Rock Show

@ Grumpy's NE
2200 4th Street NE.
Minneapolis

All Day / 21+ / Free

In the last few years, Art-A-Whirl has become like our own little artcentric SXSW - hopping from studio to studio, eating street food, seeing everyone you know, and of course drinking all day. This year promises to be the biggest yet, with epic parties such as Grumpy's annual Art-A-Whirl BBQ, which in past years has been one of the staple cant-miss events. Hosted by Ian Rans of Drinking With Ian, Grumpy's has thrown together all the ingredients for quite the grand shindig: an excellent line-up of music featuring the Huckleberry's, Pink Mink, the Seawhores, and a special secret guest (!!!) BBQ and booze galore, PBR-A-Gami, and even an Evil Magic Show. Once you've made your Art rounds, this is the place to stop for all your rock & roll needs.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SATURDAY MAY 21ST

Art Treasures

@ Kingman Studios
1901 Grant St NE
Minneapolis

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Free

One man's art is another man's...treasured art. Today, prepare your paws to sift through tons of awesome, locally-crafted art during Kingman Studio's multi-artist sale. Kingman, whose wild late night art parties are legendary in the Twin Cities, announced this week that he has given up his multi-year battle with the city to keep entertaining, so this Saturday's sale will include a slew of party-centric items and must-have nostalgic Kingman artifacts. Who knows whether you'll discover a decadent piece of art, a kick-ass accoutrement for your living room, or your own secret after party starter kit! Check original poster, paintings, mixed media and more from artists Kara and Hal Lovemelt, Silvia Yordanova, Dan Craker, Carolyn Kopecky, Brant Kingman and many more!

Click HERE for the facebook event



SATURDAY MAY 21ST

The Erasers

@ Soap Factory
518 Second St SE
Minneapolis

7-11 p.m. / free

In the French mystery novel, The Erasers, a detective attempts to solve a series of small town murders by searching for a made-up piece of evidence – an eraser – he may or may not have actually encountered in his past. In his fixation over the intangible eraser, the detective gets lost in a tangled web of past meets present. In the spirit of this time warp confusion, Berlin-based curator Corinna Kirsch heads a national and international exhibition where culture, origin and imagined pieces take on the physical shape of the past. In this exhibit, the artists take inanimate objects and explore how they emphasize and express human relationships, culture and language. Like “things washed ashore on a beach belonging to someone's else's past,” the artist examine whether time really erases the past or whether the past – people, events, experiences – form a web of interconnectedness, a shadow for the next generation.

Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com



BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: THORP BUILDING

@ 1618 Central Ave
Minneapolis

For being the official birthplace of Art-a-Whirl, the Thorp holds an extra-special place in our hearts. Well that, and for still being the life of the party fifteen years later. This year, the snazzy Thorpians are again hosting a giant opening night party in the big space, from which you can expect even more beer, art, music, and tom-foolery than last year’s. Woot! Also be sure to check out one of the many live music and dance performances happening throughout the weekend, the
special art shanty exhibit, as well as open studios with l’etoile faves Carrier Pigeon and Needle & Black.

Click HERE for the Thorp site


BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: NORTHRUP KING BUILDING

@1500 Jackson St NE
Minneapolis

Known as the heart of the NE arts district, The Northrup King Building is a spectacular story of antiquated space reinvented, refurbished and re-envisioned, starting out as part of a complex 10
buildings built in the 1917. Originally designed to house and ship seeds across the United States, the building was uniquely renovated in the late '80s as a creative hub/art annex that houses over 190 artists, art-related businesses + non-profit organizations. Throughout the year, the Northrup building plays host to tons of locally-derived apparel and furniture shows, not to mention the building throws open its doors for both Art Attack and Art-A-Whirl. This Saturday, browse through the open houses of three vast, labyrinthine floors of artist studios featuring everything from painting, mosaics, jewelry, sculpture and clay & including the studios of Frank Mazzacco Photography, Icebox Quality Framing & Gallery, Danish Teak Classics, and more.

Click HERE for the NKB site


BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: GRAINBELT BOTTLING HOUSE

@ 77 13th Ave NE #203
Minneapolis

Another architectural advocate for the arts community, the historic Grainbelt Bottling House
became home to local artists, painters, sculptors, dancers and other members of the art scene in the 1970s when finding and retaining affordable live/work space forced peeps to gravitate to the industrial neighborhood. Throughout the various stages of development, the Grainbelt building has stayed true to its commitment to support the growth of local artists and boost community economics. This weekend take a tour of the variety of open studios from Grain Belt artists and residents including a semi-annual open studio from l'etoile fave, Caitlin Karolczak featuring new works and special deals on original drawings, studies and paintings. Plus, all weekend long enjoy special events like music and dance by Mandragora Tango, an ancient encaustic painting demo from Jeff Hirst, handmade papermaking techniques taught by Amanda Degener, James Kleiner and Amy Pleticha, soldering techniques demonstrated by jeweler, Linda Koutsky, Argentine Tango lessons and much more.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: Q.ARMA BUILDING

@1224 Quincy St NE
Minneapolis

If you're familiar with NE's First Fridays, you already know the gems the Q.arma building quarters. Home to many artists and even a gallery, not to mention the print+apparel studio of Anthem Heart and the epic Worn to Be Wild parties--you may have just shook your stuff while enjoying live screenprinting and live tunes in this charming warehouse. From art gallery fave, Altered Esthetics to the studios of graphic design & print hounds, Lovelympls, the talented stylists at Maude Salon and more, Q.arma boasts an eclectic space bursting with creativity, local skill and artistry. During Art-A-Whirl weekend, pop through all the studios under the Q.arma roof including Kris Drake Photography, Yarbi Design, Look Art Below, Stephen Filla, Freeze-Dry Production Service and many more!

Click HERE for the Qarma site


BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: CALIFORNIA BUILDING

@ 2205 California Street NE
Minneapolis

Like most of us, the California Building – at least the arty hub we’ve come to know and love – was born in the 80s, when both emerging and established artists began to rent studio spaces in the former grain mill. Currently 80 artists call the building home, including Minneapolis mainstays Robyne Robinson, Susan Opitz, and Aldo Moroni. Stop in this weekend to explore six floors of artists working in glass, oil painting, jewelry, sculpture, mixed media and more, making sure not to miss Amy Toscani’s latest sculpture, “Jackalopes,” an ongoing photobooth in Studio 600 (the best of the best go on Facebook), and live figure drawing in Studio 103 on Sunday. After all that, re-energize with something delicious from the Mill City Café, celebrating “Brat-a-Whirl” all weekend long.

Click HERE for the California Building site


BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: CASKET ARTS/CARRIAGE HOUSE

@ 681 17th Avenue NE
Minneapolis

Up until 2005, the Casket Arts building served the exact purpose its name would imply: a casket
manufacturing plant. Now it houses more than 100 artists, not including the dozens of other furniture makers, jewelers, painters, sculptors, and fiber artists (to name a few) who work in The Carriage House, the Casket’s eclectic sister building down the street. Some of this year’s AAW highlights include Franconia in the City, where the folks at Franconia Sculpture Park will install a satellite sculpture park in Northeast; and Sunday’s book release and signing of “Memory of Trees,” Minneapolis writer Gayla Marty’s story of growing up on a farm in the golden triangle (Bonus: her husband Pat Mavity will also be on hand playing some classic fiddle tunes).

Click HERE for the Casket Arts Building


Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Tara Sloane, Natalie Gallagher, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin, Lauren Gantner

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Weekend What's What 5/12-5/14


ON A ROLL

The signs of the summer event season are starting to roll in! Excitement, creativity, and ingenuity all come to a head when Minnesotans truly feel it's safe to come out of hibernation, and this weekend is a grand example. From fantastic fashion shows to resplendent art exhibits to down n' dirty dance parties of the most epic varieties, odds are you'll be swapping your sweaters for a tank tops in no time (even if you need to carry an umbrella with this weekend--just in case!).

xo-l'etoile



THURSDAY MAY 12TH

Platinum Black

@ Rosalux Gallery
1224 2nd St NE
Minneapolis

6 p.m. / Free

Just in time for Art-A-Whirl, the ever clever Rosalux contingency is putting on a group show, featuring the boldest, shiniest, and otherwise most impressive new work from each of the gallery’s 15 member artists. This includes maximalist Dave Whannel, lauded for his use of surrealism, abstraction, distorted perspective, and collage in his landscapes; emotional narrative painter Toni Gallo; “crypto-zoological” and “crypto-vegetal hybrid beings” creator Amelia Biewald; and John Largaespada, whose digital photography composites often reinterpret classical works of literature, theater, opera, and fine art. Don’t miss this chance to see the entire Rosalux family in one fell swoop. As far as family gatherings go, we’re pretty sure this one won’t leave you running for the door.

Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com



THURSDAY MAY 12TH

RetroRama

@ MN History Center
345 W. Kellogg Blvd
St. Paul

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. / $15

Inspired by the Minnesota History Center's newest exhibit Underwear: A Brief History, the annual vintage-inspired fashion event RetroRama is returning to bring another bout of fashion, cocktailing and tuneage. Dig out your best vintage for this Thursday night's runway show (styled by l'etoile's very own Jahna Peloquin!), featuring looks from local designers Christopher Straub, Danielle Everine, Samantha Rei, Heather Luca and Sarah White. On top of the fashions to view, there will be wares for sale from Blacklist Vintage, the Spectacle Shoppe, and Girl Creations, not to mention fresh beats from DJ Jake Rudh and the Southside Aces, drinking games with Ian Rans of Drinking With Ian, crafts, treats, cocktails and a rolicking retro time.

Note: Pre-sale tix are sold out, a limited number will be available at the door, so show up early!

Click HERE for the Retrorama site


THURSDAY MAY 12TH

LOL/OMG Social Media Meetup & Rock Show

@ 331 Club
331 13th Avenue NE
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+ / Free

It's that time again! Our LOL/OMG Social Media Meetup is back at the 331 Club for its next installment on Thursday, May 12th, and we've crafted an all-star lineup for the occasion that will blow minds and ear drums: Magic Castles kick things off, followed by Teddy and the Turks, and finally, everyone's favorite rowdy garage rockers, The Goondas, cap off the night with style. Socialize with your Twitter/Facebook/Foursquare/etc friends IRL, drink some cheap dranks, nerd out, shamelessly hit on people, whatever...just be sure to tweet it so we can LOL/OMG about it later! Official hashtag: #LOLOMG

Click HERE for the LOL/OMG site

The Goondas on City of Music:



FRIDAY ART PICK: FUYUKO MATSUI

What's l'etoile been looking at this week?

Fuyuko Matsui is a modern-day ghost story narrator. But instead of campfires and heavy smoke, the Japanese artist recounts her historic vs. folklore accounts via canvas and ink. Her grotesquely macabre art revisits the artisanship of the classical Japanese, blending the styles of “nihonga” and “yurei-ga” – the genre of ghost paintings. In her visceral artwork, the neo-nihonag painter resurrects the meticulous technique of Japanese ink paintings and brush methods dating back to the 15th century, incorporating Greek myths and riddled philosophy left up to the viewer to elucidate. Not for the faint of heart, Matsui's paintings are often saturated with images of disembodied flesh, apparitions and supernatural creatures, with a more cathartic than shock-value response. Still, it's probably best to enjoy her work with all the lights on.

Click HERE for more info on the artist



FRIDAY MAY 13TH

American Narratives

@ Gallery 122 at Hang It
122 8th St SE
Minneapolis

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Free

How do we properly chronicle the events of American life? Is it through written novellas documented in descriptive, historic detail? Or maybe it lies within the melodramatic scripts of a Bravo show? Or maybe it's something that veers from the typical, only to show up in brushstrokes on a canvas. Far from the pedestrian landscape paintings, the artists in tonight's exhibit – MN-based Laura E. Migliorino and Brooklyn's Matthew Conradt – take on the concept of everyday surroundings and twist them into colorful works dripping with meaning and urging the viewer to look beyond the scenery. Peep the stunning arts of photographer, Migliorino, and large-scale collage + digital print artist, Conradt.

Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com


FRIDAY MAY 13TH

Space: Friend or Foe

@ Paper Moose Jumpsuit & Co.
945 Broadway St. NE
Minneapolis

8 p.m. to 11 p.m. / Free

In the simplest of layman’s terms, “Space: Friend or Foe” can be summed up as an evening of “contentious allocutions on the topics of our times.” Which, for you super-simpletons out there means this event is a good ‘ol fashioned word brawl, complete with corny nicknames and a saintly impartial celebrity judge. As you may have guessed, this particular session will revolve around the great mystery that is space. And we mean that quite literally – hey, Paper Moose, are we talking galaxies and planets here, or a mathematical entity, an interval of time, the gap between words, a pause in a musical score, a place to park, or a really bad drug trip? Find out for yourself – and see which friend or foe dominates (Will it be HOT TONY? Kait Lunchables? Alyssa Can Lift You Over Her Head And Throw You?) – Friday at the Paper Moose space in Northeast. You brainiacs, you.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY MAY 13TH

Night of The Living Prom III: Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald

@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave
St. Paul

8pm / 21+ / $10

Live it up zombie style at the third annual Night of the Living Prom: Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald this Friday the 13th at the Turf Club. This rock ‘n roll zombie prom features live music from local blues/rock/stomp heroes The 4onthefloor, country flavored pop rockers The Evening Rig, local pop/rock band Cedar Avenue, and self-proclaimed lumberjack popsters Usonia. The Clown Lounge will feature live sets from local indie pop artist The Farewell Circuit, psychedelic indie folk/rockers The Color Pharmacy, as well as Bella Ruse and Silverback Colony lending a Vaudvillian haunted house vibe. To top off the evening, there will be a grand march and the coronation of the Shipwreck King & Queen, a Scurvy Limbo Contest, and a special nook for photographs of you and your hot, shipwrecked date. Ahoy!

Click HERE for the Turf site


FRIDAY MAY 13TH

Devotio Moderna

@ Eden-Courtyard of Chambers
901 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

10 p.m. - 2 a.m. / 21+ / Free

There's a reason the dance soiree, Devotio Moderna, was one of the best parties of last summer, and it's not because everything is sexier on a patio – although it is! Devotio moderna – Latin for “modern devotion” – is definitely the chic, vogue version of the “dance party.” Set upon the sleek courtyard of this sophisticated, moonlight-bathed night, the Chambers will provide the posh n' sexy atmosphere – you won't find neon pants here, thank god – while DJs Upgrayde, Ricky Biggs, and Bacheclectic provide the refreshing tuneage (think indie dance mixes with tracks from Le Tigre and Magnetic Fields thrown in). Tonight, snag a drink from one of the four bars featuring specials (including ½ priced beer and rail drinks), get loungey in one of Chambers comfy cabanas and enjoy the hypnotizing flames of the fire pit as you groove to tasty music. Hopelessly devoted to...patio parties!

Bonus: For an extra sleek and sexy weekend, Chambers will be offering a limited amount of rooms available for the ultra discounted priced of $129. Mention the “Devotio Moderna” special!

Happily sponsored by l'etoile!

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY, MAY 13TH

Sleazy and Eazy

@Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

Nothing says summertime like blaring pop ditties, mouthfuls of gratis Jello shot goodness and Mark Mallman. You know what that means: Sleazy and Eazy is in the air this weekend! Once again the DJ team of Mallman and Jager queen bee Angie Heitz will tickle your ear drums with titillating tastes of tunes from George Michael, Lady Gaga and everything in between. Bonus: the Clubhouse Jager posse will even be passing out free and fruity Jello shots at midnight!

Click HERE for the Facebook event


COOL LINK: NEMAA ARTIST DATABASE

What's l'etoile looking at on the web this week?

Next weekend's Art-a-Whirl is hot on our heels, and with it comes the annual dilemma: which studios and events to visit and when for maximum efficiency? Which is really just a smarty way of saying we don’t want to miss out on anything, but we’d prefer not to drop dead from exhaustion after day one. Well, we’re going to let you in on a little secret: the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association website is an indispensable hub of information where you’ll find a browsable database of the the organization's hundreds of member artists, galleries, and businesses, as well as a list of special events happening throughout Art-A-Whirl weekend, May 20-22nd. Just be forewarned: both are absolutely gigantic, and each artist/event tends to sound better than the one before...but that’s why we’re giving you an extra week to plan. Use it well, and happy whirling!

Click HERE for the NEMAA site

Work from guerrilla knitter/fiber artist Kristin Boehm (Waterbury Building)


SATURDAY MAY 14TH

Cult Sisters II

@ Cult Status Gallery
2913 Harriet Ave. S.
Minneapolis

7:30 p.m. / Free

In case you didn’t know, the Twin Cities are a hub for totally bad ass female artists. Enter Cult Sisters II, a Cult Status show that brings together 12 creative babes to show their work in a group format. Artists include St. Paul-based photographer Rhea Pappas, whose work focuses on emotion and womanhood within water; Alison Hiltner, who muses on the architecture of life through non-traditional sculptures; screen printer Wendy Petersen (more commonly known as Claire Monet); Cult Status's own Erin Sayer and many more. Reception beats provided by another stellar local gal of the musical sort, DJ Shiek. See you there – and gentlemen, that means you, too.

Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com


SATURDAY MAY 14TH

The Orlando Z. Hunter Dance & Dessert Fundraiser

@ Vision Loft
25 N 4th st
Suite #501
Minneapolis

7-10:30 p.m. / $10-20 suggested donation

If you have a soft spot for dancers, sweets and the gays, tonight's soiree is right up your alley. Grab your checkbooks to help support local Moving Arts Ensemble hip hop turned classical dancer, U of M student and emerging artist, Orlando Hunter, as he prepares for a trek to Europe to study GLBT history and activism in Amsterdam and Berlin followed by a summer intensive program at the NYU Tisch School of Dance. Enjoy the dexterous and graceful dance movements of fellow local dancers Elly Hollenhorst, Timothy Herian, Davente Gilreath and Hunter, as well as a gorgeous, gravity-defying aerial performance by Erin Winter Belfry--not to mention delectable desserts compliments Gilbert Tetter. Enjoy the stylish, intimate ambiance of Vision's airy loft space and while you're at it, pat yourself on the back for bolstering the arts!

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SATURDAY MAY 14TH

A Designer's Metropolis': St. Kate's Senior Fashion Show

@ St. Catherine University
Coeur de Catherine
Rauenhorst Ballroom
2004 Randolph Ave.
St. Paul

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. / $10-$12

As the school year comes to a close, the senior fashion students at St. Kate’s are prepping their final projects to hit the “katwalk” in this Saturday's anticipated presentation: A Designer’s Metropolis. The six seniors, including Ayah Ahmed, Jenn Bratvold, Mary Ehlers, Caitlin Gottschalk, Abby Hansen and Hitomi Wong, have taken on a sustainability inspired stance for their fashion lines, which will be hitting the runway, along with an exclusive peek at looks from the junior class as well. On top of the show, there will be an awesome after party to mingle with all the admirers and designers at St. Kate’s hip hangout spot, The Pulse.

Click HERE for the St. Kate's blog

Look by Hitomi Wong, Photo by Cody Lidtke


SATURDAY MAY 14TH

Altered Esthetics Solo Exhibition: Matthew Fitzke

@Maude Salon
1224 Quincy St NE #135
Minneapolis

6:30 – 10 p.m. / Free

For many years, Altered Esthetics Gallery has been a hub for emerging designers--the Northeast community-oriented spot is widely known for its thematic group shows that push boundaries and genres. Tonight the gallery joins forces with next door neighbor, Maude Salon, to continue its ongoing series of solo shows for AE veteran artists. This weekend graphic designer-gone-painter Matthew Fitzke debuts his Andy Warhol-inspired installation of acrylic works on the walls of the hip salon. Follow Fitzke’s story (one we can all relate to) as he artistically traces through both the dark and light sides of falling in love and falling out of it.

Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com


SATURDAY MAY 14TH

Strange Lights’ Last Show

@ 331 Club
331 13th Ave. NE
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+ / Free

Alas, the end of a bizarre, yet star-bright era: local supergroup Strange Lights is riding off into the sunset, so to speak (sniffle). But before drummer Kieran Holcomb moves out of state and Bill Rammer retires his bass, the band will rock our socks off one last time at the 331. Which is fitting, of course, because the only way to mourn the loss of some of Minneapolis’ best drony, acid-fried, psych poppers is in an intimate setting--especially one with some of the cheapest cocktails around. Also playing is Fire in the Northern Furs, another cool local band happy to let us weep on their shoegazy shoulders – or at least remind us that captivating tunage is still alive and well in the city. Not that we had any doubts, but...Oh, never mind. Hopefully you’ll be a lot better at saying goodbye than we are.

Click
HERE for the 331 site

Photo by Emily Utne

SATURDAY MAY 14TH

Fancy Night Times: Estate and Anthem Heart

@ Red Stag Supper Club
501 1st Ave NE
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

Head Stag-ward tonight for a chilled out evening of hip beats and tasty treats. DJ smoothsters Estate and Anthem Heart will be manning the decks as you lounge in the cozy ambiance of the candlelit dining room. Later, after you've got a few adult bevies in ya, let the dance party commence! While you're indulging yourself, you might as well try some of the delightful dishes off the Stag's cheapie late night menu--think $3 fried mashed potato balls. Yes, we said "Fried mashed potato balls."

Click HERE for the Red Stag site


SATURDAY MAY 14TH

Dad Funk: Dad’s Night Out 2

@ Clubhouse Jäger
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis, MN

10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

We’re a month away from Father’s Day, but that’s no excuse not to pay tribute to righteous dadship at this second annual Dad’s Night Out, brought to you by Dads of America. In a dance party even your parents would be proud of (and let’s be real here, they were ripping up bad acrylic shag carpets long before you were conceived), the party-mongers at Club Jäger graciously host a night of dad-worthy beats, featuring DJs Wak Lyf (Dad Lyf!) and Gigamesh (Papamesh!). Don your finest dad sweater, bring on those tube socks with sandals, and get your girl to dig out her favorite acid-washed mom jeans—just leave the kids at home. Playatta (Grandapayatta Dadda!) will be on hand crafting visual magic in the video portal for you and your MILF as you pull shots the way dad used to.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: MUSEUM OF BELLAS ARTES

What's l'etoile listening to this week?

Their digital single, “Who Do You Love” (a cover of the 1964 hit by the Sapphires), dropped last summer, and since then, the l’etoile crew has not been able to stop idling away our work days listening to this beat on repeat. The Swedish trio has since been hard at work cultivating their presence and buzz on the music blogosphere, with a four-track EP called Days Ahead, an EP that's definitely got residence on our summer playlist. If you have not been cued on to the Museum of Bellas Artes yet, please, allow us: synth meets '70s sun-kissed pop meets lo-fi California sun-bleached indie, culminating in delicious, fresh, and utterly irresistible music that you can alternatively dance to or tan to, whichever you prefer.

Click HERE for the Museum of Bellas Artes site




Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Tara Sloane, Natalie Gallagher, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin, Lauren Gantner