Weekend What's What 7/28-7/31

ROUND 'EM UP

We're declaring a posse up weekend! Grab your bffs (and maybe even a few frenemies) and party en masse at any number of down n' dirty dance jams, amazing art shows and festivals, or rockin' live music blowouts. As we head into the final "official" month of summer, we must insist you (and your, um, posse) make the most of it.

xo-l'etoile


THURSDAY JULY 28TH

Radical Cemetery N.N.E. Audio Cassette Tape Release

@ XY&Z Gallery / Trylon
3258 Minnehaha Ave S
Minneapolis

7 p.m. – Midnight / Free

Local musicians, Radical Cemetery, aren't your average, run-of-the-mill experimental band. Comprised of Hartland/Heartland founders Aaron Anderson and Eric Carlson, Fletcher Barnhill, and multi-instrumentalist Derek Maxwell, the 4-piece takes their cues from improv, “stoner metal,” hip-hop and dub techniques mutating and progressing their beats through digital production. Hence, it comes as no shock that the band's release party should reflect the same multi-media eclecticism. Tonight, don't miss as the XyandZ Gallery and the Trylon host just such a release party for Radical Cemetery's latest cassette (yes, we said “cassette”), N. N. E. Catch video installments in the Trylon, plus peep art installations, “spacial interruptions,” drawings and live performances from Cage 3, Moon Glyph and – of course – Radical Cemetery. Engage in sensory overload.

Bonus: Secret special guests are rumored to be adding to the musical melee! Our lips are sealed!

Click HERE for the Facebook invite


THURSDAY JULY 28TH

Project Runway Premiere Screening

@ The Caterpillar Lounge
Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen
533 Hennepin Ave
Downtown Mpls

8 p.m. / Free

Join l'etoile and Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen each Thursday as we host weekly 8 p.m. screenings of Project Runway Season 9 in the Caterpillar Lounge! This season features one of our very own: talented local designer Danielle Everine! Cheer Danielle on whilst sipping stylish drink specials (including the $6 special "Everine Fizz") and noshing upon Pham's delectable bar menu. Danielle herself, as well as season six contestant Christopher Straub, plan to flatter us with appearances from time to time, so bring your autograph books, eh?

Bonus 1: During the show, Tweet your reactions along with the hashtag #projectrunway. Former Minneapolis contestant Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman (@ramonlawrence) will be live Tweeting for the show @projectrunway during the premiere episode this week!

Bonus 2: Show up early to get a good seat (screening starts at 8pm sharp!) then stick around afterward for a DJ set by Plain Ole Bill and more drink and app specials beginning at 10 p.m.

Bonus 3: Check out our interview with Danielle Everine on the eve of the premiere HERE.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


THURSDAY JULY 28TH

Dearling Physique Live + Video Screening

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

10 p.m. / 21+ / $5

Dearling Physique has treated us to some mystifying experiences throughout the past few years. To name a couple: the spine-tingling, knitwear-heavy music video for “Discipline Your Hands” and last January’s “Choose Your Color” listening party. Thursday at Hell’s Kitchen, Dearling will release the next music video from their album “Deadeye Dealer” – for the album’s first single, “Oh This Currency.” Production stills show frontman Dominique Davis, clad in a striped tuxedo vest, being bound with cords. So, we’re definitely in for a fashionably creepy treat. In addition to the video premiere, the band will also be performing with 2NoHO and Youth at Large. The perfect teaser to Dearling’s newest group of tunes, set to release on August 22.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

Just to wet your whistle, Dearling Physique's video for "Discipline Your Hands" to which the new video will be a sequel:

FRIDAY ART PICK: ABSOLUT BLANK

We've always dug Absolut Vodka's innovative and stylish ads. From the cutting-edge and sophisticated, down to the hilariously tongue-in-cheek, in seems the Absolut marketing team is always one step ahead of the rest. Their latest campaign is no exception. Under the tagline, “It all starts with an Absolut Blank,” New York commissioned a myriad of exciting new generation contemporary artists to turn the iconic Absolut bottle into a blank canvas to “indulge their creative inspirations.” What resulted is an eclectic mix of print, interactive, digital and installation art ranging from light installations to murals and collages that launched for public display earlier this month. The catalytic campaign features collaborative work from Jeremy Fish, Morning Breath, Sam Flores, Brett Amory, Dave Kinsey, and tons more including MPLS' own Aesthetic Apparatus. Well played guys!

Click HERE for the site

SATURDAY JULY 30TH

The Amazing Adventures of the Corporate Wizard in the Land of LARP

@ The Soap Factory
514 2nd St. SE
Minneapolis

6 p.m. Friday to 12 p.m. Sunday / Free

Fact: L’etoile’s inner tomboys are wide-eyed and fascinated by the world of LARPing. Costumes and quests and traipsing around in the woods? Ah! Which is why we’re here to tell you, with the most mischievous of twinkles in our eyes, that your mission for this weekend is to spend some time at The Soap Factory, where artist Erik Ullanderson has organized a three-day long LARPing extravaganza, The Amazing Adventures of the Corporate Wizard in the Land of LARP. Working closely with Minnesota LARP-ers, the project has a scripted storyline and a pre-ordained set of rules, under which player characters and non-player characters will engage in live action. Spanning from the wilds of the Soap Factory to the Walker Art Center kingdom, all adventures will be initiated by the Corporate Wizard, a character representing the mores of corporate America. How things will turn out is unknown -- but you'd be a fool to miss out. For peak gaming times and weekend highlights, check out the Soap’s full schedule below.

Click HERE for the schedule

FRIDAY JULY 29TH

Impermanent Public: The New & Evolving Street Art

@ The Future Presence Gallery
1126 2nd St NE
Minneapolis

5 – 11 p.m. / Free

From Bansky to Space Invader to OBEY, street artists across the globe are rising up to take on the challenge “blank walls, blanks minds.” And for Future Presence's latest exhibit, Impermanent Public, the catch phrase has become both a movement and a mantra. An exploration into the evolving path of street art as a contemporary art form, Impermanent Public's goal is to place emphasis and credit not just the evasive artist but awaken a commentary on the art itself, its significance on the modern art scene and its impact on urban landscape. For one night only, check installations by yarn-bomber, HOTTEA, collaborative work from Toronto-based artist, Sean Martindale, local artists Light The Underground, Andrew Casey, Phil Jones, Jenny Moxley and Nathaniel. Plus, don't miss the highly anticipated and sure to be hyped about “Momentary Performance” by experiential artist, Lee Walton. And never again walk the streets oblivious.

Proudly co-presented by l'etoile!

Click HERE for the Facebook event



FRIDAY JULY 29TH

The Rope, The Night, The Trapezoids

@ Cause
3001 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+ / $5

It's possible we may be a Rope groupie, a band-aid, if you will. But how could we not be? The group we raved about in last week's What's What "Sunday Music Pick" is popping up everywhere and soon they'll be in the hearts, homes and stereos of every gothy post-punk lover across the city. Tonight, catch them headlining with Reverbnation label mates, “Shoegaze-Synth Pop Electropunk” duo The Night and a special blast-from-the-past performance from Minneapolis' 80's techno-pop new wave band, The Trapezoids. Expect glitch, distortion, baritoned vocals and the kind of unapologetic synth your mama warned you about.

Click HERE for the Facebook event




FRIDAY JULY 29TH

Recess!

@ Varsity Theater
1308 4th St SE
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / $7 / 18+

For all those who wanted to be rebels in high school but didn’t get it out of their system ‘til their college years and beyond, Recess is the huge monthly dance party that would have surely landed you in detention had the principal caught you. Magical fun purveyors Anthem Heart and their unruly party crew bring you a night of epic musical throw-down, featuring sounds from CODES, GIGAMESH, and DJ Espada, plus mind-boggling video trips from the nimble fingers of Playatta. Go ahead, prep for this evening of old skool delinquency by ripping some holes in your jeans or smoking cigarettes behind the gym—whatever it takes to cancel out those years you spent being a good kid when you could’ve been the bad one. Then be prepared to dance. Get $2 off the cover when you RSVP

Click HERE to RSVP




FRIDAY JULY 29TH

Sleazy and Easy Dance Party

@ Clubhouse Jäger
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

This Friday, don't miss the next down n' dirty installment a la sexy DJ duo, Sleazy & Easy (Mark Mallman & Jager's own Angie Heitz). Get down at this dynamic dance party as the sassy pair masterfully mixes all your favorite jams. It’s hard to deny booty bumpin’ beats and lyrical lust flowing from legendary artists like Missy Elliot, Usher, Robyn, Kanye, and Snoop--and just when you think the night can’t get any better, Clubhouse Jäger serves up free jello shots at midnight! Find your friends, lure your lovers and bring your best dance moves, because this Friday night is about to get sleazy, easy and frankly, downright freak nasty.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

photo by Christian Erickson

COOL LINK: LE'TALK WITH GIGAMESH

By now we're sure you've heard of local remix-guru, Gigamesh. But just in case you haven't, here's the lowdown. Gigamesh is Matt Masurka, a Minneapolis-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, and DJ. Starting by releasing bootleg remixes on music blogs in 2007, he's built his name as a versatile remix artist and producer. His collaborations include being a member of DiscoTech and Señor Stereo, as well as co-producing albums for Minneapolis bands Lookbook and Estate. In 2010, he became a multi-platinum selling producer when his remix of Mike Posner's “Cooler Than Me” was chosen to be the first single on Posner’s debut album. The song rose to #5 on the Billboard Top 40 and was chosen as iTunes 2010 Pop Single Of The Year. Gigamesh will be releasing his debut self-titled EP worldwide by the end of summer. Not only is the dude the epitome of MN-nice, but his beats could move even the surliest of misanthropes to the dancefloor.

We recently caught up with MN returnee Gigamesh to chat about his latest projects, what's on his iPod and why he couldn't stay away from Minneapolis. You can catch Matt spinning this Friday at the Anthem Heart-produced party "Recess" at the Varsity Theater.

Click HERE for the full Q&A



SATURDAY JULY 30TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Red Hot Art Festival

@ Stevens Square Park
1801 Stevens Ave S
Minneapolis

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. / 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Free

This weekend come celebrate the 10th anniversary of the city’s fave grass roots arts festival! Red Hot Art, a weekend long event that takes place every summer, serves as a showcase for emerging Twin Cities artists. This time around there will be over 100 booths dedicated to visual artists and crafters, an array of 28 musical acts playing between two stages, food from local vendors, and many local community organizations providing hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. The Red Hot Art Festival is the perfect opportunity to gather your family, friends and fellow art enthusiasts together to collectively enjoy a fun-filled weekend of art/music that definitely dabbles in every medium. As you peruse, relax and explore the creative culture, enjoy scrumptious food and drink a la Asase Yaa, La Loma Tomales, Big Bell Ice Cream, and Boiler Room Coffee.

Bonus 1: Fledgling art collectors take note! This event is THE perfect place to beef up your burgeoning collection on a budget.

Bonus 2: Join the crew for a pre-party/Red Hot Art’s 10-year anniversary shindig on Friday, July 29th from 8-11 p.m. at the Boiler Room. Sip on a PBR tallboy and eat some birthday cake! (1830 3rd Ave S, one block East of Stevens Park)

Click HERE for the Red Hot Art site


SATURDAY JULY 30TH

Sucka Free Art Sale

@ XY&Z Gallery
3258 Minnehaha Ave S.
Minneapolis

2 p.m. to 11 p.m. / Free

Head to the XYandZ Gallery this Saturday for the next installment of the Sucka Free Art Sale! This curated art soiree features works from over 15 artsy vendors, all of whom are so talented it shouldn’t be legal: Karen O'Bryan, RM Hanson, AJ Ragland, Hannah Kleese, 7not8 Press, Tim Monsters!, Colette Ricci, Robert Pflaum, Woe Is Oz, Kaleidoscope Kitty, Hello Ladies Vintage, and more. There will be the a plethora of drawings, paintings, jewelry, comics, books, photography, plus vintage clothes and, seriously, who knows what else. Skip down and find a piece of Minneapolis for your living room!

Click HERE for the Sucka Free site


SATURDAY JULY 30TH

Communist Daughter, Blue Sky Blackout, John Common and Blinding Flashes of Light, and the Greycoats

@ Loring Theater
1635 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

7 p.m. / All Ages / $10

As summer wanes, there's never a shortage of excellent musical events and shows happening around the Twin Cities. One such affair. taking place at the beautiful Loring Theater, truly sounds like a show we can get behind. Featuring the musical stylings of the Greycoats, gritty rock sounds of Blue Sky Blackout, sophisticated string orchestrations of touring band John Common and Blinding Flashes of Light, and the comforting midwest indie tunes of Communist Daughter. This show is all ages, so bring the kiddos!

Click HERE for the Loring Theater site



SATURDAY JULY 30TH

Night Moves, Speeds the Name, and Grant Cutler

@ Northeast Vintage
1627 Washington St. NE
Minneapolis

7 pm. / $5 suggested donation

Northeast Vintage must think Minneapolitans are pretty special. Why else would they dedicate Saturday to spoiling us rotten? Shop the new Nordeast nook throughout the day to receive 25 percent off everything – then go home, don your new wares, and head back to the store for a live show by Night Moves; Speeds the Name, and Grant Cutler (or, stick around all day and catch a pre-show DJ set by Grant Cutler). From former Battlers Royal, Night Moves, expect Minneapolis’ best electro-soul; from Speeds the name, rhythm sections that will rock your face off, and from Cutler’s live set, sweeping, intimate ballads. Come thirsty and thrifty.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SATURDAY JULY 30TH

Menergy

Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Ave. SE.
Minneapolis


10 p.m. / 21+ / $3 with RSVP, $5 without

Both ladies and gents agree: Menergy is the place to bust a move on the last Saturday of the month, if only because its concept never fails to make us giggle. Like Menergies past, this week’s installment will feature a kitchy, testosterone-filled Playatta reel (view last month’s here), laser lights, high-octane, disco slash electronic beats from The Nightstalker, Anthem Heart, and DJ Bach, and tons of scensters making ridiculous faces at each other in the photobooth. And for extra fun this month, there will also be Jim Beam specials and a riotous new guest, DJ Chuck Love. See you there, bros.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: AUSTRA

What's l'etoile listening to this week?

In the same vein as Zola Jesus, Bat for Lashes, Anna Calvi, and any other number of strident-voiced females with gothic personas and a flare for electronics, Austra beats from the heart of Toronto – and proves a valiant addition to the temptress canon. You might even say boldness is key in “Feel it Break,” the three-piece’s dark and danceable debut: outspoken, out-and-proud songs about sexuality (And videos, too. Even the clean version of “The Beat and the Pulse,” albeit brilliantly crafted, is NSFW) are more than matched in power by lead singer Katie Stelmanis’ crystalline pipes, the product of a classical and operatic upbringing. A must bust out for your next house party; heaven knows we can never have enough hauteur, creepy rituals, ethereal voices, and thumping keyboards.

Click HERE for the Austra site




SUNDAY JULY 31ST

Red Stag Block Party

@ Red Stag
509 1st Ave NE
Minneapolis

3 – 10 p.m. / Free

Here in the Twin Cities, it's almost a bitchslap in the face to summer to miss a block party. Because we know you don't wanna mess with nature, head down to the Red Stag today for their 5th annual free block party. The bash features live tune-age from locals Romantica, Zoo Animal, Peter Wolf Crier, 4ontheFloor and tons more! Plus, North Star Roller Girls, Familia Skateshop, Miyagi Salon, TC Makers and dance collective Epitome-No Question will be on the streets ready to entertain you like no one's business. Feast on locally farmed and organic treats, sip down cold beverages and consume generously because part of the food proceeds go towards the Ann Bancroft Foundation. Riding your bike to the party? Indulge in a little valet-style treatment by parking in the Nice Ride Bike Corral. Fancy! l'etoile says: respect summer!

Click HERE for the Red Stag site


SUNDAY JULY 31ST

Spearz

@ Honey
205 East Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / $5

l’etoile isn’t one to let you be the last to know – which is why we’re telling you to put Spearz on your radar asap! The new local, all-male Britney Spears cover band – no, really, what you see is what you get – is playing their third show ever on Sunday at Honey. Comprised of five self-described “hipster douchebags,” all active in other local music projects (ZibraZibra, Moonstone, The Golden Bubbles, Hot Freaks), Spearz the band is pretty much guaranteed to (drive you) crazy and have you shouting “gimme more!” So whether U seek Amy, mmm Papi, or just want a night against the music, don your lace and leather and be there.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



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

Project Runway Premiere Party 7/28

The stylish masses convened at the Caterpillar Lounge this past Thursday to celebrate yet another of our talented local brethren's induction into the Project Runway hall of fame. Minneapolis' Danielle Everine passed the first challenge with an artful two-tone top and a perfectly tailored pair of high-waisted shorts. Upon being deemed "safe" Everine commented that being safe "wasn't good enough." And we agree! We can't wait to see what Miss Danielle comes up with next.

Last night's party was a packed house, with a who's who of local fashion in attendance. Beloved season six contestant, Christopher Straub even made a cameo and shared a couch and a few drinks with Danielle!

Join l'etoile at the Caterpillar Lounge each Thursday through the season to catch episodes, sip some drinks (including our drink special, The Everine Fizz!) and nosh on sushi to your heart's content. Click HERE for all the deets!

Check out past l'etoile editorial spreads featuring designs by Danielle Everine here, here and here.

Photos by Amy Gee

Danielle Everine and Christopher Straub





Models Ashley, Corey, and Hina pose with Vision's Elijah Chuum

Danielle and Christopher analyze the competition.

The Everine Fizz...only $6!

l'etoile and friends

Accessory designer Jennifer Merchant and friends enjoy some drinks

The Vision Models crew represents

Designers Frances Zerr and Ivan Idland

Everine and Jagress Intimates designer Sarah White

Le'Talk: Danielle Everine talks "Project Runway" and local fashion

by Jahna Peloquin, l'étoile magazine fashion editor

Local fashion designer Danielle Everine first caught our eye in spring of 2010 when her line of menswear-inspired womenswear made a dapper statement on the Voltage runway. Since then, she's become a force to be reckoned with in the local fashion industry, showing a equestrian-inspired collection alongside designer Raul Osorio in the spectacular "Pale Rider" show last fall, followed by an ethereal sheer-on-sheer collection at Voltage again this past spring. Now, the rest of the world is about to see what the fuss is all about - Danielle has been selected as one of 20 contestants for the ninth season of fashion reality show Project Runway. On the eve of the premiere episode, we chat with Danielle about reality TV, the benefits of being a part of Minneapolis' fashion community, and her future nuptials. L'étoile hosts its first of weekly viewing parties tonight at the Caterpillar Lounge at Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen at 8 p.m. Click here for more info.

[Danielle Everine, courtesy Lifetime]

l'étoile: Hi Danielle! How are you settling in now that filming is complete?

Danielle: I just got back yesterday. I'm like, what do I do now? It's pretty crazy. It's hard to do nothing! I've just been doing interviews.

Are you still with Target?

Unfortunately I had to leave Target to go on the show. My director and manager really encouraged me and were really supportive of my decision, and they told me if I want to come back I'd be welcome to reapply.

Are you going to get going on a fall line right away?

I'm interested in pursuing my own design business more and seeing what opportunities are there. David (Heisserer, Everine's fiancé) and I interested in creating a design brand together, making things that are a little more well-rounded than just fashion - design objects for the home, architectural items and fine art. We actually put our wedding plans on hold to go on the show.

When are you getting married?

Well, we want to have an amazing event, sort of A Midsummer Night's Dream inspired event with boats, so it will take some time to put together.

You've been designing in the Twin Cities since 2006. How has your experience being a part of the local fashion community influenced you as a designer?

Being a part of this community has given me great resources. I've been able to work with great photographers and wonderful stylists and models. It's a small community but people here are so talented.

A lot of people seemed surprised that you applied to be on a reality show like Project Runway, since you're perceived as being serious and shy. Why did you decide to apply?

They contacted me because a few people had recommended me, so I thought about it and I was like, what the hell? I'll just apply and see if they like me and from there it just evolved. I was surprised myself, and it was a difficult decision to put myself out there on TV to be seen and ridiculed and to do things that I'm not in control of and let go. And I thought in the end I don't know what opportunities could come out of this.

What else can we expect to see from you now that you've been on the show?

I want to continue to sell my work at Cliché, and maybe do a handbag line, which is a great cross between my sculptural work and fashion. I'll continue to design in many different realms, and see what happens.

(Photo credits: Top: "Pale Rider" lookbook image by Ingrid Werthmann. Middle: image from l'étoile's "Kiss Me Cake" spread by Kate Iverson. Bottom: image from l'étoile's "Wanderlust" spread by Chris McDuffie.)

Le'Talk: a Q&A with Gigamesh

By Juleana Enright

By now we're sure you've heard of local remix-guru, Gigamesh. But just in case you haven't, here's the lowdown. Gigamesh is Matt Masurka, a Minneapolis-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, and DJ. Starting by releasing bootleg remixes on music blogs in 2007, he's built his name as a versatile remix artist and producer. His collaborations include being a member of DiscoTech and Señor Stereo, as well as co-producing albums for Minneapolis bands Lookbook and Estate. In 2010, he became a multi-platinum selling producer when his remix of Mike Posner's “Cooler Than Me” was chosen to be the first single on Posner’s debut album. The song rose to #5 on the Billboard Top 40 and was chosen as iTunes 2010 Pop Single Of The Year. Gigamesh will be releasing his debut self-titled EP worldwide by the end of summer. Not only is the dude the epitome of MN-nice, but his beats could move even the surliest of misanthropes to the dancefloor.

We recently caught up with MN returnee Gigamesh to chat about his latest projects, what's on his iPod and why he couldn't stay away from Minneapolis. You can catch Matt spinning this Friday at the Anthem Heart-produced party "Recess" at the Varsity Theater:

l'etoile: You recently returned to MPLS after a stint producing beats in Miami. What prompted the hiatus and why the move back?

Gigamesh: The main reason I moved to Miami was to work with my brother Joe and Danny (our other partner in DiscoTech & Señor Stereo). However, I realized shortly after the move that my career will benefit more from concentrating on music released as Gigamesh. So after a few months, I started missing Minnesota friends and family and drove back up to the home turf.

l'etoile: We hear you've been signed to a new management and are booking gigs all over the country? Can you tell us a bit about the new changes?

Gigamesh: Yeah I'm working with Travis Hayden, who co-founded IHEARTCOMIX and also worked at Atlantic Records. He's a great manager. I recently joined Coda for Europe/Asian gigs and will be announcing a U.S. booking agency soon. I've never been overseas, so the thought that music will be allowing me to go soon is very gratifying.

l'etoile: You've played quite a few gigs since your triumphant return including guest spots at Menergy and Recess. Has the energy on the dancefloor evolved since you've been gone?

Gigamesh: That's tough to say. In a sense I don't think dancefloor energy really ever changes. As long as everyone is there to have a good time and are open to hearing new music, it will always be great.

l'etoile: Where do you see the future of dance parties heading and how does our local music scene fit into that?

Gigamesh: I see audiences becoming more and more open-minded. It's really exciting! Genre classification/loyalty is continually dissolving and people who primarily listen to pop radio seem to be more willing to take a chance on music they're unfamiliar with.

l'etoile: Is there a difference between the tracks you play at parties and the artists you listen to at home?

Gigamesh: Yeah, for the most part my favorite 'listening' music has very little overlap with the music I play out. I have a big appreciation for orchestra music, jazz, experimental stuff, etc... To stay creative, I think it helps to listen to as big a variety as possible.

l'etoile: Who are a few of your current loves/what's on repeat on your iPod?

Gigamesh: Gil Scott Heron's last album and Jamie xx's remix album of it are pretty high on the list. I'm also a huge fan of Bibio and Tame Impala. As for dance music, recent favorites include Carte Blanche, Lone, Midnight Savari, Breakbot, and Faze Action.

l'etoile: Any projects in the making we should know about?

Gigamesh: The main focus is my debut EP coming out in September. I'm planning to make a music video for one of the songs. Other than that, there is a song I started with the group "Oliver" (U-Tern and Oligee) that I'm pretty excited about. As for remixes, I have one coming out soon for Theophilus London, and a few others that I shouldn't mention quite yet.

l'etoile: Besides friends and family, what did you miss most about the Twin Cities?

Gigamesh: Tap beer – very few Miami bars have it.

l'etoile: Lastly, l'etoile and our music geek readers want your opinion: Spotify vs. Grooveshark.

Gigamesh: I haven't even heard of Grooveshark...will have to check that out. Spotify is awesome, although I heard that indie labels get unfair deals because they have less negotiating power. Other than that I love it!

Props to Gigamesh for all his awesome success and be sure to catch his signature DJ style at RECESS this Friday , Saturday night in The Entry & at Extra Large in the Record Room August 12^th.

Weekend What's What 7/21-7/23

WE BUILT THIS CITY

...On rock n' rollllll...and art and performance and cool dance parties, and, well, the list could go on and on. Considering the oodles of bands scheduled to rock the streets at multiple live music extravaganzas this weekend, not to mention experimental outdoor beep-fests, r n' b dance jams, bike parties and more, you'll be hard pressed to stay indoors this weekend. Party on!

xo-l'etoile



THURSDAY JULY 21ST

Third Thursday: Bike Night

@ MIA
2400 Third Ave S
Minneapolis

6 – 9 p.m. / Free

Fixed gear; cruiser; granny cycle. Whatever fancy velocipede you put between your legs, air it up and join the MIA tonight for a special “bike night” edition of their Third Thursday series. Meet at Gold Medal Park at 5 p.m. for a group ride straight to MIA grounds (or just meet us there!) where you can indulge in a tune-up from the specialists at The Hub, get the valet treatment by parking at Freewheel's Bike valet, feast jealous eyes on locally-made bikes from innovative Twin Cities frame builders and catch one – or all – of the opening films from the 2011 MPLS Bicycle Film Fest. While you're there, enter to win bikes and awesome swag from Surly, The Hub, Twin Six gear, Nice Ride and One On One, plus whip up DIY bike accessories with recycled bike parts courtesy of Secrets of the City, bop along to tunes from surf pop rockers Joey Ryan and the Inks and sip down delicious cocktails and Summits in the Angry Catfish Bike Lounge. Oh, and don't forget to check out all the artful nooks and crannies of the museum, which will offer free admission all the live long night.

Bonus: Don't forget to pop your head into the MAEP gallery tonight to peep the opening of “Finally, We Are All Young Again” featuring a 3-D library with works by Adam Caillier and Michael Mott, and a journey into experimental video and sound with Scott Nedrelow's “Movie.” Free and viewable at 7 p.m.

Click HERE for the MIA site



THURSDAY JULY 21ST

Tragedy of the Sea Nymph

@ Walker Art Center
Open Field
1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

9:15 p.m. & 9:45 p.m. / Free

We'll admit it, we find dogs in human clothes to be one of the funniest/cutest things ever, and tonight's pup-tastic extravaganza at the WAC's Big Backyard definitely feeds our dogs-as-people obsession with Tragedy of the Sea Nymph. Put your pooch on a bedazzled leash and head to the Open Field, where Elizabeth Cline's 10-minute all-dog cast operetta will be screened alongside live human singers and the Cedar String Quartet. A French Bulldog in a wig? Scream! Show up early for the Dog Opera Pre-Party (For dogs and their humans) at Open Field as early as 6:30pm for treats, photos, pooch glamour makeovers, and much more.

Bonus: Party with Machine Project, an L.A. artist collective in town through the 28th, who will be causing creative trouble at the Walker through the 28th. See full info here.

Click HERE for more info on Tragedy of the Sea Nymph


THURSDAY JULY 21st

Children of Spy, Vague-à-bonde, New Madrid

@ Clubhouse Jäger
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+/ Free

This Thursday, Children of Spy and New Madrid have traveled all the way from Tennessee to serenade you with their beautifully bitter, lucid lullabies. These southern crooners will break your heart, haunt you, and leave you yearning for more of that heavy, wholesome truthfulness that we all could use a little more of on a steamy Thursday night. Rounding out the bill is Vague-à-bonde, a new solo side project from Waxx Maxx's sultry savant, Nicole Brenny, who will be debuting her freshest material tonight. With a lineup like this, whiskey only seems fitting. Indulge in Clubhouse Jäger’s Thursday night specials: $5 Jameson and $2.50 Miller Highlife Tallboys (served up by l'etoile's own Robyn Lewis aka The Bitchelor), as you wistfully dance the night away.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY ART PICK: STERLING RUBY

What's l'etoile admiring this week?

In terms of subject matter, sculptor and mixed media artist Sterling Ruby has delved into the grittiest depths of life: marginalized societies, maximum-security prisons, graffiti, cults, urban gangs, the mechanisms of warfare, and more are mused upon through glazed biomorphic ceramics and poured urethane sculptures – ugly, messy objects that fill rooms and chill spines. They are impossible to ignore, to view without feeling something uncomfortably fascinating teeming beneath your surface. So compelling are his sculptures, in fact, that critics have coined their effect as being victimized by the “Sterling flu.” The latest carrier, at the Sprüth Magers Berlin: “I AM NOT FREE BECAUSE I CAN BE EXPLODED ANYTIME,” a paranoid fantasyland filled with dripping red sculptures and frenetically spray-painted canvases. Intense, yes, but certainly a bug worth catching.

Click HERE for more work


FRIDAY JULY 22ND

Machine Project: Apple II Beeptacular Spectacular

@ Walker Open Field
FlatPack House
1750 Hennepin Ave. S.
Minneapolis

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. / Free

Head to any Uptown coffee shop, and you’re likely to see enough MacBooks to make you wanna vom, whether or not you adore (or are toting) your own. But that’s not to say too many Apples in one place can’t be made in to something magnificent. Case in point: Apple II Beeptacular Spectacular, a gathering of as many Apple II computers as Machine Project, an L.A.-based group of performer/collaborators, could muster, for the sole purpose of creating a vintage computer orchestra. Yep, that’s bleeps instead of baritones, bloops instead of bass lines, an altogether sci-fi sounding cacophony of epic proportions. For the event, Machine Project’s Jason Torchinsky has written a 16-tone sequencer for the computers, which will be multiplied across the machines to create the madness. The group’s resident musichead Chris Kallmyer will also be there to discuss the ins and outs of music, and to help make the beeptacular a bit more listenable for everyone. Be there, and bring your own Apple II if you still have one!

Bonus: Machine Project will continue their residency at the Walker through next weekend, complete will plenty of artsy fun n' games. Click HERE for a full list of events.

Click HERE for more info on the Apple II Beeptacular


FRIDAY JULY 22ND (THROUGH SATURDAY)

Peligro

@ Patrick's Cabaret
3010 Minnehaha Ave S
Minneapolis

8 p.m. / $10

Curated by controversial and anti-apologetic performance artist/l'etoile fave, Jaime Carrera, “Peligro” is a queer-focused, in-your-face multi-media installation featuring the provocative and cutting-edge work of some of the local art scene most exciting artists. Peep stunningly evocative photography on par with the 60's “king of underground,” Jack Smith from Benjamin Fredrickson and installation art from Tim Carroll aka MPLS “tour de force” and member of local rock collective, Faggot. Plus, works from Bedlam alum Ben Egerman, dancer/choreographer and Subbody Butoh performer Kats D Fukasawa, video gems from indie film and local music video director Tyler Jensen and performance work from dancer Dustin Maxwell – all inspired by the theme of “danger.” Prepare to be shocked, rocked and – above all – amazed.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY JULY 22ND

Yeti Records Benefit Show

@ Gleb Bacon's
Secret Location

8 p.m. / $5

You like these bands: Visitor, the Liz, Velvet Davenport, Fortified Five, and the Leisure Birds. How could you not? Each of these bands takes a turn spinning the dance crowd ‘round the room every time they make an entrance with a show. It’s a real treat to see them all come together to rock in the name of Yeti—and just so we’re clear, this is a serious show. The landlords at Yeti Records' cute lil' shop raised the rent (bastard economy), and so our favorite record-slingers need you, Mr. Moneybags, to stop by Club Med this fine evening to drop some duckets in their buckets.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY JULY 22ND

WHOOMP (There it is) Early ‘90s Dance Party

@ 331 Club
331 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

With scorching temperatures and a heat index hotter than Dante’s Inferno, Friday seems the perfect night to channel your inner-David Hasselhoff. Whether you bust out your bikini, speedo, neon hipster shades or rep your Bahama momma beach Barbie threads…Whooomp there you are - at the 331's latest edition of the Early ‘90s Dance Party. This Friday, come dressed in your '90s best! Swimsuits are highly encouraged and prizes will be given for the best throwback get-up. Dance yourself clean to a colorful roster of DJ’s including: Dr. Dallas Dog-Palace, DJ Tanner and MC Hang Time. Dress up, corral your crew and expect a multitude of beach party surprises at this Baywatch-era faux beach Party!

Click HERE for the Facebook event

(please don't wear Sharpei puppies)

FRIDAY JULY 22ND

Bee Cool

@ Honey
205 East Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / $3

Feelin’ saucy this Friday? Come checkout Minneapolis’ only R n’ B night at our fave subterranean hot-spot, Honey. Bee Cool features a smooth, perfectly pieced together mixture of R. Kelly, The Weekend, Montell Jordan, Frank Ocean, The Dream and more. Feel free to kick back, lounge, and relax in one of Honey's dark corners as you enjoy these sultry, smooth melodies. However, with $5 Jameson drinks and $3.50 Tallboys fueling your fire you may want to get your bump n’ grind goin’ on the dance floor, and we wouldn't blame you. This eclectic and masterful mishmash will have you swaying to the beat in no time, thanks to the nimble fingered DJ stylings of DJ Bach and Monsterbrusten.

Co-sponsored by l'etoile!

Click HERE for the Facebook event



COOL LINK: FASHION GONE ROGUE

What's l'etoile peepin' on the internetz this week?

It’s no secret that we’re batty for any and all things en vogue. And now, we’re triple-batty for Fashion Gone Rogue, an ongoing compilation of all the latest fashion-related editorials, lookbooks, campaigns, and runways from around the world. The website/daily blog/tumblr empire also posts its own editorials from time to time, the most recent featuring model Krystal Glynn romping around the caves and wilderness of Australia’s blue mountains in dreamy dresses and furs. Finally, no more scouring and devouring fashion blogs for hours on end to get our fix of pretty, edgy, classic, avant-garde, and otherwise trendy wares – they’re all in one place. Leaving us with much more time on our hands to, you know, go through the archives and re-visit all of our faves.

Click HERE for the Fashion Gone Rogue site


SATURDAY JULY 23RD

Palmfest

@ Palmer’s Bar
500 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis

1 p.m. / 21+ / Free

There’s nothing quite like a night spent amongst the smoke, whiskey, and neon of a really awesome dive bar. But an entire day at said hole-in-the-wall? Now that’s just plain epic. Enter Palmfest, the rowdy, 12-plus-hour local music throwdown at Palmer’s this Saturday. Palmfest features a mixture of legends including Spider John Koerner and Willie Murphy & his 10 piece band the Angel Headed Hipsters, as well as the Magnolias, Black Audience, Chooglin’, and the Knotwells. This fest is certainly one to raise a glass (or three) to in true west bank fashion.

Click HERE for the Facebook event




SATURDAY JULY 23RD

Minneapalooza

@ The Loring Theater
1635 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

3 p.m. / 18+ / $10

Minneapalooza is an outdoor/indoor music and arts festival that includes some of the most tasty local rockers the Twin Cities has to offer, with the outdoor stage starting at 3 p.m. and featuring Phantom Tails, Fort Wilson Riot, Bad N Rad, Sex Rays, and more. The inside stage starts at 10 p.m. and includes Hastings 3000, Post Mode, and more. Get revved up on brewskis from Rush River Brewing and party the day/night away. Come, get thee to the Loring!

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SATURDAY JULY 23RD (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Crush Fest

@ Cause Spirits and Soundbar
3001 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday / $5 Saturday, Free Sunday

This weekend, Cause is melting your face, blowing your mind, smashing your eardrums, and probably destroying your liver with two days of live music from near and from far. The occasion is Crush Fest, and the curators-of-sorts are local space-rockers Dream Crusher. Other locals performing include Night Moves, The American North, Thug Mansion All-Starz, and We Became Actors, and out-of-towners include Lawrence, Kansas’ Cowboy Indian Bear, Brooklyn’s Kill to Kill, and Chicago’s Hospital Garden. Expect rock and indie music of many colors and facets – and, of course, to be utterly crushed when it’s all over.

Click HERE for the Facebook event




SATURDAY JULY 23RD

Psychedelic 40-Piece Marching Band Parade

@ minneapolis greenway
begins at 5th ave. entrance and ends at Hiawatha bridge

8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. / Free

Who hasn't wanted to cavalcade the streets joined by a illuminated art parade?! Curated by Brute Heart's Jackie Beckey, Twin Cities radicals hit the streets tonight for a mile long after-dark romp down the Greenway wielding a 40-piece LED/glowstick lit, body painted band complete with brass, strings, accordion and a 15-piece drum-core. That's right, you heard us correctly. And if that's not enough to stir the neighborhood or at least random bikers, the band will be accompanied by a colorful crew of dancers on stilts and plenty of glitter-glammed, glow-in-the-dark parade-goers. Darkness will never be the same.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SATURDAY JULY 23RD

Nu Disco & Giorgio Moroder Night

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / free

So, you dig disco? Sassy synth gets your motor started? Then you probably owe your dance floor soul to Giorgio Moroder. Dubbed “the father of disco,” Moroder and his notorious creep stash blessed the world with 4 solid decades of pure dance and electronic pleasure – think the Ron Jeremy of disco. We can pretty much guarantee any and everything you like about dance music – vocoders, drum machine beats, sexy synth build-ups – has its roots in Moroder. Tonight, join DJ Dirty McKenzie and Club Jager for their monthly disco romp featuring 4 straight hours of Moroder and Moroder-inspired dance jams. Plus, shake your stuff as Fritz Lang's classic silent film “Metropolis” screens in the background.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: THE ROPE

What's l'etoile listening to this week?

Just in case you had any little doubts a'forming about the relevance status of post-punk, local rockers The Rope are here inform you post-punk is so not dead. The dark modern rock power trio – backed by members Jesse Hagon, Mike Browning, Matt E and Paul Teravskis – recently blew away savvy social media peeps at last week's LOL/OMG meet-up with their perfected goth rock sound – heavy on the synth, glitchy guitar, thunderous drum beats and electronic reverb. The baritone vocal lovechild of Sisters of Mercy's Andrew Eldritch and Interpol's Paul Banks, Hagon belts out his tunes like he belongs lurking the the shadows of a tenebrous alley, draped in a cape. The Rope is the kind of band that could just as easily play at your 80's-themed wedding as they could at your funeral. Welcome to the dark side.

Click HERE for the Rope's Facebook page



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

Weekend What's What 7/14-7/17

HITTIN' THE STREETS

This weekend let your streetwise side shine at any number of outdoor music parties and festivals. From jazz to experimental to electronic to family-friendly fun in the sun, you've got your work cut out for you (though we're definitely not opposed to the conceal and carry when it comes to liquid refreshment "on the job"). Pop on some short-shorts and party hop to your heart's content, just don't forget the sunblock!

xo-l'etoile

Photo by Robb Long for l'etoile / See full spread here

THURSDAY JULY 14TH

LOL/OMG Social Media Meetup: Mayda & The Rope

@ 331 Club
331 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+ / Free

The LOL/OMG Social Media Meetup is back at the 331 Club for its next installment, and our sister blog has crafted an awesome lineup for the occasion that will blow minds and ear drums. Socialize with your Twitter/Facebook/Foursquar​e/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 you later! Featuring The Rope and Mayda! Official hashtag: #LOLOMG

Click HERE for the Facebook event




THURSDAY JULY 14TH

The Cloak Ox/ Brute Heart/ Votel/ BombsPartySquad DJs

@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave W
St. Paul

8 p.m. / 21+

At risk of writing off another fine local collaboration as a “supergroup,” we feel the need to mention that The Cloak Ox, headlining Thursday at the Turf Club, is what happened when Andrew Broder (of Fog), Martin Dosh, Jeremy Ylvisaker (of Alpha Consumer), and Mark Erickson (also of Fog) got together and started making some (really awesome) noise. And at risk of making a supergroup generalization, we feel the need to say: see ‘em while they’re hot. Joining the band are the rhythmic and reverb-y Brute Heart, Votel, and the BombsPartySquad DJs, moonlighting as P.O.S. and the Marijuana Deathsquads.

Click HERE for the Turf site


FRIDAY ART PICK: BOOOOOOOM

What's l'etoile admiring this week?

Jeff Hamada, a Vancouver based artist, originally created Booooooom in hopes of fostering a community of people excited to go out and be creative. Little did he know that his idea would quickly become one of most popular art blogs on the internet. Booooooom acts as a grand art archive, displaying an endless array of creative conceptions. Imagine a joint collaboration of art, design, photos, music, film and any inspired project your heart desires. With over 3.2 million page views each month and a worldwide audience, it is no wonder that Booooooom is an innovative phenomenon. Hop on the creativity train and use this site as your inspiration go-to. We do!

Click HERE for the Booooooom site

Art by Robert Montgomery

FRIDAY JULY 15TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Highland Fest

@ Cleveland Ave & Ford Pkwy
St. Paul

Friday 7 p.m.—10:30 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.—10:30 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m.—8 p.m.

The Highland Business Association’s annual something-for-everyone fest is turning 44 years old this year, and they certainly have a festive lineup of activities planned. Over three days, you can take your pick of pasttimes: the mainstage at the Hillcrest Rec Center features entertainment from headliners Sell Out Stereo on Friday, Rocket Club on Saturday, and Power of 10 on Sunday, with a steady list of talented supporting acts, as well as fireworks after the music on Friday and Saturday. Other activities include mass bingo (in the beer tent, obvs), Highland Water Tower tours, the Highland Fest 5k, the Strongman Competition, and water wars, plus an Art Fair, a Business Fair, and a Home Improvement Expo. On Saturday, there’s the Beer Dabbler—where you can sample over 65 craft and micro brews whilst enjoying sounds from stellar local musicians on two stages, including tunes from the always entertaining 4onthefloor, Maudlin, and Pictures of Then (it’s practically a festival on its own!). Let’s not leave the kiddos out, either: there will be games and rides, as well as a Costume Kid’s Parade, face painting, a petting zoo and pony rides—enough to make you wish you were a young’un, until, of course, you remember all that other stuff you get to enjoy as an adult.

Click HERE for the Highland Fest site



FRIDAY JULY 15TH

Sims & Bight Club

@ Northrop Plaza
84 Church St SE
Minneapolis

7 – 9 p.m. / Free

Tonight, don't miss a free performance from a couple of local hip-hop's powerhouse scene hailers, Doomtree's Sims and Bight Club. Hot on the heels of a new album, Sims' Bad Time Zoo is teeming with “urban wilderness,” wrecking-ball choruses and darkly clever life avouchments. Electronic-rap duo Bight Club – aka Jeremy Nutzman (Spyder Baybie) and Tony Rabiola – define the underground hip-hop scene with their “electro-orgy” tracks and bursts of soul-centered harmony. See you there!

Click HERE for more info




FRIDAY JULY 15TH

ICE ROD Special Chat Roulette Free-Style Rap Show

@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave
St Paul

9 p.m. to 12 a.m. / 21+ / $6

We know you've always secretly wanted to be a rapper. Come on! The guts? The glory? The bling? Well, look no further than the Turf Club to fulfill your rough n' tough word spoutin' aspirations. Tonight, catch a special freestyle rap show featuring garage dadaist, Larry Wish, Chocolate Chip and you! Yes, the projection project camera's of Chat Roulette will be pirouetting around the stage and the club searching for the next brave soul willing to lay a few impromptu lyrical gems down. Everyone's a star!

Click HERE for the Facebook page



FRIDAY JULY 15TH

Bethany Larson & the Bee’s Knees CD Release

@ Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Ave SE
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / $5 / 21+

Local songstress Bethany Larson is releasing her sophomore album Friday, titled When We Reach the City, but fans of her first have something new to buzz about: her backing band, The Bee’s Knees, featuring her big bro on backup vocals. A little bit Lucinda Williams with an edge, songs of love and heartbreak both lull and kick up a little dust, with an air of sophistication and familiarity to round things out. Exactly the kind of music you want to reverberate off the Chat Noir posters and mounted antlers at the Kitty Cat Klub. Joining the band at their CD Release show are snazzy locals Mayda and Adam Svec. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of When We Reach the City for the reduced price of $8--it is a CD release show after all.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY JULY 15TH

The Suburbs & Suicide Commandos

@ Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd
Apple Valley

7:30 p.m. / $35

The bands of Friday’s Music in the Zoo lineup are connected by more than just a city of origin (good ‘ol Minneapolis): Chris Osgood, guitarist and vocalist of 1970s-formed punk rock trio Suicide Commandos, actually facilitated the get-together of The Suburbs, who later became the first release on the Twin/Tone label. But history lesson aside, the 2000s just don’t make punk and funk like the 70s and 80s did, and this is a pretty rare treat to see some of the forerunners in the Twin Cities punk rock scene (that is, before there was Hüsker Dü, The Replacements, and Soul Asylum) in one place. Here’s hoping the giraffes will appreciate it, too.

Click HERE for more info




FRIDAY JULY 15TH

Anthem Heart Presents: Keys to the City feat. Dillion Francis

@ First Avenue
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 18+ / $12

This Friday, the Anthem Heart crew is taking over the First Ave Main Room! Get your dance on to Dillion Francis, a much buzzed-about L.A.-based party starter who recently signed to Diplo’s Mad Decent Label. Get Cryphy crewmates Jimmy 2 Times and Plain Ole Bill are set to team up on four turntables for the opening set with Francis and other DJs bringing the jams throughout the evening including Noam the Drummer, The Tribe and Big Cats. As usual, Anthem Heart will be running and simultaneously stealing the show with live t-shirt printing action and pure, unadulterated awesomeness. Add in epic digital visual explosions a la Playatta and your Friday night is set.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


COOL LINK: GIGAWATT'S THE ILLUMINATED MIXTAPES

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

We heart mixtapes, so when we stumbled upon this blog from BRIC Arts Design Director, Gigawatt, we were more than thrilled. Not only does artist Gigawatt have supreme taste in music – pairing everyone from David Bowie, Patti Smith and Aesop Rock to The New York Dolls, Human Television and Vincent Gallo – but each perfectly composed mix edition is teamed with a original illustration in Gigawatt's signature wry-lined style. Music + art, the way life should be.

Click HERE for the Gigawatt site




SATURDAY JULY 16TH

Dakota Street Fest

@ Dakota Jazz Club
1010 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis

12 p.m. / Free

Saxophones and swung notes, polyrhythms and wah-wahs, bebop, hard bop, fusion, smooth, acid, nu, free, M-base, traditionalist, and literally all that jazz awaits you at the Dakota’s annual Street Fest. Swingin’ all day Saturday along Nicollet Mall will be musicians from near, from far, and from all walks of one of America’s (and the rest of the world’s, for that matter) best-loved musical genres. Artists include Latin-influenced Seven Steps to Havana, locals Maud Hixson Quartet, the genre-defying A Love Electric, and Cedric Burnside, grandson of North Mississippi blues legend R.L. Burnside. And since it’s the Midwest, you know there’ll be snacks on a stick galore, as well as kids’ activities, including a parade.

Click HERE for the Dakota Street Fest site


SATURDAY JULY 16TH

Trailer Park Trash Pub Crawl

@ Various locations
Northeast Minneapolis

Noon to 8 p.m. / Free

With summer well underway, what better time to take part in a full-fledged trailer park trash pub crawl? This Saturday afternoon dress to impress, meaning, in your trailer trashiest best and be prepared to have a blast! This NE based pub crawl is set to start and end at Grumpy's Northeast, so don your daisy dukes and circle your trailer trash tooshies all around the hood, stopping in at bars such as Jimmy's, Knight Cap, Mayslack's, 331, Shaw's, Gastof's, Stanley's, NE Palace and finally back to Grumpy's. Dress up and pre-organize your ride, if ya know what's good for ya.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SATURDAY JULY 16TH

The Commons Launch Party

@ Powderhorn Park
Minneapolis

3 – 6 p.m. / Free

Have you always wanted to learn how to supe up your bike or whip a fancy meal together without spending the dough on classes? Enter new collaborative project, The Commons. Soon to be your favorite learning annex, The Commons is set to launch a brand new scheme this Saturday in Powderhorn Park, primed to be a community-based resource “parlor” where DIY tools, education and skills run rampant. So, how does it work? Register for a “Tool Library Card” and you're all set to check out free equipment like bike, carpentry and gardening tools, plus hang out in their metal shop and print studio working on your craft. But before this awesome project can get underway, they need your help! Show up at the park with ideas, tools to lend and funds – if you can donate – and learn more about The Commons plans while sipping down homemade soda, munching on treats and enjoying some tunes. We guarantee whatever you donate will come back to you tenfold!

Click HERE for the Commons website



SATURDAY JULY 16TH

Totally Gross National Party

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

3pm / 21+ / $7


This Saturday, Clubhouse Jager will play host to Totally Gross National Party, an all-day jam featuring food, booze, and live music galore curated by the masterminds behind such ridiculous musical blowouts as the Gayngs Affilyated Showcase and last year's Loring Alley party. The fine folks at Totally Gross National Product have put together an amazing patio soiree featuring the Cities' hippest and most forward-thinking musicians, including Marijuana Deathsquads, Slapping Purses, Moonstone, Spyder Baybie, JM Airis, Robust Worlds, Radical Cemetery, Votel, FoodTeam, Little Dog On Top Of A Big Dog, and "Col. Angus and the Boner Sharts Pub Band" (LOL) as well as DJs Dic Pick, Ackerman, Mark McGee, and likely special guest appearances (wink). This is one party worth sticking around for, all night long. Totally sponsored by Radio K, yours truly, l'etoile magazine, and Gimme Noise. Food provided by Club Jager, Chowgirls, and American Cream.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SATURDAY JULY 16TH

Totally Cute International Lovecat Party

@ Hexagon
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

11 p.m. - 2 a.m. / Free

We think you need more love in your life! Head down to the Hex tonight to get all cutesy romantic with the Totally Cute International Lovecat Party (perhaps after you hit the Totally Gross National Product Party?). The jam sesh features adorbs summer fun band, electro-sap-pop duo Lovecat (Matt Sandstedt + Allegra Oxborough); the charming Grant Cutler; and the local post-punk band that's being compared to The Legendary Pink Dots, Bollywood. Heavy grooving and/or petting optional.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SATURDAY JULY 16TH

Sexcat + Tart + Shoulder Voices + Dartmouth

@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave W
St Paul

9 p.m. - 2 a.m. / 21+ / $7

Lovecat? Sexcat? We think Saturday is trying to tell us something strangely feline-related, but we can't put our finger on it. Oh well, tonight check the awesome electro-tastic sounds of locals Sexcat – featuring the lovely Hannah von der Hoff who you might remember from past l'etoile fashion spreads – a little organically composed electronic dance beats from solo artist, Phil Khalar aka Tart, tasty tunes from Dartmouth and guest stylings from Albuquerque's Shoulder Voices. Rest assured no real cats will be harmed during the show.

Click HERE for the Turf site



SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: SBTRKT

Acronyms are all the rage these days. How else are you supposed to tweet anything? Which, honestly, is what compelled us to listen to SBTRKT in the first place, though the UK producer – who’s remixed the likes of M.I.A., Mark Ronson, and Basement Jaxx – certainly has the beats to keep us listening (yes, it did occur to us too late to restart this write-up that his name might actually just be a command to Subtract!) A certain farm tool-named music publication suggests SBTRKT’s music is somewhat “post-dubstep,” save that his songs pull from a multiplicity of genres. His latest, self-titled album also brings in a variety of vocalists, including Little Dragon’s Yukimi Nagano, making his songs not only fun and danceable, but accessible the entire album through. Now all we need is a sweaty, trashy, amp-heavy place to dance to it until six in the morning.

Click HERE for the SBTRKT site




SUNDAY JULY 17TH

9th Annual Bastille Day Block Party

@ Outside at Barbette
1600 W Lake Street
Minneapolis

2 p.m. / Free

Leave it to Barbette to celebrate La Fête Nationale with, well, local tunes, brews, entertaining acts, and organic snacks. But, ma chers, who’s complaining? Rain or shine, the block outside the Lake Street hotspot will be bursting with live music from Clementown, National Bird, Pink Mink, Rogue Valley, Solid Gold, and more. Street performers include Infiammati Fire Circus, Jamison the Juggler, accordionist Patrick Harrison, Familia Skateshop, and the North Star Rollergirls. In other words, your Sunday plans have been made. De rien.

Click HERE for the Facebook page


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