Weekend What's What 8/25-8/28

PARTY ON A STICK

The "Great Minnesota Get-Together" pops off this Thursday and runs through Labor Day, as any self-respectin' local knows. So, trade in your heels for comfy walking shoes, go see the sights and eat some curds--just don't forget the delightful array of art, music, and assorted soirees occurring outside of the fair grounds this weekend!

xo-l'etoile


THURSDAY AUGUST 25TH (THROUGH LABOR DAY)

MN State Fair Kickoff

@ Minnesota State Fairgrounds
1265 Snelling Ave. N.
St. Paul

6 a.m. – midnight / $10

Yah sure you betcha it’s State Fair time! Twelve days of food on a stick, honkytonk tunes, and cute baby animals began at the crack of dawn today, and props to any of you eager beavers who made it a point to be there that early. But no matter when you roll in, the fair is celebrating day one as Thrifty Thursday, with discounted admission for all ages. The day will be hosted by the Minnesota STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Network, which will also be holding activities throughout the day, including a demonstration by Microsoft, a chemistry show, and a raptor center. Opening day goings-on also include a state fair history walking and cell phone tour, a giant sing along, and an opening ceremony at the Leinie Lodge (as if that wasn’t going to be your first stop anyways).

Click HERE for the State Fair Website




THURSDAY AUGUST 25TH

Project Runway Weekly Screenings

@ Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen
in the Caterpillar Lounge
533 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis

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 as well, so bring your autograph books! Afterward, choose to stick around for DJs and dancing, or follow us over to the 331 Club for our sister blog LOL/OMG's monthly meetup (details in the listing below).

Click HERE for the Facebook event



THURSDAY AUGUST 25TH

The DooBees/The Seeks/Vague-a-Bonde

@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave W
St Paul

9 p.m. / 21+ / $6

Make your way to St. Paul this evening as two bands featuring local rock charlatans – The DooBees and The Seeks – take the stage at the Turf for an uber rare, uber special performance guaranteed to invoke the rock gods. Indie newbies, please take notes. Check “psych-jam garage rock” from TheDooBees featuring members of MercRage, So It Goes and The Copper Field, plus feast your ears on tunes from The Seeks featuring the stylings of ex-Hovercraft, Shatterproof and Landing Gear members. Vague-a-bonde – a new project featuring Nicole Brenny of the on-hiatus electro-pop outfit Waxx Maxx – opens. So many super groups, so little time.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


THURSDAY AUGUST 25TH

Nyteowl Tokyo EP Release Show

@ Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Ave SE
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / Free

Do you dig your music with a laidback edge? Prefer your tunes with just the right blend of mellow and synthy beats? Well, then MPLS electronic soul project, Nyteowl, is definitely up your alley. Head down to the Kitty Cat tonight as Nyteowl (aka producer Jeremiah Conlon) celebrates the release of his latest EP, “Tokyo,” a melodious, smooth ride inside the world of a perfected “sleep-tronica” sound. Check sets by local special guests, western-influenced indie electronic band, Night Moves and MPLS electro duo, The Night. It's your night³.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

“Sleepwalking” on YouTube:

FRIDAY ART PICK: DANIEL NAUDE'S ANIMAL FARM

What's l'etoile admiring this week?

There’s portraiture, there’s wildlife photography, and then there’s photographer Daniel Naudé, whose portraits of domesticated animals in South Africa are so crisp, so perceptive, that you almost forget that you’ve been looking at a picture of a cow for five minutes and that’s kind of weird. A fascination with the complex relationships between farmers and their animals is what drove Naudé’s latest project, titled Animal Farm. For Naudé, humans’ dominion over animals is something to be met with unease, and the almost voyeuristic nature of his photographs evokes an uncomfortable reminder. Still, there is a sense of wonder and awe in the way he portrays his subjects, perhaps a reference to the tenderness a farmer might feel towards the objects of his livelihood. This thoughtful dichotomy is exactly what makes Naudé an eye worth following as he pursues greener pastures.

Click HERE to see the full series.



FRIDAY AUGUST 26TH

PBR Mobile Art Truck

@ Various Locations
Minneapolis

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

This Friday follow the PBR Art Truck to multiple locations in the Twin Cities to peep cool art by national artists, sweet prizes, and ice cold PBR. Winners from PBRs national art contest will be projected inside the truck, which will make a pitstop at Grumpy's Downtown from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., then will head Northeasterly to Future Presence Gallery from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the opening of their 3rd group show (see listings below for more details!), and finally the truck will land at Uptown's Cult Status Gallery, where the opening party for the Nay-Say exhibit will be in full swing (again, full details in the listings below!).

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY AUGUST 26TH

Future Presence 3

@ The Future Presence Gallery
1126 2nd Street NE. 55413
Minneapolis

5 p.m. / Free

For an art show to inspire a gallery name, it must be pretty special. And that’s not to mention the first two installments of the show, which were so successful, the gallery is already hosting round three. That’s right, art hounds, Future Presence 3 is happening Friday, complete with PBR, cold press Peace Coffee, music performances, and a handful of first time exhibitors and Future Presence veterans alike. Artists include photographer Ben Lansky, printmaker/painter/mixed media artist and Bloodtime collaborator Justin James Sehorn, writer and multi-media artist Austin Swearengin, and gallery owners Nathanial Smith and Bryant Locher. Yours trulies are also sponsoring the event, so be there – and here’s to future Future Presences!

Click HERE for this event and more at mplsart.com



FRIDAY AUGUST 26TH

Nay-Say: paintings and other things by J. Wasyk and Louis N. LaPierre

@ Cult Status
2913 Harriet Ave. S.
Minneapolis

7 p.m. / Free

In four years sharing a studio space, artists Louis N LaPierre and J. Wasyk have spurned quite the artistic argument. While each artist’s work explores contemporary issues of environment and space, each creates dialogue in completely different ways. For Wasyk, creating is about having an artistic vision and executing it to perfection. For Louis, it’s the process that creates the vision; the final product remains unknown until it’s finished. Opening Friday at Cult Status, Nay-Say will let us all in on their ongoing conversation with a collection of paintings and other art objects from each of the artists. The opening will also feature music by Austin Dufaux and Hot Ribs, as well as videos by DuPierre LaFaux (a collaboration between – can you guess? – Austin and Louis). Do yourself a favor and don’t say nay to this one.

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




FRIDAY AUGUST 26TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)

Lush 2nd Anniversary Birthday Block Party

@ Lush
990 Central Ave NE
Minneapolis

Fri: 4 p.m. / 21+ Sat: 7 p.m. / 21+

Northeast's snazziest gay bar is turning 2! That's right, the terrible two. Now, you probably don't remember exactly how many Wednesdays Lush, got you properly sloshed with their amazing dollar drinks specials, or how many times you've shook your booty on the dance floor in ways even your mama wouldn't understand. Needless to say, you owe them. So come pay your respects and party like you mean it! And in flashy Lush form, the bar/club is taking not one but two whole days of birthday bliss kicking making their celebration a truly epic 2nd Anniversary Birthday Block Party blow-out. Day one BLUSH features two rooms and eight of your fave lady DJs including Mustang Sally, Shannon Blowtorch and Ajent Orange, plus amazing win-able swag from Smitten Kitten, beer pong, darts 'n' pool, delicious grub, dancers and – of course – cheap deals on dranks. But in the words of Mrs. Gloop, “Augustus, sweetheart, save some room for later,” because Lush day two, round two, offers up even more party-flair with performances from HOMOapolis Live, Debby Holiday, DJ Rich B, Spearz, Adam Carmichael and more, not to mention tons more Smitten Kitten delights!

Click HERE for the Facebook event




FRIDAY AUGUST 26TH

Mike Mictlan/Isaiah Toothtaker/BrodR/DJ Slapping Purses

@ Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 18+ / $6

If you’re looking for the Friday night party, this is it. MC Mike Mictlan of Doomtree headlines what is sure to be a kickass show at one of the most resolutely gritty clubs in town, and he’s joined by Isaiah Toothaker of Tucson—one of the most notoriously street smart rappers in hip hop. Be prepared to get down and dirty, literally, in the T-Rock pit, because you’re going to be rubbing elbows (and probably lots of other limbs) at this show. Along with BrodR (Andrew Broder) and Slapping Purses, this night should kill—and carry you straight into your morning regrets. Get ready.

Click HERE for the Triple Rock site




FRIDAY AUGUST 26TH

Bee Cool

@ Honey
205 E. Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+/ $3

With summer coming to an end we must admit, it’s bitter sweet. But, the end of August still feels nice and toasty, and what a better time to let loose to some good ole ‘90s R&B. This Friday, Bee Cool at Honey presents the perfect place to leave all your troubles at the door and transcend into R&B dance hit oblivion. Enjoy $3.50 Tall Boys and $5 Jameson all night, while you grind to the magical DJ stylings of 2bach and Monsterbrusten.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY AUGUST 26TH

MPLS.TV, Bomp & Freaky Deeky Present: Cruel Summer

@ 1st Avenue & 7th St. Entry
701 1st Avenue, Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+/ $5

Cruel Summer, aka-the perfect way to end the summer, presents two rooms of searing sounds and sights to end one of the hottest summers Minneapolis has ever seen. For only $5, experience a colossal collection of DJS, lights and camera action. In the Mainroom of First Ave, dance to the digital delights of the MoonGoons, Get Cryphy, and Wzz Wnshp as they throw down some hot, nasty sounds. On visuals, Freaky Deeky will bring the interactive eyeball melting and glowing, magical playgrounds a la Playatta. If that isn’t enough stimulation, wander over to the 7th St. Entry and experience Gramma’s Boyfriend, Estate and Seated Heat with DJs Snakebite and Naysen between sets. Over 500 guests have already RSVP’d, if that tells ya anything.

Click HERE to RSVP for discounted admission


COOL LINK: THE FOX IS BLACK

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

Bobby Solomon’s friends and family were never that excited about all the musings, ideas, and online wonders he’d discover throughout his day. So he did what any creative with heavy boots would do: started a blog. Centered on art, design, and other interesting facets of contemporary life and culture, The Fox is Black (formerly Kitsune Noir) has since grown to include a team of writers from around the world (all of whom probably get really excited about Solomon’s findings) and several ongoing projects. Some of our faves: Space Suit of the week, Re-covered books (to combat the book-browser’s greatest woe: crappy cover designs), the desktop wallpaper project (no viruses and no tropical fish), and themed, downloadable mixtapes.

Click HERE for the website


SATURDAY AUGUST 27TH

Audio Perm Block Party

@ Shuga Records
165 13th Ave. NE
Minneapolis

2 p.m. to 10 p.m./AA/$10 advance, $15 door

It’s still summer, let the block parties roll! This Saturday, get your behind down to the parking lot of Shuga Records for a glorious 8 hours of performances and fun. You can catch sets by Pac Div, Toki Wright, I Self Devine, Audio Perm, Kanser, Bobby Raps, Tribe & Big Cats!, Illuminous 3, T.U.S.S., Duenday, Niles Miller, and Yakub & Big Dylan. This is a dense cast of local talent—South Minneapolis rap duo Duenday are up-and-comers that deserve your attention, and Rhymesayers crew member Toki Wright is an infallible source of entertainment. Shrug down to Shuga and wring out one of the last summer weekends with some phenomenal local hip hop.

Click HERE for the Facebook event




SATURDAY AUGUST 27TH

Three Artists: Guo Gai, Meng Tang, Slinko

@ Soap Factory
514 2nd St. SE
Minneapolis

7 p.m. to 11 p.m. / Free

Culled from the U of M and the Soap Factory's ongoing pool of submissions, this exhibition of three boundary-pushing artists is just what the art doctor ordered for end-of-summer visual stimuli. Based on the concepts of "society, memory, language and loss, while retaining an emphasis on the beauty and power of the object" the tri-show will range from beautifully startling photography, large-scale image installations with musical scores, and politically charged sculpture works. The show runs through October 23rd.

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


SATURDAY AUGUST 27TH

The Cloak Ox "Prison" Video Premiere Party

@ CO Exhibitions
1101 Stinson blvd NE #2
Minneapolis

8 p.m. / All Ages / $5 suggested donation

Broder. Ylvisaker. Erickson. Dosh. Now that's our idea of a foolproof supergroup. And if you've seen em play you'd be pretty inclined to agree, as these boys take experimentation in rock to a new level of awesomeness. This weekend, the Totally Gross National Product camp will premiere Cloak Ox's new video, "Prison", accompanied by a special set full of musical surprises and spazz outs. As if that wasn't incentive enough to get your butts to CO Exhibitions, Cecil freakin' Otter will be performing as well. We can't think of a better way to kick off your Saturday night.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SATURDAY AUGUST 27TH

Twin Cities EJ Festival

@ The Record Room
701 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / $3 TML crossover

A decade ago the music world met the EJ Midi Turntable: the scratching method that made DJs and VJs so yesterday, at least when it comes to mind-blowing visual performance. The term ‘EJ’ – and the turntable – were invented by performer/media mogul Justin Kent, who’s been lauded for “blasting the market into 2099,” and who’s set to grace Minneapolis with his presence on Saturday. The event is the Twin Cities EJ Festival, a celebration of all things electronically fast-forward. The event will also feature some of the best local video artists and DJs, including 000000000001, Mathstatic, Emmanuel and Tonio, EJ Nate, Naughty Wood, TimeSquid, and VisionQuest. Cover also gets you in to TML. Be ready to dance.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SATURDAY AUGUST 27TH

Menergy

@ Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Ave SE
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / $3 RSVP, $5 w/out

The boys of the monthly dance jam, Menergy, know that testosterone is bliss, manly, manly bliss. So come down and get sweaty with your favorite dudes for another round of the man-core tuneage. This month's installation proudly adds l'etoile fave, DJ Gigamesh, to the bill and we're sure he'll bring an extra edge of tasty dance gems and it-jams to the plate...errr...floor. Resident DJs Bach to the Future and The Nightstalker will be man-handling the decks as well for epic dance pleasure as you sip down $4 Jim Beam drinks and other Kitty Cat Klub concoctions. Party hearty!

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SATURDAY AUGUST 27TH

Attitude City

@ Club Jager

923 Washington Ave

Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

One of our favorite monthly dance jams is here! The crate-digging connoisseurs of Attitude City are at it again with their installation of music and mayhem. Join the one and only Jeff Dubois and special guests Superbrush and Mike the 2600 King 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 all up on some of Minneapolis’ finest.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: DOMINANT LEGS

What's l'etoile listening to this week?

Listen up, the end of summer can be a jerkface. It can fill you with so much ennui about could-have-been nights on the beach, picnics, sunny hand holding...we won't even continue lest you go Sylvia Plath on us. The point is, you need a little something to get your head back up. Enter: Dominant Legs. Longhaired tall drip of a man, Ryan Lynch (of jangle pop band Girls fame) is here to help. Lynch's catchy debut EP highlights all the best parts of Girls' nostalgic, bubble-gummy pop flair but adds an element grown-up reflectiveness. Joined by the dreamy Hanna Hunt, Lynch's swoony melodies feature perfectly harmonized contrariently cheery ditties about heartbreak, purified acoustic riffs, drum machine boosts and synthy flavor. In their world, the California sun always beats down. So turn Dominant Legs up – way up – and tell summer to suck it.

Click HERE for the Dominant Legs site

Dominant Legs from TERROREYES.TV on Vimeo.

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

In Review: Dress Rehearsal

Fashion designer Emma Berg and jewelry designer Stephanie Lake elegantly showcased their newest work at an intimate cocktail party to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, with a special focus on music and art programming. The l'etoile co-sponsored benefit was held in the gilded ballroom of a private estate in Deephaven, MN. Guests were treated to an array of canapés and desserts from Chow Girls and Perfect Day Cakes, as well as musical performances from Boys & Girls Club members and videos about the organization before the fashion presentation began.

Berg created a rainbow of cocktail dresses and gowns specifically for the event. The capsule collection opened with cocktail dresses in white, navy and dandelion yellow. They were fairly conservative designs compared to the majority of the collection, but each had understated details and design elements that separated it from the average cocktail dress.

An asymmetrical cornflower blue wrap dress could also be worn as a light-weight coat. On its own, the translucent fabric and potentially plunging neckline (depending on how loosely the dress was worn), could be fairly risqué, despite the layers and gathers of fabric. But worn as an additional layer over another gown or dress, it would function as a fashion-forward look for the more conservative dresser.

A voluminous cream sleeveless cape trailed a simple white dress and red lace waistband. Elements of the design were almost cocoon-like, and the cape hung down the model's back like dripping wings. It had an incredibly graceful effect. Though the red lace was stunning, it would be interesting to see this look belted with something that maintained its ethereal quality.

An delicate one-shouldered dress in complimentary shades of green felt suited for Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream. The dress was expertly sewn (in chiffon, no less), but even so, there were a few slight puckers of fabric. With a design such as this, anything that breaks the flow creates a distraction.

The penultimate design, a dramatic magenta gown, recalled the gentle turns and folds of flower petals. The skirt and bodice were immaculately sculpted, and the color itself was incredibly rich. The exaggerated flowing sleeves were interesting and well-constructed, but the drama of the look limits the piece to the fashion brave. It would be too Dynasty for most women, but with only slight editing, it could become a far more wearable gown.

The finale dress was a bouquet of colors. Flowers, hand-painted by local designer Max Lohrbach, blossomed on yards of silk that gathered and ruffled around the model. The result was stunning. One of Berg's signature design elements is a vertical gathering that cascades, uninterrupted, down the front of her gowns. However, this particular gown's shape would have been more dynamic if the horizontal line of the black waist band was unbroken.


Jewelry, headpieces and bags by Stephanie Lake complimented the collection. Lake, who also co-hosted the event, has found success by creating statement pieces that are almost alarming in their boldness. She and Berg made a very smart pairing. Several lucky party-goers wore Lake's jewelry for the event, and a pop-up shop gave attendants the opportunity to examine her pieces up close.

Styling by l'etoile's own Jahna Peloquin and hair and makeup by Charlie Brackney and the talented crew of Haus Salon hit just the right note of avant garde. The models from Vision Model Management were impeccable as always, even after changing into little black dresses to assault the hors dourves table. The event was understated and elegant, and raised enough funds to purchase a number of musical instruments for the Boys & Girls Club's American Guitar & Band Academy, including a new piano, drum kit, and more.

Weekend What's What 8/18-8/20

SUNNY DAZE

We hate to say it, but we're halfway through the last "official" month of summer. It seems like the sunny season just arrived, but as they say, time flies when you're having fun! But don't despair dear readers, there's plenty of party crammed into these last few free-wheelin' weeks to keep you warm until winter--we have no doubt you'll find some memorable summer mischief to get yourself into.

xo-l'étoile

Photo by Joe Johnson for l'étoile

THURSDAY AUGUST 18TH

Third Thursday: Art Perchance

@ Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Ave S
Minneapolis

5 p.m. to 9 p.m. / Free

The MIA’s monthly art night brings the spirit of the carnival to the lawn of Target Park. In a summer fundraiser designed to gear you up for the State Fair, you’ll get to play some wacky art-based games for free—and if you buy a $10 wristband, each time you win a game, you’ll have a chance to win great art donated by a local artist. Plus, indie rock band Trailer Trash will be there to provide you with some thrashing tunes, cocktails will be pouring a-plenty, and you’ll have the chance to rub elbows with other sophisticated artsy types like your fine self. Proceeds from this event benefit Friends of the Institute, an organization that puts that money towards many more worthy causes (like, you know, bringing world-class art to Minneapolis).

Click HERE for the MIA site


THURSDAY AUGUST 18TH

PRRPLE RAIN

@ Trylon Microcinema
3258 Minnehaha Ave S
Minneapolis

7 p.m. / $8

As a national ethos, the American dream promises one and all the possibility of prosperity. Though a person chasing it has a small percent chance of dying in a swimming pool, anyone chasing it through Minnesota has a one hundred percent chance of freezing his butt off. In their latest video work, local artists Aaron Anderson and Eric Carlson of Hardland/Heartland have usurped the Purple One's classic tale of struggle towards the American dream and given it their patented artsy spin. Catch the film at the Trylon Thursday, and make sure you pre-order your ticket here (microcinema equals micro seating space).

Click HERE for the Trylon site



THURSDAY AUGUST 18TH

Soft Opening's Soft Opening: The Birth of Bitchelor

@ Club Jager
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / free

Bachelor and bachelorette move aside! Tonight, resident Jager bartendress (and l'etoile's own broad about town) Robyn Lewis aka the Bitchelor is celebrating that epic humanistic holiday: her b-day. And for all the times she's got you snockered, we think she deserves your lauding presence--especially since she's working on her birthday. Groove to smooth jams from the latest in DJ fever with new duo Soft Opening, featuring Machen Davis & Mark McGee. Plus, revel in tasty drink specials, including $5 Jameson and $2.50 PBR, and other delish Jager libations. Don't forget to buy Robyn a shot and give her an extra sassy birthday bitch slap (complete with a good tip).

Click HERE for the Facebook event


THURSDAY AUGUST 18TH

Project Runway Weekly Screenings

@ Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen
in the Caterpillar Lounge
533 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis

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 as well, so bring your autograph books! Afterward, choose to stick around for DJs and dancing, or follow us over to the 331 Club for our sister blog LOL/OMG's monthly meetup (details in the listing below).

Click HERE for the Facebook event



FRIDAY ART PICK: SARA CONTI

What's l'etoile admiring this week?

We can't help but get lost in the intricate drawings of French artist Sara Conti. Her illustrating style is reminiscent of 60's – 80's French children's illustrator, Victoria Chess (“Slugs” & “Cat and Dog” series), though we would hardly place Conti's artwork into a kid-friendly category. Every piece dives further into the world of the macabre – characters with severed limbs, not so subtle nods to autoeroticism and highly unusual animal creatures – all drowning in a sea of tangled felt pen lines.

Click HERE for more work


FRIDAY AUGUST 19TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)

SoundTown Music & Camping Festival

@ Somerset Amphitheater
Somerset, Wisconsin

Friday: Gates open @ 2 p.m., close at midnight
Saturday: Gates open @ 12 p.m., close at midnight

$50 GA 2-day festival pass/$135 VIP
$85 GA 3-day camping/festival combo/$200 VIP

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the new festival at Somerset Amphitheater, which seemingly came out of nowhere, complete with three stages and 30+ bands. The theme for this festival seems to be centered around AWESOME, as the organizers have basically hand-picked the best bands of the Twin Cities area and then topped off the big sundae of local deliciousness with whip cream in the flavor of headliners the Flaming Lips. The gist is this: you come, you camp, you have yourself some bevvies, you enjoy some incredible music sets, you have the best time ever. Besides the Flaming Lips, festival organizers have arranged for the following bands to deliver greatness to you: the New Pornographers, DeVotchKa, Delta Spirit, Ghostland Observatory, Okkervil River, Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh, Corey Chisel & the Wandering Sons, Solid Gold, Sims, Heiruspecs, Roma di Luna, Zoo Animal, Pink Mink, the Goondas, the Ericksons, Molly Maher & Her Disbelievers, and so much more. If you don’t already have tickets to this one, there’s still time—and what a way to cap off the summer season!

Click HERE for the Soundtown site


FRIDAY AUGUST 19TH

Meow, Meow, LOL: The Spectacular of Feline Vernacular

@ Anthem Heart / Q.arma Building 2nd Floor
1224 Quincy St. N.E.
Minneapolis

6 p.m. / Free

I can has arts? Meme how you may, but there’s no denying that LOL CATZ reigns supreme. And Friday at Anthem Heart’s Q.arma Building studio, there’ll be a show to prove it. Ever wonder why, in terms of iconography, cats have always been admired for their beauty and stoicism, but in modern media culture, they’re regarded as cute little neurotic balls of fluff? Exploring the satire and kitch of internet phenomena, more than 30 local artists have interpreted the LOL CATZ vernacular in their own style and medium. DJs Ken Hannigan, Alex Uncapher, and Nicholas Larkins Perez will be spinning, and refreshments (and maybe some catnip) will be served. See you there, kittens!

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY AUGUST 19TH

Dress Rehearsal

@ Hillswood Estate
Deephaven

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. / $50-$200 (Tickets must be pre-purchased)

Experience an upscale evening of ballroom fashion and jewelry - all for a good cause. This Friday, the Hillswood Estate will play host to "Dress Rehearsal," the kick-off preview party for this fall’s Boys and Girls Club Benefit, Twin Cities Treasures. Fashion designer and gal-about-town Emma Berg will show ten new designs, including a look featuring hand-painted fabric by local designer Max Lohrbach. Ornate and exquisite jewelry by Stephanie Lake will compliment Berg’s designs, as styled by l'étoile's own Jahna Peloquin. The event also includes catering from Chowgirls, cakes by Perfect Day Cakes, and complimentary beverages. Also, catch musical performances from BGCTC kids, a short film and photography exhibitions, and a pop up shop.

Click HERE for more info and for tickets


FRIDAY AUGUST 19TH

Vita.mn Music & Movies: Chastity Brown & “Princess Bride”

@ Harriet Bandshell
42nd St and W Lake Harriet Pkwy
Minneapolis

music @ 7:30 p.m., movie @ dusk / free

What does a grass roots soul singer and satiric fantasy comedy have in common? Well, nothing really, except that tonight you can catch a free performance of both. The third installment of Vita.mn's Music & Movies series is back tonight featuring a very grooveable set from Chastity Brown and members of No Bird Sing followed by a screening of the hilariously quotable William Goldman adventure flick, The Princess Bride, held outdoors at Lake Harriet Bandshell. Head down early to snag your spot, listen to some Radio K spun pre-show tunes and enjoy tasty grub and drinks from Lake Harriet's hyped new food stand, Bread & Pickle. Plus, limited-edition screen-printed posters of tonight's film designed by Landland will be selling for just 5 bucks, so be sure to bring extra ciz-ash.

Click HERE for the Vita.mn site




FRIDAY AUGUST 19TH

Jeremy Messersmith & Rogue Valley

@ The Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley

7pm / All Ages / $19 or $31.50 VIP

For anyone not making the trek out to this weekend's Soundtown festival, treat yourself to an excellent double-bill at one of the most delightful and intimate places to see a show, the Minnesota Zoo. Take in the lush pop tones of Rogue Valley followed by the swoon-worthy sounds of l'etoile fave Jeremy Messersmith beneath the moon and stars, with mating calls of wild beasts in the distance.

Click HERE for the MN Zoo site



FRIDAY AUGUST 19TH

Vimlab Boat Party

@ Boom Island Park
700 Sibley St NE
Minneapolis

8 p.m.—12 a.m. / $30 / 21+

Nothing better encapsulates sweet summer lovin’ than a boat party on our beloved Mississippi, are we right? VimLab Promotions is back again to bring you what may be the last chance for you to get down and dirty on a giant cruise boat before our too-short Minneapolis summer retreats. With DJs Nate Laurence (Hot Dish), J Matthews (Hot Dish), Big Mama J, Patrick James, and fourfeet, plus Jevne on live bass and hawt happy hour specials aboard the Paradise Lady, this is sure to be one of those evenings when you’ll get to live like a high roller—not that you don’t already, of course. Follow up the mini-cruise with an after party on the rooftop of Epic for the Marcus Schultz show (free admission with your VimLab ticket).

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY AUGUST 19TH

Rock the Boat

@ Harriet Island
St. Paul, MN

8 p.m. (Boat leaves at 9pm) / 21+ / $25 advance, $30 at the gate

If the boat be a’rockin’...you better come a’knockin’! When else will you get the opportunity to see Mark Mallman, White Light Riot, The Goondas, and The 4onthefloor perform ON A BOAT (if you’re singing Andy Samberg, raise your hand). The blowout benefit for music and art programs in St. Paul public schools launches Friday from Harriet Island, and like years past, paddleboats Betsey and Anson will be connected to form one amped-up mega-boat, each with its own concert area, lounge, and bars. And that’s bars plural; you’ll get to choose between four of them all night. And lest we forget to mention, this year’s cruise is hosted by Mary Lucia and also features an extra-special celebrity captain (no, not T-Pain): Wayne Newton. Yep, Mr. Las Vegas himself, no big deal or anything. See you there.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


COOL LINK: HORRORGASM

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

Of all the kooky projects concocted in dingy Brooklyn walk-ups, this one takes the stake. Hosted by Edwina Smudge and Twilight Winchester, Horrorgasm will inseminate your eardrums and tantalize your catecholamines with original horror radio plays, little hellions from the loins of Grendel’s mama. Written in a variety of retro styles, from film noir to grindhouse to 50s-era sci-fi, these plays feature a multitude of macabre minions voiced by some of NYC, Chicago, and L.A.’s most horribly hilarious voices. Some of our personal faces: midwives in space, orphan-shooting nuns, and homunculi (you don’t want to know). In the hosts’ own words: “You’re gonna have an ear baby. And the baby’s gonna scare you.”

Click HERE for the Horrorgasm site


SATURDAY AUGUST 20TH

Brother & Sister's Capture the Adventure 2011:
A Clue-By-Clue Citywide Creative Adventure

@ Starts at The Cedar
416 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis

11:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. / $10 (includes free admission to the West Bank Music Festival)

Attention bikers: do you have a little Sherlock in you? Do puzzles melt like putty in your hands? Well, then we have an event for you. Savvy artist & man-about-town-with-a-chihuahua, Michael Gaughan, brings us what sounds like one of the most exciting mass events of the summer – a citywide scavenger hunt on bikes! To enter, brave, action-seeking participants will meet at the Cedar at 11:45 a.m. to get the low-down, then hop on their cycles in teams of ten competing to crack clues that range from the absurd to the pragmatic, from fits of physical prowess down to puzzles that can be solved using your good ol' smart phone. Along the way bikers will cross a few extra elements to amp their ride – music, surprise acts, art and so much more. Then, after the race, reward your brains and brawniness with live performances by Brother and Sister, Gramma's Boyfriend, Dessa and tons of other local bands at the West Bank Music Fest (full listing below). Good luck and may the handlebars be with you!

Click HERE for more info


SATURDAY AUGUST 20TH

West Bank Music Festival

@ Cedar Avenue between Riverside
and 6th Street, Minneapolis

4 p.m. / $5 til 9:30 $10 after 9:30/ Cash Only

The West Bank Music Festival is a night jam packed with full-on musical mayhem. Show up early to catch artists Brother and Sister, Gramma’s Boyfriend, The Goondas, Retribution Gospel Choir and Dessa on the outdoor main stage, after which the music moves indoors and disperses to different venues throughout the West Bank. Bars and bands include The Nomad: featuring Fuck the Knights and 4 on the Floor. The Red Sea: featuring Evil Empire (Rage Against the Machine Tribute) Retrospecs, and Johnny Rook, Pledge Empire Records, and the Dead Flowers. The Acadia Café: featuring Farewell Milwaukee, Martin Devany, Broken Bicycles, and Animal Magnetism. Whiskey Junction: featuring the Belfast Cowboys. Triple Rock Social Club: featuring Jailbreak, Irish Curse, Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. Palmer’s: featuring Poverty Hash, Javier and the Innocent Sons, Cactus Blossom, and the Charlie Lawson Group. Republic: featuring Adam Svec—AUXI. West Bank School of Music: featuring Black Blondie. Phew! You've got your work cut out for you, so bring ear plugs and make the rounds.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SATURDAY AUGUST 20TH

30 Days of Biking: Round 4 Pre-Party

@ Kitsune Cycles
1621 Harmon Place
Minneapolis

8 p.m. / $5

The devout crew of 30 Days of Biking isn't ready to relinquish their best season of biking yet so what better way to gear up for another month of serious biking that with an evening of music and brews with your fellow local cycle hounds. Enjoy as much beer as $5 (and the keg) allows as you get down to tunes spun by DJ Jam E-Z, not to mention check out the “mod-ster chic” digs of Loring Park's newest bike shop, Kitsune Cycles. The par-tay is sponsored by ARTCRANK, MPLS.TV and Groucho Sports, so we can guarantee it'll be a'hoppin' with little surprises around every corner. Bike 'til you drop!

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SATURDAY AUGUST 20TH

El Milagro

@ Intermedia Arts
2822 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis

7 p.m. / Free

Google “miracle,” and you’re apt to find dozens of incredible stories, from the biblical sort (water turned to wine, anyone?) to the medical sort (like the teenager who survived 118 days without a heart – to everything in between. Exploring the religious, mystical, cultural, political, historical, and psychological enigma of the miraculous, particularly as it pertains to Latin Americans, “El Milagro” marks the 11-year anniversary of the Minneapolis-based Latino visual arts group, Grupo Soap del Corazón (art that cleans the heart). The show features more than 30 local, national, and international artists, including Mexican photographer Xavier Tavera, Chilean painter “Amaru” Marcela Rodriguez Aguilar, and Minnesota painter and arts visionary Douglas Padilla. The exhibit opens with a fiesta Saturday at Intermedia Arts.

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


SATURDAY AUGUST 20TH

Blackhearts Burlesque at Loring Theater

@ Loring Theater
1407 Nicollet Ave S
Minneapolis

7 p.m. / 21+/ $15 General Admission $25 VIP

Join the Black Hearts, a brand spankin’ new Minneapolis-based burlesque troupe, for their inaugural show at the historic Loring Theater! The group, founded by Dalhia Dulce and Elektra Cute, pledges to bring sassy, fresh, and oh-so-sexy extravaganzas to the Twin Cities. Other notable burlesque babes will join in the fun including Nikki Knickers, Fiona Flameteaser, Josephine Belle, Musette and the Mistress of Mischief, Coco Dupree, Sweet Lilly Bee, Ophelia Flame and drag performer, Lucy Furr. This Saturday, enjoy a student debut from the playful Peacock Showgirl Academy, Boi-lesque from Switch the Boi Wonder and music from Loveless Aphrodite. Bonus: official after party at the Loring Kitchen & Bar hosted by Ajent O. VIP tix are available and include a complimentary drink at the show and the after party, preferred seating, two passes to a future movie event at the Loring Theater, and entrance into a private drawing for one of two gift packages.

Click HERE for the Loring Theater site


SATURDAY AUGUST 20TH

Red Pens, Howler, Hot Rash

@ Cause
3005 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / $6

Fiery and rip-roaring, Cause’s Saturday line-up will have you seeing red – that the show only lasts for one night, that is! Up first is newbie girl punks Hot Rash, who will no doubt leave you itching (we know, we know) for more frenetic tunage. They’re followed by Howler, a surfy, reckless-sounding, recently Rough Trade label-signed trio led by 19-year-old Jordan Gatesmith (the guitarist of Total Babe). If rumors (and wishful thinkings) prove true, you’ll want to catch these guys before they go mega. Rounding out the night are Red Pens, who will treat us to some raring new tunes – and hopefully a good glimpse of drummer Laura’s killer fuzz pedal and effects box painting skills.

Click HERE for the Facebook event




SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: WINDOWSPEAK

What's l'etoile listening to this week?

Brooklyn-based trio Widowspeak plays the kind of hollowed out, devilish soundtrack we'd be blasting were we on the run from the law, Bonnie & Clyde-style. Their 'psych meets country' sound strips music down to its ruddy core with slow-tempo beats, jangly guitar riffs, dreamy n' breathy vocals and just a dash of vintage rock and roll. Close your eyes and revel in slide guitar and Molly Hamilton's drugged-out vibe and your mind might just be taken back to the dark bluesy 90's jams of Mazzy Star's 'She Hangs Brightly' record – call it a glorious music-induced acid flashback. Definitely check out “Gun Shy” and “Harsh Realm.”

Click HERE for the Windowspeak Bandcamp site

Widowspeak - “Burnout” on YouTube:

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

Weekend What's What 8/11-8/14

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF AWESOME

The forecast this weekend looks a bit dreary, but that certainly won't stop us from enjoying ourselves. With all the amazing events going on any given weekend, Twin Citians always manage to have fun, rain or shine--are we right? We have faith that something as trivial as "weather" couldn't possibly get between you and a good time, especially when there are epic outdoor block parties to be experienced. That said, we'll see you on the street (perhaps with a cute vintage umbrella in tow).

xo-l'étoile

Photo by Eric Eul for l'etoile

THURSDAY AUGUST 11TH

2nd Annual High Heel Dash

@ Peavey Plaza
Nicollet Mall & 11th St
Minneapolis

4 – 8 p.m. / $20 to register, free to peep

Ladies and gents, here's hoping you've prepped your calves over the summer because the Aegis Foundation's 2nd Annual High Heel Dash is back and believe us when we say it's not for the feeble of tarsals. The gender-bending, fashion-wielding race welcomes guys and gals to compete in a 25-yard dash across Peavey Plaza to raise money for two amazing charities: the Emergency Foodshelf Network and Project Footsteps. The catch? Each contestant must sprint donning not their good ol' Nikes but a fierce pair of 3 inches or taller high heels. Oh là là! And just in case you were wondering, Nicollet Mall will be closed for the event, so don't worry about plowing down innocent mall walkers in your glamorous stint of athletic prowess. Register inside Peavey Plaza at 4 pm and enjoy a few DJ spun tunes from Party Unit to limber up yer bones before the 6:30 p.m. race. Join the dash or come down and cheer on the brave racers; either way you don't want to miss this hilarious sight.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



THURSDAY AUGUST 11TH

Project Runway Weekly Screenings

@ Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen
in the Caterpillar Lounge
533 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis

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 as well, so bring your autograph books! Afterward, choose to stick around for DJs and dancing, or follow us over to the 331 Club for our sister blog LOL/OMG's monthly meetup (details in the listing below).

Click HERE for the Facebook event



THURSDAY AUGUST 11TH

LOL/OMG Social Media Meetup feat. Sexcat and Umami

@ 331 Club
331 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+ / Free

Join LOL/OMG for our next Social Media Meetup/Tweeup at the 331 Club this Thursday. We've whipped up an awesome lineup for the occasion that will surely inspire joyful tweets of epic proportions. 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 slinky sounds of Sexcat and Umami. Official hashtag: #LOLOMG

Click HERE for the Facebook event



FRIDAY ART PICK: TYLER JENSEN'S 30 FILMS IN 30 DAYS PROJECT

What's l'etoile admiring this week?

Local filmmaker Tyler Jensen – known for his collaborations with Renaissance man Jaime Carrera and his beautiful music videos for Dark Dark Dark – knows a month is a terrible thing to waste. That’s why for the last bit of his summer – and sadly his last hurrah in MPLS – Jensen’s taken quite the austere project: 30 films in 30 days. Before the Minneapolitan leaves for greener pastures he vowed to write/shoot/edit and post one short flick everyday for an entire month. Already over an impressive 23 films, Jensen’s pieces range from shorts inspired by Tales from the Crypt and the ‘ethics of Roger Corman” to an Ed Wood feel, always incorporating local faces from designers down to hot, hot bands. Check out the films so far and stay tuned for the rest by following Jensen’s Vimeo channel and don’t forget to “like” the project on Facebook. Viva la local film!

Click HERE for Tyler's Vimeo channel

Kiddie Pool from Tyler Jensen on Vimeo.

FRIDAY AUGUST 12TH

Nicademus Art's Last Show

@ Nicademus Art
225 Snelling Ave N
Saint Paul MN

7 p.m. / Free

DC Ice, DWITT, MJ Heubach, Ron Brown, Biafra Inc, Christopher Bowman, Broken Crow, Mike Davis, Louis LaPierre – if you’ve been around the local art block, so to speak, you’ve probably heard of at least one (if not all) of these artists. But besides being amongst the Twin Cities’ brightest visionaries, this group of painters, illustrators, stencillers, and mixed media artists have another common denominator: each has shown at Nicademus Art throughout the gallery’s two year history. And for Nicademus’ final show, opening Friday, these artists (and then some) will be sending the gallery off right by decking its walls with art one final time. Party tunes will be provided by Radio K’s BK One, whose set will include some remixes from his upcoming Radio Cannibal album. Don’t miss this chance to be merry, hear exclusive tunes, and of course, say a fond farewell to the gallery.

BONUS: Those who seek owner Nick Kring's framing skillz needn't shed tears: He'll be moving his framing biz to another smaller location on Selby Ave soon, and will be offering the same kick ass custom services he does in the current space. Hurrah! Keep up on Nicademus' Facebook page here for details coming soon.

Click HERE for the Facebook event




FRIDAY AUGUST 12TH

Mystery Palace EP release show with DOSH and Soviet Panda

@ 7th Street Entry
701 First Avenue
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 18+ / $8 adv, $10 door

Ryan Olcott, James Buckley, and Joey Van Phillips together sound like a musical dream team--which is essentially what you get in their collaborative electronica project Mystery Palace. With subdued, sexy beats that recall either the late ‘80s, Swedish pop or both, the music of Mystery Palace usually has no problem getting the party started and keeping it going all night long. This Friday, join Mystery Palace at the 7th Street Entry as they celebrate the release of their new EP, Nervio, with musical guests DOSH and Soviet Panda sharing the bill. Nervio is available for free download on the Mystery Palace website, and since you’re not spending any dough on the goods, you might want to invest in the sweet new MP t-shirts that will be debuting on Friday night at the show.

Click HERE for the Mystery Palace site


FRIDAY AUGUST 12TH

Lee's Liquor Lounge PA Appreciation Party

@ Lee's
101 Glenwood Ave
Minneapolis

8 p.m. / 21+ / $6

Any party celebrating pure, unadulterated, ear-searing, brain-melting VOLUME is one we can get behind. Enter the crazy cats at PBR, who hold sound as close to their hearts as they hold icy cold beer. The "orange, sparkly ridged monsters" that embody the small stage of Lee's will be dishing out hard sonic love tonight as hellcats Pink Mink, Crankshaft, and Fetch the Warden take the stage. Filling the sound waves between sets will be vinyl beat blasters Shannon Blowtorch, Truckstache, and Joe Holland, who will pushing the limits of your eardrums with everything from "Stravinsky to Slayer." And who can argue with that? Certainly not us.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY AUGUST 12TH

The Shellac Pack: 78 RPM DJs

@ Clubhouse Jäger
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+ / Free

This Friday, the Shellac Pack, a group of 78 RPM record collectors, aficionados and DJs come together to share their love of lost sounds. This vintage radio show featuring the likes of DJs Al Haug, Drew Miller, Mick Novak, Scott Holthus, Mike Nickolaus, Brad Wrolstad, and Greg Carr will be accompanied with classic cartoons and films cascading off Clubhouse Jager walls. The gang is even packin’ a Mix Master (one of the first examples of dual turntables) to weave together a symphony of beloved 78s for your listening pleasure. Add drinks from Jager's ample bar and wha-la!

Click HERE for the facebook event


FRIDAY AUGUST 12TH

EXTRA LARGE Dance Party w/ Mike 2600 & Gigamesh

@ First Avenue Night Club (The Record Room)
701 First Ave N
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 18+/ $3 in advance $5 at the door

This Friday, First Ave’s bringin’ you every worthy dance flavor under the sun: hip-hop, dancehall, disco, funk, electro and classic party banger tunes. It’s an Extra Large and extra special night of DJs and musical spontaneity, featuring Gigamesh and resident host-with-the-most Mike 2600. Gigamesh, a nationally recognized producer, has been creating synthesizer-heavy, dance floor-moving beats for several years now, while Mike 2600 is a 15-year veteran DJ, having rocked parties from coast to coast (and polished just about every dance floor available in the Twin Cities). Come dance with the duo and cash in on 2-for-1 drinks before midnight.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


COOL LINK: THE BURNING EAR

What's l'etoile checkin' out on the web this week?

Sometimes we like to let our cool links speak for themselves, especially when they prove to be way more snarky than we are. Case in point: The Burning Ear, who describes itself thus: “And on the eighth day the Lord (of the Internet) said ‘Let there be a music blog that is not such a shit-show, that finds only the best tunes and delivers them to me in a timely and moderately entertaining manner.’ And then I said, ‘Oh, you don’t know about The Burning Ear? Duh.’” Don’t have time for music blogs? Agree with Pitchfork most of the time, but are afraid that if you read too much, you might start speaking in an affected tone? Want to believe that someone in the US of A can scout music from our side of the pond better than The Guardian can? Well, you heard the blog. Read it and weep – for pure mirth at getting to know more covers, new releases, remixes, and mashups than all your friends do and still having spare ‘net time to watch cute puppy videos.

Click HERE for the Burning Ear site



SATURDAY AUGUST 13TH

The Wild Plan

@ Matthews Park
Minneapolis

12 p.m. / Free

They’re U of M post-grads (and one current student), and they have a wild plan. Robust with stories, food, spectacle, picnic blankets, games, and Cat Stevens, this new kind of theater tour is swinging through Minneapolis this Saturday at Matthews Park in Northeast. The afternoon begins with an ultimate Frisbee tournament, followed by a barbeque, volleyball, and most spectacularly, a performance of Boy with a Moon and Star on his Head, a Cat Stevens jukebox musical directed by the Plan’s Ben Gansky. If that’s not enough rumpus, head to 2417 Pleasant later in the evening for a performance of Misanthrope, Or the Impossible Lovers, wild planner Eric Powel Holm’s original adaptation of Moliere’s script (show starts at 7:30 outside the house). Don’t miss this chance to frolic before the plan heads to Chicago, Columbus, and Cape Cod.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SATURDAY AUGUST 13TH

Pizza Luce Block Party

@ Pizza Luce Uptown
3200 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

Noon to 10 p.m. / Free

Of all the scrumptious Minneapolis block parties you’ll attend this summer, we have to say: Pizza Luce’s is like extra feta on mashed potato pizza – so good it hurts. This is partially because, well, literally, you could grab one of those heavenly slices right inside the door if you wanted to, and there will be local brews aplenty. It’s also partially because The Current’s Barb Abney is hosting, and she’s just as funny in person as she is on-air and on Twitter. But mostly, it’s because the lineup features some of the best tunes in town – and is almost ten whole hours long. Before happy hour even begins, you’ll have heard Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Mages, Phantom Tails, No Bird Sing, and The 4onthefloor and more. And it only gets better from there, with Spyder Baybie & 2% Muck and P.O.S. rounding out the night. See you there!

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SATURDAY AUGUST 13TH

David Lynch Night w/ Blue Velvet

@ Loring Theater
1407 Nicollet Ave S
Minneapolis

7 p.m. – 1 a.m.

When things shift between the macabre and the mundane, there can only be one word for it: Lynchian. Tonight, join Vita.MN for a night of "Lynchian" proportions as they present a screening of David Lynch’s cult tour de force, Blue Velvet. Before you bask in the film’s creepy glory and neo-noir feel, catch a pre-show happy hour at the Loring featuring a musical backdrop inspired by the eerie Blue Velvet soundtrack (as spun by DJs Grant Cutler and Greg Schaal, of course). Dress like your fave Lynch character – we know you have a Dorothy Vallens in you just itching to get out – and win prizes for the best dressed Lynchian. Not to mention enjoy delicious cold PBRs all night long. Severed ears not included.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SATURDAY AUGUST 13TH

Gallery Performances: Hawthorne/Schlichting/Van Loon

@ SooVAC
2628 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

performances at 7:30 and 9 p.m.

Everybody dance now...er, everybody choreograph now. Tonight, don't miss as the SooVAC presents stunning performances from 3 up-and-coming modern choreographers: San Francisco's Katharine Hawthorne, MN-based Chris Schlichting and MPLS-based Kristin Van Loon. Hawthorne's “Soundlines” mimics a “live video matrix” where the dancer's movements amplify and adapt to the sound waves. Plus, peep new work from veteran choreographer, Schlichting, whose work has premiered at the Walker, NYC's Danspace Project, Seattle's Velocity Center and San Fran's ODC and witness “Finishing Early,” the latest from Zenon Dance instructor and McKnight Dancer Fellowship and Sage Award winner, Van Loon whose avant-garde nods “edge between real and imaginary” and are always a charming treat to experience.

Click HERE for the SooVAC site


SATURDAY AUGUST 13TH

Har Mar Superstar

@ Cause
3001 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / $8

After spending the day soaking up the bands and booze at the Luce Block Party, head down to the official after party at Cause, which boasts a line-up zany enough to make heads spin. The sheer hilarity that ensues during a Shane Shane performance paired with the outrageous antics of Har Mar will have all of uptown in an uproar. If you like fun, this is something that you simply do not want to miss - we can't wait to see what happens!

Click HERE for the Facebook event




SATURDAY AUGUST 13TH

Night of 1000 Madonnas

@ 400 Bar
400 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis

8 p.m. / $10

Looks like a little prayer has been answered – a night of avant garde, erotically-charged dance moves, and more Madonna songs than you could ever belt out in your car in one sitting. In honor of the diva’s 53rd birthday next week, some of the Twin Cities’ loudest and loveliest burlesque dancers and singers have created “Night of 1000 Madonnas,” set to strut the 400 Bar stage on Saturday. Polly and the Hot Buttered Crackers will host the evening, with performances by Polly FunkChanel, Mistress Jean Bardot, Pepper Sunshine, Sweet Lillybee, and more. Material girls and boys alike are bound to cherish such a celebration. And don’t be afraid to dress en vogue – prizes will go to the best-dressed Madonna.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


Madonna - Open Your Heart by jpdc11


SATURDAY AUGUST 13TH

Bombay Sweets LP Release Show

@ Turf Club
1601 University Avenue West
Saint Paul

9 p.m. / 21+ / $5

If it wasn’t enough that Bombay Sweets are releasing an LP from their own label Phantom Form, the icing on the cake is that it will be coming out as a as split color 12" vinyl with hand screen artwork by the wonderfully talented guys at Aesthetic Apparatus. (There will also be CDs and digital downloads available if you haven’t jumped on the vinyl revival train yet.) If that’s not enough, Bombay Sweets will be playing with the always entertaining Blind Shake, Birthday Suits, and Brute Heart, along with DJ John Reis. This Saturday, hike it to St. Paul’s legendary Turf Club for smokin' sets from some of the Twin Cities’ finest party-starters--and prepare your eardrums for ultimate pleasure.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: CUT OFF YOUR HANDS

What's l'etoile listening to this week?

In a scene dominated by the hippest of Brooklyn and L.A., it’s refreshing to hear a solid bit of indie rock out of New Zealand. Around and about since 2009, Cut off Your Hands is riding the waves of their newly released second LP, Hollow, and for good reason: this post-punk inspired foursome does pure pop the only way it should be done, with galloping rhythms, fiery guitar riffs, and choruses that can’t help but get stuck in your head for days (not that you mind). Glittery and starry-eyed, Cut off Your Hand’s boppy rhythms are made more enchanting by wry, almost self-deprecating lyrics. Like The Smiths, The Killers, and any other number of great alt-rockers before them, they possess that perfect blend of imp, shimmer, and approachability. Here’s hoping their inevitable indie stardom suits them as well as we’d imagine.

Click HERE for the band's Facebook page




SUNDAY AUGUST 14TH

Hardland/Heartland: Book & Print Sale

@ Studio ALL ETC
512 E 24th St
Minneapolis

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Free

Don’t miss another rad sale from our fave folks at Hardland/Heartland. All afternoon getcher paws on books, prints, shirts, tapes and other one-of-a-kinds crafted lovingly by art geniuses Aaron Anderson, Eric Carlson and Crystal Quinn. Plus, as the Facebook event says, "Trades-R-Cool 2" so bring a treasure and see what you can swap!

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