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
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