Weekend What's What 10/27-10/31

THURSDAY OCTOBER 27TH

Pop Inc's Boulevard of Broken Dreams + Chaplin's City Lights

@ Trylon Microcinema

3258 Minnehaha Ave S

Minneapolis

6:45 & 8:45 p.m. / $8

Got a soft spot for silent slapstick? You're in luck. Pop Inc.'s latest creative contribution, the short Boulevard of Broken Dreams, follows a day in the life of Hollywood's longest running Chaplin impressionist, Pharaoh Kingsley--mooostash, cane, bowler and all. Filmed in Hollywood earlier this summer, the film's soundtrack includes songs from Charlie Mason (Miley Cyrus), Monte Moir (The Time), and Electro R&Bers Crush Songs Germany and features cameos from Weeds' Bryce Blais, Pretty Boys' Erin Muir and actor/author Boyan Deam. After the premiere, stick around for a screening of a Chaplin classic, City Lights. Complimentary popcorn goes to the first 20 reserved seats, so grab your tickets asap!

Click HERE for the Trylon site

THURSDAY OCTOBER 27TH

Project Runway Screening (LAST EPISODE!)

@ Thom Pham's Wondrous Kitchen

511 Hennepin Ave

Minneapolis

Doors at 7:30 p.m. (Show at 8 p.m.) / Free

Join l'etoile and Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen for the LAST EPISODE of Project Runway this Thursday in the Caterpillar Lounge (We suggest you get there by 7:30 to get a good seat and a pre-show sushi order in!). This season featured one of our very own: talented local designer Danielle Everine! Despite Danielle was (unjustly!) 'aufed half-way through, we'll still be there, sipping stylish drink specials (including the $6 special "Everine Fizz") and noshing upon Pham's delectable bar menu.

Click HERE for more info

THURSDAY OCTOBER 27TH

A Spoooktesticular Dick Pic

@ Club Jager
923 Washington Ave
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

Come down to Club Jag for a musical punch in the crotch tonight! The airhorn-blasting duo of Maggie Morrison and Machen Davis--otherwise known as DJ Dick Pic--will fill your ears with all the tit-illating tunage you can take. On top of all that, l’étoile music editor and saucy drink slinger The Bitchelor will be commanding the bar top until the sun rises (er, until the bar closes). Print off some scary dick pics to bring along and share, drink some dranx, and dance like a fool. Consider it Halloween weekend lube.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)

Nightmare Fuel

@ The Lyric at Carleton Place

765 Hampden Ave S

St. Paul

8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. / $12, $10 w/ 2011 Fringe button or student ID

Move over Cryptkeeper, the spooky-tongued storytellers of Nightmare Fuel may not have the “undead” unsightliness of Crypt K., but they're definitely primed with terrifying tales that will have you sleeping with the lights on for weeks. Led by local sci-fi king Rob Callahan, Rockstar Storyteller's Phillip Low and special guest Tim Uren, prepare for two evenings of the disturbingly twisted as only these maniacal literary minds could conjure. It's turns doubly ghoulishly good when paired next to the devilish beats of Byzantine Beatbox on Friday and the funky tunes of Mayda on Saturday. What's a Halloween without a few good nightmares?

Click HERE for the facebook event

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28TH

Strangers to Ourselves

@ The Future Presence Gallery

1126 NE 2nd Street

Minneapolis

6 p.m. – 11 p.m. / Free

Remember when the Mad Hatter asked poor little Alice “How is a Raven like a Writing Desk?”. Well, we don’t know the answer (and neither do you) but you may find yourself contemplating equally heady and confounding questions after experiencing this mind-bending exhibit. In an exploration of how our pesky subconscious warps, distorts, and sometimes completely reinterprets the sensory world, artists Austin Swearengin and Derek Ernster prod us to question the limits of our own perceptions. Using simple explorations in modest materials the works question conventional notions of optics and the significance of objects in the artistic sphere. Taking its name from Timothy Wilson’s landmark work on the adaptive unconscious, the installations question how we can be sure that what we’re seeing is real. Or even more fundamentally, can we trust that we even know what "real" means? The exhibition will be open to the public for one night only so grab a Tall Boy and start contemplating the slippery nature of reality.

Co-sponsored by l'etoile

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

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28TH

The Monster Ball

@ Ballroom at 1940 Hennepin Ave

1940 Hennepin Ave

Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+ / $5 with RSVP – $10 at door or w/o costume

The frightening minds behind Bomp and Get Cryphy try out some danceable hi-jinks at this pre-Halloween booty shaking masquerade ball. DJ’s Plain Ole Bill & Jimmy 2 Times, Wzz Wnshp, Shannon Blowtorch, The Moon Goons, and Jonathan Ackerman will do their damnedest to get you to dance yourself right out of that ratty Crayola Crayon costume you’re wearing for the third year in a row. It may be a while since you’ve hoofed it on a real hardwood dance floor, so make sure to pace yourself and don’t let the promised eerie visuals disorient you too much--that crayon tip makes you top heavy!

Click HERE for the Facebook event

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28TH

The Goondas, The Book of Right On and The Miami Dolphins Halloween Show

@ Kitty Cat Klub
14th & 4th
Dinkytown

9pm / 21+ / $5

With Halloween right around the corner, it is officially time to get spooky. Gather your costumed crew for a night jam packed with full-on musical mayhem. The Kitty Cat Klub has put together an all-star lineup of balls-out rock & roll starting with girl-punk newcomers the Miami Dolphins, followed by the smart, arty rock jams by Book of Right On, and everyone's favorite rowdy garage rockers the Goondas closing out the night for the perfect halloweekend kickoff!

Click HERE for the Facebook event

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28TH

The Liz Tour Kickoff

@ Club Med

You know the spot

West Bank

10 p.m. / tbd

This Friday don't miss a chance to catch mesmerizingly noisy locals The Liz (featuring members of Sarah Johnson, Dots, Camden and Permvaykay) live and under the MPLS sky before they head out on tour. With guest performances from Chicago's aural assaulters, Bad Drugs, Wild Child and Lighted Joint Custody.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29TH

Twin Cities Treasures: Party Crashers

@ Target Field

1 Twins Way

Minneapolis

9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (VIP doors at 6 p.m.) / $20 Party Crasher Tickets (or $200 at 6 p.m. / $500 VIP)

Do a little good and have a lot of fun this Saturday at Target Field! While the $500 VIP tix may be out of your price range, you can slide into this swanky affair after 9pm for a mere 20 bones. The event, Twin Cities Treasures, is a benefit for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities--a worthy cause if there ever was one--and if you've yet to grace the epic Target Field, tonight's the night. No baseball here for you non-sports fans (we can relate), just a rockin' good time in the sprawling Legends Club featuring tunes spun by everyone's favorite DJ, Jake Rudh, visuals on the jumbotron by the cool kids of Playatta (yes, your face can be on the jumbotron via their famed video portal), art exhibitions, food, and drinks galore. Costumed guests are welcome, otherwise feel free to dress up to get down--we'll meet you there with bells on.

Click HERE to purchase tickets

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29TH

Phantasmagoria 2

@ The Haunted Place of the Maharaja

2601 Sunset Blvd

Minneapolis

8 p.m. – 1 a.m. / 21+/ $25 donation, $50 donation

Halloween only comes once a year, so don't settle for a humdrum house party. Hell hath no fury like “25 rooms of sinister Halloween fun.” This year's Rock the Cause presented ghoulish Phantasmagoria extravaganza promises to be even more elaborate than last year's bash with a labyrinth of Halloween-heavy entertainment and a choose-your-party-level twist. For an advance donation of $25, be seduced by the hedonistic delights of the Maharaja's place including complimentary libations and treats from August Schell's Brewing Company, Muddy Paws Cheesecake and Saint Croix Vineyards. For $50 donation, enter a mesmerizing haven of belly dancers, private bars, free appetizers, and a live set of “the hypnotic world music” from Mike Salovich and Marcus Wise. Last year's event sold out quickly, so get your tickets before they disappear. Costumes highly encouraged so dress to impress, allure or creepify.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29TH

Scott Seekins X Familia Art Show

@ Familia Skateshop

2833 Hennepin Ave

Minneapolis

7 – 9 p.m. / free

Tonight, don't miss the latest exhibition of works from MPLS' most notorious mustached man about town: Scott Seekins. We dare you to peep the walls of painting obscurities, without getting Pink Mink's ode “Seeking Scott Seekins” stuck in your head. After the show, head down to the Red Stag for a nightmarish 21+ Halloween dance party featuring drink specials, costume contests and mad prizes from Familia and the Red Stag. Bonus: We hear that former Familia honcho/current Etnies honcho, Tucker Gerrick is in town from Long Beach for the occasion--meaning, this party will definitely be off the chain. Yes, THE CHAIN.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29TH

Menergy featuring Gigamesh’s EP Release

@ Kitty Cat Klub

313 14th Avenue

Southeast Minneapolis

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

The Kitty Cat Klub is known for it’s soothing atmosphere, sexy lounge spots and old-school charm. But this Saturday, the Klub kicks it up a notch with the next rowdy installment of Menergy! Renowned producer and dance devotee, Gigamesh, proudly releases his long awaited EP. The night features music from Gigamesh himself, Bach to the Future and the Nightstalker, while unforgettable Bobby Kahn (of Freaky Deeky) plays host at this hometown Halloween haven. So dress up and head to Dinkytown, where a night of music, costumes, contests and cocktails awaits. The best costumes will receive a new Gigamesh EP, Anthem Heart merch and a $50 bar tab.

Click HERE to RSVP for reduced admission

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29TH

Plain Ole Bill & Last Word’s 2nd Annual Halloween Bash

@ Honey

205 East Hennepin Ave.

Minneapolis

8:30 p.m. / 21+/ $7

It’s officially: hip-hop Halloween hits Honey for round two this Saturday. Plain Ole Bill & Last Word once again team up on the turntables to bust some bangin’ beats for your Halloween pleasure. Delve into the night with DJ B-Rock, who will be joining in the fun alongside rap mamacita La Manchita who will charm you on hosting duties. Arrive early for free punch from 9-10 p.m and expect other horrifyingly cool surprises throughout the night.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29TH

Attitude City Presents: A Clubhouse of Horrors

@ Clubhouse Jäger

923 Washington Ave N

Minneapolis

8:30 p.m. / 21+/ Free

Holy Halloween heaven, Clubhouse Jäger is going all out! It is a night of epic proportions and it begins with Attitude City's own Jeff Dubois and funky beatmeister King Otto as they mix, master, spook and spin y’all silly. Are these fellas hip-hop heroes or just plain old vinyl vets? Or maybe a little bit of both? Expect the best R n' B, rap, hip-hop, ‘80s, boogie and more, (all on real vinyl). To set the monster mood, Club Jager will screen classic horror movies all night long. Dress up and enter in the costume contest--the best costume/best couple or group will each win a $25 bar tab. And if you're wondering what the future may hold, try your time with the tarot reader and professional palmist in the back room. Drink specials include $3.50 Tiger Lagers and $5 Sobieski Vodka Drinks, all night long. Scary awesome!

Co-sponsored by l'etoile

Click HERE for the Jager site

SUNDAY OCTOBER 30TH

Gods and Monsters Part III: The Resurrection

@ Cult Status Gallery

2913 Harriet Ave S

Minneapolis

8 p.m. to Midnight / Free

Craving some classic horror F.W. Murnau-style this Halloween? Or perhaps you're more of a Dario Argento aficionado? Whether you prefer to let the creeps slowly build up your spine or you’d like to see that spine gruesomely removed from a writhing starlet, this show is sure to have something that tickles your aesthetic fancy. Featuring works by more than 45 artists inspired by influential films in the horror genre, Cult Status Gallery will bleed with diabolical delights. The pieces in this third annual exhibit appear to run the gamut from slightly macabre toward somewhat more sanguine and on into some out and out gore. Try not to scream too loudly, lest you wake the art ghouls!

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

MONDAY OCTOBER 31ST

Hot Roxx Halloween Hoedown Hextravaganza

@ Hexagon Bar

2600 27th Ave S

Minneapolis

9 p.m. / No Cover

Calling all you Rhinestone Cowboys and Coal Miner's Daughters: You've been looking for a place to rock those studded snakeskin boots and your embroidered polyester suit, and this here's the spot! This year's alliterative bash collects members from some of the TC's most buzzworthy bands – Night Moves, Pink Mink, The Red Flags, Vampire Hands, ELnO, and more – into 4 super-groups to scare up modern interpretations of County Gold standards. You're sure to hear some AM radio stalwarts, and if you're lucky, a stray Conway Twitty tune may even sneak in (we love us some 'Hello Darlin'). Between sets the Hot Roxx DJ's will be spinning a tempest of twangy tunes to keep your boots a'tapping. Prizes will be awarded for the most impressive county kits, so pile on the turquoise and tease that hair all the way up to Jesus!

Click HERE for the Facebook event

MONDAY OCTOBER 31ST

Triple Rock Halloween Tribute Show

@ Triple Rock

629 Cedar Ave

Minneapolis

8 p.m. / 21+ / $10

When rock returns from the dead, it can be a pretty scary sight. Cobwebs in over-teased hair, maggot-infested guitar strings and do you have any idea what embalming fluid does to a leather jacket? Well, luckily the former rock gods taking the Triple Rock stage tonight aren't the real deal, instead our fiendish local musicians will be conjuring up the spirits and badassedness of these legends for another epic installment of the T-Rock's Halloween Tribute Show. Witness live channeling performances from My Names is Jonas (featuring members of Al Church & State/Torch the Spires and Quincy Punx as Weezer), The Badhearts (featuring members of The Hostages/Pink Mink/Red Means Fire as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts) The Monster Squad as Anthrax, Kumquat as the Sex Pistols and The Living Clintons (featuring members of Max Ether as the Dead Kennedys). Past costume contests have ranged from the obscurely specific - “Best Representation of a Forgotten 80's Era David Bowie Album Cover” to “Cutest Couple,” so put a little effort into your costume and definitely go for the extravagant. Just don't stab yourself on anyone's decade rusty safety pins; the Triple Rock won't reimburse you for a tetanus shot.

Click HERE for the Triple Rock site

Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin, Stefani Arden, Anthony Enright

Weekend What's What 10/20-10/22

THURSDAY OCTOBER 20TH

Third Thursday: Crafterhours & Semblances opening

@ Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Ave S
Minneapolis

6 p.m. / All Ages/Free

Every third Thursday of the month the Minneapolis Institute of Arts opens their doors and allows the public to dive into diverse art, drinks, live music, and this month, crafts! On this fine evening come and create your own hands-on projects with some of the best crafters in town. Hang out with popular local makers I Like You, Crafty Planet, ArtStart and many more. Enjoy silversmith work and native textile exhibits on MIA’s curator-led tours. As you mingle and create a masterpiece, jam to local band, Starfolk and get toasty with some tasty drinks from the cash bar. Don't forget to stop into the MAEP Gallery for the latest locally-bred exhibit, Semblances, featuring artists Jennifer Danos, Natasha Pestich and Marcus Young. The exhibit will create an interactive experience throughout the museum through performance; a poster exhibition; and a commentary on work hanging in the nearby contemporary prints and drawing gallery.

Click HERE for the MIA site


THURSDAY OCTOBER 20TH

Literary Death Match Twin Cities, Episode 5

@ Nomad World Pub
501 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis

doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. / $7 adv, $10 door

Come on Literary Death Match, is it really wise to convene so many of the Twin Cities' best creative minds into one place for the evening? Sure, it makes for a riotous good time, but what if there's a gas leak or a meteor strike, or some such? Tonight's always-entertaining event packs the best virtues of a spoken word jam together with a judged competition format and a heavy dose of ridiculously witty interactions. Saying this iteration exhibits an embarrassment of riches when it comes to local talent would be a gross understatement. Competitors include writer and Macalester prof Peter Bognanni, talented author and multi-faceted man of mystery Rob Callahan, spoken word artist Cole “Inky” Sarar, and The Tangential's Becky Lang, not to mention an impressive judging panel roster with documentary filmmaker Emily Goldberg, Rogue Buddha proprietor/painter Nicholas Harper, and writer and Balls Cabaret founder Leslie Ball. It is possible that the room will just implode into an imaginative Supernova, so be there to witness all the audacious and harebrained goings on for yourself. If the current attendee list is any indication, the audience may be nearly as impressive as the participants, so it's definitely the place to stalk your current literary crush, or find a new one as you mingle with all the players at 9:30 post-show drinks. Put on your sexiest cardigan, dust off a few stray David Foster Wallace quotes and prepare to be dazzled.

Click HERE for the LDM site


THURSDAY OCTOBER 20TH

Project Runway Weekly Screenings

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

Doors at 7:30, show at 8 p.m. / Free

Join l'etoile and Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen for the LAST TWO EPISODES of Project Runway! October 20th & 27th mark the finale episodes, starting at 8 p.m. sharp in the Caterpillar Lounge (We suggest you get there by 7:30 to get a good seat and a pre-show sushi order in!). This season featured one of our very own: talented local designer Danielle Everine! Despite Danielle was (unjustly!) 'aufed half-way through, we'll still be there, 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!

Click HERE for the Wondrous site



FRIDAY OCTOBER 21ST

The Bureau of Artistic Validation

@ MCAD Gallery 148
2501 Stevens Ave
Minneapolis

6-9 p.m. / Free

If you're an artist, writer, or general creative, you can relate to that moment when you've stared at a piece of work so long the daunting dubieties start to kick in. Does it make sense? Is it good? Could your cat do better? Well, wonder no more. Put your work through the ultimate test: a thoroughbred assessment with the no-nonsense detectives at The Bureau of Artistic Validation. These local purveyors of fine art sift through work – evaluating case by case – to reveal the answers to that nagging question “what is art?”. On the fence about a piece or just want to quiet your qualms, you're in luck! The BAV is taking on clients pro bono. Submit “questionable artwork or practices” to the Bureau during tonight's grand opening, and let them be the cold hard judges, live and in your face. It's time to face the facts. May the force be with you.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



FRIDAY OCTOBER 21ST

Sean Hartman & Michael Gaughan Art Exhibit

@ Modern Times Cafe
3200 Chicago Ave
Minneapolis

7 – 10 p.m. / Free

Tonight, don't miss a duo exhibition from Minneapolis artists Michael Gaughan and Sean Hartman. The collaboration highlights Gaughan's flair for intricately illustrated watercolors and Hartman's comic art aesthetic, for a vivid show who's work varies from mimicry of M.C. Escher's famous Drawing Hands piece to colorful satirical abstracts with a lax tone and a bit of humor. Peep recent paintings, drawings and works on paper as you enjoy live tunes by Jon Coe, Sean Hartman (Moonstone) and others.

Check out an interview with Sean & Michael on City Pages HERE.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 21ST

The Sirens

@ Honey
205 E Hennepin Ave NE
Minneapolis

7:30 – 10 p.m. / $5

Featuring Miss Nadine DuBois and Karen Vieno Paurus (original shining members of the Minneapolis-based lovable cabaret troupe, Lili's Burlesque) The Sirens may not be as physically “provocant” as their sister act, but this crowd-pleasing spicy doublet offers no less tantalizing treats and flirtatious entertainment, not to mention impressive pipes & vibrato. With seminal jazz guitarist, Robert Bell cooking up galvanizing riffs in the background, prepare for an evening of “sultry, sassy, somewhat silly and possibly slutty” ditties that your imagination – even on its naughtiest days – couldn't conjure up. Stick around after the show for a night full of funky beats from the Soul Suite DJs.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY OCTOBER 21ST

Walker After Hours: CMYK vs. RGB

@ Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

9 p.m. – 12 p.m. / $35, $25 Walker members

That age old graphics divide, CMYK vs. RGB – it’s the team Edward vs. team Jacob of the design word. Whether you’re on team Subtractive color palette or team Additive, the place to show off your color coordination skills this Friday is the Walker’s always swank and satisfying ‘After Hours’ party. You’ll get a chance to preview the huge new exhibit Graphic Design: Now in Production – which explores the vast and impactful world of graphic design through posters, books, magazines, identity & branding, information graphics, typography and typefaces, film and television graphics, and the rapid evolution of communication design in the last decade through technology and user generated content. Hobnob with the all the creatives while noshing complimentary vittles and sipping down cocktails. Bop to the sounds of graphic designer/DJ duo Hi-Fi/Lo-Fi while you take in the exhibit. As usual, there will be ample opportunity to unleash your own design skills, including a ‘create your own font’ station. Don’t settle for partying in Greyscale mode, inject some ‘After Hours’ color –may we suggest Pantone 182 - into your nightlife this weekend.

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


FRIDAY OCTOBER 21ST

Secret Panels & Blood Canyon CD Release

@ Cause
Lake & Lyndale
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+ / $5

Double CD releases means double the fun, if you ask us. And when you add in the fact that it's actually a double album collabo, it's even more of a two-fer. Slide on over to Cause this Friday evening for the release party for Divider/Destroyer from conceptual rockers Secret Panels who will debut not only a disc chock-full of their own original material, but an additional album produced in cahoots with "dub-metal" band Blood Canyon. Divider/Destroyer tells thoughtful tales of the relationship between violence and faith, taking cues from meaty, melancholy '70s jams and lofty soundscape experimentation. Pick up a special limited edition copy of the album complete with a fancy silk-screened case then stick around for performances from supporting acts Lesser Known Saint and Crisis Line.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY OCTOBER 21ST

Grant Hart w/ Javier & the Innocent Sons

@ Palmer's Bar
500 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis

9:00pm / 21+ / $5

Founder of the legendary Hüsker Dü, Grant Hart has been holding his own in the Twin Cities since the '80s - in the true style of punkdom. Friday night, the gritty, intimate stage at Palmers bar will play host to this local rock hero celebrated for paving the way for just about every good rock band currently playing stages around town. Rounding out an outstanding line up of shining local rock is newcomers Javier & the Innocent Sons, known for their own brand of delta blues, country, and sick guitar stylings. Expect a raucous good time and general West Bank shenanies.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



FRIDAY OCTOBER 21ST

Hallo-Whoomp (There it is) Early ‘90s Dance Party!

@ 331 Club
331 13th Ave NE Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+/ Free

Gotta gotta get up, get down and gear up for Halloween of course. This Friday a ‘90s pre-Halloween party will commence at the 331 Club, declaring it officially X Files season. Dance to featured DJs Dr. Dallas Dog-Palace, DJ Delicious and MC Hang Time. Come dressed as your favorite extraterrestrial, FBI agent, monster, alien invasion or just adorn yourself in fantastic ‘90s attire. Prizes will be given for the best costumes. The night is free so just bring your inner freak and maybe a few friends.

Click HERE for the 331 Club site

SATURDAY OCTOBER 22ND

Open Studio: New Art by Garrett Perry + Jon Reischle + Jeremy Szopinski

@ Open Studio
558 Vandalia St
St. Paul

2 – 6 p.m. / Free

St. Paul isn't normally known to be a haven of vivid acid-trips, but today local artists give audiences a taste of hue-matic lucid visuals. Peep new work by three emerging artists, Garrett Perry, Jon Reischl and Jeremy Szopinski. From avant-garde, visual oddities from Perry to prismatic mixed-media print work from Reischl to colorful impasto paintings suggesting violence, religious ecstasy, belief and doubt from Szopinski. Welcome to a new St. Paul.

Click HERE for the Facebook event


SATURDAY OCTOBER 22ND

Hot 3-way Action/ Jet-setter Hideaways Closing Reception + Location Book Release

@ SooVAC
2638 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

6 – 11 p.m. / Free

Haven't gotten a chance to check out the Soo's 3-way art show yet? Don't worry, not only is there still time, and you don't even have to be open to anything. This tri-powered exhibition is less about compromising positions, and more about collectively melding the minds of mucho respected local artists Scott Stulen, Bruce Tapola, and Erik Ullanderson for a non-tradish group show that evolves through process, success, and failure as works are manipulated through the run of the exhibit. For tonight's closing reception, return to check out how the pieces have morphed or peep them for the first time. Plus, in the front gallery, painter Melissa Loop depicts society’s constant search for perfection and the ways in which natural, social, and consumerist environments could collide to form a utopia. Fusing imagery from Dubai to Disneyland, her work reveals a fantasy land with an almost video game-like aesthetic: sleek, hyper-colored, and not quite realistic. And just to blow your mind a little more, catch a catalog release from artist-run Location, local independent publishing experiment – edited and produced by Scott Nedrelow and Ruben Nusz – offering artists a chance to produce new work in book form free from didactics and commercial content.

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


SATURDAY OCTOBER 22ND

Curative

@ Burnet Gallery at the Chambers
901 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. / Free


What do you get when you cross corporate culture with the wilds of creativity? You'll find out tonight at the Burnet Gallery, where a panel of esteemed judges have delved into the artistic personal lives of creative professionals from Target Headquarters. On display will be illustration, photography, collage, craftwork, fashion design, and who-knows-what-else from a plethora of talented artists you probably have never heard of including Liz Apple, Allison Black, Stephanie Devino, Luis Diaz, Sarah Dreher, Jason Drew, Sara Fine, Sami Foust, Robin Graff, Daniel Hartman, Sally Hartman, Ann Healy, Lee Jackson, Joseph Jacobs, Kristoffer Johnson, Scott Jordan, John Kucharski, Chris kegel Wayne Laberda, Katie Larson, Terri Martin, Andrea Pease, Jill Sandhei, Mark Stankey, Lindsay Thron & Bonnie Vig (phew!). The perfect example of how much talent resides in Minneapolis (whether they spend their days in a boardroom or an art studio).

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



SATURDAY OCTOBER 22ND

Fall Tweed Ride

@ Powderhorn Lake Park
Minneapolis

6 p.m. – 2 a.m. / 21+ / Free

Is Netflix's “Period Piece” section a constant in your queue? Do your gams have a secret hankering to be donned in woolens? Do you dig brisk, blustery group bike rides primed with dapper debauchery? Well, the third annual autumn Tweed Ride is the place for you. Tonight, spruce up your tweeds, dust off those oxfords, wax your mooo-staches, “coif your tresses,” fill ze ol' flasky with your fave spirits and get ready for the poshest, merriest ride of the season. Be prepared to stop at the finest of spots and pubs including the Gothic mansion of the Hennepin History Museum, the revamped Muddy Waters, Brit's Pub, Town Hall, Nomad (with tunes by the Hotpants DJs) and suck down a round (or two), plus, they're will be a contest for the “Dapperest Gent” & “Most Fetching Lady,” as well as best cycle – so spit shine that frame! Getchyer self to Powerhorn Park for a prompt departure at 6 p.m. For more info and route info, visit the Tweed Ride website.

Click HERE for the Tweed Ride site


SATURDAY OCTOBER 22TH (THROUGH HALLOWEEN)

BareBones Halloween Extravaganza 2011

@ Hidden Falls Regional Park
1305 Mississippi River Blvd S
North Gate Entrance
St. Paul

7 p.m. / $5 – $20 suggested donation

BareBones' epic pageant of seasonal theater is probably the closest you’ll get here in Minnesota to experiencing the authentic pagan glory of Halloween. This community-created extravaganza combines a spectacle of puppetry, drama, fire, song & dance into something truly extraordinary in scale and ambition. As much a celebration of the season as a Halloween event, this all-ages appropriate – yet darkly engaging – performance will delight audiences with the talents of over 240 artists, puppeteers, musicians actors and technicians along with a 40 piece orchestra! The program this year – A Fistful of Dirt: How the Death was Won – takes on themes of death, grief and the afterlife using Spaghetti Western films and Japanese tengu spirits as creative inspiration. Beyond the spectacular performance, the grounds will also house more private artistic installations such as the “hungry ghost altar” to encourage personal contemplation. This popular presentation – now in its 18th year – has been known to become extremely well attended as Halloween draws near, so hit it this weekend or show up early to secure yourself a prime spot.

Click HERE for the Barebones site

Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin, Stefani Arden, Anthony Enright

l'étoile presents the LAST EPISODE of Project Runway TONIGHT!

Join l'etoile and Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen for the LAST EPISODE of Project Runway TONIGHT, Thursday, Oct 27th. Starting at 8 p.m. sharp in the Caterpillar Lounge (We suggest you get there by 7:30 to get a good seat and a pre-show sushi order in!). This season featured one of our very own: talented local designer Danielle Everine! Despite Danielle was (unjustly!) 'aufed half-way through, we'll still be there, sipping stylish drink specials (including the $6 special "Everine Fizz") and noshing upon Pham's delectable bar menu.

When: 7:30 p.m. doors, 8-9:30 p.m. show, Thursday, Oct 27th.
Where: Caterpillar Lounge at Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen, 533 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis.

Weekend What's What 10/13-10/16

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13TH

Boneshaker Halloween: Real, Live Ghost Stories

@ Boneshaker Books Community Room

2002 23rd Ave. S.

Minneapolis, MN

7:30 p.m. / Free

If you need some early Halloween inspiration, want to support gifted spoken word performers or just really like to get your shit scared good and proper, this event – billed as “A respectful look at what we thought was dead” - is tailor made for you. Boneshaker Collective – Rob Callahan, Dorothy Cleveland and Kay Kirscht – will dust off some horrific tales, true ghost stories and maybe even some tips on avoiding unexpected awfulness via spooky 1935 public service pamphlet "SUDDEN DEATH, and How to Avoid It." The event also qualifies as Twin Cities Literary Punch Card eligible so you can get one step closer to burnishing your literary street cred by getting that elusive 12th card punch – don’t front, you know you need that punch! Warning: These peeps have a history of finding and presenting some truly unsettling material, so you’ll probably want to leave the wee ones at home.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Sound Unseen Film + Music Festival

@ Ritz Theater & Trylon Microcinema

various showtimes

Attention cinephiles, cinema buffs, indie film gurus and music geeks: there's more to love about fall than comfy sweaters and a cascading assortment of leaves, and this one's for you. Yes, Sound Unseen is back and poised to bring to you the best music-focused films and documentaries, juxtaposed with amazing live performances from local bands. Some of highlights from year's 12th annual fest includes the heavily awaited documentary about controversial garage rock icon Jay Reatard, Better Than Something, The Beat is the Law: Fanfare for Common People dedicated to Pulp's legendary '95 Glastonbury concert and the US premiere of Inni, Sigur Ros' 2nd live performance film screening at the Ritz. Friday's screening of Hit So Hard – the documentary about Hole's ex-drummer, Patty Schemel – features a guest appearance by Ms. Schemel for a Q&A session, not to mention a performance from local riot Grrl kindreds, Pink Mink and an DJ-spun after-party featuring complimentary nosh and libations. Films – including tons of MN premieres – and musical guests will be dynamic all-weekend long so be sure to check out the full film schedule on Sound Unseen's official website. See you there!

Click HERE for the Sound Unseen site

Better Than Something - JAY REATARD - Trailer from Children of Productions on Vimeo.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13TH

LOL/OMG Social Media Meetup & Rock Show

@ 331 Club
331 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis

9 p.m. / 21+ / Free

Join LOL/OMG for their next Social Media Meetup/Tweeup at the 331 Club on Thursday, October 13th. They've whipped up an awesome lineup for the occasion that will surely inspire joyful tweets of epic proportions. Socialize with your Twitter/Facebook/Foursquare/etc friends IRL, drink some cheap dranks, nerd out, shamelessly hit on people, whatever...just be sure to tweet it so we can LOL/OMG you later! Official hashtag: #LOLOMG. This month's edition features Night Moves and Vague-à-bonde!

Click HERE for the Facebook event


THURSDAY OCTOBER 13TH

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! Despite Danielle was (unjustly!) 'aufed half-way through, we'll still be there, 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!

Click HERE for the Facebook event



FRIDAY OCTOBER 14TH

Where in the World Exhibit

@ Minneapolis Photo Center
2400 N 2nd St. #200
Minneapolis

7 p.m. / All Ages/ Free

Where in the World, a colorful exhibit and collection of over 120 images displayed from photographers across the United States, opens this Friday at the Minneapolis Photo Center. Browse art, converse with friends, and enjoy food while you listen to melodies from musician and composer, Eddie Estrin. Friends, family and fellow art enthusiasts are all welcome on this fine fall evening; this event is free and brought to you by the Pioneers of Aerial Photography.

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

FRIDAY OCTOBER 14TH

Cage III Tape Release w/ Free Boys, Tender Meat & Burnet

@ Club Gleb
You know the spot
West Bank

Do not attempt to adjust your earbuds; we assure you, the glitches are normal. Prep yr ears for tonight's epic tape release party from local melodic rockers, Cage III. The show features live sets from North Carolina's freestyle rock heads, Free Boys, electro-non-grata groove jammers, Tender Meat and Burnet, the electronic new project from Moonstone Continuum's Sean Hartman.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

FRIDAY OCTOBER 14TH

Vis-A-Vis Release Party

@ Club Jager

923 Washington Ave N

Minneapolis

10 p.m. – 2 a.m. / 21+ / no cover

You know those music diehards who dig through every section of the record store, painstakingly flipping from album to album – leaving no bin unturned – searching for that one diamond in the rough, that one forgotten gem? Well, times that intensity by three and you have the concept behind local reissue vinyl masters, Secret Stash Records. Reviving tasty tunes from international artists is their forte. Tonight, be schooled in the history of sound as the Secret Stash squad celebrate the release of their latest reissue, Obi Agye Me Dofo by Ghanaian legends Vis-A-Vis. All night long enjoy $4.50 Tallgrass Tallboy specials and hot Afrobeat and funk spun by Paul Harding, DJ Steely from KFAI's Kinda Cloudy Radio, General Moses (Steady Rock Sound), Larry Englund (KFAI's Rhythms and Grooves) and Salif & Brad Wrolstad (KFAI's African Rhythms). Plus, check out Secret Stash's merch table for deals on one-of-kind, rare vinyl including the limited edition Vis-A-Vis pre-order back featuring a bonus 7''!

Click HERE for the Facebook event

BONUS: Brush up on Secret Stash Record knowledge – check out our interview with Secret Stash's Will Gilbert here.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 14TH

Spyder Baybie Raw Dog and 2% Muck Mixtape Release Party

@ Nick & Eddie

1612 Harmon Place

Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 18+ / $5

What can you expect from a band dubbed a “drugged-out, party-hungry, pair of booty clappers”?...What can't you expect, is the real question. From dub-step beats to prog rock, catchy raps and ironic lyrics, this duo is the antithesis of tame. Tonight, join the band as they celebrate the mixtape release show for their latest release, Now That's What I Call Raw Vol 2. Pick up a copy as you peep live performances from freestyle rapper Mike Mictlan of Doomtree, La Manchita, beats from DJ Jonathan Ackerman and special guests. Oh yes, the mixtape is not dead.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

Spyder Baybie Raw Dog & 2% Muck - "52247365" from Totally Gross National Product on Vimeo.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 14TH

Mark Mallman

@ 7th Street Entry

701 First Avenue North.

Minneapolis, MN

10 p.m. / 18+ / $8

Just over one year ago local music legend Mark Mallman performed feats of melodic endurance never before seen in these – or any other - parts when he performed his 78 hour epic “Marathon III” at the Turf Club non-stop with over 110 fellow musicians and no sleep. Whether or not you got a chance to experience that unparalleled example of rock star grit, you should not miss out on Mallman’s virtuoso musicianship when he plays this Friday in the intimate confines of 7th Street Entry. Expect his outstanding piano anthems along with trippy lyrical imagery and just a drop of existential crisis to be on full display. Local quartet Red Daughters and eclectic Minneapolis foursome The Big Strong Men open what’s sure to be a sweaty and exciting night of rock and/or roll at the Entry.

BONUS: Check out Mallman's new ode to Minneapolis, which has been getting major play on The Current for the past couple of weeks!

Click HERE for the First Ave site

FRIDAY OCTOBER 14TH

Extra Large Anniversary Party

@ First Avenue Record Room
701 First Ave N
Minneapolis

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

The First Ave Record room is famous for intimate artist showdowns and memorable late night dance dates. This Friday, 15-year veteran DJ and l'etoile fave, Mike 2600, is putting on a bangin’ one year birthday bash for EXTRA LARGE. DJ Jimmy 2 Times from the Cryphy crew will be joining him to help rock the room and set the mood. No strangers to four turn tables, these old time friends will fill the air with hip hop classics, funk, disco, brand new bangers, dancehall jams, Moohbahton and much more. As you dance, sip on 2-for-1 well drinks before midnight. And don’t forget it’s a b-day party, so leave room for cake!

Click HERE for the Facebook event

SATURDAY OCTOBER 15TH

Last Gasp Art & Rock Show

@ Grumpy's Downtown

1111 Washington Ave

Minneapolis

Noon to 10 p.m. (music starts at 2:30) / 21+ / $5 before 5 p.m. or $8 after

Head to Grumpy's Downtown this Saturday for what will truly be the "last gasp" for block party season. Rock out in the parking lot all day with the likes of The Deaf, Dreamcrusher, Mick Mictlan (Doomtree), Gay Witch Abortion, Rifflord, and Michigan's The God Bullies. Chill on the patio all day whilst taking in the tunes, sippin' PBR Tallboys (first 100 in the gate get a free PBR), and chowing down on brisket tacos. You'll also be entertained by internationally renowned stencil art duo, Broken Crow, as they put the finishing touches on a brand new mural. Try your luck to win sweet AmRep and PBR swag, then stick around after the bands end outside for more drinking and rockin' as Bloodnstuff continues their monthly residency inside, featuring Hardcore Crayons. Enjoy the great outdoors while you still can, before you know it, you'll be busting out the ski masks and snow suits!

Click HERE for the Facebook event

SATURDAY OCTOBER 15TH

Springboard for the Arts 20th Anniversary Party

@ Amsterdam Bar & Hall

6 W. 6th St

St. Paul

7 p.m. / $40

All hail Springboard for the Arts! The tireless artist resource center is celebrating 20 years of helping, encouraging, and facilitating creativity in the Twin Cities, and we think that's definitely cause to whoop it up in style. In true Springboard style, a thoughtful concoction of arts awaits this Saturday at the Amsterdam, including performances from sultry R n' B songstress Maria Isa, hip hop honey Desdamona, and the magnificent choreography of the Mu Daiko dance troupe. Sip on signature cocktails and nibble on much buzzed-about menu items a la Amsterdam, find out who won this year's Osgood Do-Good award, and pick up a commemorative poster designed by artist/illustrator Allegra Lockstadt from The Big Table. Come out and support a wonderful organization and thank them for making our lives that much more colorful.

Click HERE for more info and tickets

SATURDAY OCTOBER 15TH

Vogue/Trash: Costume Fashion Ball

@ Patrick's Cabaret

3010 Minnehaha Ave S

Minneapolis

7 p.m. – 12 a.m. / $20 VIP, $10 gen

The cabaret artists behind Patrick's Cabaret's annual Vogue/Trash fashion ball leave nothing (and we mean nothing) to the imagination. And why should they? These avant-garde charlatans are constant envelope pushers of fashion and performance art. Those who attended the last benefit show can attest to the eccentrics, aberration and talent of the artists involved, and the 2nd installment of the Vogue/Trash Ball is no exception. Start the evening off with music 'n' mingling and a silent auction at 7pm with prizes from Harriet Brewing, the Dakota Jazz Club, Hell's Kitchen, Mollie E. Makeup, Boneshaker Books and more. After that, join Vogue/Trash for a flamboyant fashion show and delicious dance after-party featuring dirty electro and house beats and amazing skillz from local breakdancers and “funk-stylists” as you sip down wine and beer. Plus, this year's event will be aired on the Minneapolis Television Network, so dress to impress and wear something that's sure to entice the camera's eye.

Click HERE for more information

SATURDAY OCTOBER 15TH

Paper Darts' Get In if You Want to Live Launch Party

@ Honey

205 East Hennepin Avenue

Minneapolis, MN

7 –10 p.m. / Free

The lovely ladies over at Minneapolis' hippest literary rag (and now publishing house!) Paper Darts, are about to drop some local flavor that you need to experience. To celebrate the release of Get In if You Want to Live, a collection of 19 short stories by local wit-wizard John Jodzio (and the debut publication under their own Paper Darts Press imprint), the wildly creative collective is hosting a launch party that promises to be a hotbed of sexy literary shenanigans. As if the publication of a gonzo story collection wasn’t special enough, the limited edition run of 500 copies include a unique artist-designed illustration to accompany each and every story. The illustrations were designed by a dizzying roster of local and international artists to create a singular lit/art lovechild. The event also includes readings from the author himself, Joe Midthun and Jenny Adams Salmela, live music by Joey Ryan and the Inks and a raffle for artist Jennifer Davis’s original pastel painting for the story “The Bear”. It's a winning combination: a great bar, live local music, irreverent literary humor, and original art...not to mention the infectious entrepreneurial spirit of the Paper Darts crew, which is something that we truly admire. And if none of those things pique your interest, we want you to know that author John Jodzio recently claimed via Twitter that the event will find him “Sporting a 60’s Western suit and reading about cutting sex holes in my papasan chair. Yehaw.” Yehaw indeed!

Click HERE for the Paper Darts site

SATURDAY OCTOBER 15TH

John Alspach | Recent Work – Opening Reception

@ Fax Tax Gallery

503 First Avenue NE

Minneapolis, MN

7 –10 p.m. / Free

Distinctive and prolific Minneapolis artist, John Alspach, will treat your eyes to a colorful cacophony of mixed media works this Saturday at Fox Tax. These bright and sometimes mysterious abstracts incorporate elements of street art, advertising, and the effects of rust and decay into layered collages that speak to the information overload of the urban experience, but are at the same time beautifully organic and even delicate. In addition to creating his own work, John has long been elevating the local art scene with BroadCast Exhibitions, a project that promotes the public presentation of emerging visual artists in the Twin Cities, hence moving art out of the gallery and into the flow of everyday life. Head to Fox Tax this Saturday to get up close and personal with Alspach's vibrant new work, if you know what's good for ya.

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

SATURDAY OCTOBER 15TH

Nu Disco Inferno with Dirty McKenzie & SL8TR

@ Clubhouse Jäger
923 Washington Ave. N
Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 21+/ Free

Dust off your vintage duds and locate your DeLorean, it’s teleportation time. This Saturday we’re callin’ all disco dudes and divas to head down to Club Jäger. Get down on the dance floor to disco mixed ‘70s and ‘80s beats and feast your eyes on the big screen for a showing of “Thank God It’s Friday.” DJs Dirty McKenzie & SL8TR are on the menu and if things get a little too hot ‘n’ heavy the club’s patio is the perfect place to chill on this crisp autumn eve.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SUNDAY OCTOBER 16TH

Micheal "Eyedea" Larsen Dedication Ceremony

@ Cherokee Park
700 Cherokee Heights Blvd
Saint Paul

11-7 / All Ages / Free

Its hard to believe a whole year has passed since we bid goodnight to one of our music community's brightest and most beloved talents. This Sunday, on the year anniversary of Micheal "Eyedea" Larsen's passing, family, friends, and fans will commemorate his life and legacy at Cherokee Park (where Larsen spent a lot of his growing up) with the dedication of a park bench in his honor. And, in the spirit of Micheal's life, there will be an unannounced line-up of musicians that we're betting will be pretty powerful - bring kleenex. This is a free
event and everyone is invited to attend.

Click HERE for more info



Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin, Stefani Arden, Anthony Enright

Le'Talk: a Q&A with Will Gilbert of Secret Stash Records

By Juleana Enright

The local dudes behind Secret Stash Records just might own the coolest reissue label in the country. With a huge catalog of releases in the areas of African funk, freak folk, krautrock and forgotten international rock and soul gems paired with their all-inclusive knowledge of vintage music history, Secret Stash have carved a niche for themselves in the culture of record reissuing – a welcoming revival in a shrinking music industry.

We recently caught up with Will Gilbert, 1/3 of the brains behind Secret Stash Records to chat about how the label got its start, why the Twin Cities thrives on vinyl, and why record reissuing and buying local is saving the music distribution industry...




l'etoile: First off, what is Secret Stash and what's the story behind its inception?

Will: Secret Stash is an independent vinyl reissue label. We focus on unearthing overlooked funk and soul grooves from across the globe and pressing limited vinyl runs. The label was started by Eric Foss and Cory Wong in 2009 in reaction to their experiences working on projects for labels from the Walmart, Borders, & Best Buy model of music distribution, that segment of the music business is rapidly deteriorating and is a pretty sad scene. Vinyl is just about the only part of the industry that is going in the right direction. I think the label was a natural step for Eric and Cory: two people passionate about vinyl who enjoy sharing new (old) music with others.

As far as why vinyl was the format of choice, it comes down to the personality of vinyl diggers. It seems to me that the type of people who buy vinyl have a completely different mindset than those who primarily download or buy CDs. A lot of buying vinyl is in the experience. You go to your favorite local shop, chat with someone working there and maybe get some recommendations, spend a half hour or longer looking through all of the new arrivals, and leave with a few records. If you ask someone where they got their record, chances are they can tell you the store, what they were thinking when they saw the record, and maybe even the month or year they bought it. If you ask the same question to someone about an album in their iTunes, chances are you’ll get a blank stare. The point is, vinyl buyers, for the most part, are very active and engaged consumers. If you have an obscure '70s funk record from Ghana, more people are going to stumble across it in a vinyl bin than in a CD bin, or on iTunes.

Friday, October 14 at Clubhouse Jager, details here

l'etoile: Why do you think the resurgence of record reissuing – vinyl specifically – has become so popular?

Will: New music is so competitive that unless you spend millions of dollars saturating the market with advertisements, reviews from prominent tastemakers, and radio airtime, you can’t get people to listen, even if it’s free.

From a label’s point of view, the costs associated with doing a reissue are much less than a new release. You can get a lot of attention and interest in a reissue without having to spend a lot of money on marketing. With a struggling music scene and economy, a lot of labels are realizing reissues make a lot more economic sense than betting the farm on some up and coming act who likely will never make back the money spent on promotion.


l'etoile: With the competition in the music blogs scene and even between record labels, how are you able to find vintage artists and unique genres that haven't been hyped to death or reissued a million times over?

Will: We work in an office nine to five every day, sometimes longer. We are not a hobby label, and I think researching and networking on a continuous basis is essential to finding new material. That being said, sometimes it seems with the ever increasing number of reissue labels out there that finding untapped material in the future will be a challenge. We are off to sunny Miami in the next few weeks, so hopefully we will return with some more treasures!


l'etoile: You guys do a lot of research into the cultural and political history of an artist's country and time span before re-releasing their album, how does that affect your view of the record and its importance?

Will: I think there are different layers of appreciating music. When we choose projects, we are very conscious of a few things. First, it is important to us that the music can stand on its own, independent of any historical or cultural significance. Second, we research the culture, politics, and history of an artist’s native country so we can make sure we can do justice to a reissue, and present a story that contributes to the reissue landscape. Without both of those components, we quickly lose interest. The more we know about the back-story of a record, the more excited we become about the reissue; I remember sitting transfixed as I read about the history of Haiti while looking into the Tabou Combo reissue. And because of that history – combined with the great music – it is my favorite project.


l'etoile: What would you say to people to encourage them to support local record distribution? What are some of your favorite local labels and vinyl boutiques?

Will: Minnesota used to be a really important place for music distribution. Amos Heilicher, who started Musicland (Sam Goody, FYE), was a pioneer of indie music distribution, and Best Buy and Target have a history of being among the biggest music sellers in the country. The areas dedicated to music in Best Buy and Target seem to be shrinking every day. Over the last twenty years or so, that scene has virtually disappeared. If you value physical products, supporting local record stores will be the best way to ensure they continue to be made.

We really appreciate what Rhymesayers and Doomtree have done to put Minneapolis on the map as a hip hop destination. As far as stores, they each have their own charm. I would say the Electric Fetus is Minneapolis’ most successful indie chain, and they have a national presence. They do a great job stocking new releases. Treehouse Records, Roadrunner, and Yeti are old school record stores. They have a mix of used and new, and very cool vibes. If you are looking for a specific used title, Cheapo and Shuga Records - they probably won’t have it on display, but it is likely in their enormous warehouse – would be great places to start. The truth is we are very fortunate to have a thriving vinyl community – probably in the top ten in the country.

Catch Secret Stash founders Will Gilbert and Eric Foss in the studio for 89.3 The Current's recent Current Presents show here and join them Friday, October 14th at Clubhouse Jager as they celebrate the release of their latest reissue Obi Agye Me Dofo by Ghanaian legends Vis-A-Vis. Details here.