Weekend What's What 3/11-3/14

THAW OUT

The green season cometh! As we're sure you've noticed, the dastardly snow is slowly dwindling and the temperatures are steadily creeping up into a tolerable (dare we say sweater-worthy?) range. However, we wouldn't put it past Winter to give it one last defiant go. This weekend is packed with a grip of hot events that will easily keep your Winter worries at bay though, including vividly colorful art exhibits, wild dance parties and plenty of rock and/or roll. And since we're on the very cusp of Spring, we thought it appropriate to release our latest photo shoot,Winter's Last Breath, which you can check out below. Enjoy!

xo-l'étoile


THIS WEEK ON L'ETOILE

Jahna Peloquin updates our Shopping & Sales Guide HERE


WINTER'S LAST BREATH
l'étoile photo editorial Winter/Spring 2010

As March advances, the Snow Queen's icy grip lessens and our longest season fades into the past. Though we rejoice for the sun and spring, it is impossible not to mourn the loss of the winter's royal majesty. Master storyteller Rob Callahan weaves a fantastical tale following the Snow Queen's ascendance and fated waning as she melts away.

Click to enlarge the spread and flip through the pictures

THURSDAY MARCH 11TH

Patches and Gretchen CD Release Party

@ Varsity Theater
1308 4th St. SE.
Minneapolis

7pm / 18+ / $10

Living in the shadows of a famed sibling could be pretty overwhelming for most people. Fortunately for us, local singer/songwriter, Gretchen Seichrist (aka Aimee Mann's sister) doesn't let discography differences hold back her creative chops. Now on her sophomore album, Sugar Head Pie, Seichrist welcomes listeners into her dichotomized world of sound – part apple pie sweetness and part darkened poetics – to be swept away by smoky storytelling and lyrical rawness. Like a musical kaleidoscope, Patches and Gretchen's artsy lullabies borrow elements from Bob Dylan-esque folk, blues, punk, psychedelia and Americana, soaking us in her mystic melancholy. Catch the Gretchen and co. tonight along with special guests Kevin Bowe and the Okemah Prophets, Liminal Phase (feat. Adam Levy), Dan Israel and host Magic Mike.

Click HERE for the Patches and Gretchen site


THURSDAY MARCH 11TH

Design in the Dark Film Series: Valentino: The Last Emperor

@ the U of M - 33 McNeal Hall
1985 Buford Avenue,
Saint Paul

7pm / Free

Get a glimpse into the world of Valentino Garavani, the man behind the famed couture label Valentino this Thursday at the U of M. In the fifth incarnation of the monthly film series, Design in the Dark, the Goldstein Museum presents a screening of this stunning documentary about the man, the myth and the legend. The film explores the life of Valentino from his creative process to his love life with business partner Giancarlo Giammetti to his epic, final runway show. Best of all? Tonight's screening is totally free!

Click HERE for the Goldstein site



THURSDAY MARCH 11TH

O(+> Purple Party

@ Jetset Bar
115 N 1st St
Minneapolis

9pm-2am / free / 21+

It seems the city is going Prince crazy of late, and for good reason: the purple one penned a Vikings fight song and even recently graced our local airwaves with a new hit. Tonight you're invited to unabashedly show off your purple pride (with a cocktail in hand) while you get down to the sounds of Prince, The Time, Sheila E, Vanity 6 and more. In honor of one of the biggest stars ever to come out of our fair cities, we’ll be dressed to the nines...with a dash of purple, of course!

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY ART PICK: TEA PETROVIC

What can we say? We're totally captivated by Tea Petrovic's avant garde collection of sculptural high heeled shoes. Petrovic was inspired by shoe designer Bernard Figueroa and the idea that “there is so much space between a woman’s heel and the floor that one can use," as well as Russian sculptor Naum Gabo and architect Santiago Calatrava. Determined to create a new concept based on the glamorized footwear, Tea focused on the form of each piece, identifying with the artistic aesthetic rather than the functionality. Her shoes are all about taking 2-D elements and twisting them into flowy 3-D designs, incorporating very geometric shapes to showcase the space between the sole of the shoe, the pointy heels and the floor. Hopefully her work inspires a more wearable collection in the future, because these pretty pieces could definitely be the next Gaga must-have!

Click HERE for more info on the project via Dezeen



FRIDAY MARCH 12TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Vinyl Record Sale

@ Carlton Lofts party room
2285 University Avenue
St. Paul

4-10pm Fri, 10am-10pm Sat, Noon-4pm Sun / Free

When Jake Rudh recommends something, we know to pay attention. The Transmission DJ claims a quarter of his collection is from these guys, so you know they’re the real deal. The monolithic vinyl record sale from the owner of now-defunct but much-beloved Let It Be Records and vinyl sellers Go Johnny Go and Riffs-Ahoy happens this weekend for the second time in 2010. The trio will offer up their sweet collections, capitalizing on the latest wave of vinyl fanaticism. To get you through the weekend, they’ve enlisted a series of local DJs (specializing in vinyl, natch) including Phil Borreson of Radio K’s Last Year’s Model (4-6 p.m. Fri.), Chuck Tomlinson of Radio K’s Cosmic Slop (11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat.), Glen Leslie of KFAI’s Jet Set Planet (3-5 p.m. Sat.), and our pal Tim Ritter of Bella Koshka and Blue Sky Blackout (2-4 p.m. Sun.)

Check out this MinnPost vid on record sellers Go Johnny Go and Let it Be:



FRIDAY MARCH 12TH (THROUGH 21ST)

Time for a Makeover!

@ Soo Visual Arts Center
2640 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

10am-6pm/free

SooVAC is moving...just a few paces down from their current space! Still, it’s seems a good a time as any to clean house, so there are plenty of artsy steals and deals to be had. Merch and display items will be up for grabs, and prices have been slashed so low you'd think they were going out of business, which trust us, is definitely NOT the case. Congrats to the SooVAC crew on their new beginnings! Sale runs through March 21.

Click HERE for the SooVAC site


FRIDAY MARCH 12TH

If Not It, Then What?: Artwork by Allen Brewer

@ Chambers' Burnet Gallery
901 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

6-9pm/free

At first glance, l'etoile fave and local artist Allen Brewer's aged carbon etchings and colored pencil drawings could seem quite innocent in their concept. Tighten your gaze and you'll find something hidden in his pieces that goes much deeper than simple nostalgia. By adding an erratic word or two, Brewer exchanges literal interpretations for irony, cynicism and at times a sinister quality that leaves his work open to each individual's own whimsical translation. Join the artist for an opening reception at Chambers' Burnet Gallery tonight. On display until May 9th.

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



FRIDAY MARCH 12TH

Hit Like a Girl

@ Pink Hobo Gallery
507 E. Hennepin
Minneapolis

7pm / Free

The Pink Hobo is kicking their 2010 exhibition schedule with a one-two punch! That’s right, this time around the self-described geek art gallery welcomes a bevy of talented poster artists who have been inspired by the brutal babes of the MNRollergirls. The Hit Like a Girl poster exhibit gathers printmakers from all wakes of Minneapolis to show what they really think it means to ‘hit like a girl’. Join gaggles of geeks and gals for a night of pretty prints, ice cold bevies and tunes from Cardboard Kitten and Kenny Kingston. Plus, you can expect to see new designs from the likes of Amy Jo, Brian Ewing, Andrew Bawidamann, Jenny Schmid, Eyo Peters, Shad Petosky, Colin Strandberg, Sean Smuda, Steve Tenebrini and many more!

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



FRIDAY MARCH 12TH

Dearling Physique + Bella Koshka

@ Sauce
3001 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

9:30pm/21+/$5

What does experimental electro performance art and dusty cabaret rock have in common? Stage presence. And anyone who's been in the crowd for performances by local luminaries Dearling Physique and Bella Koshka, knows exactly what we mean. The artists Björk , Fever Ray and medieval darkwavers, Faun, come to mind, as well as the words “insanely epic.” These local-bred musicians don't just play songs; they create theatrics with dreamy coma rock and visually impressive, tribal dance-infusions. Be prepared to writhe in fog machine clouds and arch-dramatics tonight with live sets from Dearling Physique, Bella Koshka and Xiu Xiu-esque experimental roots artist, Eric Lindley of NYC.

Click HERE for the Sauce site

Photo of Dearling Physique by Flemming Fynsk

FRIDAY MARCH 12TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)

Dystopia Days

@ Bedlam
1501 6th St S
Minneapolis

10pm/18+/$5 (free w/ admission to theater performance)

Ushering in the Four Humor Theater's neo-utopian production Welcome to Dystopia, the Bedlam presents a two-night, non-stop, cacophonist journey of mayhem, music and visual warfare aka Dystopia Days. Featuring a collaborative performance by Tony Biele and Jon Davis, plus nuclear music from Pelzwik, Beseppy, Datura 1.0, Playstation Playstation, Tentacle Boy, Ricky Charles, Marijuana Deathsquads, The Radar Threat, S/M, Nervous Girls, Hot Tony and Ghostband. Not to mention, hot special effects by visual-masters Time Squid & VisionQuest and a dance-a-torium in the fireplace room with tunes spun by DJ Derin Black. AND if you're feeling especially adventurous, seek out info on the nearby and elusive Medusa space which will host a sci-fi-ridden, erotic space dance party; "The Dark Nebula" presented by Cizetta will feature sets from DJs The Nightstalker, Naughty Wood, Sovietpanda and The Lurker. Warning: Bedlam and Medusa are not responsible chaotic behavior; anarchic madness and sensual dancing may ensue.

Click HERE for the Bedlam site



FRIDAY MARCH 12TH

Street Sounds

@ First Ave VIP Room
701 First Avenue North
Minneapolis

10pm/18+/$3 adv & $5 door

There is nothing that l’étoile loves more than a crazy dance party, and the boys from Attitude City and Burlesque definitely know how to inspires said craziness! This monthly all-vinyl disco dance-off will get your blood pumpin’ with tunes from Attitude City, Mike 2600, and special guest Superbrush 427. The night of classic disco, boogie, rollerskate funk, early house & electro, and other sounds from your childhood is a dance party you won’t want to miss out on!

Co-sponsored by l'etoile magazine!

Click HERE for the Facebook event



COOL LINK: RENEE LARSON/EVERYTHING LOVELY

Most of us go to estate sales or vintage stores, see a pile of baubles and think "I could make something cool out of that!" Renee Larson actually follows through on this dream of recycling looks from the past by creating bold and colorful pieces that mix vintage and contemporary. Every piece is unique and well-crafted and (dare we say) hint at the playfulness of Spring, which is just around the corner! Renee's creations are carried at Design Collective, Karma, Ladyslipper, Bebe Babble, and she's just opened a new Etsy shop so you can get first dibs on one-of-a-kind pretties online.

Click HERE for the Renee Larson site



SATURDAY MARCH 13TH

Adam Turman Art Show

@ FrameUps Gallery
4325 Nicollet Avenue South
Minneapolis

6-9pm / Free

Silk-screen extraordinaire, Adam Turman, has gone solo with a big show all his own! After his experiences making gritty posters for local gigs, pretty prints of Minneapolis sites and hip signage for many local events, Adam has finally compiled 38 of his favorite pieces to show off to the public in one spot. That’s right, stop by the FrameUps Gallery to catch a glimpse of his printed pieces as well while you munch on scrumptious snacks from Pizza Lucé and feel the localite lager love from Surly Brewing Co.

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



SATURDAY MARCH 13TH

Feast

@ Minneapolis Eagles Club
2507 E 25th St
Minneapolis

7-10pm / $10-$20 (cash donations)

Modeled after Brooklyn's art awareness fundraiser, FEAST BKLYN, the Twin Cities latest community-driven project, Funding Emerging Art with Sustainable Tactics (FEAST) promises to nourish local artists both physical and metaphorically. Under FEAST, visionary artists are asked to propose sustainable projects valuable to the community. Then, FEAST hosts a public supper where informed locals can dine on a delicious “feast” while voting for the proposal they deem worthy of the evening's funding. The last edition's grant winners will be presenting what they did with the funds, including "Party Bus," a traveling haven for MPLS' gender variants and "Public Consumption," a city-wide distribution of collective artwork. Donations will be accepted at the door. And although no one will be turned away from the event due to lack of funds, the donations are for a good cause, so don't be stingy!

Click HERE for info on the night's proposal contenders.



SATURDAY MARCH 13TH

The Parlour Suite / Black Blondie / The Chord and the Fawn

@Turf Club
1601 University Ave W
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / $6

Get outta that end-of-the-winter slump, with the cheery sound of tambourines, ukeleles, flutes and folk songs! Believe us, the upbeat grooves of happy team, The Parlour Suite, is just the ticket to feelin’ good. This Saturday at the Turf Club, the duo is playing a gig with the girly R&B sounds of Black Blondie and the cheery ukelele tunes of Chord and the Fawn...all of which will make you wish you were lounging in the sun on a beach. A perfect night of folky melodies to ring in the sunshine of spring!

Click HERE for the Turf Club site

Photo of the Parlour Suite by Tim Carlson

SATURDAY MARCH 13TH

The Aquabats, Koo Koo Kangaroo, the Prize Fighters

@ Triple Rock
629 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis

5pm / All Ages / $16

There's no shame in liking ska, and only a little in liking California pop-punk. It doesn't even matter if most of the genre's fans happen to be high-schoolers wearing plaid hats tilted to the side. Enter masked, underdog champions of nerd-core: Aquabat! Currently on tour with Yo Gabba Gabba, (one of the bands members is the show’s creator) the Nintendo-clad super heros will bring their infectious blend of upbeat ska, pop, and punk to the T-Rock with and zany local hip-hop act Koo Koo Kangaroo tonight for an all out party.

Click HERE for the Triple Rock site




SATURDAY MARCH 13TH

Eggs for Africa

@ Hexagon Bar
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

8pm / 21+ / $10

You’ve probably only eaten those small pizzas made in the mangy bar oven at the Hex. Tonight, Gastro Non Grata provides six chefs to serve 600 eggs to the sounds of six bands. The night before, egg-slingers from the Modern Café, Sea Change, and D’Amico, among others, will be handed 100 eggs and five pounds of butter to prepare the oval food in every way possible. Overproof will be screenprinting t-shirts too, so bring your own and get it adorned (perhaps with an egg design) for free. All the money made from this eggxcellent event goes to children in Mozambique, so munch those baby chickens confidently, knowing your money is going somewhere good.

Click HERE for the Hex site



SATURDAY MARCH 13TH

Let's Dance

@ Red Stag Supper Club
509 1st Avenue NE
Minneapolis

11pm / 21+ / Free

A raging dance party in a supper club? You bet! Booty-shakin' professionals Millions Billions and Mønsterbrüsten will tickle your dance-bone with their sexy selection of slammin' trax tonight at the Red Stag. Along with some major dance action, you'll enjoy killer late night happy hour drink specials and cheapie gourmet treats as well as plenty of stylish eye candy.

Click HERE for the Facebook Event



SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: ELLEN ALLIEN

It's about time we heard more from Berlin's talented hottie, Ellen Allien. As the founder record labels BPitch Control and Memo Musik, producer, and indie-techno goddess, the woman obvs has mad skills when it comes to remixing and creating hard-hitting dancefloor beats. Her latest album, Dust – set to release May 18th on BPitch Control – is packed with more of Allien's signature electroclash style: dirty funk, glitchy dance-rock, scratchy basslines, euphoric synth riffs and ruthless snares paired with German/English vocoder vocals. Besides holding down German's electronic scene, Allien also has a pretty killer fashion sense. In fact, rumor has it she has her own fashion line featuring a spring/summer 2010 collection of airy floral pieces and detailed screenprinted tees.

Click HERE for the Ellen Allien site

L'ETOILE NEWSWIRE

Save the Date: Imagination Mechanism
an interactive fashion party exploring the creative process

Friday, April 23, 2010 / Free
7pm to 11pm (photo shoot styling begins at 7:30pm)

Join l'étoile magazine for a real-time peek inside our creative process! We'll return once again to the Eitel Building's gorgeous Rooftop Sky Park on Loring Park for a stylish, interactive mixer that will invite you to play creative director for a day. Try your hand at designing fashion photo shoot mood boards and story boards with the help of l'étoile staff, then watch as we implement these same processes to create a live fashion photo shoot that will include everything from styling, shooting, retouching, and even editorial layout -- all right before your eyes. Complimentary cocktails and appetizers will be available, along with music from l'étoile DJs. And dress to impress: we'll be giving away prizes to the most "fashion photo ready" attendees! Sponsored by l'étoile magazine, MNFashion and Secrets of the City.

Voltage Tickets on Sale NOW!

Voltage: Fashion Amplified returns to First Avenue on Friday, April 16! An MNfashion production, Voltage is the flagship fashion event held each spring, kicking on MNFashion Week! Filled with a bevy of local fashion design set to the backdrop of rockin' local bands, Voltage is a can't-miss event! For a full lineup of designers and bands, to purchase tickets, and also keep up on Voltage news, teasers and the schedule for the Vintage Voltage Rock Show series held at the 501 Club leading up to the big event at 1st Avenue visit www.voltagefashionamplified.com.


Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Juleana Enright, Lauren Gantner, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Rob Callahan, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin

Weekend What's What 2/18-2/23

CREATE/PERFORM/REPEAT

Is it something about the severe seasonal fluctuations that keep Minnesota artists on their toes? Or are we really just incredibly lucky to have such a vigilant crop of creative geniuses in our midst? Perhaps it's both. We are continually impressed by the artistic output around these here parts and this weekend definitely pulls at our art-lovin' heart strings! From the massive Foot in the Door exhibit at the MIA to an agriculturally-inspired art installation at the Soap Factory and much more, we're simple dazzled by the ongoing imaginative vision of our local brethren and how they keep on truckin' through the the rough and the smooth. Kudos, Twin Cities!

xo-l'étoile



THIS WEEK ON L'ÉTOILE

Rob Callahan interviews the MIA's Christopher Atkins

Beth Hammarlund pays tribute to the late Alexander McQueen

Jahna Peloquin updates our guide to Winter Shopping and Sales


THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18TH

Foot in the Door 4

@ MIA
2400 3rd Ave. S.
Minneapolis

6-9 pm / free

Once every ten years, Minnesota artists converge on the Minneapolis Institute of Arts to contribute one small piece of visual art to a massive display of local vision and talent. The event is Foot In The Door, an exhibition open to any contributor with an offering of visual art that can fit into a 12 inch square space, or a video installment 80 seconds or less in length. Since 1980, Foot in the Door has celebrated the diversity and enthusiasm of Minnesota's visual arts community. Organized by the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program and held at the MIA, the fourth installment of this infrequent and wildly-popular exhibition promises to present the largest collection of art in the state of Minnesota.Artists range in age, experience, subject matter, medium – just about anything you can think of. This year, peep the new video gallery featuring 80-second long video works, plus groove to live music from Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles and a DJ set from Transmission's Jake Rudh. Don't forget to bring socks to donate to the Saint Stephen's charity sock drive and wear your most eccentric manolos to be included in the Flickr “Best Shoes in the Door” photo gallery!

Read Rob Callahan's interview with Foot in the Door coordinator, Christopher Atkins HERE.

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

photo by Erlin1 on flickr

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18TH

Illo Minn: Volume Two

@ College of Visual Arts Gallery
173 Western Avenue
Saint Paul

6-8pm / Free

28 of our cities' successful and wildly talented illustrators will be showcased this evening at the College of Visual Arts. The biennial Illo Minn exhibition features original works by such artists as DC Ice, Adam Turman, Mike Carina, and Allen Brewer who will each display a traditional art piece alongside a custom-designed Munny to be auctioned off to benefit the CVA. In case you haven't heard, Munnys are the blank, customizable vinyl figures associated with the extremely popular Dunnys that designer toy collectors vie for. Each illustrator has created an original one-of-kind Munny and from what we've seen, they look pretty darn awesome. Head to the CVA Gallery tonight for the reception or stop in before the end of the show run on March 6th. Sponsored by our BFFs at ROBOTlove!

Click HERE for the CVA site



THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18TH

Dre Day 2010

@ Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Ave
Minneapolis

9pm-2am /$8 advance, $10 door / 21+

Like the Dr. Dre himself would say, "You never been on a ride like this befo' with a producer who can rap and control the maestro." For the 8th year in a row, Burlesque of North America celebrates the iconic rapper's day of birth. The Twin Cities Chronic Mothership Band deliver Dre classics, while Jimmy 2 Times & King Otto fill in the gaps by spinning "Chronically" good albums. Apparently there is a halftime show, which includes a down n' dirty dance performance by The Velvet Whips. Of course, Burlesque will have new Dre Day merch for sale and Espada returns once again for the $20 Sack Pyramid game. Holla!

Click HERE for the Burlesque site


THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18TH

Atlas Sound with Paragraphs and JG Everest

@The Whole at Coffman Union
300 Washington Avenue Southeast
Minneapolis

8pm /$7 for U of M students-$10 general

Relax this Thursday to the ambient grooves of Atlas Sound (the totally harmonious solo proj of Deerhunter frontman, Bradford Cox) as they jam out in the basement of Coffman Union. The band will be accompanied by the pleasant tuneage of post-rock trio, Paragraphs, as well as the soothing sounds of JG Everest. The night is bound to be both meditational and melody-filled...the perfect way to kick off the weekend!

Click HERE for the Facebook event

photo by Tim Schaar

FRIDAY ART PICK: NATE DUVAL

Get out of that cold, dull winter slump with the help of Nate Duval’s bright and vibrant art! He first caught our eye with his February desktop wallpaper especially made for design*sponge (download here). Now, we're hooked on his colorful, hand-drawn and hand-printed pieces that range from springy flowers to vivid deer to pastel pink buildings. Plus, the fanciful feel will definitely brighten up those dreary February days. And if you’re looking for something more than a cute desktop, his stuff is available in prints, posters and even on clothing.

Click HERE for the Nate Duval site




FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19TH

Queereographers' Evening

@ Patrick's Cabaret
3010 Minnehaha Ave. S.
Minneapolis

8-10pm / $8 adv, $10 door

Curated by the ever-thoughtful Matteo Kelli-Halbesleben, tonight's local dance extravaganza features original performances from homegrown artists and choreographers Jeremy Bensussan, Renee Copeland, Joe Chvala, John-Mark Hostetler and the always aberrant l'étoile fave, Jaime Carrera. Their unique footwork ranges from tap dance, experimental and percussive to interpretative and modern ballet works. And if the promos and the clever "Queereographers" moniker is any premonition, the show should be jam packed with provocative movements and pervasive gayness. Oh Patrick's Cabaret, you know what we like.

Click HERE for the Facebook event page

Image by Jaime Carrera, whose performance will center around body image

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19TH

Pegasus: Love for Sale

@ Bedlam Theater
601 6th St. S
Minneapolis

10:30pm / $5 / 18+

If your Valentine’s Day was rough, let Pegasus cosole you. Lady Enchantress will MC away your woes, lovlies Maria, Kiera and Jared will DJ your heart back into one piece. Samuel DeLayMe presents some "science friction" (we hope that means it’s dirty) and there’s even a date raffle! Plus the ever-more-outrageous performances you've come to expect from the Pegasus gang, not to mention the best costumes you’ve seen all month. Dress for success!

Click HERE for the Bedlam site



FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19TH

The Moongoons present: Forever Young

@ Old Soho Storefront
715 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

10pm /18+ / $5 with RSVP, $7 without

Blow out ‘chya hair, order some jag bombs and get ready to fist pump! That’s right, local faves the Moon Goons are hosting the latest installment of their popular "Forever Young" dance party this Friday at the Old Soho Storefront. This time around, the boys have gone "Jersey Shore" on us, with more hair gel and Jersey accents than you ever thought possible! Hit the dance floor to a Three 6 Mafia mix or get bronzed up at the on-site “tanning booth” set-up. Personally, we're not sure how we feel about incorporating a "Bump-it" into our 'dos, but to each their own. In an example of irony gone to far, the below flier also makes us cringe, but it's worth the assault on your eyes simply for the hilariously photoshopped pics of the Moongoons boys!

Click HERE to RSVP for discounted admission



FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19TH

Bouncer Fighter CD Release

@ Hexagon Bar
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / Free

Anti-Civ Records is having a weekend-long extravaganza! Tonight the rockin', rollin' lads (and lady) of Bouncer Fighter present to you their first full-length album, Guzzlemug. Children of Euler and Hawks & Oxen open. Drink a PBR and buy the album, then come back tomorrow night for more Anti-Civ excitement (see Saturday's listings below for more info).

Click HERE for the Facebook event



FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19TH

Midnight Movie Society: Beyond the Valley of the Dolls

@ Red Stag Supper Club
503 1st Avenue NE
Northeast Minneapolis

10:30pm / 21+ / $5 advance or $10 at door

If you missed the last super-fun edition of the Midnight Movie Society, tonight's your chance to make things right. Join our pals Vita.mn and DJ Jake Rudh for a themed soiree centering around the cult classic film, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. Guests are encouraged to dress the part (ie-fabulous '60s sex kitten!) and prizes will be awarded to the best dressed and most participatory. Starting at 10:30pm, you'll be invited to sip cocktails, dance to tunes a la Jake Rudh and snack on the Stag's famous truffle oil-drizzled kettle corn. At midnight, join in on a complimentary midnight toast and get comfy for a screening of this delightfully campy, boob-fueled flick.

Click HERE for the Vita.mn site




COOL LINK: BANANA WHO

Banana Who will tell you everything you need to know about those new-fangled moving pictures. From inside the film industry, this fun website's writers give smart and entertaining reviews of movies that are still in the theaters. Banana Who offers a more in-depth, off-beat alternative to newspaper reviews. Also, check out their "Best Movies of the Decade" list, complete with detailed graphs. This is a well-designed, informative and fun guide to which movies are worth your time and 10 bucks.

Click HERE for the Banana Who site



SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20th

Michon Weeks: New Work

@ 801 Lofts
801 Washington Ave North
Minneapolis

6-9pm / Free

As a child, Michon Weeks always loved to build things out of Lego blocks or create mittens with her set of knitting needles. Now, she translates those same ideas into artwork! Weeks is showing off her collection of grid-like, inspired work this Saturday at the 801 Lofts. Stop by from 6-9pm to peep eight of her zigzagging, isometric, 3-D paintings and drawings. The exhibit will not only showcase her pieces but will also feature the likes of local artists such as Mary Bergs, Joe Michaud Scorza, Karl Unnasch, Kat Corrigan, Lynn Tanaka, and Marie Olafsdotter.

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



SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20TH

Cutters Ball

@ Angry Catfish
4208 28th Ave. S.
Minneapolis

8pm / Free

If you haven't already heard, Angry Catfish Bicycle is MPLS' greenest addition to the local coffee house circuit – in more ways than one. It proudly serves delicious Intelligentsia coffee and tea and parked outside you'll see some of the coolest fixed gears in town. Tonight, ACB hosts the 1st annual Cutters Ball – an indie fest of full of awesome giveaways and underground bike culture. Featuring prizes from Kinetic Trainers, Speedhound, Handsome Bicycle Co., Banjo Brothers and more! Plus, free beer, tasty carnivore and veggie eats and live music by Four on the Floor. There will also be free shuttle rides running to and fro from the Bloomington Marriot and other local hotels for all the out-of-town FrostBike attendees.

Click HERE for the Angry Catfish Facebook



SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20TH

New Land of Milk and Honey

@ Soap Factory
518 2nd St. SE.
Minneapolis

7-11pm, special performance at 8pm / Free

Maybe it's our obsession with boys with long hair, but secretly we've always wanted to live on a commune – just like Winona Ryder or the peeps in Big Love, minus the polygamy. The harmony, the togetherness, the folk jams, it's like one big happy hippie family! Well now, thanks to the artists of the New Land of Milk and Honey we can explore Midwestern commune life without even leaving MPLS grounds. Artists Annie Larson, Brett Smith and Erin Smith invite you to sneak a peep at their blooming western Wisconsin community where artistic endeavors flourish and creativity is celebrated. Tonight, explore their realms as the artists unveil a presentation of their current commune project featuring knitting works, electronic sleep, ley/tectonic farm acceleration, solar wave exchange, prenatal learning and more! Opening performance includes a collaboration with video artist/ritual specialist, Adrian Freeman and choreographer AnnMarie Freeman. Who knows, after this show you might wanna quit your job and go commune hunting!

Co-sponsored by l'etoile magazine!

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



SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20TH

Chickadee Mountain Martyrs CD Release Show

@ Hexagon Bar
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis

9pm / Free

Oh my. A show like this hasn’t happened in a while. Amazing locals Dark Dark Dark and Knife World open for the wild, wild Chickdee Mountain Martyrs on this special night at das Hex! The Martyrs have captured a healthy dose of quirky, violin-encrusted Americana on their latest release, Comeuppance on Anti-Civ Records; a disc you really ought to make a point to snap up tonight between swillin' beer and rockin' out!

Click HERE for the Hexagon site


SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20TH

Dearling Physique

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave.
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

Get a sneak preview of what's to come on Dearling Physique's much-anticipated and soon-to-be-released new album tonight at Clubhouse Jager! Dom Davis and cohorts will be teasing your ears with their spooky yet danceworthy brand of electro experimentation and futurism. Not to mention, Dom and co. win serious l'etoile style points for their theatrical stage presence and deliciously brazen fashion statements. We love! Tonight, if only for one night, Clubhouse Jager IS the future.

Click HERE for the Dearling Physique site

Photo by Betsy Munro

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20TH

E.G. Baily "American Afrikan" CD Release

@ Bedlam Theatre
1501 6th St S.
Minneapolis

10pm / 18+ / $5 advance

This weekend, E.G. Bailey is going to drop a bomb — a “proverbial bomb” that is! On Saturday, the Bedlam Theatre hosts the release show for Bailey’s debut album, titled AMERICAN AFRIKAN, showcasing his creative mix of powerful spoken word, preformance art and hip-hop/funk/jazz/electronic music. Additionally, the night will feature the work of many more artists and musicians like Guante, Mankwe Ndosi, Truthmaze, Chantz Erolin, Aimee Bryant, Ibé Kaba, Sankaradjeki, Dameun Strange, Kahlil Brewington, DJ Stage One and more.

Click HERE for the Bedlam site


SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: TEARIST

William and Yasmine of Tearist are cool in ways they don't even understand yet. Thankfully, we don't have to understand them to enjoy their awesomeness. Known to play in warehouse basements and on the roofs of convenience stores, the pair define “exquisite Dark Wave.” Like Siouxsie gone minimal, LA's Tearist is a goth disco freak-out duo with in-your-face synth riffs and avant garde vocal bruising. Not to mention we have a total girl crush on lead singer Yasmine Kittles! Yasmine has been called the lovechild of Amy Winehouse and PJ Harvey and when it comes to taste, the lady knows her sh*t, quoting Situationist Guy Debord and French playwright Antonin Artaud as influences. Back in '09, Yasmine caught our attention when she teamed up with comedy sketch artist Eric Wareheim to create a zany music video featuring odd dancing and fully-clothed pseudosexual escapades – including an '80s montage of aerial muff-diving acrobatics – all set to Bat for Lashes “Daniel.” Hilar!

Yasmine Kittles and Eric Wareheim's “In Lust” video on Vimeo:

IN LUST from Eric Wareheim on Vimeo.

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23RD

JagerCon: Sci-Fi Tuesdays

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N.
Minneapolis

Every Tuesday
10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

Join hosts Kate Iverson (l'étoile magazine, Secrets of the City) and Beth Hammarlund (l'étoile magazine, A Tiny Machine) every Tuesday Night for JagerCon! JagerCon is a weekly sci-fi party featuring screenings of classic nerdy movies and television shows -- topped off with 2-4-1 cocktails all night served by Star Captain Paul!

Mingle with like-minded sci-fi geeks, discuss D&D strategies, and use that Captain Picard impression you've been perfecting to pick up chicks at the bar. Snort-laugh the night away while bragging about your MMORPG addiction and enjoy a cozy, nerd-friendly environment.

Upcoming Events:

FEB 23: Nightwatch
MAR 2: The Hunger

This week's flick is Night Watch (the Russian version with typographically amazing english subtitles)



GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

Beth Hammarlund tips us off to a striking similarity between a local and an international designer.

Twinsies!

Great minds think alike! On the left is a new look from Richard Chai, on the right one of Emma Berg's looks from last fall. Keep an eye out for Miss Emma. She's going places.

Click HERE for more from A Tiny Machine



GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNASSIUER
Jahna Peloquin features NY Fashion week pics by local shutterbug, Stephanie Colgan.

Stephanie Colgan shoots New York Fashion Week

Just received these gorgeous shots from local photographer Stephanie Colgan, who is in New York shooting Fashion Week for The New York Times. She shot Norma Kamali and 3.1 Phillip Lim for the Times, as well as Simon Spurr, Rad Hourani and Badgley Mischka independently. Stephanie is the staff photographer for Voltage 2010 and I'm looking forward to styling the Voltage lookbook shoot with her this weekend.

Click HERE for more from Le Petit Connaisseur



NEWSWIRE

Tickets on Sale now for the Official Oscar Night Party co-sponsored by l'etoile!

This stylish evening of glitz and glam at the Hotel Ivy marks the first year that the Aegis Foundation is at the helm of the official Academy-sanctioned Oscar Night Bash in Minneapolis. This fabulous event is the ideal night out for film aficionados, fashion fanatics, and people who want to have an exciting Hollywood-themed evening -- all while helping support two great local organizations, www.SmileNetwork.org & www.Reclaim-lgbtyouth.org . This ticketed benefit event is all ages and open to the public. Click HERE for tickets. Co-Sponsored by l'etoile!

WIN TICKETS!

Want to come to the Official Oscars party at the Hotel Ivy? Show us your celebrity look alike and you might win two tix AND a limo ride to the party AND a makeover! Click HERE to enter the contest.


Vote for XYandZ Gallery's public art project in the Pepsi Great Idea Contest!

Locally-based artist co-op the XYandZ Gallery has thrown their hat into the ring for the Pepsi Great Idea Contest! Each month, the soft drink giant plans to give away $1,300,000 in grants to artists and dreamers. In other words, peeps with great ideas! XYandZ has proposed a big public art project to transform vacant buildings in the Twin Cities into art installations. They are going for a $50,000 grant for the project. VOTE HERE to move them up in the rankings! They are hovering around #40 right now, but with your help we can push them up and beautify the Twin Cities at the same time! Voting runs through Feb 28th.

Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Juleana Enright, Lauren Gantner, Kate Iverson, Rob Callahan, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin

Weekend What's What 12/13-12/17

JINGLE BELL ROCK

With all the rockin' going on this weekend we're sure you'll be out making memories and abusing mistletoe. We say go for it! This is the perfect time to flirt it up with your secret crush or create an epic evening with your steady sweetheart. Resist all temptation to stay home - this weekend is full of potential surprises!

Still shopping for that special someone? Check out our 2007 Holiday Gift Guide, brimming with cool gift ideas, crafts, and music as well as special l'étoile discounts at area shops and restaurants!

xo-l'étoile

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!



THURSDAY DECEMBER 13TH (THROUGH NEW YEARS EVE)

Nutcracker?! (Not So) Suite

@ The Ritz
13th & University
Northeast Mpls

Thursdays-Saturdays / 8pm / $27
Sundays / 2pm / $23

The quirky cool dance troupe, Ballet of the Dolls, is back at the Ritz for the second year in a row with their raucous rendition of the Nutcracker.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BALLET OF THE DOLLS SITE



THURSDAY DECEMBER 13TH

Disco Party

@ The Kitty Cat Klub
14th & University
Dinkytown

10pm / 21+ / Free

It's an all disco dance party tonight at the Kitty Cat Klub! Join Jonathan Ackerman, Oddiofile and Midnight Energy as they spin rare and sexy disco all night long.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO



FRIDAY ART PICK: SHCH GRAPHICS

Ukranian designer Andrey Ushchenko's collective SHCH Graphics appeals to our prettier sensibilities - the hand-drawn typography and fluid illustration style are both delicate and strong. Curling tendrils morph into bold statements, full of fine lines and flourish. A multi-talented group, SHCH also dabbles in branding, photography, and more.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SHCH GRAPHICS SITE



FRIDAY DECEMBER 14TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Belfry Winter Market

@ The Belfry Center
3753 Bloomington Ave. S
Minneapolis

Friday 8pm-Midnight
Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday Noon-6pm

All events are free.

This is not your momma's craft sale! The most DIY of punky artisians come out of the woodwork to participate in the Belfry's Winter Market. The South Minneapolis collectively run social space regularly hosts art, music and educational events thoughout the year. This weekend's festivities not only include cool handmade merch, but also live music Friday night from Dreamland Faces, The Floorbirds, and Lady Franklin plus food, drink, and roaming musicians all weekend long.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BELFRY MYSPACE



FRIDAY DECEMBER 14TH

Doomtree Blowout

@ 1st Avenue
701 1st Ave. N
Downtown Mpls

8pm / 18+ / $12

The Twin Cities hip hop darlings return to their roots at First Ave tonight for the 3rd Annual Doomtree Blowout. One of the most heralded crews in the Midwest, Doomtree's collective members always bring mad jams the right way. Look forward to getting your hands on brand spankin' new False Hopes releases from both Doomtree and Paper Tiger.

TIP: Buy your tickets in advance - this will sell out!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DOOMTREE SITE



FRIDAY DECEMBER 14TH

P?M & Cadillac Kolstad

@ Big V's
University & Snelling
St.Paul

9pm / 21+ / $5

Get your bluegrass on tonight at Big V's with locals P?M, Cadillac Kolstad and the Flats, The Forest, and A Paper Cup Band.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BIG V'S SITE



FRIDAY DECEMBER 14TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)

Andrew Bird

@ The Guthrie
818 S. 2nd St.
Minneapolis

7:30pm / $29.50

Violinist and songwriter Andrew Bird returns to the Twin Cities for a double header at the Guthrie Theater. Accompanied by Martin Dosh, Bird reconstructs, loops, and improvises - creating something rhythmic and fresh that will surely not disappoint.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GUTHRIE SITE



COOL LINK: INDIGEST MAGAZINE

When a group of renegade writers and artists spark up a collaboration you never know what to expect. Lots of talk and no action, or something unexpected and fantastic? With Indigest Magazine, these four local art-players hit the mark. Editors David Doody, Dustin Nelson, Jesse Sawyer and Chris Koza have wrangled an impressive number of contributors. Local and international writers, musicians, poets, photographers, and artists come together to create a virtual playground that will feed your mind.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE INDIGEST SITE
"Death of a Salesman" by Rachel De Joode



SATURDAY DECEMBER 15TH

Who Made Who Grand Opening

@ Who Made Who
158 13th Ave. NE
Northeast Mpls

Noon-6pm / Free

Rockstar screenprint artists Amy Jo Hendrickson, Dale Flattum (Tooth), and Lonny Unitus make the leap from studio to storefront this weekend with the grand opening of their newly aquired digs in Northeast. Who Made Who will sell limited edition hand screenprinted artwork and will house an on-site printshop and studio. Stop in to finish up your holiday art shopping or visit their Etsy store online - opening the same day!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE WHO MADE WHO ETSY SITE
screenprinted poster by Miss Amy Jo



SATURDAY DECEMBER 15TH

Big Ups to Hiccups / Head to Toe Winter Formal

@ Head to Toe Salon & Boutique
2445 Nicollet Ave. S
Minneapolis

7-10pm / Free

The cool kitties over at Head to Toe have put together a holiday party to beat the freeze. Not only will the sensational artwork of Isaac Arvold be on display, but a number of additional cutenesses await you. Enjoy a fashion show, artist makeovers, a gift exchange (bring a wrapped fashion item and leave with something new!), photo booth, booze, food, and dance floor fodder from the likes of Mike the 2600 King and Buck Kac. What's not to love?

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HEAD TO TOE SITE



SATURDAY DECEMBER 15TH

Mini-Art Holiday Party

@ Fox Tax Gallery
503 1st Ave NE
Northeast Mpls

5-11pm / Free

If you missed the opening for "These Elves went to Art School", make sure to pop into Fox Tax Gallery tonight for a mini-art bonus round. There are still plenty of amazing 4x4 inch works available for stuffing in your favorite art lover's stocking!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FOX TAX SITE
Art by Tom Stack



SATURDAY DECEMBER 15TH

America's Funniest Home Videos

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave.
North Loop

10pm / 21+ / Free

No, not the show! New DJ collab "Americas Funniest Home Videos" includes certain people you might just recognize, but we don't want to give it all away here! One thing we can guarantee: the tunes will be bangin'.

BONUS: TML will be burning up with Jonathan Ackerman, Scott Butters and Soviet Panda. Hit both parties if you're cool enough!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CLUBHOUSE JAGER SITE



SATURDAY DECEMBER 15TH (TECHNICALLY SUNDAY)

Hard Times Cafe Re-Opening

@ Hard Times
1821 Riverside Ave
West Bank

Re-opening: midnight-4am

Regular Hours: 6am-4am Daily

The man can't keep them down! It was sticky there for a minute, but Hard Times Cafe, which has been closed for 3 months longer than anticipated, will re-open tonight at midnight. With the city off their backs you'll be free to once again enjoy greasy vegan and vegetarian delights such as the White Trash Breakfast, the Tempeh Reuben, and the Nacho Haystack. Welcome back Hard Times!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HARDTIMES MYSPACE



SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: SUPER JAM ALERT!

Millions Billions is back again with a super-jam-alert-worthy blend of beats. This mix is a super sexy warmer-upper for holidays - booty shake style. Millz Billz aka Ned Lampert also writes totally hip music blog that you need to know about. Check it out HERE.

Upcoming gigs: Kitty Cat Klub - December 22nd

CLICK THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE MIX



SUNDAY DECEMBER 16TH

Wu Tang Clan

@ First Ave
701 1st Ave. N
Downtown Mpls

8pm / 18+ / $35

If you've ever played "Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style" on the Playstation 1 you can probably appreciate the multimedia dynasty that is the Wu-Tang Clan. With everything from clothing lines to critically acclaimed releases from almost every member of the Clan, Wu-Tang is a driving force in rap music as well as a charismatic spectacle to behold live. Tonight's show is a can't-miss!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE WU-TANG SITE



MONDAY DECEMBER 17TH

Hot Roxx Merry Hex-mas Party

@ The Hex
2600 27th Ave. S
South Mpls

10pm / Free

To quote his Holy Rexness, "So get on your silk jeans and your space shoes, we've got some sweet, wild, devastating news": This is the last Hot Roxx of 2007! Don't miss this funktastic x-mas edition, replete with Happy Holidays quotes from reincarnated icons and tuneage from the best and the worst of the 70's and beyond.

BONUS: Scroll down to the next post to see photos from the last Hot Roxx!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HOT ROXX SITE



MONDAY DECEMBER 17TH

Smiths Night

@ The Kitty Cat Klub
14th & University
Dinkytown

10pm / 21+ / Free

"Take me out tonight
Where there's music and there's people
And they're young and alive
Driving in your car
I never never want to go home
Because I haven't got one
Anymore"

Join Jonathan Ackerman at this charming monthly at the Kitty Cat Klub. All Smiths all the time! We heart it. Really.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SMITHS NIGHT MYSPACE