Artist and l'etoile homie, Dillon Bakke and photographer Mallory Lighter got a sneak peek of this year's Fine Arts show at the State Fair, and we're pleased to see some familiar faces! Around 400 Minnesota artists were accepted to the annual juried show, plucked from a pool of thousands of submissions. The Fine Arts Building (located on the corner of Randall & Cosgrove) is a great place to lay eyes on new work from artists--some known, some unknown--hailing from all around the state. Peep a few pix below to whet your whistle for the State Fair, which opens Thursday, August 26th and runs through Labor Day. We can't wait!
Attention artists: The Fair hasn’t even kicked off yet, but the organization is already putting out a submission call for the 2011 Commemorative Art piece (the art that will rep the Fair throughout all the land next year!). The final piece should be the artist’s visual interpretation of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Attend this year’s State Fair for inspiration. Application deadline is Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 by 3:30pm.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
@ 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!
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.
@ 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.
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.
@ 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.
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.
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
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!
@ 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!
@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!
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.
@ 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.
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!
@ 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!
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).
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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:
@ 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.
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.
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
We "heart" this weekend! Valentine's Day is this Sunday so yep, you guessed it, this week's theme is LOVE. Whether or not you have a special someone this time around, there's no reason why you can't dote on your favorite people and let them know how awesome they are. Kisses all around! If you're single, hit up the Punk Rock Dating Game on Friday; or maybe get your flirt on at a dance party or love-tinged art show! The possibilities are endless. Top off the lovey-dovey weekend with a trip to the Rogue Buddha on Sunday night for l'étoile's "Paper Hearts" party. And if you're stumped as to what to get your sweetie for V-Day, check out our saucy "Guide to Getting Lucky 2010" for a plethora of suggestions. Happy hearting!
xoxoxoxoxo-l'étoile
GUIDE TO GETTING LUCKY 2010
Happy Love Week, Twin Citians! It's definitely not too late to do something thoughtful for the friends and lovers on your list. Use our sappy sweet guide filled with suggestions on gifting, entertaining, crafting and more to ensure your Valentine's Day has a happy ending. Pun intended. This year we've teamed up with our pals at Secrets of the City to present you with our Guide to Getting Lucky 2010!
@Mario’s Keller Bar 2300 University Ave NE Minneapolis
9:00pm/ 21+ / $5
Join the Northeast Minneapolis Art Association this Thursday at Mario’s Keller Bar (in the cellar of the Gastof) for a celebration! The crew is planning a fundraiser night of melodic music to end their membership drive. A killer line up rock-and-roll tunes from the Crown Vics, the Floorshakers and the Hard Left plus cheap drink specials will keep you warm and rid your midwinter blahs. Stop by for the party or even sign up to become a member. Plus, your 5 bucks will benefit NEMAA and this year's Art-A-Whirl festivities!
Ringo Starr recently got our indie-music-store-lovin’-panties in a bunch by wearing a Fetus T-shirt to the Grammys. You too can be as cool as a Beatle by grabbing your own Electric Fetus merch tonight while listening to in-store performances by Minor Kingdom and Anders Ponders. You can feel good about picking up your most coveted albums here, since the store is still recovering from their tornado damage and needs all the help it can get. Not to mention, music makes a great Valentine's Day gift!
@ Lost and Found 2542 Nicollet Ave. S. Minneapolis
7pm / All Ages/ $5 advance, $7 door
All your amazing vintage finds in one place plus a snazzy party? Seems to good to be true. Or perhaps it's just the Nicollet Vintage Loop's stylish Valentine's Day gift to us. Either way, we'll take it! Tonight, hosts Lost and Found present a music and fashion-fused evening featuring unique pieces from B-Squad Vintage and Lost and Found collections. With looks by hair and make-up stylists at Head To Toe, the foxy models will be struttin' their stuff to funky tunes from DJ Rambo Salinas as you snack on tasty appetizers from our pals at Azia and sip on cold PBR brews. Then head on over to the after-party at A25 for raffle prizes and specials on cocktails and food. Valentine's Day just got funkadelic!
New talent crush alert! At last week's Vigilante Justice, local boy Chris Park caught our eye with his art piece of suspended sketchbooks featuring hand drawn illustrations and aquatic-themed comics. Encompassing a variety of artistic styles might seem like a quick way to an artist's demise, but every genre Park tries his hand at is not only dead-on but adds an element of modern appeal. From 19th century illustrative art and classical caricatures to Japanese etching and minimal line drawing, Park's work is a vividly colorful, intricate web of dynamic images and disturbing context. If comic art ruled the world, Chris Park would definitely be the Mayor of MPLS.
@ Suburban World Theatre 3022 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis
8pm doors/ $5
The latest episode from local cable access variety show MPLS.TV is dedicated to “the love,” and its creators are pulling out all the stops for its premiere. Catch the special episode not on your laptop – no, not even on the tele – but on the big screen inside the Suburban Worth Theatre's retro digs. A mere 5 bones gets you into the screening, plus access to live performances by Gospel Gossip and Elite Gymnastics (featuring The Moon Goons' Josh Clancy and TML's Peter Lansky) and delicious DJ sets from Bach and Real Talk Radio. Grab a drink, an arm full of snacks and settle in for 22 mashed up minutes of local music, art and news as only MPLS.TV can deliver.
@ Four Seasons Dance Studio 1637 Hennepin Ave. #B Minneapolis
7pm/ $10, $5 Tempo members
Dust off your furry gilets, broderie anglaise tops and hobo bags for tonight's bohemian chic-inspired soirée. Join Tempo's always stylin' members for salon-esque mixer with the stars of the MN Opera's upcoming production of La bohème. Enjoy gypsy jazz tunes by Parisota Hot Club; visuals by local artists Jamie Dean, Bethany Heemeyer and Ryan Nygard; classic portrait sittings by Konstantin Berkovski; plus striking 19th century gothic designs by Samantha Rei of Blashphemina's Closet and Neo-Victorian jewelry by Kristin Berwald of Bionic Unicorn. Munch on delicious complimentary hors d'oeuvres from Joe's Garage, sip a few cocktails and even brush shoulders with La bohème's handsome tenor, James Valenti – fresh from the Paris Opera! Ooh la-la! Boho chic or period style dress encouraged! For tix, call 612.333.6669.
Heart some art and save a heart! That’s right, the American Heart Association has partnered with our favorite Saint Paul Salon to create a night of music, fashion and attitude. Mingle with models while you fawn over the winning designs and meeting the designers of the Red Dress from Heart of Fashion competition. Purchase some pieces of heart-felt art (with 25% of proceeds going to the AHA!) featuring a number of talented local artists ranging from sculptors to painters to mixed media artists. On top of that, your taste buds will fall in love with the scrumptious munchies from Cheeky Monkey and Crave and sips from Solo Vino. What a perfect way to make your Valentine’s full of love, style, and fun -- all for a good cause of course! Tunes from DJ Mike Swoop round things out.
Here’s a hilarious date idea for Valentine’s weekend. Start the perfect evening by grabbing dinner while a roaming accordionist makes your meal romantic, then get your picture taken in the l'etoile magazine/Digital Crush photo booth with your sweetie. At 9, the dating game starts, complete with cheap beer, loud music and punk contestants trying their luck at a love connection. Grab a few raffle tickets to win perfect date packages! The God Damn Doo Wop Band sings accapella between rounds, and after the show Zombie Season and Sleeping in the Aviary make sweet music for you to flirt and dance to. A benefit for Arise! Bookstore and Infoshop, who are inches away from owning their own building.
It’s about that time of month where our disco itch starts creeping up on us. Thank god for DJs King Otto and Ben Rebok, who will supply us with all vinyl, non-stop disco bangers alllll night. Residents Attitude City and Mike the 2600 King are out of town this weekend, but that certainly won't stop the funk! Co-Sponsored by l'etoile.
Here's one for Valentine's Day – an Australian love story! No longer content with the menial fame of making music videos and electro remixes, Sydney electronic outfit, Beaufort, has taken their talent to the cinematic forefront by releasing the stunning full-length feature film, Tiger. The film has been described as a low-fi version of Lost In Translation – full of breathtaking scenery shots – but with prettier people. Nice! Pretty peeps indeed. The film stars two very dreamy Australian actors as models who fall in love during Tokyo's winter months only to have their torrid affair combust when their stay extends and their careers falter. The film recently screened at LA's low-brow hipster fest, Zero Film Festival and features a delicious indie and electro-glazed soundtrack with new music from DVAS, College, Cassian, Beaufort and Husky Rescue. Tiger releases on DVD in April so mark your calendars! And don't forget to check Beaufort's myspace page to watch the music videos they made for Pomomofo's “Island” and the Power Rangers spoof theme for Bag Raiders' “Fun Punch” video.
A new creative space makes its debut today! The Hack Factory hosts Minne-Faire, a conglomeration of quirky inventions and art. From 2-6pm marvel at the clever concotions of local "makers" including a demonstration by Bill Gurstelle, the music of Tim Kaiser, air cannons, replica movie props, an arduino demonstration, a display by the local Tripoli rocketry club, art cars, a life-sized Operation Game as well as flamethrowers and pulse jets by local engineering firm CazTek. Yes, really. Stick around from 7-11pm for an art show and party to inaugurate the new space, complete with tasty refreshments.
@ Mill City Cafe California Building 2205 California Street NE Minneapolis
6-9pm / Free
The artsy types at the California Building host the 2nd edition of "Art Bar," an art exhibit and cocktail party held in the building's cozy lower level Mill City cafe. Join Kendall Bohn AKA Scribblelicious Man; Susan Opitz AKA AbstractoGrrrl; and Aldo Moroni AKA Clayboy as they present their latest creations for your perusal. Lots of eccentric artsy types and good times will abound. Not to mention, local art makes a great Valentine's gift!
Girls, with special guests, Boys (a valentine's sequel)
@ Umber Studios 3109 E. 42nd St. Minneapolis
8pm / free
The big V-Day is often a date scorned lovers and singletons avoid like the plague. But this year – on the eve of Valentine's Day – art is here to save you. Like an art version of the Sadie Hawkins dance, tonight's V-Day exhibit features four local lady artists and their four chosen counterpart boy artists. With femininely scratchy art from DC Ice, antler-ridden fragilities from Jessica Helvey, tender thread and thimble entwined art by Rebecca Sullivan and grotesque, circus-themed imagery from Torey Bonar. And special guest boys Tim Dieterle, Lucas Gluesenkamp, Joel Schwarz and David Ekdahl. Wearing pink and red isn't required for tonight's opening – but we think it would make for an adorable visual addition! Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13TH
Old Stage Saturday Night
@ Turf Club 1601 University Ave. St. Paul
9pm/ 21+/ $6
Like any great holiday, the real fun starts the night before. Tonight, impress your Valentine's sweetie with your vast knowledge of local blues and down-home rockabilly by bringing him/her to ye' Old Stage Saturday Night with MPLS' legendary musician, Charlie Parr. Parr's 12-string pickin' banjo blues provide the perfect soundtrack to fall in love to – country style – and might even inspire you to take your sweetheart for a fancy spin around the Turf floor. With live sets from American folk song-crafter, Spider John Koerner and harmonica extraordinaire, Tony “Little Sun” Glover. If you invite enough of coupled-up friends, you could even start a square dance! Yee-haw!
@ Triple Rock Social Club 1808 S 7th St Minneapolis
10pm/$5/21+
Overly romantic ballads and lovey-dovey duets are encouraged at this Valentine’s inspired night of loud karaoke and yummy cupcakes! As a kick-off for the soon to be opened Cake Eater Bakery, cutesy cupcake crafters Emily and Sheela are hosting a sing-a-long V-day event this Saturday at the Triple Rock. Stop by for just 5 bucks to munch on specially baked red velvet and raspberry lemonade cupcakes or sip on delicious drinks at the bar, the jump on stage and sing your heart out!
@Red Stag Supper Club 509 1st Avenue NE Minneapolis
11pm/$5/21+
This year, Valentine’s Day is all about finding that special someone... and grindin’ on them! Especially now that V-Day’s Eve lands on the second Saturday of the month, which just so happens to be the same night as the one year anniversary of “Let’s Dance” at the Red Stag. The supper club has once again dropped its fancy-shmancy set up to host one of Minneapolis’ best monthly dance parties. Find your Valentine amongst some of the most handsome men and pretty ladies in town while encouraged by hot tunes from DJ Millions Billions and Tendercakes. Plus, our favorite hunk, Jonathan Ackerman will be this month's guest DJ!
Broken hearted and always in love, this is a project of one lovely lady Khaela Maricich on K Records. Never sappy, always hopeful, dancey and catchy, The Blow puts out consistently good albums with lyrics our hearts can get behind.
@ Rogue Buddha Gallery 357 13th Avenue Minneapolis
8pm / Free
Join l'étoile and our pals at the Rogue Buddha Gallery this Valentine's Day for a lovey dovey get together designed for singles and couples alike! Lay eyes on the current exhibit "Till Death Do Us Part" featuring work by artist couple Karen O'Bryan and RM Hanson while you mingle! Write sweet sentiments to your lovers, friends or that sexy stranger across the room on a pink paper heart and pop it in our anonymous "love note" box. We'll be periodically posting them up on the wall for everyone's perusal. Think of it as a live version of "Missed Connections," or a way to say what you really feel to someone you "heart." Enjoy pink specialty sips from UV, sweet treats courtesy of the lovely dames of Cake Eater Bakery, and saucy love songs from DJ Matt Perkins of MPR/Nomad Pub. Come party after Valentine's dinner with your sweetie, or gather your single friends for a V-Day flirt-a-thon! We'll even have a cozy makeout room ready and waiting!
@ 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 16: Dreamcatcher FEB 23: Nightwatch MAR 2: The Hunger
This week's flick is Dreamcatcher
GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR
Jahna Peloquin highlights the new lookbook from local designer Emily Bryngelson aka Tender Cuts.
Tender Cuts Spring 2010 lookbook
Check out these just-posted photos from Tender Cuts by Emily Bryngelson's Spring 2010 lookbook (as modeled by the designer). All designs, which debuted at the Avoid the Grey fashion show a couple of weeks ago, are currently available at Cliche. (2403 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.) The senior at the University of Minnesota just showed her senior collection on Saturday night, which I'm hoping ends up on the racks of Cliche as well.
If you missed Vita.mn's Hotness Party on Wednesday night, you certainly missed out on some eye candy! While l'étoile's own staff designer Chris Larson didn't take home the crown, he was a runner up, as were our good pals Paul Teravskis (Clubhouse Jager) and Trent Raygor (who you may remember from a couple choice l'etoile photo shoots!). Check out the winners AND Finalists in this week's issue of Vita.mn on stands NOW, or check 'em out online HERE!
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, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin
To request an event listing on letoilemagazine.com, or to inquire about advertising, e-mail kate@letoilemagazine.com
To send a promo or press release for consideration through U.S. mail:
l'etoile magazine
628 4th Street NE
2nd Floor
Minneapolis Mn 55413
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Scott Seekins and Nicholas Harper
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