Weekend What's What 11/13-11/18

WE BUILT THIS CITY

The always impressive and vibrant roster of events our hardworkin’ cities have to offer show no signs of diminishing, despite the growing chill. From creative conversations to outrageous art shows, rockin’ music to wild dance parties, the inhabitants of the Twin Cities have plotted out a party-packed itinerary that will please just about anyone. Both sides of the river represent well this time around, with animation and music in St. Paul, art and theater in Minneapolis, and oh-so much more. Set your plans early and make em’ count; the days of down jackets, big boots, and windshield-scraping is creeping up a bit too quickly for our taste!

xo-l’étoile




THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13TH

Creative Context with Anna Lee

@ The Guthrie Theater
Target Lounge
818 2nd Street S.
Minneapolis

10pm-2am / Free

Please join l’étoile magazine for this monthly post-show party in The Guthrie's Target Lounge, hosted by amazing women in Twin Cities arts and media. Happening each 2nd Thursday of the month, Creative Context features music by Jonathan Ackerman and DJ Bach, happy hour drink specials, and an opportunity for you to pick the brains of some of the most influential and creative women in the city - or just sip some vino with your friends while enjoying the view! Tonight join this month’s host, Anna Lee, founder of MNFashion and producer of Voltage: Fashion Amplified. Chat with Anna about the flourishing local fashion scene, what’s happening with Voltage, and learn about her own fantastic clothing and hat designs.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MORE INFO



THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13TH

Michael Rakowitz Lecture

@ MCAD
2501 Stevens Ave
Minneapolis

1pm / Free

MCAD’s lecture series is on a roll. This time Michael Rakowitz brings forth the question of: what does a society in crisis look like, and what does it need? From inflatable homeless shelters to replicas of objects looted from the Iraqi National Museum; his performances, installations, sculptures and interventions form the link between crisis and healing.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MCAD SITE



THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13TH

Full Moon Cabaret

@ Bedlam Theatre
1501 S 6th St.
Minneapolis

8pm / suggested donation

Celebrate the full moon on the Bedlam’s deck, complete with shadow puppets, music and lots of giggling, we’re sure. Best of all, the Bedlam has beer! Even if it sleets, hails or snows, the show will go on in the fireplace lounge. Drop a few ones in the hat that’s passed, and enjoy a cozy fall evening of cabaret entertainment!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BEDLAM SITE



THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13TH

A Tribute to the Kinks

@ 331 Club
331 NE 13th Ave
Minneapolis

9pm / free

God, the Kinks were hot. They also made a heap of good music. Let’s take a moment to pay homage to their fabulous haircuts and British flair. Askeleton is one of several bands to have the honor of doing renditions of their songs. Bonus: Get to the 331 before 9 to enjoy half price bottles of wine!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE 331 SITE



THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13TH

Red Stag Late Night Music Series: Black Audience

@ Red Stag Super Club
509 1st Ave NE
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

Jayanthi Kyle of Black Audience's big soul vocals will cut you to the quick with haunting renditions of gospel and blues numbers, creating a spellbinding spectacle of old-timey tunes. Along with the music, enjoy the late night happy hour with $3 select taps, $3 house wine and $4 cocktails!

ENTER TO WIN A $25 GIFT CARD: l'étoile and the Red Stag are giving away multiple $25 Gift Cards for Late Night Happy Hour at the Stag! E-mail kate@letoilemagazine.com with "RED STAG" in the subject line, along with your name and address to be entered to win! Restrictions: Bar tabs are only good after 10pm on Wednesdays or Thursdays through the end of November! Gift cards will be mailed to winners.

LAST WEEK'S WINNERS:

Cassie H.
Brad S.
Christina R.
Stephen S.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RED STAG SITE



FRIDAY ART PICK: PROSPECT 1

An art show of epic proportions has just launched in New Orleans. Big, but not easy, the biggest international biennial ever to hit our shores weighs in at 75 artists from around the world. Curated by Dan Cameron, this monumental exhibit means business. If you can’t make to the Crescent City, check out the artists on their site and get a taste of some of the best contemporary art out there. Through January 18, 2009.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PROSPECT 1 SITE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Fall Fine Arts Show

@ Grainbelt Bottling House
79 NE 13th Ave
Minneapolis

Opening Party 6pm-10pm Friday, Noon-5pm Sat, Noon-3pm Sun / Free

It’s not every day you’ll be privy to this much local art under one roof! Thanks to those geniuses over at the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association, the 9th annual Fall Fine Arts Show is on. With every type of art under the sun from 150 artists, catering by Chowgirls (yum!) and the artists themselves to mingle with, you have every reason to get down there! If you make it before 8pm, you can vote for the People’s Choice award, so make a night of it. You can also peep the artistic work of some of our l’etoile cohorts, on display at the show! Through Sunday, November 16th.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NEMAA SITE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14TH

1001

@ Mixed Blood Theater
1501 S 4th St.
Minneapolis

7:30pm/$22-26

In 1001, New York City has gotten trapped in a time warp with One Thousand and One Nights. A love story between an Arab man and Jewish woman meshed with politics, palaces, electronic wooing and adventure, this is storytelling at its finest.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MIXED BLOOD SITE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14TH

Long Night's Journey Into Day

@ The Chambers Burnet Gallery
901 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

6pm-9pm / Free

Megan Rye’s brother was stationed in Iraq as a Marine, taking pictures the entire time. He returned in 2005 and has supplied Megan with over 2,000 images to base her paintings on. Encouraging viewers to see the Iraq War through the eyes of someone who’s been there, Rye touches on perception, abstraction and reality in these riveting pieces. Through January 11th.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14TH

Somewhat Sci-Fi Variety Show

@ Patrick's Cabaret
3010 Minnehaha Ave.
Minneapolis

8pm / $10

The variety show: a medley of comedy and entertainment specifically aimed at those with low attention spans (i.e. all of us!). Popularized by early television, the variety show was the perfect coalescence of hidden talents, comedy skits, music and well, just about anything else. Tonight, Patrick's Cabaret puts their own spin on this entertainment style with a bit of science fiction infused. Arturo Miles and local b-boys breakdance to futuristic house and hip-hop beats and rock the Dune Chronicles inspired set. The show also includes alien dancing, covers of sci-fi theme songs, a burlesque piece based on the Wizard of Oz and boasts a performance featuring a super secret celebrity guest. Not geeky, don't be deterred. Like the title suggests, this show is only”somewhat” sci-fi; the rest is anyone's game.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PATRICK’S SITE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14TH

Rock the Cause Presents: Glitter Ball 2.0

@ Varsity Theater
1308 4th St SE
Minneapolis

7:30pm / 21+ / $10 advance-$15 at the door

Channel your inner Bowie while raising AIDS awareness with a slew of bands including the Crash Street Kids, All the Pretty Horses, White Light Riot, The Debut, So It Goes, Mercurial Rage, Sick of Sarah and Transmission DJ Jake Rudh spinning glam-tastic tracks from T-Rex, David Bowie, Queen, The Stooges, Roxy Music and more in between bands. The evening commences with a wine tasting and screening of Velvet Goldmine, and glitter kids arriving early will have the chance to be styled by the lovely ladies from Jungle Red Salon. Hosted by hilarious alcoholic Ian Rans of Drinking With Ian. Proceeds support the Minnesota Aids Project and Clare Housing.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VARSITY THEATER SITE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14TH

Hot Hot Heat

@ Coffman Union
300 University Ave SE
Minneapolis

8pm / 18+ / $15 students, $20 everyone else

Things are about to get steamy tonight as twitchy, tuneful Canadians Hot Hot Heat deliver the kind of soaring sonics that only arenas can house. Luckily, you can see them in the intimate confines of Coffman Union, with Love in October and ZibraZibra.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE COFFMAN UNION SITE



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14TH

Street Sounds Swirlin' Through My Mind

@ First Ave VIP Room
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis

10pm / 18+/ $3 before midnight, $5 after

During it's first night, rare disco tracks poured from the decks and in the background played vintage videos of psychedelic dance moves courtesy of James Brown's forgotten television show, “Future Shock” - a “Soul Train” carbon copy. It's that kind of uniqueness that sets the “Street Sounds” dance installments apart from other monthly First Ave dance nights (and there's a plethora of them). Mike the 2600 King, Attitude City and Winship seduce the VIP room tonight with tracks that will have you fantasizing 70's style all month long. As you should know by now, l'étoile sponsors anything “rollerskate funk” related, so join us this evening and you won't be disappointed.

Co-Sponsored by l’étoile magazine!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FIRST AVE SITE



COOL LINK: THEONES2WATCH

In the fashion industry, everyone believes they are “the ones to watch.” With so many creatively talented fresh faces, it's difficult to keep abreast. TheOnes2Watch New Wave is “a showcase of the people behind the lens” – an expansive array of the field's most talented newcomers from photographers, stylists and hair/makeup artists, to illustrators, fashion designers and casting directors. TheOnes2Watch is frequently updated and filled with breathtaking samples of the artist's work. Too often the only introduction to new talent we experience is through reality television competitions which are fun to watch but juxtaposed with abrasive personalities. Let's be honest, all we really care about is the finished product in its unique entirety. TheOnes2Watch is the best link for sorting the avant-garde geniuses from the those overly hyped.

The image below is by October's highlighted photographer, Pierre Debusschere. To visit TheOnes2Watch website, click the link below.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THEONES2WATCH SITE



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15TH

RNC 8 Defense Rummage Sale

@ Walker Community Church
3104 16th Ave S
Minneapolis

10am-6pm / Free

Are you the type of do-gooder that shops for the cure, so to speak? This rummage sale is for you. A benefit for the RNC 8, a group of activists facing massive legal fees due to arrests during the craziness that was the RNC. The mountain of clothes, art, music, kids’ stuff, and whatever-else-has-been-donated for the cause will transform your find into someone’s legal aid. If you’ve got stuff to donate, feel free to drop them off the day of the sale before 11am. Shop for justice!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
Photo of RNC Protest by Kate Iverson/Digital Crush



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15TH

Book Arts Festival

@ Open Book
1011 Washington Ave S, Suite 100
Minneapolis

10am-5pm / Free

Over 40 artists comprise this year's 7th annual event. Minnesota Center's Book Arts Festival is dedicated to appreciation and support for local consumer exchange. Sponsored by one of the Twin Cities' principal literature advocates, The Loft Literary Center, the Book Arts Festival showcases journals, books, decorative paper, cards, gifts and other crafts by local artists. The designs found at the Book Arts Festival are perfect for filling early holiday stockings with something uniquely handmade. Meet the artists, enjoy discounted sales in the MCBA gift shop and participate in a fun family ornament-making activity. This event continues on Sunday from noon to 5 PM.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MCBA SITE



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15TH

Rox Jewelry Trunk Show

@ Key North
514 E Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

Saturday Noon-6pm, Sunday Noon to 3pm / Free

Our fave Fox 9 News Anchor AND our fave jewelry designer, Robyne Robinson, shows off her wares at Key North - just in time for the present-pushing season! Whether you’re seeking a gift for that special someone, or a spectacular centerpiece for that dazzling holiday party dress (or suit, Rox does mens jewelry too!), you’ll definitely find something amazing. Made with decadent, exotic, and natural stones and precious metals, Rox spans from the most delicate danglings to the most bold and stately adornment.

BONUS: Want more RR? Hit up DIVAMN's Ultimate Pajama Party at the Graves 601 this Friday!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ROX SITE
Photo by Kate Iverson/Digital Crush



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15TH

Samuel R. Delany

@ Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis

2pm / Free

As a gay, black writer, Samuel R. Delany broke conventions and entered into a writing genre mostly dominated by white, presumably straight, males – Science Fiction. As he showcased his presence through award winning fantasy novels Babel-17 and Dhalgren, he also dabbled in erotica, memoir and social commentary. Delany paved the way for Science Fiction geniuses such as Octavia Bulter, inviting authors to freely create not just a fantasy world but stories with complex characters, multi-racial and perhaps even sexually ambiguous. Currently, Delany is the English and Creative Writing professor at Philadelphia's Temple University and was also the subject of a 2007 documentary film. His highly acclaimed work is as versatile as it is radical. The Walker Art Center welcomes this literary critic for an afternoon of reading. Don't miss a rare trip into the world of sci-fi legend Samuel R. Delany.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE WALKER SITE



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15TH

Animated!

@ MMAA
50 West Kellogg Boulevard
St. Paul

7pm-11pm / $5 ($3 students)

While our hearts are breaking over the fact that the Minnesota Museum of American Art will lose its awesome space in Downtown St. Paul sometime in 2009, we’ll rejoice in the fact that we can still enjoy it while it’s still around. Tonight is one of those times. Come down to the MMAA for an evening of animation at its best, as the museum screens a number of short films by local and regional artists – including one by l’etoile homies Clement Shimizu and Kate Iverson! Included in the ticket price is also a chance to play around with PUNY Studios interactive animation installation, and also the chance to suck down a few complimentary alcoholic (and non-alcoholic if you’re boring) beverages on a crisp autumn eve in ye old St. Peazy!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MMAA SITE
Stills from Clement Shimizu/Kate Iverson Short



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15TH

Local Fauna

@ Umber Studios
3109 E 42nd St.
Minneapolis

8pm-11pm / Free

We’ve heard of road kill stew, but never blankets made of the little fuzzy unfortunates! Pamela Valfer challenges ideas of beauty, death, landscape and our effect on the modern environment. Detailed drawings of car-stricken animals share the space with quilts made from reclaimed fur. Only at Umber Studios, of course. Through December 7th.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15TH


MINIMAL/MANIMAL 4th Volunteer Biennale

@ Soap Factory
518 2nd St. SE
Minneapolis

7pm-11pm/free

Know why shows and events at the Soap Factory are consistently im-press-ive? They’ve got a great roster of volunteer talent, with curators, artists and other creatives in the fold. 40 of these emerging artists get their time to shine at the fourth annual volunteer biennale. Get down there and congratulate the artists on another show well done. Through November 30th.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15TH

Shoreline CD Release Party

@ Nomad World Pub
501 Cedar Avenue
West Bank

9pm / 21+

Join indie rockers Shoreline for the release of their latest album, The Noise We Make, tonight at the Nomad World Pub. The boys are joined by other local faves Red Daughters, and DJs Inuit and our personal hero, Millions Billions!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NOMAD SITE



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15TH

Lookbook CD Release

@ 7th Street Entry
701 First Avenue
Minneapolis

8pm / 18+ / $6

Join up and coming electro-pop duo Lookbook as they unleash their sinister trip-hop and various synthetic textures to a captivated audience from the stage at the Entry. Supported by scene faves Haunted House, this is simply too good to be missed.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LOOKBOOK MYSPACE



SUNDAY NOVEMBER 16TH

The Wretched Rising

@ Black Dog Café and Wine Bar
308 Prince St.
St. Paul

8pm / donation at the door/all ages

Junkyard Empire is on the move! Gaining steam after their big show at the RNC, this hip hop/jazz/indie collective of musicians hosts two New York bands at the Black Dog! Socially conscious, politically moved and standing in solidarity with all the other activists, Broadcast Live and Taina Asili y la Banda Rebelde kick it up about ten notches tonight in St. Paul.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BLACK DOG SITE



A TINY MACHINE MONDAY

Another post from our fave sci-fi/beauty blogger A Tiny Machine. Click HERE to check out more posts.

I Heart Diffusion Lines

Holy crap. After months of rumors and speculation, it's been announced that Alexander McQueen will be designing a capsule collection for Target. This won't be an addition to the discount chain's successful Go International line (Target intends to keep that line focused on smaller labels and up-and-comers. Thakoon, Luella Bartley, Richard Chai, Paul & Joe, etc.), but will instead be the first installment of Designer Collaborations, a series of capsule collections featuring more established designers.

It should be noted that McQueen's collection for Target will be a version of his lower-priced McQ line, as opposed to an interpretation of his high fashion looks. McQueen's line will launch in March, so Thakoon will have to satisfy our discount designer cravings for now.

Additionally, the first pictures of I Heart Ronson, Charlotte Ronson's new line for JCPenney, have been trickling onto the internet. The looks are definitely in step with Ronson's rock girl sensibility, and that floral one-piece paired with shiny black leggings has me rethinking my stance on rompers. By the time the collection is released in February, the Minnesota winter will have me desperate for these flirty floral numbers.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TINY MACHINE SITE



TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18TH

Silver + Gold

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave.
North Loop

Every Tuesday / 21+ / 10pm / Free

Join DJ Jonathan Ackerman and l’étoile magazine for an evening of sly winks and sideways glances every Tuesday at Clubhouse Jager. Create some mystery, sip 2-4-1 cocktails with pretty people, and dance the night away to electro, pop, and so much more.

BONUS: Flirt up a storm then visit letoilemagazine.com on Wednesdays for "missed connections" from the night before!

Sponsored by l'étoile magazine & Alphasuede

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR L'ETOILE TEXT CONNECTIONS



What's What Editor: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Beth Hammarlund, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson

CONTENT © L'ETOILE MAGAZINE 2008

Weekend What's What: Art-A-Whirl Special Edition

WHIRL-WIND

This weekend's off-the-chart whirlwind of creative tornadic activity lands you in Northeast Minneapolis for Art-A-Whirl, the largest studio crawl in the upper Midwest! Investing in a piece of local artwork will make your life a little brighter - and with the vast number of open studios and galleries at your disposal this weekend, you'll be hard pressed not find something to love. In honor of said festivities, we dedicate this edition of the What's What to ART and those who make it - words really can't express how much we appreciate you!

Tip: Info booths will be scattered throughout Nordeast, so be sure to stop and pick up an Art-A-Whirl catalog and map for organized art-ing.

xo-l'étoile

Photo by Jayme Halbritter/l'étoile agency for mplsart



THURSDAY MAY 15TH

RetroRama

@ MN History Center
345 W. Kellogg Blvd
St.Paul

7-11pm / $15

Join the prolific Miz Anna Lee along with style geniuses Eclecticoiffeur and a bevy of local designers for this 1950's inspired fashion show at the MN History Center. Featuring Laura Fulk, Calpurina Peach, Kerry Riley and more, plus shopping boutique by Swank Retro and Via's Vintage, bingo with celebrity callers, a 1950s-60s photo exhibit, and music by Lucy Michelle & The Velvet Lapelles and Transmission's DJ Jake Rudh!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RETRORAMA SITE



THURSDAY MAY 15TH

Sound Funktion

@ 414 Soundbar
414 3rd Ave. N
Warehouse District

10pm / 21+ / Free

This Thursday get DEEP at the 414 Sound Bar. Dress code: Sexy, because you know how the Soundbar does! Come mingle with Minnesota Lynx players and dance to the sultry sounds of DJs James Patrick, Aaron Bliss, and Jesse Jakob.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUNDBAR SITE
Photo by Digital Crush



ART-A-WHIRL SPOTLIGHT: KYLE FOKKEN

Local sculpture scion Kyle Fokken has more than a few high-profile accolades under his belt. A longtime Art-A-Whirl staple, you can expect to see Fokken's signature style of antique fantasy appropriation work on display this weekend in locations including The Placement Gallery and the Rogue Buddha Gallery. We guarantee you'll be taken with his impeccably constructed birds of flight, sleek wheeled monstrosities, and general phantasma!

We sat down with the charming Mr. Fokken himself for a quick q&a this week....

How long have you been participating in Art-A-Whirl and how has it changed since you became involved?


I first became involved in Art-A-Whirl in 1998 when I shared a studio in the Tyler Street Building on 13th and Tyler. That was the year we had major storms blow through knocking out the power for most of the weekend. My studio mate called it our "Art in the Dark" show. Things were a little more rough and tumble in those days and there were more crazy parties in illegal living spaces. A couple of years later, when I was on the NEMAA board as a 2 term Treasurer, I assisted with the Arts Action Plan that created the Arts District, hire staff and increase the number of board positions to include community and business leaders.

What influences your work?


I'm influenced by a number of artists, writers, and philosophies, but I look to engineering, antique toys and outsider art as my primary inspirations. I've been influenced by creative problem solvers in all fields, but my work favors engineering as it applies to machines of the last century. I'm intrigued by how the Wright Brothers studied nature to achieve powered flight and how other inventors did not comprehend that flapping homemade wings while jumping off of a cliff could lead to their deaths. I take delight in vehicle forms - aircrafts in particular - and how they relate to their function, but also am influenced by the designs that go awry. I guess this falls in line with why I like outsider art, since I appreciate the imperfect aesthetic and avoid slick, antiseptic design. This is also true as to why I like antique toy designs from the early part of the last century. There's a clunky wonderfulness that speaks of greater things that the child isn't old enough to use in real life, or that may be too fantastical for reality. I refer to them as a cultural barometer to study where our own culture was and may be headed.

What would be your dream project if money and materials were no object?

I think my dream project would be to remake a city using my designs for the trains, buses, cars and planes. I would work with designers from auto companies, aircraft, boat and train manufacturers to invent unique, interesting vehicles to ferry people and goods around. Granted, most of my designs aren't air/land/sea worthy, but I think it would be an interesting experiment. I'd also have a hand in redesigning/building upon the city infrastructure - roads and bridges, traffic flow, pedestrian/bicycle walkways etc. since a well designed street is aesthetic in nature as well. I would employ outstanding local, national and international architects, engineers and artists, to aid in this endeavor since I believe that it is healthy to have variety of viewpoints to grow neighborhoods "organically" to improve the aesthetics and usage for the people who live there. So, my dream? Have a big civic project to share with others. Oh, yeah - and be the first person to make a sculptural installation on the moon - Ha!

What do you think are your greatest accomplishments, artistic and otherwise?


I would have to say that my first and biggest accomplishment set up all the others. I am the first of my family to graduate from college (since leaving Europe over a hundred years ago.) I'm also the first to travel overseas and live/work in another country. After working for a few years, I was able to afford to tour much of Europe by myself, then later had trips to Greece, Thailand and Italy with my lovely wife. I'd have to say that having been married almost 6 years and have a great little boy and baby girl that we are so proud of is a great accomplishment as well. I chalk it all up to being able to leave my hometown and get an education. Artistically, I would have to say my biggest achievements so far are that I won a competition for the cover of an international sculpture magazine (Sculptural Pursuit) and had a show at a gallery on the Upper East Side of Manhattan (yes, NYC, not Kansas). Of course, there are numerous other press and publications, awards and shows, a fair number of sold work under my belt, but I still feel that the best has yet to come!

What are your top 5 albums to make art to?

Big Black - Songs About Fucking
Jesus Lizard - LIAR
Husker Du - Zen Arcade (of course)
Iggy Pop - Raw Power
Brother Ali - The Undisputed Truth

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE KYLE FOKKEN SITE



FRIDAY MAY 16TH

Sandra Dowd: Dancing with Paint

@ Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson St. NE
Studio 376
Northeast Mpls

8pm / Free

Johnny Depp is hottt, this we know (hence the three t’s). Artist Sandra Dowd pays homage by painting a portrait of Johnny in pastels, while listening to music from his movies in only 20 minutes. Blink and you’ll miss it!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SANDRA DOWD SITE
"Marilyn" By Sandra Dowd



FRIDAY MAY 16TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

Pure Pleasure: 10 Years of Curating by Yuri Arjas

@ Thorp Building
1620 Central Ave. NE
Northeast Mpls

Reception Friday 6-10pm

Placement Gallery will feature 20 artists shown over the past 10 years by curator Yuri Arjas, live speed painting by JAO, plus the stellar tuneage of DJ Espada. Yuri’s moving to Canada, eh, so this will be the last Placement Gallery show in Minneapolis for quite awhile, but never say never!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
Art by Greg Gossell



FRIDAY MAY 16TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)

Heliotrope

@ The Ritz Theater
345 13th Avenue NE
Northeast Mpls

May 15th-17th / Check Web for Times

Flaneur Productions presents a weekend of underground music. Tokyo modern-psych band Suishou No Fune joins a line up of entirely local musicians in this annual show. Just a taste: Gay Beast, Skoal Kodiak, Vampire Hands plus the hotness that is DJ Croix Clayton between bands. Enough said?

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FLANEUR SITE
Poster design by Kevin Boettcher



DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: 13TH AVENUE

13th & University Avenue

Known as "Arts Avenue", 13th Ave. is easily the most bustling and eclectic stretch of Artsy prime real estate in Northeast. A jaunt down this strip will lead you into Art-A-Whirl destinations such as Rogue Buddha Gallery, Art Trujillo Gallery, Gallery 13, MN Center for Photography, Frank Stone Gallery, and more. Stop in for a cocktail at the 331 or the Peacock Lounge, or grab a tasty bite at the Modern Cafe or Eurodeli.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE 13TH AVE SITE



FRIDAY MAY 16TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

One by Eleven

@ MPLS Photo Co-op
2400 North 2nd St.
Northeast Mpls

Reception 5-10pm (and all weekend) / Free

It's a bit off the beaten track, but you absolutely won't regret a trip to the MPLS Photo Co-op! This collective of a number of talented photographers is one of the more under-exposed (pardon our pun) Northeast art stops on the map but it's also one of the most visually exciting! Explore the vast 2nd floor of this warehouse art building filled to the brim with gorgeous photography by Twin Cities shutterbugs of the highest caliber. Lead by Artistic Director Orin Rutchick, the MPLS Photo Co-op offers not only delicious eye candy, but also debuts its expanded gallery space and learning center this weekend. Make this stop a priority, we insist!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MPLS PHOTO COOP SITE



FRIDAY MAY 16TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

Adam Turman

@ Artistic Indulgence
302 E. Hennepin Ave.
Northeast Mpls

Reception 7-10pm / Free

Isn’t Minneapolis purty? So much so that Adam Turman has screenprinted an ode to our fair city. Stop by the reception on Friday to meet the man and pick up some must-own loose prints.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ADAM TURMAN SITE



FRIDAY MAY 16TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

Spot-A-Whirl

@ Spot Art
1828 Marshall St. NE
Northeast Mpls

Receptions 7-11pm Friday & Saturday

Nine amazing artists, a bright and spacious gallery (along with a very interesting and adorable guard dog), and a yearly Art-A-Whirl tradition spur on firedancers and music by Lonesome Dan Kase on Friday, and a fashion show, music by Faux Jean and more on Saturday. One of the best Art-A-Whirl parties around!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SPOT ART SITE
Art by Ryan Kelly



FRIDAY MAY 16TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

Art-A-Whirl at CW Lofts

@ CW Lofts
730 Stinson Blvd
Northeast Mpls

All Weekend / Free

Cupcakes and truffles will be eaten, books will be signed and 25 artists will amaze you at this historic Cream of Wheat building. Qué yum!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CW LOFTS SITE
Photography by Terry Barth



FRIDAY MAY 16TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

Area 52 Open Jam Night

@ Casket Arts Carriage House
17th & Jefferson
Northeast Mpls

Music Starts 8pm Friday / Free

400 musicians make up Area 52. They’ve invited their friends (which equals a lot of talent) to their annual open jam night. Open your ears, you're in for a treat.

BONUS:The Casket Arts Building is a Art-A-Whirl must-stop - dozens of open studios and numerous other events will be going on all weekend!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CASKET ARTS SITE
Photo by Kate Pabst



FRIDAY MAY 16TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

NEMAA Silent Auction

@ The Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson St. NE
Room 332
Northeast Mpls

Regular AAW Hours / Free

No Art-A-Whirl excursion is complete without a trip to the Northrup King Building! After perusing the huge number of artist studios in the biggest art building in Northeast, stop into the 3rd Floor Gallery for a peek at over 100 NEMAA members work up for bid in this annual silent Auction, which closes at 3pm sharp on Sunday!

BONUS: Come say hi to l'etoile Arts Editor and NEMAA auction coordinator Kate Iverson - she'll be there all weekend!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NEMAA SITE



FRIDAY MAY 16TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

Safe House Boat

@ Docked behind the Sample Room
22nd & Marshall Ave.
Northeast Mpls

Reception 7-11pm / Free

Creative Electric Studios returns from a long hiatus with Safe House Boat. Tucked behind the Sample Room on the Mississippi River, Safe House Boat will display survivalist Dennis "Kiddie" Cramer's boat and possessions. A cross between found art and voyeurism if you ask us - but that doesn't mean we aren't dying to see it!

BONUS: Live music by White Map and The Owls who will play while floating by on Pontoon boats!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM



FRIDAY MAY 16TH

Honeymoon

@ VIP Room
701 1st Ave. N
Downtown Mpls

10pm / 18+ / $3 or $10 t-shirt admission

One of our only non-Art-A-Whirl-related plugs this week, but we think you need to know! The Moongoons tear things up, as usual, at the VIP tonight along with special guests When the Eagle Met the Wolf. Dress code is GOLD, which we know you have no shortage of, being glam as all get out.

BONUS: Check out the pre-Honeymoon performance at ROBOTlove from 4-6pm to swill some PBR and win some glorious prizes!

Honeymoon is sponsored by l'étoile magazine and ROBOTlove

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MOONGOONS SITE



SATURDAY MAY 17TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

Johnstock

@ Various Locations
28th & Johnson
Northeast Minneapolis

10am-8pm / Free

Over 40 craft and art vendors will be packing the Merchant Parking Lot this year. With tons of live music, free face painting and crazy hairstyling at Shannon Aleczander Salon, you could let Johnstock eat up your entire afternoon.

BONUS: l'étoile cohort Papernova will be peddling her eclectic array of wares at this event!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE JOHNSTOCK MYSPACE
Jewelry by Papernova/Photo by Digital Crush



SATURDAY MAY 17TH

Art-A-Whirl at Maude Salon

@ Maude Salon
Q.arma Building
1224 Quincy St. NE
Northeast Mpls

Noon-5pm / Free

Not only do the pretty and sweet ladies of Maude Salon know how to make you look like a million bucks, but they know how to make you feel like it too! Stop into Maude this Art-A-Whirl to check out their awesome art collection and beautifully decked out space, pick up some cute and crafty goodness created by salon owner Amy Terry, get a sassy and colorful hair extension put in, and best of all, meet and greet with the Maude mascot - Beatrice (pictured below w/ l'etoile editor in chief Beth Hammarlund!)

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MAUDE SITE
Photo by Digital Crush



SATURDAY MAY 17TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Metal & Music

@ Elias Metal Studio
1129 Van Buren St. NE
Northeast Minneapolis

12-8 pm / Free

There's more to welding than what you learned from watching Flashdance. Check out live blacksmithing demonstrations by Lisa Elias with performances by Jello Slave, The Mighty Mofos, The Loose Rails, Arcwelder, Lumber, Jackie Wilson, Alias, Repo, and Marcy School Rock Band. Can't make it Saturday? The demonstrations/fun will continue all day Sunday.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ELIAS SITE
Metal work by Lisa Elias



SATURDAY MAY 17TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

Lift Kids Presents Jim Daniels

@ Global House
1302 2nd St. NE Ste. 220
Northeast Minneapolis

Reception 5-10pm Friday / Free

Lift Kids presents a three-day exhibition of photographs from National Geographic Lives of Service. The photographer, Jim Daniels, will be at the event to speak about his work. To learn more about the eco-friendly Lift Kids and their inspiring mission, visit the link below.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LIFT KIDS SITE



SATURDAY MAY 17TH

My Art School Summer

@ Ritz Theater
345 13th Ave. NE
Northeast Minneapolis

2pm / $5 suggested donation / adults only

This 90-minute sex comedy for adults is the first hand-drawn animated cartoon to be produced in Northeast Minneapolis. The film, which premiered in Rio de Janeiro, will be making its Twin Cities debut at the Ritz Theater this afternoon.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RITZ SITE



DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: Q.ARMA BUILDING

1224 Quincy Street NE

Easily the most rockin' building on your Art-A-Whirl itinerary! Not only can you check out the amazing comic art show at Altered Esthetics Gallery and get your mitts on this year's Lutefisk Sushi volume, but you can also feast your eyes on work by a number of "orphan artists" (NEMAA members without studios in Northeast) plus the work of residents throughout the building. Add live music all day long, hair extensions by Maude Salon, and movies projected on the wall after dark, and we think you've got yourself one amazing Art-A-Whirl experience!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE Q.ARMA WEBSITE
Q.arma Building Poster by Adam Turman



SATURDAY MAY 17TH

Fifteen Minutes of Fashion

@ Thorpe Building
1618-1620 Central Ave. NE
Northeast Minneapolis

4 pm / Free

The Fifteen Minutes of Fashion show features designs by Laura Fulk, Mindy Martell, Nancy Pohl, Ivan Idland, Greta Herman and Saira Huff. Hosted by Colleen Kruse, the event will culminate with a live photo shoot by Thorp Building photographer Josh Stokes. Stick around after the show (which uses the Thorpe Building freight elevator as it's runway) for a fashion boutique, beer and wine samples, and a chance to meet the designers. Seating is limited, so don't be late!

BONUS: As is the yearly tradition, enjoy live music in the freight elevator all day long - not to mention tons of open studios at the birthplace of Art-A-Whirl: the Thorpe Building!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE THORPE BLDG SITE



SATURDAY MAY 17TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

Haunted by a Painters Ghost & Pieces of Italy

@ Icebox Quality Framing & Gallery
1500 Jackson St. NE Ste. 443
Northeast Minneapolis

Reception 8pm-midnight / Free

"Haunted by a Painter's Ghost" features black and white photo compositions by Dominic Rouse. The surrealistic dreamscapes are juxtaposed with Howard Christopherson's "Pieces of Italy", a photo collection aimed to capture real moments in everyday life.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM



SATURDAY MAY 17TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

I Dreamed I Dream Opening Reception

@ Fox Tax Gallery
503 1st Ave. NE
Northeast Minneapolis

6-11pm / Free

The Gallery @ Fox Tax and guest curator Emma Berg of mplsart.com present a group exhibition featuring four amazing young painters: Deuce Seven, Rudy Fig, DC Ice and Keith Eric Williams. The collection represents "the places born in the moments spent drifting behind closed eyes", and from what we've seen of this show so far, that means imagination rich, candy colored works of pure delight!

BONUS: Pop in to the Red Stag after the opening for the l'étoile and HYPE sponsored Art-A-Whirl After Party featuring Black Blondie!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
Photo by Jayme Halbritter/l'étoile agency for mplsart



SATURDAY MAY 17TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

Art-A-Whirl Musicfest

@ The 331 Club
331 13th Ave. NE
Northeast Minneapolis

1pm-2am / Free

This year's Musicfest is the 331's largest to date. With hostess Alexis McKinnis of Vita.mn, a visit from Dr. Sketchy's Anti Art School, and performances by Heiruspecs, Roma di Luna and Breaksea Caravel, you could easily be sucked in to spending your entire Saturday at the 331. Art vendors will be set up in the lot, giving you even more of a reason to stay.

For a complete schedule and lineup visit the link below!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE 331 SITE



SATURDAY MAY 17TH (AND ALL WEEKEND)

Art-A-Whirl at Grumpy's

@ Grumpy's Northeast
2200 4th St. NE
Northeast Minneapolis

Noon-8pm / Free

Stop by hipster-fave dive bar Grumpy's Northeast for live music from bands including Awesome Snakes, Romantica, and Chooglin’ plus BBQin' on the patio and more. Now that they have Surly on tap, this annual backyard Art-A-Whirl party is even more inviting.


CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GRUMPY'S SITE



SATURDAY MAY 17TH

Art-A-Whirl After Party

@ The Red Stag
509 1st Ave NE
Northeast Mpls

10pm / 21+ / Free

After you're all whirled out from traipsing across the Art District, take a well deserved siesta at the Red Stag and close out your evening the right way. Enjoy delicious drinks and food, good company, and the sexy sounds of Black Blondie.

Sponsored by HYPE and l'étoile magazine!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RED STAG SITE



SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: STAR EYES

Hot smart chick DJ Star Eyes of Trouble & Bass (NYC) has been rocking the dance scene since she was 15 years old, and it shows. Having played alongside some of the biggest names in the DJ game, Star Eyes literally puts stars in OUR eyes with her seemingly endless resume of uber-coolness. Not only does she have a midas touch on the decks, but she also reigns supreme as Editor in Chief at the cooler-than-cool San Fran based music and culture mag, XLR8R.

Catch Star Eyes NEXT WEEK in the M-P-L-S at Do It To It, Friday May 23rd at First Ave - co-sponsored by l'étoile magazine!

As part of l'étoile's ongoing artist-on-artist feature we asked local Boy Mike Davis aka Mike the 2600 King to interview friend and cohort Star Eyes...

How did you get started DJing?

I was crazy into raves and techno starting around age 13. Most DJs in L.A. would only play maybe 50% of music I liked, so I started buying records for myself. When I was 15, my boyfriend at the time sold me a pair of used turntables that belonged to his uncle, who was a mobile DJ. And now look.

People come up to me while I'm DJing and ask me to play stupid songs or make bizarre requests all the time. What's the weirdest request you've ever gotten while spinning?

I find it more bizarre when people come up and ask for a specific underground remix or something good rather than "Got any M.I.A." or "Play hip-hop." But someone once gave me and the other Syrup Girl $100 to play a freestyle track (Debbie Deb, I think). We did, of course.

What are the five songs you're most excited to play next time you DJ?


MC Dynamite: What (Jack Beats Remix)
Mathhead x Passions: Turn the Music Up (AC Slater Rmx)
Rusko: Cockney Thug (Drums of Death Baltimore Thug Rmx)
Vet & RS4: Rudeboy DJ
Mr. V: Game Over

Of all the other DJs playing at next Friday's DO IT TO IT at First Avenue, who are you most excited to hear and share the turntables with?

I am excited to play with all the homies from Minneapolis. And Dave Nada. Last time we were together he poured a whole bottle of vodka on his head, so the stakes are high.

The whole bottle? That guy's crazy! Okay, so it turns out you are also the big cheese over at XLR8R Magazine. How did that come to be?

It was my dream to be a magazine editor since I was about 16. I started writing drum & bass 12" reviews for XLR8R in 1997 and I was always around in San Francisco, so when it was time to get someone new on the editorial staff, I was lucky enough to be suggested by Tomas Palermo, the former editor (who actually gave me one of my first DJ gigs). When he stepped down in late 2004, I got promoted to "big cheese."

Who's the least cooperative person you've ever had to interview?

Top two biggest dicks have been Grooverider and Map of Africa (Thomas from Rub N Tug and DJ Harvey).

What are your predictions for musical artists or fashion trends about to blow up for the rest of 2008?


After years of saying it, I think goth and industrial music and fashion is really making a comeback (Pointy shoes! Horror movie designs! Victoriana! Nitzer Ebb!). Other music trends I think will be big in the rest of 08: the whole Baltimore art-rock scene, warehouse parties are back!, this "lazer bass" movement or whatever you want to call it (Rustie. Lazer Sword. Megasoid. Glitch Mob), dubstep and nouveau dancehall is really happening, the return of shoegaze, and of course Trouble & Bass!! Grunge is coming back in fashion, but I don't know if I necessarily support that, though I like flannels. Me and Passions are really into capes and oversized Bernard Wilhelm hoodies.

See Star Eyes in Minneapolis next Friday, May 23rd as she joins a stellar lineup of the best local and national DJs at "DO IT TO IT" in the First Avenue Mainroom - co-sponsored by l'etoile magazine of course!

ABOUT THE INTERVIEWER: Starting off as a college radio DJ in St. Louis, Mike Davis released a series of funk and rare groove mixtapes, gaining him the attention of Turntable Lab and Life Sucks Die Magazine, with whom he would eventually team up to help start Burlesque of North America. You can catch Mike playing around Minneapolis, mixing funk, golden era hip hop, disco rap, and Motown oldies.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE STAR EYES MYSPACE



BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: CALIFORNIA BUILDING

2205 NE California Street

Make the trek over to the California Building, a Northeast staple! This 5-story building chocked full of cool artists studios will surely entice art lovers, buyers, and gawkers alike. Make sure to visit one of our faves, Doug Padilla (Featured in last week's edition of the What's What) on the 3rd floor for loads of artistic commentary as well as beautiful art! While you're there, check out Doug's fashion collages made with images from l'étoile magazine!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE STUDIO ARTS BUILDINGS
Art by Doug Padilla/photo by Digital Crush



MONDAY MAY 19TH

Hot Roxx

@ The Hexagon
2600 27th Ave. S
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

Join DJs Macku$ and Jen for their rockin' monthly installment of Hot Roxx at the Hex! Keep it "all in the family" with a line up of killer local bands including Vampire Hands, Private Dancer, and the Notorious Private Bird Brothers - all doing 1970s covers!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HOT ROXX MYSPACE



TUESDAY MAY 20TH

Silver + Gold

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave.
North Loop

Every Tuesday / 21+ / 10pm / Free

Join DJ Jonathan Ackerman and l’étoile magazine for an evening of sly winks and sideways glances every Tuesday at Clubhouse Jager. Create some mystery, sip 2-4-1 cocktails with pretty people, and dance the night away to electro, pop, and so much more.

BONUS: Flirt up a storm then visit letoilemagazine.com on Wednesdays for "missed connections" from the night before!

Sponsored by l'étoile magazine & Alphasuede

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR L'ETOILE TEXT CONNECTIONS