After screening the film Low: You May Need a Murderer featuring the local band Low, the Sound Unseen Film Festival hosted a party in the swank, colorful and brand new reception space at the Aloft Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. The night's entertainment menu included dance-pop band The Battle Royale, the synth electro stylings of UltraChorus and old school jams from DJ Real Talk Radio.
Click below or visit www.digitalcrushphoto.com to view the pics!
Suit up party people! This weekend holds an eclectic barrage of so many art, music, fashion and film events that you'll need the organizational skills of a champion to keep them all straight. Our suggestion? Make an itinerary and stick to your guns - you'll need to arm yourself with the proper knowledge to navigate this one, so make your party plans early. We hope to see you out and about!
@ SooVAC Toomer Gallery 2640 Lyndale Ave S Minneapolis
Thurs 12-8, Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4 & Sun 12-4 / Free
Okay, this is serious. You have T-minus four days to catch the Minneatures show at the SooVAC's Toomer Gallery! Hundreds of Lego-inspired limited-edition digital prints on mini canvases have popped up in the gallery, hoping you’ll figure out which pop icon they represent. Los Angeles-based artist Plasticgod is the mastermind behind these celeb and political figure pop culture musings. The John Vogt show is also closing in the main gallery, so hurry!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOOVAC SITE
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23RD
Hell's Kitchen Re-Opening Party
@ Hell's Kitchen (New Location) Metro Building 80 S. 9th Street Downtown Minneapolis
4:30-8pm / Free
Go to Hell tonight as this Minneapolis fave re-opens its doors in a new location, just a short jaunt away from its old spot! Sample tasty (and complimentary) appetizers, champagne and bloody marys ala Hell's Kitchen, and be entertained by a lively musical cabaret. Located on the lower level of the Metro Building, this aptly underground restaurant still maintains its standard of deliciousness and even one-ups it with the addition of one of our favorite fashion designers, Katy Gerdes, on pastry chef duty! And if you know Katy, you know she's as sweet as sugar, so it makes perfect sense!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HELL'S KITCHEN SITE
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23RD
20 Years of Cinema Lounge
@ Minnesota History Center 345 Kellogg Blvd St. Paul
7pm / Free
For 20 years, IFP's Cinema Lounge has been showcasing short films from local and independent filmmakers. Mixed with anything from narratives to animation to music videos, these films have celebrated the energy of the underground arts in Minnesota. Tonight, in honor of their 20th anniversary, Cinema Lounge presents the “best of” viewer voted faves. These shorts epitomize the spirit of independent film culture and display the talent of MN filmmakers. And with top attended films like Beverly Hills Chihuahua in Hollywood today, it's a refreshing relief to know that thoughtful indie films are still revered and enjoyed. LoTo Life Cafe will host an after-party with drink specials, a cash bar and free appetizers. Theater seating is limited so get there first!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE IFP SITE
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23RD
Legendary pink dots
@ Varsity Theater 1308 4th St Se Dinkytown
9pm / 21+ / $15
It's been over a quarter century since these artsy London freaks got together to make extra-terrestrial pop that wavers between dark psychedelia and childlike dreamscapes - inspiring everyone from the Flaming Lips to LCD Soundsystem. The Legendary Pink Dots' crusade of crazy will march upon the Varsity Theater this Thursday night for an assuredly wacky affair, perfectly timed for Halloween hijinx.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LPD MYSPACE
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23RD
Sound Unseen Festival
@ Various Locations Minneapolis
Times Vary / $8 per screening or $55 Festival Pass
The MPLS-based Sound Unseen festival, proudly joins music and film junkies alike in artistic matrimony. This evening at 7pm, the week long festival kicks off with an opening night bash in the Riverview Theater's lobby featuring the 60's pop vibe of local folk musician Meg Ashling. Following the performance, director Peter Rosen presents his film Garrison Keillor: The Man on the Radio in the Red Shoes, a non-traditional biographical look into the life of local humorist and radio personality, Keillor. After the film, the party continues with the “lo-fi bedroom rock” of Ballast. This year's festival highlights bands Sonic Youth, Sigur Ros and Low to name just a few. For a more extensive film schedule, a list of accompanying parties, and to purchase tickets check out the link below.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE
FRIDAY ART PICK: ELEANOR HARDWICK
Oh, if only we hadn’t wasted our youth sitting in social studies class...or smoking grass under the bleachers. Had we been more productive, we could have done a tenth of what photographer Eleanor Hardwick has accomplished at the tender age of 16! Reminiscent of Francesca Woodman’s haunted-ness, with a touch of vintage 1960’s appeal, Hardwick is on top of her game. She’s still figuring out college, and we’re still figuring out how she got so good, so early.
Attention New York Times addicts! The art director of the New York Times Book Review is stopping by MCAD to discuss his publication Nozone, and its transition from underground zine to the graphic political tome it is today. You should be aware of the future according to Blechman’s prophesies: doomsdays, conspiracies, Ice ages, and revolutions. Remember, knowing is half the battle. Presented in conjunction with AIGA Minnesota, and The UnConvention.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MCAD SITE
FRIDAY OCTOBER 24TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)
Open Casket
@ Casket Arts Building 681 17th Ave NE (@ Jefferson) Northeast Minneapolis
5pm-9pm / Free
Wanna play charades? Casket..Halloween..oh, the Casket Arts Building is having an open casket! This weekend, the Casket will be open for an autumn studio crawl. You know it’s fall now that Scott Seekins has turned to black formal wear, and you’ll have the perfect chance to rue the turning of the seasons/suits at this opening! Through Saturday, October 25th.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CASKET ARTS SITE Art by Scott Seekins
FRIDAY OCTOBER 24TH
GONZO: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
@ Oak St. Cinema 309 Oak St. SE Minneapolis
7pm / $5-$8
Sex, drugs and liquor is what made Hunter S. Thompson’s world go ‘round. Focusing on a ten-year stretch of the good doctor’s journalistic career, Johnny Depp narrates this documentary featuring unseen home movies, audio and manuscripts. Toss in some Hell’s Angels, political life, and the writing of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and you’ve got a thriller. Through October 29th.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
FRIDAY OCTOBER 24TH
OPM Opening
OPM Boutique @ 3700 Grand Way (@ Excelsior) St. Louis Park
7pm / Free
The Twin Cities can never have enough luxury boutiques. This time St. Louis Park is the lucky winner of OPM, the newest women’s designer haven. Join them for their grand opening and enjoy 20% off shopping, a fashion show at 8pm, and a free goodie bag. And really, another chance to find Rox Jewelry is reason enough for a shopping expedition to OPM.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE OPM SITE Jewelry by Rox
FRIDAY OCTOBER 24TH
Sound Unseen: Music at the Back Room
@ The Back Room 509 1st Ave. N.E. (next to the Red Stag) Minneapolis
8pm / 21+ / $5
To celebrate the screening of Sigur Rós: Heima, Sound Unseen presents an evening of music primarily influenced by the sounds of the band itself. Located in the sweet space next door to the Red Stag Supper Club, Sika, A Whisper in the Noise, and DJ A-ray will gratify local music junkies with lush, atmospheric noise, and Schell's will be flowin' on the cheap.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE
FRIDAY OCTOBER 24TH
Mark Mallman
@ The Turf Club 1601 University Ave W St Paul
9pm / 21+ / $6
Mr. Serious is back, continuing his reputation for theatrical live performances incorporating his infamously brazen piano-humping antics and mid-70's schmaltz. We give you our guarantee that this amazing local music showcase featuring Mystery Palace and City Pages Picked-to-Click winners Gospel Gossip will be the highlight of your weekend.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MARK MALLMAN SITE
FRIDAY OCTOBER 24TH
Diplo
@ First Avenue 701 First Ave Minneapolis
9pm / 18+ / $15
Celebrated club rocker Diplo (the production genius behind M.I.A. and Santogold) showcases his "mad decent" skills at this massive party in First Avenue's mainroom. Twisting through reggae, hip-hop, and 80s pop, he will undoubtedly have you proclaiming, "Damn, that DJ made my day." Featuring sets by the Moongoons, Abe Vigoda, Telepathe and oh-so much more.
BONUS: l'étoile fave Mike the 2600 King takes on Bitch Ass Darius in the VIP room for even more romping on the dance floor.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DIPLO MYSPACE Photo by Digital Crush 2007
FRIDAY OCTOBER 24TH
The Millionth Word
@ Hexagon 2600 27th Ave S Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / Free
Celebrating the release of their self-titled debut EP, ex-Swiss Army and Koalas rockstars Millionth Word will shred the stage with their hands-in-the-air anthems and punk stylings at the Hexagon, along with God Damn Doo Wop Band and Double Bird. Best of all, its zero dollars! How punk is that?
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MILLIONTH WORD SITE Photo by Jeff
FRIDAY OCTOBER 24TH
Shelter
@ The Loft 711 Hennepin Ave S. Minneapolis
10pm-2am / 18+/ $5
Four stories above Bar Fly there is a nightclub “without the gimmick” focused on the music and not the image. With a sound system of almost 20,000 watts of power and one DJ pounding out electronic beats for a four hour set, Shelter holds down MPLS's techno, house and minimal scene every Friday. Featuring just one DJ allows the audience to experience the personal vision of one musician, digging deep into their sonic strata. This week's dance night showcases the skills veteran DJ and Hush Productions establisher, Zak K. aka DVS1. A full bar, a rooftop patio, all night dancing, and haunting live art by artist Swooper make this event anything but “sheltered.”
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SHELTER MYSPACE
COOL LINK: YOUR FACE BLOG
Ah, the blog...such an all-inclusive mode of anonymity and literary freedom. With a swift jab of a key anyone can speak their mind. Becoming just as popular as magazines and easier than diaries, the effect the admission of the blog has had on the literary world is irrefutable. But with so many blogs to choose from and so many others that slide under the radar, bloggers have to wonder: “Is anyone reading mine? And if so who?” One blogger and illustrator, dissatisfied in believing real people don't read blogs, challenged his readers to renounce their anonymity and reveal their identities. Readers send a photo (face included) to Damien Weighill - the blog's creator - to be immortalized in the form of a caricature drawing. Your Face is a posted display of those die-hard Weighill fans as illustrations, living proof of the diversity and reality of blog readers. This website is a testament to connection. United we blog!
This real person reads your blog.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE YOUR FACE BLOG
SATURDAY OCTOBER 25TH
Free Ink Day of the Dead
@ Highpoint Center for Printmaking 2638 Lyndale Ave Minneapolis
1pm-4pm / free
What better way to honor your ancestors on Dia de los Muertos than by making some art for them, using free ink and supplies? Artists Tina and Xavier Tavera host this annual art making day. Create a relief print, get some guidance from the artists and staff at Highpoint, and take home a few hand-made prints for your altar offerings.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY OCTOBER 25TH
No Surprises Art & Music Showcase
@ Nomad World Pub 501 Cedar Ave Westbank
8pm / 21+
No Surprises, a new monthly music and art showcase presented by feisty music blog Lovelee Buttons, will make its debut Saturday at the Nomad World Pub with the goal of spotlighting the always expanding local community of experimental artists. The kickoff will feature performances by Nobot, Dearling Physiche, Tartufi (from San Francisco) and art by Triston Milton of the Art Institute of Minnesota.
Umber Studios welcomes you to experience the magnetic work of photographer Amy Aaron. Aaron's imagery has been described as “a mixture of bizarre settings and ephemeral - often unrecognizable - human forms.” Using settings from the present familiar and those revisited from childhood, Aaron's work creates a sparse, mysterious world which gives the illusion of emerging from the print. Umber Studios is a non-commission art studio created by and for artists. If you haven't check out their beautiful space, now is your chance. Familiar Places runs through November 10th.
One artist's accident is another's treasure, or so appears to be the theme of Burlesque's 100+ test print collection show. From vision-worthy mistakes to test screens, witness the layered process of screen-printing firsthand. This opening reception show also features many adaptations from the Upper Playground Obama poster series. Burlesque DJs, including Wes Winship, will be providing the tunes.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY OCTOBER 25TH
ART HERE: Graphic Novel Double Feature
@ MMAA 50 West Kellogg Blvd Downtown St. Paul
7pm / $10
The Minnesota Museum of American Art keeps true to the theme of comics and animation in this Saturday night double-header film screening! Kick back in the spacious galleries of the MMAA, after taking a spin through their current Comic Book art show of course, and watch Ghost World and American Splendor - two cult classic films that are based on original graphic novels. Definitely a good reason to make the trek across the river, this date night-worthy film party will most assuredly score you some "cute" points!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MMAA SITE
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
Wild Flower CD Release Party
@ 414 Soundbar 414 3rd Ave N Minneapolis
8pm / $5
WildFlower knows how to make a debut — with DJs, fire dancing, tribal drumming, belly dancing, a light show, psychics, body painting - you name it. Tonight’s music release party for her single, “Breathing,” will unleash the mystical powers her music invokes. Magickal attire is required, so think along the lines of Lord of the Rings or the Princess Bride, and experience tribal fusion!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE WILD FLOWER SITE
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH (WEEKENDS THROUGH NOV. 1ST)
Barebones FLEECED: You Reap What You Sow
@ Hidden Falls Park 1415 Mississippi River Blvd S. St. Paul
7pm / free, encouraged donation
The moment everyone’s been waiting for is here! There’s at least one good reason we live in the Twin Cities, and that reason is Barebones. Bundle up, follow the winding path to Hidden Falls Park, and chance upon a pre-show vignette. You’ll be led to hay bale seating and taken on a wild ride. This year’s show is based on Jason and the Argonauts, so expect (real) fire-breathing bulls, giant puppets, a live orchestra and a seriously spooky time. Weekends through November 1st.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BAREBONES SITE
SATURDAY OCTOBER 25TH
Zombie Carnival
@ Stevens Square Center for the Arts 1905 3rd Ave S Minneapolis
7pm-11pm / $3 suggested donation
The zombies from last week’s pub crawl have hung their art on SSCA’s walls, and invite you to indulge in some creepy carnival games, prizes for best zombie costumes, games, music, devilish gourmet treats and a Dead-Man’s Punch. All your zombie clothes at the cleaners? No worries - they’ll have undead makeovers, and you can even get your zombie caricature done. Lurch and stumble over the undead to support this zombie-friendly venue, and close this show in bloody style.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY OCTOBER 25TH
Fashion Rendezvous
@ Accenture Tower 333 South 7th St. Downtown Minneapolis
7pm-1am / $15 adv salon_e@hotmail.com, $20 door
Who doesn't love fall fashion? It's our favorite style season! And when you factor in that proceeds go to The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, it's pretty much a win-win. Tonight's event will feature an runway show with fresh new fashions, wild hair styles and plenty of pizazz. We even received a call from Minneapolis art darlin' Brant Kingman informing us of his brand new collection of handmade vests that will be featured in the show - and if you know Mr. Kingman, you know to expect the unexpected, and a dazzling amount of extravagance to boot! Live music, dancing, and free drinks (while supplies last) courtesy of UV Vodka.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SALON E SITE Broken Heart Vest by Brant Kingman
SATURDAY OCTOBER 25TH
Sound Unseen Aloft Party
@ Aloft Hotel 900 Washington Ave. S Minneapolis
9pm–1am / Free
After giving your love to local band Low by taking in the screening Low: You May Need a Murderer at St. Anthony Main (part of the Sound Unseen festival), we guarantee you'll be longing to devour more local music. The chic and colorful reception space of Aloft Hotel (Remember our Fashion Weekend party last month?) invites you to a free, all-you-can handle after party packed with electronic beats and plenty of drinks. Dance-pop band The Battle Royale, the synth electro stylings of UltraChorus and old school jams from DJ Real Talk are just a tasty sample from the nights entertainment menu.
BONUS: Browse through or buy vinyl records from Mr. John Kass, who will be on-hand throughout the night, slingin' his rad collection of wax.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE
SATURDAY OCTOBER 25TH
Attitude City
@ Clubhouse Jager Washington Ave and 10th St. Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / Free
It's no secret that l'étoile hearts attitude! And these boys claim to hail from its city. Attitude City are the musical candy men of MPLS. At the height of a dance-punk craze, AC dares to bring back disco fever, with a collection of vinyl and lost tracks that even Gloria Gaynor would admire. To intensify the flavor of this week's Jager spot, Attitude City has flown in internationally-known Montreal DJ and AC co-founder, David Shaw. And if you're still on the fence about attending (although we're not sure how you could be) tonight AC heartthrob, Jeff Dubois will be celebrating his birthday and he needs your help to make it the best sloshy drunk birthday ever! Alternating between various levels of sobriety, Jeff, Dave and Karl will be rocking the turntables with sexy sounds bound to be stuck in your head until the next thrilling time. All this for no cover?! Well worth supporting!
Sundays are made for dancing! Radical hip hop trio Nancy Drew Crew will get you moving to stories of crafting and sticking it to the man. Beatrix Jar will spin crazy beats, while Dance Band makes no secret what their goal is: to get you to utilize Pi’s huge dance floor. Can you handle it? With Ghost in the Water, Beatrix Jar, Dance Band.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NANCY DREW CREW SITE
SUNDAY OCTOBER 26TH
Artist Industry Night
@ Red Stag Supper Club 509 1st Avenue NE Northeast Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / Free
We've found our official Sunday night kick-it spot! This chilled-out happy hour is the way to go if you're looking to wind down the hectic weekend in style. Get your network on with Northeast artists while enjoying the sweet sounds of Nikki Matteson, Rich Rue and friends and sippin' ridiculously cheap 2-4-1 specials on select wines, taps, and rail drinks. Last Sunday we not only made some new artsy friends, but we also paid only $2.75 for two glasses of good red wine. It's true!
BONUS HUMP DAY PARTY: On Wednesday, October 29th l'étoile will be getting our Hump-day drink on with Typoscura and friends at the Red Stag after 10pm! See our Wednesday post for the deetz. Enter to win a $25 bar tab below and join us! ENTER TO WIN A $25 BAR TAB: l'étoile and the Red Stag are giving away multiple $25 Bar Tabs 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:
Christopher J. Jesse M. Carrie F. John A.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RED STAG SITE
A TINY MACHINE MONDAY
Another post from our favorite Sci-Fi/Beauty Blogger and l'étoile cohort, A Tiny Machine. For more awesome posts check out www.atinymachine.blogspot.com
The Music Man
Any die hard Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan knows that Anthony Stewart Head (Rupert Giles) has a fantastic voice. In the huge cult episode "Once More, With Feeling," the dapper Brit sings circles around his co-stars. And in the season four episode "Where the Wild Things Are," the Scoobies stumble upon Giles as he performs Pete Townshend's "Behind Blue Eyes" in the Sunnydale coffee shop. The stage-trained actor also tackled the role of Dr. Frank-n-Furter (made famous by Tim Curry) in the London revival of The Rocky Horror Show. Sadly, Head's featured role as a ballad soloist in Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd was significantly scaled back when filming was cut short do to the illness of Johnny Depp's daughter. However, I found cold comfort in his next project Repo! The Genetic Opera.
Unfortunately, I first heard of this indie musical because it features the vocal stylings of Paris Hilton in a supporting role. But when I found out that Head would be playing the role of the Repo Man, I was sold. This dystopic rock opera also features Sarah Brightman (she of crazy opera singing and ex of Andrew Lloyd Webber fame) and the Goodfella himself, Paul Sorvino. Oh, and the girl from Spy Kids (Alexa Vega). And as for Paris, her costumes and makeup render her virtually unrecognizable. And I must admit, her participation in this future cult classic makes me loathe her slightly less. Slightly.
This is one print you do NOT want to miss the boat on! l'etoile fave and locally-based graffiti artist Deuce Seven has made his eye poppin' mark far and wide - with even the Village Voice heralding him as "the new king of New York street art" last year. Get your mitts on super limited-edition works designed by Mr. 27 - but make no mistake, these just aren't any "prints." Produced on a vast array of materials, these collectible must-haves are going to go like hot cakes - so set your alarms for 2:27pm on October 27th!
Pieces that will be available:
19 x 25" (image area 17.5 x 21.25") 10 color print on French paper signed and numbered edition of 150
$72.27 includes shipping within the US, $77.27 international.
Prices for these limited edition pieces are TBD:
9 on wood trimmed to image size 16 on vellum 16 on snocone blue 14 on kraft 2 on chipboard 10 black & white ink only on steel gray paper 10 APs on Strathmore archival 100% cotton rag 310 GSM paper 10 PPs on Strathmore archival 100% cotton rag 310 GSM paper 10 Art Minion gallery edition on Strathmore archival 100% cotton rag 310 GSM paper
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BURLESQUE SITE
MONDAY OCTOBER 27TH
Arts District Banner Hanging Party
@ Waterbury Building 1121 Jackson Street NE Minneapolis
5:30-7:30, banner installed 5:45pm / Free
After a long-fought battle (2 years to be exact) to place identifying banners all around the Northeast Art District, our pals at NEMAA and the hard working crew behind the Arts Action Plan have something to celebrate! Come down to the Waterbury building this Monday to see the first banner go up, then party arty with food, drinks and the awesome people who made it possible. Register to win $100 in Art Bucks, Theater Tickets and more. And if you're not a NEMAA member already, find out more about this fantastic resource for local artists at the link below!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NEMAA SITE
TUESDAY OCTOBER 28TH
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!
@ The Red Stag Supper Club 509 1st Avenue NE Northeast Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / Free
Come party with l'étoile and Typoscura as we get our hump-day drink on at the Red Stag's Late Night Happy hour! With toe-tappin' beats from Shoreline along with DJs Carrera and Dulce, we doubt you'll find a more fitting Wednesday night activity for a crisp Autumn eve. Enter to win a $25 bar tab (see info below) and join us for a little mid-week socializing at the Stag!
ENTER TO WIN A $25 BAR TAB: l'étoile and the Red Stag are giving away multiple $25 Bar Tabs 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 the winners.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RED STAG SITE
What's What Editor: Kate Iverson Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Beth Hammarlund, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright
"Youbetcha" this weekend's going to be hot! Sensory overload personified. From the State Fair's insatiable food porn to the eclectic, beautiful mess that is the Sound Unseen Festival it'll be impossible to be blasé. So succumb to the many temptations and enjoy yourself.
xo-l'étoile
photo by Aaron Wojack for l'etoile magazine
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22ND-AUGUST 26TH
8th Annual Sound Unseen Festival
@ Various Locations Minneapolis Check website for times/cost
The whirl-wind of music and film, better known as the Sound Unseen Festival, returns for year 8 this weekend. The line-up is so juicy we could only highlight a few here, so be sure to check the website for all the details! Organizers Gretchen Williams and Marina Maric sat down with l'étoile to chat about the why', when's and how's of Sound Unseen.
How and why was Sound Unseen started?
Gretchen: Sound Unseen was founded by Nate Johnson, a local film curator and label owner in 2000. At that time there were many music films (docs, concert footage, etc) floating around with nowhere to be screened - they needed to be shown to audiences and Sound Unseen was born. Since 2000, music related films have since found more distribution through independent theaters such as Landmark chains, but festivals and DVD's are now their primary home.
What has been the biggest evolution of the festival in it's 8 years?
Gretchen: It has been a long, steady build for the festival, growing the audience locally, but also internationally. We receive dozens of emails from Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Germany, South America and around the U.S. from people who are searching out their favorite musicians and finding movies about them at our site. People ask us all the time when we'll be showing them again, or where can they pick up a copy - sometimes it's the only place to find them.
Along with the films and the music, Sound Unseen is known for it's amazing parties! What event are you most excited for?
Marina: I'm looking forward to the Sound Unseen Dance Party. Last year was so much fun and I expect it to be even better this year especially because it is going to be a bit more intimate And I have to agree with Gretchen: the Artist of Distinction awards is such a great event. It almost feels like a family celebration where we recognize local musicians/artists and get to spend some time with them and their friends while listening to great local music acts.
Who is your favorite featured unsung hero of this year's festival?
Marina: Although I think the two robots form Electroma are going to be crowd favorites, my hero is definitely Roky Erickson whose turbulent life is portrayed in You're Gonna Miss Me. Roky's been around since 1966, was institutionalized for over three years and just this year decided to make a comeback. Roky's so cool, he even has a MySpace page that he probably maintains himself
Gretchen: I would have to say Anita O'Day - she has had so many highs and lows - a real roller coaster ride. To see someone who has been through so much, yet at the end of the day, her music gives her an undeniable reason to move forward. It gives me faith that our passions and talents can get us through anything - as long as we hang on and keep fighting for what we love.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE
THURSDAY AUGUST 23RD (THROUGH SEPT 3RD)
Minnesota State Fair
@ State Fair Grounds 1265 Snelling Ave. N St.Paul
6am-Midnight / $11 adult
The Great Minnesota Get Together is back again. Some of the l'étoile staff would like to share with you a few their State Fair faves...but check the link below for even more fun on a stick!
Food: Don't miss the Roasted Corn-on-the-Cob, Dippin' Dots, Saltwater Taffy. Or cheese curds. It's just one day, your pants will forgive you.
Rides: Although some shy away from the Midway (fond memories of the Enterprise stuck in rotation for over an hour), the Sky Cabs or the Space Needle offer a leisurely view of the fairgrounds!
Shopping: One staffer bought a be-dazzler at the Grandstand, but for the best curiosities pop over to the International Bazaar.
Attractions: Hit the Fine Arts Building, the Haunted House and the Miracle of Birth barn to see the cuddlies!
Music: Weird Al.
Tip: Park and Rides are all over - take advantage of it and forget the parking hassle!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MN STATE FAIR SITE
THURSDAY AUGUST 23RD
Catherine Sullivan: Triangle of Need
@ The Walker Art Center 1750 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis
Walker Artist-in-Residence, Catherine Sullivan has created a multichannel video installation that weaves a nuanced story about evolution, class, wealth, poverty and the inequalities and injustices in our global economy. This intriguing and beautiful film exhibit makes it's world premier at the Walker tonight.
A collection of 17 animated short films and music videos from an impressive roster of Swedish directors. Featuring musical favorites such as The Knife, Peter, Bjorn and John, and El Perro Del Mar.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE
THURSDAY AUGUST 23RD
Between Art and Trend
@ SOO Visual Arts Center 27th & Lyndale Minneapolis
6-10pm / Free
Make a shopping stop at SOO VAC this evening and peruse a number of creative wares such as handmade clothing, art, household items, gifts and more - all made by local artists!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOO VAC SITE
FRIDAY ART PICK: Aaron Meshon
NYC based artist and Rhode Island School of Design graduate Aaron Meshon combines whimsy with clean illustration in this series of artworks, product packaging, children's books and t-shirts. We love his graphic sensibilities and rich use of color - yummy!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE AARON MESHON SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 24TH
Honeymoon
@ The Nomad 501 Cedar Ave. Minneapolis 9pm / 18+ / Free
Mysterious DJ collective, The Moongoons, debut their new monthly gig at the Nomad tonight. With Texas-based guest DJ and remix-master Bird Peterson on decks alongside the Moongoons, this evening will be a dancetastic sonic blast - complete with an outer-space inspired dress code.
Sponsored by Beautiful/Decay and l'etoile magazine!
The Moongoon's briefly came out of hiding to answer a few questions for us...
We are really excited about Honeymoon, can you tell us how the night came about and what to expect?
Well about a week or so ago we crash landed into Minneapolis and sought out shelter at the Nomad World Pub. We will be here a while because violence and passion are commonplace when the moon is full. We know about the universal energy of which all things are a part - you, the stars, the trees, the rocks - we know how to tune into this energy and use it. We know the mystical bond that exists between love makers. With magic, we channel these disparate energies into one powerful forcefield of seductive sound, culminating it all together in an energy exchanging celebration or as you might call it, a Honeymoon. Expect the most thrilling nightmare of your life.
Who are the Moongoons? Tell us a bit about yourselves!
We are a triad of enchanters whirling through space, drifting toward eternity; mystical sparks encircled by loneliness and cold darkness.
You're encouraging "space attire" - what are some of your favorite places to shop for moon-related fashion?
The mega mall is fascinating. But ultimately, we really believe in the human imagination to determine what attire suits you best for the night. A few hints: neons clashed with darks, visors, black leather, chrome, magical stones, chains, or tin foil...
Top 5 bangers of the summer, Moongoon's style?
1. Russ Chimes "She's Got the Heat" 2. Midnight Juggernauts "Road to Recovery (Miami Horror Remix)" 3. College "Teenage Color (Anoraak Remix)" 4. Black Devil Disco "Constantly No Respect (The Phenomena of the Black Mustang Version)" 5. Sally Shapiro "I'll Be By Your Side (Rude 66 808 Remix)
Click HERE to download the latest Moongoons mix for free!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MOONGOONS MYSPACE
FRIDAY AUGUST 24TH
Master of the Misuse of the Medium
@ Fox Tax Gallery 503 1st Ave. NE Minneapolis
7pm / Free
Stop into the Gallery at Fox Tax for a glimpse into the inspirational 50 year career of local artist Robert Lesch, who presents a collection of lush mixed-media work in this wonderful solo show.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FOX TAX SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 24TH
Daft Punk's Electroma
@ The Ritz Theater 345 13th Ave. NE Minneapolis 9:15pm / $7 Click HERE for advance tickets
Daft Punk takes you on a sci-fi musical oddessy through dusty desert highways and nuclear testing complete with leather-clad robots. What's not included? Surprisingly, their own music. An equally cool mix of Todd Rundgren, Brian Eno, Sébastien Tellier, Curtis Mayfield, Linda Perhacs, Jackson C. Frank and Mathieu Tonetti rounds out the soundtrack.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 24TH
Ezra Furman and the Harpoons
@ The Kitty Cat Klub 315 14th Ave SE Minneapolis 10pm / 21+ / $5
Boston's Ezra Furman and The Harpoons roll into town with their intense brand of indie-folk tonight at the Kitty Cat Club. Furman's masterful songwriting skills make each song unfold like a well-loved story and it's no wonder these newcomers were recently signed to Chicago's Minty Fresh Records. Part David Byrne, part Bob Dylan, and part something completely new, Ezra Furman and the Harpoons enchant us with their passionate sound and catchy hooks.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE EZRA FURMAN MYSPACE
FRIDAY AUGUST 24TH
Sound Unseen Back Alley BBQ Bonanza
@ Clubhouse Jager 10th & Washington North Loop
8pm-2am / 21+ / Free
Sound Unseen takes over the Clubhouse tonight for a raucous affair which will include music from We Became Actors, Themes, and the always danceable DJ Bach. Enjoy burgers and beer on what just might be the best outdoor patio in the city!
CLICK DJ BACH FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE
COOL LINK: Royal Elastics
Not only is the website a visual feast, the shoes are outta-this-world cool. A fusion of vintage and euro-street, these no-lace up/no-nonsense kicks are the perfect accessory to your already chic wardrobe.
Bonus: Royal Elastics is running an art competition based around the theme "Beautiful Technology" - check the site for details!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ROYAL ELASTICS SITE
SATURDAY AUGUST 25TH
Grumpy's Big Bash
@ Grumpy's Downtown 1111 Washington Minneapolis
3pm / 21+ / $20
Grumpy’s owner and Amphetamine Reptile Records guru Tom Hazelmyer celebrates the end of summer with the Annual Grumpy's Big Bash! Featuring hard-rockin' heavy hitters The Melvins and Helmet along with Zebulon Pike, Burning Bride, Birthday Suits and Bastard Saint. This all-day outdoor event will include cold beer, hot eats and the serious need for earplugs.
@ Foundation 10 S. 5th St. Minneapolis 10pm / 21+ / $10 adv or $15 at the door
Critically acclaimed New York hip-hop artist Talib Kweli arrives in the Minneapple tonight to treat fans to poetic flows and glossy beats off his latest release "Eardrum". Labeled as a socially concious rapper, Kweli has worked with other impactful artists, such as Mos Def (Black Star) and Hi-Tek (Reflection Eternal). This show is a can't-miss!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR TALIB KWELI'S MYSPACE
SATURDAY AUGUST 25TH
Girls Rock!
@ The Ritz Theater 345 13th Ave. NE Minneapolis 3pm screening / 4:30pm Panel / $7
Sound Unseen presents an inspiring documentary following several girls ranging from 8 to 18 years old at Rock n' Roll camp. From Laura, a Korean adoptee, obsessed with death metal, to 8 year old Amelia who writes experimental rock songs about her dog Pipi, the girls learn band-mate camaraderie and female empowerment from indie rock chick Carrie Brownstein from Sleater-Kinney, among others.
Bonus: Following the screening, join a group of esteemed Twin Cities women who rock for a discussion on their work in the local music scene and beyond.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE
SATURDAY AUGUST 25TH
Fancy Computer
@ DEFI Click the myspace link below and message for location Minneapolis
2am-? / $7 or $5 w/ Too Much Love stamp
We know you can rock an after-party. It's true - you're cool. Tonight is special because the DJ lineup lines-up some of our absolute faves: DJ Talk Radio, Jonathan Ackerman, Millions Billions - even Soviet Panda! Curated by Ken Hannigan and Jonathan Ackerman with video goodness by Time Squid and Danger Havok.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TALK RADIO MYSPACE message Talk Radio for location
SATURDAY AUGUST 25TH
The Subhumans
@ Triple Rock 629 Cedar Ave. West Bank 5pm / All Ages / $12
Some l'étoilites were heavily influenced by early 80's punk, such as The Exploited, Black Flag, and The Subhumans, who drop their anarcho-punk bomb on the Triple Rock tonight! Make no mistake, the faint of heart should take heed.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SUBHUMANS MYSPACE
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: Felix Da Housecat
Da Housecat is back with a soon to be dropping album as new persona, Virgo Blacktro. Expect more of the signature roller-disco-dream-sequence-esque smooth electronica we've all come to know and love - with a hot twist!
The full album hits the streets this October, but keep your ears peeled for remix ep "Something for Porno" in stores August 29th! Check da Myspace in the meantime for a sizzlin' sneak prev.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FELIX DA HOUSE CAT MYSPACE
No matter if you rock a Surly or a trike - all are welcome at the 2nd Annual Free Ride, a massive bike tour around Minneapolis! With hot stops for coffee and rock n' roll, you can hardly go wrong. Featuring local lovelies The Haves Have It, DJ Lori Barbero, and many more at various locations.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE
SUNDAY AUGUST 26TH
Sound Unseen Closing Party
@ Downtown Pizza Luce 119 N 4th Street Minneapolis
8pm / 21+ / Free
Join the Sound Unseen crew for a closing party to beat the band! Enjoy Free pizza and $2 Grainbelts along with a soundtrack of reggae and world music from the likes of Afro Funk, Boogaloo, and Arabesque capped off with the exotic rhythms of DJ Nite Nurse! A great end to a great weekend of music, film, bike riding and parties - courtesy of Sound Unseen.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOUND UNSEEN SITE
COOL OPPORTUNITIES
Semi-Permanent: Call for Artists
The internationally renowned art and design event, Semi-Permanent, will probably NOT be coming to a city near you - unless of course you live in Australia. However, they are now taking submissions for their annual (and always highly anticipated) book that features the best of the best in art and design from around the globe. Take a chance, say we!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SEMI-PERMANENT SITE
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