Weekend What's What 1/7-1/12

HEATWAVE

According to the forecast, the temp may rise to a balmy 20 degrees this weekend! Woo-hoo! Break out the badminton net and the jeankini! Ok, really, DON'T break out the jeankini, but please do emerge from your cocoon of hibernation and get out and enjoy some of the killer dance parties, rock shows, and art exhibits that are poppin' off this time around. Minnesotans are notorious for thumbing their noses at the artic elements, so chin up, gussy up, and get out there!

xo-l'étoile



THURSDAY JANUARY 7TH

Pocket Lab Reading Series #3

@ Rogue Buddha
357 13th Ave. Nordeast
Minneapolis

7-9pm/ free

Start the year out properly with a few of our favorite staples: art, music and literature! Back for a third installment, tonight's volume of the Pocket Lab Reading Series features MPLS' writer, Amara Hartman; InDigest Magazine poetry editor, Brad Liening; award-winning author, local professor and editor for Konundrum Literary Engine Review, Juliet Patterson; and author and poetry professor, New York's Nate Pritts. With charming vocals and musical stylings from classical folk artist, Eliza Blue, art pieces by Rogue Buddha gallery owner, Nicholas Harper, and – if we know Pocket Lab parties – a few tasty refreshments. We guarantee it's more awesome than any of the school-related labs you've dredged through.

Click HERE for the Rogue Buddha site



THURSDAY JANUARY 7TH

The Inquisition: Art is Fun Quiz Party

@ Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis

7pm / Free

An old-timey throw back to an event series the WAC put on back in 1940, tonight's "Inquisition" will challenge both a panel of artsy smarty pantses and the audience with tough trivia questions submitted via the Walker's website as well as questions about the WAC's history, artworks in its collection and more. Sure to produce some chuckles as well as some deflated egos, this event will not only entertain, but will load you up with oodles of clever tidbits on art and art history. Not to mention, tonight doubles as the Walker's Free Thursday event, so admission to the center is FREE! The event starts at 7pm sharp and free tickets to the quiz bowl are available starting at 6pm at the Bazinet Garden Lobby desk. Space is limited so get there early! Additional events on Feb 11th & March 4th.

Click HERE for the Walker site


FRIDAY ART PICK: SHOTS MAGAZINE CALL TO ARTISTS

Twin Cities-based SHOTS Magazine announces an international call for photographic work to be considered for publication in the Spring Issue, SHOTS 107. The theme for this issue is SMOKE & MIRRORS. An established independent photography journal in its 23rd year of publication, SHOTS Magazine reaches an international audience of photographers, collectors, galleries, museums, educators and other fine art photography enthusiasts. As is the case with all SHOTS themes, the "Smoke & Mirrors" theme is open to your interpretation. Suggestions may include (but are not limited to): mirrors/reflections, smoke, trickery, illusions, shadows, screens, curtains, multiple exposures, spirit photography, special effects, implied presences, shadows, secrets, lies, deception, etc. Submission fees are $15 for non-subscribers (free for subscribers). The Deadline is February 1st so get out there and get snapping, photographers!

Click HERE for the guidelines and to check out SHOTS



FRIDAY JANUARY 8TH

Portraits

@ Mpls Photo Center
2400 N 2nd St.
Minneapolis

6pm-9pm / free

The photo epicenter of the Midwest has teamed up with Curator of Photographs at the MIA, David Little, to produce a juried show of portraits. Drawing from 200 entries, Little chose 84 images for this show, with three winning top honors. We can’t think of a better night to wander the galleries, brush shoulders with the photo world’s rising stars, and be immersed in all things photo. The exhibit runs through January.

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



FRIDAY JANUARY 8TH

Rogue Citizen Art Opening

@ Nomad
501 Cedar Ave. S.
Minnneapolis

6pm-12am/ free

Anticipating their upcoming project, Public Consumption, local artist brigade, Rogue Citizens host a live art show where brush strokes meet wailing guitars. Sip down 2-4-1 cocktails until 7 pm and check out a live 5ft x 5 ft canvas painting done by the Citizens, then bid on the piece later during the night's silent auction! Plus, view new artwork on display at the Nomad while enjoying live sets from local bands Phantom Tails, To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie, Zombie Season, and Junkyard Seraphim. Art show kicks off at 7, with music at 9. Long live collaborations!

Click HERE for the Facebook event


FRIDAY JANUARY 8TH

Arcwelder/Gay Witch Abortion/ Double Bird

@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave.
St. Paul

9pm/ 21+/ $6

Local scene die-hards will definitely recall the musical stylings of Arcwelder. With a bit of pop in their step and a lot of punk in their hearts, Arcwelder created six albums of catchy indie rock between 1990-1999 (back then, we called it "alternative," remember?) and earned themselves a coveted, immortal spot on First Ave's wall o' fame. Then they dropped off the radar, destined to be an elite chapter in Twin Cities' musical history -- until now, that is. Rumored to have been jamming togther once a week since their last show – forevz ago (the band has only played a few shows since sort-of calling it quits) – it was only a matter of time before the band performed again live. Tonight, witness the '90s cult rockers on Turf Club grounds with local flavors Gay Witch Abortion and Double Bird. Just a little reminder that – just like the Goonies – real rockers never say die.

Click HERE for the Turf Club site


FRIDAY JANUARY 8TH

Street Sounds

@ First Avenue VIP Lounge
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis

10pm/$5/18+

We know a magical spell to make your post-holiday blahs vanish! Take one pinch of Attitude City, a few beats from Mike the 2600 King, and the sounds of Winship at midnight on a full moon, and stir them altogether on the VIP Lounge’s dance floor. Watch in amazement as your legs do unbelievable moves and your friends transform into monsters of moves. Abracadabra!

Co-Sponsored by l'etoile magazine!

Click HERE for the Street Sounds Facebook event



FRIDAY JANUARY 8TH

Fabulous Non Grata

@ Fabulous Catering
2900 13th Avenue South
Minneapolis

7pm-12am / $20 advance, $25 at the door

One glimpse at tonight’s Movable Feast menu and you’ll be camping outside Fabulous Catering’s ominous mural. Gastro Stations will be at every turn, offering a build-your-own-satay station, local beer and cider samples, a cash bar and so many culinary creations by Fabulous Catering, you’ll freak out. Ukulele band The Chord and The Fawn start off the musical part of the evening, followed by everyone’s favorite saw and accordion combo, Dreamland Faces. When you thought it couldn’t possibly get better, Dark Dark Dark takes a break from recording to top off the night. Nom!

Click HERE for the Gastro Non Grata Blog



COOL LINK: BMC – B MOVIE CLASSICS

It's no secret that l'etoile loves us some good b-flicks. We heart the oh-so predictable plot lines; the cheesy, melodramatic, tragicomic acting. Don't get us wrong, we're all about quality films and foreign drama, but when it comes to long winter nights nothing gets us by like a giant bottle of classic B-movie moonshine. Now the American Movie Classics website has a section called “BMC” which features the “best” B-films in all their 50's gush and glory, available to watch in their complete form with none of this short-clip nonsense for free! Some of our faves include Fiend Without a Face – a brawn vs. brains, bloodthirsty, disembodied thriller; Terror Beneath the Sea – where underwater monsters attempt to convert humans into sexless fishmen; and Saga of the Viking Women and Their Voyage to the Waters of the Great Sea Serpent – does it really need further explanation? Our recipe for the perfect night: a few sardonic friends, copious amounts of liquor, and BMC online– it's like your own personal Mystery Science Theater episode!

Click HERE for the AMC B-Films site




SATURDAY JANUARY 9TH

Robozoology

@ Nicademus Art and Framing
225 N. Snelling Ave
St. Paul

6pm-12am / free

Check out amazing new paintings and prints by local artist Chuck U, who is celebrating his first (and very well deserved) solo show! This intricate illustrator, designer and man-about-town has been creating hip hop posters, album cover art, promo designs, paintings and more with awesome signature style for years. There will be a ton of sweet posters for you to add to your collection at reasonable prices as well as original works up for grabs. To make matters more rockin', the Idle Hands play a set, and Chuck U’s iPod DJs throughout the night, setting the tone for this sure to be awesome exhibit. Thanks again, Nicademus for another look at Twin Cities greatness! Runs through February 9th.

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



SATURDAY JANUARY 9TH

Franklin Presents: Open Dialogue w/ Christopher Baker and Diane Mullin

@ Franklin Art Works
1021 E. Franklin Ave.
Minneapolis

6:30-9:30pm / free

Celebrating the closing of Christopher Baker's cleverly named installation series, Hello World, or: How I Learned to Stop Listening and Love the Noise, Franklin Art Work presents an intimate chat between Baker and Weisman Associate curator, Diane Mullin. The exhibition – on view at FAW since late November – features a 15 ft x 48 ft grided video installation comprised of thousands of video diaries and printouts compiled from YouTube, Twitter, and cell phone images for a unique and timely confrontation on modern communication in a tech savvy new age. The open dialogue features a Q&A and a presentation of Baker's net-driven projects, past and present.

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

Photo by Claude Peck for the Star Tribune

SATURDAY JANUARY 9TH

Pairs

@ Familia
2833 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis

8-10pm / Free

Shame on us for thinking local skateboarder, Seth McCallum was just a pretty guy with mad boarding skillz, because it seems he's a prolific artist too! Gotta love those multi-faceted sub-culture hotties. Join local skate epicenter, Familia Skate Shop, for a peek into McCallum's first ever solo art show, Pairs, a collection of "paired art formats" that range from photography to found object mixed media work. Chug a few PBRs, chat with the famed skater and check out his zany/cool pieces. And while you're there, you might as well pick up some new kicks and trucks (that's skater lingo...we think!).

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



SATURDAY JANUARY 9TH

Birthday Suits, Blind Shake, Vampire Hands

@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave
St. Paul

9pm/$6/21+

Are we having déjà vu? Around this time last year, B-Day Suits, Blind Shake, and Vamp Hands got together to help you ring in the first weekend of the new year, and they’re at it again, on, well, technically the second weekend of the new year. Kick off 2010 right, with loud, unadulterated rock and roll and show all other weekends this year how it’s done!

Click HERE for the Turf Club site


SATURDAY JANUARY 9TH

Idle Hands

@ The Entry
701 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis

9pm/ 18+/ $5

In December, 89.3 The Current DJ personality, Steve Seel, gave local melodic rockers, Idle Hands, a fantastic year-end compliment calling their track “Loaded” “a case study in 'how to write the perfect power pop song,' complete with an object lesson on the idea of 'hook.'” We couldn't have said it any better. With a pretty-faced, Brit-kin lead singer and a backdrop of creative talents, the band was easily placed in many fans “best of” categories. Head down to The Entry tonight to catch what the steady buzz has been about as the indie-throbs share the stage with power poppers We Became Actors and straight-up rock n' rollers, Chelsea Boys.

Click HERE for the First Ave site



SATURDAY JANUARY 9TH

Let's Dance!

@ Red Stag Supper Club
509 1st Avenue NE
Northeast Minneapolis

11pm / 21+ / Free

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

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SATURDAY JANUARY 9TH

Worn to be Wild Studio Series

@ Anthem Heart Studio
1224 Quincy Street NE
2nd Floor
Northeast Minneapolis

10pm / Free

If you checked out our "Best of 2009" list last week, you most likely noted the "Best After Hours" winner was none other than Anthem Heart Studios for their Worn to be Wild Series! We told you to keep your ear to the ground for info on their next late night soiree, and low and behold, here it is. Saturday night make your way Northeast for the next installment in this hip happening, featuring the Wants Vs. Needs DJs, DJ Bach, The Nightstalker, and Senza aka TMA rockin' the turntables all night long. Add in custom screen printed t-shirts a la Anthem Heart; live visuals from Freaky Deeky guru, Time Squid; live drawing with illustrator Dillon Bakke and more. This jam goes all night long of course, so remember to wear your party pants!

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: VIC CHESTNUTT

As you probably heard, singer/songwriter Vic Chestnutt died on Christmas Day, and we’re really, really sad to see him go. If you’ve never heard his witty, sarcastic and sad songs, do it now. He worked with Godspeed You Black Emperor, Thee Silver Mt. Zion; had a documentary “Speed Racer” made about him; and produced a grip of epic work. We’re not exactly sure what we’re going to do without him. RIP Vic Chestnutt. On the upside, December 25th will not only be known as "Christmas" and "James Brown Day" but also, "Vic Chestnutt Day."

Click HERE for the Vic Chestnutt site




SUNDAY JANUARY 10TH

WetKNap

@ King & I Thai
1346 LaSalle Avenue
Minneapolis

8pm-Midnight / Free

We love this! A past l'etoile intern alerted us to his feisty new DJ night at the King & I, describing it as "two messy drag queens who just want to have a good time and dance to their favorite songs." And who can argue with that? Certainly not l'etoile...especially not l'etoile! DJs Mysti & Sissy will shake their tail-feather-boas and regale you with superior sassiness while you sip specialty cocktails and munch spicy Thai treats. If you ask us, there's no better way to cap off the weekend than by gettin' down with a couple of dancing queens! The messier the better!

Click HERE for the facebook event



TUESDAY JANUARY 12TH

JagerCon: Sci-Fi Tuesdays

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N.
Minneapolis

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

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

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

Upcoming Events:

JAN 12: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
JAN 19: The Forbidden Zone
JAN 26: Earth Girls Are Easy
FEB 1: Return to Oz
FEB 9: Dune
FEB 16: Dreamcatcher
FEB 23: Nightwatch
MAR 2: The Hunger

This weeks flick is Star Wars: The Clone Wars



GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

Beth Hammarlund runs down her favorite celebrity looks from 2009 (not to be confused with her favorite celebrity looks of the decade!)

My favorite looks of 2009

Keep in mind that I've already included a few of my 2009 favorites in my 2000-2009 list, so in the interest of keeping things fresh, they won't be repeated here.

Click HERE for the rest of the images



GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR

Jahna Peloquin gives props to local fashion designer, Max Lohrbach, who scored a METRO Magazine Keeper Award this year!

METRO names Max Lohrbach a Keeper

METRO Magazine announced its 2010 Keeper awardees today, and among them is local fashion designer Max Lohrbach - one of my all-time favorites. Max is just pure genius.

Click HERE to read the full article

Photo by Eliesa Johnson for METRO

Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson Contributors: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin

l'étoile's Best of 2009

2009 was one hell of a year. Dare we say, a breakout year for the Twin Cities? Yes, we're calling it. The end of the decade marks a new beginning for our local brethren. From musical luminaries garnering major national press to local fashion designers kicking ass and taking names on hit reality show, Project Runway, 2009 was a wonderful, exciting whirlwind. It's been hard for us to narrow down our favorites due to the sheer volume of brilliant talent in these here parts, and we wish this list could go on and on and on. The reality, however, is that we can only gush so long before you get bored and go back to Googling yourself. A fitting end to our favorite year thus far, our Best of 2009 list is an homage to all our favorite creatives and entrepreneurs. Happy New Year and kudos to everyone who made this past year so very amazing!

xo-l'étoile

Best Moment
Project Runway Premiere Party

How proud were we to produce the Project Runway Red Carpet Premiere Party in Saint Paul this past August? So proud in fact, that we're sort of putting ourselves on our 'best of 2009' list. Back-patting aside, this event certainly wasn't about us, it was about hometown boys Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub who beat out countless other fashion designers from around the country to score coveted spots on the hit reality TV show. An invite-only media/fashion industry screening was held at the Saint Paul Hotel's Grand Ballroom, with an additional public viewing at the nearby Landmark Center. Over 700 of the Twin Cities fashion elite showed up en masse to party alongside the two rising stars who debuted their latest creations via a fashion show and trunk show at the hotel. The best part? Hearing the crowd go completely ballistic when Christopher was declared the winner of the first challenge, with Ra'mon coming in a close second! The two sat in the front row at the St. Paul Hotel alongside their friends, family and the Mayor of St. Paul, leaping up as Christopher was announced the winner, and hugging it out in front of the projector as the crowd went wild. Needless to say, it was a beautiful moment in Twin Cities fashion, and one we'll never forget. Despite the fact both of our boys got booted from the show eventually, they've both been workin' it hard and have big tricks up their sleeves for 2010!


Best Performance Event
Dessa 'Spiral Bound' Book Release

Of all the stellar performances this past year (and trust us, there were a slew) the one that made the biggest impact on us was the book release party for Dessa's Spiral Bound. The singer, rapper, writer, educator and all-around talented lady is best known for her musical feats and for her association with the critically acclaimed hip hop crew, Doomtree. Her first foray into printed media -- a slim chapbook of poems and short stories -- was met with mad praise from the press, hip hop heads and literary nerds alike. The cherry on top? The book release party at the Guthrie's Dowling Studio. Charismatic MSP Mag writer Steve Marsh led the way as an apt master of ceremonies, introducing a brilliantly talented lineup of Dessa's friends and collaborators peppered with highly entertaining (if not painfully awkward) interview portions between Dessa and Marsh. Between readings of her poems and short stories, the stage blazed with performances from the likes of Jeremy Messersmith, slam poet Shane Hawley, writer John Jodzio and Dessa herself, who was periodically joined by cohorts such as Aby Wolf, Cecil Otter and more. We left the event astounded, inspired, and seriously contemplating getting MPLS tattooed on our knuckles.


Best DJ Night
Bomp!

In the sea of uber-hip dance parties that have surfaced over the past couple years, one stands out as an eclectic cornucopia of Twin Cities DJ talent: Bomp! Debuting in early 2009 at the Bedlam Theatre, creators Wes Winship and Shannon Blowtorch have curated a most delightful rotating door event that brings together the best beat-slingers in the Twin Cities every month. To name a mere few: The Moongoons, Plain Ole Bill, Tendercakes, Attitude City, Paper Tiger, Millions Billions, Soviet Panda, DJ Bach, DJ Espada, Bitch Ass Darius and many more. Held within the cozy counter-culture confines of the West Bank's Bedlam Theatre -- a space known for its off-beat theater and musical performances -- Bomp routinely brings out a bevy of the Twin Cities' most dedicated party hounds. An interesting blend of neon-clad hipsters, artists, punkers, musicians and West Bank characters round of one of the craziest, sweatiest dance parties that the Twin Cities has to offer. People watching at its finest. Dancing at its wildest. And music that will be stuck in your head for days. This is Bomp.


Best After Hours
Anthem Heart: Worn to be Wild Series

In an arts warehouse in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis lies the inner sanctuary of stylish screenprint collective, Anthem Heart. Every couple of months, the group throws an under the radar bash on the second floor of this building (whose location shall remain nameless), bringing out the who's who in the Minneapolis party scene for an all-night dance off. Artists, hipsters, and even a few local celebs mix and mingle after bar close, often snapping up limited edition screen printed t-shirts made by Anthem Heart on the spot in their studio. This is most definitely where the cool kids convene, so keep your ear to the ground and maybe you'll be lucky enough to catch wind of the next hush-hush bash!


Best Party
Attitude City Yacht Party

All aboard! Hands down, the best bash of the year will always and forever be the annual Attitude City Yacht Party. Debonair disco jocks Jeff Dubois and Karl Frankowski lure the fashionable masses to their swanky soiree with promises of dancing, debauchery and high fashion on the high sea...er, river. Definitely more sexy people in one place than is fathomable, this yacht-rockin' dance jam brings out a grip of nautically-clad fashionistas and the ultra-hip of the Twin Cities' party circuit. A sell-out every year, the exclusive late night cruise on the mighty Mississippi is definitely the place to see and be seen (and photographed) amongst the stylistically elite...and get your dance on.


Best Fashion Show (Solo)
Laura Fulk: Suffocate

If there ever was a local fashion designer to combine her aesthetic with visual art, it’s Laura Fulk. Her conceptual fashions, often inspired by a feminist perspective, clearly incorporate the MCAD grad’s fine arts background, specifically in sculpture. Fortunately, Emma Berg and Kristoffer Knutson of mplsart.com noted this and joined with her to produce the best solo fashion show of the year at the Lab Theater. The black box-style theater was the perfect backdrop for Fulk’s ground-breaking Spring 2009 collection, which incorporated screened fabrics by artists Melissa Breitenfeldt and and Jay Langer, and sculptural collars (meant to represent the feeling of suffocation). With fierce models from Vision Model Management and styling designed by lead stylists Eclecticoiffeur, it was one of the most well-produced and original shows the Twin Cities has seen in some time.


Best Fashion Show (Group)
Voltage: Fashion Amplified

It almost doesn’t need to be said, but we’ll say it anyway. The belle of the local fashion ball every year, without contest, is Voltage: Fashion Amplified. The powers that be (meaning Voltage producer Anna Lee and her committee of fashion influencers) select ten local fashion designers to produce a line to grace the First Avenue Mainroom runway, while five of the hottest local bands rock out. Last year’s show-stopping finale featured one of our all-time favorite designers Max Lohrbach, styled by lead stylists Eclecticoiffeur and Zach Pearl, who smashed paintings (featuring illustrations by Lohrbach himself) over the models' heads for dramatic effect. (photo by Stacianne photography)


Best New Gallery
Pink Hobo

It's a sign of modern times when the hottest new gallery to hang a shingle in Minneapolis is run by a crew of self-proclaimed geeks. With more and more of our culture melding art, design, media and even nostalgia together, it's no surprise that one of the most interesting and exciting exhibition schedules this past year included everything from purely digital art to pinewood derby cars. Shad Petosky and Vince Stall are the driving force behind Pink Hobo, the storefront gallery in NE Minneapolis that doubles as an entryway for their bubbling interactive media company, Puny Entertainment. With a client list ranging from Olde English Malt Liquor to General Mills to the Yo Gabba Gabba series, it's just another reminder that great creative minds can and do thrive here.


Best New Venue
501 Club

When Jon and Jarret Oulman opened a sister location to their Northeast hot spot, the 331 Club, we were a little concerned with the Downtown location. Would it turn into a Twins fan destination or a suburban staycationer hangout? Why we ever questioned it is beyond us, because less than a year later the 501 Club has become a happenin' hub for hip kids and music lovers alike. While the 331 is a small intimate joint, the 501 is an expansive, two-tiered bar, restaurant and music venue. A tasty menu of upscale bar food awaits, as does easy booze access via two fully loaded long bars, complete with bartenders that perfectly balance the rock n' roll sneer with amicable customer service. The real focus, however, is the music. Most days a week you'll be privy to live tunes from some of the hottest bands in town, pieced together in stellar lineups by the 501 Club's expert bookers. A venue that's big enough to not feel crowded (unless, of course, you're on the dance floor), the 501 is generally a pretty chill spot where you can mingle with the who's who of the Minneapolis music scene, grab a hot meal, a cold beer, and rock out with the best of them.


BEST NEW BAND
Total Babe

As much as 2009 wanted you to think that “ teen angst” was back in, local tweeny faves, Total Babe, brought back a sound so amicable and infectious that 'heartfelt' 86'ed 'heartless' and catchy became the new black. Led by lead vocalist/songwriter, Clara Salyer – a precocious 17 year-old who owns her own local record label, Personal Best – the local indie pop sensations dominated spots on 89.3 The Current's daily playlist with their effervescent track, “Bearbones,” and surprised every audience member with a polish well beyond their high school rankings. What did we call it before? Oh yeah – Air and Brigitte Bardot's musical threesome with Sunny Day Real Estate. Can we revise that statement to include an after-affair with pop duo, Mates of State? Dance on tiny children, dance on.


BEST NEW ALBUM (ELECTRONIC)
Lookbook: Wild at Heart

Let's face it, Lookbook was MPLS' Yeah Yeah Yeahs this year. Like it or not, there was absolutely no one - the l'etoile staff included – that could hide their adoration/admiration for the locally-based electro darlings. Whether it was due to a throwback to 80's synthesizers, Grant Cutler's patriarchal beat mastery, or Maggie Morrison's quavering vocals, the moment a newbie witnessed Lookbook's organic conception there was no disputing their talent. A incredibly danceable follow up to their ambient and melodic first album, 2009's Wild at Heart – apparently no relation to the David Lynch flick – debuted an impassioned and exciting electro album at the peak of the Twin Cities' dance-rock curiosity.

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BEST NEW MUSIC VIDEO
Lookbook/Bo Hakala

When talk of a Lookbook music video first circulated in the local music gossip scene, we'll admit D'Angelo similarities were raised. But luckily, director Bo Hakala – creative wonder and l'etoile fave – persuaded viewers to embrace an on-screen version of Lookbook that paralleled the on-stage presence they had delivered all year long: stripped down, raw and visceral. The lead singer – a wetted down Maggie Morrison – appeared emotionally exposed and dripping, literally, with sexual innuendo and intensity. With the video, Lookbook's notorious single, “Over and Over” received recognition not only for its catchy appeal and lyrical stratagem, but for its visual flair a la Hakala.




BEST NEW ALBUM (HIP-HOP)
P.O.S.: Never Better

While riding in cars, some of us come unhinged, others inquire if we're “there yet,” but local rapper P.O.S. (aka Stefon Alexander) keeps his cool by writing raps. These car ride-created missives would eventually lead to the charismatic and darkly catchy full-length album, Never Better. Netting national praise from respected sources such as Spin, URB, Pitchfork, and even a shout out on Kanye West's blog, Never Better threw the modest Doomtree-aligned artist into the spotlight. Known for his intense and thoughtful brand of beat-fueled poetry, P.O.S. has flavor beyond his years and enough boundless creativity to back it up and then some. It's this artistic energy that hurdled Stef's rambunctious writing talent to well deserved popularity and burgeoning fame.


BEST NEW ALBUM (ROCK)
Vampire Hands: Hannah in the Mansion

While it seemed the nation went vampire crazy this year, “vampire” had a slightly different connotation to local modern rock lovers; i.e. the psych-rock four-piece, Vampire Hands. Breaking from a wilder garage rock sound, their latest album, Hannah in the Mansion, takes the band on a journey through the land of haze, hypnotism and tribal psychedelics. A possible explanation could be attributed to Neil Young – an artist the band was fixated on during most of the album's conception. Or perhaps the boys are just mellowing out with age. Never mind the reason, the band still proves they can be explosive on tracks like “Me and You Cherry Red,” yet darkly refined on “Eight Legs.” And isn't versatility is a fabulous sign of maturity?


Best New Boutique (Women's)
Shoppe Local

The Twin Cities have been rocking it hard for the past couple years, and in 2009 we saw our deep pool of local art, music and design talent growing exponentially. The entrepreneurial folks behind long-standing gift shop Patina smartly decided to capitalize on this with their latest endeavor, Shoppe Local. Its well-tailored selection includes some of our fave local fashion including designers Calpurnia Peach and Amanda Christine; jewelry designers Ferociter and Natalie Lucas; and music from Solid Gold, Jeremy Messersmith and more; plus framed poster art and other gift-ready items. One-stop shopping, anyone?


Best New Boutique (Men's)
BlackBlue

When our pal Steve Kang opened BlackBlue this past fall in St. Paul, we have to admit we were taken by surprise. After all, it was the first retail venture for Kang and his partner in crime, Claudette Gacuti, and the economic conditions were somewhat sketchy. But the design-oriented duo successfully lent their keen eyes toward the much-neglected category of men’s fashion in the Twin Cities, and their smartly-edited selection has stylish men flocking to Selby and Dale for shoes from UK brand F-Troupe and home-grown Minnetonka Moccasins and Red Wing shoes, shirts by Fred Perry and Penguin, plus a just-added selection of vintage shirts, sweaters and ties. Ladies, don’t fret - Kang tells us they plan to start adding in women’s clothing in 2010.


Best New Restaurant
Anchor Fish & Chips

What can we say? We love us some Anchor Fish and Chips. This newly opened nook in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis is one of our serious guilty pleasures. Picture this: a fresh fillet of flakey cod dunked in an airy batter and deep fried to a perfect, bubbly, golden brown crisp. Then picture this: bluntly cut slabs of gloriously greasy fried potatoes doused in such delights as malt vinegar, curry sauce or a thick, savory gravy. Also picture, if you will, other fantastic menu items such as Shepard's Pie, hand-battered banger sausage, meaty grass-fed beef burgers and much more. Add in a bustling, yet tasteful atmosphere with dark wood paneling; local characters of all ages, shapes and sizes; a fiesty yet friendly staff, and there you have it, the amazing Anchor Fish & Chips. End scene.


Best Gay
Jaime Carrera

The bane of the performance critics' exisitance, Jaime Carrera has long been a staple on the local arts circuit, producing some of edgiest shows this side of NYC. When he's not busy being a muse for local rockstar art photographer Xavier Tavera or performing with local punk band, Faggot, Jaime is constantly working on and dreaming up new collaborations and "distasteful" performance art pieces to share with the Twin Cities. Most recently, Carrera created Station, a short film with frequent co-conspirator and filmmaker Tyler Jensen which was loosely influnced by everything from "Mexican soap operas to Tanztheater to Fritz Lang" (if that tells you anything). This Mexican-born, self-taught artist is one of the prolific few that is constantly pushing boundaries, reinventing himself, and creating the art he wants to create without regret (or a sensor button). We can't wait to see what he does next!


Best Bartender
Paul Teravskis

We sincerely appreciate the fact that there's a bartender in town that won't give us the stink-eye when we ask for a drink that tastes like "rainbows" or "the way puppies look." Clubhouse Jager's Paul Teravskis is that bartender. Any regular at the North Loop staple can tell you that Paul T. slings a mean specialty cocktail and is never above taking outlandish requests. When we asked him to make us a drink that tasted like (l'etoile staff writer and sci-fi author) Rob Callahan, he happily indulged us with a concoction made of Jameson, almond liqueur, lemon and bitters that he said tasted "like books." The Rob Callahan became so popular among patrons that it has made its way onto Jager's winter drink menu, a delightful list created by Teravskis and Jager Queen Bee, Angie Heitz. Stop into the bar on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday nights from 9pm to 2am or Saturdays from 5pm to 9pm and have Paulie whip you up something special!


Best Artist
Matt Bakkom

The art scene of Minneapolis has grown up alongside Matt Bakkom. Even though this multi-disciplinary artist has come and gone from the Twin Cities throughout the years, each time to find developers having razed another block of our history, somehow he has always been present. From his early screenings of films salvaged from the University's archives to curating the Under Gallery in the basement of an Uptown apartment building, Bakkom has spent his artistic career steadily marching down Hennepin Avenue. In a fitting recognition of his hard work and talent, this year his solo exhibition Strange Victory was presented at the Chambers Burnet Art Gallery. And finally, as Hennepin returned to two-way traffic, Bakkom organized a group show at the former Shinder's Comics storefront at 8th and Hennepin that was perhaps one last gun being fired downtown in memory of the long deceased Rifle Sport Gallery.


Most Eligible Bachelor
Steve Marsh

We're pretty sure the term “man about town” was invented just so it could be attached to Steve Marsh’s name. As a seasoned Twin Cities journalist for Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, Steve can be spotted making the scene at posh parties and brushing shoulders with Minneapolis’ sophisticates. He can also be seen frequenting local hot spots, checking out performances and partying with the best of 'em. Really, we think the only time he's NOT out painting the town red is when he's off interviewing big names such as Ricky Gervais, Chris Rock, Michele Bachman and Jimmy Fallon. Yes, Steve has stories to tell. Just ask him how he managed to piss off Jennifer Garner! He's also incredibly smart and completely hilarious (please refer to his Twitter feed). If by some chance you don’t know who he is, well, he’s the man with the black beret. It must be noted that Steve probably knows more about fashion than you do, although, let's be honest, sometimes he doesn't look it. If the beret makes a comeback in ’10, however, he will be solely responsible. Want to date Steve? Better back it up with some pretty sharp wit...and possibly a matching beret!


Most Eligible Bachelorette
Hilary Davis

Oh pretty, pretty Hilary. l'etoile has had a girl-crush on you for so long! The bubbly and talented red headed beauty is not only an established local musician and event producer, but is a seasoned art director working in the advertising industry. Fancy, eh? As violinist for the ethereal, dreamy electro-rock group, Bella Koshka, Davis commands her audiences' attention with fast fingers and a statuesque, striking stage presence that cannot be matched. Hils' is also the mind behind some of the snazziest events in town, such as the recent Rock n' Roll Circus at the Music Box Theater and the memorable Thunderball party from last year's MNFashion Week. As sweet as she is talented, this feisty dame is always the first to exuberantly greet her friends and fans alike, and easily livens up a room with her sassiness and good looks. If we could shrink one person down to carry around in our pocket as a good luck charm, Hilary Davis would be it. Whoever manages to win this one's heart is a special man indeed -- one who is not intimidated by greatness, that is!


Best Couple
Jeremy & Vanessa Messersmith

There are a lot of awesome couples around here, so it was pretty hard narrow it down to just one. But singer-songwriter Jeremy Messersmith and his chic wife Vanessa practically define the term “power couple.” Jeremy has been known to sell out the First Avenue Mainroom and has crafted two exquisite albums that landed on the best-of-the-year lists of the city’s most respected music critics; he's also scored a covet spot on the official list for SXSW 2010. Meanwhile, his wife Vanessa opened Blacklist Vintage with her business partner Jennifer Sapiro in fall 2008, right when the recession hit. Somehow, they’ve managed to turn it into a success story, thanks to their hand-picked selection of vintage men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. And of course it doesn’t hurt that Jeremy and Vanessa are two of the most stylish and sweet people it town!


Best New Fashion Designer
Kevin Kramp

As much as we love our regular gaggle of local fashion designers, we especially love it when a new fashion designer pops up on our radar and impresses the pants off us. And this year, boy were our pants - er, hats - off to men’s knitwear designer Kevin Kramp, who has mesmerized us with his uniquely oversized, nomadic warrior-inspired knits. The native Minnesotan returned this year after spending several years studying apparel design in London, where he earned a degree from Central St. Martins College of Art and Design and worked with some big names, including Victoria Beckham. His designs are sold in boutiques in London and Paris, he has about a dozen different Italian yarn sponsors, has been published in international publications from Vienna, Italy, New York, France, and Sweden, and he recently won a Jerome Foundation project grant for Fiber Artists from the Textile Center. Whew! Let’s just say we’re lucky to have him. Look for a major Twin Cities debut from Kramp on the Voltage 2010 runway.


Biggest Breakout (Guys)
Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman & Christopher Straub

Suffice to say, it’s been quite the year for local fashion. Two of our very own - Ra’mon-Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub - did Minnesota proud when they appeared on the sixth season of Project Runway and placed second and first, respectively, during the premiere episode. While Christopher made it nearly all the way to Bryant Park, Ra’mon wasn’t too shabby himself, making a fan of Nina Garcia on the way. Since the show, both have gone on to find additional success. Christopher’s accessories line was recently picked up by ShopNBC, and he’s become a regular fixture at just about every noteworthy fashion event in town. As for Ra’mon, he showed at New York Fashion Week, and 2010 looks to be an even bigger year for our longtime pal and collaborator. He couldn't give us full disclosure, but he did reveal to us that he'll be “involved with two other reality-based programs in 2010," one of which is of The Real Housewives franchise, as well as news that his namesake ra'mon-lawrence line will be carried at a “major U.S.retailer." CLICK HERE for a brand-new, exclusive létoile interview with Ra’mon!


Biggest Breakout (Girls)
Coco & Breezy

Ooh, dem girls. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, 19-year-old identical twins Coco & Breezy hit the national fashion scene in a big way in 2009 after launching a line of bold, studded eyewear under the moniker Gemela Amor (Twin Love) and moving to New York. The Minnesota natives first made their mark on the on the Voltage runway in 2008 and caught our eye with their signature in-your-face style. Now they’ve taken NYC by storm, getting their sunglasses featured in Essence, Source, and W Magazine’s Editor Blog, and photographed on the likes of Kelly Osbourne and Ashanti. We see very good things for these two in 2010.


Best Facebook Status Updates
Janey Winterbauer

Nothing makes us LOL quite as hard as Janey Winterbauer's status updates. So much so, we've taken to keeping an ongoing list of our favorites on file. The sassy songstress, wife and mother of two has a sharp edge that is delightfully sarcastic, self-deprecating and hilarious. On people: "people who think they are intellectually superior because they don't resort to insults and name calling can go piss up a rope." On music: "Broke 2 nails and made a huge mess of an upstairs closet looking for my Bongwater CDs this morning. I never thought I'd get so bent out of shape about Bongwater, but there you have it." On children: "I'd totally buy Vinny a 'kid leash' if it was socially acceptable. Unfortunately I'm more concerned about being judged than fucking up his self esteem. He has too much of it anyway." On religion: "If Jesus Christ could come back today and see the things that are done in his name, he would never stop throwing up." Friend Janey on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.


Best Twitter
ArtsOrbit

A wise sage once told us that the most engaging Twitter users combine personal anecdotes, humor, and truly interesting news items/links. ArtsOrbit seems to have nailed that formula effortlessly. Run by Twin Cities Daily Planet Arts Editor, Jay Gabler, the Arts Orbit Twitter is not only a great bet for artsy news and cool events going on, but when Gabler hits the town, it's comedy gold. On shopping: "Last-minute shopping for 50s party. Fortunately, finding a porkpie hat in Uptown is like shooting a fish in a barrel of fish with no water." On parking: "Whenever I park in the pay lot by Mixed Blood, I feel like the early-morning expiration time on the dashboard receipt is a dare." On the Theater/Theatre: "Amused by the fact that the Guthrie is a "theater" while the garage behind the Steeple People Thrift Store is a "theatre." Follow Jay/Arts Orbit on Twitter.


Best Blog
Stuff About Minneapolis

Did you know that bloggers post 900,000 articles every day, which is enough posts to fill the New York Times for 19 years? How do you pick the one you like the best? It was a toughie, but our pick for best local blog iiiiis: Stuff About Minneapolis. The blog has a simple concept: aggregate the best of the local web. The concept is not new, but what makes this blog different is that its administrator, Paul Merrill, not only collects fun and interesting tidbits that are current, but also shares amazing vintage photos of Minneapolis. Don't get us wrong, we're all about the 21st century and stuff, but sometimes there are things out there that just make us want to go back in time. This photo (pictured), for example, was a favorite that we came across on the local internetz in 2009. Does this make you want to teleport yourself to 1963 or what? Well, minus the jail time.


Best of 2009 contributors: Kate Iverson, Jahna Peloquin, Juleana Enright, Marina Maric, Kristoffer Knutson, Robyn Lewis

Weekend What's What 1/1-1/5

NEW YEAR, NEW PARTIES!

New Year's Eve has come and gone in all its glorious fanfare, and boy did we have a blast! 2009 was a grand year for us and for the Twin Cities, but we predict that 2010 will be even better. Check out our 'Best of 2009' list below for a recap of our favorite people, places and things from the past year. Although this weekend is quite light on events due to the holiday, there are still quite a few killer dance parties and shows to enjoy. So, take some Advil and shake off that New Year's Day hangover and start 2010 the right way!

xo-l'étoile

photo by Joe Johnson for l'étoile agency

THIS WEEK ON L'ETOILE

Jahna Peloquin gets the Dish from Ra'mon Lawrence Coleman HERE

Jahna also updates her awesome Post-Holiday Sale Guide HERE

Our LOL/OMG blog fills you in on what happened in Social Media this week HERE

l'etoile Best of 2009 List

2009 was one hell of a year. Dare we say, a breakout year for the Twin Cities? Yes, we're calling it. The end of the decade marks a new beginning for our local brethren. From musical luminaries garnering major national press to local fashion designers kicking ass and taking names on hit reality show, Project Runway, 2009 was a wonderful, exciting whirlwind.

Click HERE for our Best of 2009 List!



FRIDAY JANUARY 1ST (THROUGH SATURDAY)

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

@ Trylon
3258 Minnehaha Ave. S.
Minneapolis

7/9:20 pm/ $8

In the mid-90s, the Americas were exposed to the seedy underbelly of a drug sub-culture through cinematic masterpieces like Trainspotting, Requiem for a Dream and perhaps the most vividly delirious account – Terry Gilliam's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The first of the “In Deppth” series spotlight – a homage to Johnny Depp – the Trylon screens the wild romp that brought to life the Hunter S. Thompson novel in all its bizarre, warped glory, complete with sex, drugs, and one of Depp's most memorable character – the fast-talking, heavily baked, Raoul Duke. And yes, we know; the Uptown has shown this flick many-a-time in midnight viewings, but it's nothing compared to the Trylon's 35mm-reel magic!

Click HERE for the Trylon site




FRIDAY JANUARY 1ST

Origins to Endings

@ Altered Esthetics
1224 Quincy St. NE
Minneapolis

7pm-10pm/free

Winter is a good time to ruminate on life cycles, endings, and get ready for the new beginnings of spring (will it ever come?) Altered Esthetics’ show explores the concepts of creation to afterlife, and all the legends surrounding past, present and future. Don’t start to hibernate just yet! Get out there and take in some art before you spin your cocoon. Through January 30th.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com


FRIDAY JANUARY 1ST

Hotel

@ Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Ave SE
Minneapolis

10pm/free

Oh Jonathan Ackerman, will you ever give our tired dancing feet a break? Last night was surely wild, and today starts your commitment to resolutions, and if they’re anything like ours, you’ve promised yourself to enjoy the city’s fantastic parties, dances, and DJs a little bit more. So, pull yourself together and head to the Kitty Kat Club for a luxurious stay at Hotel with Mr. Ackerman, Gerald is Growing and Millions Billions!

Click HERE for the facebook event



FRIDAY JANUARY 1ST

Get Cryphy!

@ First Ave VIP Room
701 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis

10 pm/ 18+/ $3

Nurse yr NYE hangover with a little hype, a little crunk and A LOT of dancin'. Get Cryphy's Overtime party starts 2010 off with a bang with fresh beats from resident Cryphy DJs, Plain Ole Bill & Jimmy2Times, plus BRLSQ digital mix-man, Mike the 2600 King and straight from Philly, Crossfaded Bacon Production's Emynd. Per usual, expect rowdy rap, drrtty south anthems, bmore club jams, delicious Miami bass, drink specials, and giveaways from Phenom and Familia.

Click HERE for the Facebook event



FRIDAY JANUARY 1ST

Vinyl Venus Space Lounge

@ 331 Club
331 13th Ave. NE.
Minneapolis

10 pm/ 21+/ no cover

If 2009 taught us anything, it was that Venus DeMars is alive, well and still kicking out the fierce. After a few technical difficulties, DeMars' DJ night has returned to the 331 Club – for now at least. Catch the spiciest member of ATPH, as she leads listeners on an exploration through the depths of retro-vinyl with '70's glam classics, '80's punk gems, underground tracks and rarities. Feel free to dance, strut or just absorb yourself within the musical journey.

Click HERE for the 331 Club site



COOL LINK: R/P ENCORE

Um, whoa. RP/Encore has the perfect accessories for the most daring of fashionistas -- headpieces, bowties and necklaces made from vermin. Yes, vermin. Perhaps your wardrobe is missing a rat bowtie, or a pigeon wing headpiece...or maybe a mouse pendant is more your style. Animal activists, don’t get your panties in a twist — the creatures used in this line are road kill, natural death, etc and are being repurposed in the name of somewhat disturbing fashion. You will be the only one wearing a delightfully creepy fuzzy or feathered animal at the next party, guaranteed.

Click HERE for the R/P Encore site


SATURDAY JANUARY 2ND

This Ship is a Destination, Caroline

@ Art of This Gallery
3506 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis

7pm-12am/$10-25 donation

It’s a night of amazingness! Mail art, two stellar bands, and a whole heap of performance equals pure, arty bliss. At 7pm check out some mail art created by New York and Minneapolis artists while listening to your dream band, Bla Bla Blacksheep, then at 8pm, it's a performance extravaganza! The postmodern dance company McLaughlin & Shogren make their debut performance, and at 10pm and rockers Chokecherry provide the transcendent fun. Buy a mail art postcard, and Margaret Coleman and Anna Marie Shogren will mail it to you from the Nes Artist Residence in Iceland. All proceeds from mail art and ticket sales will help the two artists get to Iceland!

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



SATURDAY JANUARY 2ND

The Minnewood Film Festival

@ Oak Street Cinema
309 Oak Street SE
Minneapolis

7pm / $5

Celebrate the new (film) year at the amazing Oak Street Cinema! The local flixsters at Minnewood, kick 2010 off right with a bevy of Minnesota-produced short films from the likes of Jesse Roesler, Mark Ehling, Aaron Nelson, Ryan Stradjord, and Jenna Lyng. Peep the flicks, then head over to Stub & Herbs (across the street) to mix and mingle with the filmmakers and other local movie mavens.

Click HERE for the Minnewood site



SATURDAY JANUARY 2ND

Military Special, Aaron & The Sea, Total Babe, Brutal Becomings

@ The Hexagon Bar
2600 27th Ave
Minneapolis

9pm / 21+ / Free

Rock 'n roll into 2010 at The Hex! Local electro rockers Military Special headline The Hexagon Bar’s second show of 2010 in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. Joined by Aaron & The Sea, Brutal Becomings, and Total Babe (who we named Best New Band on our Best of 2009 list!). The best part? All this stellar sound for our favorite price: Free!

Click HERE for The Hexagon Bar site

Military Special on Off The Record (3/27/09) from Military Special on Vimeo.

SATURDAY JANUARY 2ND

Slapping Purses/Marijuana Deathsquad/Power of 2

@ Sauce
Lake & Lyndale
Uptown Mpls

9:30pm / 21+

If Skinny Puppy, Richard Devine, and Doormouse had a baby together and raised it on 8-bit pop, it may very well sound like Slapping Purses. These dancable electronic beats make us nostalgic for the days of yore when we were totally into live p.a. experimental electronic music and sound art. Slapping Purses, however, actually rock some pretty catchy beats as opposed to the crazily arranged non-music noise of much experimental sound art, keeping all the best elements in check. Joined by Marijuana Death Squad and Power of 2.

Click HERE for the Slapping Purses myspace



SATURDAY JANUARY 2ND

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Ave
Minneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

What better way to continue your New Year's dance-a-thon than with a glorious night of awesome 80s music? Get down to all your old favorites with hot girl DJ duo, Double Trouble, who will be flippin' nostalgic wax all the live long night. The gals will be paying special attention to all their favorite '80s punk bands as well, setting the tone with the classic punk flick Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains projected on the wall! Sip some signature Jager cocktails and party like its 1986! Not to mention, this promo pic featuring Double Trouble as Wham, really made us LOL!

Click HERE for the Facebook event



SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: LOCAL PLAYLIST

2009 wasn't a bad year for Twin Cities' music. In fact, we'd have to say we're pretty damn proud of the music our native hotshots churned out, polished in the interiors of local studios and born off street lyrics. It seemed each time we thought the bar couldn't reach any higher some talented local – with a catchy tune or an undisputed chorus – would blow our minds even further. Oh 2009, how did we love thee? Let us count the ways. Here are some of our favorite 2009 songs, in no particular order: Solid Gold's pulsating electro anthem, “Matter of Time.” Brother Ali's smooth street preachings on “Us.” Lookbook's infectious nostalgia-ridden dance track ,“True to Form.” P.O.S.' hopeful rap, “Optimist.” Total Babe's dreamy indie pop persuasion, “Barebones.” Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelle's charming folk ballad, “Ghost Town.” Red Pen's Sonic Youth-esque rock-out jam, “Baby Alligator.” Mason Jenning's gut-wrenchingly sincere narrative,“The Field.” Vampire Hand's hazy Neil Young-esque folk distortion, “Me & You Cherry Red.” Kudos Twin Cities, kudos.




TUESDAY JANUARY 5TH

JagerCon: Sci-Fi Tuesdays

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N.
Minneapolis

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

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

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

Upcoming Events:

JAN 5: Spaceballs
JAN 12: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
JAN 19: The Forbidden Zone
JAN 26: Earth Girls Are Easy
FEB 1: Return to Oz
FEB 9: Dune
FEB 16: Dreamcatcher
FEB 23: Nightwatch
MAR 2: The Hunger

This week's flick is Spaceballs!



GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE

Beth Hammarlund breaks down the nerdiest aspects of 2009!
Click HERE to read the entire article.




GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR
Jahna Peloquin catches wind of this just-released video by local electro duo, Estate.

Leading up to their New Year's Eve performance at Sauce Spirits & Soundbar, local electro-pop duo Estate released this super-sweet new video for new track "In the Red." It features what appears to be found footage from various '80s-era Korean (?) films and commercials, all of which feature adorable Asian girls hawking '80s technology products - boomboxes, TVs and the like.
For more from Le Petit Connaisseur click HERE

Estate - In The Red from Estate on Vimeo.

Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson Contributors: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin, Rob Callahan, Chris Larson, Chase Turner