You know summer is in full swing when every other event is some sort of outdoor extravaganza! From music on the plaza to artsy BBQs to big festivals, this weekend really ought to come with a free bottle of SPF30. Friday's a little iffy, but Saturday the sun should be shinin'! So, don your floppiest and/or fanciest hat, slather on some UV protection and enjoy summer in the city -- we certainly will. And don't forget, this Friday is the 3rd l'étoile Field Trip to the Weisman Art Museum. Hope to see you there!
xo-l'étoile
ALSO THIS WEEK ON L'ETOILE
Kate Iverson interviews Weisman curator Diane Mullin
Beth Hammarlund reviews the I Feel Love fashion show
Tara Sloane reviews the Vita.mn Poolside fashion show
Jahna Peloquin & Lauren Gantner update the Shopping Guide
THURSDAY JUNE 17TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)
12th Annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival
@ Mears Park
Lowertown St. Paul
Thursday 6-12
Friday 6-12
Saturday Noon-8
All Ages / Free
The 12th Annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival is regarded as one of the area's largest free Jazz Festivals and is a can't miss for Jazzophiles. This annual musical showcase celebrates jazz legends and up-and-coming greats in venues throughout Saint Paul - from intimate nightclubs to coffee shops to outdoor stages. Featuring distinguished saxist Joe Lovano, masters of jazz-funk John Scofield with the Piety Street Band, newcomers John Ellis, Sean Jones, and a bevy of other local and national talent throwing down, this promises to be a weekend to get jazzed up about.
Click HERE for the Jazz Fest site and a full schedule
THURSDAY JUNE 17TH
“Gotta Get It” silent auction & pasta party
@ Fox Tax
503 1st Ave NE
Minneapolis
6pm / Free
On July 18, a team of folks from Minnesota and the Dakotas, “Team Gotta Go!” will be running from Napa to Sonoma, CA to raise awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis diseases – but they’re hoping to raise some dough first. That’s where you come in. Join the Gotta Gos for a night of pasta (courtesy Noodles & Co. – yum!), wine, and Surly, who has donated a keg to the event (isn’t that sweet?). After filling up on Wisconsin mac ‘n cheese, bid to your heart’s content on a number of items, including salon services, tickets to see Santana at the Xcel, and gift cards to a myriad of places, including The Bulldog, Il Gatto, Ginger Hop, and The Herkimer. To recap: drink Surly, eat pasta, win stuff, save lives. Can’t make the fundraiser, but still want to help out? Make a donation here.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
THURSDAY JUNE 17TH
Cities, Bicycles, and the Future of Getting Around
@ Uptown Theatre
2906 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis
7pm / $10
New Wave guru and electronic artist David Byrne is a bike enthusiast. Yes, it's true. For years, the eclectic, giant-suit-wearing founder of Talking Heads has been toting foldable bicycles on tour with him, relishing in the freedom and pleasure of exploring new cities via bike. He's even documented his travels in his 2009 book, Bicycle Diaries, and currently designs innovative bicycle racks for New York City. What started as a purely pleasure-seeking/mind clearing experience has now turned into social activism for Byrne as he tours the nation to discuss the future of cycling. Tonight – in conjunction with Policy & a Pint and Nice Ride MN – join Byrne and guest speakers MPLS Mayor and avid cyclist, R.T. Rybak; urban theorist, Jay Walljasper; and bicycle advocate, Steve Clark for an urban biking symposium focused on pedal-driven power in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Click HERE for more info
ART PICK: CHRIS BERENS
Don't peer too closely at Dutch artist, Chris Berens' dreamy chimera portraits; like Alice's looking glass, Berens' paintings just might suck you into a portal of fantasy, ghostly realms and science fiction. Berens – AKA the artistic chops behind Blondie's soon-to-be-released new album cover, Panic of Girls – has created quite a buzz since rumors of the collaborative juncture, and for good reason. Starting with a small scene made from ink, bistre and varnish on glossy paper, Berens repeats each scene, perfecting and layering them, often creating multiple versions of each image. Once dry, he peels away the clear coating leaving only his favorite images. What results is an intricate collage of panels constructed entirely without the use of digital or photographic enhancements. Sound time-consuming? It is. But the completed work is nothing less than displays of brilliantly intriguing tiny worlds – a glimpse inside the puzzling mind of a dedicated dreamer. Pretty nifty, if you asked us. Although, we think the album cover would be très cool if it included a “man from Mars eating cars.”
Click HERE for the Chris Berens site
FRIDAY JUNE 18TH
The Hopefuls
@ Peavey Plaza
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis
5pm / Free
Ah, five o’ clock – everyone’s favorite (happy) hour. But en route to Barrio, The Local, or other Nicollet Mall hotspots, why not stop at Peavy Plaza for some free summer jams courtesy of the Alive after 5 music series? A different band plays every weeknight, and burgers, beer, brats, and Ben and Jerry’s are also available for purchase. Tonight’s show is Minneapolis quartet The Hopefuls, whose peppy, fast-paced, and often deliberately corny tunes certainly fulfill their self-defined genre: “fun music for fun times.” Expect xylophone fills, synthesizers, hand claps, and an overwhelming urge to dance.
Click HERE for more info
FRIDAY JUNE 18TH
Ordinarily Here
@ Weisman Art Museum
333 West River Road
Minneapolis
5:30pm-8:30pm / Free
This Friday, the Weisman Art Museum will host its last official exhibition opening of 2010 before shuttering for a year to make way for the new museum expansion. And while you're still welcome to visit the Frank Gehry-designed art mecca through October, this weekend's relative last hurrah is sure to be a doozy. A roster of 10 all-local artists make up the Ordinarily Here exhibition, a stellar collection of artwork comprised of or based on every day objects and experiences. From Elizabeth Simonson's intricate, mind-boggling wire and cellophane tape installations to Jenny Jenkins' charmingly domestic embroidery pieces that depict local graffiti tags, the exhibit embraces and celebrates commonality in an incredibly uncommon way.
BONUS: Want to check out the exhibit with us? We're hosting our next l'étoile Field Trip at the Weisman this Friday, followed by an uber-secret arty after party. Click HERE for details on the Field Trip!
BONUS BONUS: Peep our interview with Weisman curator Diane Mullin HERE.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
Val Jenkins / Shreds of Wit, 2010 / graphite on paperFRIDAY JUNE 18TH
Cross Walk
@ Cliche
2403 Lyndale Avenue S.
Minneapolis
7pm / Free
This Friday, Cliché is bringing you another fabulous fashion event you won’t want to miss out on. This time around, the boutique has brought together three of Minneapolis’ finest to flaunt their latest fashion lines. Join the likes of historically-inspired Voltage and Retrorama regular Ivan Idland, fine arts fashionista (and Voltage favorite) Danielle Everine and Voltage 2010 hotshot Elena Mercurio. Throughout the night, each designer will have time to shine in their own, personalized mini-runway shows. To sweeten the deal, all attendees will be allowed to get the first exclusive dibs on some of these haute Minnesota-made designs before they hit the racks.
Click HERE for the Cliche site
Photo by Stephanie Colgan / Voltage 2010 / Elena Mercurio
FRIDAY JUNE 18TH
Lookbook
@ First Ave
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis
8pm / 18+ / $8 adv, $10 door
It's hard to believe that signature pair, Maggie and Grant of Lookbook, have yet to headline that big black stage at First Ave. Fresh from a three-week U.S. tour, the duo are set to rock the Mainroom as a homecoming of sorts with synthy jams, oscillating guitar loops, hook-heavy vocals and dance-inducing faves, plus some exciting new material. Sharing the stage are 8-bitters, Slapping Purses, hip-hop duo, Bight Club, and lo-tempo rockers, Zoo Animal. We wouldn't be surprised if this show put the duo in the running for a coveted star spot on First Ave's currently bare wall!
Click HERE for the First Ave site
FRIDAY JUNE 18TH
Venus DeMars
@ Lee's Liquor Lounge
101 Glenwood Ave
Minneapolis
8:30pm / 21+ / $6
Out to prove local nostalgia is best revisited in pairs, Lee's welcomes a few veteran artists sure to ring a bell with die-hard fans of local rock. The evening's DJ and live set mash-up features duo David & Larry of Urban Guerrillas – a 1980's bar rock band ripe with booze and sex-fueled dance music. Headlining is ATPH's Bowie akin and local punk avant-gardeist, Venus DeMars strutting her stuff with help from ATPH bandmate, Jazz Stafford. The night also includes sets from alt rockers, Best Bitch in Show and gothic ambient music-makers, Ficshe. Head down early for Vinyl-Venus' Space-Lounge DJ set featuring musical treats from Venus' personally record collection. Expect trippy tunes, glam rock hits and local faves.
Click HERE for the Lee's site
FRIDAY JUNE 18TH
Mayda + No Bird Sing
@ Honey
205 E Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis
8pm / 21+ / Free
This is not your momma's R&B! Local genre mixer, Mayda, delivers fresh funk-pop deliciously sprinkled with electronic beats, synths and stripped-down soul. Catch the petite pop songbird (recently named City Page's Best R&B Artist) and her talented entourage performing another groove-tastic set tonight at NE's subterranean club, Honey. With freestyle rappers, Face Candy (feat. Eyedea), dark poetica hip-hoppers, No Bird Sing and tasty tunes from DJ Casey O'Brien – of the Face Candy crew – between sets.
Click HERE for the Honey Facebook
FRIDAY JUNE 18TH
Videodrome: Star Wars Edition
@Karnak Gallery
106 3rd St N - 3rd floor
Minneapolis
9pm / $10 or $5 with Star Wars attire
A long, long time ago, in gallery not to far away...Darth VIDEODROME gathered an army of super synthesizing storm troopers to throw an out of this world party! That’s right, this weekend get out your capes, light sabers and jedi equipment for a night of sci-fi and synth pop. Join the likes of robot music writers Solvent, Memoire, The Claps and more for a nerdy dance off. Not only will there be tons of tunage, but Dim Media has put together an art exhibit for you to peep while 00000000001 and Vistionquest throw down science fiction vids. Just be sure to be dressed in your Star Wars best—there’s $5 off at the door if your flaunting some of that Jedi swag. May the force be with you!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
COOL LINK: DUDE WEATHER
If you're a follower of our LOL/OMG blog, you've likely already caught "wind" of our newest feature: Dude Weater! The smokin', drinkin', swearin' meterologist brings you the daily weather forecast via a YouTube vid every morning on LOL/OMG and/or MPLS.TV. You may remember Dude Weather from his longtime stint on The Rake website; he's a little bit inappropriate, a lot hilarious, and totally informative! Dude Weather is just an all around fun way to start the day. So, check out LOL/OMG every weekday morning and avoid all the boring "real news" programs, eh?
Click HERE for past Dude Weather episodes and bookmark LOL/OMG for your daily forecast and fun Twin Cities social media gossip!
Peep today's forecast!
SATURDAY JUNE 19TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)
Made in the Shade Art Sale
@ Tarnish & Gold Gallery
1511 Marshall Street NE
Minneapolis
Sat & Sun 10am-6pm / Free
Local artists unite! This weekend the local non-profiteers at Tarnish & Gold are bringing together a giant group of talent for an awesome artisan fair. Pop on in to their Northeast headquarters for tons of sales on handmade gems, cutesy handbags, painted furniture, unique zines, prints, paintings and tons more. Featured vendors are jewelry by Trinity Muller of TrinKnitty, handbags by Missy Hansen, recycled art by Jessy Muller and zines, screen prints and T-shirts from Chris Pernula of Swimmer's Ear and more.
Click HERE for the Tarnish & Gold site
SATURDAY JUNE 19TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)
Stone Arch Festival
@ Stone Arch Bridge
St. Anthony Main
Minneapolis
10am-6pm / Free
It’s back! This year, the MPLS Riverfront is planning yet another giant party with over 250 artists mixed with 40+ musical performances spread across 4 stages. Stop by the Mississippi this Father’s Day weekend to get your fill of art (to peruse and purchase), tunes (look out for talent like Brad Senne, Eliza Blue, Black Blondie, Zoo Animal, Mayda and MORE!) and totally tasty fried food. Check out local screen-printing artist, Amy Jo of Who Made Who at Booth #77, along with the jewelry creations of Lisa Carlson at #209 and mixed media masterpieces by Devin Johnson over at Booth #45 -- just to name a mere few.
Click HERE for the Stone Arch site
SATURDAY JUNE 19THIntermedia Arts Summer Kickoff Barbeque
@Intermedia Arts
2822 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis
4-7pm / Free
Summer is finally here and Intermedia Arts is rejoicing with a BBQ bash! Join the gallery this Saturday to celebrate their awesome year with art-making, tasty food and a dance party. Throughout the day, guests will be allowed to peruse the current exhibit We Work Here, check out mural art, meet new people and create cutesy crafts. Not only will Shannon Blowtorch be flippin' hot trax throughout the day, but kids will also get a chance to learn how to pop-and-lock in a fun Hip-Hop dance clinic at 4:30. And while you're there, load up on info about Intermedia's fantastic programming and their upcoming community art events.
Click HERE for Facebook event
SATURDAY JUNE 19TH
Exquisite Robot
@ Stevens Square Center for the Arts
1905 Third Avenue South
Minneapolis
7pm / Free
Blending everything from satire to science fiction to urban iconography to images of war, progressive art collective Rogue Citizen is best known for its collaborative, street-art-inspired live paintings executed in music venues and galleries all over Minneapolis (one of which can be found covering a huge wall outside Shuga Records). The talented four-man group will be exhibiting a series of drawings inspired by the “exquisite corpse” games played in France, a Surrealist method that involved the collective assembly of words and images. See their machinery and robot-ridden take on this format tonight at SSCA, where Exquisite Robot will opening alongside performances by Unicorn Dream Attack and John Keston.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH
Let's Dance
@ Spring Street Tavern
355 Monroe St. NE
Minneapolis
10pm / Free
After a brief but painful haitus, one of our favorite dance parties is back in action at a new venue! This Saturday head to the cavernous basement of Northeast's Spring Street Tavern where Millions Billions + Tendercakes + Jonathan Ackerman are lined up to bring you a killer mix of dance track favorites and fresh electronic awesomeness. Plus, with the crowd that usually turns out at Lets Dance, you can bet there’s going to be a lot of pretty people getting sweaty. Please prepare to count yourself among them.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SATURDAY JUNE 19TH
Public Display of Affection Night
@ Clubhouse Jäger
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / Free
Yes, actually, it is exactly what it sounds like: a dance party where party-goers are encouraged to abandon their inhibitions and go ahead and make out with their partner, their friends, or a stranger. If you’re particularly into a little public kissy-face, Jäger’s PDA Night is offering you a platform for indulgence, no strings attached. There are some key rules for the evening, such as no staring, no judging, no molesting, and no engaging in illegal activities (in other words, please refrain from doin' it in the bathroom!) but aside from that, pretty much anything goes. Featuring a sonic spectrum of four decades of the best electronic party music a la old schooler Dirty MacKenzie and Slater & Walker. Bring a friend or two or three and share the love.
BONUS: Click HERE to check out some mixes by Dirty McKenzie to warm up for the party!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
Somewhat disturbing yet awesome promo video:
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: JESSICA LEA MAYFIELD
The magic of singer/songwriter Jessica Lea Mayfield lies in contradiction: wistful lyrics and a downcast, Cat Power-like voice suggest a jaded adult, but Mayfield sings with the heart and fervency of a young girl in love. And rightfully so – Mayfield isn’t yet 21, though the dark complexities of songs are far beyond those expected of such a young artist. Gaining comparisons to the Avett Brothers and The Black Keys, the crop-haired, septum-pierced Mayfield is utterly captivating in her plaintive minimalism, which draws influence from both country and rock. With Blasphemy So Heartfelt, her debut album, is the perfect soundtrack for a summer drive or a rainy day indoors. But consider yourself warned – “Kiss Me Again” is bound to get stuck on repeat.
Click HERE for the Jessica Lea Mayfield Myspace
SUNDAY JUNE 20TH (EVERY SUNDAY THROUGH SEPT 26)
Uptown Market Opening Day
@29th Street, between Lyndale and Dupont Aves.
Minneapolis
11am-5pm every Sunday / Free
Join our local farmers, artists, vendors and crafters at the Uptown Market! Stop by this culturally creative corner of Minnesota for a four-block long bash running from Lyndale to Dupont avenues. This market will bring together both well-known retailers and locally-sourced vendors to supply you with your fill of unique clothing, fresh foods, jewelry, art and more! Plus, the super sale items and goods are guaranteed to be both high in quality and low in prices. Sundays through September 26th.
Click HERE for the Uptown Market site
L'ETOILE NEWSWIRE
Register now for the 1st Annual High Heel Dash!
The first ever Aegis Foundation High Heel Dash invites both men and women to show off their
glamorous athletic prowess for a good cause! On Wednesday, August 11th at Peavey Plaza in Downtown Minneapolis contestants will compete against each other in 25-yard dash heats wearing heels 3 inches or taller. MyTalk 107.1's Lori & Julia will begin broadcasting live with emcee Foxy Tann at 3pm! Heats will start at 5:30pm to give you time to leave work and dash to Peavey Plaza for a great cause. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place dashers! The top fundraisers will get Spectacular prizes too!!Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 to dash (tax deductible). Contestants will receive an official High Heel Dash t-shirt. All proceeds benefit Soles4Souls and the Emergency Foodshelf Network. REGISTER NOW!
High Heel Dash 2010 is proudly co-sponsored by l'étoile!
Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Tara Sloane, Lauren Gantner, Natalie Gallagher, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin
Ramirez opened the show with a fall collection of feminine dresses and separates in a fresh modern palette. The collection successfully evoked the
Models flounced down the runway in cheeky mini-skirts and sophisticated blouses, and a beautifully proportioned coat suited for Audrey Hepburn served as one of the finale pieces. Stylist Jane Belfry added to the effect, focusing on the collection's grown-up sweetness with over-sized bowties by local line 
Labine's collection of playful pieces took her signature over-the-top Japanese streetwear and anime-inspired shapes and turned them into something wearable. Though the longtime designer's bright colors and prints (designed in collaboration with show producer Angie Hanson) are still not for the fashion faint of heart, it was exciting to see the designer convert her inspirations and source material into such a fun and retail-ready collection.
The production team elevated the event from just another runway show into a feast for the senses. In addition to gorgeous video art from The Lovemelts, Jesse Draxler and Anthem Heart, chanteuses Camille Bourgergie and Alina Lindquist opened and closed the runway. The Night provided an interlude performance perfectly suited to the atmosphere created by the production team.
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