Text by Beth Hammarlund, founder & creative director,l'etoile magazine Photos by Corey Tenold, exclusive to l'etoile magazine
Macy's annual fashion presentation Glamorama is one of the most anticipated spectacles of the year - a chance for Minnesotans to see runway design as it is meant to be seen. This annual benefit for the Children's Cancer Research Fund brings high fashion to Minneapolis, showing collections ranging from Armani Jeans to Sonia Rykiel.
This year's benefit, subtitled "ARTrageous," featured live music by Far East Movement and headliner Bruno Mars, as well as choreography by local legend Myron Johnson, founder of Ballet of the Dolls and creative director of the Ritz Theater in Northeast Minneapolis. Though Johnson delivered his trademark dynamic choreography, his choices were fairly predictable, the opening number consisting of the done-and-done mash-up of ballet and hip hop dance. Perhaps Glamorama isn't the best environment for envelope-pushing dance, but it would have been exciting to see the legendary artist take more risks.
The collections themselves were well-modeled and styled, but due to the auditorium seating of the Orpheum Theatre, most audience members were too far from the stage to appreciate the details. When Far East Movement and Bruno Mars performed, swooping cameras on cranes captured close-ups which were projected onto large screens. This production element could have beautifully enhanced viewing the collections, allowing attendants to truly appreciate the craftsmanship of the work being presented.
Following the opening dance performance, the first collection to hit the stage was that of iconic French designer Sonia Rykiel. The styling successfully captured the eccentric attitude of the knitwear icon's aesthetic, while presenting her pieces as wearable and consumer-friendly fashion. Next, models strutted in cocktail dresses and suiting by fellow Parisian Jean Paul Gaultier, the styling toned down from the original runway but still maintaining the essence of Gaultier's original presentation. Tracy Reese's '70s-influenced city glam collection was a major winner with the audience, but the finale collection by Marc Jacobs felt oddly brief - almost like an afterthought.
[Sonia Rykiel]
[Sonia Rykiel]
[Jean Paul Gaultier]
[Tracy Reese]
[Marc Jacobs]
[Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse at Macy's] [Bar III]
The chic presentation of womenswear clashed awkwardly with the way the menswear was shown. Whenever a male model removed his sunglasses or flashed a smile, audience members screamed like bachelorettes at Chippendale's. Though the display left me feeling a bit embarrassed, I couldn't help but gasp during the showcase for Miami-based men's underwear line Papi. The crowd erupted in whoops and hollers as the entire stage was taken over by male models in tight boxer briefs, sporty knee socks, and oiled, sinewy muscle.
[Armani Jeans]
[Kenneth Cole Reaction]
[Papi]
The after-party, held on the eighth floor of Macy's Nicollet Mall location, presented a great opportunity for people-watching. Party-goers' outfits ranged from conservative to risqué and traditional to fashion-forward. A body-painting booth adorned women's bare shoulders with reproductions of Andy Warhol's iconic Marilyn Monroe portrait, while groups of girlfriends lined up in a queue that wrapped around corners to have their photograph taken in a chicly styled photo booth. The "ARTrageous" theme was referenced in slideshows projected on multiple walls, though the selection of featured art included such a wide variety of works that it lacked cohesion, reading a little too much like Art History's Greatest Hits.
Despite the few technical issues and over-emphasis on entertainment over fashion, Minneapolis is still lucky to have such a high-profile, high-production event as Glamorama year after year, injecting the Midwest a welcome dose of international style.
This weekend calls for scattered t-storms, but that ought not dissuade you from exploring the plethora of outdoor (and indoor) art extravaganzas on the schedule. Is there ever a bad time to treat yourself to some new pretties for your pad? We think not. Between art swaps and multiple art fairs, you and your discerning eye have your work cut out for you. Get us something nice, eh?
xo-l'étoile
THURSDAY AUGUST 4TH
Some Like it Hot: Supper and a Show
@ Old Arizona 2821 Nicollet Ave Minneapolis
6-10 p.m. / Free
Like it’s not already hot enough, Old Arizona is about to crank up the heat. This Thursday saddle up your sassy and sultry side, snag your sweetie and head to Eat Street for the 2nd installment of the Feast and a Flick summer series. The show begins promptly at 7 p.m. so find your seat and feast your eyes; it’s a Marilyn Monroe kind of night with screenings of Some Like it Hot and The Seven Year Itch. Enjoy tasty eats, paletas included, and two classic films. We’ve all got a little Monroe or Newman in us, so come down and show off your best '50s duds! A Best Dressed Contest will commence during intermission (our pals at Blacklist Vintage are offering 10% off in honor of this event!). Beer and wine will be available for purchase at the bar and tasty treats are available as well.
@ various theaters Minneapolis-St. Paul single tickets $12 plus $4 admission button
If CONvergence is revenge for the local nerd world then let the Fringe Fest be heralded as 2 weeks of retaliation for local theater geeks. For those not familiar – and a tsk, tsk, tsk to you – the Fringe Festival is an annual 10-day long “anything goes” random romp into the land of local improv and theater. We say “random” because this performing arts event truly is “random.” Anyone from the most seasoned veterans to newbies to the stage may apply; every year's line-up is literally chosen lotto-style (just like ping-pong balls at your grannies bingo game) giving everyone a chance to try their talents at performing arts. A real “Fringe-for-All,” this year boasts 168 productions that twist the rules, break outta the playing field, stupefy, amaze, offend and, above all, entertain. You could download the Fringe schedule and blindly throw darts to determine which shows to attend or – if you're not into chance theater outings – the Fringe's website separates each show into genres catering to anyone looking for familiar categories such as comedy, drama, spoken word and dance, to the aberrant varieties like sci-fi/mystery, queer, puppetry and satire. Check the link below for a full schedule and info on multi-show passes. Viva la Fringe!
One of our personal Fringe picks is "Last Ditch" by Rockstar Storytellers Rob Callahan and Allegra Lingo:
THURSDAY AUGUST 4TH
Project Runway Weekly Screenings
@ Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen in the Caterpillar Lounge 533 Hennepin Ave S Minneapolis
8 p.m. / Free
Join l'etoile and Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen each Thursday as we host weekly 8 p.m. screenings of Project Runway Season 9 in the Caterpillar Lounge! This season features one of our very own: talented local designer Danielle Everine! Cheer Danielle on whilst sipping stylish drink specials (including the $6 special "Everine Fizz") and noshing upon Pham's delectable bar menu. Danielle herself, as well as season six contestant Christopher Straub, plan to flatter us with appearances from time to time as well, so bring your autograph books! Stick around afterward for a DJ set by Plain Ole Bill.
More often than not, we encounter paintings created within the space of a canvas, or across multiple canvases spread on gallery walls. Such is what makes the freestanding paintings of Hollis Cooper that much more compelling; they’re painted directly on the walls where they’re exhibited, sprawling and swirling in theatricality and vivid color. You could even say they breathe; little architectural creatures breaking free of the two-dimensional plane, activating the space and forcing the viewer to interact with them in unconventional ways. From each new angle, a new sense of place, motion, and sightline emerges. Here’s hoping they come to call (and crawl!) upon the walls somewhere nearby (Hint, hint, Hollis!)
Unconventional: odds and ends, one-offs, and leftovers
@ Echo Arts 275 E 4th St St. Paul
6pm – midnight / Free
Take it from us, art scraps are not anything like food scraps. Those leftovers you fed to Fido or hid covertly inside your napkin at dinner time were destined for the trash. But in the art world, the bits that remain, or at the time seem unwanted, can sometimes become tastier morsels than the final artwork. Tonight, join Echo Arts for an evening showcasing the new, unusual, the never before seen (and leftover) work from five progressive local photographers: Scott Demeranville, Chris Faust, Hilary Lund, Brian Hart and Rhea Pappas.
@XYandZ Gallery 3258 Minnehaha Avenue South Minneapolis
7 p.m. / Free
Cadillac Ranch, the UFO museums, the Jolly Green Giant – the US of A certainly has no shortage of strange roadside attractions. With “Fantastic Realities,” the latest exhibition at the XYandZ, artist Josk K. Winkler pay homage to these surreal places, while Brian Borlaug nods to a multitude of other national monuments, moments, and political figures. Using original photographs, TV stills, pages from history books, and stylized drawings, Borlaug’s work displays the discord between how an event happened and how it was documented. Winkler’s work focuses on national monuments and roadside attractions – specifically how silly human objects shape the land and how we take nature for granted when building them. The exhibit opens Friday, so be there, or be a giant ball of twine.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY AUGUST 5TH
Just Add Ink: A Comicbook Release Party
@ Altered Esthetics 1224 Quincy St. NE Minneapolis
7 p.m. / Free
Superman, Spiderman and Batman simultaneously swoop up Betty Crocker and the dangerous, chocolate coated concoction heads straight for your kitchen…wait, what? Well, kind of. The Just Add Ink: A Comic Cookbook release party/sale kicks off this Friday! Imagine a compilation of comic strip recipes and cooking tips from a host of cartoonists from Minnesota and around the world from the likes of Big Time Attic, and Cartoonist Conspiracy (the folks who organized the details of the cookbook) and more. The release of this anthology of comic-strip recipes and cooking tips will be accompanied by a gallery show featuring the original artwork--it's a win-win! This Friday’s event allows you to meet n’ mingle with fellow artists and comic connoisseurs.
Bonus: There will also be an artists' discussion panel on 1 p.m. Saturday, August 20.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY AUGUST 5TH
Glamorama
@ Orpheum Theatre 910 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis
8 p.m. / $60 - $175
Because not all of us can make it to the European runways for a taste of high fashion, Glamorama and Macy's once again bring the action to us offering an all expenses paid passport to music, haute fashion and the absolutely glam-est of the glam. This year, catch live performances from Grammy award-winner pop artist/record producer Bruno Mars and the group who permanently stuck the dance glitchy tune “Like a G6” in our heads, Far East Movement. Plus – and most importantly – peep the latest Fall collections from renown designers Jean Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs and Sonia Rykiel, not to mention Papi, Tracy Reese, Armani Jeans and more. And with a theme like “ARTrageous,” expect backdrops and visuals inspired by everyone from Bansky to Degas and every artist in between. Then, after the show, head over to the 8th floor of Macy's for the awesome ARTlandish After-Party featuring drinks, nosh and swanky surprises around every corner. The show benefits the Children's Cancer Research Fund so feel good about being stylish!
For the second time this year, Transmission is leaving its usual haunt at Club Jager for somewhere bigger and badder: the First Avenue Mainroom. And while Belinda Carlisle may not be hosting Minneapolis’ inaugural edition of "Friday Night Videos," it’s still going to be packed with the most danceable jams – and videos – from 1985 and beyond. And since Jake Rudh is doing the spinning, you know that means quite the mixtape of new wave, punk, Brit pop, electronic, and more. If you’re in the mood for some dance party hoppin', head upstairs to Get Cryphy in the Record Room, where DJs Jimmy 2 Times, Plain Ole Bill, and Last word will be spinning crunk, ghettotech, and tons of other obscure hip-hip hop all night long.
When this group popped up on Facebook earlier in the week, we were totally intrigued. Not only is it a book club with nods to Sappho – the ancient Greek poet admired as the first introduction to lesbian poetry – but once we dove even further into their schedule, we discovered the group has quite a lot to offer in terms of feminism, intellect and politics. Although self-proclaimed as book club for “women who love books and women,” the group seems multi-inclusive discussing books that poignantly address topics affecting women (queer, straight, trans or other) and society. Their first feature is Half the Sky by Nicholas Krisof which draws attention to three major women-related abuses: sex trafficking, forced prostitution and gender-based violence. Pick up the book from your local library or bookstore and join Sapphos & Libros for their first meeting Monday, August 8th at 6:30 p.m. at Common Roots Cafe in Uptown to share your insight.
@ Minneapolis Institute of Arts Target Park 2400 Third Ave S. Minneapolis
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. / Free
Hey, remember that velvet etching you picked up at Savers a few years back? What about that strange oil painting you found in grandma’s basement? That cool, locally printed poster that you can't find a place for in your house? Or maybe even your own creation you're seeking a home for? Now you can get rid of one of them (or the likes of which we know you keep hidden under your bed) without feeling guilty! Dust off the frames and take those beauties to the M.I.A. Saturday (one object per person), where all afternoon long, Art Swap will trade out those offbeat works for something you’ll actually hang in your living room. There will even be music, popcorn, and drinks to sweeten the swappin’.
Summer is the season for art in the park and leisurely wandering around looking at pretty things. Especially when you’re in Minneapolis, and you have approximately 8 days to like, really enjoy it before the Abominable Snowman takes over our lives again. This weekend, treat yourself (and the fam, or your friends, or those little bastards you have to babysit now and then) to a few hours of culture at Powderhorn, where over 184 regional and national artists will be exhibiting, along with group showcases. There will be plenty of children’s activities, performances by Open Eye Figure Theatre and Articulture, and acoustic music including Dan Rein (Iranian stringed instruments), Tom Klein (Irish bagpipes), Ensemble Limousine (eclectic French mix), and so much more. Proceeds go towards programs and equipment at Powderhorn Park that benefit all ages. Why not enjoy the weather while it lasts at the pastoral landscape of one of our cities' most beloved parks?
There are a lot of things going on with this event. First, PBR is presenting it, and that alone makes it cool and worthy, obvs. Second, there are two stages, indoor and outdoor, featuring a slew of bands including Blood N Stuff, Annandale Cardinals, Fetch the Warden, Hardcore Crayons, Antique Scream, Running Scared, The Tribe and Big Cats, and Spyder Baybie Raw Dog. Plus, the Crunchy Kids (who are releasing their new album today) are sure to inspire you put on your party paint and beat your chest like a warrior of fun. Much more is packed into this extravaganza, like a live art installation from Rogue Citizen, a Beer Belly competition, and bobbing for PBR Light. Buy a Crunchy Kids album for $5 and get a free beer. Sounds like our kind of party!
Another weekend in Minneapolis, another weekend filled with excellent musical events to attend. This Saturday, Seated Heat play host to a fantastic gathering of local noise and experimental music at the Entry. The line-up includes the swoon-worthy tones of Mark McGee's new project Father You See Queen, former Gay Beast rockers Hasps, moody laptop jawns from Tender Meat, and of course one of our very faves, Seated Heat. The music starts around 9, rock & roll time.
Ace of Base, Robyn, Madonna, Technotronic, Corona, LaBouche, Snap, Culture Beat, Ricky Martin – no other decade knows gettin’ jiggy like the 90s. And no other DJs know “all that” like Derube and Jonathan Ackerman, whose Saturday night sets at Honey will be chock full of (jock) jams to rival the best house parties circa 1997. So whether or not you were still playing in your Little Tikes hosue when these songs were released, this dance party is bound to be all that and a bag of chips. In fact, all your other Saturday night plans can eat our shorts. So get practicing your Tootsie Roll and your Robocop. Colorful denim, Doc Martins, and grungy t-shirts are also strongly encouraged.
You’ve tapped your boots to Americana, but there’s a new buckaroo in town: Mexo-Americana, the genre popularized by our latest folksy fave, David Wax Museum. What’s not to love about a band whose signature instrument is a donkey’s jawbone? And that’s not to mention their knack for joyful virtuoso and down-home harmony, for lyrically exquisite blends of sounds both fiery and heart-wrenching. Having spent time volunteering in La Huasteca, Mexico, singer-guitarist David Wax learned how to listen – and emulate – the rhythms and song structures of son mexicano, a sensibility that, for its rare appearance in indie music, really kicks up dust. But while DWM’s sound is made distinct by fiddle, clapping, call-and-response hollering, and the occasional accordion, it’s the spirit of their music that’s truly captivating. Like the legendary Spirit of the West, perhaps, it’s as much a mystery as it is a household tale. Which is to say, even their YouTube video leaves us soaring.
We're declaring a posse up weekend! Grab your bffs (and maybe even a few frenemies) and party en masse at any number of down n' dirty dance jams, amazing art shows and festivals, or rockin' live music blowouts. As we head into the final "official" month of summer, we must insist you (and your, um, posse) make the most of it.
@ XY&Z Gallery / Trylon 3258 Minnehaha Ave S Minneapolis
7 p.m. – Midnight / Free
Local musicians, Radical Cemetery, aren't your average, run-of-the-mill experimental band. Comprised of Hartland/Heartland founders Aaron Anderson and Eric Carlson, Fletcher Barnhill, and multi-instrumentalist Derek Maxwell, the 4-piece takes their cues from improv, “stoner metal,” hip-hop and dub techniques mutating and progressing their beats through digital production. Hence, it comes as no shock that the band's release party should reflect the same multi-media eclecticism. Tonight, don't miss as the XyandZ Gallery and the Trylon host just such a release party for Radical Cemetery's latest cassette (yes, we said “cassette”), N. N. E. Catch video installments in the Trylon, plus peep art installations, “spacial interruptions,” drawings and live performances from Cage 3, Moon Glyph and – of course – Radical Cemetery. Engage in sensory overload.
Bonus: Secret special guests are rumored to be adding to the musical melee! Our lips are sealed!
Join l'etoile and Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen each Thursday as we host weekly 8 p.m. screenings of Project Runway Season 9 in the Caterpillar Lounge! This season features one of our very own: talented local designer Danielle Everine! Cheer Danielle on whilst sipping stylish drink specials (including the $6 special "Everine Fizz") and noshing upon Pham's delectable bar menu. Danielle herself, as well as season six contestant Christopher Straub, plan to flatter us with appearances from time to time, so bring your autograph books, eh?
Bonus 2: Show up early to get a good seat (screening starts at 8pm sharp!) then stick around afterward for a DJ set by Plain Ole Bill and more drink and app specials beginning at 10 p.m.
Bonus 3: Check out our interview with Danielle Everine on the eve of the premiere HERE.
Dearling Physique has treated us to some mystifying experiences throughout the past few years. To name a couple: the spine-tingling, knitwear-heavy music video for “Discipline Your Hands” and last January’s “Choose Your Color” listening party. Thursday at Hell’s Kitchen, Dearling will release the next music video from their album “Deadeye Dealer” – for the album’s first single, “Oh This Currency.” Production stills show frontman Dominique Davis, clad in a striped tuxedo vest, being bound with cords. So, we’re definitely in for a fashionably creepy treat. In addition to the video premiere, the band will also be performing with 2NoHO and Youth at Large. The perfect teaser to Dearling’s newest group of tunes, set to release on August 22.
Just to wet your whistle, Dearling Physique's video for "Discipline Your Hands" to which the new video will be a sequel:
FRIDAY ART PICK: ABSOLUT BLANK
We've always dug Absolut Vodka's innovative and stylish ads. From the cutting-edge and sophisticated, down to the hilariously tongue-in-cheek, in seems the Absolut marketing team is always one step ahead of the rest. Their latest campaign is no exception. Under the tagline, “It all starts with an Absolut Blank,” New York commissioned a myriad of exciting new generation contemporary artists to turn the iconic Absolut bottle into a blank canvas to “indulge their creative inspirations.” What resulted is an eclectic mix of print, interactive, digital and installation art ranging from light installations to murals and collages that launched for public display earlier this month. The catalytic campaign features collaborative work from Jeremy Fish, Morning Breath, Sam Flores, Brett Amory, Dave Kinsey, and tons more including MPLS' own Aesthetic Apparatus. Well played guys!
The Amazing Adventures of the Corporate Wizard in the Land of LARP
@ The Soap Factory 514 2nd St. SE Minneapolis
6 p.m. Friday to 12 p.m. Sunday / Free
Fact: L’etoile’s inner tomboys are wide-eyed and fascinated by the world of LARPing. Costumes and quests and traipsing around in the woods? Ah! Which is why we’re here to tell you, with the most mischievous of twinkles in our eyes, that your mission for this weekend is to spend some time at The Soap Factory, where artist Erik Ullanderson has organized a three-day long LARPing extravaganza, The Amazing Adventures of the Corporate Wizard in the Land of LARP. Working closely with Minnesota LARP-ers, the project has a scripted storyline and a pre-ordained set of rules, under which player characters and non-player characters will engage in live action. Spanning from the wilds of the Soap Factory to the Walker Art Center kingdom, all adventures will be initiated by the Corporate Wizard, a character representing the mores of corporate America. How things will turn out is unknown -- but you'd be a fool to miss out. For peak gaming times and weekend highlights, check out the Soap’s full schedule below.
@ The Future Presence Gallery 1126 2nd St NE Minneapolis
5 – 11 p.m. / Free
From Bansky to Space Invader to OBEY, street artists across the globe are rising up to take on the challenge “blank walls, blanks minds.” And for Future Presence's latest exhibit, Impermanent Public, the catch phrase has become both a movement and a mantra. An exploration into the evolving path of street art as a contemporary art form, Impermanent Public's goal is to place emphasis and credit not just the evasive artist but awaken a commentary on the art itself, its significance on the modern art scene and its impact on urban landscape. For one night only, check installations by yarn-bomber, HOTTEA, collaborative work from Toronto-based artist, Sean Martindale, local artists Light The Underground, Andrew Casey, Phil Jones, Jenny Moxley and Nathaniel. Plus, don't miss the highly anticipated and sure to be hyped about “Momentary Performance” by experiential artist, Lee Walton. And never again walk the streets oblivious.
It's possible we may be a Rope groupie, a band-aid, if you will. But how could we not be? The group we raved about in last week's What's What "Sunday Music Pick" is popping up everywhere and soon they'll be in the hearts, homes and stereos of every gothy post-punk lover across the city. Tonight, catch them headlining with Reverbnation label mates, “Shoegaze-Synth Pop Electropunk” duo The Night and a special blast-from-the-past performance from Minneapolis' 80's techno-pop new wave band, The Trapezoids. Expect glitch, distortion, baritoned vocals and the kind of unapologetic synth your mama warned you about.
For all those who wanted to be rebels in high school but didn’t get it out of their system ‘til their college years and beyond, Recess is the huge monthly dance party that would have surely landed you in detention had the principal caught you. Magical fun purveyors Anthem Heart and their unruly party crew bring you a night of epic musical throw-down, featuring sounds from CODES, GIGAMESH, and DJ Espada, plus mind-boggling video trips from the nimble fingers of Playatta. Go ahead, prep for this evening of old skool delinquency by ripping some holes in your jeans or smoking cigarettes behind the gym—whatever it takes to cancel out those years you spent being a good kid when you could’ve been the bad one. Then be prepared to dance. Get $2 off the cover when you RSVP
@ Clubhouse Jäger 923 Washington Ave N Minneapolis
10 p.m. / 21+ / Free
This Friday, don't miss the next down n' dirty installment a la sexy DJ duo, Sleazy & Easy (Mark Mallman & Jager's own Angie Heitz). Get down at this dynamic dance party as the sassy pair masterfully mixes all your favorite jams. It’s hard to deny booty bumpin’ beats and lyrical lust flowing from legendary artists like Missy Elliot, Usher, Robyn, Kanye, and Snoop--and just when you think the night can’t get any better, Clubhouse Jäger serves up free jello shots at midnight! Find your friends, lure your lovers and bring your best dance moves, because this Friday night is about to get sleazy, easy and frankly, downright freak nasty.
By now we're sure you've heard of local remix-guru, Gigamesh. But just in case you haven't, here's the lowdown. Gigamesh is Matt Masurka, a Minneapolis-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, and DJ. Starting by releasing bootleg remixes on music blogs in 2007, he's built his name as a versatile remix artist and producer. His collaborations include being a member of DiscoTech and Señor Stereo, as well as co-producing albums for Minneapolis bands Lookbook and Estate. In 2010, he became a multi-platinum selling producer when his remix of Mike Posner's “Cooler Than Me” was chosen to be the first single on Posner’s debut album. The song rose to #5 on the Billboard Top 40 and was chosen as iTunes 2010 Pop Single Of The Year. Gigamesh will be releasing his debut self-titled EP worldwide by the end of summer. Not only is the dude the epitome of MN-nice, but his beats could move even the surliest of misanthropes to the dancefloor.
We recently caught up with MN returnee Gigamesh to chat about his latest projects, what's on his iPod and why he couldn't stay away from Minneapolis. You can catch Matt spinning this Friday at the Anthem Heart-produced party "Recess" at the Varsity Theater.
@ Stevens Square Park 1801 Stevens Ave S Minneapolis
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. / 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Free
This weekend come celebrate the 10th anniversary of the city’s fave grass roots arts festival! Red Hot Art, a weekend long event that takes place every summer, serves as a showcase for emerging Twin Cities artists. This time around there will be over 100 booths dedicated to visual artists and crafters, an array of 28 musical acts playing between two stages, food from local vendors, and many local community organizations providing hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. The Red Hot Art Festival is the perfect opportunity to gather your family, friends and fellow art enthusiasts together to collectively enjoy a fun-filled weekend of art/music that definitely dabbles in every medium. As you peruse, relax and explore the creative culture, enjoy scrumptious food and drink a la Asase Yaa, La Loma Tomales, Big Bell Ice Cream, and Boiler Room Coffee.
Bonus 1: Fledgling art collectors take note! This event is THE perfect place to beef up your burgeoning collection on a budget.
Bonus 2: Join the crew for a pre-party/Red Hot Art’s 10-year anniversary shindig on Friday, July 29th from 8-11 p.m. at the Boiler Room. Sip on a PBR tallboy and eat some birthday cake! (1830 3rd Ave S, one block East of Stevens Park)
Head to the XYandZ Gallery this Saturday for the next installment of the Sucka Free Art Sale! This curated art soiree features works from over 15 artsy vendors, all of whom are so talented it shouldn’t be legal: Karen O'Bryan, RM Hanson, AJ Ragland, Hannah Kleese, 7not8 Press, Tim Monsters!, Colette Ricci, Robert Pflaum, Woe Is Oz, Kaleidoscope Kitty, Hello Ladies Vintage, and more. There will be the a plethora of drawings, paintings, jewelry, comics, books, photography, plus vintage clothes and, seriously, who knows what else. Skip down and find a piece of Minneapolis for your living room!
Communist Daughter, Blue Sky Blackout, John Common and Blinding Flashes of Light, and the Greycoats
@ Loring Theater 1635 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis
7 p.m. / All Ages / $10
As summer wanes, there's never a shortage of excellent musical events and shows happening around the Twin Cities. One such affair. taking place at the beautiful Loring Theater, truly sounds like a show we can get behind. Featuring the musical stylings of the Greycoats, gritty rock sounds of Blue Sky Blackout, sophisticated string orchestrations of touring band John Common and Blinding Flashes of Light, and the comforting midwest indie tunes of Communist Daughter. This show is all ages, so bring the kiddos!
@ Northeast Vintage 1627 Washington St. NE Minneapolis
7 pm. / $5 suggested donation
Northeast Vintage must think Minneapolitans are pretty special. Why else would they dedicate Saturday to spoiling us rotten? Shop the new Nordeast nook throughout the day to receive 25 percent off everything – then go home, don your new wares, and head back to the store for a live show by Night Moves; Speeds the Name, and Grant Cutler (or, stick around all day and catch a pre-show DJ set by Grant Cutler). From former Battlers Royal, Night Moves, expect Minneapolis’ best electro-soul; from Speeds the name, rhythm sections that will rock your face off, and from Cutler’s live set, sweeping, intimate ballads. Come thirsty and thrifty.
Both ladies and gents agree: Menergy is the place to bust a move on the last Saturday of the month, if only because its concept never fails to make us giggle. Like Menergies past, this week’s installment will feature a kitchy, testosterone-filled Playatta reel (view last month’s here), laser lights, high-octane, disco slash electronic beats from The Nightstalker, Anthem Heart, and DJ Bach, and tons of scensters making ridiculous faces at each other in the photobooth. And for extra fun this month, there will also be Jim Beam specials and a riotous new guest, DJ Chuck Love. See you there, bros.
In the same vein as Zola Jesus, Bat for Lashes, Anna Calvi, and any other number of strident-voiced females with gothic personas and a flare for electronics, Austra beats from the heart of Toronto – and proves a valiant addition to the temptress canon. You might even say boldness is key in “Feel it Break,” the three-piece’s dark and danceable debut: outspoken, out-and-proud songs about sexuality (And videos, too. Even the clean version of “The Beat and the Pulse,” albeit brilliantly crafted, is NSFW) are more than matched in power by lead singer Katie Stelmanis’ crystalline pipes, the product of a classical and operatic upbringing. A must bust out for your next house party; heaven knows we can never have enough hauteur, creepy rituals, ethereal voices, and thumping keyboards.
Here in the Twin Cities, it's almost a bitchslap in the face to summer to miss a block party. Because we know you don't wanna mess with nature, head down to the Red Stag today for their 5th annual free block party. The bash features live tune-age from locals Romantica, Zoo Animal, Peter Wolf Crier, 4ontheFloor and tons more! Plus, North Star Roller Girls, Familia Skateshop, Miyagi Salon, TC Makers and dance collective Epitome-No Question will be on the streets ready to entertain you like no one's business. Feast on locally farmed and organic treats, sip down cold beverages and consume generously because part of the food proceeds go towards the Ann Bancroft Foundation. Riding your bike to the party? Indulge in a little valet-style treatment by parking in the Nice Ride Bike Corral. Fancy! l'etoile says: respect summer!
l’etoile isn’t one to let you be the last to know – which is why we’re telling you to put Spearz on your radar asap! The new local, all-male Britney Spears cover band – no, really, what you see is what you get – is playing their third show ever on Sunday at Honey. Comprised of five self-described “hipster douchebags,” all active in other local music projects (ZibraZibra, Moonstone, The Golden Bubbles, Hot Freaks), Spearz the band is pretty much guaranteed to (drive you) crazy and have you shouting “gimme more!” So whether U seek Amy, mmm Papi, or just want a night against the music, don your lace and leather and be there.
The stylish masses convened at the Caterpillar Lounge this past Thursday to celebrate yet another of our talented local brethren's induction into the Project Runway hall of fame. Minneapolis' Danielle Everine passed the first challenge with an artful two-tone top and a perfectly tailored pair of high-waisted shorts. Upon being deemed "safe" Everine commented that being safe "wasn't good enough." And we agree! We can't wait to see what Miss Danielle comes up with next.
Last night's party was a packed house, with a who's who of local fashion in attendance. Beloved season six contestant, Christopher Straub even made a cameo and shared a couch and a few drinks with Danielle!
Join l'etoile at the Caterpillar Lounge each Thursday through the season to catch episodes, sip some drinks (including our drink special, The Everine Fizz!) and nosh on sushi to your heart's content. Click HERE for all the deets!
Check out past l'etoile editorial spreads featuring designs by Danielle Everine here, here and here.
by Jahna Peloquin, l'étoile magazine fashion editor
Local fashion designer Danielle Everine first caught our eye in spring of 2010 when her line of menswear-inspired womenswear made a dapper statement on the Voltage runway. Since then, she's become a force to be reckoned with in the local fashion industry, showing a equestrian-inspired collection alongside designer Raul Osorio in the spectacular "Pale Rider" show last fall, followed by an ethereal sheer-on-sheer collection at Voltage again this past spring. Now, the rest of the world is about to see what the fuss is all about - Danielle has been selected as one of 20 contestants for the ninth season of fashion reality show Project Runway. On the eve of the premiere episode, we chat with Danielle about reality TV, the benefits of being a part of Minneapolis' fashion community, and her future nuptials. L'étoile hosts its first of weekly viewing parties tonight at the Caterpillar Lounge at Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen at 8 p.m. Click here for more info.
[Danielle Everine, courtesy Lifetime]
l'étoile: Hi Danielle! How are you settling in now that filming is complete?
Danielle: I just got back yesterday. I'm like, what do I do now? It's pretty crazy. It's hard to do nothing! I've just been doing interviews.
Are you still with Target?
Unfortunately I had to leave Target to go on the show. My director and manager really encouraged me and were really supportive of my decision, and they told me if I want to come back I'd be welcome to reapply.
Are you going to get going on a fall line right away?
I'm interested in pursuing my own design business more and seeing what opportunities are there. David (Heisserer, Everine's fiancé) and I interested in creating a design brand together, making things that are a little more well-rounded than just fashion - design objects for the home, architectural items and fine art. We actually put our wedding plans on hold to go on the show.
When are you getting married?
Well, we want to have an amazing event, sort of A Midsummer Night's Dream inspired event with boats, so it will take some time to put together.
You've been designing in the Twin Cities since 2006. How has your experience being a part of the local fashion community influenced you as a designer?
Being a part of this community has given me great resources. I've been able to work with great photographers and wonderful stylists and models. It's a small community but people here are so talented.
A lot of people seemed surprised that you applied to be on a reality show like Project Runway, since you're perceived as being serious and shy. Why did you decide to apply?
They contacted me because a few people had recommended me, so I thought about it and I was like, what the hell? I'll just apply and see if they like me and from there it just evolved. I was surprised myself, and it was a difficult decision to put myself out there on TV to be seen and ridiculed and to do things that I'm not in control of and let go. And I thought in the end I don't know what opportunities could come out of this.
What else can we expect to see from you now that you've been on the show?
I want to continue to sell my work at Cliché, and maybe do a handbag line, which is a great cross between my sculptural work and fashion. I'll continue to design in many different realms, and see what happens. (Photo credits: Top: "Pale Rider" lookbook image by Ingrid Werthmann. Middle: image from l'étoile's "Kiss Me Cake" spread by Kate Iverson. Bottom: image from l'étoile's "Wanderlust" spread by Chris McDuffie.)
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[Sonia Rykiel]
[Sonia Rykiel]
[Jean Paul Gaultier]
[Tracy Reese]
[Marc Jacobs]
[Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse at Macy's]
[Bar III]
[Armani Jeans]
[Kenneth Cole Reaction]
[Papi]
[Bruno Mars]
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