Okay, not really. We've still got aways to go before we have to start layering, but the fact that it's now officially September means that Fall is right around the corner, then (gulp!) Winter. The Twin Cities, being the hardy souls that they are, of course, are paying no mind. Scads of great events this weekend are sure to keep your spirits up and your impending seasonal depression at bay. Just pretend it's still June and enjoy the ride - after all, it's a holiday weekend!
xo-l'etoile
ALSO THIS WEEK ON L'ETOILE
John James Wallace captures the vibe at Lady Gaga
Jahna Peloquin reviews Lady Gaga's costumes
Jahna Peloquin & Lauren Gantner update our Sales & Shopping Guide
Kate Iverson reviews the Dim Sum Brunch at Wondrous Kitchen
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND
W Design Conversations
@ W Hotel
821 Marquette Ave
Minneapolis
5 p.m. / $25 for AIGA members, $35 non-members, $20 students
Head to the W tonight for an insightful lecture with a couple of the country's leading design experts. As part of the W's Design Conversations series, you'll hear fascinating presentations by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) editorial and creative director, Gael Towey, and creative director/founder of branding and design firm, Doyle Partners, Stephen Doyle. We don't know about you, but we think hearing artistic-types reveal the mysteries of their creative process is just about the coolest thing ever. At 5 p.m. mingle at the cocktail reception, and from 6-8 p.m. settle in for the lectures. From 8-9 p.m. stick around for a post-reception and some elbow-rubbing.
Click HERE for the AIGA site
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND
Last Thursday on Open Field
@ Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis
2 p.m. to 10 p.m./ Free
As summer is coming to an end, the Walker Art Center will be hosting their last Thursday on the Open Field and this time they are guaranteeing it will be their best yet. Stop by the arts grounds to peep a mini-iron pour around 3 p.m. or just relax to the folky tunes of Eisner’s Klezmorim at 8. Plus there will be dance classes and displays, the final drawing club with super summer sketches, and an exclusive look into a participatory sculpture by local artist Robin Garwood.
Click HERE for the Walker site
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND
Carrier Pigeon/Needle & Black Studio Launch Party
@ Thorp Building
1618 Central Ave NE Suite 223
Minneapolis
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. / Free
Local fashion designer Kerry Riley and jewelry designer Lauren Neal are moving in together! No, you haven't accidentally stumbled upon the LOL/OMG site, we mean professionally, of course. The two talents recently united to share one majorly awesome studio space in NE and they need your help to break it in. Stop by and say hi to the designing ladies, see their new digs and enjoy a little nosh and sip. Not to mention, get your hands on iconic metalwork jewelry from Neal's Carrier Pigeon line, as well as brand new t-shirt designs and stunning studio exclusives from Riley's Needle & Black. This professional matrimony gets the l'étoile stamp of approval.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
FRIDAY ART PICK: GAGA'S COSTUMES
Lady Gaga is many things. She's a performance artist posing as a pop star. She's the protagonist in the theater of Gaga. And her costumes are equal parts social commentary, wearable sculpture, and high fashion. So when Lady Gaga brought her "Monster Ball" to the Xcel Energy Center this past Monday and Tuesday, it was clear we weren't in for a typical pop stadium concert. Segmented into four "acts," it was equal parts drama, dance, music, and fashion. Throughout the show, Gaga went through 14 costumes changes (much of which is created by Gaga's own Haus of Gaga), and each costume comes with it its own story.
Click HERE to read Jahna Peloquin's recap of Lady Gaga's costumes
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD
8-BIT^3 Festival
@ Shuga Records
165 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis
4 p.m. to 10 p.m. / all ages/ free (donations welcome)
If, between the mid-'80s to early '90s, you played or even watched a video game being played you know what 8-Bit tunes are. Born out of the golden age of chiptunes, 8-Bit is the original gamers soundtrack – synthesized little beats composed solely on computers or video game console sound chips. And did you know we have quite the underground 8-Bit scene right here in the Twin Cities?! Tonight, join your fellow chipmusic coterie for a fest that showcases some of the best in local 8-Bit talent, with a few out-of-town musicians mixed in. The 3rd edition of the 8-Bit festival boasts the largest 8-Bit/Chip music event ever to happen in Minnesota, so not only should it be epic, but a fest even Mario and Luigi would be proud of. Get down to glitchy, energy-packed sets from Unicorn Dream Attack, L-Tron, Low-Gain, Rainbowdragoneyes and more. Plus, enter to win an LSDJ Cart and other awesome prizes!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD
Level 13: Classic Video Game Art Opening
@ Altered Esthetics
1224 Quincy St. NE
Minneapolis
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Free
Are you nostalgic for those early, beautiful days of technology when new developments meant changed lives - not just buzz mania over new apps? Perhaps you remember that long ago day when you first played Tetris on your home PC, or you know enough about the gaming world that you can actually argue the finer points of Atari vs. Nintendo. If this is the case, you certainly need to slate some time in your Google Cal or your iphone datebook for Altered Esthetics’ fourth biennial classic video game art exhibit. Level 13 dives back into the past with the first video games as well as other obsolete technology. Bonus: Also come for the artists’ discussion on Saturday, September 18, from 1-3pm.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD
Skate Related
@ Tarnish & Gold
1511 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis
8 p.m. / Free
We gotta admit, we'll be sad to no longer hear the familiar “thud, thud, thud” of a skateboard rollin' by come winter – and even more bummed if we're the ones who ride 'em. So, let's give our local boarders a bit of love right now, starting by hitting up Tarnish & Gold's skate-focused art event: Skate Related. Friday's opening reception features work from nearly 30 artists including jewelry, motorized skateboards, oil paintings, video installation, live music and one-of-a-kind posters for just 30 bucks! Ride your skateboard to the event and we can guarantee you'll get extra “cool” points!
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD
PBR Bedlam Blowout
@ Bedlam Theatre
1501 6th St S
Minneapolis
happy hour 4-6pm, 7:30pm show/ $5-$10 suggested donation
The peeps at Bedlam never throw the word “blowout” around lightly, so when they say they're hosting a “huge party with so many facets it'll make your head spin,” we can bet that they'll deliver. Tonight's closing weekend PBR co-sponsored fete features everything you've come to expect from a Bedlam blowout – live music, fire spinning, beer, grilled treats, sideshows around every corner and – of course – dancing. Jive to sets from G-Biz, Phantom Tails, Dreamland Faces, Pink Mink and The Brass Messengers and be wowed by death-defying acts from the Infiammati Fire Circus performers. For one night only the Bedlam's fireplace room will be transformed into a wolves den art installation courtesy of the artists at CO Exhibitions where DJs will be spinning tasty tracks and local screenprinter Overproof will be live screening free t-shirts. FYI, there's been some talk of roasting goat. Now this could be just a rumor, but since it is the Bedlam, we'd count on bringing an “anything goes” outlook with you tonight, along with a hearty appetite for new cuisine. All proceeds will go to benefiting the Bedlam Theatre on their future endeavors, so go ahead, feel good about your debauchery!
Click HERE for the Bedlam site
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD
Hotel
@ Kitty Cat Klub
14th & 4th
Dinkytown
10 p.m. / 21+ / Free
The Hotel is open! Head down to the Kitty Cat Klub tonight for this monthly dance off featuring DJs Wildboy, Armahn (MKE) along with host with the most, Jonathan Ackerman. And warm up you spanking paw - it's J-Ack's birthday! The staple Minneapolis DJ turns another year older and wiser tonight, and celebrates by throwing down some visciously hot jams for just you (and we'd expect nothing less). Drink specials, sexy peeps and good times await.
Click HERE for the Facebook page
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD
Get Cryphy
@First Avenue VIP Lounge
701 First Ave. North
Minneapolis
10 p.m. / 18+ / $3 adv., $5 door
So, urban dictionary defines the term “cryphy” as a one-part crunk mixed with two-parts of ‘gettin’ stupid,' and who can argue with that? Join tune-slingers DJs Plain Ole Bill, Last Word, Fundo AND Jimmy2Times (who has been flown back in for the occasion) for a heavy helping of hip hop and funky club bangers. All. Night. Long.
Click HERE for the Facebook page
COOL LINK: GET YER L'ETOILE GUTHRIE NIGHT TIX NOW!
Join us for l'etoile night at the Guthrie for The Scottsboro Boys on Wednesday, September 8th! The next installment of our theater series includes discounted tickets to the play PLUS a private post-show reception with cast members in a secret lounge at the Guthrie. See this fantastic, thought-provoking musical before it heads off to Broadway! Meet in front of Target Lounge on Level 4 after the show to be escorted to the reception. Availability is VERY limited. Call the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224 and ask for the “L’etoile” special to receive this offer. Not valid online, with other offers or on previously purchased tickets. Handling fees may apply. Cost: $25 includes play and post-show reception with complimentary drinks and appetizers.
Click HERE for more info on l'etoile Night at the Guthrie!
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4th
B-Girl Be Carnival Block Party
@Intermedia Arts
2822 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis
$5-$10 / Noon to 10 p.m.
Work it, girl! This weekend, Intermedia Arts is callin’ out all b-girls, booty shakin’ babez and hip-hop-istas to get together and get down at their annual B-Girl Be Carnival. This time around, the all-day block party will be bringing together tunage, dancing, mural painting, movies and more. Make your way to the studio to shop their art marketplace or witness freestyle MC’s battling to the death on the mainstage. Not only will the party be bumpin’, but all the donations go straight to Vocal Acrobatics to support some of our local ladies in hip-hop. Win-win!
Click HERE for the Intermedia Arts site
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH
Bla Bla Black Sheep CD Release/Last Show
@ Secret location
Minneapolis
There are a few very important reasons to consider the Bla Bla Blacksheep CD Release show. For one, how could you not adore the precious sounds of Bla Bla Blacksheep’s quirky pop and fun-loving attitude? Secondly, the four members of this lovely little band have slated their CD Release as also being their last show, which means this is probably your last opportunity to see them strut their stuff. Three, this CD Release is actually a double header party. No, seriously: bring something to throw on the grill, listen to some tunes, then bike with the gang to Bedlam after the show to share some laughs, some goodbyes, and some good times.
Bonus: For just 5 bones pick up the new CD!
Click HERE for more info on the CD Release show
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH
End of an Era ROMP!
@ Bedlam Theatre
1501 6th St S
Minneapolis
8 p.m. / $5-$25
Bound and determined to go out with S-T-Y-L-E, the Bedlam Theatre invites you to celebrate what is truly “the end of an era” as they host their final night at the venue. In classic Bedlam raucousness, expect an evening of performance, dance, puppetry, film and special guests including Four Humors, The Unruly Julies, the Jet Pack Shadow show, Sharyn and Maryn and the Cumquat Teen Staff, plus a cathartic live performance from organic sound-makers, Savage Aural Hotbed. And if you're feel a little teary-eyed towards the end of the night, it's nice to know there will be a mass of Bedlam-loving folks who will gladly share their shoulder.
Click HERE for the Bedlam site
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH
Daughters of the Sun/Vampire Hands
@ Turf Club
1601 University
St. Paul
10 p.m. / 21+ / $5
Fresh from a visit from Gaga herself and a whirlwind of press, St. Paul's now legendary Turf Club will do what it does best - host a good old fashioned rock show featuring two of our town's most loved bands. Between Daughters of the Sun's epic psychedelic excursions and the boisterous lo-fi Americana of Vampire Hands, this is a complete no-brainer. Maybe you can even get your photo taken in the photobooth with one of them! With Conquerors (Kansas City) and Kind Regards. See you there!
Click HERE for the Turf Club site
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: SUFJAN STEVENS
What's l'etoile listening to this week?
Iconoclastic singer/songwriter and indie-folk troubadour Sufjan Stevens is never one to follow preconceived notions. From an album solely devoted to states, to a gut-wrenching song about a infamous American serial killer, the man is an enigmatic storyteller who marches to the beat of his own folk-wave derived drum. His latest album - The Age of Adz (pronounced “odds) set to release off Asthmatic Kitty Records on October 12th – promises to have nothing musically in common with previous albums. In fact, on the latest released single,“I Walked,” Stevens trades banjos, tambourines and acoustic guitars for synthy echoes, drum machine beats, and gated reverb, which – upon first hearing – sounds more chillwave/synthpop than any of his experimental indie compositions. Yet the moment the vocals drop there's no mistaking Stevens' dreamy, whisper-cooing voice, one ripe with all the passion and fervor of an unrequited lover. If this raw and catchy 'ode to heartbreak' single is a precursor to the rest of the album, we can't wait!
Click HERE for the Sufjan Stevens site
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH
RetroRama: State Fair Edition
@ MN State Fair – Carousel Park
1265 Snelling Ave N
St. Paul
$11 (fair admission) / 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
We know you loved it the last time around, and now RetroRama is back for a mini-show at the Fair! As part of the Minnesota History Center’s Minnesota History Day, The Fair has teamed up with the History Center and MNFashion to host a pared down, history-inspired runway show as a companion to the big annual show - complete with unique looks by five local fashion designers. Now is your chance to peruse the trends in our history, from Old Hollywood glamour of the '30s to sexy swimwear of the '60s, all brought to life by fashion-savvy folks like Ivan Idland, Joy Teiken (of Joynoelle), George Moskal, Max Lohrbach ad Kerry Riley (of Needle & Black). Come in your vintage finest to sip cool drinks, dance the foxtrot and even get your hands on some deep-fried grub (it IS the State Fair after all).
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH
Monday OFF! End of Summer Party
@ First Ave
701 North 1st Ave
Minneapolis
8 p.m. / $10
We love First Ave for a lot of things, but mostly for its brilliant ideas. Like a late-night dance party with the Twin Cities’ hottest DJs the day before a National Day Off - brilliant. Get down with special DJ sets from Solid Gold, Lookbook, Communist Daughter, Mark Wheat, DJ ESP (aka Woody Mcbride), Kevin King, and 000000000001. All that talent in one room? Ahh, yes. No better way to boogie down before Labor Day.
Bonus: Hit up the Entry for the Nice Purse CD Release party with Red Pens, Gospel Gossip, and Teenage Moods.
Click HERE for the First Ave site
L'ETOILE NEWSWIRE
Get yer tix NOW for Envision: Artopia
ENVISION: Artopia Fall 2010 is a Fashion, Art, Music & Hair Styling Extravaganza.
Approximately 1000 of the Twin Cities’ most glamorous fashionistas, glitterati, urban hipsters and all around trend setters will flock to the ballroom of the Graves 601 to observe exquisite Ignite models as they glide down the catwalk during two exhilarating runway shows. Models will be attired, with the help of Alice Sydow, Lead Wardrobe Stylist for I've Got Your Style, in extraordinary fall collections from several Twin Cities based designers. Co-sponsored by l'etoile!Tickets are available online here , and also at Cliche',Drama, Local Motion, OPM Boutique, Karma, and Rocco Altobelli’s (IDS Location only). Click HERE for the Facebook event.
Vote for Jake Rudh!
Remember last year when Jake Rudh was in the top tier of contestants for the Mad Men Casting Call Contest, then got totally shafted when the website crashed for the last few days
of the contest and a bunch of randoms who weren't even in the top somehow got into the finals? We remember it, bitterly. Anyhoo: the Transmission kingpin and general party starter (he's the one who throws the Mad Men party at Jax Cafe!) is not giving up. This year he's back once again for the online voting-fueled competition, which awards a male and female winner the coveted prize of a walk-on role on Mad Men. Visit site everyday HERE to vote for Jake. You needn't sign up for anything, just click "vote" - it's that easy. All personal l'etoile love for Jake aside, he REALLY would be great for the show. Just look at his picture: old-timey AND foxy!Click HERE to vote for Jake
SAVE THE DATE: OPERA TASTING 2010
Join l'etoile and the Minnesota Opera's Tempo group on Saturday, September 18th as we
explore the depths of the Inferno and travel through the circles of Hell. You will indulge in luscious wines, nibble on tasty morsels and be seduced by the sounds of the Minnesota Opera's Resident Artists. myTalk107.1's Jason Matheson and Alexis Thompson will guide us on this perilous journey, which takes place on Saturday September 18 at the Minnesota Opera Center.Tickets are available online for a well-worth-it $50: Includes wine, appetizers, and performances by the Minnesota Opera's Resident Artists. Sponsored by l'etoile!
Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Tara Sloane, Lauren Gantner, Natalie Gallagher, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin
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