CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PHOTOS!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Glamorama 8/14
Our own Stephen Stephens hit up Glamorama 2009 and snapped more snazzy pix than we know what to do with! Check out his photo set of the event on the Digital Crush site!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PHOTOS!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PHOTOS!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
In the make-up chair with Glamorama's Alex Sanchez
By Jahna Peloquin
Being the lead make-up artist for a show as colossal as Glamorama is no small feat. It takes months of preparation, from the time the Fall collections hit the runway in February to the day of the show. It takes an innate ability to combine artistry with technical skill, and the practical skills to bring a team together to create cohesive looks that translate smoothly from runway segment to segment.
This year marks the third time Chicago-based make-up artist Alex Sanchez has taken the reins as lead make-up artist. A National Make-up Artist for Lancome, Alex has worked with such high-profile models - né, supermodels - as Liya Kebede, Alek Wek, Eva Herzigova and Karen Elson. He also has worked backstage at New York Fashion Week for Badgley Mischka and Tracy Reese, and has been the sole make-up artist for Chris Benz at Chicago Fashion Week.
So when, during my interview with him for my Glamorama story for Vita.mn, he offered to do my make-up to show me some of the fall trends in person, I couldn't pass up the opportunity.
On the fall make-up trends he incorporated into the show, he had this to say: "There’s going to be a really smoldering smoky eye, which is a perennial favorite for fall. Another trend is that the eyebrow is back - a really structured, architectural, polished eyebrow. Sometimes there there is a focus on either the eyes or the lips, and this year you can have both. The eyes and the lips are equally dramatic and defined. Perfect eyes perfect brows and a perfect mouth. Red lips are also big."
For me, he chose to focus on the eyes, giving me a perfect smoky eye (Lancome's Golden Audacity shadow palette), complete with a faux lashes and a touch of glitter on the lids. The nude, iridescent lip (Lelaque Fever lip color - a lipstick and gloss in one) gave me almost a '60s mod feel.
Alex couldn't have been more kind and gracious - and it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes!
Here's a selection of some unpublished quotes from my interview with Alex: Why he loves doing Glamorama: "It's one of the most extraordinary fashion shows in the entire country. The production values are amazing, it’s a fusion of music and fashion and there’s all sorts of great dynamic set changes. It's really very fantastic."
On the difference between doing a traditional runway show versus Glamorama: "When you’re working with a designer it’s all about their vision, and with this show it’s a little more theater, so I have a voice and it's great. I can get very creative with it." On the creative process leading up to the show: "It’s a collaboration with the fashion office, and the whole concept. You play upon your own references, your own heroes and style icons, and you put a modern spin on it. It’s very fast-paced from the beginning, preparing for about two months. I do illustrations of the look, I do some photography with the models to see from the illustration to having it be on a real woman, to see how that translates."
On where he gets his inspiration: "I get inspiration from everything – architecture, fashion heroes, art – and for this it’s a very glamorous look, kind of Studio 54-esque. Debbie Harry is a big influence of mine, and Stephen Sprouse."
Visit Vita.mn for the full story on Glamorama and l'etoile magazine for Jahna's full interview with Laura Schara.
Being the lead make-up artist for a show as colossal as Glamorama is no small feat. It takes months of preparation, from the time the Fall collections hit the runway in February to the day of the show. It takes an innate ability to combine artistry with technical skill, and the practical skills to bring a team together to create cohesive looks that translate smoothly from runway segment to segment.
This year marks the third time Chicago-based make-up artist Alex Sanchez has taken the reins as lead make-up artist. A National Make-up Artist for Lancome, Alex has worked with such high-profile models - né, supermodels - as Liya Kebede, Alek Wek, Eva Herzigova and Karen Elson. He also has worked backstage at New York Fashion Week for Badgley Mischka and Tracy Reese, and has been the sole make-up artist for Chris Benz at Chicago Fashion Week.
So when, during my interview with him for my Glamorama story for Vita.mn, he offered to do my make-up to show me some of the fall trends in person, I couldn't pass up the opportunity.
On the fall make-up trends he incorporated into the show, he had this to say: "There’s going to be a really smoldering smoky eye, which is a perennial favorite for fall. Another trend is that the eyebrow is back - a really structured, architectural, polished eyebrow. Sometimes there there is a focus on either the eyes or the lips, and this year you can have both. The eyes and the lips are equally dramatic and defined. Perfect eyes perfect brows and a perfect mouth. Red lips are also big."
For me, he chose to focus on the eyes, giving me a perfect smoky eye (Lancome's Golden Audacity shadow palette), complete with a faux lashes and a touch of glitter on the lids. The nude, iridescent lip (Lelaque Fever lip color - a lipstick and gloss in one) gave me almost a '60s mod feel.
Alex couldn't have been more kind and gracious - and it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes!
Here's a selection of some unpublished quotes from my interview with Alex: Why he loves doing Glamorama: "It's one of the most extraordinary fashion shows in the entire country. The production values are amazing, it’s a fusion of music and fashion and there’s all sorts of great dynamic set changes. It's really very fantastic."
On the difference between doing a traditional runway show versus Glamorama: "When you’re working with a designer it’s all about their vision, and with this show it’s a little more theater, so I have a voice and it's great. I can get very creative with it." On the creative process leading up to the show: "It’s a collaboration with the fashion office, and the whole concept. You play upon your own references, your own heroes and style icons, and you put a modern spin on it. It’s very fast-paced from the beginning, preparing for about two months. I do illustrations of the look, I do some photography with the models to see from the illustration to having it be on a real woman, to see how that translates."
On where he gets his inspiration: "I get inspiration from everything – architecture, fashion heroes, art – and for this it’s a very glamorous look, kind of Studio 54-esque. Debbie Harry is a big influence of mine, and Stephen Sprouse."
Visit Vita.mn for the full story on Glamorama and l'etoile magazine for Jahna's full interview with Laura Schara.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Weekend What's What 8/14-8/17
AIN'T LIFE GRAND?
We here at l'étoile have been busy bees lately. Dreaming up big ideas and planning big events, all the while keeping you informed on the coolest happenings in town. No need to thank us, we do it simply because we love you. While you're out partying this weekend, don't forget to start concepting your grand costume for next Thursday! What's happening next Thursday you ask? Well, we'll be hosting a super fabulous outdoor Project Runway screening in Downtown St. Paul's Landmark Plaza! Click HERE for all the deetz and save the date!
xo-l'étoile
THURSDAY AUGUST 13TH
Gallery Grooves
@ Fox Tax Gallery
503 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis
7-9pm / Free
If you missed last week's opening reception for Waves, Toys & Pear Feet -- the new exhibit by veteran artist Bruce Nygren – don't worry. Fantastical Nygen paintings are still awaiting your view in surreal land (aka the Fox Tax Gallery). Tonight, as part of the monthly Gallery Grooves series from Jazz88FM and Secrets of the City, enjoy them paired with tasty cocktails courtesy of UV Vodka and the live jazzy sounds of local vocalist Christine Rosholt. Meet the artist, sip something cool and mingle with contemporary art-lovers all night long.
THURSDAY AUGUST 13TH
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog & Serenity Benefit Screening
@ Riverview Theater
3800 42nd Ave S
Minneapolis
7:30-11:30pm / $10
Slip on those gloves, snap those goggles on and come down to the Riverview Theater dressed as your favorite villain, hero, sidekick, or henchmen, because non-profit org Equality Now is bringing you a special benefit screening of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, a musical romp that bears the distinctive stamp of the hilarious Joss Whedon (of Buffy fame) -- featuring Neil Patrick Harris (of Doogie fame.) Also showing will be Whedon’s space-western cult classic Serenity. Admission price includes both screenings.
THURSDAY AUGUST 13th (THROUGH SATURDAY)
Buck Angel and Smitten Kitten Birthday!
@ Smitten Kitten
3010 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis
7:30 / $5 / 18+
Everyone’s favorite feminist sex shop is turning sex, we mean six! In honor of years of supplying the city with endless fodder for adult fun, the Kittens are bringing porn legend Buck Angel to Minneapolis for two nights of fun. Tonight he’ll host a discussion about the porn industry during an exclusive shopping night; spend $100 or more on toys and you’ll get a $25 gift certificate and be entered to win prizes! Come back Friday night for a porn screening (!) and party with Buck, with treats provided. Saturday, however, may prove to be the most exciting — the Kittens are offering 40% off any one item in the store! Afterwards, Buck will give a BDSM performance at Ground Zero. OMG.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SMITTEN KITTEN SITE
THURSDAY AUGUST 13TH
Soundstage w/ Demietoile
@ Club Jager
923 Washington Ave. N.
Minneapolis
9:30pm-2am / 21+/ Free
If we can't dance, we don't want to be part of the dystopia! For the second installment of elite dance night and film wonderdom, Soundstage, Demietoile turns Jager into fantasy dystopia. Special guest DJ Deus Ex Machine (aka l'étoile's own Juleana Enright!) darkens the hollows of the Jager dance floor as she reworks the soundtrack to Terry Gilliam's sci-fi thriller, Brazil, with vintage electronica, dark new wave, spacey electro and plenty of synth and analog anonymities. Then Demietoile takes tables for a train-wreck adventure into foreign synthpop, future pop, washed out shoegaze and slammin' electro all set to George Lucas' vivid THX1138. Get down early to enjoy fabulous Jager drink specials and co-exist at the home base.
Bonus: Soundstage is now co-sponsored by l'étoile! Which means it's worth getting your cinematic-loving, music-geeking fanny down to.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DEMITOILE MYSPACE
FRIDAY ART PICK: SWOON
We can’t help it: We’re swooning over Swoon. This New York-based street artist cuts out giant paper images of people and wheatpastes them around town. Not only does she cause art havoc on America’s streets, this year she crashed the Venice Biennale by sailing in on boats built from garbage. She’s all about art for the people, repurposing and reclaiming space and the art world for the common man.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SWOON SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
Fashion First Aid
@ Cliche
2403 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis
7pm-10pm / free
If your wardrobe needs some resuscitating, Cliché is the first aid box. Tonight’s open house shows off new couture designs by Jenny Carle and Renate Adjei, while you sip wine, snack on hors d’oeurvres, and shop to the tunes of DJ Talk Radio. Cliché has some of the best of local designers, so prepare for a few impulse purchases!
BONUS: The perfect opportunity to shop out your 'fit for our Project Runway screening next Thursday!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CLICHE SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
Macy's Glamorama '09
@ Orpheum Theatre
824 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis
7pm-2am / $75-100
If there's one thing Macy's Glamorama knows best, it's fashion and how to celebrate its vivacious and glamorous layers. Tonight, the long-awaited style, music and art fused-party premiers a promising evening of the latest fashion couture and hot new music. Groove to live sets from R&B and Grammy-winning artist Ne-Yo, pop singer Kristina DeBarge and local jazz-pop musicians The New Standards, while reveling in the trend-setting fall lines of designers Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, Sonia Rykiel, Just Cavalli, Sportmax, Maxmara and CNC Costume National. After the fashion show, get ready for some innovative post-party action as Glamorama moves to the 8th floor of Macy's. Featuring mystifying aerial performers, dancey club hits by DJ Dan, artsy body painting, a golf simulator, Wii games, DDR, and over 25 bars and food stations for your late-night cravings. No need to feel guilty about dropping dough on this bash; all proceeds go toward the Children's Cancer Research Fund and a large portion of Glamorama tickets are tax-deductible. Take that recession!
Purchase tickets HERE
Extra: Click HERE to read Jahna Peloquin's interview with Glamorama's fashion director Laura Schara!
MSP's Melissa Colgan chats with Laura Schara about this year's Glamorama!
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
The Beautifully Grotesque
@ Rogue Buddha Gallery
357 13th Avenue NE
Northeast Minneapolis
7pm-11pm / Free
Northeast's Rogue Buddha Gallery continues on its typical path of dark, decadent artwork with a new exhibit entitled The Beautifully Grotesque. Maryland-based artist Sylvia Ortiz's candy-hued paintings are anything but sweet. An exploration of inner turmoil drawn from her own experiences, Oritz's work reflects a woman's personal conflict in a modern world. Part creepy but plenty pretty, this is one show you'll definitely want to check out -- not to mention, RB openings are always a blast! Runs through September 12th.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
VimLab Boat Party
@ Boom Island Park
700 Sibley St NE
Minneapolis
9:30pm – 1:00am / $30
All aboard the Minneapolis Queen! VimLab Promotions presents their 8th annual floating house party with special guest DJ’s Alexander East, Nik E Gunz, and Chris Quadrant. Booze along the mighty Mississippi, past the sparkling Minneapolis skyline, through the locks and beyond as you experience the madness that is a VimLab boat party. Be sure to roll in by 9:30 sharp, or you’ll miss the boat on the last ever VimLab Boat Party!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VIMLAB SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
Vampire Hands LP Release
@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave
St. Pizzle
9pm / 21+ / $8
With their own special brand of garaged out, beer-soaked psychedelic-noise jams and rowdy balls-to-the-wall live shows, Vampire Hands has carved out a unique and clever niche in the current realm of the local rock scene. One of the most fascinating and innovative local bands on the circuit, the quartet will be celebrating the release of their damn near flawless new album Hannah in the Mansion – a limited edition vinyl, individually hand designed by the band; a record soaked in those signature smoldering vocals, bass heavy riffs and a tinge of southern gothic.
EXTRA: This show marks a very special occasion, as it will be vocalist/auxiliary drummer Colin Johnson’s last show with the band for a very long time. Ask around at the show for the deetz on the afterparty and bid your farewells.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VAMPIRE HANDS SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
Sneaker Pimps
@ 1st Avenue
701 1st Avenue N.
Downtown Minneapolis
8 p.m. / 18+ / $25
No, the British trip-hop band the Sneaker Pimps is NOT playing -- despite the extremely misleading title. Weird. Anyhoo, it looks like a cool event regardless. "Sneaker Pimps" is the world's largest touring sneaker/hip-hop lifestyle exhibition, which tempts you with over 1500 pairs of rare, limited edition, vintage, celebrity signed, artist-collaborated sneakers, plus sneaker themed artwork, fashion and more. Also featured in the festivities are live street art installations, skateboard demos, performances by Virginia hip hoppers The Clipse, and our very own hometown hero, Muja Messiah -- who alone is worth shelling out the dough for this show!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SNEAKER PIMPS SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
Street Sounds
@ First Ave VIP Room
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis
10pm-2am/ $5
It’s about that time of month where our disco itch starts creeping up on us. Thank god for DJs Attitude City and Mike the 2600 King, who supply us with late ‘70s and early ‘80s dance hits alllll night. Tonight their very special guest Davey Lahteenma has traversed the trails from Thunder Bay to show off his spinning virtuosity. Expect only the best with this triumvirate of tunage.
Sponsored by l'étoile magazine!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FIRST AVE SITE
COOL LINK: CRAFTSHOCK
With gorgeous summer days still whispering sweet nothings in our ears, indoor crafting might be the last thing on your mind. But the adorable and stylish DIY features on the Craftshock blog will have you so attached to your embroidering and knitting creations we wouldn't be surprised if you took them to the beach. The site's easy-to-follow tutorials will have you breezing through creative ideas from “fierce and futuristic” handmade clothing patterns and nature-inspired necklaces to paper sculpture home décor and delectable desserts. After all, hosting a craft party with the ladies is much more fun with you have a few crafters tricks up your handmade sleeves. The site also keeps you up-dated on local craft fairs and events so you can eat, sleep and breathe crafting!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CRAFTSHOCK SITE
SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH
Eclectic Yard Sale
@ The IHOB Front Lawn
24th & Pleasant
Uptown Minneapolis
10am-6pm
While we're sad to see l'étoile cohorts Di and Kelsy take off for the wild yonder that is NYC, we're glad to get our mitts on some of the fabulous treasures they'll be unloading in preparation for the move! Head Uptown today to score deals on various frocks, albums, posters, trinkets, baubles and other novel objects from the coffers of some of the Twin Cities' most stylish dames. Show up early to get the jump on the masses!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT
SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH
Charlie B. Ward art opening
@ Familia Skate Shop
2833 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis
8pm-10pm / free
Charlie B. Ward opens his first solo photography show in Minnesota tonight at Familia, featuring striking images from his current body of work. Ward worked for Minnesota’s own photographic hero, Alec Soth, and it shows in his ability to capture overlooked moments in everyday life. Not to mention, there's free beer, and that, friends, is a titillating thing in and of itself.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH
Doodling by Peyton
@ Nicademus Art and Framing
225 Snelling Ave
St. Paul
7pm-11pm / free
Nicademus is another one of those rad places that does one cool thing during the day and throws awesome art parties after business hours. Tonight they open the show of Peyton Russell, a local screen printer, Juxtaposition Arts founder, and self-proclaimed "doodler." Inspired by the kids he worked with at JA, his work concentrates less on perfection and more on spontaneity -- Which we definitely think is a good thing! Through September 12.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NICADEMUS SITE
SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH
The Default Project Feat. The Lungless Ladies
@ Art of This
3506 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis
7-11pm / Free
Imagine: You're walking through a typical zoo. Helpless endangered species surround you in cramped cages. You lean in to examine the troubled state of the animal world and realize ALAS, it's not an animal at all, but human artists, confined and paltry. For the latest installment of the AOT One-Nighter Series, C.L. Meisinger and the women behind "Lungless Ladies" invite viewers to enter this manipulated nightmare where the economic crisis has made the artists we know and love practically extinct. Laid out in a series of multiple room-like installations, the performers of Lungless use theatrics and dark humor to create an interactive experience exploring the relationship between art and commerce. Be prepared to be shocked and amazed at this politico freakshow!
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH
Live Music/Dead Meat 2
@ The Nomad
501 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / $6
At the last installment of Stuffed Pheasant’s popular Live Music/Dead Meat, the always classy l’étoile blog staffers were on hand to sample some Elk sausage and spray cheese on a Ritz cracker and Turkey wrapped in bread topped with bacon. Fancy! Needless to say, we simply couldn’t wait for round two of our fave meat themed night, this time featuring music from The Guystorm, the ever raucous 10w40, a special reunion show by Old James, and Communist Daughter, who’s Johnny Solomon (of the Boxcar restaurant in Prescott, WI) will be frying up a delicious catfish tasting after his set. Plus, meat and fishing related giveaways all night!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NOMAD SITE
SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH
Sk8 Pass
@ 3rd Lair Skatepark
850 Florida Ave. S.
Golden Valley
10pm-5am / 18+/ $10
The best thing about 3rd Lair's move 7 years ago from South Minneapolis to Golden Valley was their epic spacial gain. Now occupying a 22,000 sq. foot warehouse building, skaters have even more area to pull off mad tricks and ollie to their hearts content -- not to mention the room is the perfect catalyst for dynamite skater bashes. Grab your board (or just tag along with someone that has one) and head to the suburbs for an all night sk8-extravaganza featuring live bands, DJ's, MC's, skate demos from 3rd Lair, Cal Surf and our besties at la skateshop Familia. Be amazed by the breakdance skills of Universal Zulu Nation, Omega Zulu and TC chapter b-boys and ladies while getting down to the hip-hop and punk sounds of over 13 bands. Free beer and wine for 21-plussers. Sk8 Pass welcomes newbies, pros and everyone in the middle -- so don't be shy!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: YACHT
In honor of this weekend’s last ever VimLab Boat party, we have decided to feature one of our fave nautically themed bands: Yacht. Jamming out one insanely joyous, futuristic pop banger after another, Yacht is the perfect soundtrack to the hottest days of the year. Their DFA debut See Mystery Lights is a collection of stone jams, meticulously crafted dance cuts and lighthearted pop tracks that you will be singing at the top of your lungs -- in your car with the windows down -- until the last moments of summer.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE YACHT SITE
SUNDAY AUGUST 15TH
The Official Mad Men Season 3 Viewing Party
@ Jax
1928 University Ave NE
Minneapolis
8pm-1am / $8-10
Jax and Vita.mn are going all out to kick off season 3 of Mad Men. Wear your best retro ‘60s threads for a chance to win a prize for Best Dressed. Sway to music of Mad Men era jazz standards as performed by Jeremy Messersmith, Lucy Michelle and Janey Winterbauer. DJ Jake Rudh provides the tunes and ambiance, and Spinario provides the mid-century design showcase. Jax’s Executive Chef Bob Foster is whipping up Mad Men inspired signature cocktails and appetizers. Feel cool smoking a cigar while sipping brandy in the Old World Garden, then prove to everyone else how cool you looked in the photobooth! $100 gift certificates are being given away all night from Tatters, Blacklist Vintage, Spinario, Modern Design and Jax. The best part is, some of the evening’s proceeds will benefit CaringBridge, so it's a win-win!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT
TUESDAY AUGUST 17TH
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:
Aug 18: Killer Klowns from Outerspace
Aug 25: Young Frankenstein
Sept 1: THX 1138
Sept 8: The Man Who Fell To Earth
Sept 15: Barbarella
Visit www.jagercon.blogspot.com for more info!
This week's flick is KILLER CLOWNS FROM OUTERSPACE
GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE
Beth Hammarlund continues with her Gaga obsession.
Gaga for Rilke
Another reason to love Lady Gaga. She got a freaking Rilke tattoo! In the original beautiful German! I have long considered getting a tattoo of a few sentences on my forearm, and my top two choices have always been a Vonnegut quote that I’m particularly fond of, or anything by Rainer Maria Rilke. Dude is my fave.
Click below to read more...
CLICK THE IMAGE TO READ THE REST OF THE POST
GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR
Jahna Peloquin fills you in on all the latest Project Runway and local fashion gossip!
Local Fashion Roundup for 8.9-8.15
Another week, another round of PR6 news and links from our local contestants Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub.
Click below to read more...
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR ALL THE GOSSIP!
image: Ra'mon being prepped by Di Medlock & Kelsy Osterman of Eclecticoiffeur. Image by Robb Long for Twin Cities Statement
Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin
We here at l'étoile have been busy bees lately. Dreaming up big ideas and planning big events, all the while keeping you informed on the coolest happenings in town. No need to thank us, we do it simply because we love you. While you're out partying this weekend, don't forget to start concepting your grand costume for next Thursday! What's happening next Thursday you ask? Well, we'll be hosting a super fabulous outdoor Project Runway screening in Downtown St. Paul's Landmark Plaza! Click HERE for all the deetz and save the date!
xo-l'étoile
THURSDAY AUGUST 13TH
Gallery Grooves
@ Fox Tax Gallery
503 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis
7-9pm / Free
If you missed last week's opening reception for Waves, Toys & Pear Feet -- the new exhibit by veteran artist Bruce Nygren – don't worry. Fantastical Nygen paintings are still awaiting your view in surreal land (aka the Fox Tax Gallery). Tonight, as part of the monthly Gallery Grooves series from Jazz88FM and Secrets of the City, enjoy them paired with tasty cocktails courtesy of UV Vodka and the live jazzy sounds of local vocalist Christine Rosholt. Meet the artist, sip something cool and mingle with contemporary art-lovers all night long.
THURSDAY AUGUST 13TH
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog & Serenity Benefit Screening
@ Riverview Theater
3800 42nd Ave S
Minneapolis
7:30-11:30pm / $10
Slip on those gloves, snap those goggles on and come down to the Riverview Theater dressed as your favorite villain, hero, sidekick, or henchmen, because non-profit org Equality Now is bringing you a special benefit screening of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, a musical romp that bears the distinctive stamp of the hilarious Joss Whedon (of Buffy fame) -- featuring Neil Patrick Harris (of Doogie fame.) Also showing will be Whedon’s space-western cult classic Serenity. Admission price includes both screenings.
THURSDAY AUGUST 13th (THROUGH SATURDAY)
Buck Angel and Smitten Kitten Birthday!
@ Smitten Kitten
3010 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis
7:30 / $5 / 18+
Everyone’s favorite feminist sex shop is turning sex, we mean six! In honor of years of supplying the city with endless fodder for adult fun, the Kittens are bringing porn legend Buck Angel to Minneapolis for two nights of fun. Tonight he’ll host a discussion about the porn industry during an exclusive shopping night; spend $100 or more on toys and you’ll get a $25 gift certificate and be entered to win prizes! Come back Friday night for a porn screening (!) and party with Buck, with treats provided. Saturday, however, may prove to be the most exciting — the Kittens are offering 40% off any one item in the store! Afterwards, Buck will give a BDSM performance at Ground Zero. OMG.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SMITTEN KITTEN SITE
THURSDAY AUGUST 13TH
Soundstage w/ Demietoile
@ Club Jager
923 Washington Ave. N.
Minneapolis
9:30pm-2am / 21+/ Free
If we can't dance, we don't want to be part of the dystopia! For the second installment of elite dance night and film wonderdom, Soundstage, Demietoile turns Jager into fantasy dystopia. Special guest DJ Deus Ex Machine (aka l'étoile's own Juleana Enright!) darkens the hollows of the Jager dance floor as she reworks the soundtrack to Terry Gilliam's sci-fi thriller, Brazil, with vintage electronica, dark new wave, spacey electro and plenty of synth and analog anonymities. Then Demietoile takes tables for a train-wreck adventure into foreign synthpop, future pop, washed out shoegaze and slammin' electro all set to George Lucas' vivid THX1138. Get down early to enjoy fabulous Jager drink specials and co-exist at the home base.
Bonus: Soundstage is now co-sponsored by l'étoile! Which means it's worth getting your cinematic-loving, music-geeking fanny down to.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DEMITOILE MYSPACE
FRIDAY ART PICK: SWOON
We can’t help it: We’re swooning over Swoon. This New York-based street artist cuts out giant paper images of people and wheatpastes them around town. Not only does she cause art havoc on America’s streets, this year she crashed the Venice Biennale by sailing in on boats built from garbage. She’s all about art for the people, repurposing and reclaiming space and the art world for the common man.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SWOON SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
Fashion First Aid
@ Cliche
2403 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis
7pm-10pm / free
If your wardrobe needs some resuscitating, Cliché is the first aid box. Tonight’s open house shows off new couture designs by Jenny Carle and Renate Adjei, while you sip wine, snack on hors d’oeurvres, and shop to the tunes of DJ Talk Radio. Cliché has some of the best of local designers, so prepare for a few impulse purchases!
BONUS: The perfect opportunity to shop out your 'fit for our Project Runway screening next Thursday!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CLICHE SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
Macy's Glamorama '09
@ Orpheum Theatre
824 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis
7pm-2am / $75-100
If there's one thing Macy's Glamorama knows best, it's fashion and how to celebrate its vivacious and glamorous layers. Tonight, the long-awaited style, music and art fused-party premiers a promising evening of the latest fashion couture and hot new music. Groove to live sets from R&B and Grammy-winning artist Ne-Yo, pop singer Kristina DeBarge and local jazz-pop musicians The New Standards, while reveling in the trend-setting fall lines of designers Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, Sonia Rykiel, Just Cavalli, Sportmax, Maxmara and CNC Costume National. After the fashion show, get ready for some innovative post-party action as Glamorama moves to the 8th floor of Macy's. Featuring mystifying aerial performers, dancey club hits by DJ Dan, artsy body painting, a golf simulator, Wii games, DDR, and over 25 bars and food stations for your late-night cravings. No need to feel guilty about dropping dough on this bash; all proceeds go toward the Children's Cancer Research Fund and a large portion of Glamorama tickets are tax-deductible. Take that recession!
Purchase tickets HERE
Extra: Click HERE to read Jahna Peloquin's interview with Glamorama's fashion director Laura Schara!
MSP's Melissa Colgan chats with Laura Schara about this year's Glamorama!
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
The Beautifully Grotesque
@ Rogue Buddha Gallery
357 13th Avenue NE
Northeast Minneapolis
7pm-11pm / Free
Northeast's Rogue Buddha Gallery continues on its typical path of dark, decadent artwork with a new exhibit entitled The Beautifully Grotesque. Maryland-based artist Sylvia Ortiz's candy-hued paintings are anything but sweet. An exploration of inner turmoil drawn from her own experiences, Oritz's work reflects a woman's personal conflict in a modern world. Part creepy but plenty pretty, this is one show you'll definitely want to check out -- not to mention, RB openings are always a blast! Runs through September 12th.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
VimLab Boat Party
@ Boom Island Park
700 Sibley St NE
Minneapolis
9:30pm – 1:00am / $30
All aboard the Minneapolis Queen! VimLab Promotions presents their 8th annual floating house party with special guest DJ’s Alexander East, Nik E Gunz, and Chris Quadrant. Booze along the mighty Mississippi, past the sparkling Minneapolis skyline, through the locks and beyond as you experience the madness that is a VimLab boat party. Be sure to roll in by 9:30 sharp, or you’ll miss the boat on the last ever VimLab Boat Party!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VIMLAB SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
Vampire Hands LP Release
@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave
St. Pizzle
9pm / 21+ / $8
With their own special brand of garaged out, beer-soaked psychedelic-noise jams and rowdy balls-to-the-wall live shows, Vampire Hands has carved out a unique and clever niche in the current realm of the local rock scene. One of the most fascinating and innovative local bands on the circuit, the quartet will be celebrating the release of their damn near flawless new album Hannah in the Mansion – a limited edition vinyl, individually hand designed by the band; a record soaked in those signature smoldering vocals, bass heavy riffs and a tinge of southern gothic.
EXTRA: This show marks a very special occasion, as it will be vocalist/auxiliary drummer Colin Johnson’s last show with the band for a very long time. Ask around at the show for the deetz on the afterparty and bid your farewells.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VAMPIRE HANDS SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
Sneaker Pimps
@ 1st Avenue
701 1st Avenue N.
Downtown Minneapolis
8 p.m. / 18+ / $25
No, the British trip-hop band the Sneaker Pimps is NOT playing -- despite the extremely misleading title. Weird. Anyhoo, it looks like a cool event regardless. "Sneaker Pimps" is the world's largest touring sneaker/hip-hop lifestyle exhibition, which tempts you with over 1500 pairs of rare, limited edition, vintage, celebrity signed, artist-collaborated sneakers, plus sneaker themed artwork, fashion and more. Also featured in the festivities are live street art installations, skateboard demos, performances by Virginia hip hoppers The Clipse, and our very own hometown hero, Muja Messiah -- who alone is worth shelling out the dough for this show!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SNEAKER PIMPS SITE
FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH
Street Sounds
@ First Ave VIP Room
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis
10pm-2am/ $5
It’s about that time of month where our disco itch starts creeping up on us. Thank god for DJs Attitude City and Mike the 2600 King, who supply us with late ‘70s and early ‘80s dance hits alllll night. Tonight their very special guest Davey Lahteenma has traversed the trails from Thunder Bay to show off his spinning virtuosity. Expect only the best with this triumvirate of tunage.
Sponsored by l'étoile magazine!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FIRST AVE SITE
COOL LINK: CRAFTSHOCK
With gorgeous summer days still whispering sweet nothings in our ears, indoor crafting might be the last thing on your mind. But the adorable and stylish DIY features on the Craftshock blog will have you so attached to your embroidering and knitting creations we wouldn't be surprised if you took them to the beach. The site's easy-to-follow tutorials will have you breezing through creative ideas from “fierce and futuristic” handmade clothing patterns and nature-inspired necklaces to paper sculpture home décor and delectable desserts. After all, hosting a craft party with the ladies is much more fun with you have a few crafters tricks up your handmade sleeves. The site also keeps you up-dated on local craft fairs and events so you can eat, sleep and breathe crafting!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CRAFTSHOCK SITE
SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH
Eclectic Yard Sale
@ The IHOB Front Lawn
24th & Pleasant
Uptown Minneapolis
10am-6pm
While we're sad to see l'étoile cohorts Di and Kelsy take off for the wild yonder that is NYC, we're glad to get our mitts on some of the fabulous treasures they'll be unloading in preparation for the move! Head Uptown today to score deals on various frocks, albums, posters, trinkets, baubles and other novel objects from the coffers of some of the Twin Cities' most stylish dames. Show up early to get the jump on the masses!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT
SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH
Charlie B. Ward art opening
@ Familia Skate Shop
2833 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis
8pm-10pm / free
Charlie B. Ward opens his first solo photography show in Minnesota tonight at Familia, featuring striking images from his current body of work. Ward worked for Minnesota’s own photographic hero, Alec Soth, and it shows in his ability to capture overlooked moments in everyday life. Not to mention, there's free beer, and that, friends, is a titillating thing in and of itself.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH
Doodling by Peyton
@ Nicademus Art and Framing
225 Snelling Ave
St. Paul
7pm-11pm / free
Nicademus is another one of those rad places that does one cool thing during the day and throws awesome art parties after business hours. Tonight they open the show of Peyton Russell, a local screen printer, Juxtaposition Arts founder, and self-proclaimed "doodler." Inspired by the kids he worked with at JA, his work concentrates less on perfection and more on spontaneity -- Which we definitely think is a good thing! Through September 12.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NICADEMUS SITE
SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH
The Default Project Feat. The Lungless Ladies
@ Art of This
3506 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis
7-11pm / Free
Imagine: You're walking through a typical zoo. Helpless endangered species surround you in cramped cages. You lean in to examine the troubled state of the animal world and realize ALAS, it's not an animal at all, but human artists, confined and paltry. For the latest installment of the AOT One-Nighter Series, C.L. Meisinger and the women behind "Lungless Ladies" invite viewers to enter this manipulated nightmare where the economic crisis has made the artists we know and love practically extinct. Laid out in a series of multiple room-like installations, the performers of Lungless use theatrics and dark humor to create an interactive experience exploring the relationship between art and commerce. Be prepared to be shocked and amazed at this politico freakshow!
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH
Live Music/Dead Meat 2
@ The Nomad
501 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / $6
At the last installment of Stuffed Pheasant’s popular Live Music/Dead Meat, the always classy l’étoile blog staffers were on hand to sample some Elk sausage and spray cheese on a Ritz cracker and Turkey wrapped in bread topped with bacon. Fancy! Needless to say, we simply couldn’t wait for round two of our fave meat themed night, this time featuring music from The Guystorm, the ever raucous 10w40, a special reunion show by Old James, and Communist Daughter, who’s Johnny Solomon (of the Boxcar restaurant in Prescott, WI) will be frying up a delicious catfish tasting after his set. Plus, meat and fishing related giveaways all night!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NOMAD SITE
SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH
Sk8 Pass
@ 3rd Lair Skatepark
850 Florida Ave. S.
Golden Valley
10pm-5am / 18+/ $10
The best thing about 3rd Lair's move 7 years ago from South Minneapolis to Golden Valley was their epic spacial gain. Now occupying a 22,000 sq. foot warehouse building, skaters have even more area to pull off mad tricks and ollie to their hearts content -- not to mention the room is the perfect catalyst for dynamite skater bashes. Grab your board (or just tag along with someone that has one) and head to the suburbs for an all night sk8-extravaganza featuring live bands, DJ's, MC's, skate demos from 3rd Lair, Cal Surf and our besties at la skateshop Familia. Be amazed by the breakdance skills of Universal Zulu Nation, Omega Zulu and TC chapter b-boys and ladies while getting down to the hip-hop and punk sounds of over 13 bands. Free beer and wine for 21-plussers. Sk8 Pass welcomes newbies, pros and everyone in the middle -- so don't be shy!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: YACHT
In honor of this weekend’s last ever VimLab Boat party, we have decided to feature one of our fave nautically themed bands: Yacht. Jamming out one insanely joyous, futuristic pop banger after another, Yacht is the perfect soundtrack to the hottest days of the year. Their DFA debut See Mystery Lights is a collection of stone jams, meticulously crafted dance cuts and lighthearted pop tracks that you will be singing at the top of your lungs -- in your car with the windows down -- until the last moments of summer.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE YACHT SITE
SUNDAY AUGUST 15TH
The Official Mad Men Season 3 Viewing Party
@ Jax
1928 University Ave NE
Minneapolis
8pm-1am / $8-10
Jax and Vita.mn are going all out to kick off season 3 of Mad Men. Wear your best retro ‘60s threads for a chance to win a prize for Best Dressed. Sway to music of Mad Men era jazz standards as performed by Jeremy Messersmith, Lucy Michelle and Janey Winterbauer. DJ Jake Rudh provides the tunes and ambiance, and Spinario provides the mid-century design showcase. Jax’s Executive Chef Bob Foster is whipping up Mad Men inspired signature cocktails and appetizers. Feel cool smoking a cigar while sipping brandy in the Old World Garden, then prove to everyone else how cool you looked in the photobooth! $100 gift certificates are being given away all night from Tatters, Blacklist Vintage, Spinario, Modern Design and Jax. The best part is, some of the evening’s proceeds will benefit CaringBridge, so it's a win-win!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT
TUESDAY AUGUST 17TH
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:
Aug 18: Killer Klowns from Outerspace
Aug 25: Young Frankenstein
Sept 1: THX 1138
Sept 8: The Man Who Fell To Earth
Sept 15: Barbarella
Visit www.jagercon.blogspot.com for more info!
This week's flick is KILLER CLOWNS FROM OUTERSPACE
GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE
Beth Hammarlund continues with her Gaga obsession.
Gaga for Rilke
Another reason to love Lady Gaga. She got a freaking Rilke tattoo! In the original beautiful German! I have long considered getting a tattoo of a few sentences on my forearm, and my top two choices have always been a Vonnegut quote that I’m particularly fond of, or anything by Rainer Maria Rilke. Dude is my fave.
Click below to read more...
CLICK THE IMAGE TO READ THE REST OF THE POST
GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR
Jahna Peloquin fills you in on all the latest Project Runway and local fashion gossip!
Local Fashion Roundup for 8.9-8.15
Another week, another round of PR6 news and links from our local contestants Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub.
Click below to read more...
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR ALL THE GOSSIP!
image: Ra'mon being prepped by Di Medlock & Kelsy Osterman of Eclecticoiffeur. Image by Robb Long for Twin Cities Statement
Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin
Monday, August 10, 2009
Q&A with Glamorama Fashion Director Laura Schara
by Jahna Peloquin
Macy’s annual fashion event, Glamorama, has been around for 21 years – that’s longer than the storefront’s multiple incarnations (i.e., Dayton Hudson, Marshall Field’s) and its multiple changes in name (originally Fash Bash, the event was also called A Cause For Applause before finally settling on Glamorama). Year after year, the show’s organizers have done an amazing job of getting big-name designer collections – Marc Jacobs, we’re looking at you – shown in the Midwest. We sat down and talked with the woman largely responsible for that, Glamorama’s fashion director Laura Schara.
Jahna: We’re really excited to get the chance to talk to you about Glamorama. We’ve always been curious about how the show comes together year after year.
Laura: Of course!
Jahna: What are your responsibilities as Fashion Director for Glamorama?
Laura: My main role is that I secure all the designer segments for Glamorama, and I also hire all the models, freelance stylists, dressers, and alterations teams. I’m in charge of every single look - how it’s styled when it comes down the runway, and of course doing all the fittings – it’s a very meticulous process.
Jahna: How far out do you start planning the show? Can you give us a general timeline of when you do what?
Laura: It takes about a year and a half to work out the basic theme. It all starts in February at Fashion Week in New York, looking at all the fall collections. We want to make sure that we’re cohesive, and see if there are new designers who haven’t been featured before. Then I meet with designer reps in New York to select designer samples. I give them a list of looks that I’d like to receive based on our buy as well as the runway pieces - the ooh ahh looks that everyone wants to see. Also it’s set in a theater versus a tent, so we want to make sure they jump out the stage. Starting in March and April, we start doing model casting around the country. We look at around 400 to 500 models in L.A., New York, Chicago, and Minneapolis. We have two models in the show that are from Minneapolis. We have featured on Minnesotan model in the past (Dannielle Zephier with Moore) but this year a young gal with Vision (Greta Sundquist) really stuck out to us and had a great look.
Jahna: And right now?
Laura: Right now we are just reconfirming all the models – that is a huge puzzle, getting 40-some models here from all over the country. Working with numerous agencies from all over the country, getting them the info they need, all those little minute details - just getting those 40 bodies into one room is a huge task in itself. Fittings happen August 9 - we fit that show for approximately ten hours straight. It’s a long day, but we choose to fit as one long group so I can look at the group as one full collection instead of fitting individual times to make sure the segments are looking cohesive. We continue to tweak the looks when we got into dress rehearsal later in the week. I’m also communicating with the designer looks to make sure the looks we are getting are coming in. Obviously there are other people who want the looks that are possibly being used for other shoots and events. We keep the samples for quite a long time – we have it for about three weeks. But the designers trust us and it’s a high-profile, high-end event that they really love. And (the reps) love to attend it..
Jahna: Who are your favorite designers? Marc Jacobs must be one of them.
Laura: We switch it up – Gaultier wasn’t in the show for a few years, same with Sonia Rykiel. Marc Jacobs is always in, he always seems to set the mood for other designers and trends. So when they agree to be in Glamorama we love it. Gaultier this year is fierce – it’s definitely going to be one of my favorites in the show. Just Cavalli is great, their segment is always hot and sexy. This year we have PHILOSOPHY di Alberta Ferretti – they’ve never been in the show before. (Ed. Note: Other designers in this year’s show are Sportmax, MaxMara, and CNC Costume National.)
Jahna: What are some of the fall trends you’re highlighting for this year’s show?
Laura: The whole rocker chic, ‘80s glam-rock look is definitely highlighted in the show this year, with everything from leather to studs to acid-washed denim. A lot of mixing prints and patterns, plaids, shoulder interest – the whole bold shoulder. There’s a lot of pinks and berries, hot pink being a huge trend for fall. You know you’ll hit every trend across the board with this designer list. There’s a great assortment of what you’ll see this fall. It’s very inspirational and they go very over the top but you’ll be able to interpret it your own way.
Jahna: Have you ever gotten to meet any of the designers?
Laura: I have, I have worked with Michael Kors in the past, I have met Diane Von Furstenberg. I have yet to meet Marc himself. I’ve been to the room sewing with Zac Posen - I’ve worked with his mom, right where they’re sewing the clothes, so that’s really cool to see.
Jahna: What’s the process for casting models? What do you look for?
Laura: Being it’s an hour-long show, there’s a lot of choreography that’s involved. Our models don’t walk down the runway with a blank store – we want our models to engage with our audience. I definitely look for a certain body shape because the clothing is samples. There’s a certain confidence we look for in a model’s walk. There are times we ask them to engage with the audience. We really diversified the group that we have, especially this year’s theme being “fusion.”
Macy's Glamorama: "A Night of Fashion and Fusion," featuring a look at fall designer collections and performances by Ne-Yo, the New Standards, and Kristinia DeBarge. 8 p.m. Fri. Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Av., Mpls. $75 (show only), $250+ for the show & post-party. www.childrenscancer.org.
Macy’s annual fashion event, Glamorama, has been around for 21 years – that’s longer than the storefront’s multiple incarnations (i.e., Dayton Hudson, Marshall Field’s) and its multiple changes in name (originally Fash Bash, the event was also called A Cause For Applause before finally settling on Glamorama). Year after year, the show’s organizers have done an amazing job of getting big-name designer collections – Marc Jacobs, we’re looking at you – shown in the Midwest. We sat down and talked with the woman largely responsible for that, Glamorama’s fashion director Laura Schara.
Jahna: We’re really excited to get the chance to talk to you about Glamorama. We’ve always been curious about how the show comes together year after year.
Laura: Of course!
Jahna: What are your responsibilities as Fashion Director for Glamorama?
Laura: My main role is that I secure all the designer segments for Glamorama, and I also hire all the models, freelance stylists, dressers, and alterations teams. I’m in charge of every single look - how it’s styled when it comes down the runway, and of course doing all the fittings – it’s a very meticulous process.
Jahna: How far out do you start planning the show? Can you give us a general timeline of when you do what?
Laura: It takes about a year and a half to work out the basic theme. It all starts in February at Fashion Week in New York, looking at all the fall collections. We want to make sure that we’re cohesive, and see if there are new designers who haven’t been featured before. Then I meet with designer reps in New York to select designer samples. I give them a list of looks that I’d like to receive based on our buy as well as the runway pieces - the ooh ahh looks that everyone wants to see. Also it’s set in a theater versus a tent, so we want to make sure they jump out the stage. Starting in March and April, we start doing model casting around the country. We look at around 400 to 500 models in L.A., New York, Chicago, and Minneapolis. We have two models in the show that are from Minneapolis. We have featured on Minnesotan model in the past (Dannielle Zephier with Moore) but this year a young gal with Vision (Greta Sundquist) really stuck out to us and had a great look.
Jahna: And right now?
Laura: Right now we are just reconfirming all the models – that is a huge puzzle, getting 40-some models here from all over the country. Working with numerous agencies from all over the country, getting them the info they need, all those little minute details - just getting those 40 bodies into one room is a huge task in itself. Fittings happen August 9 - we fit that show for approximately ten hours straight. It’s a long day, but we choose to fit as one long group so I can look at the group as one full collection instead of fitting individual times to make sure the segments are looking cohesive. We continue to tweak the looks when we got into dress rehearsal later in the week. I’m also communicating with the designer looks to make sure the looks we are getting are coming in. Obviously there are other people who want the looks that are possibly being used for other shoots and events. We keep the samples for quite a long time – we have it for about three weeks. But the designers trust us and it’s a high-profile, high-end event that they really love. And (the reps) love to attend it..
Jahna: Who are your favorite designers? Marc Jacobs must be one of them.
Laura: We switch it up – Gaultier wasn’t in the show for a few years, same with Sonia Rykiel. Marc Jacobs is always in, he always seems to set the mood for other designers and trends. So when they agree to be in Glamorama we love it. Gaultier this year is fierce – it’s definitely going to be one of my favorites in the show. Just Cavalli is great, their segment is always hot and sexy. This year we have PHILOSOPHY di Alberta Ferretti – they’ve never been in the show before. (Ed. Note: Other designers in this year’s show are Sportmax, MaxMara, and CNC Costume National.)
Jahna: What are some of the fall trends you’re highlighting for this year’s show?
Laura: The whole rocker chic, ‘80s glam-rock look is definitely highlighted in the show this year, with everything from leather to studs to acid-washed denim. A lot of mixing prints and patterns, plaids, shoulder interest – the whole bold shoulder. There’s a lot of pinks and berries, hot pink being a huge trend for fall. You know you’ll hit every trend across the board with this designer list. There’s a great assortment of what you’ll see this fall. It’s very inspirational and they go very over the top but you’ll be able to interpret it your own way.
Jahna: Have you ever gotten to meet any of the designers?
Laura: I have, I have worked with Michael Kors in the past, I have met Diane Von Furstenberg. I have yet to meet Marc himself. I’ve been to the room sewing with Zac Posen - I’ve worked with his mom, right where they’re sewing the clothes, so that’s really cool to see.
Jahna: What’s the process for casting models? What do you look for?
Laura: Being it’s an hour-long show, there’s a lot of choreography that’s involved. Our models don’t walk down the runway with a blank store – we want our models to engage with our audience. I definitely look for a certain body shape because the clothing is samples. There’s a certain confidence we look for in a model’s walk. There are times we ask them to engage with the audience. We really diversified the group that we have, especially this year’s theme being “fusion.”
Macy's Glamorama: "A Night of Fashion and Fusion," featuring a look at fall designer collections and performances by Ne-Yo, the New Standards, and Kristinia DeBarge. 8 p.m. Fri. Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Av., Mpls. $75 (show only), $250+ for the show & post-party. www.childrenscancer.org.
Project Runway Premiere Party with special guests Ra'mon Lawrence Coleman & Christopher Straub
PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO EXPECTED RAIN, THE PUBLIC OUTDOOR SCREENING IS BEING MOVED INDOORS TO LANDMARK CENTER (SAME ADDRESS)
Join us for a stylish evening at Landmark Center on Thursday, August 20th in honor of the premiere episode of fashion design reality show, Project Runway! Mingle with Twin Cities fashionistas and watch teaser projections from 7:30 to 9 p.m., then settle in for the live screening of the premiere episode of Project Runway, shown on the big screen in Landmark Center. The show features two local designers, Ra'mon Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub, who will make an appearance at the event.
After the screening, please join us for a post party next door at the Saint Paul Hotel for cocktails and a trunk show featuring work by Christopher Straub!
For the non-faint of heart, the party will move to Camp Bar from Midnight to 2 a.m.!
Landmark Center Public Screening
7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Free
Post Party at Saint Paul Hotel
10 p.m. to Midnight / Free
After-After Party at Camp Bar
Midnight to 2 a.m. / Free
Sponsored by l'etoile magazine, Capital City Partnership, The Saint Paul Hotel, Landmark Center, Comcast, Prairie Vodka, Solo Vino Wines and EMI.
Join us for a stylish evening at Landmark Center on Thursday, August 20th in honor of the premiere episode of fashion design reality show, Project Runway! Mingle with Twin Cities fashionistas and watch teaser projections from 7:30 to 9 p.m., then settle in for the live screening of the premiere episode of Project Runway, shown on the big screen in Landmark Center. The show features two local designers, Ra'mon Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub, who will make an appearance at the event.
After the screening, please join us for a post party next door at the Saint Paul Hotel for cocktails and a trunk show featuring work by Christopher Straub!
For the non-faint of heart, the party will move to Camp Bar from Midnight to 2 a.m.!
Landmark Center Public Screening
7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Free
Post Party at Saint Paul Hotel
10 p.m. to Midnight / Free
After-After Party at Camp Bar
Midnight to 2 a.m. / Free
Sponsored by l'etoile magazine, Capital City Partnership, The Saint Paul Hotel, Landmark Center, Comcast, Prairie Vodka, Solo Vino Wines and EMI.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Weekend What's What 8/6-8/11
ART ROCKS
This weekend we've got a killer balance of visuals and sound with a number of exciting new art shows opening, as well as a handful of can't-miss music events. Our opinion? A healthy dose of both is just what the party doctor ordered! Kill two birds with one stone at the Music Box, or hit the Luce Block Party and follow it up at Fox Tax Gallery. Perhaps the 501 on Friday and Rosalux on Saturday? The combinations are endless. Art and music are definitely the Twin Cities' hottest commodities, so get out there and enjoy!
xo-l'étoile
Photo by Jayme Halbritter
L'ETOILE'S 'BEST OF FRINGE'
Read Rob Callahan's 'Best of Fringe' run down!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR L'ETOILE'S BEST OF FRINGE LIST
THURSDAY AUGUST 6TH
Hot Roxx w/ Mark Mallman
@ Club Jager
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / Free
If you're not in the mood for cool and classy, opt for loud and sassy. This monthly hipster-friendly sonic experience is sure to whet your classic rock whistle. Join DJ duo Jen Hughes and Nick Ryan as they host an extra special episode of Hot Roxx with guest DJ Mark Mallman! Expect a whole lot of skinny jeans and tousled hair, New York Dolls/Bowie/MC5-esque tunes, and the some of the stiffest drinks this side of the river.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HOT ROXX MYSPACE
THURSDAY AUGUST 6TH
Suicide Commandos
@ 501 Club
501 Washington Ave
Minneapolis
8pm / 21+ / Free
Before the Hold Steady, before Soul Asylum, before Husker Du, before the Replacements, and even before Prince there was a swinging little punk rock trio called the Suicide Commandos – the godfathers of the Minneapolis rock scene that would eventually spawn some of the greatest bands in the country. Exploding the local music scene in 1974, The Commandos offered a unique and unforgettable flavor of punk rock and were the first and most influential, honest-to-god faster 'n' louder rock & roll band to come out of the TC. Along with giving the Minneapolis punk scene a jump-start, they proved that punk wasn’t all safety pins, leather, and studs. And now, a whopping 35 years later, you can catch them in all their gritty punk glory, for free, at the 501 club in a special reunion show featuring SC side projects Steve Almaas & Friends and The Warblers, plus Fan Fiction (aka Martin Devaney), and Jenn Markey & Her Buckboard Boys. Music junkies, now is your chance to eat a slice of epic Minneapolis music history.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SUICIDE COMMANDOS MYSPACE
FRIDAY ART PICK: BLACK ACID CO-OP EXHIBIT
The Deitch Projects gallery in NYC's SoHo neighborhood is known for consistently pushing the conceptual envelope and expanding the visual eye, and its current exhibition by collaborative artists Jonah Freeman and Justin Lowe is no exception. A labyrinth of interiors exploring the seedy underbelly of American culture, Black Acid Co-op layers are a pop commentary on neo-vastness, drug culture, the upper-class division and social detachment. On this journey of dysfunction – which some sources have compared to as falling down Alice's proverbial rabbit hole – each interwoven corridor leads the viewer on an voyeuristic excavation with burnt out meth labs, red-carpet pseudo-galleries and hippie havens around every corner. You may not be able to see this trippy installation in person, but at least you can preview the action via its vivid photo slideshow.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BLACK ACID SITE
Photo by Greg Kessler of the New York Times
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
DANOS/DOSE/GARTHUS
@ SELLOUT Art
Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson St NE
Studio #456
Minneapolis
Reception 6pm-9pm / free
Jennifer Danos, Mitchell Dose and Ben Garthus are local artists exploring the “subjective subconscious, the ramifications of consumer culture, and the seemingly incongruent categories of: reality and perception, natural and artificial, and the accidental and intentional”. The cozy SELLOUT gallery only opens once a month, and by appointment, so get it while it’s good.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
Big Funny
@ Altered Esthetics
1224 Quincy St. NE
Minneapolis
7pm-11pm/free
They say that newspapers are going the way of the dodo, but the The International Cartoonist Conspiracy is working for their survival, with the publication of a 48-page oversized newspaper featuring 45 comic artists. The show has historic comic pages from the archives, work by William Ede, and music by The Roe Family Singers. Pretend you’re in the olden days, open the oversize newspaper into a stranger’s face and be glad Minneapolis is full of outlandish comic artists. Through August 29.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
Bangrock/Hootenanny
@ The Music Box Theater
1411 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis
6-8pm / Art opening: free/ Hoot: Pay what you can ($5 suggested)
Already home to the weekly musical commune, the Mad Ripple Hootenanny, the Music Box plays host to a community-centered performance exhibit featuring the visual work of local artists Jesse Draxler and Peter Lochner. A graphic matrimony of art, music and pop culture, Bangrock explores the contemporary themes of relationships, social issues and satire through the edgy styles of Draxler's multi-media compositions and Lochner's riveting rock poster illustrations. Opening reception will be held in the theater lobby followed by a brand new edition of the Hoot with host Jim Walsh and St. Dominic's Trio.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
Frances Gumm
@ 501 Club
501 Washington Avenue
Minneapolis
9 p.m. / 21+ / Free
Lookin' for an evening of solid post-punk rock n' roll? Look no further. Frances Gumm, lead by local "punk poet" Paul D. Dickinson on guitar and vocals, throws back to the good old days when music wasn't over-thought or slickly produced. Head to the 501 Club tonight, pretend its the 90s and that you're at a crowded basement show -- it's bound to stir up a bit o' nostalgia. Bitch & Brown and The Goondas kick things off.
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
Hotel
@ Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Ave SE
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / Free
DJ Jonathan Ackerman returns to spin the platters at his hot monthly at the KCK with a killer mish-mash of his hand picked favorites. Those who attend never know for sure if they’ll hear minimal techno, club bangers, electro burners or disco anthems, but they are always guaranteed to lose their shit. This time around, Hotel welcomes none other than the lovely and talented Mattastic from everyone’s favorite radio show Do You Party? and the wild man Stu Wiley who is one of the masterminds behind The Stay Spun blog.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
Get Cryphy
@ First Ave VIP Room
701 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis
10 PM-2 AM/ 18+/ $3
OMG! It's the 19th installment of MPLS' crunkiest bash. And this time around the rowdy cryphaholics resident DJs – Jimmy2Times and DJ Fundamentalist – welcome the triumphant return of Brent Tactic, DJ B-STEE of the Brick Bandits and the Kansas City-based club rebels of Think 2wice Records to pump out VIP-worthy jams. Lately, the club banging remixes from Think 2wice Records have been blowing up music blogs and tonight you'll hear what all the hyp(h)e is about. Featuring emcee Last Word on the mic and plenty of tasty drink specials.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GET CRYPHY MYSPACE
COOL LINK: BEAUTY BETS
“So I’m staring at my bottle of Seche Vite wondering what to do with it now that shiny nails are out. Since I don’t wear panty hose, I’m kind of at a loss. Perhaps a Dear Martha is in order... I don’t remember a time when shiny hair, lips, and most definitely nails were the goal. Now a bunch of mattifying topcoats are hitting shelf for fall. Which sounded absolutely gross to me because chalky, dull nails make me think two things: dirty and goth.”
This is just a sampling of the musings of Elizabeth Dehn, a magazine editor and beauty junkie whose dear diary-style new website Beauty Bets offers up a fresh and honest guide to the beauty products and treatments that make life a whole lot more groomed.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BEAUTY BETS SITE
SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Handmade Nation
@ Common Room at the Soap Factory
110 5th Ave. SE
Minneapolis
12pm & 7pm / $12 film screening
Faythe Levine traveled the country several times over to document the DIY craft movement. Why would a person make something when they could buy it? Why has so-called “women’s work” come back into popularity? You can ask Faythe these questions during the Q&A after each screening of Handmade Nation, and buy some hand-made from local crafters during the all-day craft fair. You’ll be rushing to your googly eyes supplies bin to whip up your own unique craft after seeing this inspiring film! Tickets are available at Crafty Planet at 2833 Johnson St NE, or at the door on the day of the event.
SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Pizza Luce Block Party
@ Pizza Luce Uptown
3200 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis
Noon-10pm / Free
Get your sleepy weekenders butt up and head to Uptown's Pizza Luce today for day-long excursion in block-tastic fun. Kicking off at noon rain or shine, the block bash features live sets from local indie, rock and hip-hop acts the Jack Brass Band, Spacewolf, The Alrights, The Framed, The Radio Killers, F*ck Knights, Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, Me and My Arrow, MC/VL, Kid Dakota and Maria Isa. Emceed by our favorite local lush Ian (of Drinking With Ian), get your dance and mingle on with the amicable neighbors of Uptown, all while enjoying delicious Luce pizza, brats and Summit brewskies!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PIZZA LUCE SITE
SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Waves, Toys & Pear-Feet: New Works by Bruce Nygren
@ Fox Tax Gallery
503 1st Ave. NE.
Minneapolis
6-11pm / Free
When Uptown's Flander's Gallery closed its door, Flander's exclusive painter and local veteran artist, Bruce Nygren, turned to the gallery at Fox Tax to preview a batch of his newest works. From spectacular scenes to fantastical stills, Nygren's contemporary, colorful paintings will be on view and ready to transport you from the gallery straight to the imaginative world of their creator. Join Fox Tax for the opening reception of Waves, Toys & Pear-Feet tonight, and experience the fantasy on the gallery's walls through September 4th.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Fit To Be Tried Everything At Least Once
@ Art of This
3506 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis
7pm-11pm / $5 donation
Ooh...self-reflective. Justin Schlepp and Michael Mott bring together Art of This’s impact on the community and building in their sculptural installation that will exist for one night only, hence the one-nighter name. The space will be social, so bring some friends, and enjoy another famous Art of This event!
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Save Canvas
@ 91 South 10th St
Minneapolis
7pm-10:30pm / Free
Overproof’s latest project “Save Canvas” turns abandonment into art, creating a highly interactive playground for the senses. Three abandoned buildings in bustling downtown Minneapolis are given new life through the artistic sensibilities of visual artists Aaron Bickner and Andrew Shannon. A pop-up gallery will be on site to host a variety of pieces from a revolving roster of artists, as well as refreshments provided by Gastro non Grata and the sound of old vinyl cracks spun from DJ Rambo Salinas and special guests in this truly innovative and exciting experiment in public art.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Storytime: New Work by Alex Kuno & Nick Howard
@ Rosalux Gallery
1011 Washington Avenue S
Minneapolis
7-11pm / Free
Rosalux Gallery has some sweet new works by visual artists Nick Howard, whose art explores the complexity of what it means to be human through a stunning series of ink drawings; and Alex Kuno, whose pieces are startlingly reminiscent of cult children’s book Where the Wild Things Are. The show runs through August 30th.
Gossip: We hear Rosalux is moving to new digs...in the old Flanders Gallery space!
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: DANIEL JOHNSTON
If you were alive in the ‘90s and listened to music, you probably heard a band influenced by and/or covering Daniel Johnston. A musician and cartoonist, Daniel has had some difficult times but has a documentary film about him, sublime stitching designs of his art, and work in the Whitney Biennial. Ever since Kurt Cobain sported his "Hi How Are You" image on his shirt, indie rock fans everywhere realized what a gem Daniel is. He’s going to be at First Avenue August 13th, so save the date, and don’t miss him!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DANIEL JOHNSTON SITE
SUNDAY AUGUST 9TH
Bitch Flowers Luau
@ Seven Skybar
700 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis
4pm-11pm / $30
A luau hosted by sassy queen, Bitch Flowers, is quite enough to get you running towards the party, but here are the deetz anyway: Expect a DJ, an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet (a rare bird in these parts), a performance by Esera, two roasted pigs, and vintage Hawaiian films on the giant screen. Bitch Flowers provides the personality; Seven’s Skybar provides the rooftop.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SEVEN SITE
SUNDAY AUGUST 9TH
Riot Act Reading Series feat. Mark Mallman
@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave. W.
Saint Paul
7-9pm / 18+/ Free
St. Paul's unruly reading series, Riot Act, is back for another unconventional journey into the bowels of modern literature with a special guest appearance from local glam rocker and music sage, Mark Mallman. Set to read from his upcoming graphic novel, “Existential Criminal,” Mallman joins Best New American Voices contributing writer, Emily Freeman and hosts Paul D. Dickinson and Laura Brandenburg for an evening of literary bliss. Grab a drink and embrace your inner anarchistic bookworm.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RIOT ACT SITE
TUESDAY AUGUST 11TH
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:
Aug 11: Batteries Not Included
Aug 18: Killer Klowns from Outerspace
Aug 25: Young Frankenstein
Sept 1: THX 1138
Sept 8: The Man Who Fell To Earth
Sept 15: Barbarella
Visit www.jagercon.blogspot.com for more info!
GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE
Beth Hammarlund talks about her new favorite piece of local art.
mmm...art
During Art-A-Whirl this spring, I was completely taken with a few pieces in the Rogue Buddha Gallery by local artist Margaron. I have a thing for creepy deer, so I picked up "Elysium," a mixed media piece. After chatting her up about some of her work on scratchboard, she offered to commission a piece just for little old me. She asked me what I wanted and I told her pretty bluntly: deer, fangs, and blood. I picked up the piece a few days ago, and this is what she came up with...
Click below to read the rest of the article...
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TINY MACHINE SITE
GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR
Jahna Peloquin rounds up the latest local fashion news.
Local fashion roundup: Project Runway, Blacklist, more
I've been waiting for this day: Elite Project Runway bloggers Tom & Lorenzo of my PR blog of choice, Project Rungay, have finally revealed their first impressions of season six contestant (and former Minneapolitan) Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman, and obviously they've saved one of the best for last. Here's what they have to say about his "Eluded Love" collection (click link to view images) and audition videos.
Click below to read the rest of the article...
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LE PETIT SITE
L'ETOILE NEWSWIRE
Vote now: DJ Jake Rudh in the TOP 8 for a 'Mad Men' Walk-on Role
Local DJ and dapper fellow, Jake Rudh, host of your favorite mid-week dance party,
Transmission, is in the running for a walk-on role on the upcoming season of Mad Men! Yesterday a couple of l'étoile-ites sat at a coffee shop, clicking through all the other (very boring) entries and came to the conclusion that Mr. Rudh definitely ought to win! Apparently others tend to agree, because as of "press" time, Mr. Rudh was in the #2 slot for guy's submissions -- out of over 2000 people!!! Click the link below (Jake's submission pic was actually taken by l'étoile editor, Kate Iverson, a couple of years ago!) and VOTE 5-stars for Jake. You can vote once a day, so if you heart Jake like we do, bookmark the page and come back each day, or, better yet, repost the link on Facebook, Twitter, or even old-fashioned myspace. We make no assumptions that you still have a Friendster account. Click HERE to vote for Jake!
CALL FOR FASHION (CLOTHING) DESIGNERS: CHARMED LIFE
l'étoile and Metro Magazine are teaming up for a Fall Fashion Week event entitled Charmed Life on September 23rd at International Market Square! The event is a fashion market that showcases local designers and boutiques, as well as interior design from the IMS showrooms. We have limited booth space for fashion designers and boutiques to sell their wares. E-mail kate@letoilemagazine.com for more info on how you can be involved or click below to pre-order your tickets!
Note: We are full up on jewelry designers but are still seeking CLOTHING designers.
CALL FOR FASHION STYLISTS: CHARMED LIFE
Participate in a Fall Fashion Week challenge at "Charmed Life" at International Market Square on September 23rd and win great prizes! Each stylist will draw a "surprise" fashion element at the event and have 30 minutes to create a look for their model using clothing and accessories from participating vendors at the event. Participants will need to provide their own model, hair, and makeup (which can be done before the challenge begins). One stylist, one model. Finished looks will be shot by a professional photographer on-site, and may be printed in Metro Magazine. Contact kate@letoilemagazine.com to sign up!
Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin
This weekend we've got a killer balance of visuals and sound with a number of exciting new art shows opening, as well as a handful of can't-miss music events. Our opinion? A healthy dose of both is just what the party doctor ordered! Kill two birds with one stone at the Music Box, or hit the Luce Block Party and follow it up at Fox Tax Gallery. Perhaps the 501 on Friday and Rosalux on Saturday? The combinations are endless. Art and music are definitely the Twin Cities' hottest commodities, so get out there and enjoy!
xo-l'étoile
Photo by Jayme Halbritter
L'ETOILE'S 'BEST OF FRINGE'
Read Rob Callahan's 'Best of Fringe' run down!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR L'ETOILE'S BEST OF FRINGE LIST
THURSDAY AUGUST 6TH
Hot Roxx w/ Mark Mallman
@ Club Jager
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / Free
If you're not in the mood for cool and classy, opt for loud and sassy. This monthly hipster-friendly sonic experience is sure to whet your classic rock whistle. Join DJ duo Jen Hughes and Nick Ryan as they host an extra special episode of Hot Roxx with guest DJ Mark Mallman! Expect a whole lot of skinny jeans and tousled hair, New York Dolls/Bowie/MC5-esque tunes, and the some of the stiffest drinks this side of the river.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HOT ROXX MYSPACE
THURSDAY AUGUST 6TH
Suicide Commandos
@ 501 Club
501 Washington Ave
Minneapolis
8pm / 21+ / Free
Before the Hold Steady, before Soul Asylum, before Husker Du, before the Replacements, and even before Prince there was a swinging little punk rock trio called the Suicide Commandos – the godfathers of the Minneapolis rock scene that would eventually spawn some of the greatest bands in the country. Exploding the local music scene in 1974, The Commandos offered a unique and unforgettable flavor of punk rock and were the first and most influential, honest-to-god faster 'n' louder rock & roll band to come out of the TC. Along with giving the Minneapolis punk scene a jump-start, they proved that punk wasn’t all safety pins, leather, and studs. And now, a whopping 35 years later, you can catch them in all their gritty punk glory, for free, at the 501 club in a special reunion show featuring SC side projects Steve Almaas & Friends and The Warblers, plus Fan Fiction (aka Martin Devaney), and Jenn Markey & Her Buckboard Boys. Music junkies, now is your chance to eat a slice of epic Minneapolis music history.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SUICIDE COMMANDOS MYSPACE
FRIDAY ART PICK: BLACK ACID CO-OP EXHIBIT
The Deitch Projects gallery in NYC's SoHo neighborhood is known for consistently pushing the conceptual envelope and expanding the visual eye, and its current exhibition by collaborative artists Jonah Freeman and Justin Lowe is no exception. A labyrinth of interiors exploring the seedy underbelly of American culture, Black Acid Co-op layers are a pop commentary on neo-vastness, drug culture, the upper-class division and social detachment. On this journey of dysfunction – which some sources have compared to as falling down Alice's proverbial rabbit hole – each interwoven corridor leads the viewer on an voyeuristic excavation with burnt out meth labs, red-carpet pseudo-galleries and hippie havens around every corner. You may not be able to see this trippy installation in person, but at least you can preview the action via its vivid photo slideshow.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BLACK ACID SITE
Photo by Greg Kessler of the New York Times
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
DANOS/DOSE/GARTHUS
@ SELLOUT Art
Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson St NE
Studio #456
Minneapolis
Reception 6pm-9pm / free
Jennifer Danos, Mitchell Dose and Ben Garthus are local artists exploring the “subjective subconscious, the ramifications of consumer culture, and the seemingly incongruent categories of: reality and perception, natural and artificial, and the accidental and intentional”. The cozy SELLOUT gallery only opens once a month, and by appointment, so get it while it’s good.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
Big Funny
@ Altered Esthetics
1224 Quincy St. NE
Minneapolis
7pm-11pm/free
They say that newspapers are going the way of the dodo, but the The International Cartoonist Conspiracy is working for their survival, with the publication of a 48-page oversized newspaper featuring 45 comic artists. The show has historic comic pages from the archives, work by William Ede, and music by The Roe Family Singers. Pretend you’re in the olden days, open the oversize newspaper into a stranger’s face and be glad Minneapolis is full of outlandish comic artists. Through August 29.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
Bangrock/Hootenanny
@ The Music Box Theater
1411 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis
6-8pm / Art opening: free/ Hoot: Pay what you can ($5 suggested)
Already home to the weekly musical commune, the Mad Ripple Hootenanny, the Music Box plays host to a community-centered performance exhibit featuring the visual work of local artists Jesse Draxler and Peter Lochner. A graphic matrimony of art, music and pop culture, Bangrock explores the contemporary themes of relationships, social issues and satire through the edgy styles of Draxler's multi-media compositions and Lochner's riveting rock poster illustrations. Opening reception will be held in the theater lobby followed by a brand new edition of the Hoot with host Jim Walsh and St. Dominic's Trio.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
Frances Gumm
@ 501 Club
501 Washington Avenue
Minneapolis
9 p.m. / 21+ / Free
Lookin' for an evening of solid post-punk rock n' roll? Look no further. Frances Gumm, lead by local "punk poet" Paul D. Dickinson on guitar and vocals, throws back to the good old days when music wasn't over-thought or slickly produced. Head to the 501 Club tonight, pretend its the 90s and that you're at a crowded basement show -- it's bound to stir up a bit o' nostalgia. Bitch & Brown and The Goondas kick things off.
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
Hotel
@ Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Ave SE
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / Free
DJ Jonathan Ackerman returns to spin the platters at his hot monthly at the KCK with a killer mish-mash of his hand picked favorites. Those who attend never know for sure if they’ll hear minimal techno, club bangers, electro burners or disco anthems, but they are always guaranteed to lose their shit. This time around, Hotel welcomes none other than the lovely and talented Mattastic from everyone’s favorite radio show Do You Party? and the wild man Stu Wiley who is one of the masterminds behind The Stay Spun blog.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
Get Cryphy
@ First Ave VIP Room
701 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis
10 PM-2 AM/ 18+/ $3
OMG! It's the 19th installment of MPLS' crunkiest bash. And this time around the rowdy cryphaholics resident DJs – Jimmy2Times and DJ Fundamentalist – welcome the triumphant return of Brent Tactic, DJ B-STEE of the Brick Bandits and the Kansas City-based club rebels of Think 2wice Records to pump out VIP-worthy jams. Lately, the club banging remixes from Think 2wice Records have been blowing up music blogs and tonight you'll hear what all the hyp(h)e is about. Featuring emcee Last Word on the mic and plenty of tasty drink specials.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GET CRYPHY MYSPACE
COOL LINK: BEAUTY BETS
“So I’m staring at my bottle of Seche Vite wondering what to do with it now that shiny nails are out. Since I don’t wear panty hose, I’m kind of at a loss. Perhaps a Dear Martha is in order... I don’t remember a time when shiny hair, lips, and most definitely nails were the goal. Now a bunch of mattifying topcoats are hitting shelf for fall. Which sounded absolutely gross to me because chalky, dull nails make me think two things: dirty and goth.”
This is just a sampling of the musings of Elizabeth Dehn, a magazine editor and beauty junkie whose dear diary-style new website Beauty Bets offers up a fresh and honest guide to the beauty products and treatments that make life a whole lot more groomed.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BEAUTY BETS SITE
SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Handmade Nation
@ Common Room at the Soap Factory
110 5th Ave. SE
Minneapolis
12pm & 7pm / $12 film screening
Faythe Levine traveled the country several times over to document the DIY craft movement. Why would a person make something when they could buy it? Why has so-called “women’s work” come back into popularity? You can ask Faythe these questions during the Q&A after each screening of Handmade Nation, and buy some hand-made from local crafters during the all-day craft fair. You’ll be rushing to your googly eyes supplies bin to whip up your own unique craft after seeing this inspiring film! Tickets are available at Crafty Planet at 2833 Johnson St NE, or at the door on the day of the event.
SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Pizza Luce Block Party
@ Pizza Luce Uptown
3200 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis
Noon-10pm / Free
Get your sleepy weekenders butt up and head to Uptown's Pizza Luce today for day-long excursion in block-tastic fun. Kicking off at noon rain or shine, the block bash features live sets from local indie, rock and hip-hop acts the Jack Brass Band, Spacewolf, The Alrights, The Framed, The Radio Killers, F*ck Knights, Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, Me and My Arrow, MC/VL, Kid Dakota and Maria Isa. Emceed by our favorite local lush Ian (of Drinking With Ian), get your dance and mingle on with the amicable neighbors of Uptown, all while enjoying delicious Luce pizza, brats and Summit brewskies!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PIZZA LUCE SITE
SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Waves, Toys & Pear-Feet: New Works by Bruce Nygren
@ Fox Tax Gallery
503 1st Ave. NE.
Minneapolis
6-11pm / Free
When Uptown's Flander's Gallery closed its door, Flander's exclusive painter and local veteran artist, Bruce Nygren, turned to the gallery at Fox Tax to preview a batch of his newest works. From spectacular scenes to fantastical stills, Nygren's contemporary, colorful paintings will be on view and ready to transport you from the gallery straight to the imaginative world of their creator. Join Fox Tax for the opening reception of Waves, Toys & Pear-Feet tonight, and experience the fantasy on the gallery's walls through September 4th.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Fit To Be Tried Everything At Least Once
@ Art of This
3506 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis
7pm-11pm / $5 donation
Ooh...self-reflective. Justin Schlepp and Michael Mott bring together Art of This’s impact on the community and building in their sculptural installation that will exist for one night only, hence the one-nighter name. The space will be social, so bring some friends, and enjoy another famous Art of This event!
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Save Canvas
@ 91 South 10th St
Minneapolis
7pm-10:30pm / Free
Overproof’s latest project “Save Canvas” turns abandonment into art, creating a highly interactive playground for the senses. Three abandoned buildings in bustling downtown Minneapolis are given new life through the artistic sensibilities of visual artists Aaron Bickner and Andrew Shannon. A pop-up gallery will be on site to host a variety of pieces from a revolving roster of artists, as well as refreshments provided by Gastro non Grata and the sound of old vinyl cracks spun from DJ Rambo Salinas and special guests in this truly innovative and exciting experiment in public art.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Storytime: New Work by Alex Kuno & Nick Howard
@ Rosalux Gallery
1011 Washington Avenue S
Minneapolis
7-11pm / Free
Rosalux Gallery has some sweet new works by visual artists Nick Howard, whose art explores the complexity of what it means to be human through a stunning series of ink drawings; and Alex Kuno, whose pieces are startlingly reminiscent of cult children’s book Where the Wild Things Are. The show runs through August 30th.
Gossip: We hear Rosalux is moving to new digs...in the old Flanders Gallery space!
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: DANIEL JOHNSTON
If you were alive in the ‘90s and listened to music, you probably heard a band influenced by and/or covering Daniel Johnston. A musician and cartoonist, Daniel has had some difficult times but has a documentary film about him, sublime stitching designs of his art, and work in the Whitney Biennial. Ever since Kurt Cobain sported his "Hi How Are You" image on his shirt, indie rock fans everywhere realized what a gem Daniel is. He’s going to be at First Avenue August 13th, so save the date, and don’t miss him!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DANIEL JOHNSTON SITE
SUNDAY AUGUST 9TH
Bitch Flowers Luau
@ Seven Skybar
700 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis
4pm-11pm / $30
A luau hosted by sassy queen, Bitch Flowers, is quite enough to get you running towards the party, but here are the deetz anyway: Expect a DJ, an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet (a rare bird in these parts), a performance by Esera, two roasted pigs, and vintage Hawaiian films on the giant screen. Bitch Flowers provides the personality; Seven’s Skybar provides the rooftop.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SEVEN SITE
SUNDAY AUGUST 9TH
Riot Act Reading Series feat. Mark Mallman
@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave. W.
Saint Paul
7-9pm / 18+/ Free
St. Paul's unruly reading series, Riot Act, is back for another unconventional journey into the bowels of modern literature with a special guest appearance from local glam rocker and music sage, Mark Mallman. Set to read from his upcoming graphic novel, “Existential Criminal,” Mallman joins Best New American Voices contributing writer, Emily Freeman and hosts Paul D. Dickinson and Laura Brandenburg for an evening of literary bliss. Grab a drink and embrace your inner anarchistic bookworm.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RIOT ACT SITE
TUESDAY AUGUST 11TH
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:
Aug 11: Batteries Not Included
Aug 18: Killer Klowns from Outerspace
Aug 25: Young Frankenstein
Sept 1: THX 1138
Sept 8: The Man Who Fell To Earth
Sept 15: Barbarella
Visit www.jagercon.blogspot.com for more info!
GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE
Beth Hammarlund talks about her new favorite piece of local art.
mmm...art
During Art-A-Whirl this spring, I was completely taken with a few pieces in the Rogue Buddha Gallery by local artist Margaron. I have a thing for creepy deer, so I picked up "Elysium," a mixed media piece. After chatting her up about some of her work on scratchboard, she offered to commission a piece just for little old me. She asked me what I wanted and I told her pretty bluntly: deer, fangs, and blood. I picked up the piece a few days ago, and this is what she came up with...
Click below to read the rest of the article...
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TINY MACHINE SITE
GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR
Jahna Peloquin rounds up the latest local fashion news.
Local fashion roundup: Project Runway, Blacklist, more
I've been waiting for this day: Elite Project Runway bloggers Tom & Lorenzo of my PR blog of choice, Project Rungay, have finally revealed their first impressions of season six contestant (and former Minneapolitan) Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman, and obviously they've saved one of the best for last. Here's what they have to say about his "Eluded Love" collection (click link to view images) and audition videos.
Click below to read the rest of the article...
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LE PETIT SITE
L'ETOILE NEWSWIRE
Vote now: DJ Jake Rudh in the TOP 8 for a 'Mad Men' Walk-on Role
Local DJ and dapper fellow, Jake Rudh, host of your favorite mid-week dance party,
Transmission, is in the running for a walk-on role on the upcoming season of Mad Men! Yesterday a couple of l'étoile-ites sat at a coffee shop, clicking through all the other (very boring) entries and came to the conclusion that Mr. Rudh definitely ought to win! Apparently others tend to agree, because as of "press" time, Mr. Rudh was in the #2 slot for guy's submissions -- out of over 2000 people!!! Click the link below (Jake's submission pic was actually taken by l'étoile editor, Kate Iverson, a couple of years ago!) and VOTE 5-stars for Jake. You can vote once a day, so if you heart Jake like we do, bookmark the page and come back each day, or, better yet, repost the link on Facebook, Twitter, or even old-fashioned myspace. We make no assumptions that you still have a Friendster account. Click HERE to vote for Jake! CALL FOR FASHION (CLOTHING) DESIGNERS: CHARMED LIFE
l'étoile and Metro Magazine are teaming up for a Fall Fashion Week event entitled Charmed Life on September 23rd at International Market Square! The event is a fashion market that showcases local designers and boutiques, as well as interior design from the IMS showrooms. We have limited booth space for fashion designers and boutiques to sell their wares. E-mail kate@letoilemagazine.com for more info on how you can be involved or click below to pre-order your tickets! Note: We are full up on jewelry designers but are still seeking CLOTHING designers.
CALL FOR FASHION STYLISTS: CHARMED LIFE
Participate in a Fall Fashion Week challenge at "Charmed Life" at International Market Square on September 23rd and win great prizes! Each stylist will draw a "surprise" fashion element at the event and have 30 minutes to create a look for their model using clothing and accessories from participating vendors at the event. Participants will need to provide their own model, hair, and makeup (which can be done before the challenge begins). One stylist, one model. Finished looks will be shot by a professional photographer on-site, and may be printed in Metro Magazine. Contact kate@letoilemagazine.com to sign up!
Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin
Monday, August 3, 2009
l'etoile magazine's 'Best of the Fringe'
by Rob Callahan
BEST OVERALL
Crescendo
Crescendo (Allegra J. Lingo) reboots classic Greek Mythology, interweaving the storyteller's take on Daedalus and Icarus with modern commentary and humorous, often touching autobiography. Beginning dramatically in complete darkness and ramping immediately up, Lingo's polished showmanship dances gracefully alongside the complex use of sound and lighting to transport the audience to her settings. A well-written and moving performance.
For more info on this production click HERE
Tragedy of You
Tragedy of You (Joseph Scrimshaw Productions) sets the stage and tells the Shakespeare-inspired story of a fantasy world based on the life of a random audience member. Lampooning every trope in The Complete Works, Fringe veteran Scrimshaw keeps the audience engaged and laughing as the tumultuous treachery and tragedy of [you]land unfolds over five acts. Part Mad-Libs. Part Which Way Books. All entertainment.
For more info on this production click HERE
BEST SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF
Schroedinger's Cat Must Die
Schroedinger's Cat Must Die (The Pauper's Theater) immerses the audience in Dr. Volt's Mad Scientist Training Program. Set and performed in an actual classroom at North Central University, this funny, educational and kid-friendly performance features washed-up villain Dr. Volt reminiscing over his glory days of cartoonish super-villainy while teaching physics and world domination. His Hyde-like clone pantomimes physics demonstrations in the style of Mr-Wizard-Meets-Harpo-Marx as the setting and character work together to make the audience forget that they're actually at a show, and not a seminar on mad scientistry.
For more info on this production click HERE
Squawk
Squawk (Walking Shadow Theater Company) is a buddy story about two Army officers, one of whom happens to be a penguin. The small cast's playing it straight and the superb puppetry combine to bring the audience in to a world where the story and setting are almost believable. Liberally paced with subtle and not-so-subtle humor, and with understated parable-like commentary, the show sparks some thought as well as entertains.
For more info on this production click HERE
BEST SHOW FOR THE KIDS
The Frog Prince
The Frog Prince (Top Hat Theatre) is an all-ages musical with a large, colorfully-clad ensemble cast. While aimed at children, the rampant cuteness and occasional Pixaresque joke for the grownups will entertain most parents as well.
For more info on this production click HERE
BEST STORYTELLING
Drinking Stories
Drinking Stories (Jen Zalar) delivers poems, puns and storytelling in an intimate atmosphere while Zalar mingles with and entertains the audience. This mature, fun production feels less like going to see a show than it does hanging out at the bar with your funniest, most charismatic friend.
For more info on this production click HERE
A Cynic Tells Love Stories
A Cynic Tells Love Stories (Katherine Glover) pokes frustrated fun at the many ways in which the heart can break. Glover shares some universal dating phases with an appropriately-matched disposition and a personal story from her own past, summing up the ways in which the heart misleads the mind and body with such astuteness as, “My emotions have such bad taste!”
For more info on this production click HERE
Slow Jobs
Slow Jobs (What Happened Productions) reminds those among us unhappy in our vocations just how much worse it could have been. Curt Lund and Laura Bidgood play off of each other's energy and wit as they share tales of office politics, romance, firings, quitings and the dream jobs for which the little kid in all of us still sometimes pines.
For more info on this production click HERE
The Tenth Muse
The Tenth Muse (Elisa Korenne) tells eight stories with accompanying songs, within the larger story of a muse in training and a struggling singer/songwriter who work together at honing their talents. A funny, quirky and well-paced performance.
For more info on this production click HERE
BEST DANCE
Thrower of Light
Thrower of Light (Cathy Wright) is an hour of ballet, modern and interpretive dance set to some unusual musical choices. Dancers create or supplement the music using their own bodies and mouths as percussion. Peppered with a couple of upbeat, energetic numbers, most of this impressive athletic display seems to be meant for fans of the avant-garde.
For more info on this production click HERE
BEST COMEDY
Animal Cracker Genocide
Animal Cracker Genocide (Ben San Del) is an hour of smart, geeky stand up comedy delivered with a self-deprecating charm that eases the audience into San Del's brand of awkward humor. A quotable, memorable routine.
For more info on this production click HERE
A Peoples History of Love
A Peoples History of Love (Mickey Foley) follows the evolution of dating, commitment, devotion, breaking up and settling. This minimalist production brings the audience to the Stone Age, Civil War, Victorian Age, Golden Age, Present Day and the Dystopian Future surprisingly well despite of the lack of any costumes, sets or props. Plenty of laughs and some subtle, poignant moments as well.
For more info on this production click HERE
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Habitat: A Documentary Theater Project
Habitat: A Documentary Theater Project (Rachel Anne Johnson) is not a feel-good show. Actors converse with lines scripted directly from the words of Duluth's homeless population and those involved with the issue. A somber, eye-opening experience that will appeal to those inclined toward social conscience.
For more info on this production click HERE
UNMET POTENTIAL
Sodom, Gomorrah & Adam
Sodom, Gomorrah & Adam (Adam Frischhertz) is a musical revue reminiscent of Queen and other epic seventies rock acts, mixed with fun and poignant stories, most of which take a light-hearted look at the performer's past struggles with addiction. The music is good and the storytelling is enjoyable, but the production suffered from painful and abundant tech problems that diminished the overall experience.
For more info on this production click HERE
Nightmare Man
Nightmare Man (Entropy Productions) features an edgy, albeit clumsy, script redeemed in part by the efforts of its actors; notably Matthew Kelley's audience engagement and Michael J. Sielaff's commanding, emotive expressions. The troupe have the chemistry to become future Fringe mainstays if they can tighten up their writing.
For more info on this production click HERE
For more information on the Fringe Festival and the 160+ productions on the schedule visit www.fringefestival.org
BEST OVERALL
Crescendo
Crescendo (Allegra J. Lingo) reboots classic Greek Mythology, interweaving the storyteller's take on Daedalus and Icarus with modern commentary and humorous, often touching autobiography. Beginning dramatically in complete darkness and ramping immediately up, Lingo's polished showmanship dances gracefully alongside the complex use of sound and lighting to transport the audience to her settings. A well-written and moving performance.
For more info on this production click HERE
Tragedy of You
Tragedy of You (Joseph Scrimshaw Productions) sets the stage and tells the Shakespeare-inspired story of a fantasy world based on the life of a random audience member. Lampooning every trope in The Complete Works, Fringe veteran Scrimshaw keeps the audience engaged and laughing as the tumultuous treachery and tragedy of [you]land unfolds over five acts. Part Mad-Libs. Part Which Way Books. All entertainment.
For more info on this production click HERE
BEST SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF
Schroedinger's Cat Must Die
Schroedinger's Cat Must Die (The Pauper's Theater) immerses the audience in Dr. Volt's Mad Scientist Training Program. Set and performed in an actual classroom at North Central University, this funny, educational and kid-friendly performance features washed-up villain Dr. Volt reminiscing over his glory days of cartoonish super-villainy while teaching physics and world domination. His Hyde-like clone pantomimes physics demonstrations in the style of Mr-Wizard-Meets-Harpo-Marx as the setting and character work together to make the audience forget that they're actually at a show, and not a seminar on mad scientistry.
For more info on this production click HERE
Squawk
Squawk (Walking Shadow Theater Company) is a buddy story about two Army officers, one of whom happens to be a penguin. The small cast's playing it straight and the superb puppetry combine to bring the audience in to a world where the story and setting are almost believable. Liberally paced with subtle and not-so-subtle humor, and with understated parable-like commentary, the show sparks some thought as well as entertains.
For more info on this production click HERE
BEST SHOW FOR THE KIDS
The Frog Prince
The Frog Prince (Top Hat Theatre) is an all-ages musical with a large, colorfully-clad ensemble cast. While aimed at children, the rampant cuteness and occasional Pixaresque joke for the grownups will entertain most parents as well.
For more info on this production click HERE
BEST STORYTELLING
Drinking Stories
Drinking Stories (Jen Zalar) delivers poems, puns and storytelling in an intimate atmosphere while Zalar mingles with and entertains the audience. This mature, fun production feels less like going to see a show than it does hanging out at the bar with your funniest, most charismatic friend.
For more info on this production click HERE
A Cynic Tells Love Stories
A Cynic Tells Love Stories (Katherine Glover) pokes frustrated fun at the many ways in which the heart can break. Glover shares some universal dating phases with an appropriately-matched disposition and a personal story from her own past, summing up the ways in which the heart misleads the mind and body with such astuteness as, “My emotions have such bad taste!”
For more info on this production click HERE
Slow Jobs
Slow Jobs (What Happened Productions) reminds those among us unhappy in our vocations just how much worse it could have been. Curt Lund and Laura Bidgood play off of each other's energy and wit as they share tales of office politics, romance, firings, quitings and the dream jobs for which the little kid in all of us still sometimes pines.
For more info on this production click HERE
The Tenth Muse
The Tenth Muse (Elisa Korenne) tells eight stories with accompanying songs, within the larger story of a muse in training and a struggling singer/songwriter who work together at honing their talents. A funny, quirky and well-paced performance.
For more info on this production click HERE
BEST DANCE
Thrower of Light
Thrower of Light (Cathy Wright) is an hour of ballet, modern and interpretive dance set to some unusual musical choices. Dancers create or supplement the music using their own bodies and mouths as percussion. Peppered with a couple of upbeat, energetic numbers, most of this impressive athletic display seems to be meant for fans of the avant-garde.
For more info on this production click HERE
BEST COMEDY
Animal Cracker Genocide
Animal Cracker Genocide (Ben San Del) is an hour of smart, geeky stand up comedy delivered with a self-deprecating charm that eases the audience into San Del's brand of awkward humor. A quotable, memorable routine.
For more info on this production click HERE
A Peoples History of Love
A Peoples History of Love (Mickey Foley) follows the evolution of dating, commitment, devotion, breaking up and settling. This minimalist production brings the audience to the Stone Age, Civil War, Victorian Age, Golden Age, Present Day and the Dystopian Future surprisingly well despite of the lack of any costumes, sets or props. Plenty of laughs and some subtle, poignant moments as well.
For more info on this production click HERE
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Habitat: A Documentary Theater Project
Habitat: A Documentary Theater Project (Rachel Anne Johnson) is not a feel-good show. Actors converse with lines scripted directly from the words of Duluth's homeless population and those involved with the issue. A somber, eye-opening experience that will appeal to those inclined toward social conscience.
For more info on this production click HERE
UNMET POTENTIAL
Sodom, Gomorrah & Adam
Sodom, Gomorrah & Adam (Adam Frischhertz) is a musical revue reminiscent of Queen and other epic seventies rock acts, mixed with fun and poignant stories, most of which take a light-hearted look at the performer's past struggles with addiction. The music is good and the storytelling is enjoyable, but the production suffered from painful and abundant tech problems that diminished the overall experience.
For more info on this production click HERE
Nightmare Man
Nightmare Man (Entropy Productions) features an edgy, albeit clumsy, script redeemed in part by the efforts of its actors; notably Matthew Kelley's audience engagement and Michael J. Sielaff's commanding, emotive expressions. The troupe have the chemistry to become future Fringe mainstays if they can tighten up their writing.
For more info on this production click HERE
For more information on the Fringe Festival and the 160+ productions on the schedule visit www.fringefestival.org
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