September is off with a bang! You'd never guess that the hibernation season is just around the corner considering the sheer volume of feisty events happening this month. Not only is this weekend jam packed with a wide variety of awesomeness, but we're still trying to wrap our heads around the next few weeks. After all, Fall MNFashion Week is coming up and we've got to plan our outfits! Luckily, with plenty of shopping events this week - including the national Fashion's Night Out - we're sure we'll figure it out.
xo-l'étoile
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH
Muja Messiah's “M-16's” Mixtape Release Show
@ The Entry
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis
8 p.m. / 18+ / $6
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Thuganomics 101. Your professor? Local native Muja Messiah from the School of Hard Knocks. While many rappers are painstakingly working on their “indie-cred,” Muja Messiah is staying true to his legit street-cred mashing up pop faves with abrasive lyrics and brazen content. His saucy mixtape-style albums have arrested the attention of such hip-hop gurus as VIBE Magazine, URB Mag and last year City Pages handed him the coveted title of “Best Hip-Hop Artist” of '09 for his predatory beats and non-Slug-imitating rap style. Tonight, don't miss a killer show celebrating the mixtape release of Muja Messiah's latest album, M-16. Featuring live sets from DJ Turtleneck, I Self Devine, Black Blondie, Dodi Phy, DJ Benzilla and sick special guests!
Co-sponsored by l'étoile!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
The Official "Gary Coleman" by Muja Messiah Directed by Hi Def Photo Prod. by Benzilla from Didier Mbilizi on Vimeo.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH
W Design Conversations
@ W Hotel
821 Marquette Ave
Minneapolis
5 p.m. / $25 for AIGA members, $35 non-members, $20 students
Head to the W tonight for an insightful lecture with a couple of the country's leading design experts. As part of the W's Design Conversations series, you'll hear fascinating presentations by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) editorial and creative director, Gael Towey, and creative director/founder of branding and design firm, Doyle Partners, Stephen Doyle. We don't know about you, but we think hearing artistic-types reveal the mysteries of their creative process is just about the coolest thing ever. At 5 p.m. mingle at the cocktail reception, and from 6-8 p.m. settle in for the lectures. From 8-9 p.m. stick around for a post-reception and some elbow-rubbing.
Click HERE for the AIGA site
FRIDAY ART PICK: WON PARK
What's l'etoile looking at this week?
We've tried origami folding before, and believe you us - it wasn't pretty. Which is why we so covet the delicate, maddeningly detailed creations by Hawaii's Won Park. Known as "the money folder," Park transforms $1 bills into tiny works of art. From Koi to Hammerheads, from outerspace battle ships to the Eiffel Tower, these cash-based wonders are mind-boggling in their detail. Definitely too pretty to spend!
Click HERE to see a gallery of Won Park's work
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)
Concrete & Grass
@ Mears Park
221 E. 5th St
St. Paul
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday / Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday / Free
As summer wanes, Mears Park pulls out all the stops for its last big outdoor music hurrah with Concrete and Grass. An outdoor fest that has slowly gained momentum since it's inception, each year gets a little bigger and better than the last. This year's lineup includes some pretty epic local faves including Dessa, Communist Daughter, the Suicide Commandos and many more. Plus, a peppering of culture-rich performances dot the landscape of this event, including stints from the Minnesota Opera, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Salsa del Soul. Not to mention, after the performances in Mears there are a grip of great after-party options: head over to the nearby Black Dog Cafe for more live music or wine on the patio, or indulge in some late night margaritas at the Lowertown Barrio. Make a night of it in St. Paul!
Click HERE for a full schedule
Dessa performs on Friday at 8:30pm
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH
Fashion's Night Out Minneapolis
@ Various Locations
Minneapolis
This Friday, hit the town in your most glamorous get-ups — Fashion’s Night Out is is taking Minneapolis by storm! That's right, the NYC-established event celebrating retail and shopping gets its first Minneapolis version with a handful of events throughout town. At upscale specialty store Neiman Marcus, find out about fall trend picks straight from the mouth of METRO Magazine fashion editor Mary O' Regan; take a peek at the top entries from the MNFashion-sponsored fashion sketch contest; or pose for the paparazzi with your very own hand-designed cupcake from Cocoa & Fig (5-8 p.m.). High-end Edina mall Galleria will offer trunk shows, treats and tons of freebies from over 15 of its shops, including an exclusive look at the Elaine Kim collection in Arafina, free socks from Fawbush’s, drawings at STYLEDlife and more (6-10 p.m.). Over at the Mall of America, Metropark will have live tunage and 15 percent off everything, and Swatch will offer a gift with purchase if you spend $100 or more (during store hours). Local designer resale boutique June is offering expert makeup artist Susy Martin to provide make-up touch-ups and runway-approved lashes, as well as a sneak peak at the new Vintage City Classics’ contemporary jewelry collection, high-fashion vintage pieces from stylist Gwen Leeds’s collection and tunes from DJ Lori Barbero (6-9 p.m.).
Click HERE for the Fashion's Night Out site
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)
Kramarczuk’s First Annual Kielbasa Festival
@ Kramarczuk Sausage Company
215 E Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fri, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sat / $10 ($5 under 21)
Nobody likes a sausage fest, but this weekend, even that’s about to change. "Meat" the first annual Kielbasa Festival at Northeast’s Kramarczuk Sausage Company, a 2-day smorgasbord of folk music, polka dancing, food aplenty (even some vegetarian options!), an “ultimate Kielbasa” recipe contest, and a daily Kielbasa Festival King and Queen (determined by who wears the best festival-inspired costume, of course)! Entertainment highlights include A Night in the Box, known for its swingin’ blend of American genres (rock, blues, folk, bluegrass, country); Dolina, a Polish folk dance group who performs in authentic costume; and local folk-pop outfit extraordinaire Romantica, whose ethereality may only be surpassed by the blueberry bratwurst or sugar-dusted plum pierogi you’re stuffing down your throat. Your $10 admission gets you a free stein, one free beer, entertainment all day and more.
Click HERE for the Kramarczuk's site
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH
Autumn Music & Movies
@ Lake Harriet Band Shell
42nd St and W. Lake Harriet Pkwy
Minneapolis
8 p.m. / Free
Vita.mn is bringing you a fall version of a summer fave! That’s right, another incarnation of Music and Movies is sticking around, this time bringing you the soothing jams of The Twilight Hours. Be sure to bring your blankets and snacks because after the musical showcase there will be a screening of '60s lovey-dovey film, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Plus, there will be tons of food, drinks and one-of-a-kind artist swag to really make your night in the park complete.
Click HERE for the Vita.mn site
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH
Black & White
@ Mpls Photo Center
2400 North 2nd St
Minneapolis
7-10 p.m. / Free
The late, great MJ once said that “it don't matter if you're black or white,” but for the artists involved in Mpls Photo Center's latest juried competition, it is the only thing that matters. The call for submissions was simple. The Mpls Photo Center requested work from contemporary photographers who, through their photography, revive the use of black and whites during an age when digital is all the rage and film and silver prints are antiquated. Juried by photographer/writer/curator, George Slade, the Black & White exhibit features the best, most robust, innovative work selected from over 350 submissions from across the globe. From toned photographs and hand-varnished or resin-coated prints to digital images and silver gelatin darkroom prints, the exhibit showcases the work of artists who are truly advancing the capacities of this quintessential art form. Grab a glass of wine and munch on cheese while you peep through prints at tonight's color wanton opening reception.
Bonus: Check out the companion exhibit, Street Scene: Incidents in Real Life featuring work from local staples Mike Dvorak, Walter Horhishnyk, Kirby Johnson, and Mpls Photo Center director, Orin Rutchick.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH
Scene from Above
@ Rosalux Gallery
1224 NE 2nd St
Minneapolis
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Free
It's been awhile since we've seen a large body of work in one place by offbeat local sculptor, Asia Ward. Known for her animatronic, stuffed creatures that give off a creepy/cute vibe, Ward's new work seems to be quite different, though it still retains a healthy dose of the disturbing. From diorama-style cutout installations to rolling, sculpted waves, this exhibit is sure to be darkly whimsical - just like Ward herself.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH
Estate EP Release
@ The Entry
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis
9 p.m. / 18+ / $5
It's no secret that we heart the boys from Estate. Not only are they super sweet stylish dudes, but with the laid-back sexy electronic beats they produce, who wouldn't go gaga? Estate redefines “hot,” pairing lush organic sounds and disco-y grooves with synthesized goodness and vocoder magic. They're the kind of tunes you want blasting when you're about to get lucky...Hell, they're the kind of tunes that get you lucky. Tonight, join the electro soul duo for an epic dance party/EP release show featuring live trippy live visuals from Estate, Visionquest & Anthem Heart, plus live sets from experimental pop rocker, Dada Trash Collage, catchy electronic darlings, Mystery Palace and ensorcelling tracks from DJ Sweet Talk between the bands. Making out on the dance floor is not required, but highly suggested.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
Estate - In The Red from Estate on Vimeo.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH
The Farewell Circuit
@ Nick and Eddie
1612 Harmon Place
Minneapolis
9 p.m. / 21+ / $5
Nick and Eddie, or "Neddie's" as it is lovingly referred, has become quite the hipster haven as of late, with its perfect combination of delish food, top notch tunes, foine peeps, and the cobblestone alley that looks just like Gay Paree. This Friday, Neddie's plays host to a choice assortment of local and touring bands. For a measly five bucks, you can mingle with scenesters while taking in a medley of sweet folk rock and classic indie charm by local faves Hunting Club, the Farewell Circuit, Small Cities and The Eastern Sea, traveling all the way from Austin. Not to be missed!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH
The Final Street Sounds
@ The Record Room
First Avenue
701 1st Ave
Minneapolis
10 p.m. / 18+ / $5
Say it ain't so! Long-running vinyl-only dance night, Street Sounds, closes its glittering curtains for good tonight. Those of you who grace this monthly dance-off know what a special experience it is. The funky disco dream team of BRLSQ DJs Mike Davis and Wezz Winship along with Attitude City's Jeff Dubois regularly transforme the Record Room (formerly the VIP) into a golden era all its own. Tonight, come send the crew off right with DJs Jeff Dubois and Daniel Paul. And by send them off right, we mean wear lots of gold lamé and lip gloss (good for smoochin' the boys!). But don't despair, these guys will resurface sooner than you think!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH
City of Music Screening Party
@ Red Stag Supperclub
509 1st Ave NE
Minneapolis
10:30 p.m. / 21+ / Free
If you haven't been keeping up with the City Pages/MPLS.TV series, City of Music, tonight's your chance to rectify that. See all the short films created by the clever crew over the past few months, all within the cozy confines of the Red Stag. Each piece includes a little background on the band in question plus a live performance. Take our word for it: Good stuff. Tonight's party will include a screening of all past episodes which feature local faves like Lookbook, The Goondas, Rogue Valley and more. You'll also be privy to live music from other spotlighted acts including 4ontheFloor and a solo set from Holly Newsom of Zoo Animal, plus a late night DJ set from Communist Daughter. All that and a Red Stag cheese plate? Count us in.
Click HERE for more info
Check out the latest City of Music ep, featuring Roma di Luna.
City of Music: Roma di Luna from MPLS.TV on Vimeo.
COOL LINK: MNFASHION WEEK SCHEDULE
What's l'etoile checkin' out on the web this week?
September is here, but before you go getting all mopey about the end of summer, let us remind you: Fall MNFashion Week is just around the corner! (Of course you already knew that; we just love saying it.) As usual, this Fall’s events promise to be even more spectacular than last year’s (Read Jahna’s 2010 highlights here), so we recommend you start planning your life around them now. Check the MN Fashion Week site for the complete schedule. The anticipation is killing us, too.
Click HERE for the MNFashion Week site
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH
Yeti Records and Cake Eater Bakery Present: Vintage Clothing Sale
@ Cake Eater Bakery
2929 E 25th Street
Minneapolis
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. / Free
Local vinyl sellers Yeti Records have moved in to their Nicollet location, and to celebrate, they've teamed up with cupcake haven, Cake Eater Bakery, to celebrate with the perfect mix of food, fashions and fun. Stop by the yummy South Minneapolis spot for an outdoor vintage clothing sale and stock up on staples for your Fall wardrobe. Not only will you also score the usual tasty Cake Eater treats but you'll also be able to nom on some flavorful falafel from Foxy Falafel while perusing all the vintage treasures.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH
Synthetic Kinetic Confections…or No Big Whoop
@ Fox Tax
503 1st Ave NE
Minneapolis
6 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Free
Two disparate artists, two disparate themes, one though-provoking new exhibit at the Gallery at Fox Tax. Its name is Synthetic Kinetic Confections… or No Big Whoop, and simply put, it juxtaposes the organic and the synthetic. The exhibit combines the “Kinetic Abstractions” (photographic studies challenging the apparent stasis of representational form) of Minneapolis-based photographer Eric Melzer with the work of Laura Hallen, whose sculpture-cum-painting technique often features “sandwiches” of multiple textures and colors. While Melzer’s photographs capture nature as a space of purely organic light and motion, Hallen’s work begins at the synthetic, recombining it into an organic creation (spoiler alert: her pieces often include pom-poms, steamers, gumballs, and cotton candy). Together, the two artists weave a sugary confection of color, texture, and energy - an absolute treat of a collaboration. So eat your heart out – this yummy exhibit opens Saturday and runs through October 8.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH
1419 1st Birthday
@ 1419
1419 Washington Ave S.
Minneapolis
8 p.m. / donations encouraged
1419 is turning 1 already?? Where does the time go? Tonight, help the awesome local art and performance space celebrate their first full year in existence. And while we can't promise anyone wielding a bubble machine or any balloon animals, we can guarantee a full evening of refreshments, games, video-blogging, great convos with like-minded art lovers, and live music. Get the DL on upcoming 1419 events and programs, purchase limited edition event posters while listening to lovely tunes from local bands 2-Tone Runts, Coral Legs, Buffalo Moon, Chelsea Boys, Social Management and DJ Famuel. Happy b-day, 1419!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH
ARTS 501 Pt:2
@ 501 Club
501 Washington Ave
Minneapolis
9 p.m. / 21+ / $5
We're totes impressed by the artists’ series at the 501! Always a thoughtfully curated blend of local work, plus, what better way to get peeps interested in art than to bring it to where the party is? This installment features photography from the engaging combination of Greg Schaal, Cameron Witting, and Darin Back. The art opening is at the upstairs bar, with music downstairs from the lyrical Tarlton, the folksy Skypiper, and the quietly energetic Aaron & the Sea. A great lineup, combined with some sweet local art...and some of the 501’s don’t-even-try-to-resist tater tots makes for a fantastic night, say we.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH
Benefit for the Headwaters Relief Organization
@ 400 Bar
400 Cedar Ave S.
Minneapolis
(Tea and Sympathy)
8:30pm/18+/$5 in adv. Or $8 day of show
Get down for a good cause this Saturday at the 400 Club! Now’s your chance to rock out to the heavy alt-rock jams of Blue Sky Blackout; local folky loves, Tea and Sympathy; and the bouncy, new-wave pop beats of Minneapolis-based Scary Numan. Keep in mind, all of the dough the club raises goes toward the Headwaters Relief Organization for disaster relief. Who doesn’t love great tunes for a great cause?
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH
Slapping Purses, Vampire Hands & Friends, Dreamland Faces
@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave.
St. Paul
9 p.m. / $5
When it comes to making noise dance music, few have carved the local niche better than one-man project Jason Power, better known as Slapping Purses. Gritty, raw, and compulsive, Power’s music is "powered" by a couple suitcases full of electronics and a compelling dichotomy: while vocals are buried under an abusive amount of noisy layers, the beat is clear as a bell (never mind that it’s produced by New Tectonics wizard Neil Zumwalde). In other words, Slapping Purses will have you dancing whether you like it or not, so come prepared to Saturday’s show at the Turf Club, where Power will be joined by local psych rockers Vampire Hands (& friends!) and singing saw-heavy cabaret revivalists Dreamland Faces.
Click HERE for the Turf Club site
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH
The Book Of Right On Vinyl Release Show
@ Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Ave. S.
Minneapolis
9 p.m. / $7
Eclectic percussion (think wood blocks, snare drums, empty propane tanks) and witty, discursive lyrics distinguish All These Songs About Music, the new album by Minneapolis quintet, The Book of Right On. Fronted by singer and songwriter David Joe Holiday, the band has been noted for picking up right where polyrhythmic punk rockers Belles of Skin City (Holiday’s former band, which disbanded in 2007 after a brilliant yet understated debut) left off. That is to say, the sound of All These Songs is so distinct that only Holiday himself could have been behind it. Taut, bold, and intricate, the album will be released on vinyl this week, with a celebratory show Saturday at the Triple Rock. Emcee Kysa Williams will be the Master/Mistress of ceremonies, and DJ Green and the forward-thinking, jazz-ish City on the Make will also be playing sets, so treat your ears tonight!
Click HERE for the Triple Rock site
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: THE PETER O'TOOLES
What's l'etoile listening to this week?
The bad news: our beloved cult naughtybilly band, The Dirty Curls, has passed away. The good news: out of its ashes is born a Celtic punk band featuring two Dirty Curls members to carry on the legacy of filth, stripped-down storytelling tunes and performance art. Not ones to let their musical talent fall by the wayside, Dirty Curls ex-bass player, Bunny (Max) Sparber and washboard playing virtuoso, Coco Mault, have joined forces to create The Peter O'Tooles, a gritty band that promises to deliver as much feist and irascibility as old man O'Toole himself. With clever tracks like the Lifter Puller-esque, “Do You Kiss My Girlfriend With That Mouth” and the catchy, light-rock confessional, “I'm Going to Bangor,” the band doesn't leave much to the imagination and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Bonus: Catch the Peter O'Tooles debuting live at Bryant-Lake Bowl Friday, September 24th as they present the first of their monthly variety show featuring a pub quiz, limericks, movies and delightful local guests.
Click HERE for the Peter O'Toole's site
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH
Rockstar Storytellers Series 4 Kick-off
@ Bryant Lake Bowl
Lake & Bryant
Uptown
7pm / $12 ($10 with Fringe button)
The snappy tale-spinners of the Rockstar Storytellers crew bust out with the first event of their new season this Sunday at the BLB! The theme for season 4? "The S#@% We Want To Do." Which, in its non-thematic way may just be the ticket to some of the Rockstars most engaging work. For Sunday's kick-off, each performer will offer a teaser story from this year's upcoming selection of shows. Call it a preview. Call it a comeback. Or just call it what it is: a rockin' night full of irreverent, clever prose from some of our favorite local writers
.
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
L'ETOILE NEWSWIRE
Get yer tix NOW for Envision: Artopia
ENVISION: Artopia Fall 2010 is a Fashion, Art, Music & Hair Styling Extravaganza.
Approximately 1000 of the Twin Cities’ most glamorous fashionistas, glitterati, urban hipsters and all around trend setters will flock to the ballroom of the Graves 601 to observe exquisite Ignite models as they glide down the catwalk during two exhilarating runway shows. Models will be attired, with the help of Alice Sydow, Lead Wardrobe Stylist for I've Got Your Style, in extraordinary fall collections from several Twin Cities based designers. Co-sponsored by l'etoile!Tickets are available online here , and also at Cliche',Drama, Local Motion, OPM Boutique, Karma, and Rocco Altobelli’s (IDS Location only). Click HERE for the Facebook event.
Vote for Jake Rudh!
Remember last year when Jake Rudh was in the top tier of contestants for the Mad Men Casting Call Contest, then got totally shafted when the website crashed for the last few days
of the contest and a bunch of randoms who weren't even in the top somehow got into the finals? We remember it, bitterly. Anyhoo: the Transmission kingpin and general party starter (he's the one who throws the Mad Men party at Jax Cafe!) is not giving up. This year he's back once again for the online voting-fueled competition, which awards a male and female winner the coveted prize of a walk-on role on Mad Men. Visit site everyday HERE to vote for Jake. You needn't sign up for anything, just click "vote" - it's that easy. All personal l'etoile love for Jake aside, he REALLY would be great for the show. Just look at his picture: old-timey AND foxy!Click HERE to vote for Jake
SAVE THE DATE: OPERA TASTING 2010
Join l'etoile and the Minnesota Opera's Tempo group on Saturday, September 18th as we
explore the depths of the Inferno and travel through the circles of Hell. You will indulge in luscious wines, nibble on tasty morsels and be seduced by the sounds of the Minnesota Opera's Resident Artists. myTalk107.1's Jason Matheson and Alexis Thompson will guide us on this perilous journey, which takes place on Saturday September 18 at the Minnesota Opera Center.Tickets are available online for a well-worth-it $50: Includes wine, appetizers, and performances by the Minnesota Opera's Resident Artists. Sponsored by l'etoile!
Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Tara Sloane, Lauren Gantner, Natalie Gallagher, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin
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