What’s happening this week
On the radar: I’m sure Armin Van Buuren’s show at Epic will be absolutely face-melting—even if the promo image does make him look like David Brent in the “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” video.
Under the radar: Tonight at the BLB, members of Punch Out Poetry bare their souls while burlesque dancers bare…some other things.
On the radar: If you want the ultimate, you’ve got to be willing to pay the ultimate price. Except tonight, when a Point Break screening and Solid Gold performance are free at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.
Under the radar: These days Mel Brooks is an empire and a living legend of comedy, but to really appreciate his genius you have to go back to his original films, a series of which the Trylon is screening starting tonight, with The Producers. “That’s it, baby. When you’ve got it, flaunt it—flaunt it!”
On the radar: The B-Girl Be is one of the Twin Cities’ most important annual cultural events: a nationally-known celebration of women in hip-hop. Today, the 2010 Be climaxes with a block party featuring four hours of vocal acrobatics.
Under the radar: Bedlam Theatre celebrates four years in its 6th Street space with an “End of an Era Romp” featuring what promises to be an all-star lineup of performing talent on this, Bedlam’s last day in its current space.
On the radar: At a gathering known for outrageous and irresistible things served on sticks, what more apt event than a fashion show? MNfashion’s vintage-style showcase Retrorama makes its return today as part of Minnesota History Day at the State Fair.
Under the radar: Nikki Reed! Bronson Pelletier! Kiowa Gordon! Christopher Heyerdahl! Michael Welch! Julia Jones! Jodelle Ferland! Booboo Stewart! If your reaction is “Huh?”, then you have other things to do today. If your reaction is “SQUEEEEEE!”, then you will be at the Hilton Minneapolis for the official Twilight Convention.
On the radar: Labor Day means something more than beers and BBQs for those who remember that it grew out of the labor movement in the late 19th century, when workers were organizing to gain rights and recognition. In that spirit, local MCs Guante and I Self Devine are joining the IWW for a pro-labor rally today at the U.
Under the radar: The Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival brings the best of local pickin’ to Minnehaha Park.
On the radar: Laurie Hertzel, books editor at the Star Tribune, has just published News to Me: Adventures of an Accidental Journalist, the chronicle of her 20 years on the beat in Duluth. It’s the story not only of the twilight of traditional journalism but about the rebirth of a bygone industrial hub as a tourist mecca. Hertzel will be at the Loft tonight.
Under the radar: Dust off that beret and head to the Varsity Theater, which could not be a more perfect venue for a CD release gig by the Cafe Accordion Orchestra.
On the radar: The last time Billy Bragg was at the Cedar, the venue was absolutely sweltering—I had to step outside every few songs to gasp for air. Still, the U.K. lover/fighter stood up there drinking hot tea, taking the occasion to note that U.S. offerings are subpar in the tea department. “I’d throw it in Boston Harbor too! Of course,” he continued, “we get our revenge when you come to Britain and try to order a cup of coffee.” Expect lots of banter, and some music, when Bragg returns to the West Bank tonight.
Under the radar: Love it or hate it, The Scottsboro Boys has been the most talked-about play of the summer. If you’ve been putting off seeing it, wait no longer: tonight, l’etoile magazine leads a field trip to the show—with, natch, a VIP reception. When you meet the cast members, ask them about when they wowed the crowd at the Eagle with their karaoke prowess.
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Daily Planet arts roundup
• Common as Air: A new take on copyright laws (review by Brandi Stillings)
• Charlotte Mason’s “Mother Culture” (blog entry by Amy Doeun)
• MnKnows—and you will too, if you use the tool (blog entry by Mary Treacy)
• S. Carey on his new album, touring with Bon Iver, and hanging out at the Clown Lounge (interview by Leslie Kruempel)
• Six questions for Marina and the Diamonds (interview by Jay Gabler)
• St. Paul gets funky with the 2010 Selby Avenue Jazz Festival (feature by Dwight Hobbes)
• Sophia Shorai and Tommy Barbarella are merely listenable on Long As You’re Living (review by Dwight Hobbes)
• Chastity Brown’s High Noon Teeth establishes her as an artist of consequence (review by Dwight Hobbes)
• Big Head Todd and the Monsters at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand (photos by Jeff Rutherford)
• “Weird Al” Yankovic sends Apple Valley soldier greetings, heads for State Fair (feature by Barb Teed)
• Nigel Egg sings about Home Depot, smoking pot, and black people at the door (review by Dwight Hobbes)
• Selby Avenue JazzFest: Free music and fun (feature by Robin James)
• Brian “Snowman” Powers at the Fine Line (review by Dwight Hobbes)
• Mixed Precipitation’s Tales of Hoffman makes a fine picnic operetta (review by Sheila Regan)
• Jawaahir celebrates the songs of The Dark Nightingale (review by Sheila Regan)
• Spilling Me Softly at the Brave New Workshop: Politically charged, but also defused (review by Jay Gabler)
• Blank Slate showcases four teen playwrights (review by Rachel Reiva)
• Native youth farmer markets sell veggies from heirloom seeds (feature by Jon Lurie)
• Kansas: Goodbye wheat, hello corn (blog entry by Julia Olmstead)
• Help save Flamingo Restaurant (opinion piece by Mona Antilla Carloni)
• UNITE HERE Local 17 severs ties with Murray’s (feature by Steve Share)
• State Fair goes local with Minneapolis Midtown Global Market (feature by Mary Treacy)
• Humble pie summer (blog entry by Brian Devore)
• Kramarczuk’s at the Fair (blog entry by Mary Treacy)
• Minnesota State Fair: Ready and waiting! (photos by Jeff Rutherford)
• St. Paul’s University Avenue community unites with parade and Hmong arts festival (feature and photos by Trang Do)
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