MUSIC
Electric Fetus 40 year Anniversary Party
has been slingin’ records almost 10 years longer than I’ve been alive.
I’m not sure if that makes me feel young or old; I’ve still got a few
years to go before I need to start validating my youth.
I am, however, at a point where I know I can’t pull off over-the-top
trends (no neon sunglasses for me, thank-you-very-much). This
Minneapolis music staple, on the other hand, has not only seen endless
trends walk through its doors, but it has lived through eras. Forty years is a long time; a thousand scenes
have changed and evolved, and the Electric Fetus has watched it all
quietly, simply making sure that you can get your mitts on everything
from the most cringe-worthy death metal to the the brightest local
indie pop, to that Cocteau Twins colored vinyl UK Import that you just
can’t get anywhere else. This evening’s show takes over the First
Avenue mainroom AND the Entry for a rockin’ hootenany featuring well-known locals such as Doomtree, Polara, and more — plus "The
Electric Fetus All-Stars," a super group comprised of musically-inclined Fetus employees.
Friday, 7pm, First Avenue, 701 1st Avenue N, Downtown Minneapolis, $10
BENEFIT EVENT
Wall to Wall
the Wall to Wall project is an in-depth look at modern
pilgrimage, with underlying subtopics of obsession, history, and
religion. Join the artists this evening for a preview that includes Rutchick’s large scale and panoramic photographs from
both the highly revered Western Wall in Jerusalem and Graceland’s
famous stone wall, laden top to bottom with Elvis-inspired scrawlings
from fans. You’ll also hear Chris Welsch read passages from his work, and enjoy libations and treats such as Israeli
couscous and barbecued chicken. Tonight’s event will also serve as a
fundraiser to send the artists back to Jerusalem to complete their
work. The Mpls Photo Coop is a beautiful, expansive gallery and studio
space nestled in a strictly industrial area on the fringe of Northeast.
Run by Rutchick, the co-op boasts multiple bright and airy galleries,
an education center for middle-schoolers, and shared studio space used by over 15 member photographers.
Friday, 7pm-11pm, Mpls Photo Coop, 2400 Second Street North, 2nd Floor, Minneapolis, $10 Suggested Donation
READINGS
David Sedaris
tome saturated with typical Sedaris humor. A satirist to the core and a
wonderful storyteller, this writer constantly views life through the
thickest lenses of irony. Tonight Sedaris will treat you to a reading
from his new book along with a dose of sardonic pleasure that you
probably won’t be able to get anywhere else.
Friday, 7pm, U of M Bookstore at Coffman Union, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Dinkytown, Free
FESTIVAL
Lowertown Blues Fest
Saturday’s weather,
while perhaps a bit overcast, promises few light
sprinkles early on and nice, even-keeled temps in the 70s
throughout the day. It’s a good thing too, because this weekend is
positively chocked full of outdoor extravaganzas! Today’s underdog, the
Lowertown Blues Fest,
might be a solid bet if you’re looking for some killer music with room
to breathe. Take in finger-picking guitarists, roots rock, and New
Orleans, Chicago, and Delta blues, among other styles. And no outdoor
festival is complete without a beer garden, lots of food, and family
activities such as community art projects.
Saturday, 4pm-10pm, Lowertown Farmers Market, 4th & Sibley, Downtown St. Paul, Free
FESTIVAL
Red Stag Block Party
They manage to be classy, down-home, socially conscious, and hip as all
get-out — all at the same time! On any given night you can enjoy an
organically delicious gourmet meal
at this Northeast Supper Club, but tonight they take to the streets for
the 2nd Annual Red Stag Block Party. Peruse the flea market put on by Familia Skate Shop and Fifth Element,
participate in a hula hoop contest, watch the Northstar Roller Girls
bout it out, and enjoy live music from the likes of E.L.No, The Owls,
Big Trouble, and plenty more. Being environmentally friendly and all,
the Red Stag promises this event will be 100% zero waste!
Saturday, 5pm-10:30pm, Red Stag, 509 1st Avenue NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free
And just a short hop away, at the Minneapolis Riverplace/St.Anthony Main riverfront, you can enjoy the Stone Arch Festival on both Saturday and Sunday.
MUSIC
Angie Stone
a lady who sings like she knows her way around the church and the
high-rise and the rural South, who’s comfortable to a fault with
conservative soul trappings, not realizing that her best moments come
when she steps beyond the mix and indulges her supple voice and
emotional credibility in seemingly spontaneous testimony. Having
endured enough of a career trough to suffer the indignity of appearing
on Celebrity Fit Club a while back, Stone’s fourth and latest disc, The Art of Love & War on the reconstituted Stax label, is not her best (I’d opt for Mahogany Soul), but of a self-assured piece with her previous output. There are echoes of Stevie Wonder ("My People"), her stint in the Soul II Soul
spinoff Perfect World ("Go Back To Your Life"), Philly soul ("Here We
Go Again"), and slow jam romance ("Pop Pop"). Some of them are sure to
be mixed in the Stone favorites like Raphael Saadiq’s
"Brotha" and the shimmering "No More Rain (In This Cloud)" – which
borrows a groove and sense of romantic-spiritual uplift from Knight’s
bag of tricks. It all adds up to R&B-pop with a dash of hip hop
that cuts a little deeper than neo-soul. —Britt Robson
Saturday, 9pm, Epic Nightclub, 110 N. 5th Street, Downtown Minneapolis
DINING
Father’s Day Brunch at Nick & Eddie
I’ve been a fan of Nick & Eddie
since its inception. From my first visit I felt right at home up at the
slick mahogany bar with the looming skull painting, and I immediately
developed a longstanding crush on one of the hep-cat bartenders. Always
an eclectic crowd at Nick and Eddie, customers range from fat cat
steak-scarfing business men to Scott Seekins.
The gourmet fare is best described as luxury comfort food, and their
weekend brunch keeps true to that reputation with savory selections
such as Brioche French Toast with strawberry compote, shirred eggs with
ham, and grapefruit brulee. So, skip the generic hotel brunch and opt
for a sweet view of Loring Park and a hip and modern ambiance; Dad
will be surely impressed with your good taste!
Sunday, 9am-3pm, Nick & Eddie, 1612 Harmon Place, Loring Park
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