Month: August 2007

Shopping notes: In preparation for this year’s country western-themed Glamorama event, area Macy’s stores will open their “Glam Shops” today. Look for countrified jewelry, pewter belt buckles, suede, fringe, and, of course, merchandise that pimps the event’s headliner, Big and Rich. Macy’s will even have reproduction vintage from Scully. And there’ll also be some great cowgirl kicks and spiffs from a Texas-based outfit called Junk Gypsy. (Their line includes the shredded bordello dress I’m currently coveting – it looks like Edward Scissorhands caught hold of it!) Look for the Junk Gypsy trunk show at the Minneapolis store on August 17. Also, in a couple weeks, look for the freelance Strib piece I just pulled together during my weekend trip to NYC. (No better place to unleash the snark.)

If the $150 a plate gastronomic Taste of the Nation Minneapolis-Saint Paul extravaganza scheduled for September 16 at Graves 601 Hotel is a little too rich for your blood, the organizers of this year’s Share our Strength fundraiser to fight childhood hunger have a more affordable option: a $35 grazing dinner next Wednesday, August 8, at Chambers Hotel featuring eight top local chefs. The roster for next week’s event includes Steven Brown of Harry’s Food and Cocktails, Vincent Francoual of Vincent A Restaurant, Josh Nudd, Chambers Kitchen; Hector Ruiz, Cafe Ena and El Meson; Todd Stein, B.A.N.K.; Rick Kimmes of the Oceanaire Seafood Room, and Sameh Wadi, Saffron Restaurant and Lounge. The ticket price for next week’s event includes a cocktail; an eight-piece ska band will perform in the Chambers courtyard. To reserve tickets, click here.

BOOKS & AUTHORS by Max Ross
Release of Barack Obama’s Biography

Since the beginning of Barack Obama’s campaign for a seat in the Illinois Senate, David Mendell has covered Obama’s career. Now Mendell has compiled a biography of the politician, Obama: From Promise to Power, culled from his observations, as well as from exclusive interviews with Obama’s aids, adversaries, and family. Sure, it’s yet another icon of pre-pre-election buzz, but this particular one seems strangely devoid of partisanship: Mendell’s account doles out equal parts criticism and praise for Obama’s tactics, while reaching nearly as in-depth into the subject’s personal life as Obama’s own memoirs.

FILM
Beijing Meets Minneapolis

Filmmakers and enthusiasts are invited to IFP tonight to meet fourteen delegates from the Beijing Film Academy. The delegates, all faculty of the Academy — which is internationally recognized as one of the most vital film production institutes in the world — represent various disciplines, including screenwriting, directing, scenic design, director of photography, sound recording, research, and more. Tonight’s reception will feature clips of their work, along with an opportunity to share your own work and vision with them. The group has been invited to visit Minnesota for ten days at the behest of the University of Minnesota. While they are here, they will visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Walker Art Center, and attend lectures on American Cinema at the University of Minnesota.

7 p.m., IFP MN, 2446 University Avenue West, Suite 100, St. Paul; 651-644-1912; free.

A Remarkable Man

The libertarians are at it again — trying to educate you, that is. This month’s movie offering is A Remarkable Man: The Ed Thompson Story, a documentary about a boxer, professional poker player, tavern owner, construction worker, and salesman, who hated politics but got sucked into it upon facing an 8-year prison sentence for paying an undercover agent $5 from a penny video poker machine. “Ed Thompson’s story is about the determination of a not-so-ordinary guy who refuses to bow to injustice, battling for both himself and others against the forces of a powerful political machine.” You really can’t go wrong with that. And kudos to the libertarians for wanting us to stand on our own two feet rather than bowing to the machine. Watch a trailer.

7 p.m., Liberty Center, 799 Raymond Ave., Saint Paul; 651-646-8980; $5 donation with R.S.V.P.

On the Waterfront

A classic is a classic is a classic; and this is one of the best. If you haven’t seen it, go NOW. This evening’s screening of Elia Kazan’s On the Waterfront — featuring none other than Marlon Brando — will begin after a concert by Build My Gallows High, a movie trivia contest, and a short film history discussion.

7 p.m. (movie at dusk), Steven’s Square Park; free.

MUSIC
Legends Take Time to Create

Colour Revolt is playing this evening at the Varsity Theater, with Manchester Orchestra and The Deaths. This is definitely an indie rock show with a lot of potential. Maybe I’m getting old (or maybe I’m already there), but I’m somehow far more excited about the Buddy Guy show at the Minnesota Zoo. This guy is a blues legend. There is absolutely no denying the impact his music had on musicians like Hendrix, Clapton, Beck, Vaughan — the greats! This is the top of the line, folks. When it comes to blues guitar, it just doesn’t get much better. Buddy Guy has played with both the oldies and the newbies — but all of them legends of their own time. He has recorded with Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson… the list goes on. And if that’s just not enough for you, well.. here’s a little secret: he’s also the father of a sexy young rapper named Shawnna — the first female rapper to sign with Def Jam.

7:30 p.m, Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley; 952-431-9200; $39.

HUMOR
A Hump Day Laugh

This is just too funny not to share. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

And check out elastic boy.

I suppose you’ve all seen Beyonce tumbling down the stairs already. Baby can take a fall. Damn! Maybe if she weren’t flipping her hair so hard…