The Black Dog Shows Its Teeth to the RNC

BENEFIT EVENT

Call & Answer Silent Auction



Do a little good and have a good time doing it this Friday at the Black Dog Coffee
and Wine Bar, as they host the Support
the March on the RNC & Stop the War Silent Auction which will
feature items such as restaurant certificates, massages, private wine tastings,
catering and vacations! All proceeds will help pay for the Coalition
to March on the RNC and Stop the War’s demonstration at the Republican
National Convention to take place on September 1st. Chat it up with like-minded
political folks, eat yummy food and sip from the stellar wine selection the
Cafe offers. And while you’re there, get a sneak peek at the Black Dog’s much
talked-about screen printed poster exhibit Poster Offensive IV that will be on display
through the Republican National Convention (the opening reception is
technically on the 29th). Keep your eyes peeled for a number of cool events at the Black Dog through the RNC including back to back block parties of the most liberal variety!

Friday, 7-10pm, Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, 308
Prince St. (at Broadway), St. Paul, $10

ART

A Night with the Agency



Were you aware that Jason Lee (you know, the movie actor and TV star?) used
to be a professional skateboarder, and is also an awesome photographer? Well,
it’s true – Lee has tons more street cred than your average Hollywood celeb –
especially when flanked by talented Stereo Sound Agency cohorts Chris
Pastras and Clint Peterson – both pro-skaters and up and coming
artists themselves. Tonight’s opening at Vine Art Center will showcase the work
of all three with photography by Lee; swirly, nostalgic paintings by Pastras
and illustration work by Peterson. The show will also chronicle the history of
Stereo Sound Agency – a skateboard gear and sometimes-film collaboration that
started many moons ago between Lee and Pastras. Runs through September 13th.



BONUS: Come kick it with the Stereo Sound Agency at Familia Skate Shop on
Saturday at 1pm for an informal in-store autograph signing and homeboy BBQ.
Click HERE for more info!



Friday, 6pm-10pm, Vine Arts Center
2637 27th Ave S, Minneapolis, Free





BENEFIT EVENT

Hot Art, Cool Jazz



Come support the Minnesota Textile Center tonight with an elegant evening of hot art and cool jazz to benefit the
Joan Mondale Gallery Endowment. This annual exhibit will showcase some of the
most beautiful fiber and wearable art creations in the Twin Cities, set to the
chilled-out backdrop of charismatic local jazz man Dennis
Spears who has performed alongside the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, DeeDee
Bridgewater and Sarah Vaughn. The event starts with a reception at 6:30 pm
followed by the program at 8. Want to make a fun evening of it? After
schmoozing at the Textile Center, switch gears with a jaunt up University Ave
to Porky’s to enjoy some greasy (and award-winning) drive-in
chow while mingling with the hot-rodders and classic car collectors who take
over the Porky’s lot (and the streets surrounding) each weekend.



Friday, 6:30pm, Minnesota Textile Center, 3000 University
Avenue SE, Minneapolis, $50

SPECIAL EVENT

Gallery 122/Hang It Art Market

This tucked away Northeast art hotspot is a well-respected
framing company with an adjacent gallery that is known for showing super-cool
local artists (save the date for September 19th when they open Toys in the Attic, an
exhibit of screen-printed poster art by Squad
19). This weekend, however, scratch your flea market itch with the second annual outdoor art market in the Hang It parking lot where you can snap up
sweet deals on creative goods such as paintings, sculptures, drawings, mixed
media, glass art, mosaic art, jewelry, purses and even recycled art. Make an
afternoon of it with an organically delicious lunch (and maybe a glass of wine)
on the patio of the Red Stag Supper
Club, mere blocks away.

10am-4pm, Hang It
Inc/Gallery 122 parking lot, 122 8^th Street SE, Minneapolis,
Free

FILM

Square Lake Film + Music Festival

Enjoy a full-throttle day of music and film this
Saturday at Square Lake! Located in everyone’s favorite antiquing-day-trip
hamlet, Stillwater, this outdoor
fest will surely entertain with all-day screenings of local and national
independent short films
of all genres, topped off with killer performances by
some of the Twin Cities’ best local bands. Featuring Happy Apple, Black Blondie,
The Owls, To Kill a Petty Bourgeoise and many more; as well as a live film score
by theatrical rock-geniuses Fort
Wilson Riot. Bring a blanket and take in this fantastic end of summer
multi-media festival, which is definitely one of the highlights of the season.
And afterwards, if you’re in the mood to blow your fingers off, pop across the
Minne/Wisco border where the fireworks
floweth as freely as the cheap beer – though I take no responsibility for your
actions when combining these elements.

Saturday, 1pm-1am, Square Lake Park,
13359 Partridge Rd. N, Stillwater, $20




WINE & DINE

Twin Cities Fresh Taste Festival

Are you one of those people who preaches about their
dedication to organic farmers and sustainable livin’ only to horde a stash of Ding-Dongs in your sock
drawer? Well, restore your healthy rep (and indulge your appetite at the same time) by attending the Twin Cities Fresh Taste Festival this
Sunday! This day-long foodie-friendly fest at the picturesque Nicollet Island
Pavilion celebrates the best in local organic and sustainable food and wine as
prepared by a slew of top-of-the-line local chefs and food producers. Sample
all sorts of yummy fare and even learn from talented chefs as they prepare some
of their best signature organic dishes. Not to mention, you’ll be invited to taste-test 100 organic wines from national and international wineries –
who can argue with that? And don’t worry, your Ding-Dong secret is safe with me.

Sunday, 11am-5pm, Nicollet
Island Pavilion, Minneapolis, $55