Is the office of an independent record label and media company a strange place for an art show? Perhaps. But considering the Twin Cities scene seriously thrives on collaboration in art, music, and fashion, and the peeps at 50e are in the position to know what’s up – I’d reckon we’re in for a pleasant surprise. Echo Through The Waves isn’t your momma’s art show, make no mistake. A wide variety of edgy artistès of many mediums and backgrounds join forces tonight. See the sweet and surly paintings of one of my faves, DC Ice, or peruse the photography of 50e’s own uber-talented Nate Maydole as well as work by many others. Search for the perfect accessory from sassy local jewelry designers such as Robyne Robinson, Lonnie Loveness, and Chase Schell while sipping some well-deserved vino (it is almost Friday), enjoying live acoustic music, and hobknobbing with the creative set.
4pm-7pm, 50 Entertainment, 300 1st Avenue N, Suite 110, Minneapolis, Free
MUSIC Patio Nights Featuring STNNNG and His Mischief
As Minnesotans, we relish the simple pleasure of a breezy outdoor patio during the few balmy months we’re allowed – and considering the sheer number of fantastic outdoor music, film, and art events going on this season, you’ve definitely got your work cut out for you. One no-brainer, however, is Patio Nights at the Minnesota Museum of American Art. In it’s 5th year, Patio Nights invites some of the most talented and well-known local musicians to rock the MMAA’s gorgeous rooftop courtyard. Add in yummy food, and of course, beer from Great Waters Brewing Company and you’ve got yourself the perfect date night. Tonight’s musical phantasm will include popular local rockers STNNNG and His Mischief, so you’ve really got no excuse, do you?
7pm, MMAA, 50 West Kellogg Blvd, Downtown St. Paul, $7
PERFORMANCE Queertopia: A Cabaret Celebration of Queer Love
As part of this coming weekend’s raucous and extensive Pride Weekend festivities, Intermedia Arts hosts Queertopia: A Cabaret Celebration of Queer Love. I’m going to go out on a limb and assume any event with the words "cabaret" and "queer" in it’s title will be nothing short of a roaring extravaganza complete with plenty of sparkles, sass, and (one can only hope) bedazzled codpieces or something of similar mindset. The cabaret runs through Saturday and will feature a slew of enticing local performers including B-Girl Seoul, The Hula Troop Northeast, Empowered Expressions, and many more, plus, a screening of "The Pussy Pirates" a film by prolific local lez Lisa Ganser.
The official Soul Queen of New Orleans, Irma Thomas has gracefully matured from the belter who literally 50 years ago (1958) told her romantic rivals, "You Can Have My Husband (But Please Don’t Mess With My Man)," to a caresser who engages the violins and doesn’t shed a shred of dignity on the bittersweet "Another Lonely Heart." Thomas is equally comfortable with soaring blues and gospel gravitas, wry, sexy mama send-ups, and, her stock-in-trade, testimony about the day-to-day triumphs earned and tears dropped. According to the various label and ticket sites, this Zoo gig is the only spot on her concert calendar this summer-don’t be surprised if she pulls something out from her upcoming Simply Grand CD, due in August. The stellar and simpatico opener is James Hunter, who plays retro blue-eyed soul with a passion and panache that seems steeped in the mid-60s but conveys its immediacy the moment it hits your ears. – Britt Robson
7:30pm, Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, $35
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