Author: Kate Iverson

DISCUSSION
Covering the 2008 Election: Perspective from the
Frontlines

As the Republican National Convention gears up to hit our fair
cities with a conservative onslaught in a couple of weeks, and the election
looms, so come many politically-themed events of all shapes, sizes and colors.
The St. Paul Public Library’s Saint Paul-itics leads the way with a
series of intelligent events designed to educate and inform voters. Tonight’s
edition features Mark Halperin,
editor-at-large and senior political analyst for TIME, who will discuss his work
covering politics, elections and debates for the magazine and TIME.com. This also happens to be home to Halperin’s popular website The
Page, which features the latest political stories, campaign ads, TV
clips, videos and campaign reactions from every news source, along with his own
analysis. Author of The Undecided Voter’s Guide to the Next
President, and co-author of The Way to Win: Taking the White
House in 2008, Halperin will share wisdom, wit and opinons tonight at Metro
State University. Book signing to follow. Free tickets
available online.

7pm, Metro State University Founders Hall, 700 East
7th Street, St. Paul, Free

MUSIC
Rodrigo y Gabriela

Tonight the Ave welcomes Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero aka
Rodrigo y Gabriela – a
charmingly novel duo from Mexico who are famous for playing covers of heavy metal
songs on acoustic guitars. Sound cheesey? Well, maybe a little, but the fact
that they are actually good, really
good, helps immensely. An impressive cover band doesn’t just mimic a
familiar song, they spin it into something completely unexpected. Not unlike one
of my favorite loungey cover acts Nouvelle Vauge, Rodrigo y
Gabriela apply their distinct style to music they love. Imagine Metallica’s Orion adapted into a dueling of nimble finger picking, or
an acoustic version of Stairway to Heaven infused
with latin pizzaz – and you have Rodrigo y Gabriela. The duo also plays
original material that will knock your socks off, and tonight’s show will definitely do just that.

7:30pm, First Avenue, 701 1st Avenue N, Minneapolis, $28 Adv, $30 Door

THEATER
Little House on the Prairie

In a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants-kind of
way, Little House is a female
force. The musical’s creative crew is comprised entirely of women. And among the
cast, the Ingalls ladies prove a close bunch, if often due to necessity of
keeping warm on the bitter plain. That’s not to say Little House
doesn’t offer up something for those men in the audience. Scenes showcasing
pioneers’ hardships will resonate with any man balancing the lure of adventure
with responsibilities of family and home life. Charles "Pa" Ingalls is a
proud man seeking not fortune, but sustenance. Steve Blanchard, as Charles,
raises his fist and curses the sky more than once. But he is the foundation upon
which the family can rest it’s weary, frontier blues; with a pluck of his
fiddle, the group is enlivened and ready to face yet another disaster. The true
backbone of the family, what Pa says, goes. -Jill
Yablonski

Read the full review HERE.

While tickets aren’t available for tonight, I have it on good
authority that there are some tix still out
there for future performances – but you better step to it, because they
definitely won’t last long!

Times Vary, Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd Avenue S, Downtown Minneapolis

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

SPECIAL EVENT
Creative Context

Join l’etoile magazine and The Guthrie for this special Rakish edition of Creative Context, a monthly post-show party in The Guthrie’s Target Lounge, hosted by influential women in Twin Cities arts and media.
This month’s host just happens to be awesome chick and publisher of The Rake,
Kristin Henning! The event will feature killer
tunes by Jonathan Ackerman and DJ Bach, happy hour drink specials, and
an
opportunity for you to pick the brain of Ms. Henning, who will be
minglin’ and chatting it up with the crowd. Sip some vino
with your friends while
enjoying the gorgeous view from the Target Lounge, or take a moonlight
siesta out on the patio overlooking the Stone Arch Bridge. You do not
need to see a play to attend the free party, but I encourage it!
Tonight Rake readers can enjoy $20 tickets to the Guthrie’s comedy The Government Inspector at
7:30pm – call the Guthrie’s box office at 612.377.2224 and quote price
code "AS" to receive the discount. Creative Context happens the second
Tuesday of each month, so mark your calendars, and click HERE to see upcoming hosts.

10pm, The Guthrie’s Target Lounge, 818 S. 2nd Street, 4th Floor, Downtown Minneapolis, Free

READINGS
David Carr: The Night of the Gun

It’s a common conception that our pasts are better than we make them
out to be. Former Twin Cities Reader editor and New York Times
columnist David Carr proves that the opposite is possible in his new book The Night of the Gun which recounts his past as an addict
through journalistic investigation. As he reports his past, he realizes
that things were much worse than he made them out to be. Memories
change and become uncovered with time; the friend he believed once
pulled a gun on him reveals it was Carr who pointed the gun. His belief
that he became sober after his children were born is disproved. Carr will discuss The Night of the Gun at Magers and Quinn bookstore tonight, where you can also pick up a copy of the book and judge for yourself. – Andrew Newman

Read a Rakish interview with David Carr by Brian Lambert HERE.

7:30 pm. Magers and Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis, Free

BENEFIT EVENT
PROPEL Benefit Party

Head on down to Joe’s Garage tonight for more than just
the Asian pork burger (with ginger, garlic, and roasted red pepper
sauce). The Jeremiah Program
is hosting its first PROPEL benefit party. PROPEL is geared toward
young professionals, which is precisely what I know several of you Rake
readers claim to be. There will be Happy Hour offerings and a drawing
for prizes. Stay for the short program during which you’ll learn how
Jeremiah helps young, single mothers get back on their feet and how you
can help. Not contended with simply doling out aid, Jeremiah instead
cultivates the desire within its participants to better their lives and
the community around them. One such participant gratefully gushed, "I’m
on my way to becoming an ER trauma nurse…I’m becoming an empowered and
determined advocate for myself and my son." Dish out $10, lend an ear,
and feel good about your potential while enjoying Joe’s oft-raved-about
patio. -Jill Yablonski



5:30-9 pm; Joe’s Garage, 1610 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, $10

FILM
Bearded Child Film Fest

I can hardly imagine a more fitting venue for the Bearded Child Film Fest
than the Bedlam Theater, with its carnie-friendly vibe and its rep for,
well, bedlam. After an 8-year warm up in its founding city of Grand
Rapids, MN, the Minneapolis debut of the Bearded Child Film Festival
will combine film, installation, music and live performance into "one
major multimedia explosion" that’s sure to impress anyone with eyes and
ears. I’ll attempt to recite some festival highlights for you, but the
schedule is almost too awesome to narrow down so make sure to check it out
for yourself. Check out the Light Speed Installation
by Chicago’s Karen Johannsen, or perhaps Peep Show, a collection of risque and randy
shorts for a curious culture. Be sure to pop in for the artists talk with Minneapolis’ own
Candy Eye Factory, or for any of the midnight electronic music
and circuit bending phantasms throughout the fest, which are bound to be weirdly fantastic! Runs today through Saturday.

13th-16th, 6pm-2am Nightly, Bedlam Theater, 1501 S. 6th Street, West Bank Minneapolis

LECTURES
MN Politics: 150 Years of Characters, Oddballs and Loons

There have been plenty of nutty, crazy, half-baked,
goofy, wacked and cracked Minnesota political leaders and instigators
in our fair state’s history, that’s for certain. This afternoon, join
in on a good-humored lunchtime discussion led by in-the-know Minnesota History Center
experts; learn a thing or two about our local politicos (some
lovable, some not) and the ins, outs and oddities of times past that
will surely entertain, if not enlighten. This noon-ish chat takes place
in the Courtyard of the St. Paul Central Library so pack a light picnic, or, for a more hearty option, make a post-discussion lunch date at nearby McGovern’s Pub, where the turkey dinner (served all day) will leave you snoozy and satisfied.

Noon-2pm, St. Paul Central Library Courtyard, 90 W. 4th Street, Downtown St. Paul, Free

THEATER
The Government Inspector

Reminder! If you haven’t seen this play yet, hurry up! It closes on August 24th.

The heads of a small Russian village are horrified to learn that a
government inspector is coming to make a thorough visit to the town.
Even worse, he may be in disguise. Mayor Anton Antonovich (Peter
Michael Goetz) knows his town isn’t an exemplary place – the hospital
was built the same size as its model, the school principal is
frightened of his teachers and geese are being raised in the courtroom
jury box – so he proclaims that the government inspector must be found
and dealt with. A case of mistaken identity leads them to Ivan
Alexandreyevich Hlestakov (Broadway vet Hunter Foster),
a down-on-his-luck-and-finances card player on his way to visit his
father. He unexpectedly finds himself the object of everyone’s
affections, getting bribes thrown at him from the men of the town and
much, much more from the women. -Andrew Newman

Click HERE to read the full review.

7:30pm, The Guthrie, 818 2nd Ave S., Downtown Minneapolis, $29-$59

READINGS
Raking Through Books with John
Toren

Join your literary homies from The Rake for another installment of the popular
Happy Hour reading series "Raking Through Books " at Kieran’s Irish Pub co-presented by The Loft,
KFAI radio and the U of M Bookstore. Tonight’s special guest is author John
Toren, who will show off his new book Seven States of Minnesota: Driving
Tours Through the History, Geology, Culture and Natural Glory of the North Star
State. Toren will read a few brief sections from the book, give a slide show
highlighting the variety of landscapes our beautiful state possesses and answer
questions while you leisurely sip a pint of Guinness. The perfect precursor to that eminent
summer road trip! All are welcome, even if you have not read the book. Park at
Downtown Auto Park at 4th and Marquette and, with a parking voucher from
Kieran’s, pay only $2 for parking.

5:30pm-7pm, Kieran’s
Irish Pub, 330 2nd Avenue S., Downtown Minneapolis, Free

Honorable Bookish Mention: Books & Bars: Anansi Boys @ The
Nomad

SPECIAL EVENT
Rockin’ the
Bakken

Get electrified at The
Bakken tonight! Each month, the museum shows us a shockingly good
time by showcasing new music of the experimental electronic variety, and
tonight’s performance by freq3 will definitely spark your fancy with a
sizzlin’ combination of electronic programming and live improvisation. Visit
with the Brain
Sciences Center and compose your own music with the help of their
experts who will show you the way around synthesizers, special effects, and
modern and classic recording studio techniques. Enjoy a sampling of tasty treats
and electrically charged wine while meandering around the
Bakken’s beautiful gardens, then pose for your free snapshot in the
hair-raising photo booth to commemorate the occasion. See what all the "buzz" is
about at the Bakken tonight!

5pm-8pm, The Bakken
Museum, 3537 Zenith Avenue S, Minneapolis,
$7

MUSIC
Convergence

Little known secret…One of the best
electronic music nights in the city is tucked away on a Tuesday in South
Minneapolis. While you most likely are not unfamiliar with the dazzling dining
experience that is Azia and/or Anemoni Sushi Bar, you probably haven’t done the
after hours scene in the Caterpillar Lounge – at least not on a Tuesday. Convergence founder and techno whiz Jon Hester leads a rotating cast of electro
denizens each week, transforming Azia’s back room into a bass-heavy robot den.
Tonight enjoy futuristic beats courtesy of Jon Hester, Retroblast, and Daniel
Paul along with a long list of wicked drink and appetizer specials. (I highly
recommend the Lychee-tini with a side of cranberry puffs.) For an impressive
late night date, or even a pre-humpday cocktail hour, the Caterpillar Lounge at
Azia is a pretty sweet Tuesday night destination.

10pm,
Azia’s
Caterpillar Lounge, 2550 Nicollet Avenue S, Minneapolis, Free

MUSIC

K’naan



D.E.M.O.’s Twin Cities Pan African Fest goes out with a bang tonight at First Avenue. Toronto-based Somalian rapper K’naan
will engage the audience with his smooth flows and thoughtful prose for
an evening of amazing music you won’t soon forget. Raised in Mogadishu, Somalia in the midst of civil war, and descended from a long line of poets, intellectuals and most notably an aunt, Magool,
who was one of Somalia’s most beloved singers, K’naan was influenced by
American rappers such as Nas and Rakim well before he immigrated to
Canada where he created a buzz with his profound spoken word
performances. Today this artist shines for not only his slick beats,
but also for poetically blending both English and Somali language into
his rhymes – bringing intense and thought-provoking tales of life,
loss, and roots to the ears of many.



7pm, First Avenue, 701 1st Avenue N, Minneapolis, $16 Advance, $20 Door

SPECIAL EVENT

Movies & Music in the Park



I was once treated to an impromptu acapella performance by Black Audience front woman Jayanthi Kyle while sitting on the crowded patio of a neighborhood bar. Egged on by our mutal friend Susannah,
Jayanthi went full force into a heartbreakingly soulful number that
immediately hushed and enraptured the entire patio for the endurance of
her performance, which was at least five minutes long. Since then,
Jayanthi has banded together with an impressive lineup of bluesy locals
to form "Black Audience," an old-timey charm-and-banjo-infused acoustic
troupe. What I’m getting at here, is if you’re going to go to Movies and Music in the Park this summer, this is the one. 1948 comedy/drama film State of the Union, directed by Frank Capra screens after the performance, so bring a blanky.



7pm, Loring Park, Hennepin & Oak Grove Street, Minneapolis, Free





SHOPPING

ROBOTlove



Nothing cheers up a dismal Monday more than buying cute things you don’t need! And, although this isn’t an actual
event, I’ve decided to occasionally drop some Twin Cities shopping
science on you, just to spice things up a bit. I mean, you don’t always
want to do something that takes a lot of energy, right? Sometimes you
just want to indulge your frivolity. Today’s hot tip is designer toy
mecca ROBOTlove,
located in the easy-to-find-parking area of Uptown, just off Lyndale
and 27th. This wistful little shop will delight children and adults
alike with its array of super-collectible, limited edition art-toys and
futuristic knick-knacks from all over the world; its small but amazing
offering of hipper-than-thou threads and accessories by local and
national designers; and its stellar collection of high-end art mags and
design books. ROBOTlove is the perfect place to find a totally hip and
unusual gift for just about anyone, or to maybe kick-off your new
obsession with Dunny trading. And if you’re hungry after all that shoppin’, head over the the Uptown Bulldog
a mere block away for some serious deliciousness and maybe even a beer
– but when you get home don’t forget to order your tix to The Rake’s World Flavors Dinner Party at the Bulldog’s Northeast location by clicking HERE.

Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sunday Noon-6pm, ROBOTlove, 2648 Lyndale Ave. S, Uptown

ART

Overflow: A Pleasure Trip

Eric Inkala‘s no
fool. After a good run of years of painting his coloristic, hazy-dazy,
arabesque, Little-Engine-that-Could-meets-Pacman murals (this guy is a
tagger of the most whimsical sort) on walls around town, Inkala’s
finally been hit by the legitimacy bug. That is, in the manner of
graffiti artists gone legit–like Keith Haring in the 1980s and, more recently, Barry McGee, whose work was a highlight of the recent Carnegie International–Inkala’s bringing his particular brand of graffiti stylings indoors to show at The Gallery @ Fox Tax. (Note: Fox Tax
is a tax and financial services company that also has an art gallery.)
Called "Overflow: A Pleasure Trip" and curated by Emma Berg of mplsart.com, this is being billed as Inkala’s first local solo gallery
exhibition. How exactly he manages the transition (from outdoors to
in-; from renegade to law-abider) remains to be seen, but press
materials promise there will be "smoothly cut whales hanging from the
ceiling," "bulbous characters" flowing in and out of the background,
"walking creations of his recurring character," and the sum of these
parts will form an "abstract diary that represents everything from the
day-to-day mundane to his travel experiences…" -Michael Fallon

Friday, 6pm-11pm, The Gallery at Fox Tax, 503 1st Avenue NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free, Runs through Sept. 6th

PERFORMANCE
Le Cirque Rouge 5 Year Anniversary

I
am not usually a Burlesque fan, I suppose I’d call myself somewhat
indifferent when it comes to it. Not for any particular reason, mind
you, it’s just something that I am relatively "whatevs" to. However,
when you factor in the ambiance of the totally Parisian alley behind
Nick & Eddie, and maybe a pre-show Spicy Steak (to die for) in the restaurant, Burlesque suddenly sounds fantastically, decadently amazing. A likely event for lovers, swarthy art-winos and mysterious, red lipstick wearing babes and gun molls on a warm, starry night of the most seductive variety – with be-tasseled pasties of course! Le Cirque Rouge
has been performing their tawdry, funny and super sexy burlesque show
all over the Twin Cities and beyond for five whole years, so come on
down to Loring Park to see what all the fuss is about. Tonight is what
dreams, memories, (and possibly nipple slips) are made of!

Friday, 10pm, Loring Alley behind Nick & Eddie, 1612 Harmon, Minneapolis, $6





FESTIVALS

Twin Cities Pan African Fest



Wear your dancing shoes to this vibrant festival spotlighting African music in the Twin Cities presented the Non-Profit musician support organization D.E.M.O.,
(The Diverse Emerging Music Organization) and co-sponsored by The Rake!
Friday night will feature the "Hottest Afro-Caribbean Party of the
Summer" at La Bodega Tapas Bar with festive live African and Caribbean music starting at 10pm. Saturday’s main event on the Nomad World Pub’s
outdoor stage will feature Ghanaian rapper M.Anifest and KUT Dance with
an indoor after party to follow with a variety of reggae and hip-hop
acts including local darling Maria Isa. Sunday is a bit more chill with
an evening film festival that will include three music documentaries on
the African hip hop scene, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley.



Fri-Sun, Times and locations vary, Click HERE for complete schedule





FRINGE FESTIVAL

The Spaceman Chronicles

With their previous entries into the Minnesota Fringe all selling out by the end of their respective festivals, the Four Humors
troupe has become something of an August favorite in Minnesota theater.
This will be their fourth year participating in the Fringe, and the
group is affiliated with three shows that will be playing around town
through August 10th. The Spaceman Chronicles is something they’ve been carrying in their pockets since 2006; they developed Mortem Capiendum earlier this year, and have been touring it at various festivals throughout North America; and Shift
was written in the two months leading up to this summer’s Minnesota
Fringe. The assortment of plays represents a solid cross-section of
what the troupe has been producing since joining together, showcasing
the talent that has prompted critics to say they "offer up such wit and
hilarity that audience members will be doubled over in their seats" (Star Tribune). The Rake
had a chat with three of the four artistic directors – Nick Ryan, Jason
Ballweber, and Brant Miller – to talk a bit about their recent work. Click HERE to read the interview -Max Ross

Saturday 2:30pm, Sunday 5:30pm, Theatre de la Jeune Lune 105 1st Street North, Minneapolis

SPECIAL EVENT

Pizza Luce Block Party



This annual brouhaha takes over the intersection of 32nd & Lyndale,
proving yet again that Pizza Luce and rockin’ out are synonymous.
Mingle with the hipsters while stuffing your face with greasy gourmet
pizza and/or juicy brats, swiggin’ ice cold beer and boppin’ to a
stellar lineup of local bands (bonus points if you can do this all at
the same time without making a mess)! Hosted by king of the
boozehounds, Ian of Drinking with Ian and featuring a slew of awesome
local bands such as Charlie Parr, the Brass Kings, Romantica, the
Evening Rig,
Rockford Mules, the Hawaii Show, A Night in the Box, Kill the Vultures
and Crossing Guards.



Saturday, Noon-10pm, Pizza Luce Uptown, 3200 Lyndale Avenue, Uptown, Free





MUSIC

Melissa Etheridge



Award-winning musician and cancer survivor Melissa Etheridge will rock
the O’Shaughnessy at the College of St. Catherine on Saturday, August
9th at 8 pm. Etheridge, whose hits include "Come to My Window," is a
celebrated gay rights and environmental activist who has two Grammy
Awards to her credit. She also recently won an Academy Award for the
song "I Need to Wake Up," which appeared in the 2006 documentary An
Inconvenient Truth. Of her ten studio albums, five have gone platinum
(including three that have gone multi-platinum) and two gold albums. -Andrew Newman

Saturday, 8pm, The O’Shaghnessy, St. Kates Campus, 2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, $36-$101

ART & MUSIC
Gallery Grooves Jazz & Art Party

If there’s one thing we’re good for here at The Rake, it’s putting on a fantastic party – and the Twin Cities Pan African Fest is the perfect excuse! Satisfy your art-tooth on multiple levels tonight at Altered Esthetics Gallery, where you’ll be lucky enough to lay eyes on the amazing group exhibition The Revolution Will Not Be Televised;
an international collection of artwork in response to global and
socio-political topics PLUS a special one-night-only exhibit in Gallery Q with sculpture and metal work by African artist Rabi Sanfo. Sip delightful South African wines courtesy of our friends at MT Global Wines
while soaking up the exuberant sounds of Drum & Art Ensemble at 7 pm
and guitarist John Penny playing jazz-infused world music at 8 pm – all
thanks to the cool cats at Jazz 88. I’ll personally be there with bells on (ok, with black
on), so feel free to come down and give me a piece of your mind, a
high-five or a kiss on the cheek (some restrictions may apply).

7-9pm, Altered
Esthetics, 1224 Quincy Street NE, Northeast Mpls

FRINGE FESTIVAL
Deviants

Well, I really wanted to go see this show, but Tueday’s performance was canceled "due to injury," so I ended up at Pho Quan on Nicollet with my BFF Stephen
who insisted that it was "the best," but it was really just one of the
filthiest places I’ve ever been to – not to mention they totally scrimp
on the mock duck! Anyhoo, since my schedule won’t allow me to see Deviants in
time for a personalized recap in this week’s Secrets, you’ll just have
to take the word of the many reviewers who have been raving about it on
the Fringe site. Deviants is a foray into debauchery with the always intriguing and abstract Live Action Set.
Spinning a yarn of unconventional desire and the human psyche, this
4-pack ensemble brings us an entertaining blend of dance, theater and
good humor – or bad, depending on your appreciation level for
depravity. Not to mention, it’s at the Soap Factory, which is the coolest space in the entire city, bar none. Runs daily through Sunday, check HERE for times and tickets!

7pm tonight, The Soap Factory, 518 2nd St. SE, Minneapolis, $12 (Plus $3 Fringe Button)


MUSIC

Brad Senne



Brad Senne
is one of those amazing hidden gems you wish you could lock in a
heart-shaped box and keep all to yourself. Unfortunately for you (and
for any possible serial killers who may literally
want to lock him in a box), the sweet sound of Senne is something that
probably won’t be underwraps forever. So, if you want to be ahead of
the pack, head down to the Acadia Cafe’s new West Bank digs
tonight for an intimate performance of perfectly melodic indie-pop from
this local singer/songwriter, who also just so happens to be the front
man of the always fun local band Beight. And since you’re already there, you might as well indulge in the Acadia’s new and improved cafe menu
which includes something called a "West Bank Burger," that, if taken
literally, could potentially include cigarette butts and hobo sweat. Just kidding
West Bank, you know I love you!



8pm, Acadia Cafe, 329 Cedar Avenue S, West Bank Minneapolis, $5 Donation

FRINGE FESTIVAL
Strawberry Fields Temporarily

Wear
your laughing pants (you know, the Zubaz with lightning bolts on them)
to this uproarious Fringe performance at Interact Center for the Visual
and Performing Arts. Strawberry Fields Temporarily is a one-man-show written, directed and performed by clever comedian and storyteller Ben San Del, also the brains behind the 2006 Fringe hit Mittens for Fat Kids.
San Del will weave three true-life tales of "the humiliations
of stand-up comedy, the consequences of pornography theft, and the
celebration of life as a long and winding driveway," all of which
you’ll be able to relate to in one way or another (and no, not just the
porn part). This show is garnering nothing but praise for its humor,
sharp delivery and witty, self-deprecating honesty – so make sure to
mark it on your Fringe itinerary!

10pm, Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 212 3rd Ave N #140, Minneapolis, $12 (plus $3 Fringe Button)

MUSIC
Habib Koité and Bamada

Tonight’s kickoff of the Twin Cities Pan African Festival is a doozy! Malian guitarist and singer Habib Koité and his band, Bamada, hit the Cedar Cultural Center
for an evening of vibrant rhythms and warm, soulful sounds that will
have you dancing in the aisles. One of Africa’s most admired musicians,
Koité and his band put a traditional spin on things by using
instruments such as polyphonic hunters’ horns, a balafón (wooden
xylophone), and a n’goni (a Malian lute) to compliment his mesmerizing
guitar playing and rich vocals. Want to make an evening of it? Keep the
African theme going with din-din at the nearby Red Sea, where you can not only sample the delicious foods of Ethiopia, but you can listen to music and get your drink on too!



7:30, Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. S., West Bank, $20





SPECIAL EVENT

Lake Hiawatha Neighborhood Festival


Oh, South Minneapolis circa 1984, how I miss thee. I often reminisce on
those endless summer months as a child, when being outside from sunrise
to sundown wouldn’t leave me sun-stroked and cranky. Back when days
spent swimming, lounging and playing on the beaches of Lake Hiawatha
or Lake Nokomis would pass in the blink of an eye, and starting my day
at 7 am didn’t seem unreasonable. Tonight, partake in a bit of summery
South Minneapolis goodness at the Lake Hiawatha Neighborhood Festival.
This event is totally family friendly, with all the typical fixin’s
such as pony rides, face painting, a talent show, a sandcastle building
contest, and of course, the staple inflatable Moonwalk (most
likely staffed by a guy with a mullet). And for all you b-ball
fanatics, the Minnesota Timberwolves will be hosting a basketball
shooting contest. Summer is fleeting, so get out and work on that sunburn while you still can!



5pm-8:30pm, Lake Hiawatha Park, 2701 E 44th St, Minneapolis, Free

If you haven’t noticed the trend by now, I plan on highlighting a
Fringe play each day through the end of the Festival. Did you happen to
see an amazing Fringe play that you think our readers should know more
about? Plug it into the comments section below and tell me why you
liked it – it could be tomorrow’s featured play!





FRINGE FESTIVAL

Shakespeare’s Land of The Dead

I’m always a sucker for anything with zombies (or sharks, but that’s
another story) so this fun Fringe play immediately caught my eye.
Described as a "true and accurate account of the Elizabethan zombie
plague," Walking Shadow Theater Company takes us on a wild ride set during the opening night of Sheakespeare’s Henry V at the Globe Playhouse. Mayhem rages throughout the streets in this well done zombie/Shakespeare mashup
set in 1599 London. Walking Shadow manages to balance historic
authenticity with zombie horror in a funny and clever manner – and even
features some special guest stars such as Queen Elizabeth and Sir
Francis Bacon for comedic effect. Written by John Heimbuch and Directed
by Amy Rummenie. Runs through August 10th. Click HERE for specific dates and times.

Tonight: 10pm, Rarig Center Thrust Stage, 330 21st Avenue S., Dinkytown, $12 (plus $3 Fringe Button)

READING

St. Paulitics: Harry C. Boyte



Don’t think you can make a real difference in the world? Well, Harry Boyte
believes you can, so much so he wrote a book about it! An activist,
author and a senior fellow at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs,
Boyte co-founded the Institutes’s non-partisan Center for Democracy and
Citizenship – so he definitely knows what he’s talkin’ ’bout. Tonight,
hear excerpts from his new book, Citizen Solution: How You Can Make a Difference
which discusses techniques for individuals to raise public
consciousness and effectively motivate community groups, with inspiring
true stories about activists in Minnesota to prove it. And since you’re
already in Highland Park, you might as well try out one of my fave
Vietnamese joints, Vina, on Cleveland Ave & Ford Parkway, or if you’re in the mood for American fare, try the award-winning Highland Grill
right across the street. Or, if you really want to be weird, go visit
my parents – they live 4 blocks away from the library, but they
probably won’t feed you.



7pm, Highland Park Library, 1974 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, Free, Click HERE for your free tickets!





MUSIC

Bitter:Sweet



The Varsity Theater scores two wins in a row with last night’s sold out
Ting Tings show (which you may or may not have read about in yesterday’s Secrets), and tonight’s equally hot Bitter:Sweet show. Dirty dance to this sultry boy-girl duo from the glam land of Hollywood,
as they seduce the crowd with their jazz-influenced trip-hop that
wouldn’t be out of place in a James Bond movie. Ginger-haired lovely
Shana Halligan sets a sexy mood with her sweet, Christina Amphlett tinged vocals set against Kiran Shahani’s beats that almost demand you drink a martini or three. Local Drum & Bass head DJ Hack opens the show with gusto.



8pm, Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Dinkytown, $12