Author: Cristina Córdova

MUSIC
No Frills, Just Thrills

What really separates a great singer from the mass of decent voices out there is a certain kind of effortless maturity, a natural grace. When Karrin Allyson sings she does so without pretention, without fanciful ornamentation. Instead, she simple works the song in a genuinely artistic fashion. She tosses in a scat chorus. She sits back on certain beats. She turns from an obvious opportunity to a more meaningful one. This two-time Grammy nominee knows her craft. Allyson has a spectacular voice, and she uses it magnificently, bringing out every layer and expressing every depth of emotion within songs of all genres, from very expressive ballads to upbeat bossa novas, from pop to blues to bebop.

7 and 9 p.m., Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis; 612-332-1010; $35, $25.

Listen to Karrin Allyson.

It’s Dance Night, with an 80s Beat

Gosh, what do we call this now? The new wave of new wave? I think I’ve lost track here. Thanks to their sloppy brand of scratchy post-post-punk, The Rapture was hailed as a forerunner of the post-punk revival that was taking place in the early 2000s. In 2003 they were dubbed “Post Punk Disco Pioneers,” and now, as “new rave” sweeps the nation, The Rapture provides the soundtrack to old-school technicolour rave nostalgia. We’re not talking glo-sticks here, people. What we’re talking is pure dance-inspiring energy. We’re talking upbeat. We’re talking vigor. And believe it or not, we’re not talking noise. The Rapture might be doing their punk-disco best to get us on that dance-floor, but they sacrifice nothing of their wry lyrical angst in the process. Luke Jenner’s asperous vocals and Safer’s melancholic wailing keep the underbelly dark. Basically, yes, life might suck, but get thee to a dance floor and just go mental. The Rapture is joined tonight by another band with a get-up-and-dance attitude and a superbly trashy punk mentality, synth pop band Shiny Toy Guns. Simultaneously retroactive and futuristic, Shiny Toy Guns blends seductive femme-fatale vocals with gritty analog beats and system-igniting synths.

8 p.m., Fine Line Music Cafe, 318 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-338-8100; $18.

Listen to The Rapture.
Listen to Shiny Toy Guns.

You Can’t Go Wrong with Frigid Primates

If the new dance-punk-thing just isn’t for you, then perhaps you need some freezing monkeys. You can never go wrong with monkeys. I mean, hell, these guys are the real deal. They’re even from the U.K. That still means something, right? In a nutshell, the Arctic Monkeys are part of the indie rock scene alongside similar contemporary guitar bands such as The Libertines (minus the druggy death glow), The Futureheads, and Franz Ferdinand. The frigid monkeys wrap a taut punk rock approach in pop melodies and tomes of adolescent growing pains. Everybody loves growing pains.

8 p.m., First Avenue, 701 First Avenue N., Minneapolis; 612-332-1775; $25.

Listen to the Arctic Moneys.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS
Art-Related Fiction

If dancing isn’t your thing, you might be looking for something a bit more low-key for this gloomy Monday. You’re in luck. Bestselling author Susan Vreeland will be reading from her new novel, Luncheon of the Boating Party, an exploration of Renoir’s painting by the same name. Vreeland, two-time winner of the Theodor Geisel Award, is known for her historical fiction on art-related themes.

7:30 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers at Galleria, 3225 W. 69th St., Edina; 952-920-1060.

BICYCLING, ART, AND ADVENTURE
No Lycra Please – Just Get Out the Rain Gear

The weather is warming up, and the rains will likely prime our lawns, so we mustn’t complain. And we mustn’t be kept indoors. It’s time to pull out the bikes and dig out the plastic rain poncho. Where’s your sense of adventure? You’re too old for hide-and-seek and Easter eggs hunts, but you’re never too old for a good old-fashioned scavenger hunt. Join The Great Northeast Bicycle Scavenger Hunt. Saturday at 2:30 p.m., Logan Park, $5.

After the scavenging, stop by for the Fine Fendered Friends art show at the newly opening Wheel Good Bicycles. Using bicycle fenders as their canvas, local artists will display and sell their work in this unique art show. Purchase a one-of-kind custom bicycle fender set and a restored vintage bicycle on which to wear those custom fenders. Featured artists include Yuri Arajs, Jennifer Davis, Mike Sweere, Tara Costello, Nicholas Harper, Amy Jo Hendrickson, Keegan Wenkman, John Grider, Kate Pabst, JAO, Bill Beekman, Max Arose, Sean Tubridy, Amy Rice, Ingrid Restemayer, and John Diebel.

Friday at 6 p.m., Wheel Good Bicycles, 503 1st Avenue NE floor 3, Minneapolis.

While you’re there, stop by Yuri’s Placement Gallery (509 1st Avenue NE, 2nd floor) for the premier exhibit, Paintings in Place . You’re likely to run into many local artists there for their monthly Algonquin Hotdish night.

Speaking of buttocks…

ART by Ann Klefstad
Des Derrières: Mediating Excess Information with Insufficient Faith

This show features three intellectually hard-charging but often funny conceptual types from New York doing a wide variety of media (painting, sculpture, and video). This goofball name, Des Derrières, opens itself to all kinds of interpretations, from the opposite of the avant-garde (le derriere garde, the rear guard, those in fighting retreat) to pure scatology. All of this will matter, from the high-toned French history of the abject radical to the jokes and irreverence of fringy American art. It is also reminiscent of the old Monty Python joke: “And now for something completely different: A man with three buttocks.”

It opens May 5 with a party everyone is invited to; if the opening is typical for this gallery, there’ll be music and ways for audience members to participate in the work. This is not the kind of gallery where you get something to go above the sofa, but you could figure out something to do behind it. Or maybe under it.

Saturday at 7 p.m., Art of This Gallery, 3222 Bloomington Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-721-4105.

The Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art is also holding their 12th Annual Open Studio Night on Saturday evening, so stop by anytime from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. and see what they’re up to. 250 Third Ave. N., Minneapolis.

AUTHORS
Make it a Lofty Weekend

The Loft has a great weekend in store for us, with Chinese-American poet Arthur Sze on Friday, and Native American spoken word on Saturday. Call it a weekend of political poetry, poetry of identity, Native word-songs.

In addition to composing six collections of poetry, Arthur Sze has taught at the Institute for American Indian Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico for the past dozen years. He now directs the creative writing program and has received numerous prestigious literary awards and fellowships. Accompanying Sze in his presentation are memoir-writer Laura Flynn and mixed media poet and artist Michele Heather Pollock. Friday at 7 p.m., $5 (free to members).

On Saturday, follow up with the Equilibrium All Native Spoken Word Show – Making Oral History. “I write you this / An emancipation proclamation / Demarcation exclamation / Declaration of my independence” — and that pretty much sums it all up. Sarah Agaton Howes is one of seven artists using their rich oral history to create their own declarations of independence and demarcation exclamations. Saturday at 8 p.m., $5 ($3 students/members).

The Loft Literary Center, Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-215-2575.

And don’t forget the Minnesota Book Awards ceremony on Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

MUSIC
Old School Ska from the Second Wave

English Beat. General Public. Fine Young Cannibals. These guys have had many incarnations, so certainly you must have heard of them. “Underwater deaf and blind / under such pressures you might find / a secret right before the end / that makes you want to breathe again,” sing the Cold War holdovers, the Margaret Thatcher-era hitmakers, the ska music part II trailblazers. The English Beat stormed the music scene in the early 80s (you remember!), kept cranking out hits with the next several records (yes, they were records then), and branched off into various succeeding endeavors. It shouldn’t be too surprising, since their commitment to music is clear, but I never expected to see these guys playing under this name again, and I don’t expect we’ll see it much longer. Use it.

Friday at 8 p.m., The Cabooze, 917 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis; 612-338-6425; $20.

Tugging at the Dirty Old Heart Strings

They’re back in town. They’re free. They’re great. They’re mellow. And if you’re into alt-country-Americana “apartment music,” you shouldn’t miss them. The Ashtray Hearts have a show this Friday at the 331 Club.

Friday at 10 p.m., 331 Club, 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis; free.

With all the previous booty talk, I can’t fail to mention a booty-shaking opportunity. Stop into Babalú tonight for some Brazilian dance-music rhythms with Dandára Backen. 800 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-746-5234; $10.

Also opening this weekend: The Minnesota Opera’s The Marriage of Figaro, The SteppingStone Theatre’s A Lion’s Tale: Somali Folktales, and The Valet.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS
Elaine Pagels Cancelled

Due to an unexpected family emergency, author Dr. Elaine Pagels has cancelled her scheduled presentation tonight for the Pen Pals Author Lecture Series. She will be replaced by New York Times bestselling author Bruce Feiler. I guess we’re sticking with Christianity because this award-winning journalist is the author of Walking the Bible, Abraham, and Where God Was Born, and the writer-presenter of the PBS miniseries Walking the Bible.

7:30 p.m. (or noon tomorrow), Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins; 651-209-6799; $35, $45.

Family Ties

Maybe Christianity isn’t your thing — or maybe it is, but you’d like to expand your literary horizons a bit past that. You can still nurture the spirit. Go hear best-selling author A.M. Homes discuss her new memoir, The Mistress’s Daughter. Follow Homes on her journey of self-discovery (oh, how we love self-discovery!) as she searches for her biological parents, explores her roots, and contemplates what it really means to be adopted. Homes will sign copies of her book following the discussion.

7 p.m., University of Minnesota Bookstore, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-625-6000; free.

MUSIC by Jon Lurie
Nauseatingly Successful Romantic

“Critics have called him a nauseatingly romantic wuss, a badge-of-honor Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard has worn through three Grammy nominations, six critically acclaimed albums, and a performance on Saturday Night Live. Everything this soft-spoken, melodic alt-rocker has touched in the ten years since he founded Death Cab, including his side project The Postal Service, has turned gold. This is a rare opportunity for Gibbard fans to check out the singer/songwriter performing solo and acoustic—no better way to hear the depressing yet soulful and ironically titled hit ‘Such Great Heights.’”

8 p.m., First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-332-1775; $20.

Two Black Eyes

Maybe you need a show that will put a little more bounce back in your step. Les Yeux Noirs (the black eyes) offers up diverse rhythms and sounds from central Europe. The paris-based group is part gypsy, part Yiddish, part klezmer, a whole lot of jazz, and all about movement. The two frontman violinists, brothers, will get your blood flowing with their frenetic bursts as you rid the floor of the last remnants of winter dust. Summer is here. Get your hips swinging.

7:30 p.m., The Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-338-2674; $20.

THEATER AND PERFORMANCE
A Story of which We Don’t Seem to Tire

The Evidence of Silence Broken is a lyrical exploration of process — the process of becoming — of becoming who we are. In fact, it’s an exploration of author and performer Zell Miller III’s own becoming — as usual — and how he chose poetry as his weapon in the ever-cliche war against the gun. (I say this, but then I am always utterly stunned at the general public’s acceptance of repetition. And after all, it is a true story, so I mustn’t be so cynical. I must learn to recognize some hope in the world.) Yes, that’s right, it’s the story of the birth of a poet — better known as how a man grows his second testicle — all in the context of hip hop as the weapon, the fodder, the seed by which ones own identity is rooted, and that of an entire people. Yup, it’s that same old story, and we’re all such suckers for it. Just so it’s done well, please. Just so it’s done well. (And in this case, the autobiographical aspect is a good sign.) OK, but this is the description I really like: “Miller delves into the relationship between silence, truth and love and explores what silence sounds like, looks like, and feels like once it is broken.” Beautiful! What the hell does that mean? I mean, sure, I can appreciate a good metaphor, but when people start talking about the sound of silence, I get hives.

7:30 p.m., Pillsbury House Theater, 3501 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, 612-825-0459; $15.

STYLE by Christy DeSmith
Not much happening in fashion this week…

Here’s a topic that flares up passions: bras. Or rather, the need to wear better-fitted ones, since the well-endowed among us can cause duress–to others, and especially themselves, while running around the lakes! Yikes!

If you crave control or maybe even less back fat, you might care to know that Fit for the Cure is happening at various area Macy’s stores later this week and through the weekend. You’ll likely have to wait a little longer than you normally would for your fitting. But these events do much to demystify the experience. And they’re for a good cause (breast cancer research). Here’s the schedule:

Thursday, May 3, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.: Rosedale, Ridgedale
Friday, May 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Minneapolis, Southdale, Burnsville
Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Ridgdale, St. Paul, Mall of America

OK. Amy Winehouse is playing at the Varsity tonight, but her show has been sold out for quite a while already, and frankly, I’m sure you already know all about it. And I already told you about Ahmad Jamal’s show in yesterday’s Secrets. So, what other music can you see, hear, and feel? Don’t despair. Our little ole town has plenty of options.

MUSIC
A Little British Piano Pop Never Hurt Anybody

When I first visited Aqualung’s website, I actually thought that Matt Hale was referring to himself in the royal “we.” But now I’ve come to learn that the Aqualung name has come to encompass more than just Matt — including his brother Ben and his wife Kim. In fact, according to Matt, “Aqualung is not a band. It’s the name I decided to give the music I’ve been making since 2002. It’s written, performed, sung, produced by me. I am it’s legal guardian.” Ok. Works for me. Whatever. It’s nice to listen to. (And you say I’m not insightful.) In fact, it’s quite nice. He’s got a bit of Ben Folds in him, with a little less bite and bitterness. And if that’s not enough to inspire you, listen to Sara Bareilles, his opening act.

8 p.m., Fine Line Music Cafe, 318 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-338-8100; $15.

Love, Imagination, Dream

Well, if the headline didn’t stop you from reading this, I’ll try not to scare you any further. It’s simply the translation for the French words amour, imagination, and rêve, composing the anagram AIR, the name of the French duo comprised of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel. “This often glum French duo makes space-age music for shoe-gazers, and they’re touring for their new record, Pocket Symphony.” Remember the music from The Virgin Suicides? It was composed by Air. No, not of air, by Air. Whatever. They’ve actually collaborated with Sofia Coppola on most, if not all, of her movies to date.

8 p.m., First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-332-1775; $30.

A Genuine Taste of Local Flavor

If you want a real taste of local flavor, stop by the Terminal Bar. Yeah, remember that place? It was actually a pretty great place to catch some local acts back in the 80s, and hey — guess what — it still is (just more quietly). Stop in tonight and catch Amethyst Factor and friends celebrating their first annual show. You’ll immediately notice the Prince-inspired groove that Amethyst Factor’s Damian D uses at the core of every song — mostly originals, with a few covers, like Ray LaMontagne’s “Burn,” just because they’re that darn good. That song alone will be well worth the show if he plays it. Overall, the show offers a good sampling of five different local artists of different genres — artists from local acts ranging from The Wranglers, to The People’s Chariot, to (this is not)(this is now). Click the previous links and listen to them yourself. You’ll get a feel for what to expect and experience the variety. I mean, if you don’t like one act, you’re bound to like the next.

10 p.m., The Terminal Bar, 409 East Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-623-4545; free.

ART
Cultivating a Creative Connection

If you’re not up for music at all tonight, and are looking for another vehicle through which to channel your creative energy, check out the Solutions showcase. Local designers, artists, and activists will come together to share their ideas and pinpoint solutions through short, rapid-fire presentations. Each presenter will show 20 images for 20 seconds each. With each presentation staying under seven minutes, this leaves time for a great number of artists to share their work. You’ll be exposed to a maximum number of ideas, and the ideas will remain focused and terse. (Of course, if you happen to miss it, they claim to be posting the ideas in easy-to-view packages on their website following the event.)

7 p.m., Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-340-1725; $8 ($6 online).

I’ve always been fond of Tuesdays — perhaps because they are simply not Mondays, perhaps because they are so oft ignored. Give it some credit for once, folks. Give it a chance to impress you. Everyone deserves that.

FILM
Whet Your Appetite

Start the evening with a quirky visual appetizer — and one worth watching, at that. Head straight from work to the Walker. Take a little stroll around the galleries a while if it’s still early. (The quicker you can wrap up work, the sooner you can begin.) A couple of Michael Gondry short films will be screened every half hour during gallery hours, starting at noon. Be sure to stop and watch them. La Lettre is a 14-minute black-and-white film about a boy who experiences first love behind the lens of a camera. (The final awakening reminds me of my own life.) The finishing touch is the 3-minute, color film, Three Dead People. You actually have a couple months to go see them, but why wait? They’re just a little sampling to work up your appetite for the upcoming film restrospective, Michel Gondry: The Science of Dreams, which begins May 11th. I’m sure you’ll hear more about that later. Look, I can’t support blatant recluse behavior — it’s simply not healthy — but if you really just can’t make it, then don’t miss out completely. Watch La Lettre here. Maybe it’ll inspire you to get to his approaching feature screenings.

Every 30 minutes, Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-375-7600; free with cost of gallery admission.

DINING
Sometimes the Best Option Is Right in Front of You

Once you’ve seen the films, go get a bite to eat to pleasure yourself a bit and stop your stomach from rumbling during your next event. This next event couldn’t be closer, so why leave? You’ve got Wolfgang Puck’s 20.21 Restaurant & Bar right there. Don’t overdo it. This is a good place to share a couple of simple pleasures. It’s true — it’s cliche and every place has it, but the tuna sashimi is a no fail choice. Play it safe with that and go crazy with another option. If it’s not yet 7 p.m., you can always have dessert. (Don’t worry, just because you have dessert now doesn’t mean you can’t eat more later.) And if you have a drink or two, this might be the time for the first espresso. (OK. OK. It’s seldom a good idea to have caffeine at night. — but then sometimes it is.)

5:30 p.m., 20.21, Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-375-7600.

and then onto your next fare…

LECTURE AND VIDEO
Becoming an Internet Phenomenon

One of the most interesting and baffling things about the Internet is the seemingly random way certain works and certain people rapidly rise to Internet stardom. The Internet is an incredible distribution mechanism. Artists can now get their work seen and their voices heard across the world — often with the help of free “services” such as YouTube, Blip.TV, Flickr, MN Artists, blogs, social networking, and more. Hear from artists and organizations that have had success getting their work seen and heard on the Internet: Kathleen Kvern, Hans Eisenbeis, David DeYoung, Emma Berg, Nate Schroeder, Mike Fotis, and Chuck Olson. (photo)

7-9 p.m., Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-375-7600; free.

I hate to suggest this — really I do! — but you might want to leave just before the last person speaks. Ouch! Did I really say that? Look, the truth is… you might just have to decide which event is more important and then choose one or the other. That’s the reasonable things to do (which, as far as I’m concerned, is one more reason not to do it). Anyhow, I’m sure they’ll have some amount of dialogue and questions at the end, so just head out a bit early — without causing a stir — and make a b-line for the Dakota for the evening’s star performance.

MUSIC
Music with Shape and Texture

You can listen to Theolonius Monk CDs all day and all night. You can close your eyes. You can let his music carry you away. You can imagine his fingers churning over and over again on that keyboard. But you’re just not going to see it live ever again. You’re just not going to live it, see it, breath it — what it was to see him perform. But you can come close. Whew! That’s a lot to say. But really, I’m certainly not the first to say it. Ahmad Jamal is probably one of the most artful pianists in the country. If you appreciate the piano even just a bit — and how could you not? — you mustn’t miss him.

7 and 9 p.m., The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; 612-332-1010; $40 and $25.

THEATER AND PERFORMANCE
For the Children, by the Children, with the Children

Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? (Well, then, you’re mad! No, really.) Perhaps you’re looking for some from-the-heart theater from the Chicago Avenue Project. While it certainly sounds like something we’ve all see 552 times already, Heard It Through The Grapevine is actually a rather unusual concept — a collection of eight short plays, each written by a local playwright for a specific child, and featuring that child alongside a professional adult actor. It’s bound to be fun.

4:30 and 7 p.m., Pillsbury House Theatre, 3501 Chicago Ave S., Minneapolis, 612-825-0459.

I realize it’s not politically correct to call things “girlie,” and it’s certainly a disservice to my gender — but then my gender has done me many a disservice, so… take that!

THEATER AND PERFORMANCE
“Okay, first things fuckin’ last!”

This just sounds too interesting to pass up. Imagine that Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs was written by a woman. Imagine the characters were women. Hard to imagine. I know. But what might that be like? Would it be so horridly filled with girlie clichés, you’d run screaming for cover (or Tampax)? Or would it simply be ingenioius? Award-winning Canadian playwright Laura McGhee was listening to the song Stuck in the Middle With You, when she wondered what connotation the dancing torture scene would have had if a woman had been playing the role portrayed by Michael Madsen. Then she started to speculate about what else would have been different. The result was Reservoir Bitches, a dramatic parody of the Tarantino classic. Presenting the midwest premiere is the Red Eye Theater, known for their multimedia stagings and dark exploration of the underbelly of contemporary life.

7 p.m., Red Eye Theater, 15 West 14th St., Minneapolis, 612-870-0309; pay-what-you-can.

READINGS
A Union of Love and Loss

If you’re looking for less violent “girlie” stuff, you might want to go hear author Linda Olsson talk about her debut novel at the Galleria Barnes & Nobles. Olsson’s Astrid and Veronika tells the story of two women — a 30-year-old writer and a septuagenarian recluse — who befriend each other and share their emotional scars while living next door to each other in a small Swedish town. While it certainly sounds a bit hokey, Olsson’s unembellished style stops it from sliding into an overwrought melodrama. She’s a solid writer and has traveled the world from Sweden to Kenya to Singapore, so she ought to have plenty to say.

7:30 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Galleria Shopping Center, 3225 W 69th St., Edina; 952-920-0633; free.

MUSIC
Don’t Let the Girlie-Appeal Fool You

The majority of comments I’ve heard about Duncan Sheik in the past few years have been more geared toward his good looks than his great music — and maybe I’m allowing myself to be blinded by his bold break onto the music scene about a decade ago — but I still think the man has something more to offer than a condom reference with a sexy gaze. I mean, he’s even gone and composed an entire score for the new Broadway musical Spring Awakening — and the reviews aren’t half bad. Sheik has certainly mellowed over the years, so if you’re looking for a respectable version of mellow mysticism threaded with pop, he’s your man. And hey, as mystical as the music may sound, the lyrics still have a satisfying darkness: “I think that God’s got a sick sense of humor, and when I die I expect to find him laughing.”

7 p.m., Varsity Theater, 1308 4th St. SE, Minneapolis; 612-604-0222; $23.

Listen to Duncan Sheik.
Watch and listen to Duncan Sheik.

The Awesome Monday Show!

OK. If you really need to throw off all the Monday girlie schlock, join host Rayna Terror at the Bedlam Theater for an evening of head-thrashing, liquor-free rock-n-roll. (And don’t you dare call a booze-free event “girlie.” I see no correlation at all.) Tonight’s show features psychedelic punk-rockers Nudity, with Dreamland Faces, Synchrocyclotron, and Styrofoam Death (remaining members of Styrofoam Duck). It promises to be an interesting show, with plenty of energy, and plenty of… teenagers. Actually, I don’t know how many teenagers are allowed to go to a concert on a Monday night, but it’s a dry, all ages show, nonetheless. Any drinking to be done must be done at the neighboring Palmer’s Bar or one of the other Cedar Avenue watering holes.

8:30 p.m., Bedlam Theatre, 1501 S. 6th St.; 612-341-1038; $6.

ON THE NET
What’s Going on in Our Own Backyard?

For those of you who missed the Konono No.1 show at the Cedar Cultural Center last Wednesday, here’s a clip.

Did you miss the Bright Eyes concert on the same night? Check out clips here, here, and here.

Remember the Bent Festival I wrote about on the 19th? Here’s a clip of Beatrix*JAR live at Bent Fest 2007. See, you really should have gone.

Critical Mass rally on Franklin and Hennepin this Saturday.

Saturday night at Pi, the hottest new gay club for women.

Granted, it’s an ad, but this one happens to be produced by Carmichael Lynch, here in town.

And for the grand finale… and old (1947-1961) video of someone’s great grandfather and his friends performing an acrobatic act from the Minneapolis Aquatenials. Cirque du Soleil meets Charlie Chaplin.

Ok. If you want to meet Sarah Jessica Parker, stop by Macy’s at noon. She’ll be there promoting her new Lovely fragrance — and talking to those starry-eyed enough to spend over $125 on a gift set. 12:00 p.m., first floor cosmetics, Macy’s, 700 On The Mall, Minneapolis; 612-375-3199.

Good, now let’s get to the good stuff…

MUSIC
The Books

“Using samples from obscure movies, as well as their own singing, mixing, and instrumentation, Paul de Jong and Nick Zammuto construct melodic sound collages and electronic songs so catchy as to be genre defying. On the Massachusetts duo’s 2003 release, The Lemon of Pink, for example, the title track alone contains seamless movements between folk song, art singing, and acoustic picking. In ‘Be Good To Them Always,’ from their latest, Lost and Safe, a squall of reverb and electric guitar is paired with the intoned refrain: ‘You know, I simply cannot understand people.’ However, the Books’ technique and repertoire, while rock solid, don’t always translate to the stage. And so their live concerts are a whole other beast — sometimes inconsistent, but worth checking out.”

8 and 10:30 p.m., McGuire Theater, Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-375-7600; $16 ($13 members).

Afro-Cuban Jazz Legend in Our Backyard

There’s actually quite a lot of decent music tonight for all musical tastes, but for a guaranteed great jazz performance, plan on spending the evening at the Dakota. Start the evening off with former ¡Cubanismo! pianist and bandleader Nachito Herrera. I simply cannot get over how lucky we are to have this Afro-Cuban jazz legend as a neighbor. And I can’t get enough of him. See him every chance you get, folks. And this evening, you can stay for the late-night show as well — a tribute to trumpet great and the elite of ennui vocalists, Chet Baker.

8 p.m., The Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Ave S., Minneapolis; 612-332-1010; $15.

SPORTS AND PERFORMANCE
Leave Saturday for the Girls

Saturday night brings to an end the Minnesota RollerGirls’ third season. Go cheer on your team — or all of them — at the Season Championships. The winner of this bout will take home the first prize and the Golden Skate Award. In celebration of the season closer, there’s a lot going on before, during, and after the bout, so you might as well make it a full evening fare. Start out with a fan-appreciation barbecue in Rice Park — right behind the Roy. You could win a Minnesota RollerGirls polycarbonate water bottle or — if that doesn’t turn you on for whatever odd reason — a brand new scooter. Then enjoy two back-to-back periods as the four Minnesota RollerGirls home teams battle it out. And it doesn’t end there. Top off the night with an after-party at Station 4.

Saturday from 4-7 p.m., BBQ, Rice Park, St. Paul. 7:30 p.m., Roy Wilkins Auditorium, RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; 651-265-4800; $12-$14. After hour, Station 4, 201 E 4th St., Saint Paul; 651-298-0173.

DINING
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is — Literally

Top the weekend off with a palate pleaser. Join Mike Phillips of The Craftsman Restaurant for a special chefs dinner. Phillips has invited six Slow Food Minnesota chefs (Steven Brown, Ken Goff, Scott Pampuch, Alex Roberts, Lenny Russo, and Tanya Siebenaler) to create a seven-course meal with seasonal, local, sustainably produced ingredients. Each chef will be responsible for one course, and each course will be served with the appropriate wine. Call 612-722-0175 to see if you can still reserve a spot.

Sunday at 5:30 p.m., The Craftsman Restaurant, 4300 E Lake St., Minneapolis; 612-722-0175; $130 ($115 Slow Food members).

Have a great weekend!

DANCE AND PERFORMANCE
Back from Budapest

Tonight begins the Zenon Dance Company’s 24th Spring Season. You have until May 6th to catch the exciting new program, featuring four disparate new works by four different choreographers, including local favorite Danny Buraczeski. Set to the music of jazz legends Bill Evans and Don Pullen, Buraczeski’s piece, Evidence of Things Unseen makes its U.S. premiere this evening. In fact, the night is full of premieres. Hungarian choreographers Gyula Berger and Márta Ladjánszki bring their energetic new works to the stage for the first time ever in the United States. And Catching Her Tears, choreographed by New York’s Colleen Thomas, makes a world premiere. This powerful piece will be accompanied live by New York cellist, Chris Lancaster.

8 p.m., Ritz Theater, 345 13th Avenue NE, Minneapolis; 612-436-1129; $26.

Not Just Ballroom, But Beyond

The idea of ballroom dancing makes me gag just a little. Mind you, I love a good tango, a mambo, a cha cha, or a waltz; but really? Ballroom dancing? Maybe it’s the goofy little figure-skating outfits. Or the impact of so many Dirty Dancing clichés. It’s really quite unjustified. So if you’re looking for a way to bring a little respect and honor back into the mix — to elevate ballroom dancing to its time-honored status — give the the Beyond Ballroom Dance Company a shot. Their new show, Spinning Wheel brings partnership ballroom dancing into the 21st century with a series of eclectic vignettes.

8 p.m., Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis; 612-340-1725; $25 or pay-as-able (tonight only).

MUSIC
Alienation and Grace

As a native of Alabama, Pierce Pettis couldn’t help but be influenced by the most rooted elements of the American South, but in the end, he’s about as classic a folk singer as you get. I’m talking old school here, from the soulful, spiritual yearning to the chatter between songs — and even in the middle of a song. It’s all about stories. No song is left hanging, without context. This is the folk way, always trying to paint a bigger picture. According to Pettis, all of his songs can be reduced to two things: alienation and grace. His lyrics are simple and insightful, resting largely on his innate ability to capture universals in human experience from humorous and mundane aspects of our daily existence. The harmonies are sweet, the percussion is tenuous, and the guitar and vocals are strong and impassioned. But best of all, he puts on a great show.

7:30 p.m., Gingko Coffeehouse, 721 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul; 651-645-2647; $12.

Watch and listen to Pierce Pettis.

DISCUSSION AND MUSIC
Making Music with Dessa

Dessa Darling — local Renaissance woman, spoken word poet, and Doomtree emcee — shares her art and artistic process with you as part of the fifth season of Making Music. She’s bright. She’s beautiful. And she can serve up a rhyme as well as the best of them, shocking you with her silky-smooth undertones when the moment calls for it. Go check her out, and learn a thing or two. Tonight’s show, hosted by local musician JG Everest (Lateduster, Vicious Vicious), features an interview, a live demonstration, prizes, and an opportunity to ask Dessa any questions you have about her music.

8-10 p.m., Coffman Memorial Union, The Whole, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis, 612-624-INFO; free.

DINING AND HELPING
Eat for AIDS

Tonight is the 13th annual Dining Out for Life, so now that Restaurant Week is over, it’s time to eat out again. This year, over 130 restaurants will be donating a portion of the evening’s proceeds to The Aliveness Project, a non-profit organization that provides support services to people with HIV, and their families. Print a list of the restaurants here. Otherwise, just head on over to participating restaurant Sapor. It’s not so so beautiful out today, but their outdoor patio is finally open, and you Minnesotans are weird about the weather. And considering the number of sun dresses I’ve being seeing, while I’m still freezing, you’ll probably appreciate a happy hour beer, or four, on the patio — all in the name of philanthropy. But remember, just because you had a few beers, or even dinner, on Dining Out for Life day, doesn’t mean you can’t just mail The Aliveness Project a big fat check tomorrow.

11:30 a.m. – 2 a.m. (Happy Hour 5-7 p.m.), Sapor Cafe, 428 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-375-1971.

FASHION by Christy DeSmith
Retrorama: New Twists on Old Styles

The Minnesota History Center’s RetroRama event is tonight. Five local designers, including Voltage producer Anna Lee, went digging through the History Center’s enormous textile archives, trolling for inspiration. Tonight’s runway show features their vintage-styled dresses, menswear, and accessories. Also on display will be various pieces from the History Center archives (too fragile for the teetering models to touch). The New Standards (vintage entities unto themselves) will provide the musical backdrop while stand-up retro retailers such as Succotash and Up Six sell their wares. Martinis and mid-century appetizers (pigs in blankets?) will be handily available, too.

7 p.m., Minnesota Historical Society, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; 651-259-3015.

And a couple other things:
Ensemble, a classy women’s boutique in Linden Halls, is hosting a leather sale today through Sunday. Shoes are 75% off; Liz Mole handbags are rumored to be half off. Ensemble, 2812 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis; 612-922-9450.

On Sunday, in conjunction with the Intermedia Arts annual B-Girl Be Summit, Moxie Hair Salon hosts its B-Girl Be fundraising event with proceeds benefiting B-Girl Be, an organization hell-bent on advancing the role of women in hip-hop. There, you can get a sassy Moxie cut for a mere $30 while enjoying live breakdancers, DJs, and lady-like rhyme-sayers. But first, you need to call for an appointment. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Moxie Hair Salon, 2649 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis; 612-813-0330; $30.