In the Jasmine Deli, Zach and Brandon Bagaason – the brothers that constitute the rapper/producer team Big Quarters – don’t mess with the menu. Regulars well-acquainted with the selection at this Vietnamese spot on Eat Street, they ordered without consulting the dual-language laminated pages. Regularity, it might be said, is what defines Big Quarters – […]
Spark It Up!
August 30, 2008 by
As activists on the West Side get the shake down from the cops, and St. Paul frets and fusses over last minute preparations at RNC ground zero; Downtown Minneapolis geared up to show its artistic flair at Spark24! What is Spark24 you ask? Well, if you haven’t been living under a rock for the past […]
Cocinero Karimi at the Bedlam Theatre
August 29, 2008 by
Okay, here’s a quick tip for foodies: the "The Cooking Show Con Mero Cocinero Karimi," playing this weekend and next at the Bedlam Theatre is very, very funny. I saw the show last year when Robert Karimi performed it at Pangea World Theater. I won’t spoil the fun by giving away too many details (actually, […]
Chris Koza is Optimistic and Doesn't Care Who Knows It
August 29, 2008 by
Chris Koza is the kind of man who gives cigarettes to homeless people. In person and in his music he is wantonly candid and authentic. Koza and his four-piece band happily loll at mid tempo, blending roots music, twang and a heavy dose of pop to create a giddy sound so large it breaks the […]
The Rake's Secrets to Surviving the RNC
August 29, 2008 by
As you’re well aware, this week the Twin Cities plays host to one of the biggest political extravaganzas known to man: The Republican National Convention. The chaos that will surely descend on our fair cities will be met with more Minnesota-brand arts and culture than you can shake a stick at, as well as thousands […]
Eight Crazy Nights: A Political Miniseries
August 27, 2008 by
Save for the lack of scheduled appearances by Valerie Bertinelli, Tiffani Thiessen or Jennie Garth, over the course of the next two weeks America will be treated to two of the best-funded Lifetime miniseries of all time. Featuring exotic settings; heroes and villains a-plenty; a family dynasty forever shattered; and production values that would shame […]
Local Rockstars Come Together to Benefit Barack Obama!
August 26, 2008 by
BENEFIT EVENT 8 is Enough: Benefit for Barack An all-star local lineup shows its political colors tonight at the Turf Club by throwing one hell of a party – all to benefit presidential candidate Barack Obama! A mere $20 gets you into one of the hottest shows of the summer featuring Tape n’ Tape (Josh […]
Hometown Show Means Van is Safe for One More Night
August 26, 2008 by
Denis Jeong The Rake recently caught up with its friends, local band The Alarmists. Riding their increasing fame and recognition higher and higher, the guys are looking forward to their fast-approaching hometown show at the Varsity this Friday night. We spoke with Eric Lovold (guitar, lead vocals); Ryan McMillan (guitar); Tony Naim (bass guitar); Derek […]
The Nester
August 26, 2008 by
In an effort to seek out and engage multiple voices and viewpoints from the local arts community, we occasionally will present on The Thousandth Word postings by "Vicious Guests" — that is, writings by various artists, curators, guest critics, journalists, art experts, art lovers, and other essential members of the arts community who have a […]
The Mighty Midway and Other State Fair Classics
August 26, 2008 by
Day two at the Fair had me excited because I brought my husband, Jason, along. For years, he’s been listening to me say things like: "If we were at the State Fair, you could get that Snickers deep-fried." "I own a collapsable rake." "I mean think about it. Nearly ninety-pounds of butter shaped like our […]