The Rake Magazine

I figured I'd toss off a few of tonight's costume contests for those who've actually poured some thought and energy into their getups: For one, the Minnesota Opera's Tales of Hoffman performance comes replete with a costume contest. (And just who got to raid that department?) The rock 'n' roll versions are at the T-Rock, Bryant Lake Bowl, Fine Line, and First Ave. What am I missing?

I won't be partaking in any of tonight's festivities (although I do want to see the opera). I already got dolled up in the requisite sexy digs this past weekend (Austin Powers-era Beyonce), and won't be putting my self-esteem through that ever again. Happy Halloween, in any case! And ladies, do y'selves a favor and lay off the pleather and thigh-highs!

It's Monday, so I ought to reiterate that there are TWO short-term movie runs going on this week: 13 Tzameti at the Lagoon and Death of a President at Oak Street. (I already mentioned that second thing, I know. And no, I haven't seen it yet... I'm just really intrigued, that's all.)

But there are actually a bunch of other cool things going on, should you want to venture out on this nice weather day. The pretty fabulous Pretty Girls Make Graves is at the Triple Rock. There's also an ode to Cole Porter going on at Rossi's tonight; and it stars some excellent Twin Cities musicians like Maud Hixon and Arne Fogel. As with every Monday, Thirst Theater's going on at Jitter's. And, if you count this, there's a book signing with Senator Barack Obama at Borders Block E at noon.

Well, since the highly anticipated Soap Factory Haunted House has been cancelled... And a decent ticket to the Bob Dylan concert is hard to come by at this eleventh hour... Might I suggest these alternative, but no less indulgent, ways to celebrate the weekend before Halloween? For one, the Antiques Show and Sale, put on every year by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts Decorative Arts Curatorial, runs today through Sunday at Zuhrah Shrine Center. And then there's that hit of the Toronto Film Festival, the very dangerous film Death of a President, which imagines the assassination of George W. Bush in the year 2008, opening at Oak Street Cinema today. Have a happy weekend!!

It's going to be a good day if you're wanting to hear writers read from or talk about their works. Robert Bly's at the University of Minnesota's Wiley Hall to read some of his poems. Katherine Lanpher's at the Fitzgerald to plug her new book. But my sincerest recommendation goes to a thrid event: Iranian cartoonist Marjane Satrapi is appearing at Lyndale Congressional Church to speak about her graphic memoir, Chicken With Plums. Of the three, this is sure to be the most intimate affair. It's certainly less likely to be repeated anytime soon, in any case. Check the Rain Taxi site for Satrapi's quick bio and more information about the event.

Just two things and I'll leave it at that. If you didn't see the Textile Center's Artwear In Motion runway show this past weekend, you can still check out the clothes at the center's gallery (through Saturday). And the Jackson's Juke Joint series lives on and on and on past the Viking Bar... it's tonight at the 331 Liquor Bar when Randy Weeks takes to that tiny, lil' stage.