The Rake Magazine

NIGHTCLUBS
Triple Double

This new(ish) weekly party is a far cry from the Triple Rock Tuesdays of years past. If you've ever been to the Trip's long-running 2-4-1 night, you surely have heard N.W.A.'s "F$#k tha Police" played on the jukebox one (or a hundred) too many times. No more! The boys from Burlesque of North America, along with pals from Familia Skateshop, Head to Toe, Modern Radio Records, and Fifth Element are throwing super-fresh dance parties with some of the cities hottest DJs every week. T-Rock purists, don't be alarmed - aside from a few neon bandanas, the crowd is virtually the same - scruffy punks, indie rockers, and hipsters all looking for strong drinks. Tonight's line up features a slew of local legends - Paddy Costello (of Dillinger 4), Lori Barbero (of Babes in Toyland) and DJ Anton. Through the month of July, Triple Double will feature other rad DJs such as Last Word, Mike the 2600 King, and Michael Cina. Too good to be true!

9pm, Triple Rock Social Club, 629 Cedar Ave., West Bank Minneapolis, Free

Want to meet singles (and have 2-4-1's) in a slightly classier environment? Try Silver + Gold every Tuesday at Clubhouse Jager!


ART
Together in the Darkness

I've been really impressed by the cooler-than-cool exhibits at the American Swedish Institute lately. As if Fit for a Queen: Nobel Gowns of H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden isn't a reason to go in itself, the folks at ASI double up on cool with Together in the Darkness, a rockin' photography exhibit in the lower level gallery space. This exhibit features a black and white documentary study of Sweden's rock n' roll culture by Stefan Peterson. Winner of the 2006 Lilly Lorénzen Scholarship, Peterson was able to study photography at Sigtuna Folkhögskola, north of Stockholm, where he began his obsession of capturing the underground Swedish music scene. But make no mistake, Peterson is no stranger to rock photography - this local up-and-comer has not only been a staff photographer for many publications, but he's also published his own book of live music photography. Top that!

Runs through August 3rd, noon to 4pm today, American Swedish Institute, 2700 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, $6


MUSIC
Bootsy Collins: A Tribute to James Brown

Get down! The legendary Bootsy Collins and friends rock the Minnesota Zoo tonight, honoring the epic career and talent of the late James Brown - who ironically gave Collins his first big break in the music biz back in 1970. As part of Brown's backup band, The J.B.'s, who played on some of Brown's most famous albums on unforgettable tunes such as "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine", "Super Bad", and "Soul Power", no one can question Collin's qualifications! This eccentric funk pioneer will definitely school you on soul and dazzle you with his amazing stage presence. Not to mention, the Minnesota Zoo is an awesome place to listen to live music, and if you get there early enough there just might be a few cute animals lounging around too.

7:30pm, Minnesota Zoo Ampitheater, 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, $37

PERFORMANCE
Studio Stories: Kevin Kling and John McCutcheon

Engaging storyteller Kevin Kling and award-winning folksinger/musician John McCutcheon join forces to bring you an evening of off-the-cuff performance in the Guthrie's Dowling Studio. Kling, perhaps best known for his commentaries on NPR's All Things Considered, and definitely for his autobiographical storytelling performances, will enrapture you with witty tales that are as amusing as they are eloquent. Accompanied by the seven-time Grammy nominated McCutcheon, tonight's show will definitely be a riveting performance that might just warm the cockles of your heart. Want to make an evening of it? It wouldn't be a trip to the Guthrie without at least a pre or post show drink at Cue! Speaking of - hurry to reserve your spot for The Rake's World Flavors Dinner Party at Cue later this month!

7:30pm, Guthrie Theater, 818 South 2nd Street, Downtown Minneapolis

MUSIC
Orchestra Baobab

While the elegant Dakota isn't quite as sublime as the outdoor quad in front of Northrop Auditorium-where Baobab played under sunny skies and swirling dancers in a beautiful evening on their last tour-this amazing 11-piece band does have another superb record's worth of tunes in their arsenal: Made In Dakar, released in May, and equal or better than their comeback triumph, Specialist In All Styles. Barthelemy Attisso's multifaceted guitar lines are the main attraction, but it is hard to discount the vibrant, beseeching griot vocals, the Afro-Latin polyrhythms (especially the verbose vocabulary of the talking drums) and the snazzy saxophone phrases. And like all great bands, the synergy is abundant. - Britt Robson

7:30 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Downtown Minneapolis, $40-$50


MUSIC
RZA as Bobby Digital

Many years ago, I would hold Wu Tang Clan video game tournaments at my apartment in St. Paul (yes, I used to live in St. Paul, and yes, Wu Tang had a video game). Ever since then, the names of the Clan have been burned into my mind, along with probably 3 or 4 songs from the game's soundtrack. Members of Wu Tang have come a long way since Playstation 1 however, with numerous solo projects, as well as clothing lines, film projects - and in RZA's case, an Internet chess club! Tonight's show features RZA as "Bobby Digital", his solo alter-ego. Expect signature dark beats and smooth flow, with a little synth thrown in here and there for taste, and maybe even some pointers on your chess game.

8pm, First Avenue, 701 N. 1st Street, Downtown Minneapolis, $18

FESTIVALS
Pride Weekend Spotlight: LOW LIFE Minneapolis

As part of the all-city-consuming extravaganza that is this year's Pride Weekend, hip (and delicious) Loring hot spot Nick and Eddie jumps on the bandwagon for their first year open during the Festival. Calling in favors from their hipper-than-thou friends in New York to rock the alley behind the restaurant, which is definitely one of the more charming alleys (really) in the city, you can expect the most enticing of stage shows and the most glamorous of costuming. Put on by the infamous NYC nightlife pioneers from The Jackie Factory, this is one Pride stop that you certainly do not want to miss. Hopefully you won't be so enthralled by the show that you forget to stop by the Festival in Loring Park, the Parade on Sunday, or any number of other fantastic Pride events going on over the weekend. Not sure where to begin? Click HERE.

Friday from 7pm, Sat-Sun from 2pm, Nick & Eddie, 1612 Harmon Place, Loring Park, Free


FILM
My Winnipeg

Described by Maddin as a "Docu-fantasia," My Winnipeg portrays the director's hometown and his experiences growing up there. The film is somewhat of therapy for Maddin, putting down in writing and on the big screen many of his remembrances, thoughts, opinions, and stories he heard while growing up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The melding of melo-dramatic silent-film style cinematography with archival footage from the past gives the film a real nostalgic feel. - Christopher Kelleher

Read the full review...HERE

Opening Friday, Lagoon Cinema, 1320 Lagoon Avenue, Uptown, $8.75

Pride Bonus: The Walker is screening the Queer Takes film series through the weekend!

MUSIC
John Hiatt and The Ageless Beauties

John Hiatt is an ersatz curmudgeon, a faux eccentric, a dilapidated Everyman with an undeniably big heart and an equally undeniable knack for songwriting. He can jangle a slant-back country blues song or ambush you emotionally by confessing for redemption. He's got elements of a Nashville pro and a guy who's listened to a lot of Dylan. He's a painstaking lyricist who doesn't try to make it all add up. His latest album, Same Old Man - between his 15^th and 25^th release, depending on how you count best-ofs, live recordings, and groups like Little Village - may be his most enjoyable outing since the sweet spot two-fer of Bring The Family and Slow Turning in 1987 and '88, but it isn't that much better than the ones in-between. -Britt Robson

Friday, Pantages Theater, 710 Hennepin Ave., Downtown Minneapolis, $47.50

Pride Bonus: In the mood for something a little more boisterous? Head to nearby Epic Nightclub for the "Big Gay Pride Party"

 

ART
Order, Happiness, and other Fictional Perceptions

Imaginative curator Emma Berg of mplsart.com brings us an interesting body of work featuring photography by Conor King, collage by Jaron Childs, drawings by Pam Valfer, and film by Amy Pierce - all artists with a connection to Minnesota. This exhibit invites the viewer to "look beyond the first layers of assumptions and into those that are born from looking into the obscured details." The artists were challenged to delve into themselves and examine assumptions and perceptions of everyday life - things that too often pass us by. Not to mention, The Gallery at Fox Tax, always throws killer openings that attract a bevy of up and comers on the Minneapolis art scene. Good people watching to be sure! Want to make a night of it? Dine at The Red Stag Supper Club, located virtually right next door to the gallery! Runs through July 26th.

Saturday, 6pm-11pm, The Gallery at Fox Tax, 503 1st Avenue NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

ART
Umber Studios 1 Year Anniversary

This little-known underground art gallery has been quietly throwing some of the best art parties in the Twin Cities for the past year. Umber has featured photography, drawing, painting, and installation work by artists of all levels and backgrounds which makes for unexpected and adventurous exhibits - thanks to the in-the-know artists who run the space. Speak of, tonight's show will focus on work by those very people, Umber founders Jessica Helvey, Janelle Vircks, and Phil Behrend. All amazing artists in their own right, it's time for a moment in the sun for these scene supporters who have devoted so much of their time and energy to up and coming local creatives of all shapes, sizes, and mediums!

Saturday, 8pm, Umber Studios, 3109 E 42nd Ave., South Minneapolis, Free


FESTIVALS
GLBT Pride Parade

There is no question that the annual Pride Parade is THE most visually enticing and entertaining parade of them all. Forget Miss Cowpatty Minnesota riding in a convertible, or your typical off-key highschool marching band - the Pride Parade is what (fabulously gay) dreams are made of! Last year about 135,000 people showed up, so I'd suggest getting there early to stake your claim on some prime parade-viewing real estate. You'd hate to miss the scores of gloriously adorned trannies strutting their stuff, the decked out and shimmering floats, or the inevitably oiled up, half-naked men that will be out if full force. If that last sentence didn't hook you, well then, I'm not exactly sure what would. The parade starts at 11am on 9th and Hennepin and ends at Loring Park. Pre-Parade show at 9th and Hennepin starting at 9am. For more Pride events click HERE.

Sunday, 9am pre-show, 11am parade, 9th & Hennepin, Downtown Minneapolis, Free

ART
Echo Through The Waves

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.

8pm Thursday and Saturday, 7pm Friday, Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S, Uptown, $15


MUSIC
Irma Thomas

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

FILM
Queer Takes: Visibly Out

For the third year in a row, the Walker Art Center launches Queer Takes an amazing film series (just in time for Pride Weekend of course!) focusing on LGBT films and filmmakers. Running through the 29th, this fest will include a wide variety of flicks from filmmakers from all over the world. Tonight Queer Takes screens Boystown (Chuecatown) , directed by Juan Flahn. Based in Madrid, this adaptation of a Spanish comic book follows bearish couple, Leo and Rey, who are pressured to sell their property by a shady real estate agent with plans to turn their neighborhood into an district for more trendy and upscale gays - and apparently Leo and Rey do not fit the bill, nor do they want to.

7pm, Walker Art Center Cinema, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, $8

READINGS
Murder at the Bad Girl's Bar and Grill

A murder in a south Florida retirement community would seem to be an event that is definitely out-of-the-ordinary. Add in a blind heiress loved by the town's only cop, a former slasher film queen who runs a raucous Bar & Grill for the under-65, and a trio of Swedish circusfolk, and you've got yourself a good mystery. Acclaimed author N.M. Kelby offers up her fourth book, Murder at the Bad Girl's Bar & Grill, which went on sale June 3rd. Library Journal has praised Kelby, a former Twin Cities journalist whose stories have appeared in Minnesota Monthly, as a cross between Carl Hiaasen and Christopher Moore, and Hiaasen described her as, "A natural-born storyteller who manages to be very funny and very wise at the same time." - Andrew Newman

4pm, The University of Minnesota Bookstore, Coffman Union, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Dinkytown, Free

MUSEUMS
Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination

This new exhibit at the Science Museum is a sprawling display filled with Star Wars fan drool-inspiring artifacts. Dozens of protective cases containing actual costumes, models, and mechanics from the Star Wars films pepper the space, filled in with interactive displays, such as an engineering design lab where show-goers can put together simple R2D2-style mini-robots step by step at mobility, programming, and sensor stations. Included in the exhibit is an actual hovercraft that attendees can try out for themselves - sort of a futuristic version of a bumper car. There is an interactive robotics station where you can control dangerous looking (and sounding) mechanical legs, along with plenty of other computerific games and experiments to try. All in all, this exhibit is definitely worth seeing, and weekdays are probably best to avoid the Star Wars nerd melee over the weekend.

Read the complete article.....HERE

The Star Wars exhibit runs through August 24th, 8:30am-11:30pm Daily, Science Museum of MN, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, $19, Advance tickets recommended and available HERE.