Thursday, March 1, 2012

Weekend What's What 3/1-3/4

THURSDAY, MARCH 1ST

Literary Death Match

@ Nomad World Pub501 Cedar Avenue SMinneapolis

6:30–9:30 p.m. / 21+ / $6 advance, $10 door

Because we could not stop for death, it kindly stopped for us. We're referring, of course, to that live literary marriage of traveling episodes, Literary Death Match - not the cloak and dagger routine. Boasting an evening of four writers, three judges, two rounds, one epic finale, lit-nerds galore, and one of the most entertaining printed-word throwdowns you'll see all year, Literary Death Match's returns to the Twin Cities for its sixth year of knock-down, drag-out competition of wit, comics, absurdity and the writer's ruse of charm. Judges include an all-star cast of locals: filmmaker Emily Goldberg director of Venus of Mars, master of hilarity Ian Rans of Drinking with Ian fame, and Vita.mn's doctoress of sex, Alexis McKinnis, who will judge works from four local word pugilists: Martin Kihn (writer for House of Lies, Showtime's new hit show), Tristan Jimerson, Sarah Stonich (author of Shelter and The Ice Chorus), and Coffee House Press rep Kao Kalia Yang. -Juleana Enright

Anyone who has seen Sharon Louden’s immense quarter million piece sculpture "Merge" (currently installed at the Weisman) knows that she is an artist who thinks very big, both in scale and ambition. The Burnet Gallery is exploring a different side of the New York artist's work with a show that provides the opportunity to enjoy the conceptual forces that inspired "Merge" at a smaller scale. In "Movement and Gesture," Louden’s sculptural compositions - rendered in both aluminum and oil paint - spill across the walls of the gallery in a flurry of dynamic movement. The clear appreciation for Frank Gehry’s pioneering deconstruction of architectural form is evident as strongly in these small scale works as in her enormous Weisman commission. The artist has stated that her abstract figural work is intended to evoke “whimsy and playfulness, elegance and a child-like beauty” and each of those elements are clearly expressed in the exhibit. The intimate Burnet is a great place to get a close look at this celebrated artist’s exuberant and thoughtful work. -Anthony Enright

With vocals reminiscent of early Operation Ivy and a sound that mixes a twinge of Dinosaur Jr. and Hüsker Dü with the catchy chops of rockabilly, Japan's Your Pest Band takes punk back to its old-school roots, even if though roots happen to lie in an entirely different country. The punk rock-heavy lineup is filled out with Milwaukee's so-called “thrash crazies” Holy Shit!, local punk luminaries The Birthday Suits, Brother Nature (feature members of Serenghetoo, Sundowners and Frozen Teens) and Braver. -Juleana Enright

Ander "Young Baby" Other is best known as Doomtree's official "Intern/Merchant/Graphic Designer/Webmaster/Video Editor/Social Media Agent/Librarian" (so reads his email signature), but the man of many hats also moonlights as a DJ. His DJ debut throughout Doomtree's Blowout Week last December showcased his unsurprisingly solid hand behind the DJ booth. Head down to Jäger tonight for a mix hip hop, R&B, local tracks (Doomtree's sure to make a few appearances), and his own mash ups, plus drink-slingin' and $5 Jameson specials courtesy of l'etoile's own Robyn Lewis. -Jahna Peloquin

FRIDAY, MARCH 2ND

"Not About Bombs" Artist Talk & Closing Reception

@ Intermedia Arts2822 Lyndale Avenue SMinneapolis

7 p.m. / All Ages / $3 suggested donation

Expect the unexpected at the Intermedia Arts' "Not About Bombs" exhibition, which closes this Friday evening with an artist talk. Co-sponsored by the Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project, the show features a vivid collection of contemporary works by female Iraqi artists that help shed light on and explore an identity in flux. Let these lovely ladies take you on a journey through their creative hearts and minds, as the exhibit uniquely addresses and explores a female’s perspective in a modern day context. View the show, meet three of the featured artists, take part in the Q&A hosted by show curator Tricia Khutoretsky, and enjoy complimentary desserts and coffee. Join featured artists Dena Al-Adeeb, Sundus Abdul Hadi and Tamara Abdul Hadi again on March 3 when they appear in a session of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum in Minneapolis with Camille Gage, "Illustrating the Cost of War: Artists Respond to a Decade of Conflict."-Stefani Arden

Okay, so maybe you don't have the dough to spend on a trip to Austin's SXSW festival. But thanks to Vita.mn's Are You Local? and SXSW Sendoff, you can still catch a handful of local acts headed to Texas, sans the heat, and long lines. Peep sets from melodic indie rockers Peter Wolf Crier, whiskey-drawled rapper Astronautalis, punktastic surf rockers the Blind Shake, lady-fronted punk rockers from Pink Mink, and eclectic electro duo Fort Wilson Riot. And if that's not enough to shake your music-loving soul, pop next door at the Entry to catch sets from three finalists pulled from Vita.mn's Are You Local? battle-of-the-bands contest: rapper Xavier Marquis (backed by full band), all-star newbies Prissy Clerks (whose members hail from Total Babe, Red Pens and Teenage Strangler), and Iggy Pop-and-'80s-Sunset-Strip-reviving band the Japhies. Take it from us, it's a whole lot cheaper than SXSW, but bursting with “write-home-about” worthy experiences. -Juleana Enright

Head to the Turf Club this Saturday night for what will truly be an affair of epic proportions. Total Fucking Blood is back with a new record and they've whipped up an awesome lineup for the occasion that forecasts a 100% chance of ridiculousness. With Slapping Purses and Marijuana Deathsquads at the helm, TFB is keeping it all in the family tonight as they unleash their symphony of blood-curdling screams and double duty drumming from Ben Ivascu (STNNNG, Signal To Trust, Marijuana Death Squads and basically every other good band in town). If the music isn't enticing enough, the first 48 cds bought at the merch table gets you a free PBR tallboy. Score! -Robyn Lewis

Minneapolis' own Secret Stash Records are internationally known for unearthing and re-releasing some impressive forgotten gems from around the world, committed to introducing music lovers to unique and influential sounds that are - despite their original release dates - shockingly fresh and relevant. The label's latest re-release, Afro Funk – Body Music, is a collectable piece of African music history. Originally recorded in London in 1975, it mixes elements of West-African music with American funk. In celebration of the release, Club Jäger hosts a funky evening of DJs including Eric Foss from Secret Stash, Steeley from KFAI, and Danny Sigelmal spinning their Afro Beat favorites. Enjoy the Afo-Funk jams while you sip drink specials concocted by the talented Jäger bartenders. Caution, this party is likely to get extra funky, so you should probably wear your dancing shoes, or possibly a bejeweled James Brown cape if you’ve got one handy. -Anthony Enright

Our ominous year of 2012 boils hot with rampant ambiguity and uncertainty, with struggling economies, pandemic rumors, Middle Eastern wars, Mayan predictions, and Rick Santorum running for president. So it’s a fine time to engage in the argument of meanings vs. insignificance with Ingmar Bergman’s classic The Seventh Seal. Long before Terrence Malick’s spiritual excavations in The Tree of Life, Bergman was filming his anxieties, guilt, questions, and yearnings, the highly allegorical Seventh Seal being the definitive example. The effect on audiences is reflected in Barry Levinson’s Diner, as Steve Gutenberg asks during the opening minutes of the film, “What am I watching? The movie just started and I don’t know what’s going on.” Berman’s serious inquiries set alongside the story of a knight (Max von Sydow) who plays chess with Death (Bengt Ekeron) aren’t for everyone, but the images complementing the ideas remain unforgettable. Bergman’s reaper is an affable antagonist, and the film has subsequently invited audiences to chuckle at its solemnity, from Woody Allen to Bill and Ted. What is there to fear in Death, as the vision of a danse macabre is cleansing, an escape from the pain of living? The motif of theatricality is a consolation. Behind the stage – and the film – is nothingness, but we can still be fascinated in the artifice and delight in each other. -Niles Schwartz

Last Night Famous is definitely a see and be seen situation! This Friday, arts and style writer Joan Erakit of The Brown Girl Files and Anthem Heart are back with a night of dance, drinks, DJs, and memorable photo opps galore. Experience a mix of musical selections from DJs Soviet Panda of Too Much Love fame and Ken Hannigan of Anthem Heart, drinks themed in honor of three stylish Twin Citians: "Serene" (named after lady-about-town Serene Enloe), the "Wilkerson" (after the frontman of the Japhies, Reed Wilkerson) or the "Rabb" (in celebration of CW host Jonathan Rabb). And make sure you dress to impress: photographer Amy Gee will be snapping pics all night, so you and the crew best be looking extra snazzy. -Staff

The Hotel is open! Head down to Dinkytown's Kitty Cat Klub tonight for this monthly dance party hosted by prolific DJ Jonathan Ackerman. This month, he'll be joined by special guests Triple Six Sound Club, an 18-year-old Chicagoan producer who describes his style "a unique blend of future house, acid, footwork, techno, gangsta rap, minimal, UK bass and any thing decidely futuristic," and Minneapolis' own "slime" practitioner Tennis Hoodman. Drink specials, sexy peeps and good times await. -Jahna Peloquin

Donizetti’s powerful and gripping opera Lucia di Lammermoor revolves around the forbidden secret love of Scottish lass Lucia for her beau Edgardo. Of course this is an opera, so things will not go smoothly for these lovebirds. Edgardo is her clan’s sworn enemy and Lucia’s scheming brother is determined to force her into a loveless marriage to shore up the family’s finances. As you might imagine, disaster, drama, duels, insanity and death ensue, but all set to impeccable music and with soaring vocal stylings. Celebrated opera star Susanna Phillips returns to the Minnesota Opera stage as the fragile heroine of this psychologically complex masterpiece. At intermission you can join fellow young opera fans in the Tempo Intermission Lounge on the Ordway’s mezzanine level where you can have pre-ordered drinks waiting for you. If you have any energy left after riding along on Lucia’s gorgeous emotional roller coaster, join the cast for a lively after party at across the street at Sakura. There, DJs will help extend the drama of the opera into the night. -Anthony Enright

Artist-making couple Silvia Yordanova and Brant Kingman host a unique one-night-only art show and performance this Saturday at the Two Tigers Gallery. The exhibit includes recently created mono prints and watercolors by each artist inspired by the other's work. During the one-night-only show, Playatta's Kara and Hal Lovemelt are bringing out their high-tech interactive photo booth, allowing guests to pose for a photo that will appear in selected artworks by the duo. You’ll have a chance to have your image become part of the art, so get ready to leave a lasting impression in local art! -Anthony Enright

"Art(ists) On the Verge 3" is an intensive, year-long fellowship program for four emerging artists whose work is at the intersection of art, technology, and digital culture. Throughout the program special emphasis is put on interactive and participatory forms of expression that engage a network of people to produce experimental artwork. Co-presented by Northern Lights.mn, the Soap Factory-hosted exhibit allows the five AOV3 artists to share the product of their year of work in a gallery setting. The work on display ranges from live body projections by Anthony Tran to Mike Hoyt’s video paintings of the Powderhorn neighborhood. In Drew Anderson’s miniature theater, you’ll find yourself in the north woods of Minnesota looking through the eyes of an animatronic hunter. Caly McMorrow’s sound and light installations allow you to leave a public status update while Aaron Westre’s urban planning video game lets two layers compete to create the best version of a virtual city. These interactive and civic minded works should make for an evening that is at once spirited, enlightening and edifying. -Anthony Enright

If you were a infant circa the '80s, there are certain cardinal moments of music history you had the unfortunate outcome of missing – the embryonic stages of punkdom being one of them. Oh, the irony. But don't kick yourself, curse your parents or start sketching designs for a time machine just yet. Tonight, fans of punk, new wave and post-punk delight in an era-merging line-up of sheer audio bliss as Hugh Cornwell – former member of legendary UK outfit the Stranglers – shares a stage with fellow late '70s punk alums Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols and Clem Burke of Blondie in separate sets. Believe us when we say it's a rare chance to witness live performances from three punk legends. Get there early to catch a new wave-y set from DJ Jake Rudh of Transmission fame and an opening set from local psych-garage-punk rockers Fuck Knights. Viva la punk rock! -Juleana Enright

We love us a good Alice in Wonderland theme as much as the next tea party-loving fashionista, so thankfully North St. Paul boutique Design Vertigo is keeping our appetites satiated. Trade in your cocktail for a cup of tea and head to the K & J Victorian Room for a fancy afternoon of fashion. Snack on tea sandwiches and hors d'oeuvres while taking in local looks from Gina Marie Vintage, whose style infuses a modern sensibility into classic styles. -Jahna Peloquin

Sometimes when we hear the organ-loving synths of local band Phantom Tails, our mind cast back to the late, great Don Knotts and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. It's something about the ghostly and mysterious organ music...Believe us, there's a correlation. Tonight, pay ode to Mr. Knotts and organ tune as you catch local electro garage punk locals Phantom Tails tonight, who'll be joined by Detroit indie rockers The Hounds Below - whose members include Jason Stollsteimer of the Von Bondies fame, plus post-punk throwbacks Iguano and loose-leaf new wave garage rockers Voytek. Prepare to lose it...in the best way possible. -Juleana Enright

Everybody knows Nick and Eddie’s is the perfect chill spot to sip a classy cocktail and enjoy an abundance of ambience and awe-inspiring music. On the flip side, it’s also the perfect joint to slam a PBR, and dance your heart out, semi-recklessly, on the intimate sized dance floor. Well hooray, this Sunday at Nick & Eddie’s Winter Party, you’ll have your chance to do both. Make note: the evening starts early, which is good, because there’s a hell of a lot of tunes squeezed into this 8-hour musical extravaganza. Here are the bands you won’t want to miss, in order: Mayda, Ghost Towns of the West, Gabriel Douglas, The Half Hearts, Grant Cutler, Caetani, Sleep Study, Hot Ashes, Zoo Animal, Me and My Arrow, The Idle Hands, Fort Wilson Riot, “Super Dope Hyper Squad” Secret band. -Stefani Arden

We're goths at hearts, so we can't help but be charmed by new lo-fi, feedback-drenched darkwave band Dust Buns. The female-fronted trio aptly describes their sound as "Halloween music," and it makes us want to dress in black, line our eyes in eyeliner, and dance like Ally Sheedy in The Breakfast Club. The dark night's complete with fellow darkwavers, minimalist synthpop group the Night.

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