When’s the Last Time You Went for a Nice Ride?

With the unseasonably warm weather we have been enjoying come all kinds of perks.  The lilacs are already in full bloom, BBQ grills are already blazing and every bike trail is completely ready for heavy traffic.  That means it is also the perfect time for Nice Ride to announce their springtime promotion!

In addition to their beginning the season with the announcement of the rewards program – giving users savings opportunities at local merchants – they are holding a daily drawing May 14 – 27, 2012 for individuals subscribing during that period.

If that isn’t cool enough you will also be one of the legions of new and returning users of this innovative program that has drawn international attention.  Nice ride’s slogan is “Grab summer by the handlebars” to which I add and get rid of YOUR love handles.

 

The cost of the regular subscription is $65 and for students it is $55.  If you enroll during the promotional period you will earn a chance of one of many cool prizes AND get a nice ride shirt (a $40 value)!

If you have not already subscribed, hang on until the 14th but do it before the 27th in order to be entered in the drawing.  Super secret bonus day is May 26!  If you sign up on that day you are entered into TWO drawings.

Let’s take that for a ride!

Love & Peace,

Margie

Energy Savings

The Bolt side of the Eagle/Bolt complex is about to show its true colors tonight when they reveal the new lighting concept of the energy efficient LED programmable overhead bulbs.  The lights – no less than carnival inspired – are both a cost savings and a curious addition to the popular night spot of many a fabulous queer!

As if that is not enough of a reveal… They are also debuting a new element in the Bolt Underground for tonight’s event benefiting Mr. Mpls Eagle | Derek Harley in an event featuring carnival games and HOT men.

 

Warm days, HOT men… what’s not to love about Minneapolis and our current scene!

 

Is it any Wonder?

When it comes to an eye for the dramatic, Mark Durkop certainly has it.  Owner and creative mind behind The Event Dynamic Durkop is the most recent draft into The Saloon’s desire to keep fresh and bring amazing new energy into a club scene that has a lot of competition.  Ever since Facebook and the overnight development of every aspiring event organizer having a virtually free promotion pass, the day of driving the cattle to an event has been a bit more challenging.  Enter Durkop with a fresh approach of not simply staging an event – but transforming a space and bringing attendees to a different world entirely.  A few months back The Saloon hired Durkop to transform the entire bar complex into a Big Top with circus acts and raucous fun.  Tonight the same complex will be brought to life as Wonder – a sort of adult spin on the Lewis Carroll  favorite of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. … Continue Reading

The Saloon Brings in The Big Top!

Muffins:

I cannot tell you how refreshing it was just the other night, to sit with Saloon manager, Tim Belfanz along with Designer and Producer, Mark Durkop of The Event Dynamic.  The purpose of the meeting was to flesh out the details of The Big Top!  The event is happening on Saturday November 12, 2011 at The Saloon located at 830 Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.

The Big Top

… Continue Reading

Pride Descending

Well Muffins it is here!  Pride weekend 2011 for Minnesota!

While some have opted to get as far away from the chaos that is about to descend upon our fair state – oh wait… did I say FAIR? – never mind that is another post… others are bracing themselves for self-induced sleeplessness and mayhem! … Continue Reading

What the F*K?

For those of you who have been in a zone of your own you may want to listen up.  Last night at the St. Anthony Main theater the world premiere of Genderf*kation aired.  The film is perhaps one of the most important independents of our time.  Why is this?  The topic is current, relevant and newsworthy.  More importantly it is a well produced piece directed my Minneapolis’ own Chris Durant.  … Continue Reading

Positive Leadership

On Thursday June 9,2011 The Minnesota AIDS Project hosted an event at Open Book in Minneapolis, MN.  The event debuted a short film project and follow up panel presentation aimed at increasing public awareness around the importance of continued funding to persons living with HIV and AIDS. … Continue Reading

Labor Day? I Thought It Was Memorial Day!

While many of us are enjoying the first BBQ and outdoor celebrations of friends and family, others are busy making ready for the upcoming season of alfresco lingering.  I was out for a drive with friends yesterday and we decided to swing by the historic riverfront development known as St. Anthony Main.  We were delighted to see the door ajar at the new location of Wilde Roast Cafe.  The new location will be opening its doors early in June of this year and will no doubt delight patrons both new and old.  While most of America was heading back to the grill for seconds, there was substantial effort put forth to open new doors to the river for a summer of fun.  Owners of the Wilde Roast Cafe, Tom and Dean are busily readying themselves for foot traffic generated by the many summer events held at the historic and popular riverfront destination.  The new location will be able to accommodate the masses as they grow the business from the current 2300 square feet to almost triple that.  The new 6300 square feet will boast a gelato bar with iced delights made right there in the shop.  They will also have a design your own burger bar and eventually a full liquor license.  The new space allows the business to host events and meetings for up to 40 with full AV support.  Beyond that they are now adjacent many additional venues available for staging larger events.

Some of what is familiar to the regulars will still be available with expanded offerings to entice the soon to be new devotees.  As I received my very impromptu and gracious but rare sneak peek I was delighted by the attention to detail.  All of the architectural and design details that made the original space charming and homey have traveled down the road to the riverfront expansion.  One detail is not yet ready to disclose but will absolutely be instantly recognized as the charming detail that welcomes all to come for a visit and stay for awhile.

I am pleased to see one of my favorite businesses thrive and find a perfect new location capable of accommodating their growing family of fans.  Best of luck on a wonderful new location for the Wilde Roast Cafe!

Weekend Preview Plus – Memorial Day Weekend 2011

Muffins:

Memorial Day weekend is always full of interesting and fun opportunities.  This year is no exception.  I am featuring one item and one on the horizon item this week.  Why?  I am hoping you all have plenty of plans with family and friends already in the schedule.  If you don’t already have plans the best advice I can offer is to get out and go for a walk.  The Twin Cities is a wonderful place (year round) especially in the spring and summer.  It is Memorial Day weekend so the farmer’s markets are open, the bike trails are busy and the sidewalk cafes are in full swing.  Sometimes it is best to just venture forth without a specific plan and see what crosses your path. … Continue Reading

Weekend Preview Plus 5-20 through 5-29-11

Muffins: Although summer has not yet descended, apparently there is enough buzz about the much anticipated ascension that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has decided to help us prepare.  In the event that you are not “chosen” to rapture on Saturday – here are my picks for the best things to do with yourself. … Continue Reading