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

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 5-13 thru 5-21-2011

Muffins:

This is the time of year where everybody gets busy.  Between the graduation parties,the outdoor events and concerts, the weddings and the trips you may find it hard to take time for yourself.  Don’t fret!  You don’t need to take it ALL in (as much as you may wish to).  That’s where the Weekend Preview Plus comes in.  I am trying to help get the word out on a few select  opportunities so you do not need to be overwhelmed with the plethera of choices brought daily by Facebook and other social media sources.  If you are an organizer and you wish to have your event featured on TheColu.mn drop me a line at Style@thecolu.mn!

Here’s this weeks line up.

Featured Event!

Twin Cities Pride Art Exhibition, May 7-June 10

Twin Cities Pride and The Art Institutes International Minnesota are pleased to announce that the work of 11 local artisans will be featured in the 2011 Twin Cities Pride Art Exhibition to be held May 7-June 10 at The Art Institutes International Minnesota located at 15 S 9th Street in downtown Minneapolis. Hours for the gallery are 8 AM-5 PM seven days a week. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

The exhibition is dedicated to supporting and showcasing the work of visual artists from across the region. Artists to be featured in the exhibition have created works in a variety of media including painting, photography, collage and illustration. Artist Kurt Hippauf, a BEST IN SHOW winner from the 2010 Twin Cities Pride Exhibition, will have additional pieces of artwork featured in the Gourmet Gallery restaurant at The Art Institutes International Minnesota located directly across from the Art Gallery. Artists featured in the 2011 Twin Cities Pride Exhibition include:

Rakhi Singh Bisen
Marc DeBauch
Amina Harper
Kurt Hippauf
Kay Hughes
Chase Lindberger
Drake McDougall
Jeffrey Morrison
George Roedler
Timothy Sylte
John Vasiliou

Friday

Red Ribbon Ride Fundraiser
9PM

MPLS Eagle
515 WASHINGTON AVE S
Minneapolis, MN

A Fundraiser for The MN RED RIBBON RIDE.
A fundraiser for two riders, Brent Fourre,, and Tom Kerby. We are both trying to raise $1500.00, So we are asking for your help. Our event is a beer bust from 9pm to 12 midnite,.. $10.00 suggested donation. the ride is a 4day event to raise awareness and support for people in MN, living wih HIV/AIDS. If you want to mak a donation, to either of us and cannot make it, www.REDRIBBONRIDE.ORG

THANK YOU!

Saturday

KICK UP YOUR HEELS!!!!! A kick off event/show!!
8PM
Annex Theatre-Nick & Eddie-Alley Entrance!!
1612 Harmon Pl 612-486-5800 Entrance Through Back ALLEY!!!!
Minneapolis, MN

The Minneapolis Burlesque & Cabaret Social Club!
invites you to
Come KICK UP YOUR HEELS!!! at this Kick-off Event!!!!

This is an event to kick off:
…-Our new performance space!!
-Golden GRRRLS! A Drag history celebration and fundraiser for
The Aliveness Project!!
-AND New AFTER-BAR DRAG BREAKFAST!!!

Hosted by Polly and the Hot Buttered Crackers!!!

Sunday

Brother Circle of Minneapolis – AIDS Walk Cookout
Sunday, May 15 · 11:00am – 2:00pm
Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis, MN (4801 Minnehaha Ave – Smpls )
This year, we are going to take the BCM party to the walk. Join us for food, fellowship and feedback this coming Sunday morning/afternoon The New Brother Circle of Minneapolis (BCM612) V.2.0 –Shouts to everyone that turned out for the last BCM on Easter Sunday. We had a great turnout and hope we can get a bigger one this Sunday. As discussed at our last BCM612 meeting, we are now once a month, breaking out into the community to share space with other agencies and programs in which GLBT men of all races are comfortable and congregate. What better place to do this than the AIDS Walk!

Monday

Punk Rock Bowling
9:30
Memory Lanes & Flashback Cafe
2520 26th Ave South
Hey fellas and ladies Looking for something to do on a Monday night? Want to hangout with some cool guys, throw some balls and listen to some good music, while bathing in the ambient glow of black lights and disco balls?

Then join PrideAlive on Monday night May 16th 2011 at Memory Lanes for Punk Rock Bowling!(it’s only $5!!!) And we will see who bowls a “Gentleman’s 40″

Thursday

Uptown: the Musical

Intermedia Arts, Uptown Minneapolis
2822 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN

Vegans and hipsters and baristas…oh my!

Box Wine Theatre presents “Uptown: the Musical” by Adam Sharp and Bethany Simmons with music by John McConville.

Join us for a musical journey through Uptown as the locals fight to save that thing that makes them “Uptowners!”

Cast:
Kyler Chase, Andi Cheney, Sarah Frazier, Oliver Sharp, Cody Stewart, Jon Michael Stiff, and Milo Weil.

Live Band:
Anthony Bloch, John McConville, Jason Mclean, and Chad Sclavi.

PERFORMANCE @7:00 // THU 5/19
PERFORMANCE @7:00 // FRI 5/20
PERFORMANCE @7:00 // SAT 5/21
PERFORMANCE @3:30 // SUN 5/22 (pay what you can)
PERFORMANCE @7:00 // THU 5/26
PERFORMANCE @7:00 // FRI 5/27
PERFORMANCE @7:00 // SAT 5/28
PERFORMANCE @3:30 // SUN 5/29 (pay what you can)

Tickets: $10-$15 sliding scale
**Discount with Fringe button, student ID, or if you bike or take public transportation to the performance.**

Friday

Drag for Fun: A Fundraiser for Greg Glass
Friday, May 20 at 10:00pm -  May 21 at 1:00am
The Bolt Underground
515 Washington Ave
As many of you know, Greg, one of Minneapolis’s best bartenders, has recently undergone heart surgery.

To show him support and love, a few wonderful friends and drag performers will be gathering for a fundraiser for him to help offset some of the medical expenses he’s incurred.

It looks to be a fun night of impromptu fun and song with all donations and tips raised going to Greg.

And you won’t believe it! Special Guest Emcee: Tinea!

If you’re a performer, and would like to do a number, please let me know.

Also, there will be an auction of one of Greg’s most prized possessions, considered by many to be an institution of The Eagle since he started working there in 1998: Greg’s Overalls!

Come and join in the fun in the Underground!

Saturday

TGIFrybread* Presents: Minwaajimo (She/he is Telling a Good Story)

5PM
The Loft
1011 Washington Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Please join the TGIFrybread Native Writers’ Group for Minwaajimo, its first public reading, on Saturday, May 21, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The evening’s program includes:
• 15 talented writers reading from their stories, poems, and other writings
• An intermission with food and beverages provided
…• A Q&A session: an opportunity to learn more about the readers and their
writings

This event is free and open to the public and will take place at the Loft in the Target Performance Hall located on the second floor of
Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue
South in Minneapolis.

For more information please contact Ardie Medina at amedina@loft.org or 612-215-2582.

*TGIFrybread is a Loft-sponsored Open Writing Group. For information on other Loft-sponsored writing groups and other Loft events, please visit the Loft’s website at www.loft.org.

Brass Rail, Jetset, Twilight in CityPages ‘Best of’ list

CityPages released its “Best of the Twin Cities” list last week and several of Minnesota’s LGBT institutions made the cut.

Best place to people watch: Brass Rail

“The place recently underwent a renovation in an effort to class itself up a little. That effort was more or less successful, so now the stable of regulars is salted with after-work skyway types, disoriented tourists looking for a pre-theater drink, and of course the folks who are coming early to guarantee a seat for the Wednesday-through-Sunday go-go boys. It’s a friendly mix, and never boring.” … Continue Reading

Weekend Preview Plus 4-8 through 4-17-2011

Muffins:

In the days ahead while we move into warmer weather there is plenty to pick from for getting out and socializing.  No need to be stuck in a bar or club when there are so many alternatives.  Consider being an ambassador for the upcoming Dining Out For Life – a benefit for the Aliveness Project.  They still have plenty of options for people who want to volunteer as an ambassador for this very fun community-wide day of getting out and enjoying the company of good friends while supporting a worthy cause.  It is also not too early to be thinking about the beach!  If you are like me, that means shaking a little to get rid of those few extra pounds that accumulated over the winter.  This Weekend Preview Plus is dedicated to health and well being.  Whether that is supporting the work of organizations assisting in the health of others or participating in a healthy activity I hope you will find something in this post to your fancy. … Continue Reading

Weekend Preview Plus 4-1 through 4-10-11

Muffins: I am happy to report that spring has sprung (finally!)  I was walking into my office yesterday and saw two robins.  What a welcome sight.  That combined with the rain, green grass and buds bursting everywhere tells me that we are about to have a reprieve from this arduous winter!  Along with the arrival of Spring comes a host of events to attend.  And then we are headlong into another glorious Minnesota summer.  Just last night I had a little birdie tell me that early summer will bring an event like no other this city has seen!  Just you wait for the details to emerge about a night of one hundred drag divas gracing a single stage! … Continue Reading