Literature with Lederhosen

Party like a librarian? Jawohl!

Come to

Presented by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library

There will be books and beer, food and wine, German music and dancing,
scavenging and tours, and games of brawn & skill. Oh, and librarians.

September 23, 2010 / 7–10 p.m.

$25 per person (advance) / $30 at the door

(bring your library card the night of the party for a chance to win prizes)

Saint Paul Central Library
90 W 4th St. Saint Paul

Attention, Herr Bookkopf and Fraulein Learnsalotten: Join us for Book It: The Party - this time we celebrate the 200th birthday of Oktoberfest! In the front courtyard of Central Library we will have two lighted tents – just like Oktoberfest in Munich. There will be German food (brats, sauerkraut, pretzels – what else?), wine, and beer from micro- and popular breweries.

Challenge yourself and your team in three games: hammerschlagen, tug-of-war (between individuals standing on stumps), and a beer stein relay. Central Library will also host a cell-phone-scavenger-hunt and tours.

James J. Hill Library will be the venue for author readings: Norah Labiner(German for Travelers: A Novel in 95 Lessons, published by Coffee House Press) and John Jodzio (If You Lived Here You'd Already Be Home, published by Replacement Press). Doug Hoverson, Minnesota Book Award-winning author of Land of Amber Waters (University of Minnesota Press) will be discussing the history of brewing in Minnesota and guiding us through beer tastings. His beautiful yet scholarly book offers “an intoxicating history of brewing in the North Star State.” —Minnesota Monthly

We are thrilled to announce that Patrick Harison will be roaming through the libraries and beer tents, playing his accordian for us. Patrick grew up in a home full of art, music and dance. His father encouraged him to pick up the accordion at age 13. Patrick learned how to turn the bulky and boisterous machine into a sensitive instrument by listening to and imitating the masters from every corner of the world. By 14, Patrick's professional career had begun. The heart of his musical education took place on the bandstands of Minnesota's bustling music scene working with artists as diverse as Connie Evingson, Coach Said Not To, Zeitgeist New Music Ensemble, Mandragora Tango Orchestra, Parisota Hot Club, John Devine, Sam Miltich, Mark Kreitzer and countless others.

Follow The Friends on Twitter or like us on Facebook and stay up-to-date as plans for Book It: The Party - Oktoberfest! develop. With Books & Bars moderator, Jeff Kamin and other spirited characters, this isn’t your usual library event.

After the author readings we will have dancing to German-themed music. Wear your dirndls and lederhosen and be eligible for a special prize.

Make your own pretzel necklace with our friends from Yelp. And if you discover you're just not that crafty, you can eat the evidence!

Book It: The Party! provides a unique atmosphere for a lively discussion of interesting authors, fun people, music, good food and drinks - all within a framework of supporting the Library.

Spaces are limited - please reserve early!

Food Fight!!!!

Fair Food Fight Night: A Spectacle of Beef and Beer

Friday, July 23, 6pm till we drop
Rau + Barber Bldg, 4244 Nicollet Ave. S, Minneapolis

GREAT FOOD * FURIOUS DEBATE * LOCAL BEER * MAD DANCING * BIG PRIZES

DEVOUR A bonanza of local foods
Bring cash! Great local, sustainable, and organic fare from: Corner Table, The Modern Cafe, Magic Bus Cafe, Fulton Beer, Equal Exchange Coffee and Chocolate, Nature's Prime Organics.

GET IN THE RING: FOOD Forum with Stephanie March
Enter the squared circle as we discuss real food, ethically raised meat, and animal welfare.

DJ: Danny Sigelman
Formerly of Radio K and The Current, Danny Sigelman has helped cultivate the local Minnesota music scene for years. Music starts at 8:30pm.

Oh My, May...

Three Radar Members Doing Stupendous Things in May...

I first met Amy Gattie on a local photo shoot - she now is a friend, Radar supporter/Member & a talented documentary filmmaker. She has been working tirelessly on this mostly self-funded, powerful documentary she began 4+ years ago. This is her first public screening...

"Too Cold Out There Without You"

Bryant Lake Bowl Theater - Wed, 5/5, 6-9 pm

"We are having a work-in-progress screening/fundraiser for "Too Cold Out There Without You," a documentary film about the Rev. Christopher Fike."

"When the Rev. Christopher Fike was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1999, he was a straight, married mother of two children named Sarah. By 2004, amidst a crisis in the Church over gender and sexuality, Chris completed his transition and now identifies as a man. "Too Cold Out There Without You" looks at how to manage the anger, fear and resentment that arise when someone you love changes unexpectedly."

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You'll have to guess which Caskette is a talented, powerhouse of a business woman in her "day job", a Radar Member and friend who happened to marry Tim & me and perform at our wedding...

The Amazing Caskette's!

The Fitzgerald Theater on May 8th, 8:00 pm

(more details here)

Delna: "The feather shrugs are finished, the gowns properly bedazzled, butterflies are ready, and our hearts are a flutter! The big show at The Fitzgerald Theater on May 8th is coming! We Caskettes sure hope you can join us for the show, after party at the St. Paul Hotel and breakfast at Mickey's Diner too!"

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~ Radar Exclusive Event ~
Here's yet another Radar Member and friend doing her own thang, April Mueller a mom to Martha, Prudence and Penny for 7 months now. And here they are:

Born in Connecticut, these cool chicks are Silver-laced Wyandotte Hens, and have just begun to lay their eggs at April's S. Mpls home. I've been curious to witness this new way of bringing a bit of farm fresh living to an urban setting. Curious also to learn what's involved in urban chicken care? What their living arrangements are? How often they lay? Does what they eat really affect how the eggs taste? And how to keep them safe in our extreme seasonal conditions?

If you're curious too or just wonder if fresh laid eggs really do taste better, then join me for Radar's First Urban Field Trip! Thanks to April, Martha, Prudence and Penny, we are welcome to hang out, see how they live and maybe witness an egg-laying. And a 1/2 dozen of their eggs will be given away!

"Meet The Chicks Field Trip"! Saturday, May 15th, 11:00 am

Email Jen to sign up for this free outing (bring the kids too!)
(address to come via email)

Connections of the Fabulous Kind

In the last few months I have experienced an explosion of connections. Correction, cool connections. And cool connections with locals, who happen to be women doing kick-ass things. I have always been a connector, it's what gives a concierge clout. But this recent pool of cool, are such a magical match to my local love of - art, photography, fashion, music, food, culture, cooking, technology, social media, events and true entrepreneurial spirit. I've been lucky to meet, eat, talk & toast with these talents & wanted to share what a few of them are up to...

First up, an event that combines local music and a local photographer's passion for her craft. Brought to you by two fantastic new friends: Eli of paperlily design + Kate of O'Reilly Creative who present:

The Jennefit: A Benefit for Jenn Barnett
When: Friday, March 26, 2010
Where: The Turf Club, St Paul, MN
Time: 9pm
Cost: $10


Then, cupcakes! An opening of the sweetest kind, involving again great Kate of O'Reilly Creative and another sassy lass, Sheela, who's sweets I've been seeking for years. But most recently via that simple birdie called, Twitter, I have connected with her again. By first meeting, you know Sheela's an individual, and she does what she wants and bakes what she wants. Who else would think up, Grapefruit Champagne, Vegan Chocolate Whiskey & Shamrock Shake cupcake flavors & have tatoos of a stand-up mixer & other bakery icons? Sheela's partnering with Emily and opening Cake Eater Bakery a coffee, cupcake, neighborhood spot, complete with CSA pick up and a Kids Happy Hour.



The salty side of Emily & Sheela...

The sweet...
And the goods...
Also part of the Cake Eaters plan - a rotating assortment of locally designed Cake Eater t-shirts! With the amount of creative talent in this town, I predict a battle of cupcake vs t-shirt to consume me! Click on photo to purchase the first design...


Cake Eater Bakery Opening!
When: Sat, April 3, 8-6
Who: For the neighborhood and families
Open for business - April 5th open to Public

Where: 2929 E 25th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55406

Another true entrepreneurial spirit is one I've blogged about before, Geri Wolf of StyleLaboratory - which most recently has evolved from a high-end event planning business to the first of it's kind, an Event Lab. I recommend visiting and test-driving the Style Stations on big-screen technology.

Here's another FREE reason to visit.

What: Learn How To "Take a Bunch of Flowers & Turn in into Art"
When: Wed, 4/14, 5-6 pm
Where: Gaviidae Commons II, Skyway Level
Register: http://ezregister.com/events/1391/


Another wizard-like woman I've connected with is Meghan Wilker of Geek Girls Guide and Clockwork. She is a geek girl and proud of it! On our first meeting, I kept thinking, this girl's left-brain powers trump mine by a mile. I was writing notes frantically while she provided me social media advice. She also gave me her time and advice on my site - check out Radar's recent "up-do". Annnnd, my blog will be updating too per Meghan's advice, but that's on my to-do list for my IT dept - which is me, myself and I.

Shortly after our first meeting, I received a Tweet from Meghan, "I have an idea for an event. Could be a radar PR/ marketing thing. Will email you tmrw with deets!"

Then came the email about a Glee Party, Meghan's second annual and she wanted to bring Radar in, "to promote and give you exposure". I'll do just about anything to someone who wants to shine a light on my little engine that could, Radar.

So together with Meghan out came the Glee Party Second Season Premiere Party!

Join Meghan Wilker (@irishgirl) and Nancy Lyons (@nylons) to celebrate the return of Glee, presented by Radar Concierge

Lastly, these connectors are also supporters, involvers, seekers and givers of information and knowledge. All balancing their other roles of busy Moms, Singles, Volunteers, Wives & Girlfriends.

Radar hopes you can hit some of these events, so you too can surround yourself with their spirit.

Another event Radar has to mention is, "Book It, The Party". Hope to see you all there next Thursday, April 1st, 7-10!

Perceive the world as good to you and it comes back.

Guys, Dolls and More!

Another weekend full of local love...

"Bring your husband, boyfriend, girlfriend or co-worker to enjoy unique and complex pairings and as the flavors enlighten their palate, you can lighten the load with easy Holiday Gift shopping at your finger tips with jewelry from Silpada."

"Mary and her staff will be happy to talk about pairing beers with chocolate and how the different styles of breweries compliment different flavor profiles found in cacao."

WHEN: Friday, December 11th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Chocolat Celeste
2506 University Ave. West, St. Paul
RSVP: 651.644.3823

It's a great time to order your holiday gifts. 15% off all gift boxes of truffles and bonbons !



Guys, guys, guys, the last sale at MartinPatrick3, I Twittered, I Tweeted while Tim sipped high-end Scotch while trying on and purchasing 4 killer hats, all at 25% off. A couple of you went, some of you wondered if you should have. Now here's your second chance:

WHEN: Tomorrow, Sat, 12/12 from 1-4,
WHAT: 20% off Watches, Valet Boxes & Shaving Sets


WHEN: Saturday, December 12th, 7pm
WHAT: CURSTER'S DOLLMIGHTY Fashion Show



"Local Minneapolis artist Erin Currie creates extraordinary creatures know as Curster. Now Currie will spin her magic in the runway debut of a stunning clothing line inspired by the Curster’s aesthetic, Curster’s Dollmighty Fashion Show. The clothing is an artfully constructed layering of rich fabrics and hand embroidery, resulting in one of a kind dresses and casual wear with the perfect mixture of coquette, Victorian princess and Tank Girl."

"Also in SooVAC's Gallery Too, starting this weekend, we will be displaying various Curster creations, including plush sculpture, prints, paintings and t-shirts. A perfect one stop boutique for everything Curster!"


X-mas Sweater Bonanza Local Music Show!!

WHEN: Saturday, December 12th, music goes from 6:30 to 10pm
WHERE: The Beat (28th and Henn. Uptown)
WHO: Minor Kingdom w Total Babe and the Chord and the Fawn.

5$ or 3$ if you- wear an ugly sweater.



WHEN: 12/11, 12/17 and 12/18 @ 7:00 p.m.
WHAT: "Pink Pearls" Holiday Variety
WHERE: Neisen's Event Center Savage, MN

Last night I had a date with my parents, Bob and Mariel. We met at the Buffalo Tap in Savage before the "Pink Pearls" show. The Buffalo Tap alone was a treat, my Dad goes every Tuesday with the church guys, so he's a bit of a celeb there. Owner, John greeted us, said he had a "great table over here for you", then he continued to stop by a few times to make sure we where satisfied. Server Joanne, continued to mention the great reviews about the "Pink Pearls" show while chatting about her grand kids. It was a classic Minnesota dining experience, and I loved it.

So we ended dinner at 6:20, when my Dad said, "we better go". The show was 2 blocks away, so the 40 minutes he allowed was pretty safe. He he.

Two blocks away brought us to the Neisen's Sports Bar & Grill. Now I'm guessing this is the Mike Neisen I graduated with from Burnsville HS? Anyway, Neisen's holds quite the range of "entertainment" such as midget wrestling, cage fighting, Thai boxing and what we were after, the "Pink Pearls" Holiday Show.



We had a front row seat, so it paid to be early, right Dad? The show was just what I needed to really get into the holiday spirit. A combination of "Eileen Pearls" self-help inspiration through comedy, tribute songs, classic Christmas songs and original songs written & performed by the three, 100% Norwegian sisters, Kjersten, Alisa & Kara, who make up the "Sister Production". I kept imagining "Pink Pearls" would fit well into a Garrison Keillor show. The song, "The Aunts" is a nod to their beloved Mom & her two sisters which included a simple "Food, Food, Food" chorus. Throughout the song, the sisters danced & sang on and off stage, bringing out loads of food - lefse, hotdish, pies and more hotdish. A tribute song, "Rollin, Rollin' Rollin" sang with choreographed rolling pin moves and original lefse lyrics, was quite adorable. The classic Christmas songs were performed beautifully, "O Holy Night", "Do You Hear What I Hear" and many more. My favorite song, "Snow", an original written by Kara, was stunning and reminded me what it means to be a Minnesotan, I included lyrics below.

If you have MN roots, which many of you do, "Pink Pearls" is a light-hearted, feel-good Holiday toast to chasing your dreams, embracing who we are, where we come from and the land we love, especially at this time of year.

SNOW
We know it's cold in Minnesota
they wonder why we stay
smile at each other jokin' about how we're movin' south someday but the snow comes and goes and we're still here storm after storm year after year old man winter is stubborn and proud and so are the folks who keep hanging around

Blow snow blow
blow us into next year
sit at the window during a storm and watch the neighbors house disappear blow snow blow from here to kingdom come my car won't start my toes are numb and I wouldn't trade places with anyone

Winter is long in Minnesota
the snow birds take to flight
the source of the north
the days run short
sunlight drains into the basin of night
we're a little thick headed and a little thick skinned we lace our boots up and we dig our heels in but everyone bows and bends and spins when there's a clipper in the wind

Baton down the hatches, secure the locks and latches get beneath the quilts bright patches before the Iceman snatches

Blow snow blow
Blow in your downy night
release the geese
reveal the swan
trump the grey with a blanket of white
Blow snow blow
and cover everything
beneath the sheet your work complete
your masterpiece unveiled in spring

Blow snow blow
blow in as bright as morn
and the in the quiet after the storm
I'll be right here in the place
I was born.

No stopping the shopping

The Twin Cities retailers, artists, restaurants and farmers are not letting us ignore the upcoming holidays. Lot's to get a jump on this weekend and all filled with local goodness and deals.

Friday & Saturday - November 13-14
Cache at the Casket - 50 local artists showcasing their talent in pottery, jewelry, textiles, mixed media and more. ChowGirls catering and live music tonight.



Friday & Saturday - November 13-14, and Friday & Saturday - November 20-21
Diane Nelson's Crafts & Art Sale - My friend Maridee passed this along to me, it's the classic craft sale in her Mom, Diane's, home. Diane has been doing this sale for 20 years? Bring your Mom and/or Grandma, they will love it and you will too.


Friday, Saturday & Sunday- November 13-15
Martin Patrick 3 20% off Storewide, the best Mpls men's store in my opinion.


Friday, November 13th, last day to pre-order your organic turkey from the Mill City Farmers Market


Friday, the 13th - BlackBlue - is hosting a party of Polaroid photography by local artist Nadine Gross. More than 500 unique shots will be for sale with wine, cheese and 10% off all store merchandise for the entire evening!


Saturday, November 14, 11 am - 5 pm, Cargill Lounge, Walker Art Center - Local-to-Global Jewelry Artist Mart.
Designs by local, national and international talent, many of which will be at the sale event.



Order deadline-November 15th - "Extend a warm invitation to your friends and family in Grand Café style this Thanksgiving with our take-home holiday feast. Chefs Radle and Pichler's roast Wild Acres turkey, stuffing and gravy are available for only $25/person along with a variety of traditional sides. Four person minimum per order. All orders must be picked up by 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day."

Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy .....$25per person/$100 min
Mashed Potatoes (Quart)........ $7.00
Green Bean and Wild Mushroom Casserole (Pound)....... $8.00
Whole Cranberry Sauce (Pint) ......$6.00
Glazed Carrots (Quart) .......$7.00
Local Apple Pie .....$15.00
Local Pumpkin Pie..... $15.00


Friday November 13th & Saturday November 14th - STYLEDLIFE hosts acclaimed Atlanta based designer Anna Balkan for a very special jewelry trunk show Ms. Balkan's gorgeous jewelry is made of Bali gold, sterling silver, beads, pearls, antique carved jade, Baltic amber, and Swarovski crystal. Each piece is designed and hand-crafted with particular care for the colors, textures, and reflection of each material. 10 percent (%) of all Balkan's profits are donated to STOP International, a humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting the trafficking of human beings as involuntary sex workers. In addition, STYLEDLIFE and Ms. Balkan will donate 100 percent (%) of the proceeds for each "circle of life" necklace sold to support STOP International and put an end to human trafficking.



Friday, November 13th - "Presence of the Holidays," a gift mart at Suburban World Theatre


Whew!! Radar hopes the above let's you check some things off your list!

Shop or Shoppe, either way it's ALL local!

Yippee! Another small business opened this past week, and this one lives and breathes by our local talents. It's Patina's lil' sister store, Shoppe Local, at 50th & Bryant just east of Patina. Offerings range from fresh Ames Honey and Apples, music by Solid Gold and Tapes n Tapes, clothing by Foat, readers by EyeBobs and my personal fav, art from the 2007 AIGA design show 35W Bridge Poster contest.

As you know Radar loves local, so this is a high recommendation for your upcoming holiday shopping. And with the fresh products from local farms, it's sure to be an ever-changing shopping experience. Stop in, shoppe to your local hearts content. And let them know, Radar sent you!

Garden Party!

Two of my favs in the Tangletown hood are having an event this weekend, and you're invited!

It's Tangletown Gardens, "Garden & Art Tour". What is it exactly? "This self-guided annual tour features some of the Twin Cities’ best gardens, local art, and galleries. Wine tasting in the gardens is generously provided by Solo Vino of Saint Paul with other refreshments supplied by Tangletown Gardens. Proceeds from the tour help fund public art, charities, and garden projects throughout the Twin Cities’ area. Every year the event gains more recognition and has fostered a loyal following."

My other favorite spot is Gallery 360, is getting in on the "garden" action by having a Storewide Summer Sale, 20% off sale all weekend, and an additional 10% off those who bring in a "Garden Tour" button.

Another bonus, and sorry, two more of my favorites - playing at the Tangletown Garden's event will be my dear friend Joseph's band, Tambuca, and catering the event will be yet another friend, Scott Pampush of Corner Table.

Garden, art, outside, music, food, summer - really, what else is there?

Mini Gastronomes United

Last night's Jr Gourmet Club was a-buzz! Amongst the two, three and four foot connoisseurs were moms, dads, aunts, friends and oh, the Star Tribune.



My little gal pal, Kate, had her adventure on. She went after the walleye corndogs and inhaled the french fries with bernaise sauce, but was slightly stumped by the feta on her watermelon. By then what she chose to gobble up was, Claire, who became her fast food friend.



By the time the main course of chicken meatballs arrived, Kate was food focused again. A tad spicy for her, but she did find them tasty.



During dinner, with the sounds of the Atlantis Quartet in the background, co-owner Lowell Pickett chatted with the kids about the Dakota's history, music and food philosophy. He also made sure the kids were enjoying their food. He even sent Claire a salad more to her liking after she constructively-critiqued it. Then Chef Jack Riebel came out, along with his pastry chef, who was the hit of the Q&A. She made one incredible ice-cream sandwich for dessert.
Oh and local food blogger, West (YouSaidAMouthful), was there with his family. He was taking notes, I'm sure the Star Trib will have some quotes from this wise one.


It was a grand night of food, education, family and new friends. As you can see Kate found even the mini menu worthy of a hug.


Next Jr Gourmet will be at Solera on July 2, maybe the Food Network will be there?

This Weekend - Art, Beer, Fashion, Pony Rides, Theater, Architecture, oh and more Art!

ART:
Art-A-Whirl - Northeast's gallery and studio tours of more than 600 artists. May 15 - 17th


Fox Tax Studio is hosting More Is a Four Letter Word, Opening Reception: May 15, 6-11 pm
On View: May 15th – June 12th, 503 1st Ave NE, Mpls

Minneapolis College of Art and Design MFA THESIS Exhibition 2009 , Reception at Soo Visual Arts, May 15, 6-9 pm, 2640 Lyndale Ave S, ride the reception shuttle: MCAD > Soap Factory > SooVAC, departing MCAD every 45 minutes.

ALL ABOUT BEER:
Into micro and craft beer? Then Saturday, beginning at 1 pm, you should check out The Beer Dabble, in (my hometown!) Burnsville, 1128 Burnsville Center. They'll be bands too, E.L.nO and Dewi Sant. Sun, beer, tunes and toss in easy parking and that's a fine Saturday.


FASHION:
Stephanie's - Recession Obsession Sale, 80% off everything beginning today at 10:00am - May 17th. 758 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul. And according to Sara Glassman's PopFizz, "Wait till you see the jeans...They go on forever."


HOME:
ASID Home Tour, Saturday May 16 - Sunday June 14 . This year it's a mid-century modern and green renovation theme.

KIDS:
FUN FEST, Sunday, May 17th. It is from noon to 6:00 p.m., Stillwater
A close friend, Erin Lisle, chairs this family-filled event at the Church of St. Michael in Stillwater. Check out all the the fun - inflatables, climbing wall, pony rides, petting zoo, games, crafts, etc. for the kids. (An all day wristband is $8 with a family cap of $25). For the adults there is a Silent Auction, beer garden, meat raffles, bake off contest, Are you smarter than a St. Michael's 5th grader game and lots more. The Men's Club is grilling and the Lisle's favorite restaurant, Acapulco, will be serving tacos, etc.

And another reason to head east, the Stillwater Art Fair is going on downtown by the River.


THEATER:
Red Eye Theater will celebrate its 25th anniversary by throwing an "All Tomorrow's Parties" gala at Fallon, $25, May 16, 7-11 p.m., 901 Marquette Ave., Mpls.


MISC:
The M Party honors The Basilica's French architect, Emmanuel Masqueray, and features socializing, cocktails, dancing, an after party at The Chambers, and live music by Stuart D'Rozario and the Gear Daddies. And if you want to go black tie, pony up for the coinciding Masqueray Ball ($250). Both events benefit The Friends of the Basilica of Saint Mary Foundation. $50, 8 p.m.-midnight, The Depot, 225 3rd Ave. S., Mpls.


Whatever you may choose, lap it up!