Local event planner Geri Wolf pulled off an awesome party for the peeps on Sunday night at Epic Event Center.  Epic's new outdoor patio is pretty nice.  Unfortunately, the beautiful weather kept people from enjoying the music and performances inside.  Local artist Drew Beson painted onstage with the Invincible Kids.  It was the highlight. 

The outdoor patio of Epic was perfect for the extraordinary number of cigars being smoked.  My pals from Oxygen Plus delivered cans of the pure air in gift bags to all attendees and I am going to bet that they will need it. 

I am quickly learning that it is easy to spot the delegates as they are wearing 4 pounds of credentials on a lanyard around their necks.  They are also usually wearing some unique blend of patriotic attire.  Their excitement for the political process and their love for our cities are inspiring. 

No star sightings tonight but I did stumble upon look alikes for Tim Gunn, Al Roker, and Sarah Palin and some guy that is always told, "You look like someone I know."  Hmmm.

Downtown Minneapolis has been absolutely explosive but I have yet to hear of anyone raving about a super party yet.  There are many more to come and I am expecting the best later in the week. 

 Jackie Hanson of Hanson Communicatios and funny guy Stevie Ray

Phil Mero of Oxygen Plus, Ames from Oregon, Jeff Sunberg of The Creative Partners Group

 Drew Beson of Drew Beson Art and the Invincible Kids 

Mark Larson and Brian Evans of Free Fallin a local Tom Petty Tribute Band

The Gang, Jeff Sunberg, Brandon Fry, Allison Dent and Phil Mero 

 Geri Wolfe of the Style Laboratory

 Brian Williams, two darling delegates from Maine and Drew Beson 

 

Spark 24.  I fizzled.  Yep.  I missed the shuttle to the from the media party to the IDS.  Instead, I jumped in a stretch limo with a bunch of peeps to arrive at the VIP Spark 24 party that was officially dead as the crowds had moved to Orchestra Hall.  I heard that the late night/early morning concert was awesome with over 800 people in attendance.  I can only imagine a rock concert in Orchestra Hall. 

 

Instead, I checked out the W Hotel's Prohibition with my gang that expanded to include Chris Reuvers of Colleen and the Boys.  He is trouble but we had so much fun nestled in our corner of Prohibition and people watching. 

 

After Prohibition we headed to Déjà vu for a late night check on the stripper scene.  Guess the Grand Old Partiers were skipping the strippers. 

 

Sunday morning I trekked over to Peavey Plaza which was bumping with outdoor performances and hundreds of people having breakfast.  Obviously, they got the spark!  Sweet.

It is a Grand Old Party in the Twin Cities this week.  My opening line has been "Welcome to the Grand Old Party."  It will be very old by Thursday, I promise.  My friends are already moaning when they hear it.

The festivities kicked off Saturday night at a party thrown by Tunheim Partners at the Guthrie and Mill City Museum.  There had to be thousands in attendance and the open bar and perfect weather facilitated a fair amount of fun.  Many of our local media celebrities were on hand to ring in the Grand Old Party (GOP) you will see their pics below. 

My favorite find of the night was Maine State Senator, Kevin Raye.  If I lived in Maine, I would vote for the guy.  He was sporting a perfectly patriotic tie that he picked up at the Civic Fest taking place in St. Paul.  Thankfully, his job celebrates the patriotic wardrobe.  Everyone else should just skip it.  

I heard through the grapevine that T.R. Knight of Grey's Anatomy popped in to the party but bolted very early.  There were also rumblings of John Roberts from CNN being in the mix but that just might be a rumor.  Some dude was there impersonating Matt Drudge of the Drudge Report.  He had me believing for a minute. 

 My favorite hotties:   

 My dates, Colleen Kruse and Allison Dent

 

 

 David Anderson, blogger for www.mspmag.com.  Cute outfit.  It was his grandfather's shirt.

 

 Lisa Roberts of The Find and Shop NBC

 St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman

 

 Angela Davis and Duchesne Paul Drew

 

Robbie of FM 107 and Alison Dent

 

John Benzick of Oxygen Plus www.oxygenplus.com

 

Neal Justin of Star Tribune

 

Jeanette Trompeter of WCCO and hot cop Jesse Garcia

 

Governor Sarah Palin Knock Off

 

 

 

Minneapolis Police Chief Timothy Dolan and Assistant Police Chief Sharon Lubinski

 

Maine State Senator Kevin Raye

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Who: Natural History Hooligans

What: Oddities and Curiosities of Nature

When: July 17-January 4

Where: Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street SE, Minneapolis

Why: Nature abounds with unusual creatures and objects, including a giant clam and killer pine cones at this eccentric exhibit.

How Much: Members are Free, Adults $5, Kids $3

Learn More: www.bellmuseum.org, 612-624-4112

 

 

Who: Party Throwers and Origami Enthusiasts

What: Sale!

When: All Month

Where: Give My Regards to and Serafina, 3054 Excelsior Boulevard, Minneapolis

Why: 50-75% off select merchandise, stock up for crafts or plan a party in honor of the discount

How Much: Sale

Learn More: www.givemyregardsto.com, 612.929.3373

 

Who: Martha Stewarts

What: Summer Entertaining Tapas y Flores

When: Thursday, August 14, 6-9 p.m.

Where: Bachman's Greenhouse, 6010 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis

Why: Join private chef, Amalia Damgaard, and Bachman's floral specialist and Macy's Floranova Flower Show designer, Dan Kotecki, for festive tips on home entertaining in a fun and casual setting. Imagine the aromas and flavors of the Mediterranean invading your senses while sampling fabulous Spanish cuisine.                                                                             How Much: $45, limit 20 people so hurry!                                                                                       Learn More: www.cookparty.com

 

Who: If You Like Music and Drinking

What: Transmission

When: Wednesday, August 20, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Where: Clubhouse Jager, 923 Washington Ave. N, Minneapolis

Who: No cover and Super sweet tunes! What else are you doing on Wednesday? DJ Jake Rudh--voted City Pages Best Club DJ and recipient of the 2005 Minnesota Music Award--spins records

How Much: No cover!

Learn More: www.clubhousejager.com

 

Who: Friends of Breasts

What: Breast Party in Town

When: Friday, August 17, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Epic Event Center, 110 N. 5^th St., Minneapolis

Why: It's a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. There will be fabulous entertainment, a live auction, and silent auction. Buy your tickets now!

How Much: $25-$1000

Learn More: www.bcaamn.org

 

Who: The Glamorous Ladies and Gents of the Twin Cities

What: Glamorama

When: Friday, August 15, 8 p.m.

Where: Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; Macy's, 700 Nicollet Mall, Mpls

Why: The event features a Pop Candy Arcade theme, and as always, a high-energy concert/fashion show showcasing designs from Marc Jacobs, Celine, Just Cavalli, Ports 1961, and other top names- plus, performances by Cyndi Lauper, MC Hammer, and DJ Berrie. Benefitting Children's Cancer Research Fund.

How Much: $75-$1000

Learn More: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060040BCEF8E7481

 

Who: Those Seeking Inner Serenity

What: ****anese Lantern Lighting Festival

When: Sunday August 17, 3-9 p.m.

Where: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, Como Park, 1225 Eastbrook DR., St. Paul

Why: Taiko drums, martial arts, Ikebana, sushi and other aspects of ****anese culture, will be featured at the annual Como Park ****anese Lantern Lighting Festival, a family-friendly event, reminiscent of ****an's annual Obon holiday. The day will culminate at dusk with the main event-the lantern lighting. Six stone lanterns and floating paper lanterns throughout the ****anese garden pond and the Frog Pond will create a vision of peacefulness and harmony to commemorate the dead.

How Much: $5 for adults, $3 for children

Learn More: 651 487 8200

 

Who: Soul Sistahs (and Brothers)

What: Soulful Sundays

When: Sunday, August 17

Where: Seven Sushi Rooftop, 700 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis                                                Why: The rooftop at Seven gets a shot of soul on Sunday, as DJs spin the best R & B. Not the newest, the best. Old school, new school, whatever. So take advantage of Seven's gorgeous rooftop patio and groove.                                                                                                                                                                     How Much: FREE                                                                                                                                       Learn More: www.7mpls.com

 

 

Who: Minnesota Autism Center

What: Open House

When: Tuesday, August 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where:  Minnesota Autism Center, 5710 Baker Road, Minnetonka

Why: It's a great cause, Autism affects 1 in 81 children in Minnesota. Governor Tim Pawlenty will be in attendance and address the crowd at 6:30 p.m.

How Much: FREE

Learn More: http://www.mnautism.org/

 

Who: If Suessical the Musical Was a little Tame

What: Dr. Suess for President

When: August 1-Sept. 30

Where: Jean Stephen Galleries, 917 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

Why: The Dr. Seuss for President art exhibition offers an unusual glimpse into the politically and socially-minded imagination of the world's most celebrated icon of children's literature.

How Much: FREE

Learn More: www.jeanstephengalleries.com, 612-338-4333

 

Who: Accessory Fiends

What: Semi-annual sale

When: Thursday (today) through August 23, Mon-Fri: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Styledlife, 555 Nicollet Mall # 65, Minneapolis

Why: Save 30-70 percent off handbags, belts, jewelry, and other stylish and vintage accessories

How Much: On sale!

Learn More: www.styledlife.com, 612 746 5400

Who: Amigos

What: Metro Fiesta Happy Hour/Guacamole Makin' Mash Up

When: Thursday Aug. 7th, 6-9pm

Where: Skyscape Condominiums on the 6th Floor Green Roof, 929 Portland Ave Minneapolis

Why: Enjoy sun, a beautiful view of downtown Minneapolis, a variety of margritas from Cazadores, cold Coronas, festive food and music by Tambuca. Oh, and we're looking for a few teams to make guacamole so we can crown the best guacamole makers in the Twin Cities.

How Much: $25

Learn More: http://www.metromag.com/ME2/Sites/dirmod.asp?sid=17DD5F00BB7A4B43A7E0D194F649EF99&nm=Events&type=recurring&mod=Calendar+of+Events&mid=7A41221F63DA4B72998F3F5810279001&SiteID=4EAF04E814174978B1C09EBF46447DB5&tier=1&navid=79A8F94F75774C0DAD1F4F217F4681F1

 

Who: Your Favorite Hipster Fashionista

What: She & Him concert

When: Thursday, August 7, 7 p.m.

Where: First Avenue, 701 N 1^st Ave., Minneapolis

Why: Actress Zooey Deschanel from Elf and, more recently, The Happening is one half of this Indie-folk duo, with M. Ward. The duo's debut album, Volume One, was released in March and has received favorable reviews from critics. The real reason to attend is to see the fashionable and quirky Zooey.

How Much: $16 in advance $18 at the door

Learn More: www.first-avenue.com, 612 989 5151

 

Who: Techies and/or If You Were Made in the 80s (like totally)

What: Opening of Best Buy at Mall of America

When: Friday, August 8, 10 a.m.

Where: Mall of America, 60 E Broadway, Bloomington

Why: Well if you looove electronics, this is your place! If you could care less about gadgetry, come anyway to meet Magic Johnson at 10:15 a .m. and see a New Kids on the Block performance at 5:30 p.m.

How Much: FREE

 

Learn More: http://www.bestbuy.com/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat156900050017&type=category

 

Who: Boys, Boys, Boys

What: Raze, a new men's grooming salon

When: Friday, August 8

Where: Raze, 6001 Shady Oak Rd.,The Tonks (Minnetonka)

Why: Inside, guys get more than just a haircut: The upscale grooming parlor offers reclining leather chairs; hot face towels infused with calming essential oils; a beverage bar with soda, coffee, juice, and water; a stone fireplace; shoe shines; complimentary Wi-Fi access; and other luxe services created specifically for men.

How Much: Hot towel wraps start at $5, and shoe shines are complimentary, check out the menu of services for full listing.

Learn More: 952 935 0505

 

Who: Luce!

What: Pizza Luce Block Party

When: Saturday, August 9, noon

Where: Pizza Luce, 3200 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis

Why: The popular south Minneapolis block party (hello pizza and beer) features another great local lineup, including Romantica, Charlie Parr, Night in a Box, Kill the Vultures, and a bunch more.

How Much: FREE

Learn More: http://www.pizzaluce.com 612.827.5978

Who: Dudes, Dudes, Dudes

What: UFC 87: Seek and Destroy

When: Saturday, August 9, 7 p.m.

Where: Target Center, 600 1st Ave. N., Mpls.

Why: It's the first UFC event in Minnesota! Plus, Minnesota favorite Brock Lesnar is taking on Mark "The Hammer" Coleman. You can also catch the lightweight fight between Kenny "KenFlo" Florian and Roger "El Matador" Huerta.

How Much: $52-$602

Learn More: http://www.targetcenter.com/default.asp?targetcenter=87&objId=481, 989-5151

 

Who: Sole Mates

What: LadySlipper

When: all the time

Where: LadySlipper, 4940 France Av. S., Edina

Why: I went in there this weekend as a halo of light surrounded me as angelic music came down from the heavens. Glittering shoes of the best variety in a fabulously edited assortment. Go there, find Jesus.

How Much: Kind of a lot, but you will be the only person in town with such stylish footwear

Learn More: 952-746-8675

 

What: Hail to the Chief: Images of the American Presidency When: August 2 to Sept 21, Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Minneapolis Institute for the Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis Why: Beginning August 2, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) will present an exhibition on our nation's presidential history through art and artifacts. Featuring paintings, sculpture, prints, photographs, posters, manuscripts, and decorative arts, "Hail to the Chief" represents our country's presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush. This exhibition is organized by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. How Much: FREE Learn More: www.artsmia.org

Who: Friends of Breasts

What: Breast Party in Town

When: Friday, August 17, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Epic Event Center, 110 N. 5^th St., Minneapolis

Why: It's a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. There will be fabulous entertainment, a live auction, and silent auction. Buy your tickets now!

How Much: $25-$1000

Learn More: www.bcaamn.org