I AM MPLS returns for another party at the Fine Line Cafe

Event founder Sarah Edwards

​For the second year in a row, Minneapolis will come together to celebrate local designers, musicians, comedians, and dancers at I AM MPLS. Event founder Sarah Edwards, who is a local fashion and image consultant, says that she originally wanted to produce a fashion show, but decided that a variety show would better serve local artists.

"I'm constantly blown away by the talent pool in Minneapolis, as well as the diversity," she says. "There is so much going on here, and I really wanted a platform to recognize and celebrate that."

This year's event will include comedy by Andy Erikson and Valley Meadows; fashion by Drama, MartinPatrick3, Len Druskin, Parc Boutique, Atmosfere, and b. (a resale shop); dance by Rhythmic Circus; music by Pennyroyal; and DJ tunes from Nancy Cheng, Dory Kahale, and Brian Slater.

Allison Bross-White is owner of b. (a resale shop), a store which sells a mix of current and vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories from local and national designers. She is excited to be involved in I AM MPLS for its second year.

Photo by Casey VonStein of Casey V Photography

Allison Bross-White of b. resale

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"Minneapolis is filled with so many crazy-talented people, and since it's such a tight community it is very important to show support," she says. "People often overlook Minneapolis, so we have to keep drawing attention to all of the talent in our town. I AM MPLS is great because it highlights a lot of people who work behind the scenes."

Pennyroyal, a local band who describes their sound as "music that you can listen and dance to that sounds like Patsy Cline and Lou Reed got together and decided to speed things up a bit," can't wait to play at the party.

"This is a night that celebrates artists of all stripes, and the blending of genres," says band member Angie Oase. "As an indie/Americana/punk/country/blues band, we're happy to be involved. We've never been able to agree on cover songs to play -- we all like very, very different music -- but somehow all those interests come together in the songs we write as a group. Plus, if we break a string our drummer, Jake Mohan, has an entire standup routine that he's been hoping to try on people."

Edwards says that while there are numerous reasons to support local talent, sometimes the best answer is the most simple: It just feels good. In addition to promoting artists, I AM MPLS! allows people to develop relationships and establish connections in a social setting. 

Pennyroyal

​"It's a way for people to put faces with names, and also to see people from all aspects of creativity," Bross-White says. "I thought that I knew everyone in this city, but I was introduced to new faces at last year's show. That's what I feel I AM MPLS is all about."

While a lot of hard work is put into the event, Edwards encourages people not to take it too seriously and to have fun.

"Come because you want to be exposed to some new music that you may not have heard before. Come because the fashion show is accessible and inspiring and is presented by models that represent our community," she says. "You'll be contributing to the whole goal of the event, which is connecting and supporting our community."

IF YOU GO:

Thursday, December 1
Fine Line Music Café
Doors at 8 p.m.; show at 9 p.m.
$15 in advance; $18 at the door; $45 VIP
21+