Downtown Minneapolis got down to business this past weekend. More >>

More >>

​Listening to Cio-Cio San, fall in love all over again, quips Weezer's Rivers Cuomo on the band's 1996 single "El Scorcho," which refers to the beloved opera Madame Butterfly. The convergence of theatrical opera and contemporary pop isn't as far-fetched as one would think, and the Minnesota Opera will demonstrate this at its Cio-Cio Sassy celebration.

The Minnesota Opera's Tempo program invites young professionals in their 20s and 30s to be a part of the Twin Cities arts scene. At the opening night of each production, neophytes and those with seasoned ears alike get together for special behind-the-scenes access, meeting with singers and chatting with composers.

For Minnesota Opera's upcoming production of Madame Butterfly, Tempo is hosting Cio-Cio Sassy, a night of fashion and art inspired by the iconic play.

More >>

More >>

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.

More >>

B FRESH Photography

​Last Friday, the second-annual Vogue/Trash Costume Fashion Ball took place at Patrick's Cabaret. The event invited folks to take a look at fun fashions in an "off-runway" show presented dirty electro style. The evening included outlandish looks, performance art, burlesque, dance, and drag.

The event, which happens yearly, was also a benefit party for the Minneapolis Television Network (MTN). The celebration's antics were also recorded, and will air on the network at a later date.

More >>

Photo Courtesy The Science Museum of Minnesota

​This Wednesday, The Science Museum of Minnesota is hosting its third adults-only event, catering to grownups who'd like to explore the museum's offerings at a more relaxed pace. The theme of the evening is Fermentational Informational, and will feature opportunities to learn about the science of beer and wine making, as well as dancing, trivia, and other activities throughout the building.  More >>

Photo by Coco Mault

​Just because we're in the city doesn't mean we won't occasionally hear square-dance calls over the noisiness of traffic and frat-boy "whoo"ing while walking through the city. It can be a welcome sound for those who want to dance, but no longer feel like grinding in stilettos.

Every Sunday evening Lee's Liquor Lounge provides a lively alternative for those who are ready for a change in the club scene routine, but still want to dance the night away.

More >>

Photo by shiladsen

Lake Minnetonka is popular with visiting celebrities

​Stars studded the red carpet at St. Paul's River Centre this weekend for the 11th annual So the World May Hear benefit presented by the Starkey Hearing Foundation. The organization, founded by Bill and Tani Austin, uses donations and star power to help outfit children and adults in developing countries with hearing aids. Celebrities from all over the world flew in to honor the night's honorees, including Marlee Matlin and former President Bill Clinton. Though these folks have seen and done it all--most likely all over the world--we got to chat with them about their favorite Twin Cities hot spots.

More >>

​Since 1985, local community resource the Aliveness Project has been working with people living with HIV/AIDS. A major part of its mission is encouraging self-empowerment. What started out as a small group has grown to serve one out of four Minnesotans living with HIV/AIDS, according to organization's website.

In addition to various services, including meal and food-shelf programs, the organization makes sure fellowship falls onto their list of must-dos. This weekend, it will have a bit of fun with a purpose with Bitch-n-Brunch, a Summer of Pride activity to help raise funds for group.

More >>