The Wake

Hello all. Hope you had a good break. Mine was decent enough, filled much more with mashed potatoes than with any sort of cultural writings. But now it’s back to work, so here’s a bunch of things that are going on soon:

There was quite an influx of bad business going on when the Republic National Convention stormed our humble little city, not the least of which include the 18 felony cases stemming from the protests and the persecution of the RNC 8 under the Patriot Act. The lead prosecutor in the felony cases is Susan Gaertner, who is holding a fundraiser for her 2010 DFL nomination at the Minneapolis Club. Friends of the RNC 8 and CRASS decided to put together an event to confront Gaernter and demand she drop the charges against protesters. So, in short, come on down to 2nd Ave and 8th St for a dance party and rally in support of the RNC 8 and those charged with crimes for protesting! There’s nothing like a confrontational dance party with political convictions. CRASS (Community RNC Arrestee Support Structure) says invites “you & your loudest and dancing-est friends!”, and says to “bring signs & noisemakers, dress warmly, and be ready to get down!” Go get your groove on and feel active at the same time. As the saying goes, No Justice No Peace, so go give Gaertner a good old fashioned lack of peace this Tuesday.

No Peace For Susan Gaertner - Rally and Dance Party
Tuesday, December 2
Outside the Minneapolis Club on the corner of 2nd Ave S and 8th St
4:30 PM

This Thursday, Stella are bringing their brand of oddball comedy to First Avenue. Stella consists of Michael Ian Black, David Wain and Michael Showalter, who are a much more insane whole than the sum of their parts. Individually, each member of Stella has been involved in some of the more inspired bouts of recent comedy, from comedy albums like Black’s I Am A Wonderful Man, Showalter’s online show The Michael Showalter Showalter, and David Wain’s writing for films like Role Models and The Ten. As a troupe, their collective energy is simply startling. Described as “dumb comedy dressed up in a suit”, the trio had a short lived series on Comedy Central (see below) in which a series of absurd events happened in such a way that audiences felt compelled to laugh. There’s really no other way to explain it other than that it is unrelentingly bizarre and takes pride in its own ridiculousness. How in god damn these boys manage to keep a straight face through all this wackiness is beyond me. Check them out live on stage and enjoy the madness.

Stella Live - Michael Ian Black, David Wain, Michael Showalter
First Avenue Mainroom, 701 1st Ave N
Thursday, December 4
$20/$22, 18+, 7PM

If you don’t know about Doomtree yet, you’ve not been paying much attention, as this group of marauding young hip-hop innovators have been killing things in this town for quite some time now. This Saturday is the 4th annual Doomtree Blowout, the collective’s giant showcase of their crew and how incredibly awesome they all are. MCs Sims, P.O.S., Dessa, Mike Mictlan and Cecil Otter join DJs/producers Paper Tiger, MK Larada, Turbo Nemesis and Lazerbeak to create the powerful rap unit known as Doomtree, and these Blowouts have stood as one of the better music events of the year for the past three years running. Each one has been progressively more impressive, and the crew always manages to pull out all the stops and bring an onslaught of surprises and powerful performances. Expect amazing music and lively stage presences, but other than that, anything can happen. Doomtree is celebrating with the release of their brand new DVD, with live footage, promo videos, a documentary, and a new full-length False Hopes albums with songs from every member. Also, Dessa Darling will be selling copies of her new book of writings, Spiral Bound, for those who dig on words in a less vocalized format. The Blowout is not to be missed, so don’t sleep! Tickets have been known to sell out, so grab yours soon.

Doomtree Blowout IV
First Avenue Mainroom, 701 1st Ave N
Saturday, December 6
$10/$12, 18+, 6PM

Go have some fun, now.