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This weekend in St. Paul is a good one for women in music. The biggest of note is Girls Got Rhythm, a two-day, all-lady showcase of acts hailing from across the country as well as locally. The brainchild of METRO Magazine editor and former host of Radio K’s “Girl Germs” Dana Raidt, the fest features acts both retro and au curaunt, with highlights including ’60s girl group goddess Ronnie Spector, Japanese surf rock trio the 5,6,7,8′s (who you may recognize from Kill Bill Vol. 1), Californian nu-kindercore rockers the Muffs, Portland punk rockers Pierced Arrows, international “candypunk” band Caroline and the Treats, and locals the Pinsch, Hot Rash and L’Assassins. (7 pm Fri.-Sat, 5 pm Sun. $30 Fri., $5 Sat., $10. Sun or $65 for festival pass, Amsterdam Bar & Hall, 6 W. 6th Street, St. Paul, www.girlsgotrhythmfest.com)

Tonight, semi-legendary singer-songwriter k.d. lang performs tonight at the O’Shaughnessy. Throughout her nearly 30-year career, the Grammy award winner has explored everything from country to rock to pop. Tonight, she returns to her roots, backed by her new band the Siss Boom Bang. Though her latest, 2011′s Sing It Loud was recorded in Nashville (and it features a touch of pedal steel and banjo), expect more of the arty, moody pop tunes lang has been known for since her 1992 breakout Ingenue. (7:30 pm, Thu., $54-57, O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, 2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, oshaughnessy.st.kate.edu)

Tomorrow night’s Big Freedia show promises to be the most booty-shaking of all. New Orleans “Queen of Booty Bounce” Big Freedia is best known for his rump-shaking single “Azz Everywhere,” and her previous St. Paul appearance only six months ago fulfilled that promise. It’s rare to see that many Minnesotans in one room shaking what their momma gave them, but that’s the power of Big Freedia. Opening are the moody, improvisational electronic ensemble Votel and the abrasive-yet-danceable one-man project Slapping Purses. (9 pm, Fri., $12, 21+, Turf Club, 1601 University Avenue, St. Paul, www.turfclub.net)

Viking training camp starts Sunday and the State Fair is only a month away, yet if you need reminders (as I do) that we are still in mid-summer, six great family-friendly music events remain in the Minnesota History Center’s Nine Nights of Music, including tonight’s appearance by  Twin Cities Honky Tonkers, Trailer Trash.

Now in its 15^th year, Nine Nights of Music is an outdoor music series featuring a rich and culturally diverse lineup of entertainment, every Tuesday night through August from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The events include dance instructions from the Tapestry Fold Dance Center from 6:30 to 7 p.m., followed by music from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The History Center provides a beautiful setting for an outdoor music venue with panoramic views of Saint Paul and the Minnesota State Capitol. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, a blanket or picnic as a part of the festivities. Food and beverages are also available from the History Center’s Café Minnesota. Admission the History Center’s Museum is free during the event. In the advent of rain, which is a possibility tonight, the performances are moved inside to the auditorium.

For more information on the Nine Nights of Music, check out the events section of mnhs.org.

Hop, pop, and lock on over to Nicademus Art tonight for a hip-hop-centric exhibit featuring the keen stencil-work of one Taylor Lindgren. See custom stencil renditions of rap icons from all walks, including Brother Ali, Gucci, Grandmaster Flash and many more. A must-see for hip hop heads, this nostalgic exhibit will surely warm the cockles of your rap-lovin’ heart. Not to mention, openings at Nicademus are always a blast!

Click HERE for the Facebook event

OPENS FRIDAY JUNE 17TH

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Free

@ Nicademus Art / 225 N Snelling Ave /St. Paul

Content share from l’etoile magazine

Our family ventured out at sundown last Saturday evening to experience the new Northern Spark Art Festival at the Upper Landing Park, situated along the Mississippi River in Downtown Saint Paul. The festival took place from dusk to dawn and featured 100 art installations along the river in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. It was a beautiful, early summer evening and a large crowd was on hand to experience several exhibits, most notably, Scattered Light by renowned media artist Jim Campbell. Although unveiled as a part of the one day (or night) festival, the exhibit is on display through July 24, 2011.

Scattered Light features more than 1,600 LEDs housed in standard light bulbs suspended within a huge support structure 80 feet in length, 20 feet high, and 16 feet deep. It creates a shower of light that is very cool to experience from a number of angles; including walking around within the grid of lights (I believe this opportunity was only available the night of the festival). The LED bulbs are programmed so that, depending on a viewer’s vantage point, they “play back” in very low resolution a video of commuters in Grand Central Station, though that is difficult to decipher to the untrained eye.

Our kids, and dozens of others in attendance, were fascinated by the exhibit, as well a number of additional exhibits on display as a part of the festival at Upper Landing Park: ArtCars of Minnesota, and Wind-harps, Wind flutes, and an incredible Sewer Pipe Organ. Another highlight was to be the appearance of Nightmare, a large, floating video screen that gives the allusion of a horse galloping on the river, but the exhibit was delayed by more than 30 minutes and the clock ran out on our outing before we could see it.

The event must have been a giant undertaking; other than the delay of Nightmare, it seemed well organized and generated a lot of excitement on at Upper Landing Park.  

Obviously, Scattered Light is intended to be seen at night. Considering sundown is around 9pm this time of year, this can be past bedtime for younger kids. But, if you are willing to endure potentially crabby behavior the next day, a visit to this exhibit and Upper Landing Park is well worth it. For more information on Scattered Light and the Northern Spark festival, go to northernspark.org. 

The annual Festival of Nations takes place this weekend, May 5-8, at Saint Paul RiverCentre. The 79^th Anniversary event is available to students only in the morning and afternoon on Thursday and Friday, but open to the general public Friday, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event features food, folk art demonstrations, an international bazaar, cultural exhibits, dance and music in themes from countries and cultures throughout the world.

I ventured in with my daughter Anna on Thursday morning as hoards of students were being dropped off by buses in front of RiverCentre.  We took in the food area first, which offers a variety of courses from nearly 40 ethnic “cafes.” I can’t vouch for the authenticity, but most of it looked great and the items that we tried were delicious (nothing wrong with Korean BBQ for breakfast). Those who possess a sweet tooth will be especially pleased, having many options to choose from, including the Frosty Kaffee with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Drizzle at the Swiss café, to the Sweet Sushi Plate at the booth representing Japan.

Next we were on to the Bazaar and Folk Art Demonstrations. The Bazaar is a large shopping area that offers cultural crafts, clothing, jewelry, toys and countless other items from around 50 vendors.  The Folk Art demonstrations were a pleasant surprise; there seemed to be genuine craftsmanship associated with artists participating and the exhibits offer a wide variety of displays.

Needless to say Festival of Nations is a great family event. This was my first visit and surprisingly, it wasn’t too kitschy. The teenagers in attendance seemed entertained and engaged. Several were sporting items that were recently purchased and they were interacting with many of the artists. My 4-year-old daughter was thoroughly entertained, by the food and market, though the crowd became a little overwhelming after a while. The cost of admission is reasonable ($7 for youth, $10 for adults), prices for the food were modest and the market area offered a wide range of items that cost as little as a couple of bucks to fairly expensive merchandise.

For more information on the Festival of Nations, go to festivalofnations.com.

For me, the key to a good family activity is finding something that will sufficiently entertain both parents and children. In the case of our visit last weekend to the final installment of Urban Expedition at Landmark Center, I was fairly certain that the interests of all parties would be attended to. Urban Expedition is a series of 5 cultural events that feature a different country and takes place on Sundays in March and April. I was familiar with this series as it has taken place each year over the last couple years, but I have not had the opportunity to attend prior to this.

Sunday’s event was dedicated to the Czech Republic / Slovakia (the others were Nepal, Chile, Somalia and Egypt), and featured the prerequisite native costumes, with music, dancing and food, plus crafts and vendors ranging from jewelry and cultural clubs to information on the Ms. Czech Minnesota contest. Urban Expedition is definitely billed as a kid-friendly event, but I was struck by the number of adults in attendance. None-the-less, there were plenty of activities to keep the young ones entertained.

The series features an activity called Passport to Adventure. To participate, kids attend each or any of the events in the series, visit a few passport stations at the event and write something they learned about each country in the passport. Upon entering Landmark Center, they have the chance to get their picture taken, it’s placed in the passport and off they go. My 4 year old daughter Anna is chronically shy in these situations and refused to get her picture taken, but my 7 year old son Leo was persuaded to participate and enjoyed it. The stations offered projects and entertainment areas, such as a postcard making table and a puppet show. Czech children’s books, toys and other artifacts were also on display.

One thing I’ve learned as a parent is that kids love costumes and perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this event for Leo and Anna was seeing other children decked out in costumes and participating in dances. This, plus the hot dogs and dessert, was enough to make the visit worthwhile by Brock children standards.

Although this was the last of the series for this year’s Urban Expedition, I definitely recommend families pencil it in on their calendars for 2012. Also, Landmark Center is a magnificent building, one of my favorite places in Saint Paul. It offers year-round events, many of which (similar to Urban Expedition) are geared towards families. It features a visitor information center that provides info on events and attractions in Saint Paul, plus the terrific Uncle Sam Worked Here exhibit, the American Association of Woodturners Galleries, The Schubert Club Museum of music and the Ramsey County Historical Society’s exhibit. Though the permanent exhibits and galleries may not be well-suited for young kids, the building itself is spectacular, and the view from the upper floors to the atrium and cortile below will fascinate most children and makes Landmark Center worth dropping in on from time to time. For more information, check out www.landmarkcenter.org.

After checking out the lineups this weekend at the Turf Club, I’ve decided I may as well set up a cot and camp out.

Rock & Roll Spring Break

Whether or not you’re heading to South by Southwest next week (you know I am), you’ll want to check out tonight’s SXSW Sendoff. Though Vita.mn and City Pages have already thrown their sendoff parties at the Varsity Theater and First Avenue, respectively, the Turf’s version focuses on up-and-comers over big names – with a couple of national acts thrown in. Organized by Christy Hunt of Pink Mink and the Von Bondies, the show takes place concurrently between the main stage and the basement Clown Lounge (thankfully reopened recently after a short-lived closure).

Headlining is, of course, Pink Mink – one of the best new live acts in town, thanks to the one-two punch of frontwomen Hunt and Arzu Gokcen alongside longtime local fixtures Charles Gehr on drums and Jacques Wait on bass. Detroit’s The Hounds Below is the latest project from Jason Stollsteimer that draws Roy Orbison and Otis Redding as influences. One man dancing machine Shane Shane is the frontman of Madison band Screamin’ Cyn Cyn and the Pons. JM Airis is a band started by the drummer of the New York band Dead Sparrows, with an album soon to be released by local label Totally Gross National Product. Also on the lineup: H.U.N.X., the newish inprovisational electronic project from To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie’s Mark McGee and Lookbook’s Maggie Morrison which just completed a six-month-long Wednesday night residency at Nick and Eddie; Hastings 3000, one-man guitar god Joe Hastings (known to don a white suit and gas mask and perform remotely off-stage), and newbies Still Pacific.

The lineup:
Mainstage: Pink Mink (1 a.m.), The Hounds Below (midnight), JM Airis (11 p.m.), Still Pacific (10 p.m.)
Clown Lounge: H.U.N.X. (12:30 a.m.), Shane Shane (11:30 p.m.), Hastings 3000 (10:30 p.m.)

The details:
10 p.m. Friday, $7, 21-plus, Turf Club, 1601 W. University Ave., St. Paul, 651-647-0486, www.turfclub.net

Poster art by Lisa Luck

Then on Saturday, the ’70s-loving record spinners known as Hot Roxx have put together a showcase that challenges local bands to play their favorite tracks spanning the Fleetwood Mac catalog. So don your finest capes, medieval garb, and get ye down to the Turf for a magical, mystical eve.

The lineup:
Vampire Hands, Me & My Arrow, Nightinghales, Little Foot, and Invisible Boy, plus plus hand-selected musical delights by Hot Roxx DJ Jen Hughes.

The details:
9 p.m. Friday, $7, 21-plus, Turf Club, 1601 W. University Ave., St. Paul, 651-647-0486, www.turfclub.net

St. Paul is busy with tons of Valentine’s Day shopping events and sales this weekend.

After two long years of vintage collecting, REfind Vintage is shutting down with a weekend long sale event on its restyled, repurposed vintage finds. Stop by Friday night for heart-shaped cookies, tarts, wine and other treats. (4–9 p.m. Friday, February 11 & 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, February 12. REfind Vintage, 1173 Burr St., St. Paul, 652-239-3852.)

On Friday, Minneapolis-based chic handbag design company BC Designs is launching its debut line of handbags and wallets at w7 Collective art and design co-op. Lead designer Bridget Connell will host a night of cocktails, cupcakes and discounts on the affordable handbag line. (5–9 p.m. Friday, February 11. w7 collective, Historic Pilney Building, 1032 W. 7t St., St. Paul, 651-398-5582, www.bcdesignsinc.com)

Friday-Sunday: Local Jewelry Trunk Show
What: Local jewelry designers Emily Johnson of EC Design and Britta Kauppila of Britta Lynn Design (pictured) will showcase their latest collections in a weekend long trunk show at the Grand Hand Gallery. (Friday, February 11-Sunday, February 13. The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-312-1122, www.thegrandhand.com)

Sad news: artwear boutique ELINOR is closing its doors. But not without a bang – their roster of artists are bringing in past work to sell at all-time-low prices. (Friday, February 11-Saturday, February 19. Friday night socials from 4–9 p.m. on Friday, February 11 & Friday, February 18. ELINOR, 1559 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, 651-771-1791, elinor7.wordpress.com)

On Saturday, Temple of Fashion will host its monthly open house event just in time for Valentine’s Day. A collaboration of three local designers, Temple of Fashion features clothing by Laura Hlavac, silver and gemstone jewelry by Bridget Clark (pictured), and accessories made from repurposed fabrics by Lisa Wolfe will be among the offerings, plus wine and snacks. (10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, February 12. 1190 James Ave., St. Paul, www.bridgetclark.etsy.com)

On Saturday, local handbag company HeddyFreddy is offering 14 percent off all purse shells and executive tote shells during its showroom opening party. While you’re there, check out Zinnia Folk Arts, which will showcase Mexican artwork including ceramics, pottery and beadwork. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, February 12. 1595 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-308-1368.)

Flirt lingerie shop and The Shops at Snelling & Selby are also having some Valentine’s events this weekend. Check out last week’s shopping guide for more.

Stacy & Alicia at Xcel Energy Center

2010 World Vault Champion Alicia Sacramone sat down with the651 to help prepare St. Paul for the 2011 Visa Championships.  Sacramone, who helped her team win the Olympic Silver medal at the 2008 Olympic Games, successfully returned to competitive gymnastics after a two-year hiatus by winning both the U.S. and World vault titles in 2010.

Alicia sat down with the651 on Wednesday to discuss her thirst for gymnastics, lust for fashion, and what she enjoys doing in her free time.

Alicia describes herself as “A Leaf Blowing in the Wind.” Right now, she loves the competitive nature and thrill of gymnastics, although someday you may see her designing jeans at FIT! It’s no secret that Alicia’s second love (besides her dreamy boyfriend, Brady Quinn) is fashion.  She gave us some details on making lace-covered cell phone holders for her friend’s upcoming wedding.  Genius!   Pointing out fashion blunders is one unexpected feature that you can find on Alicia’s website.  Since traveling, like wearing leotards, is part of her career, she enjoys pointing out those airport fashion disasters whenever she can.  After we discussed fashion, we had to find out a few of her favorite things.

Favorite Item for All Seasons: Boots
Favorite Nail Color: OPI Burlesque
Favorite Cold Weather Item: fleece-lined leggings
Favorite Designers: Alice & Olivia, William Rast, BCBG
Favorite Drink: Mocha Lattes from Caribou Coffee
Favorite Food: Pizza made with her own backyard brick oven – jealous!

Training at the Karolyi Ranch, the U.S. Olympic training site, she believes, has helped get the U.S team to where they are

Alicia Sacramone (Taken at the 2011 World Championships where she won the vault gold medal and the team silver medal. Credit: John Cheng)

today. “Before we were more of a divided team; each person cared about their individual athletes and when everyone was brought together, each person was able to form relationships with other girls and other coaches, so it made it more of a family and you want what’s best for each other, even though you are competing against one another.”

You can find Alicia and many other talented gymnasts at the 2011 Visa Championships, USA Gymnastics’ National Championships, featuring the country’s best gymnasts vying for national titles and spots on the U.S. National Team.

All-session ticket packages for men’s and women’s gymnastics range in price from $130- $375. Rhythmic gymnastics offers an all-session, two-day package for just $30. Visa is the only card accepted for the 2011 Visa Championships.

For more information, visit Xcel Energy Center or call 651-312-3486.

Emmy-award winning Smucker’s® Stars On Ice® is returning to Xcel Energy Center on Sunday, March 13, with a superstar ensemble of Olympic, world and national champions to celebrate its 25^th anniversary season.

Fans can win a chance to meet one of the stars in the show – 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist Evan Lysacek –  and a pair of tickets by participating in the “Stars On Ice” contest on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 4:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo WinterSkate in downtown Saint Paul.

For a chance to participate in the contest, visit Xcel Energy Center’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/xcelenergycenter), click on the Stars On Ice Contest tab and register to enter. Twenty (20) contestants will be randomly chosen from the registered entries to participate in the contest at Wells Fargo WinterSkate ice rink on Saturday, prior to the Winter Carnival Torch Light Parade. Contestants must be able to be present for the contest on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 4:30 p.m.

The contest will feature 20 giant yellow stars positioned randomly on the ice at Wells Fargo WinterSkate. Each contestant will draw a number and select their corresponding star on the ice. Once the emcee cues the contestants, they flip over their star. The “Stars On Ice” logo will be on the underside of the winning star.

The winner will receive the opportunity to meet Evan Lysacek during a pre-show meet and greet and two tickets to see Smucker’s Stars On Ice on March 13 at 4 p.m. at Xcel Energy Center.

Each contestant will receive a gift from “Smucker’s Stars On Ice” for participating. Additionally, a flyer with a special ticket offer will be available during the event for the crowd.