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It’s a bustling weekend for nightlife in St. Paul this weekend. Here are our top three picks:

Brass Messengers

Saint Paul Santa Crawl & Lowertown Santa Crawl
When: Saturday, December 10 & Saturday, December 17
Where: Various bars in St. Paul
Get out your ironic Santa cap and head to St. Paul for two weekends of Santa themed pub crawls. Not to be confused with SantaCon, the first-ever Saint Paul Santa Crawl will hit bars all over Saint Paul tomorrow night. The main event is happening at the Amsterdam Bar & Hall, with sets from the Belfast Cowboys and other tribute bands. The crawl is nothing to scoff at – it comes from the team who brought us the Zombie Pub Crawl, after all. A fleet of party busses will take hoppers you from one spot to the next, and the wristband costs $20, with a portion of that going to Toys for Tots. Visit www.stpaulsantacrawl.com for details and tickets. Plans this weekend, or looking to do another round? Next Saturday, December 17, hit up the fourth annual Lowertown Santa Crawl, a smaller, more rootsy version. The Brass Messengers will lead crowds through the streets of Lowertown ending with caroling in Mears Park- and hitting bars in between, of course. Visit www.lowertownsantacon.infofor details to the free event.

Photo by Mathew Rucker

Holiday Lowertown Art Show
When: Opening reception 7-10 p.m. Saturday, December 10; exhibition runs through January 15, 2012.
Where: Black Dog Cafe and AZ Gallery, 308 Prince St., St. Paul, 65-255-6624.
Black Dog Cafe and AZ Gallery are joining forces to co-host the first annual Holiday Lowertown Art Show. The ongoing exhibit, which features pieces from 45 different artists in the area, will have a juried artists’ reception from 7 to 10 p.m. this Saturday, December 10. Participants include glass artist Julie Keller, painter Tom McGregor, and photographers Brian Hartz and Tom Reynen.Guests will be able to vote on their favorite works while listening to live music and sipping drinks from a cashbar.

Solid Gold

Solid Gold play 2 nights at the Turf
When: 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Turf Club, 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-647-0486.
After having a relatively quiet year in which they’ve largely spent recording, Solid Gold are playing two nights at the Turf Club this weekend. Expect to hear their new material as well as favorites from their stellar 2008 debut Bodies of Water. Friday night’s show is sold out, thanks largely to opening Polica, the heavy-buzzing new group from Channy Leaneagh (formerly Casselle, of Roma di Luna and Gayngs), but you can still snag tickets for Saturday’s show featuring Milwaukee’s Collections of Colonies of Bees, better known for their Volcano Choir collaboration with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. Tickets are $10 and available here.

This month, the holiday shopping season has officially kicked off. Here are this week’s holiday shopping events taking place in St. Paul.

A NELLE Holiday Launch & Holiday Event
What: Lots of big news in from local handbag designer Laura Nelli this week. The designer of NELLE handbags has announced a just-launched collaboration line of silk, screen-printed holiday skirts and clutches with textile designer Luci Kandler (who you may remember from Calpurnia Peach), called NELLE + OGGE. The print collection was inspired by the designers’ shared appreciation for Frida Kahlo’s irreverent personal style. Priced from $150 to $190, the limited-edition collection can be found online at nellehandbags.com, ogge.bigcartel.com, or in-store at St. Paul’s own Details Style Lab.
When: December 1-31.
Where: Details Style Lab: 346 St. Peter Street, St. Paul, 651-251-8700, www.detailsmn.com; nellehandbags.com; ogge.bigcartel.com

Thursday-Saturday: Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar at Landmark Center
What: Featuring 77 vendors selling handmade art, gift items, wreaths, wood carvings, plus and music, treats and more. Free for children 11 and under. Entry: $4.
When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday & Friday, December 1-2; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, December 3.
Where: Landmark Center, 75 W 5th Street, St. Paul, 651-292-3225, www.landmarkcenter.org

Beginning Thursday: Guys’ Shopping Night at Grand Hand Gallery
What: Thursdays in December through December 22, the Grand Hand gives the guys some holiday shopping help. The shopping happy hour features local craft beer, snacks from La Cucaracha, shopping assistance and, as always, free gift-wrapping on the shop’s selection of clay, glass, wood, and fiber art, painting, prints, wearable art and jewelry. Need help? Try the Wish List Service.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, December 1, 8, 15 & 22.
Where: The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, 651-312-1122, www.thegrandhand.com

Thursday-Friday: Holiday Boutique at the Temple
What: This two day sale features fine jewelry by Bridget Clark (pictured), whimsical aprons and felted wool handbags by Lisa Wolfe, and holiday fashion from Laura Hlavac. Come Friday evening for wine, appetizers, music, and aerial artists from 8 until 9 p.m.
When: Noon-9 p.m. Thursday, December 1 & noon-midnight, Friday December 2.
Where: The Temple at Jewel of St. Paul, 1190 James Avenue, St. Paul, www.jewelofstpaul.com

Friday-Sunday: CVA Holiday Preview and Art Sale
What: The College of Visual Arts offers its take on the popular MCAD Art Sale with its Holiday Preview and Art Sale. More than 2,000 artworks will be available (most priced under $100) this weekend. Friday’s preview party features hors d’oeuvres and wine and the chance to shop the art sale first as well as bid on works during an exclusive silent auction.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, December 2 ($25 in advance, $30 at the door); 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; Noon-4 p.m. Sunday (free).
Where: College of Visual Arts, 173 Western Avenue N, St. Paul, 651-757-4080, www.cva.edu

Through Dec. 24: Handcrafted Holidays at Grand Hand
What: Shop handmade artisan and artist-made goods at the Grand Hand Gallery’s Handcrafted Holidays event. Look for ornaments, hats and scarves, handmade ceramics, and original woodblock prints by local, national, and international artists.

This weekend is all about Black Friday shopping, but instead of big box retailers, we suggest shopping local.

Wednesday-next Wednesday: Stephanie’s Warm Up for Winter & Black Friday Sales
What: Through the month of November, Highland Park boutique Stephanie’s is offering a new deal every week. This week, it’s the chance to buy cold weather gear (sweaters and jackets in cashmere, alpaca and merino) at 20% off. Then beginning Friday, Stephanie’s has a buy a gift, get a gift offer as well as a $20 gift card for every $100 you spend. Also, check out the racks full of fall goods marked 70 percent off
When: November 16-23 (Warm Up For Winter Sale) & November 25-30 (Black Friday Sale)
Where: Stephanie’s, 758 Cleveland Avenue S, St. Paul, 651-690-3802, www.stephaniesshop.com

Friday: Black Friday at Details Style Lab
What: Take 30 to 50% off all regular priced items in the salon’s in-house women’s boutique, and 30 to 50% off all salon and spa services. Clothing purchases over $100 receive a $25 gift certificate for salon services, and all salon services and product sales over $100 receive a $25 gift certificate for the clothing boutique, both redeemable during the month of January. Plus drawings for a year of free hair care and a year of free spa services. On Saturday, they’ll be offering 25% off all regular-priced clothing, salon and spa products. Plus, 10% of the sale will be donated to a Big Give Non Profit Partner of your choosing.
When: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, November 25.
Where: Details Salon Spa, 346 St. Peter Street, St. Paul, 651-251-8700, www.detailsmn.com

Friday: Primp’s Back to Basics Black Friday Sale
What: Scoop up comfy basics for less than $30 at cheap-chic boutique Primp’s Black Friday Sale at both their Selby & Dale location.
When: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, November 25.
Where: 618 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, 651-414-0091, www.primpyourself.com

Friday: Black Friday at Fringe Accessories
What: Primp offshoot Fringe Accessories is offering 20 percent off storewide in honor of its first Black Friday sale. Discount does include handbags and sale items. Refreshments will be served.
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, November 25.
Where: 1055 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, 651-292-4943; 3906 W 50th Street, Edina, 952-746-4922, www.fringeaccessories.com

Friday: Black Friday at Rosedale:
Mall doors at Rosedale open at 5 a.m., with select stores opening earlier. Giveaways will be available throughout the day, plus Rocco Altobelli beauty makovers from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., register-to-win opportunities for tickets for Lion King: The Musical and a $1,000 Rosedale Center gift card, and enjoy strolling carolers throughout the day. Find a full list of participating stores and deals at www.myrosedale.com
When: 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, November 25.
Where: Rosedale Center, Roseville, 651-633-0872, www.myrosedale.com

Friday: Black Friday at Flirt Boutique
What: Buy a $100 gift card and get a $25 gift card free at St. Paul lingerie shop Flihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrt. Give the $100 and keep the $25 for yourself – or vice versa.
When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, November 25.
Where: Flirt Boutique, 177 Snelling Avenue N, St. Paul, 651-698-3692, www.flirt-boutique.com

Friday: Junk Love Vintage Sale
What: One day vintage occasional sale Junk Love pops up this weekend, with antiques, collectibles, refurbished items and vintage wares from seven vendors, including the newly formed Band of Thrifters.
When: Noon-9 p.m. Friday, November 25.
Where: The Carleton Artist Lofts, 2258 University Avenue, St. Paul, www.junk-love.com

Saturday night, the Wild Tymes sets the stage for “The Future of Music,” a benefit concert for the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. Inspired by the movie of the same name, the film’s composer Michael Kamen started the foundation to give under-funded music programs for kids a much-needed boost, via a musical instrument donation program. A number of St. Paul schools benefit from the program, so it’s only fitting that the capital city would host such a benefit. We chatted with musician Sabastian Love about his involvement with his own Bad Medicine Productions and sponsor Thrifty Hipster, and Paul Solem of the Jelly Project and Labyrinth Productions about MHOF and Saturday’s benefit.

How did you get involved with the benefit? 
Paul: I’m an area donation receiver for MHOF. Through money and fundraisers, I make sure it gets the funds/instruments into the hands of the schools/programs that need it the most. Throughout the years, many kids have been able to strive to their dreams with the help of MHOF.
Sabastian: They’re about supporting musical development of our youth and the community. I was asked to play the show by Paul Solem (of the Jelly Project) who put the show on with Labyrinth Productions. Once I was involved, I decide to sponsor the event with my project, Bad Medicine Productions. I also initiated the Thrifty Hipster sponsorship – Thrifty put a lot into it, we here are all huge supporters of the arts.

Is the music-for-youth cause one you’re particularly drawn to?
Sabastian:Supporting the cultivation of music in youth is the best cause I can think of, and I intend to have a future event devoted to the same thing, on a larger scale next summer.

The event is free to attend. How can people give back?
Paul: I expect to raise awareness. And hopefully some money. And with the good people at Music-Go-Round (which is donating used instruments), we will not show up empty-handed. Congress continually takes money away from schools, and we all know that music and art are the first to go, but we hope that this will let parents and hopfully the “right” people see that there is talent, and it helps out kids who really need it.  There are numerous ways to help – you can help out any time at www.mhopus.org, or you can simply bring your unwanted, dust-collecting, throw-away music gear down to the show and I will fix/clean it up and get it into the hands of kids who could use the support. And if you can’t bring it by the day of the event, you can contact me at thejellyproject@hotmail.com using the heading “USED GEAR” and I will personally come and pick it up.

Headliners Sabastian Love, Ben Aaron, Tyler Coenen and the Jelly Project will be joined by Eric Mitchell, Greg Miske, Grace O’Brien, Conner Sternberg, Xavi Thomas, Elizabeth Kupchella, Brennan Wedl, Angelica Thomas. The 18-plus, free event begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday. The Wild Tymes is located at 33 West 7th Place, St. Paul. Visit mhopus.org for more information on the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.

This week, a new store is popping up in the Snelling and Selby spot formerly occupied by Allee Metro Chic (which has moved over to Selby and Dale). Waxing expert Katie Kozlowski’s Brow Chic specializes in facial waxing, especially brow shaping, and will also offer eyelash extensions and airbrush makeup, a lightweight full coverage make-up that is waterproof and sweat proof, and great for special events, holidays, and weddings. (179 Snelling Avenue N, St. Paul, 651-243-1947, www.browchic.com)

Brow Chic

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With only three local shows under their belts, new local band Poliça is headlining its first major Twin Cities show at St. Paul’s Turf Club. The band features GAYNGS’ Channy Moon Casselle (formerly of Roma di Luna), Chris Bierden of Vampire Hands, and Marijuana Deathsquads drummers Drew Christopherson and Ben Ivascu. The band first debuted its music online in late August 2011, before having ever played its first live show. At this point, the group had already recorded its first full length (produced by Ryan Olsen of GAYNGS and Jim Eno of the Texas band Spoon) and booked four performances on the East Coast, including an opening slot on a sold-out concert by New York group Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The band seems clearly influenced by GAYNGS’ sexy, groovy sound and manipulated vocals, with Casselle’s ethereal yet powerful voice at the forefront, backed by dueling drummers and Bierden’s bass.

Opening the show are Bierden’s other band Invisible Boy, Andrew Broder’s experimental BrodR project, and DJ Maychin (of DJ Dick Pic).

Poliça. Photo: Graham Tolbert

Doors are at 8 p.m. and tickets are $8.
Turf Club: 1701 University Avenue West, St. Paul, 651-647-0486, www.turfclub.net

Local designers give back with a Project Runway-style twist: to design a garment with fabrics from Africa. The annual benefit for African nonprofit Give Us Wings also includes live art by John Olympio, emcee Faatemah Ampey (Shear Genius), African handmade jewelry and gifts for sale, live models, food and drink, and live and silent auctions featuring some of the fashions created for the challenge. The 11 participating designers include Emma Berg, Jenny Carle and Renate Adjei. Tickets are $35 with proceeds going toward Give Us Wings.

Look by Emma Berg, photo by Digital Crush

(6-10 p.m. Saturday, November 5. FiveTwoSix Salon Spa Gallery, 526 Selby Avenue Saint Paul, 651-222-3839, www.giveuswings.org)

Sad news in the world of local retail was announced this week. After five and a half years of business – and recent nod for Best Women’s Boutique in this month’s Minnesota Monthly – Elizabeth Varghese announced that she would be closing her St. Paul boutique picky girl by the end of the week. The Grand Avenue shop was known for carrying a contemporary, affordable selection of national and local brands, including names like Kensie and Calpurnia Peach. Before Varghese takes the job of women’s buyer at Details Style Lab, beginning November 21, check out picky girl’s closing sale beginning tomorrow and running through 8 p.m. Thursday, with everything marked 30 percent off. (Tuesday, October 25 through 8 p.m. Thursday, October 27. picky girl, 949 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, 651-698-4107, www.pickygirlmn.com

picky girl

Black and white. Used separately, the two evoke totally different moods and feelings. While black is typically associated with authority, power, and evil, white is associated with purity and innocence. When used together in design, these polar opposites can create contrast and balance, and can be seen as bold, minimalist, elegant, classic, or mysterious. The Goldstein Museum of Design offers its ode to black and white in design with its latest exhibition, “Polarities: Black and White in Design.” Opening this Thursday, the show explores cultural and social interpretations of black, white, and black and white in objects throughout GMD’s extensive collection.

The opening reception includes a curator-led tour of the exhibition, refreshments, and the chance to purchase a masquerade mask made by the Design Graduate Student Association for November 4′s Goldstein anniversary bash.

Event details:
Opening reception 6-8 p.m. Thursday, October 20. Exhibition runs October 14-December 30 at the Goldstein Museum of Design, 364 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, 612-624-7434, goldstein.design.umn.edu. Tickets start at $125 and are now available for “The Black & White Ball: 35 Years of Celebrating Design,” November 4 at International Market Square. For tickets and more information, contact gmd@umn.edu or 612-624-7434.

MNfashion Week is in full swing, and three of tonight’s events take place in St. Paul: the local designer group show “Little Black Dress,” Local Motion’s Pop-up Boutique & Fashion Show, and the sci-fi/steampunk-inspired show “Athenaeum.” (Click my previous post for details, and read Kate Iverson’s Q&A with “Little Black Dress” designer George Moskal for the651.)

With the frenzy of fashion this weekend, more stylish events were bound to pop up. Case in point: Up Six Vintage’s 10th Anniversary Fash-Bash and Costume Contest, taking place on Saturday night at Turf Club. The St. Paul vintage haven is celebrating ten years of business with a rock show-meets-costume contest. Come in costumes from any era for the chance to win big prizes, plus a vintage fashion show with looks from Up Six and live music from Pink Mink, Little Man, Red Pens and Grant Cutler. Be sure to be on your game – no French maids or costumes-in-a-bag are allowed.
When: 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show. Saturday, Oct. 8.
Where: Turf Club, 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-917-0470, upsixvintage.com

More weekend shopping in St. Paul:

Wednesday-Saturday: 3rd Annual Fall & Holiday Vintage Sale
What: The 3rd annual Fall & Holiday Vintage Sale returns with a mix of vendors that include REfind Vintage, Jiggity Junk, RoxPaperScissors, and New Vintage Designs. Shop home décor, holiday items, clothing, bags, and more, and enjoy cider and home-backed treats.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 5-Saturday, Oct. 8.
Where: 38 E. Wyoming St., St. Paul.

Thursday: Camba Jewelry Trunk Show
What. Parisian-styled St. Paul boutique A. Michele hosts a Camba Jewelry trunk show this weekend featuring the designs of local jewelry designer Kristin Krull. Enjoy drinks, treats, and discounts as you view more than 200 designs from the fall 2011 line including pieces from her silk chain collection. Bring a friend, and you’ll both receive an adjustable Filigree Ring, and all shoppers can take 20 percent off your entire purchase during the event.
When: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6.
Where: A. Michele, 1591 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-917-6966.

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