Anytime I want the real dirt on a kid’s theater program I go straight to Janey who was something of a budding child star in the local theater world growing up. Her assessment of Stepping Stone, albeit from back in the day, was that it was about much more than just reciting lines. Kids participate in every aspect of a production including lighting, tech, music, dance and stage management. She also said “it’s a great way to get out of school when there are matinees.” Definitely wisdom we’d like to pass on to our kids.

So, on to the show. In the play, a young girl learns the life stories of her Russian Jewish Grandmother via the trinkets she has collected throughout her life. Beyond just storytelling, the show is heavy on music and dance – which always holds the attention of our slightly squirmy kids. Plus they are all about their Grandmothers, so we’ll definitely be working that angle in the “pitch” to them on why they should pay attention.

One interesting thing happening in the lead-up to this show is that the Pioneer Press has 11 year-old cast member Izzy Rousmaniere doing a behind-the-scenes blog about rehearsals. She seems to have much different attitude than the young, class-skipping Janey had in the late 80s: “Rehearsals go from 6 to 9 every night. I have a pretty busy schedule, so I’m often tired. I also have to find time for my homework.”

Show opens this Friday, full calendar here.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY: Vinyl Record Sale
When Jake Rudh recommends something, we know to pay attention. The Transmission DJ claims a quarter of its collection is from these guys, so you know they’re the real deal. The monolithic vinyl record sale from the owner of now-defunct but much-beloved Let It Be Records and vinyl sellers Go Johnny Go and Riffs-Ahoy happens this weekend for the second time in 2010. The trio will offer up their sweet collections, capitalizing on the latest wave of vinyl fanaticism. To get you through the weekend, they’ve enlisted a series of local DJs (specializing in vinyl, natch) including Phil Borreson of Radio K’s Last Year’s Model (4-6 p.m. Fri.), Chuck Tomlinson of Radio K’s Cosmic Slop (11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat.), Glen Leslie of KFAI’s Jet Set Planet (3-5 p.m. Sat.), and our pal Tim Ritter of Bella Koshka and Blue Sky Blackout (2-4 p.m. Sun.) (4-10 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat. Noon-4 p.m. Sun. Free. Carleton Lofts, 2285 University Ave., St. Paul. Click here for the facebook event page.)

[Art by Nora Alice Dombrock]

[kjurek couture Spring 2010/Photo by Loren Kollmar]

Karma Winter Sale & kjurek couture Spring 2010 launches
Grand Avenue boutique Karma is taking 25 percent off everything in the store, including regular priced items and spring arrivals, and an additional 25 percent off sale items. While you’re there, check out the new spring collection of dresses by local line kjurek couture by Kimberly Jurek. (Karma, 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-291-1997.)

Smashbox Promotion at FiveTwoSix
Did you hear? FiveTwoSix Salon in St. Paul now carries Smashbox Cosmetics. To celebrate, they’re offering a makeup application for only $32, which then applies toward any Smashbox purchase through the month of March. (FiveTwo Six Salon and Gallery, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-3839.)

Bibelot Special Offer
If you bring any gently-used clothing donations to any of Bibelot’s four Twin Cities locations, receive a coupon for 20 percent off any regularly-priced clothing items. All donations will go to Arc’s Value Village. (Through March 31. Bibelot: 1082 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-0321; 2276 Como Ave., St. Paul. 651-646-5651.)

[Sale items at Picky Girl]

Picky Girl Winter Sale
St. Paul boutique Picky Girl is kicking off its winter sale with 25 to 60 percent off all regular-priced clothing, shoes and accessories, with offerings from national lines like Kenzie Girl and Covet, and local darlings Calpurnia Peach. (Ongoing while supplies last. Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-4107.)

Winter Sale at Stephanie’s
Highland Park boutique Stephanie’s is taking 50 to 70 percent off all its fall and winter merchandise, including lines like Nicole Miller, Tracy Reese, and LuLuLame. (Ongoing while supplies last. Highland Park: 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-690-3802.)

[F-Troupe at BlackBlue]

BlackBlue Winter Sale
UK brand F-Troupe, represented out of the Opening Ceremony showroom in NYC, is now on sale at St. Paul boutique BlackBlue. They’re also offering 20 to 50 percent off on select fall/winter 2009 clothing and footwear. brands include: Hyden Yoo, Cockpit, Shades of Greige, Fred Perry, Original Penguin, Woolrich, Generic Surplus, and Tretorn. While you’re there, check out the new spring arrivals. Fred Perry and Shades of Greige SS10 are already in; look for Filson bags and travel luggage and more Red Wing styles coming soon. (BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul.)

Wil arranged porcini mushroom-crusted veal medallions on linguine with garlic butter, sauteed mushrooms and spinach, topped off with roasted tomato butter sauce.

Make sure to check out the video to see how “easy” the dish is to make at home for you, your family or a loved one.

If you become a fan of Pazzaluna by March 10th, you will be entered into a drawing to win a $20 Pazzaluna gift card!

Solid Gold

FRIDAY & SATURDAY: Solid Gold EP Release at Turf Club
Local dance-rock, neo-disco pioneers Solid Gold and their sexy groove-injected tracks have been making national waves as of late. They hosted MTV2’s Subterranean last Sunday and their Green Label Sound-released video for “Matter of Time” has been in regular rotation on MTV2 and MTVu. This weekend, don’t miss the guys’ two-night affair at the Turf, which ushers in their latest EP, Synchronized. Indie poppers, Now, Now Children and power-popsters Wishbook open on Friday night, and Robert Smith Kindreds, electro-beatsters CLAPS and remix master DJ Gigamesh kick off the show on Saturday. (9 p.m. $12. 21-plus. Turf Club, 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486. www.turfclub.net)

Work by Jon Reischl

SATURDAY: An Evening of Odds: Jon Reischl at Nicademus Art
Check up on what St. Paul artists have been working on this winter. This time around, it’s a solo show from Jon Reischl, whose colorful Francis Bacon-esque paintings are equally mesmerizing and disturbing. Acclaimed blues-folk duo The Pines provide auditory accompaniment to what should make for an odd, inspiring evening. (7-11 p.m. Free. Nicademus Art, 225 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul. 651-207-8322. www.nicademusart.com)

Minnesota RollerGirls

SATURDAY: Minnesota RollerGirls at Roy Wilkens Auditorium
The undefeated Atomic Bombshells face off against the Garda Belts, while Dagger Dolls take on reigning champs the Rockits during this weekend’s home bout from the Minnesota RollerGirls. Fans are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite team’s colors – red for the Rockits, green for the Garda Belts, orange for the Atomic Bombshells and pink for the Dagger Dolls – to show their support. Their last bout on February 6 was a sold-out event, bringing in more than 4,700 fans, so consider it a can’t-miss (not to mention the half-time entertainment is a Guns ‘N Roses cover band called Dust ‘N Bones). Pre-bout happy hours take place at O’Gara’s and Station 4, each with free parking and shuttle buses, and O’Gara’s hosts the after party - where fans have the chance to party and do karaoke with their favorite RollerGirls. (Bout begins at 7:30 p.m. $11-15. All ages. Roy Wilkens Auditorium, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. 651-265-4800. www.mnrollergirls.com)

First Communion Afterparty. Photo by Emily Utne

SATURDAY: First Communion Afterparty at Eclipse Records
Local psych-rocker supergroup First Communion Afterparty plays a rare all ages show at this in-store gig at St. Paul’s premier independent record store, Eclipse Records. Though in the beginning FCAP seemed more style than substance, thanks to the Mamas and the Papas-esque getups of the baby-faced band and the cultish, communal lifestyle the band leads, but they’ve proven themselves ptuting out a live show recording on vinyl and making it to third place in City Pages‘ Picked to Click poll. With Ten Ton Bridge, 22 Chemicals, and Middlepicker. (7 p.m. $5. All ages. Eclipse Records, 1922 University Ave. W., St. Paul. 651-645-7724. Eclipse Records on MySpace)

Ben Kyle

SUNDAY: Americana Showcase at James J. Hill Library
A new series of local, intimate concerts hosted by the James J. Hill Library, the Americana Showcase features a lineup of some of the most well-reputed roots-based singer-songwriters in town. That includes Adam Levy of The Honeydogs, Ben Kyle of Romantica, Martin Zellar of the Gear Daddies and Brandon Sampson of Six Mile Grove. It concides with the opening of a new photo exhibit by environmentalist Clyde Butcher, fittingly titled, “America the Beautiful: The Monumental Landscape.” Upcoming Americana Showcases include Molly Maher (March 27), Martin Devaney (April 9), Dan Israel (April 30), and many more. (7:30 p.m. $20-22 per show or $75 for season. All ages. James J. Hill Library, 80 W. 4th St., St. Paul. 651-265-5500. www.americanashowcase.com)

Jaime Carrera in "Carolesque!"

TUESDAY: No More Wire Hangers! A Brief History of Camp at Turf Club’s Clown Lounge
Whether you’re a camp novice or well-studied on the topic, the Minnesota Historical Society’s presentation on the history of camp should prove both entertaining and informative. Local performance artist and camp afficionado Jaime Carrera co-hosts along with art historian Ross K. Elfine, who will share examples of camp in art and film. (7:30-9 p.m. Free. 21-plus. Turf Club, 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul. www.mnhs.org/hip)

This week, the651 visited Heimie’s Haberdashery in search of a fashion-forward, but versatile, working man’s wardrobe. Do you know how to mix and match your clothes and take them from day to night? Well, we attempted to take a professional man from work day to casual (but not too casual) in a matter of minutes!

We recruited some of St. Paul’s most stylish men to model for us!

Greg Pike

Todd Walker

Adam Johnson

Greg Pike styled: Heimie’s own Custom Label suit, $1075; JC Richards tie, $95; Bruno Piattelli pocket square, $24; Allen Edmonds shoes, $325

Greg is the hotel Manager for Holiday Inn, Saint Paul-RiverCentre.   When you need a place to stay…call Greg!  If Greg doesn’t answer, he is probably spending time with his family or attending a Minnesota WILD game!

Todd Walker styled: Peter Millar sport coat, $695; Enzo dress shirt, $98; pocket square, $55; cufflinks, $125

Todd is a reporter for Fox 9 and does the “Man About Town” feature.  He also stops in to my Talk 107.1 to give his “weekend hit list.”  You probably have seen Todd in various magazines around the Twin Cities exemplifying his Metro area socialite status!

Adam Johnson styled: Heimie’s own Custom Label 3-piece suit, $1075; JC Richards tie, $95; pocket square, $24; Allen Edmonds shoes, $198

Adam is the Interim Vice President of Marketing at the Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Authority.  Adam is our 651.com “Off The Beaten Path” writer.  If you see the same tall gentleman in more than one spot around the city…it’s probably Adam…stalking you!

Check out the video to see how they did!

Behind the scenes:

Vincent, Store Manager at Heimie's, walking us through Todd's casual look.

And we are rolling!

Greg & Adam...having a good time!

Todd Walker, Adam Johnson, Vincent Jenny, Greg Pike

[Up Six Vintage]

Tuesday-Sunday: Up Six Winter Sale
St. Paul vintage boutique Up Six kicks off its semi-annual winter sale this week before they stock their racks with spring stock. Take 20 percent off all jewelry and jewelry case items, 30 percent off all clothing and accessories, and 10 to 50 percent off furniture, housewares, home decor, and LPs. (Up Six Vintage, 157 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul. 651-917-0470.)

Thursday: Wacoal special offer at Herberger’s
Get a complimentary fitting in a Wacoal or b.tempt’d bra at Herberger’s at Rosedale and sign up to receive a monthly breast self-exam reminder. In return, Wacoal will donate $2 to local breast cancer organization Susan G. Komen Foundation, and $2 more for any Wacoal brand bra, shapewear, or b.tempt’d bra purchased. (Rosedale Herberger’s, 600 Rosedale Shopping Cnt., Roseville, 651-635-2600.)

Ongoing:

Smashbox Promotion at FiveTwoSix
Did you hear? FiveTwoSix Salon in St. Paul now carries Smashbox Cosmetics. To celebrate, they’re offering a makeup application for only $32, which then applies toward any Smashbox purchase through the month of March. (FiveTwo Six Salon and Gallery, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-3839.)

Bibelot Special Offer
If you bring any gently-used clothing donations to any of Bibelot’s four Twin Cities locations, receive a coupon for 20 percent off any regularly-priced clothing items. All donations will go to Arc’s Value Village. (Through March 31. Bibelot: 1082 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-0321; 2276 Como Ave., St. Paul. 651-646-5651.

[A look by kjurek couture; Image by Stacy Schwartz]

Karma Winter Sale
Grand Avenue boutique Karma is taking 25 percent off everything in the store, including regular priced items and spring arrivals, and an additional 25 percent off sale items. That includes locally-made dresses by one of our favorites, kjurek couture by Kimberly Jurek. (Karma, 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-291-1997.)

[Sale items at Picky Girl]

Picky Girl Winter Sale
St. Paul boutique Picky Girl is kicking off its winter sale with 25 to 60 percent off all regular-priced clothing, shoes and accessories, with offerings from national lines like Kenzie Girl and Covet, and local darlings Calpurnia Peach. (Ongoing while supplies last. Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-4107.)

Winter Sale at Stephanie’s
Highland Park boutique Stephanie’s is taking 50 to 70 percent off all its fall and winter merchandise, including lines like Nicole Miller, Tracy Reese, and LuLuLame. (Ongoing while supplies last. Highland Park: 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-690-3802.)

[F-Troupe at BlackBlue]

BlackBlue Winter Sale
UK brand F-Troupe, represented out of the Opening Ceremony showroom in NYC, is now on sale at St. Paul boutique BlackBlue. They’re also offering 20 to 50 percent off on select fall/winter 2009 clothing and footwear. brands include: Hyden Yoo, Cockpit, Shades of Greige, Fred Perry, Original Penguin, Woolrich, Generic Surplus, and Tretorn. While you’re there, check out the new spring arrivals. Fred Perry and Shades of Greige SS10 are already in; look for Filson bags and travel luggage and more Red Wing styles coming soon. (BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul.)

They Played for the Love of the Game (through August 20th)

In honor of Black History Month, the Ramsey Country History Society celebrates the outstanding athletes involved in the Twin Cities’ Negro Baseball Leagues in the ’40s-’60s. The exhibit, They Played for the Love of the Game, traces the history of the African American players and explores why the Negro League was formed and how American sports were altered after Jackie Robinson broke the color barriers. The exhibit runs through August 20th. While you’re there, be sure to check out other ongoing exhibits at the Landmark including Henry P. Bosse’s Views of the Upper Mississippi and Uncle Sam Worked Here, an interactive interpretive exhibit that gives visitors a glimpse into federal courts, wartime activities, prohibition, Immigration and more that occurred in Landmark Center over the past 105 years.

RCHS Exhibit Gallery, Landmark Center, 75 W Fifth Street, St Paul
8-5pm Monday-Friday, Thursdays until 8pm, Saturday 10-5pm, and Sunday 1-5pm

Illo Minn: Volume Two (through March 6th)

Attention design geeks! Head over to the College of Visual Arts before March 6th to peruse the prowess of 28 commercially active Minnesota illustrators. This biennial exhibition features one original work from each artist, along with a custom created Munny doll by each as well. What’s a Munny, you ask? It’s a vinyl figure that comes as a blank canvas for anyone to work their creative magic on; Munnys are customizable versions of the collectible, artist-designed Dunnys that always seem to get custom toy lovers in a tizzy. The illustrated munnys will be sold in a silent auction that will raise funds for the CVA scholarship fund. Artists involved in the show include local favorites such as Allen Brewer, Mike Carina, DC Ice, Adam Turman and many, many more. The exhibit runs through March 6th. Free and open to the public. (Cover art pictured by Andy Powell)

CVA Gallery, Western Avenue North in St. Paul (on the corner of Western and Selby avenues)
Gallery Hours: Wed & Fri Noon-6pm / Thurs Noon-8pm / Sat Noon-4pm

Lowertown First Friday Art Crawl (March 5th and every first Friday of the month)

Head to Lowertown this Friday night for the next installment of the First Friday Art Crawl,  featuring artsy exploration, live performances, food and drink specials, and plenty of creative hobnobbing! Participating galleries and art spots include the Tilsner, Jax Building, Lowertown Lofts, Northwestern Building, Northern Warehouse, Peach Gallery and the AZ Gallery. After art crawlin’ to your heart’s content, head down to Lowertown’s happenin’ hot spot, the Black Dog Cafe for a glass of vino, a peek at original art pieces, and tunes from the Fantastic Merlins. Cap things off with late night happy hour at Barrio where $5 margaritas and cheap snacks abound. Lowertown First Fridays Art Crawl runs every month from 6-9 pm at various venues in the St. Paul’s Lowertown district. (art pictured by Kara Hendershot)

6-9pm, March 5th, Lowertown St. Paul, Various Locations. Click HERE for the First Fridays blog.

On Thursday, the651.com will be adding new elements and begin a new segment called 65FUN!  I know, all of you are thinking…what a creative name!  Watch each week as the651 features new interactive highlights in addition to current content.  Features will include:  video podcasts on the guest blog–with everything from cooking demonstrations to tutorials for accessorizing.

65FUN will also be introducing a photo contest, which will consist of photos taken of places around Saint Paul.  First, we will show you a partial photo of a popular place in Saint Paul.  Second, you will e-mail stacy@capcitypartnership.com your answer.  The first person to guess correctly WINS!  A fantastic prize will be given to a new winner every week.  A new photo will be presented every Thursday at 9 am.  O.K., all you Saint Paul know-it-alls, this is your chance to show us how well you know the city!

Stay up to date by joining Facebook and Twitter!

Where are we?

At The Nook in St. Paul!

A lunch date with a certain 651-based pal last week proved to be deliciously memorable. Despite the slushy road conditions, I braved the elements and made the cruise to Downtown Saint Paul with one goal in mind: To eat a pulled pork sandwich. Now, Pop!’s pulled pork sandwich is no ordinary pulled pork sandwich. It’s the BEST pulled pork sandwich in all the land, in my humble opinion. The “Asado” sandwich as it’s called, comes with a pile of thick, crispy seasoned fries and features a mound of succulent pulled pork liberally doused in a citrus barbecue sauce, then topped with a tangy pile of  pickled onions. The pillow-soft bun that “holds” the meaty feast together may as well be decoration, considering this monstrous delight is far from being pick-up-able. I opted to eat mine with a fork and knife (like a lady) and got less than half-way through it before giving up on finishing it (and yes, of course I had it boxed up…and yes, I did eat the rest of it in the car).

My companion opted for a slightly healthier, but still to-die-for meal in the Grilled Steak Salad, a meat-heavy bowl filled with freshly grilled chimichurri-marinated steak, springy mixed greens, crumbling blue cheese, avocado, and a splash of Sherry vinaigrette.  In other words, one hell of a salad. I was jealous, but I had my pulled pork, so there wasn’t really much time to dwell.

Pop! also boasts a festive and delectable selection of lunch items such as Ecuadorean Shrimp Ceviche with Cornuts, Chicken Posole Soup, Warm Beet Salad, a panko-breaded walleye sandwich, Swedish Meatballs, hearty burgers (both beef and Salmon), a plethora of pastas and much more. The dinner menu stays relatively the same with some additional entrees, starters and desserts. And true to its name, Pop! delivers a bubbly menu of fancy bevies such Stewart’s Key Lime Pie soda and some not-so-fancy, yet classic sips including Orange Crush. For the booze hounds among you, there’s also a full bar, so fear not!

As far as ambiance, the bright and airy space boasts a very retro-modern feel, with Warhol-inspired wall installations, modern table decor and settings, floor to ceiling windows and lots and lots of color. Pop! is somewhere you could take the kids (they even have a kid’s menu) but it’s got a just-upscale-enough vibe that could translate quite well into a cute date. Service is friendly and prompt and the prices won’t break the bank either. All in all, an unpretentious, happy joint that I’ll most definitely return to, time and time again…and yes, I’ll probably order the pulled pork sandwich every time.

Pop!, 6 West 6th Street, Downtown St. Paul, 651-228-1002
Mon-Thurs 11am-3:30pm & 5pm-9pm / Fri-Sat 11am-3:30pm & 5pm-10pm