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This weekend, a jazz drummer returns to his hometown, a renowned guitarist takes up the Haiti cause, and a ’60s soul singer is still hot.

Matt Slocum

Friday & Saturday: Matt Slocum Trio
One of St. Paul’s prodigal sons has returned - as a big-time jazz composer and drummer from the Big Apple. Though he was born and raised here, Matt Slocum has never performed in the Twin Cities until now. After high school, he went out of state to study, subsequently doing session work on both coasts and eventually moving to New York. He’s on the road promoting his debut recording of originals, Portraits, released just last month. Expect lush instrumentation, soulful saxophone, and intellectual subtleties. (9 p.m. Fri. & Sat. $15. 18-plus. Artists’ Quarter, 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-292-1359. www.artistsquarter.com”.)

illo Minn

Friday & Saturday: Illo. Minn: Volume Two

The opening party was last Thursday, but there’s still time to check out the must-see show if you didn’t make it out. The ROBOTlove-sponsored show features 28 local illustrators and two pieces from each, including their individual takes on the beloved Munny doll. (Though the dolls were purported to have sold during Thursday’s silent auction.) Next Thursday, hear from illustrators including DC Ice, Adam Turman, Nancy Carlson, Andy Powell, and Eric Hanson during a panel discussion. (Noon-6 p.m. Fri. Noon-4 p.m. Sat. Discussion: 6-7:30 p.m. next Thu. Exhibition runs through Mar. 6. Free. College of Visual Arts, 344 Summit Ave., St. Paul. 651-224-3416. www.cva.edu.)

Syl Johnson

Friday & Saturday: Syl Johnson
Soul singer/guitarist Syl Johnson has been around since the late ‘60s, when he made a name for himself with socially-conscious lyrics and a smooth, Al Green-esque voice. His vintage soul has since resurfaced via samples in classic hip hop tracks from the likes of Public Enemy and Wu-Tang Clan. Either way, his voice is sure to stir some familiarity within you. (8 p.m. Fri. & Sat. $12-15. Wilebski’s Blues Saloon, 601 N. Western Ave., St. Paul. 651-228-9959.)

Zoo Animal

Saturday: Zoo Animal, Hildur Victoria, Ten Centuries, Telepathos
Runners-up in City Pages’ Picked to Click in 2009, minimalist grunge-pop trio Zoo Animal are one of the hottest local acts in town coming into 2010. The band will be joined by some other up-and-comers - folksters Hildur Victoria and nu-gazers Telepathos. The new two-piece from Bill Caperton of Ela, Askeleton and One for the Team fame, Ten Centuries, also performs. (9 p.m. $5. 21-plus. Turf Club, 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486. www.turfclub.net.)

'Transylvania Television'

Saturday: ‘Transylvania Television’ Meet-and-Greet
Meet the cast and producers of Transylvania Television, a “retro monster comedy that’s not really for kids.” The show, about a television station run by monsters in the Carpathian Mountains, was conceived of by a Minneapolis-based filmmaker Michael J. Jeagle and special effects guru Gordon Smuder. We’re hoping to spy some of the Henson-esque puppets. (4-8 p.m. Sat. Free. Source Comics and Games, 1601 W. Larpenteur Ave., Roseville. 651-645-0386. www.sourcecandg.com.)

Hungary

Sunday: Urban Expedition: Hungary
If you’re looking for something a little more family-oriented, round up the kids and head to the Landmark Center for this event showcasing the best in Hungarian culture and customs. Everything from art and dance to food and music will be represented. (1 p.m. Sun. Free. Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul. 651-292-3293. www.landmarkcenter.org.)

Details Style Lab

Sunday: Charity Salon Service Jam for Haiti
The ever-charitable folks at Details Style Lab are giving you the chance to get pretty - for a good cause.The salon and spa host a charity salon service jam for one day only, with all proceeds going to White Bear Lake’s Healing Haiti organization. Call now to make your appointment.(Sun. Noon-5 p.m. Details Style Lab, 346 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-251-8700. www.detailsmn.com.)

Peter Lang

Sunday: Haiti Recovery Benefit Concert
Renowned acoustic guitarist Peter Lang is behind the latest Haiti concert in the Twin Cities. He’s joined by an impressive group of national and local blues and folk acts, including Pat Donohue, Peter Ostroushko, Nikki and the RueMates, Phil Heywood and others. The proceeds go to benefit the Friends of the Orphans organization, which provides pediatric medical care and run an orphanage in Haiti. (2-6 p.m. Sun. $50 suggested donation. Wellstone Center, 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul. 651-482-1703. www.friendsoftheorphans.org.)

"Under ther Cherry Moon"

Monday: “Under the Cherry Moon”
A little-known film directed by and starring Prince and Jerome from the Time, Under the Cherry Moon is receiving a rare screening thanks to underground film collaborative Trash Film Debauchery. The duo play gigolos who swindle rich women out of money; things get complicated when Prince falls in love. The romantic comedy-meets-drama-meets-musical film was best-known for its soundtrack, Parade, which featured the Prince hit “Kiss.” Unlike Purple Rain, the only performance by Prince in the film is for “Girls & Boys.” Prince is our hometown celeb, so it’s kind of required viewing. (10 p.m. Free. 21-plus. Turf Club, 1601 University Ave W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486.)

There’s so many great dance parties, rock shows, jazz revues, and riverboat cruises (yes, you heard me!) happening in St. Paul this weekend. Here’s the best - and the rest:

Grant Hart photographed by Steven Cohen

Grant Hart at Station 4
\Hot off a fall tour for his first album in a decade, ex-Hüsker Dü co-frontman Grant Hart plays a rare gig with a full band. Hot Wax is a return to form for the eccentric performer, which Pichfork called “1960s-infused garage pop clearly from the same soul who wrote all those era-defining Hüsker Dü classics.” Opening is the Phil Solem Band, led by the former frontman of the Rembrandts, and the Beautifics. (8 p.m. $10-12. 21-plus. 210 E. 4th St., St. Paul. 651-298-0173. www.station4.com)

Vampire Hands

New Year’s Eve Covers Night at Turf Club
Turf Club’s third annual New Year’s Eve covers night boasts five hot local bands playing all-covers from the band of their choice. Vampire Hands is joined by Nate Nelson of Private Dancer to transform themselves into a psychedelic version of Television; Leisure Birds and Zach Rose (formerly of Young Dudes) take on The Monks; Daughters of the Sun aptly cover shoegaze legends Jesus And Mary Chain; Marijuana Deathsquad join with Total Fucking Blood and Gina to become Brian Eno; and Secret Language masquerades as Fleetwood Mac. While you’re there, head down to the Clown Lounge for DJ sets from Winship, TRL and Secret Language. (9 p.m. $8. 21-plus. 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486. www.turfclub.net)

Minnesota Centennial Showboat

SPStyle New Year’s Eve Party on the Centennial Showboat Theater
Partying on a riverboat going down the Mississippi has to be one of the most memorable ways to ring in the New Year, and the Twin Cities are pretty much the only place that offers such a treat in the U.S. This party is hosted by Local hip hop production company SPStyle, so the DJ and MC lineup is pretty hip hop-oriented and includes DJ D.Mil, Goulash Band, Rico Nevotion, DJ Doez It, DJ Francisco and many more. My bet is that they won’t be able to stop themselves from playing the T-Payne-satirizing “We’re On A Boat.” (9 p.m. 21+. $25-50. Harriet Island, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd., St. Paul. 651-266-6400.)

DEMO New Year’s Eve Bash at St. Paul Aerie for the Arts/Eagles Club
The Diverse Emerging Music Organization (DEMO) kicks off a weekend full of music at the Eagles Club with a New Year’s Eve show, featuring a lineup of local bluegrass acoustic acts. Whiskey Sournotes, Al Grande, Josh Von Mink, the Zingrays, Hunter Hero, and more fill out this packed bill. (7 p.m. $5. 18+. 287 Maria Ave., St. Paul. 651-774-7643.)

Irv Williams

Carole Martin & the Irv Williams Quartet at Artists’ Quarter
Jazz haven the Artists’ Quarter isn’t too shabby on an average night, bringing in the Twin Cities’ hotbed of local jazz and blues talent throughout the week for the past 15 years. When it comes to a night like New Year’s, though, they’ve really pulling out the big guns. Carole Martin’s a seasoned standard singer whose resume goes back before the British Invasion, and tenor saxophonist Irv “Mr. Smooth” Williams has been playing a few decades prior to that. The Artists’ Quarter’s cozy surroundings should provide an intimate backdrop, and a complimentary food spread can’t hurt. (9 p.m. $35-45. 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-292-1359.)

More St. Paul NYE destinations:

St. Paul gay bar Camp hosts a Black & White Ball, kicking off with a live comedy and variety show before going into a soul dance party and prizes all night long. (8:30 p.m. Free before 10 p.m. or $5. 490 N. Robert St., St. Paul. 651-292-1844.) DJ Frayz headlines Lowertown GLBT club Rumours & Innuendo’s New Year’s Eve festivities. Also on tap: prizes, drink specials, midnight champagne toast, and a light show. (10 p.m. Free. 213 E. 4th St., St. Paul.) The Bulldog Lowertown is hosting a New Year’s Eve party complete with live music from the Blazing Saddles and a champagne toast at midnight. (8 p.m. Free. 237 E. 6th St., St. Paul. 651-221-0750.) Minnesota Music Cafe is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with local R&B/soul bands Soul Surreal and High & Mighty. (7 p.m. Free. All ages. 499 Payne Ave., St. Paul. 651-776-4699.)

On tap this weekend in St. Paul: a new residency from DJ Jonathan Ackerman, First Friday Happy Hour in Lowertown, a men’s fashion show, and Mark Mallman at the Turf Club.

Jonathan Ackerman

THURSDAY: DJ Jonathan Ackerman at Barrio Lowertown
Prolific beatmaker Jonathan Ackerman hops over the river for his first weekly residency - at the newly-minted Barrio Lowertown, natch. The hip Mexican fusion bar and eatery should provide the perfect backdrop for Ackerman’s eclectic sound, alternately hard-rocking and gently-grooving. While you’re there, take advantage of the night’s drink specials: $3 Barrio margaritas and $4 Red Bull vodkas. (9 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. 235 6th St. E., St. Paul. 651-222-3250.)

Artists' Quarter

FRIDAY: Lowertown First Friday Happy Hour
Every first Friday of the month, St. Paul’s independent art galleries and studios join forces for the First Friday open studio. Afterward, a bunch of Lowertown clubs and bars get into the mix with an evening happy hour. This month, the Artists’ Quarter will open early just for us Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Enjoy live jazz music from McNally Smith College of Music students and free pizza compliments of Wild Tymes. The Artists’ Quarter is located in the basement of the Hamm Building. As usual, you can expect two-for-ones on select tap beers at The Blackdog Wine Bar & Cafe, The Bulldog Lowertown, Rumours/Innuendo, Senor Wong, Station 4, and Trattoria da Vinci. Just say “FIRST FRIDAY” to receive your discount. (6-9 p.m. Free. Various locations. Click HERE for more info.)

Also recommended: The 8hz label releases its first compilation with a lineup including many of the featured bands: Me and My Arrow, Fort Wilson Riot, Economy Team, Buildings, Phantom Tales, and Speed’s The Name. (9 p.m. $5. 21-plus. 1601 University Av. W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486.)

SATURDAY:

A look from Flirt boutique

Hunting Opener Party at Flirt
To celebrate the men being out of town for hunting opening, lingerie boutique Flirt is hosting a cheekily-named Hunting Opener Party. Indulge in champagne, cupcakes and 20 percent off one item, and sample products from Sunrider skin care and cosmetics. (3-7 p.m. 177 Snelling Av. N., St. Paul.)

A Ben Sherman look at Details

Men’s Fall Fashion Mingle
One of the very few all-men’s boutiques in the Twin Cities, Details Style Lab hosts a Men’s Fall Fashion Mingle. Male models will don the latest in fall and winter fashions, including looks from Ben Sherman, Skunk Funk, Cloth Logic, Bertigo, and the popular Bjorn Borg underwear line. (10-11:30 p.m. at Rumours & Innuendo, 213 4th St. E., St. Paul. 11:30 p.m.-1 a.m. at Camp Bar, 490 N. Robert St., St. Paul.)

Mark Mallman

Mark Mallman at Turf Club
Mark Mallman blows the lid off Turf Club with his madmen piano stylings. Boasting “the fastest piano in the Midwest,” Mallman should be up to his usual antics, which have included driving a motorbike onstage and playing from inside a refrigerator box for hours on end. He’s sure to dip mainly from his latest release, September’s The Invincible Criminal, as well as his catalog from over the past ten years. The Alpha Centauri and Total Babe open. (9 p.m. $6. 21-plus. 1601 University Av. W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486.)

It’s a stylish weekend in St. Paul with the opening of new men’s store BlackBlue, a fashion show from longtime local designer Hazel Matthys, the expansion of Heimie’s Haberdashery into womenswear, and a headlining show from British rockers The Horrors.

BlackBlue

THURSDAY: BlackBlue Grand Opening, Hazel Matthys + “Angels and Divas”
The Twin Cities seems to be in dire need of shops that cater to the style-conscious man, so the arrival of well-edited menswear boutique BlackBlue in St. Paul comes as a welcome addition to the Selby & Dale intersection. Look for classic plaids by Pendleton and mod-style polos from Original Penguin and Fred Perry, as well as shoes and accessories. The grand opening will feature champagne, wine, cheese and music - and probably lots of hip, good-looking dudes. (7-10 p.m. 614 Selby Av., St. Paul.) Bonus: Read my interview with BlackBlue’s Steve Kang in l’etoile.

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FRIDAY: Solid Gold at Turf Club

The Twin Cities’ favorite synth pop band, Solid Gold, play one of their more intimate venues in a while. Hot off big gigs such as the Walker Art Center’s Rock the Garden, The MN Zoo and First Ave’s Mainroom, the likelihood of this show selling out is extremely high, so show up early! See them before they can’t humanly play here again and enjoy the fuzzy electro deliciousness that is Solid Gold up close and personal. This last minute show will also feature Kum ‘n Go and Colder in Moscow. (Turf Club, 9 p.m., $10. 21+. 1601 University Avenue, St. Paul)

Also Friday: Freddy Fresh at Concrete & Grass Festival in Lowertown (through Sunday), A Tribute to Nat King Cole at the Artists’ Quarter, The Rose Ensemble free showcase concert at Central Presbyterian Church.

SATURDAY: The Good the Bad and the Funky at MN Music Cafe

If you’re in the mood for some funky nostalgia then the Minnesota Music Cafe ought to be your destination tonight. Popular local dance band, The Good the Band and the Funky once again take over the MMC with their horn-heavy 10 piece ensemble. Playing funk and soul classics with a rock ‘n roll edge is their forte, so expect hepped up renditions of tunes a la James Brown, Earth Wind and Fire, Tower of Power, Stevie Wonder and more. These shows tend to be packed so arrive early to secure your spot on the dance floor. (Minnesota Music Cafe, 9 p.m. 21+. 499 Payne Avenue, St. Paul)

Also Saturday: JLBattle of Metal at Station 4; Woods/Vamp Hands/Daughters of the Sun/Leisure Birds at Turf Club; Kid Dakota, Desdamona, Romantica and more at Concrete and Grass (Fest runs through Sunday)

SUNDAY: Japandroids w/ Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band at Turf Club

Vancouver power-punk duo Japandroids have perfected a simple equation, combining frantic guitar riffs and strong melodies for a sound that is unapologetic toward its love for Hüsker Dü and Sonic Youth. Their latest, Post-Nothing, is chock-full of distorted, buzzed-out guitar and pounding drums. Despite the apparently nihilistic name of their album and the veil of fuzz they wrap around their sound, the band can’t seem to hide its pop catchiness. Seattle’s Mt. St. Helens Vietnam band and local neu-gazers Gospel Gossip open. (9 p.m. $7. 21+. Turf Club, 1601 University Avenue, St. Paul)

Also Sunday: Mystery Six/Longbottom/Leaf/Wrestling with Wolves at Big V’s, Heiruspecs at Concrete and Grass Festival

This weekend and early next week, St. Paul’s got loads of options to keep your nightlife buzzing. Local psychedelic rockers Vampire Hands have their LP release at the Turf, while Tracy Chapman delivers her stripped-down, bluesy acoustic act at the O’Shaughnessy, Christians rock Harriet Island, and Blink-182 reunite at Xcel.

40 Oz. To Freedom

THURSDAY: 40 Oz. To Freedom at Station 4
Sublime tribute band 40 Oz. To Freedom, named for the band’s most only album, has developed a following in its own right. The San Diego four-piece have been on the road for years, giving the popular reggae punk-rock band’s catalog of much-loved tracks like “What I Got” a fresh twist. It doesn’t hurt that frontman Dane Scott shares a striking resemblance in both vocals and appearance to Bradley Nowell, who died of a drug overdose in 1996 shortly before the band released its debut album. (8 p.m. $12-15. 201 E. 4th St., St. Paul. 651-298-0173.)

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Recommended Reading: Garrison Keillor’s ‘77 Love Sonnets’

Released earlier this Summer, Keillor’s latest book, 77 Love Sonnets, includes “sonnets of praise, some erotic, some lamentations, some street sonnets and a 12-sonnet cycle of months.” Didn’t think Keillor a poet? Well, think again. The local legend has actually put out a few “good” books of poetry in his time. 77 Love Sonnets captures the signature wit and suave wordsmithery that you’ve come to know and appreciate from Keillor, with a romantic, and of course, comedic twist. A clever gift for your sweetheart, or for yourself, 77 Love Sonnets is a definite hometown collectable.

Stop into Keillor’s own St. Paul bookstore, Common Good Books, and pick up a copy today! For more info on the book click HERE

More of my fave bookstores in St. Paul:

Sixth Chamber

Midway Used Books

Half Price Books

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From power-pop in the park, to the Twin Cities’ only lesbian dance night, to the hottest up-and-coming national acts, to Minnesota’s largest indoor music festival, St. Paul has your music and nightlife needs covered this weekend.

THURSDAY

The Hopefuls headline this week's Music in Mears

Music in Mears: The Hopefuls and Ready Goes at Mears Park
Since Erik Appelwick left the Hopefuls and joined Tapes ‘n Tapes, the local supergroup fronted by Darren Jackson (also of Kid Dakota) has been pretty quiet. Though they released a new album back in December, fans don’t get to see the band play live as much as they’d like. Expect unironic keytar playing and unabashed power-pop to avail. Their Music in Mears set will appropriately be followed by a screening of “School of Rock”; St. Paul’s The Bulldog Lowertownwill provide the eats. (6 p.m., movie at dusk. Free. All ages. 221 5th St. E., St. Paul. 651-291-9128.)

Also Thursday: Girl-fronted grunge-metal band Domenica at Station 4; Nick Hensley’s Love Songs for Angrymen at St. Paul Student Center, part of the U of M’s Noontime Concerts Series; mariachi youth chorus Los Ninos de Guadalupe at Castillo Park for the District Del Sol music-and-movies series (followed by a screening of “La Leyenda de la Nahuala”).

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St. Paul’s got your nightlife and music needs covered this weekend. Check out the highlights of Thursday, July 16 through Wednesday, July 22:

THURSDAY

Fancy Ray in the '80s

Fancy Ray and John Conroy at Station 4
If the name Fancy Ray doesn’t seem familiar, his face will. Chances are you’ve seen him hawking products in local commercials looking like a dead ringer for Little Richard, for which he’s become relatively well-known since the mid 1980s. When he’s not being a TV pitchman, running for governor of Minnesota (which he did in 1998), or auditioning for realty TV shows like America’s Got Talent, the self-proclaimed “Best Looking Man in Comedy” also happens to have a comedy act. Though his slapstick act may elicit more groans than belly laughs, it’s worth seeing for the sake of witnessing a longtime local fixture. (8 p.m. Free. 21-plus. 201 E. 4th St., St. Paul. 651-298-0173.)

Also Thursday: Renowned folk singer Arlo Guthrie at the Fitzgerald Theater…Music in Mears featuring The Melismatics in Mears Park…The University Of Minnesota’s Noontime Concert Series featuring Chris Koza at the St. Paul Student Center…Golden Animals, The Suits and Hildur Victoria at the Turf Club.

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