The651.com

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.)

Winter’s plentiful shopping events and sales continue this week.

[My Sister's Closet]

Through Saturday: My Sister’s Closet Winter Clearance Sale
A longtime favorite of this writer, My Sister’s Closet is having its bi-annual blowout sale. The sister-owned shop housed in one of Grand Avenue’s historic houses will be taking 50 percent off everything in stock, including vintage and designer consignment. In other news, look for a second My Sister’s Closet location opening in Uptown Minneapolis at 2741 Hennepin Avenue South on February 1 with all-new stock. (Jan. 18-30. 1136 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-2819.)

Sunday: Rocco Altobelli Salon Spa fund drive and discounts
Locally-owned salon and spa Rocco Altobelli is offerings discounts on services and products for a good cause. Get discounts on services between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. with a donation of three nonperishable food items per service. Cash or check will be accepted for a haircut ($20 plus food), accent color ($20 plus food for 10-12 foils), brow wax ($10 plus food) and lip wax ($7 plus food). All proceeds go to Second Heartland. Appointments can be made beginning Jan. 28. (Jan. 31. St. Paul: 665 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul. 651-690-5491. Rosedale: 1655 County Rd. B2 W., St. Paul. 651-631-2289.)

[A look from Details Style Lab]

Through Sunday: Details Style Lab Deal
Bring two or more non-perishable food items and receive a 10 percent discount at spa and men’s clothing boutique Details Style Lab. The store plans to donate 800 pounds of food this year, providing 150 meals to a family of four. (Ongoing through Jan. 31. 346 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-251-8700.)

[Painting by Sarah Wieben]

Through Sunday: The Grand Hand Winter Sale
Art and gift boutique The Grand Hand is clearing out their stock to make room for new art for the New Year. Save 20 percent on Sarah Wieben paintings, Michael Tonder glass, Tom Homann pottery, and Jemerick pottery. UPDATED: New additions to the sale include 75 percent off Lori O’Neill jackets and Mary Lynn O’Shea jackets and bags, as well as jewelry at 20 to 75 percent off. (Ongoing through Jan. 31. The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-312-1122.)

Through Sunday: Deals at 526 Salon
Kick off your 2010 right with new deals 526 Salon. Now through January, this happening salon and gallery is offering a facial or massage for only $49 (originally $65). A selection of Bumble & Bumble hair treatments are on clearance through January. Take 20 percent off one item, 25 percent off two, and 30 percent off three. (Ongoing through Jan. 31. 526 Salon, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839.)

[Sale items at Picky Girl]

Ongoing: 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.)

Ongoing: Winter Sale at Stephanie’s
What: Both of Stephanie’s locations in Highland Park and 50th & France are taking 50 to 70 percent off fall and winter merchandise. In other news, the store is planning to close its 50th & France location, opting to keep open its popular Highland Park boutique and focus on opening an online shop. No blowout sale is planned for the closing storefront.
When: Ongoing while supplies last
Where: Highland Park: 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-690-3802; 50th & France: 5005 France Ave. S., Mpls. 612-929-2087.

[F-Troupe at BlackBlue]

Ongoing: BlackBlue Shoe Sale
UK brand F-Troupe, represented out of the Opening Ceremony showroom in NYC, is now on sale at St. Paul boutique BlackBlue. Take 25 percent off any pair of F-Troupes in both men’s and women’s styles, while supplies last, as well as men’s Generic Surplus footwear. (While you’re there, check out new men’s denim line, A.P.C. from France.) (Ongoing while supplies last. BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul.)

This week in St. Paul, a new lingerie shop opens its doors to all sizes, the semi-annual clearance sale kicks off at My Sister’s Closet, plus more sales and deals:

[A look from Aubade at Allure]

Lingerie shop Allure opens on Grand Avenue
Busty ladies tired of boring basics when it comes to bras, this news ought to make your eyes light up. New shop Allure, recently opened along Grand Avenue’s shopping district, stocks romantic, stylish lingerie for all sizes. Its shelves are stocked with an eclectic assortment of bras from noteworthy lines like Aubade, LeMystere, and Cosabella that mix support with style - meaning colors, lace, and embellishments. The locally-owned shop also features a chic selection of undies, pajamas, swoon-worthy cashmere robes, sweaters, yoga wear, and bridal lingerie, as well as a knowledgeable staff that will help you find the perfect fit. (Allure, 1051 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-493-6773.)

[My Sister's Closet]

Beginning Monday: My Sister’s Closet Winter Clearance Sale
A longtime favorite of this writer, My Sister’s Closet is having its bi-annual blowout sale. The sister-owned shop housed in one of Grand Avenue’s historic houses will be taking 50 percent off everything in stock, including vintage and designer consignment. (Jan. 18-30. My Sister’s Closet, 1136 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-2819.)

Friday: Face à Face eyewear trunk show at InVision
Local eyewear shop InVision is hosting a trunk show by French eyewear brand Face à Face at its three Metro locations. (11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. InVision Grand Ave.: 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-291-0318.)

[Painting by Sarah Wieben]

[Details Style Lab]

Through Jan. 31: Details Style Lab Deal
What: Bring two or more non-perishable food items and receive a 10 percent discount at spa and men’s clothing boutique Details Style Lab. The store plans to donate 800 pounds of food this year, providing 150 meals to a family of four. (Ongoing through Jan. 31. 346 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-251-8700.)

[Sale items at Picky Girl]

Ongoing: 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.)

Ongoing: Deals at 526 Salon
Kick off your 2010 right with new deals 526 Salon. Now through January, Stephen Trevino’s happening salon and gallery is offering a facial or massage for only $49 (originally $65). A selection of Bumble & Bumble hair treatments are on clearance through January. Take 20 percent off one item, 25 percent off two, and 30 percent off three. (Ongoing through Jan. 31. 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839.)

[F-Troupe at BlackBlue]

Ongoing: BlackBlue Shoe Sale
UK brand F-Troupe, represented out of the Opening Ceremony showroom in NYC, is now on sale at St. Paul boutique BlackBlue. Take 25 percent off any pair of F-Troupes in both men’s and women’s styles, while supplies last, as well as men’s Generic Surplus footwear. While you’re there, check out their latest addition, men’s denim line, A.P.C. from France. (Ongoing while supplies last. BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul.)

The holidays are over, and you know what that means - stores take huge discounts on the remaining fall and winter stocks. We still have at least three months of cold weather left, so take advantage of the deals at St. Paul’s eclectic selection of shops and stock up on your winter wardrobe.

[Painting by Sarah Wieben]

Through January 31: The Grand Hand Winter Sale
Art and gift boutique The Grand Hand is clearing out their stock to make room for new art for the New Year. Save 20 percent on Sarah Wieben paintings, Michael Tonder glass, Tom Homann pottery, and Jemerick pottery. (The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-312-1122.)

January 16-18: Arc’s Value Village Customer Appreciation Sale
Get half off everything at all four locations during Arc’s Value Village’s Customer Appreciation Sale. Revenues from Arc’s Value Village help fund Arc Greater Twin Cities, a nonprofit agency serving the intellectually and developmentally disabled and their families. (Fri.-Sun. 1650 White Bear Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-788-8300.

[Details Style Lab]

Through January 31: Details Style Lab Deal
Bring two or more non-perishable food items and receive a 10 percent discount at spa and men’s clothing boutique Details Style Lab. The store plans to donate 800 pounds of food this year, providing 150 meals to a family of four. (346 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-251-8700.)

Deals at 526 Salon
Kick off your 2010 right with new deals 526 Salon. Now through January, the happening salon is offering a facial or massage for only $49 (originally $65). A selection of Bumble & Bumble hair treatments are on clearance through January. Take 20 percent off one item, 25 percent off two, and 30 percent off three. (526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839.)

651 shirts at Stella.blu
Area code t-shirts have been popping up all over the country as of late, and St. Paul isn’t excluded from the action. T-shirts emblazoned with “651″ are available at Stella.blu. Online, Zazzle.com has a “651>612″ shirts and hoodies, and the graffiti-inspired 651 St. Paul t shirt. (Stella.blu, 1104 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-644-4830.)

Through January 15: Stephanie’s Winter Sale
All fall and winter apparel is 50 to 70 percent off at chic boutique Stephanie’s, including evening dresses, premium denim, coats, sweaters and more. (758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-690-3802.)

[Picky Girl]

Ongoing: Picky Girl Winter Sale
St. Paul boutique Picky Girl is kicking off its winter sale with 25 percent off all regular-priced clothing, shoes and accessories, plus 10 percent off already marked-down items, with offerings from national lines like Kenzie Girl and Covet, and local darlings Calpurnia Peach. (949 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-4107.)

[F-Troupe at BlackBlue]

Ongoing: BlackBlue Shoe Sale
UK brand F-Troupe, represented out of the Opening Ceremony showroom in NYC, is now on sale at St. Paul boutique BlackBlue. Take 25 percent off any pair of F-Troupes in both men’s and women’s styles, while supplies last, as well as men’s Generic Surplus footwear. (While you’re there, check out new men’s denim line, A.P.C. from France.) (614 Selby Ave., St. Paul. www.blkblu.com)

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.)