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.)

While you’re in town checking out the St. Paul Winter Carnival activities (which kicks off this weekend), there’s also a ton of other nightlife events happening this weekend in St. Paul:

Daughters of the Sun

FRIDAY: Modern Radio 10-Year Anniversary Shows at Turf Club
The record label has been pronounced dead to many in the recording industry, but Twin Cities-based label Modern Radio is still kicking after ten years. They’ve also become one of the most well-respected, enterprising, and fair labels in town. To celebrate, they’ve invited a number of its bands to play a couple of gigs, and day one happens in St. Paul’s Turf Club. The lineup includes the Chambermaids, FT (The Shadow Government), psych rockers Daughters of the Sun, Double Bird, and Sheridan Fox. The night promises special bonuses, like fresh-baked cookies by label owners Tom Loftus and Peter Mielech. With so many awesome local bands signed to it, Modern Radio is definitely worth celebrating. (9 p.m. $7. 21-plus. 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul. 55104. 651-647-0486.)

"Troll 2"

SATURDAY: Trash Film Debauchery: “Troll 2″ at Turf Club Clown Lounge
The experts say not to trust Wikipedia, but you can trust it when it comes to its take on the terrible D movie Troll 2: “(It’s) widely considered to be of poor quality.” That’s enough for Trash Film Debauchery, a group of trash film afficionados who regularly hold screenings at the Turf Club. The 1990 horror film doesn’t actually include any trolls from the original Troll, nor does it have anything to do with the original movie. Instead, the film follows a family that travels to the far-away kingdom of Nilbog, which turns out to be a goblin den. The strangest part may be that the goblins are actually vegetarians, so they have to turn people into plants in order to eat them. It’s bad enough to have inspired a recent documentary called Best Worst Movie. (10 p.m. Free. 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul. 55104. 651-647-0486.)

Beer Dabbler

SATURDAY: Beer Dabbler at St. Paul Winter Carnival in Mears Park (SOLD OUT)
For the first time, the St. Paul Winter Carnival has teamed up with the traveling Beer Dabbler Showcase. More than 40 different breweries will serve all-you-can-handle tastings of its selections, including locals Lift Bridge, Fulton, Finnegans, Brau Brothers, and others. Head over post-parade or after the Coronation, or before the hot air balloon launch. If you get hungry, Lowertown eatery The Bulldog Lowertown will be serving food onsite, and Barrio will have its inaugural run of its Taco Truck in Mears Park beginning at noon; offerings include menu favorites like Potato Sopes and Tacos de Lengua. Buy tickets at or get more info at www.BeerDabbler.com and www.winter-carnival.com. (3:30-7:30 p.m. $20. 221 E. 5th St., St. Paul. 612-269-1674.)

Deep Blues Film Festival

SATURDAY: Deep Blues Film Festival at Dayton’s Bluff Eagles Club
Thanks to the success of St. Paul outdoor festivals such as Concrete & Grass, Jazz Fest, and Music in Mears, the organizers behind the Deep Blues Festival (which normally takes place in Lake Elmo) to the capital city. To celebrate, they’re throwing a blues film festival, featuring documentary blues films and performances from some of the most innovative musicians around. Click here for the full schedule. (Noon-11 p.m. Also next Saturday, Jan. 30. 287 Maria Ave., St. Paul. 651-774-7643.)

Holiday shopping season is finally upon us, and St. Paul doesn’t lack in any shopping opportunities this weekend. And just because you’re shopping doesn’t mean you can’t party – the BlackBlue art opening tonight – plus Fiery Furnaces at the Turf and Unknown Prophets at Big V’s on Saturday – should keep you going.

Nadine Gross shows Polaroid work at BlackBlue

FRIDAY: “Polaroid Prints” at BlackBlue
Though Nadine Gross has been shooting exclusively on Polaroid 600 film since 2001, her work had yet to see the light of day – until now. For her debut exhibition, Gross selected 30 of her 500-plus photo collection, printed in large scale for you to purchase. The images play on color, pattern and texture, more akin to minimalist abstract artist like Ellsworth Kelly than one would expect from such a Pop Art form of photography. The show will also be the first art opening at new St. Paul boutique BlackBlue, which will be offering ten percent off all clothing and accessories during the reception. Not to mention the fact that BlackBlue knows how to throw a party! (7-10 p.m. Fri. Free. 614 Selby Av., St. Paul. www.blkblu.com.)

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