tuesday, february 23^rd :

New Kidney on the Block @ 501 Club

Well folks, there’s a new kidney on the block. Yes, you heard me correct – a new kidney. When local culture remixer and audio hound, Chris Strouth – founder of UltraModern Records, film producer and musician – found out he needed a kidney transplant, he went looking in one of the most modern – and unusual – of places: Twitter. Online peeps began talking about his situation and the tweets a’fluttered until finally the unpredictable happened: Strouth found a donor match in Twitter pal, Scott Pakudatis. Now newly improved with healthy kidney power, Strouth, along with Pakudatis friends, family and supporters flock together tonight to celebrate his triumphant return to the ranks of local culturedom. Sponsored by l’étoile magazine, tonight’s party features drink specials and delicious tracks from DJ Jake Rudh, Joseph Pettini, Dean Vaccaro and DJ Drone. Get your kidney on!

8pm-12am//free//21+

501 Club, 501 Washington Ave., Minneapolis

tuesday, february 23^rd :

Omaur Bliss @ Sauce

Compared to a male Lauryn Hill, with soulful grit, pop melodies and a Digable Planets-esque R&B beats, St. Paul-based rap artist, Omaur Bliss, has definitely snagged a respected spot in the local hip-hop scene. When his Dirty 3.0 album dropped in ’08, A.V. Club’s Ian Power labeled Bliss as a “Renaissance man…capable of anything shy of alchemy” when the mic’s in his hand. Don’t miss Bliss in the TC tonight for a special dynamic performance before he embarks on a regional tour with Rhymesayer’s Toki Wright and Atlanta’s Haziq Ali – dubbed the Black Belt Tour 2010. Tonight’s show features live sets from Haziq Ali, Dug Mackabee, Kai Swivel w/ Influence. DJ Fundamentalist spins.

9:30pm//$2//21+

Sauce Spirits and Soundbar, 3001 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis

thursday, february 25^th :

We Can Work It Out – A Beatles Rock Band Competition @ Brit’s Pub

British Invasion has struck again; this time in the video game world. Tonight, watch as hardcore Rock Band gamers bust out their best tricks – perfected in their living room no doubt – and rock their love for the Beatles in The Beatles Rock Band Competition, “We Can Work It Out.” 8 local teams battle it to the Helter Skeltered death, judged by 89.3 The Current’s Jill Riley, Solid Gold’s Zach Coulter, the Strib’s Neal Justin and DJ Jake Rudh. Sponsored by Best Buy, Vita.mn and music pop culture bigwigs, MTV so prepare for super impressive prizes. Then after the match, stick around for a Beatles bash featuring drink specials and modern & 60′s Brit pop/rock from DJ Rudh on Brit’s Pub clubby new 3^rd floor. You don’t have to be a gamer to appreciate this one, but being a Beatles-head wouldn’t hurt.

7pm-2am//free//21+

Brit’s Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

friday, february 26^th :

Electric Fetus Reborn @ First Ave & The Entry

Your memory of the tornado that stuck MPLS back in August of 2009 might be a little hazy, but for the local record joint, The Electric Fetus, the damaging aftermath still weighs heavily on the store’s finances. Now in debt for structural repairs and lost revenue during the reconstruction months, the Fetus needs your support. Tonight, join them as they host a special benefit concert – organized by a few of MN’s best local bands – to raise money so the store can get back on track. Featuring a two-stage set of Cloud Cult, Roma Di Luna, Jeremy Messersmith, Trailer Trash and Unknown Prophets in the mainroom and Peter Wolf Crier, Total Babe, Caroline Smith & the Good Night Sleeps, Ruby Isle and Mike Michel & Carnage performing at the Entry. Plus, DJ sets from DJ Jake Rudh, the Strib’s Chris Riemenschneider, Ross Rahalia of the Pioneer Press, City Pages’ Andrea Swennson and Solid Gold between sets in the mainroom. Tonight’s fundraiser also features a silent auction and raffle with coveted items including singed guitars from Mason Jennings and Queens of the Stone Age! A portion of the proceeds will even be shared with the American Red Cross to help relief efforts in Haiti – aw, talk about generous.

7pm-2am//$16 adv, $20 door//18+

First Ave & 7^th St. Entry, 701 1^st Ave. N., Minneapolis

friday, february 26^th – sunday, february 28^th :

Bi-annual Get Pretty Sale @ Rewind Vintage

Kick off your weekend with an awesome sale from the style-conscious peeps over at Rewind Vintage as the boutique hosts their bi-annual “Get Pretty” sale featuring a store-wide sale of items marketed down 25%. Riffle through their fantastic, expertly edited collection of vintage wear, season trends and contemporary designs. Plus, stock up on great spring one-of-a-kind pieces, purses, shoes and jewelry. Already know for being one of the most inexpensive vintage shops in the Twin Cities, Rewind’s 25% markdown offer is an ultimate steal and a sale not to be missed! Bring your friends, but don’t be surprised if you ended up on the ground fighting over a pair of vintage sunglasses.

11am-5pm

Rewind Vintage, 2829 Johnson St. NE., Minneapolis