Fare Thee Well - Nick & Eddie

Some surely disappointing news:

This, my friends, is the last weekend the Harmon Place Bar, Nick & Eddie, will be open to the public...in its current location anyway.  The weather should cooperate appropriately for a killer send off.  Located just across the street from Loring Park, the restaurant/bar has a great view of the park and multiple outdoor tables to enjoy the projected mid-70's weather and partly cloudy skies.    Tip: the brick paved alleyway is beautiful and a perfect backdrop for photos!


Here's a map for your convenience.

 

  
Nick & Eddie has been a long standing supporter of local music and this particular watering hole is certain to be missed.  I frequented the bar last fall after my Thursday night burlesque class with Tomahawk Tassels.  It was quite conveniently located, close to the dance studio and the place was always crawling with musicians.  And I do love musicians!

The space is "probably" being replaced by Cafe Maude at Loring.  The Star Tribune recently released rumblings of an exchange of the lease.  There are also rumors that Nick & Eddie will be moving...not closing, but that has also not been confirmed.  So, for the time being, let's all go have a drink at Nick & Eddie!  Say goodbye to an old friend and welcome the inevitable change around every corner. 

See you there!

Swing Away

A very dear friend of mine has inspired me to try my...foot...at some swing dancing.  I went into it with great apprehension and a suprising amount of anxiety.  There were instances I was asked to dance and not only would I not...I literally felt as though I COULD not!  I was intimidated by images running through my head like this:

Goodness...
But, last week, a kind gentleman asked me to dance more than just once.  He allowed me to say no, but came back a second time.  To avoid seeming unappreciative of his request I agreed to get on the dance floor and boy, am I glad I did!  Through my journey of infiltrating the "Swing Dance Community", I have learned that most people, regardless of how skilled a dancer they are, are just happy to see a newcomer. 

There are FREE swing dance lessons with Bill & Shannon every Monday (7:15pm @ Famous Dave's in Uptown) and Wednesday (8pm at Lee's Liquor Lounge).  Bill & Shannon are excellect dancers and teachers, one tip...when Bill says "1, 2, 3", hush up and learn something!  

Here are some 'dancing notes' for April!  All events are FREE, unless otherwise noted. 

Sat   31 Mar : L'Assassins with the Violent Shifters at Lee's, $6 cover
Sun  01 Apr : Battle of the Blue's Band Semi-Finals 4pm
Mon 02 Apr : Riverside Swing Band at FD
Wed 04 Apr : Davina at Lee's
Fri    06 Apr : Trailer Trash at Lee's, $6 cover
Mon  09 Apr : Jessie B & That Thing Called Swing at FD
Wed  11 Apr : Scotty & the Country Killers at Lee's
Thu   12 Apr : Southside Aces at the Eagles Club (2507 E 25th St, Mpls, MN 55407) $5 cover
Fri    13 Apr : Big Sandy (!!!) with Elmer & the Thunderjetts at Lee's, $10 cover
Mon 16 Apr : DJ & the Swing Cats at FD
Wed 18 Apr : Davina at Lee's
Mon 23 Apr : Elmer's Army at FD
Wed 25 Apr : Bad Companions at Lee's
Mon 30 Apr : Stockcar Named Desire at FD

See you on the dance floor!!!

Le Cirque Rouge

I have recently (one year and three days ago) become acquainted with a wondrous group of performers.  I became interested in the art of burlesque in (roughly) February of last year.  I then Googled 'Burlesque in Minneapolis' and was fortunate enough to stumble upon Le Cirque Rouge, Cabaret & Burlesque.

I was encouraged by Amy, the Ring Leader of the troupe, to attend a show.  I and two of my girlfriends went to 331 Club in N.E. Minneapolis to get an idea of what this troupe is all about. 

WOW!

I will never, for the rest of my life, forget that night.  The women were beautiful!  Singing, dancing, laughing, drinking, LIVE JAZZ MUSIC?!  Who could ask for anything more...I was in heaven.  Amy invited me to the backstage area where I was able to meet everyone involved in the show.  I immediately began to sing to members of the band...inquiring about their interest in the numbers I had been most recently working on. 

Then, out of nowhere, I turn my head to see this man...casually leaning on the edge of a tall counter top.  Assuming, in my self-proclaimed drunken stupor, that he would also LOVE to hear my songs, I engaged him in conversation.  He eventually asked to call me later in the week for a date...so I must have sounded OK.  And now, just over ONE YEAR LATER, I am singing and dancing on stage with Le Cirque and am still involved with that casually leaning man...who just happened to be the Saxophone player in the band.  What a life I have been so fortunate to fall into!

Happy "Meetiversary" RR and all you Lovelies of Le Cirque, I'm such a lucky gal!

Le Cirque Rouge, Cabaret & Burlesque will be performing at Amsterdam Bar & Hall in St. Paul, MN on Saturday, April 7th, 2012.  Doors open at 7:00pm, Showtime is 7:30.  I would most definitely encourage purchasing advance tickets, St. Paul loves us!

Tickets available online.

Winnable - Wearable Vintage Fashion

For some time now, I have been following a delightful blog written by a terribly fashionable woman in Finland.  It's quite interesting to be so easily connected with someone who lives over 4,000 miles (7,000km) away.  Even with the latitudinal location being roughly 15 to 18 degrees different (Finland being further north) the weather even seems to change in tandem. 

Freelancer's Fashionblog is often posting give-aways and I particularly like this one.  Wanted to share it, in hopes that someone I know can enjoy a good read.  Then maybe I can read it when you're finished...or the other way around. 

North Side Gal

So, while driving to work I heard a terribly catchy tune.  All I have to say is...

That's right, Mr. McPherson; you're all crazy 'bout us North Side Gals.

Thanks to The Current for putting this on my radar!