Monday, January 25th :

Prefuse 73 @ the Triple Rock

If you’re a local dubstepper, chances are you’re familiar with Guillermo Scott Herren (aka the sample master behind Prefuse 73). Known as the godfather of experimental hip-hop production, Prefuse’s distorted snares, kicks and murky texturing aren’t typically the sounds you’d associate with “refined” music. And yet his latest album emerges with matured editing magic and digital complexities, making it his most subtle record to date. Don’t miss Prefuse 73 take it back to the roots, old-school style with guests Gaslamp Killer and Voices Voices.

8pm-2am// $12// 18+

Triple Rock Social Center, 629 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis

Thursday, January 28th :

Cliché hosts Avoid the Grey @ Old Arizona

Photo by Rod Hasse

“Once upon a time a beautiful ballerina became lost in the forest and was swallowed by darkness…” No, it’s not the premise of the new Bat for Lashes video or even Britney Spears’ new perfume – it’s the theme of Cliche’s anticipated annual fashion show, Avoid the Grey 2010. And as our city lies in a season that makes it appear more like a grey tundra every day, it’s comforting to know that local fashion plates and clothing designers are welcoming in the warmth and driving out the dreary with their preview of ultra chic and über unique Spring trends. Featuring designers Niki English, kjurek couture, Amanda Christine, Peloria, syd, Carmichael Claith, Kathryn V, Dawson, Kelson, Ivan Idland, Jenny Carle, Tender Cuts, Red Shoe Clothing Co., Ashley Busch, Arwyn Birch, and Rachel DeLange (j-fi). If the fact that the crowd wooing collaborative street wear from SCENEaSOTA creator, Maritza Ramirez and screen-printers, Anthem Heart is still on the minds (and bodies) of local style gurus minds is any indicator, this show is likely to be haute, haute, haute and full of inspiration! Just what we need to beat old man winter.

FYI: Tickets to Avoid the Grey are unfortunately sold out, so unless you can smuggle your way into your fashionista friend’s handbag, you’re SOL. But stay tuned to Cliche’s facebook to snag an early seat to their annual Anniversary Show set for June.

Two Shows//7:30 & 9:30pm//$8

Old Arizona, 2821 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis

Friday, January 29th and Saturday, January 30th :

Cry-Baby @ the Trylon Microcinema

To say 50’s teeny parody, Cry-Baby, is “over-the-top” is an understatement; saying it’s a cult classic, indisputable. Nevertheless, the film seems to sneak pass the radar of many cult fans and die-hard camp lovers. Wrapping up the last film in a series of movies devoted to the multi-faceted and often zany career of Johnny Depp – “In Deppth” – the Trylon screens one of my personal faves, John Water’s Cry-Baby. Featuring an ensemble of outrageous performances from legend rocker, Iggy Pop, talk show gossip mama, Ricki Lake, Traci Lords and Patty Hearst, the film centers around “Cry-Baby” Wade Walker (Johnny Depp) the leader of the rowdy juvie bunch known as the “Drapes” and his forbidden love/lust with conservative townie “Square,” Allison. And any proper Cry-Baby rebel fan would dress the part….just saying.

7pm & 8:45pm//$8

The Trylon Microcinema, 3258 Minnehaha Ave. S., Minneapolis

Saturday, January 30th :

Kill to Kill + Grant Cutler & the Gorgeous Lords @ 7th St. Entry

Although experimental indie rockers, Kill to Kill are set to headline, the reason this event lands itself on the list is mainly due to its sub-headers – Grant Cutler & the Gorgeous Lords. There’s something charismatic about local talent and Lookbook beat-copilot, Grant Cutler, that draws such a loyal fanbase to his creations. Could it be he has the Midas touch? Whatever his special powers be, Cutler steps to the forefront with this solo project (featuring members of Askeleton, Brutal Becomings and The Plastic Constellations) and the result is a timeless sound very un-Lookbook-esque. His baritone vocals juxtaposed with minimal guitar jump one decade back from Lookbook’s 80’s-ridden sounds to channel the famous blue raincoat world of Leonard Cohen and the land of 70’s pop ballads. Definitely worth a re-visit. With Blue Sky Blackout and Is/Is.

9 pm// $5// 18+

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