Nightlife notes: Drunken spelling bee returns

By TOM HORGEN, Star Tribune

Last update: February 28, 2008 - 4:12 PM

Buzz grows for bee

What was planned as an annual event has turned into a runaway hit and a monthly endeavor. It seems nobody can pass up a Drunken Spelling Bee, as the Feb. 2 event at the 331 Club was dubbed. Bee director Jess Colon has announced that the competition will happen every four to five weeks, with winners competing in a season-ending championship in July. The next one is March 28, but it's already filled up. Luckily, there should be a handful of walk-up spots for you drunken spellers foaming at the mouth for a piece of the action. The bee also has an official sponsor now -- Pabst -- which will give away prizes at the July finale (such as beach cruisers, snowboards and grills). More info at www.myspace.com/mplsdrunkenspellingbee. (7 p.m. March 28, 331 13th Av. NE., Mpls. 612-331-1746.)

Hipper than a hipster

Here's a team-up you don't see every day: The Minnesota Historical Society and the Turf Club have partnered on a series called "History of Hip," focusing on the "hip" cultural movements that came out of post-World War II America. Tuesday's event focuses on the Beat Generation, with University of Minnesota professor and poet Maria Damon presenting her research on the Beats, plus a performance by poet J. Otis Powell! In April, look for a night focusing on 1950s design, and then jazz in May. (7:30 to 9 p.m. Tue., Turf Club, 1601 University Av., St Paul. $6. 651-647-0486. www.mnhs.org)

Kieran's tales

If you're itching to get your St. Patty's Day on early, Mill City Museum is throwing a party Thursday. The museum's "Irish Fest: Tunes, Tales and Ale" will feature a full night of Irish food, drinks and Van Morrison songs by St. Dominic's Trio. The highlight, however, will likely be the "Irish Tales" told by local bar owner Kieran Folliard (of Kieran's, the Local and the Liffey). Yep, you can snuggle in for some yarns by one of the Twin Cities' coolest bar owners and a true Irishman. Folliard is always a hoot, but he'll get serious, too, giving listeners some surprising details on everything from Ireland's devotion to newspapers to the country's changing face via immigration. (6 p.m. Thu., 704 S. 2nd St., Mpls. $24. 612-341-7555 www.millcitymuseum.org)

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