Nightlife: On the list

By TOM HORGEN, Star Tribune

Last update: May 8, 2008 - 3:08 PM

on the list

Prom night

This ain't your grandmother's prom. The fifth incarnation of the annual Goth Prom, called "Contrivance: deus ex machina," will have a steampunk, Victorian-era theme. The event, to be held Monday at the Saloon, will feature DJs and prizes. Proper attire is suggested (pictured above, two guests at last year's event). (9 p.m.-3 a.m. Mon., 830 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. Free. 612-332-0835. www.gothprom.com)

American Pi

The good folks at Pi, the lesbian bar in south Minneapolis, start their version of "American Idol" Wednesday night. They're calling it "Pi Idol." The contest will run for six weeks with two finalists chosen each week. Like "Idol," there are three judges, two being GoGoPimp Tif and Kysa Bong, and the third a guest judge. (10 p.m. Wednesdays, through June 25. Signup starts at 9 p.m. each night. 2532 25th Av. S., Mpls. Free. 612-877-4368. www. pibarandrestaurant.com)

A club to envy

Cheers to Envy for looking so good. Its outfitter, 20 Below Studio, recently won a FAB award from the International Interior Design Association's Northland chapter. The downtown Minneapolis club opened 15 months ago with a sleek two-room layout, punctuated by high ceilings and two long bars, one of which changes colors. 20 Below won the same award last year for designing Myth. (400 1st Av. N., Mpls. 612-673-9694. www.envympls.com)

Party for the homeless

Hey big spenders, here's something good (and fun) to blow your money on. Chambers is hosting a shindig next Friday to benefit Hennepin County's homeless. Dusk 'Til Dawn will be broken up into two parts. Dusk (7 to 10 p.m., $125) is a garden-themed affair with actual sod and plants set up throughout the hotel. Comedian Louie Anderson will be on hand, and a charity auction will feature luxury rooms. Dawn (10 p.m. to 2 a.m., $75) is basically a glorified pajama party. Come in your PJs and dance to a DJ, or partake in the date auction of 50 Minneapolis singles. All proceeds will go to Heading Home Hennepin, a coalition of civic, business and faith committed to ending homelessness in Hennepin County by the year 2016. Learn more at www.heading homehennepin.org. (7 p.m. next Friday. 901 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-767-6900. www. chambersminneapolis.com)

TOM HORGEN