Finger-jabbing, gasket-blowing comedian Lewis Black hates a lot of things -- but Minnesota isn't one of them.

Last year, the political hothead filmed his new comedy special, "In God We Rust," at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. Just days after releasing it on DVD, Black is back in Minnesota, this time at the Mystic Lake Showroom.

The comic always has been a fan of Twin Cities audiences (he says we're smart!). But he also loves to make fun of us, as he did during the Comedy Central special. "You guys empathize with anything," he said. "Seriously, how else do you elect Michele Bachmann?"

When I talked with Black last year, he was still riled up about Bachmann's presidential run. A lot has changed since then (she dropped out).

At the time, the comedian also had a beef with Twitter, which he had still neglected to join. Black is now on the social network and is approaching 100,000 followers. He might not be tweeting a whole lot, but his crotchety attitude shines through in 140 characters.

A couple of weeks ago he posted the following tweet with zero context and directed at no one in particular:

"I don't understand what u r saying."

That's vintage Lewis Black.

Fall into fashion It's time to get tickets for the year's biggest fashion show. Envision: Artopia takes place next Friday at the Graves 601. Seated tickets usually sell out for this popular fall spectacle -- about 1,000 people will fill the swanky hotel ballroom. The runway lineup includes 10 designers and such boutiques as Amanda Christine, Khamphian Vang, KJurek, Martin Patrick 3 and Cliché. DJ Bryan Gerrard will provide the beats. VIP tickets get you early entry at 8 p.m. to sample drinks and appetizers from Barbette, Crave and Forepaugh's. There will also be an art gallery and a jewelry room. $1 from each presale ticket benefits Free Arts Minnesota.

  • 9 p.m. Sept. 21. 601 1st Av. N., Mpls. $20 general, $50 VIP seats, $75 front row. www.envisionmpls.com.

Harriet's 'Rauch-ing' fest September is the month of sold-out beer fests. Summit's Backyard Bash went to capacity last weekend. The Autumn Brew Review (Saturday) and SurlyFest (Sept. 22) are already sold out. So now might be a good time to get tickets for Harriet Brewing's Rauchfest Sept. 29. The annual outdoor event features a big lineup of bands, headlined by the Big Wu. The brewery will have eight beers on tap, including its cold-weather brews, Divine Oculust and Dark Abbey. The star, of course, is the single batch of Harriet's smoked Oktoberfest lager. Food trucks include Gastrotruck, Natedogs and Potter's Pasties.

  • 1 p.m. Sept. 29. 3036 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls. $10 advance tickets. $15 at the door. 612-225-2184. www.harrietbrewing.com

thorgen@startribune.com • 612-673-7909 • Twitter: @tomhorgen