With their takeover of the old Spin space now official, John Barlow and Ned Abdul have chosen a name -- Pearl -- for the club that will replace the downtown Minneapolis staple in the Lumber Exchange building at 5th and Hennepin. The duo, who also own Karma and Epic, are obtaining a liquor license, Barlow said. He plans to take his time with the remodeling, which he described as "a full facelift." Expect an opening date in late summer or early fall.

Barlow described Pearl as a mix between an ultra lounge and a dance club. The two-level spot will serve sushi and other light appetizers during the evening and transform into a high-energy nightclub later. Barlow compared the concept to the Living Room bar inside the W hotel, or Seven. While he admitted that the VIP bottle service crowd has diminished in recent years, he wants Pearl to be as upscale as possible. Barlow said the makeover will add space to Spin's former layout, with a stage, more lounge areas and VIP cabanas.

"There's definitely been a change in the amount of money that people are spending in downtown," Barlow said. "We just have to find creative ways to give them more bang for their buck."

Return to the runway I couldn't think of a better way to kick winter out on its butt. On Saturday, the new season's first big fashion show, Envision: Artopia Spring 2011, will bring the heat to the Graves 601 Hotel. The show features 16 designers and boutiques, plus live painting, an art exhibition by collage master Greg Gossel and music by DJ Sheik.

9 p.m. Sat. 601 1st Av. N., Mpls. $20 advance, $25 door. $50 VIP seating (entry at 8 p.m.). www.envisionmpls.com.

Beer plans at Pig & Fiddle Don't call it a sequel. It's more of a cousin, said Mark van Wie. The owner of St. Paul's Muddy Pig is opening a restaurant, Pig & Fiddle, in half of the old Pearson's near 50th and France in Minneapolis. While the new spot will be more food-focused, beer fans are salivating to see what Van Wie will do with the brews. While the tap list will be slightly smaller than the St. Paul Pig, the owner still plans a hefty 36 or so draft lines. While Van Wie loves his Belgian beers, he's not sure if that will be his focus here. He simply said he'll offer good beer: "I don't really care where it comes from."

Crusty is funny Is crusty better than grumpy? Apparently so. Five veteran Twin Cities comedians are banding together for a show called "Attack of the Crusty Old Men: Vintage Standup." Taking place at the Parkway Theater, the showcase features Wild Bill Bauer, Dean Johnson, Tom Baumgartner, Paul Dillery and Joe Minjares. A news release promoting the show says the old farts have a combined 295 years of experience.

9 p.m. Sat. 4814 Chicago Av. S., Mpls. $12 advance, $15 door. 612-822-3030. www.theparkwaytheater.com.

TOM HORGEN