MNfashion Week: Little Black Dress

The humble LBD -- that's Little Black Dress -- rarely gets the attention it deserves. But with the designer-curated Little Black Dress event, it gets its spotlight. Some of the brightest talents in the local fashion scene will offer their take on the classic closet staple alongside one of their non-LBD designs in a runway show styled by HAUS Salon and held at Jon Oulman's new venue, the Amsterdam Bar and Hall. Designers include event co-producers Emma Berg and Maritza Ramirez along with Amanda Christine, Ivan Idland, Jenny Carle, Max Lohrbach, Laura Fulk, Raul Osorio, George Moskal and recent "Project Runway" aufee Danielle Everine. --Jahna Peloquin

MNfashion Week: 'Fresh Traditions V'

The local Hmong fashion design community gives cultural textiles a modern twist with its annual runway show. New collections from an all-Hmong lineup of designers including Ashley Yang, Dokiang Thao, Marlena Thao, Sai Chang and Kao Lee Thao will incorporate traditional fabrics into contemporary designs. With proceeds benefiting the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent, it's a cultural experience, fashion show and great cause all wrapped in one. --Jahna Peloquin

Jeremy Messersmith Plays the Cemetery

Jeremy Messersmith's music belongs in a cemetery. Not that the singer/songwriter's tunes are lifeless and should be laid to rest -- quite the contrary. But it was the Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery in south Minneapolis that inspired many of the songs on Messersmith's 2010 breakout, '60s-pop-conjuring album "The Reluctant Graveyard." The cemetery is one of 25 historic sites throughout the Twin Cities competing for funds from the Partners in Preservation program, which is giving away $1 million in local restoration grants. Check out www.facebook.com/partnersinpreservation to vote for your favorite site (the top vote-getter receives a cool $125,000). Proceeds from the concert, also featuring Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles, will benefit the burial ground's restoration efforts. Throw in a couple of food trucks and this should be the best day you've spent in a cemetery, well, ever. --Michael Rietmulder