RetroRama

Time and time again, culture and art looks to the past for inspiration. Nostalgia, it seems, is our cultural addiction. This is not necessarily a bad thing: Who doesn't enjoy reveling in the kitschy glory of the '50s and '60s? Whether it's indie kids in old-fashioned sport coats or car designers echoing Detroit's heyday, retro appeal infiltrates all levels of society. And no event makes the past look more fun than the Minnesota Historical Society's RetroRama, a night of drinks, fashion, bingo, and all things old-school. The night will feature cocktail demonstrations by City Pages' coroneted "Best Bartender of the Twin Cities," Nick Kosevich of Town Talk Diner. Local designers will put on a fashion show with styles inspired by clothes from the 1950s, and chef Susannah Short will be cooking popular food from the past. Giant cheese ball, anyone? Local celebrities will be on hand to call bingo games, and the exhibit "Suburban World: The Norling Photos," a collection of Irwin Denison Norling's images of Minnesota from the era, will be on display, along with the museum's collection of domestic items from the past. Partygoers are encouraged (but not required) to don their retro evening wear. It'll be keen.
Thu., May 15, 7-11 p.m., 2008