Buckets and Tap Shoes

Brothers Rick and Andy Ausland of Buckets and Tap Shoes got their start playing on the streets of Minneapolis, but they're more likely to be found performing indoors these days. They were most recently seen kicking up some fun at the Minnesota Fringe Festival. This weekend the Auslands, backed by a trusty band and 5-gallon paint-bucket rhythm section, will take over the stage at the Cowles Center with their unique brand of fast and loose percussive dancing. These guys can find a groove in everything from Funkytown jams to the classics, and they get a kick out of creating a party wherever their tapping feet happen to land them. Dancing in the aisle is encouraged. --Caroline Palmer

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Black Hearts Burlesque

Get a taste of the naughty and the nice with the fledgling Black Hearts Burlesque troupe's first holiday show. Black Hearts' own Josephine Belle, Nikki Knickers, Elektra Cute, Lucy Furr and Dahlia Dulce will be joined by special guests Paulie Graff, RedBone, Switch the Boi Wonder and Chicago's Red Hot Annie. Hosted by "Queen of the Black Hearts" Mistress Victoria Deville, the evening's performers will tantalize, tempt and keep the crowd guessing while DJ Loveless Aphrodite keeps the vibe sexy with bedroom jams. Bring a coat donation to benefit Safe House homeless youth shelter and get a discount on the $18 ticket, or cough up $30 to get upped to VIP status, which includes a free drink and preferred seating.  --Jahna Peloquin

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Derek Hughes

Many standup purists sneer at hybrid acts (songs, props, etc.), but comedian Hughes makes it work. The Minnesota native is charmingly capable whether cracking wise or conjuring magic tricks. Hughes finesses both skills into a seamless and smart act, one that the New York Times called "thoroughly entertaining." Mainstream ("Mr. Deeds," "CSI: NY") and local indie ("Triple Espresso," Jungle Theater) acting credits also dot his résumé. And because Vita.mn readers are notorious magic wonks, take comfort in his endorsement from the International Brotherhood of Magicians -- they demand to be taken seriously!  --Jay Boller

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