Jake Rudh goes "Mad"

[Jake Rudh, photographed by Kate Iverson]

It's quite possible that no one in Minneapolis is better-suited to be an extra on Mad Men than man's man, ladies' man, man-about-town Jake Rudh. The man best known as the weekly host of Clubhouse Jager dance night Transmission is reasonably tall and svelte, handsome in a hot-teacher kind of way, and always dapper in a preppy polo shirt or oxford button-up with the sleeves rolled up. But more than anything, he lives and breathes Don Draper-esque class. His home is filled with a mix of mid-century furniture with modern touches (which I've had the good fortune to see for myself - it's pretty much straight out of a Mad Men set), and his record collection is packed with late '50s/early '60s favorites, with a particular fondness for Sinatra.

So when AMC announced a contest in which fans could enter to win a spot as an extra on an upcoming episode, Jake took it upon himself to enter - and lo and behold, he's been floating in the top ten for a couple of weeks now (he's currently at #7). At the end of judging, the top ten men and top ten women will then become semi-finalists, from which Matthew Weiner, the Creator and Executive Producer of Mad Men, will conduct the Grand Prize Winner selection. Help keep Jake in the running and yourself to the Mad Men Casting Call site today - where you can vote daily through August 11.

[Florals are the print of choice for the Mad Women look]

In much-related news, next Sunday the long-awaited season 3 premiere of Mad Men will air, and Jake got together with Vita.mn to throw a premiere party in its honor. Besides the live screening, the Vita.mn-sponsored night will feature live sets of Mad Men-era jazz standards by Jeremy Messersmith, Lucy Michelle and Janey Winterbauer, cigar and brandy tastings, retro cocktails and apps, and prizes for "best dressed." I can't think of a better reason to get dressed up in full retro hair and make-up. (Get more details at the facebook invite.)

[Go old-school glam with inspiration from the cast of Mad Men]

If you're looking for something to wear, check out Blacklist Vintage and Tatters, two of the evening's sponsors that happen to be two of the best vintage shops in town. (Along with Spinario Design and Jax, they'll be giving away $100 gift certificates at the event.) Even better, Blacklist Vintage and Tatters will be giving 10% off for anyone who comes in needing an outfit or accessories for the event. I also just got word that St. Paul vintage shop Up Six is running a Mad Men promo; if you mention codeword "STERLING COOPER" you'll get 15% off your entire purchase now until August 16.

But don't take it from me - take it from Jake: "With three of the Twin Cities top performers doing all covers of Mad Men-era standards, vintage clothing, furniture and art everywhere you turn and the season 3 premier of Mad Men all set in the old-school supper club vibe of Jax in NE MPLS, there's no doubt in my mind that this will be the retro event of the year!" And don't forget to vote!