The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

SPECIAL EVENT
IFP 20th Anniversary Party

I don't know about you, but I can peg a film geek from a mile away. It's kind of like gaydar, except for filmmakers. The look often entails square framed glasses, a ratty baseball cap, possibly a beard, and if you get close enough, an air of over-confidence along with an over abundance of knowledge pertaining to any given genre of film and the ability to talk about it for hours on end. Luckily, I find this endearing and clever. And luckier still, Minnesota's independent film scene is positively bursting with creative activity, more so than ever before - thanks in part to the wonderful resource that is IFP. Now in its 20th year (hence the 20th Anniversary theme), IFP has been assisting and supporting independent filmmakers, photographers and screenwriters in their quest for filmmaking glory. Tonight's swanky soirée at the Varsity Theater will include a live auction, special musical guests, and of course, film. Choose to go to either the 8pm party with all the rest of the riff raff, or rub elbows with the elite at the VIP dinner at 6pm.

6pm VIP Dinner, 8pm Party, Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Dinkytown, $250 Dinner, $35 Party

LECTURE
150 Years of Music Making by the River

Who knew a lecture could be so rockin'? Tonight get schooled by Chris Osgood, co-founder of Twin/Tone Records and legendary front man of Minneapolis seminal punk band The Suicide Commandos, as he talks at length about the Twin Cities music scene. Osgood is the unofficial "Godfather of the Minneapolis music scene", and for good reason - not only does he have the personal street cred to back up the title, but his professional track record is one of epic proportions. From Minnesota State Arts Board appointee to his current gig as VP of Organizational Development at McNally Smith College of Music, Osgood is certainly qualified to teach you a thing or two. Listen as he weaves the vibrant history of influential local musicians and movements throughout the ages, from 1950s folk music, to Bob Dylan, Prince and Babes in Toyland. You must register to attend, as space is limited.

7pm, Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall, 300 Nicollet Mall, Downtown Minneapolis, Free, RSVP Required by calling 612-630-6155 or by clicking HERE


SPECIAL EVENT
Movies and Music in District del Sol

When I was in high school I used to roll with many different crowds, most of them unsavory in one way or another. The West Side of St. Paul was the stomping grounds for a particularly rowdy gang of Latino thugs I somehow found charming in all their butterfly-knife carrying, weed smoking ways. Under their rough exteriors lurked a sort of ingrained wisdom, warmth and level of respect that you don't come across every day. The West Side itself mirrors that description. Maybe it's something about familia, maybe it's culture, but definitely it's community - and this weekly summer series in Castillo Park proves it. Each week, the event explores different cultures through art, music and movies, and tonight celebrates Africa with a mask-making art activity by Stepping Stone Theatre, the energizing sounds of Marimba Africa, and a screening of The Gods Must Be Crazy.

6:30pm, music at 7:30pm, Film at Dusk, Castillo Park, 149 Cesar Chavez Street, West St. Paul, Free