Author: Kate Iverson

SPECIAL EVENT
A Toast to Tesla



No, not the hair band
from the late ’80s, although I do happen to know a few people who would
probably be into that. Tonight’s event at the Bakken is dedicated to
one of America’s greatest electrical engineers, Nikola Tesla,
inventor of the radio. Sample complimentary appetizers and wines from
Artisian Vineyards while strolling the Bakken’s beautiful outdoor
gardens, take in a live performance of an old-timey radio show, and
watch man-made lightning demonstrations with the Tesla coil. The Bakken
will be hosting these "Electrifying Fun for Grownups"
events monthly through the summer. So instead of sticking a fork in a
light socket like you usually do every second Tuesday of the month,
head to the Bakken for a safe and "shockingly" good time.



5pm-8pm, The Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Ave. S, Minneapolis, $7

MUSIC

The Schubert Fest



Get some lunchtime culture this week with the Schubert Club’s yearly St. Paul Summer Song Fest,
a concert series that runs daily through the end of the week with free,
noon-time performances featuring classical musicians. This year’s
festival focuses on the work of influential English composer Vaughan Williams,
who created epic symphonies, chamber music, opera, and film scores.
Today’s performance features sweet soprano Maria Jette alongside Young
Nam Kim on violin. A perfect noon reprieve from the
Downtown office-worker blues, if you ask me.



Noon (daily through Friday), Landmark Center, Room 317, 75 W. 5th Street, Downtown St.Paul, Free




PERFORMANCE
Stomp



Provocative UK performance troupe Stomp invades the Ordway for a week-long run.
Expect wild percussion, unusual props and instruments, and unbelievable
movement from this eight-piece ensemble. For years, the group has impressed
the world with their originality and presence, taking creativity in
performance to a whole new level with innovative dance
techniques and sound and rhythm created with non-traditional
items such as matchboxes, garbage cans, and hubcaps. Runs through the
15th.



8pm, The Ordway, 345 Washington Street, St. Paul, $20-$50




BOOKS

Raking through Books with Greta Gaard

The Rake’s monthly happy hour book club, at Kieran’s Irish Pub, offers readers the chance
to discuss literature with writers and each other in a super-casual
setting. This month, meet Greta Gaard, author of Ecological Politics: Ecofeminists and the Greens and The Nature of Home: Taking Root in a Place, and editor of Ecofeminism: Women, Animals, Nature.
A well-published environmental literature critic, she currently teaches
at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, and serves on the Board of
Directors for the Environmental Association for Great Lakes Education.

5:30-7pm, Kieran’s Irish Pub, 330 2nd Ave. S, Downtown Minneapolis, Free

BENEFIT EVENT
In Vino Veritas

Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art plans to bring artist Robert Shetterly’s Americans Who Tell the Truth exhibit to Minneapolis in September, and tonight you’re invited to enjoy a decadent and insightful sneak-peek benefit event.
Three years ago, Shetterly began painting realistic portraits of
influential American leaders, past and present, who have personally
inspired him. These "Americans Who Tell the Truth" are clear statements
of political and social change — and Shetterly’s masterful artistry
isn’t too shabby either. Join the artist tonight at Traffic
Zone for an evening of conversation, wine samplings, delicious food
from Toast Wine Bar, and a selection of work for sale from Traffic Zone resident artists — with all proceeds going to support this can’t-miss upcoming exhibition.

6-9pm, Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art, 250 3rd Avenue N, Minneapolis, $75


DINING
World Flavors Dinner Party

Join The Rake this evening for a sumptuous foodie-friendly dinner party at Solera.
Not only will you get to sip fancy wines and nosh on gourmet samplings
such as Serrano-Wrapped Rainbow Trout with Asparagus, Warm
Cherry-Tomato Confit with Manchego cheese, and Yogurt Red Pepper Flan
(trust me, I’ve had this — definitely delish), you’ll also get a
bird’s-eye view of Downtown from Solera’s breezy second-floor patio,
overlooking Hennepin Avenue. Reservations are required, so visit our promotions page to snap yours up a.s.a.p.

6-8pm, Solera, 900 Hennepin Ave., Downtown Minneapolis, $40


READINGS
Emergence: Intimate Evenings of Poetry and Prose

Ten
of the Twin Cities’ most amazingly talented up-and-coming writers will
put their creativity where their mouths are tonight at Intermedia Arts. Hosts and writers themselves, Anya Achtenberg and Sherry Quan Lee lead this evening of readings from passionate scribes who have been mentored throughout the spring season as part of the Writer-to Writer program in which close relationships are forged and nurtured between artists, mentors, and their craft.

7:30pm, Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis, $5 suggested donation

SPECIAL EVENT
Digital Crush Website Launch Party

And
now for a bit of shameless self promotion! In addition to being The
Rake’s new A&E editor, I am also involved in a number of artsy side projects — one being cheeky photography collective Digital Crush. Well-known in the Twin Cities for our fun and candid event photos,
award-winning art photography, and creative promotional work, Digital
Crush is officially launching a brand spankin’ new website and will
celebrate tonight at the 414 Soundbar. Check out prints of our work on
display (and up for sale), plus killer music by Millions Billions, DJ
Bach, and Bryan Gerrard with visuals on the Soundbar’s amazing 7-projector
system. Plus, it’s an open bar from 8-10pm!

Friday, 8pm, 414 Soundbar, 414 3rd Avenue N, Warehouse District, Free before 10pm, $8 after

ART
Bike Art

Tis the season for bicycle-mania! Among many other cool bike-related events going on this summer, Altered Esthetic’s 3rd annual Bike Art
show is a visual treat for bikers and art-lovers alike. With 100 works
— ranging from sculpture, to installation art, to paintings — you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more inspiring reason to pedal
yourself over to the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District
this evening. Stop in for the show’s opening reception, which, if
you’ve ever been to AE, you know will be a hoot. Want to make an
evening of it? There are a bevy of bike-to-able restaurants in the vicinity of the gallery.

Friday at 7pm, Altered Esthetics Gallery, 1224 Quincy Street NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Ambrosiatic Productions: Euphoria

People struggle to survive in the midst of crisis. Is hatred stronger
than love? What horrors are we capable of when our survival is at
stake? And what happens to the survival instinct when you no longer
have a reason to live? The Playwrights’ Center presents Euphoria, a new
play by University of Minnesota student Keith Hovis. Directed by 2007
BA graduate Jenna Papke, the play is an intense exploration of the dark
things people are capable of in dark times. — Andrew Newman

Thurs-Sat at 8pm, Sunday at 3pm, Playwrights Center, 2301 E Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, $10

FASHION
Identity Theft (Clothing Swap + Contest)

Presented
by MCP and MNFashion, this fashionista-friendly clothing swap is the
perfect opportunity to revamp your wardrobe. Bring at least two items
of clean, gently used clothing or accessories to the Minnesota Center
for Photography tonight at 6pm, throw them into the community style
pile and trade up! The dazzling dames of styling group Eclecticoiffeur
will be on hand to lend their expertise, helping you create a fresh new
look for the summer. Enter the Before + After contest to show off
your fabulous transformation and win cool prizes; then enjoy
refreshments and music. At the end of the night all un-swapped
clothing will be donated to charity, so get there early and leave
dolled up — just in time for some late night fun.

Saturday from 6-10pm, MNCP, 165 13th Ave. NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free


MUSIC
Finnegan’s ShamROCK

How
often do you have an excuse to drink beer to your hearts content? Not
that often; it’s usually all: "you’re making an ass of yourself," or
"maybe you should slow down." Right? Not today. Drinking Finnegan’s
Irish Amber is always a good thing, because as a non-profit company,
they donate 100 percent of their proceeds to numerous local and national
charities. Today marks Finnegan’s 2nd annual outdoor music bash at the
Cabooze, with all profits going to benefit Heading Home Hennepin, an
organization working to end homelessness. Today’s festivities include
live music from Romantica, ‘Ol Yeller, Built to Spill, more — plus a
Finnegan’s bottlecap fashion show, a "beer-pong" tournament, and lots
of Irish bagpipes.

Saturday from 2-10pm, The Cabooze, 917 Cedar Ave S, West Bank Minneapolis, $20 in advance, $25 at the gate




FESTIVAL
Minneapolis Mosaic Opening Celebration



The streets comes alive this evening with an overwhelming array of
music, dance, and art on Hennepin Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis. The
sixth annual Minneapolis MOSAIC
festival, a summer-long program celebrating the city’s diverse arts and
culture, kicks off tonight with this free jamboree designed with all
ages in mind. Sample food from Midtown Global Market vendors, check out
original films being screened all night at the State Theater, and take in over 40 performance acts, including flamenco dancers, conga players, and theatrics of all kinds in multiple locations
and on the main stage on 7th & Hennepin. Last year over 15,000
people attended, so expect more than a little celebratory mayhem. The
beginning of summer is definitely something worth partying for after
all!


Friday from 6-10pm, on Hennepin Ave between 7th and 9th Street, Downtown Minneapolis, Free

ART/DRINKING

Art Happy Hour 3

Have you read our newest art bloggers, The Vicious Circle, yet? If not, you certainly should — after you read The Secrets, that is! VC editor, art critic Michael Fallon has his fingers in plenty of interesting pies, including Art Happy Hour,
which this month just so happens to land at one of my favorite
neighborhood bars (as you well know) — Clubhouse Jager. Chat with like-minded artsy types
and sip sumptuous cocktails prepared by "Friendly Freddie," Jager’s
staple happy hour bartender, and meet the writers of the Vicious
Circle. I promise, their bark is worse than their bite!

4-8pm, Clubhouse Jager, 923 Washington Ave. N, Minneapolis, Free

FASHION
Cliché 4th Annual Runway Show

For
years, a tiny boutique on Lyndale Avenue has been THE place to snap up
fresh styles by local and independent fashion designers. Run by Josh and Delayna Sundberg, an incredibly chic and clever pair who are major supporters of the Twin Cities fashion and art scene, Cliché
is your one-stop-shop to instantaneous style-maven status. For the
fourth year in a row, Cliché puts on a larger-than-life fashion show,
featuring clothing from local designers who sell exclusively at the
shop. Such notables as Anthem Heart and Red Shoe Clothing Company
join in the fun, along with many, many more. So, if you’re looking for
that perfect somethin’-somethin’, or to update your look, the Cliché
Fashion Show is your obvious destination.

9pm, Lake Street Social Center at Plaza Verde, 1516 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, $5


MUSIC
Patio Nights Opening

For
those of you who were deprived last summer of this ultimately glorious
outdoor experience, I am happy to announce that tonight kicks off yet
another season of Patio Nights.
Relax on the Minnesota Museum of American Art’s fantastic patio,
overlooking the mighty Mississip, while enjoying some of the best live
music in the Twin Cities. An abundance of food, drink, and even vintage vinyl will be up for grab, and tonight’s musical guests, Awesome Snakes, are the perfectly peppy punk rockers to reintroduce this popular weekly concert series.

7pm, MMAA, 50 West Kellogg Blvd, Downtown St. Paul, $5


FILM
Mondo Bondo

Due to intense demand, Fearless Filmmakers brings you a kink-tastic repeat performance of Mondo Bondo, a sellout hit during the Minneapolis/St.Paul International Film Festival. Director Tony Cane-Honeysett’s
engaging documentary, focusing on sexual taboos and underground
culture, is sure to entertain pervs of every persuasion. As Honeycutt
says, "I cannot imagine needing a custard pie in the face
to have an orgasm, but someone out there does. Everyone has a kink." So stop blushing and snap up your tix before this flick sells out. With
your ticket stub you’ll also gain admittance to the super secret after
party that will feature live bondage exhibits, naughty gift bags, and
more than enough booze to loosen you up.

8pm, St. Anthony Main Theater, 115 Main Street NE, Minneapolis, $9

ART/BENEFIT
Green

Each year Rosalux Gallery
puts on one of my fave artsy fundraisers in the Twin Cities. The Green
show is a chance for you to get your mitts on original work from over
20 established local artists of high repute — on the cheap. Each Rosalux member
donates a piece of green-themed artwork, and raffle tickets are sold for a
mere $5. It’s simple: place your ticket(s) in the envelope next to the
artwork or item(s) you want to win, and cross your fingers. All
proceeds go to benefit the gallery, an artist-run exhibition
space and collective that has helped launch the careers of many up and
comers in the Twin Cities. All stocked up on art? I can’t imagine
that’s possible (one can never have too much, if you ask me), but just
in case, Rosalux will have gift certificates and items from area
businesses up for raffle as well. The show opens and tickets go on sale
starting today, but the real frenzy occurs Saturday night (7-10 p.m.),
when the gallery will be hopping with potentially lucky art lovers and
plenty of interesting conversation. The raffle closes at 10 p.m. on Saturday,
and you need not be present to win.

Noon-8 p.m. Wed-Thurs, Friday Noon-5 p.m., Saturday Noon-11 p.m., a reception starting at 7 p.m.; Rosalux Gallery, 1101 Washington Ave., Downtown Minneapolis; free.

MUSIC
Smith’s Night

Practice your depressed look in the mirror and head on down to the Kitty Cat Klub tonight for this monthly event devoted to Smiths
and Smiths-related music (ie-Morrissey). Though it’s located smack dab
in the middle of parking-space challenged Dinkytown, the Kitty Cat is a cool spot to
chill out on a Wednesday and cry the tears of an angsty youth gone-by.
Did I mention they have free wi-fi? Well, they do, so embrace that
anti-social nature that goes along with being a stereotypical Smiths
fan, and spend all night googling yourself in a dark corner.

10 p.m., The Kitty Cat Klub, 315 14th Ave, SE, Dinkytown, Minneapolis; free.

DANCE
Fuego Flamenco Fiesta

Minneapolis Mosaic
officially kicks off summer this coming weekend, and as always, an
endless number of amazing cultural events jump on the bandwagon,
bringing the Twin Cities a dynamic array of entertainment. Fuego
Flamenco being of like-minded spirit, helps gear things up with an
evening of dance at Candelabra Studios. Traditional Spanish flamenco
dancer and instructor, the lovely Colette Marie Illarde
and her friends show off their fancy footwork during this fun and
flashy performance at a fantastic, yet little-known Northeast
Minneapolis warehouse dance studio and art space. Want to make an
evening of it? Central Avenue is positively crammed with delightful
ethnic restaurants that you simply must check out.

8 p.m., Candelabra Studios, 1517 Central Ave. NE, Northeast Minneapolis; free.

PERFORMANCE
Sample Night Live

Master of Ceremonies David Lind
hosts an evening of "bite-sized art" with satisfying snippets of music,
performance art, film, spoken word, puppetry, theater, dance, comedy,
and more. The perfect evening out for someone with ADHD, this event will feature two action-packed acts:
one G rated (7 p.m.), and another "unrated" (8:15 p.m.), so plan accordingly
if you’re one of those easily offended types. Tonight will include
performances by such groups as Bright Lights and Heroes, Upright Egg
Theater Company, and The Megawatts — just to name a few.

7 p.m., Bryant Lake Bowl Theater, 801 W. Lake St., Uptown Minneapolis; $15, students & seniors $10.

SINGLES NIGHT
Silver + Gold

Now
that summer is slowly but surely staking its claim, it’s
time to put that pent up Spring fever to good use! Each and every
Tuesday, Clubhouse Jager puts on a hip and sizzlin’ singles night with hot, hot tunes by Jonathan Ackerman,
2-4-1 drink specials, and of course, plenty of beautiful (and
available) people. This weekly dance night is especially special because yours truly
co-hosts along with the lovely ladies of l’etoile. You also don’t want to miss out on a missed connection, so check l’etoile’s nifty text message-based flirting service
the day after to see if anyone noticed you, or post about someone YOU
noticed. If you somehow need more convincing, Clubhouse Jager also boasts THE best outdoor patio in the city, super-cool bartenders, friendly patrons, and of course, perfect cocktails.

10 p.m., Clubhouse Jager, 923 Washington Ave. N., North Loop, Minneapolis; free.


MUSIC
Islands

It’s not often that I am thoroughly charmed by a band after hearing a single song. However, Canadian indie-electro-dream rockers the Islands
are a pure pop delight that I just can’t deny. Tonight, the 7th Street
Entry comes alive with fresh sounds off Islands’ latest release Arms Way, an eclectic and fun must-own of 2008. Awol One and Crayonsmith kick things off the right way.  

6 p.m., 7th Street Entry, 701 1st Ave. N., Downtown Minneapolis; $10.


BOOKS & AUTHORS
Talk of the Stacks Presents Tim Weiner

Attention
conspiracy theorists and American history buffs! Tim Weiner, a
Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist and author who has been reporting on
American intelligence for over 20 years, makes a stop at the Downtown
Central Library this evening for an intriguing discussion on his latest
work, A Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA,
which won the 2007 National Book Award for Nonfiction and was a
Finalist for the 2008 National Book Critics Circle Award. Get there
early and check your tinfoil hat at the door; seating is limited and
is first come, first serve. Book sales and signings will follow the
presentation. Co-sponsored by The Rake!

Doors at 6:15 p.m., talk at 7 p.m., Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Downtown Minneapolis; free.

PERFORMANCE

American Poetry Slam Idol



Unlike the creepy commercial beast that is the American Idol
TV show, this evening combines the dark and nostalgic atmosphere of the
Artists’ Quarter with some of the Twin Cities’ most brilliant and gutsy
spoken-word artists. The poets will be judged by rowdy audience members
and even a few local celebs (as always, I’m crossing my fingers for Fancy Ray)
in three rounds that include a costumed, deliberately terrible
"audition" round, a reading of another poet’s work, and finally, a
competitive performance of their own original work. The Artists’
Quarter’s monthly poetry slam nights are always an inspiring riot, so get thee to St.Paul tonight for your beatnik fix.    



7 p.m., Artists’ Quarter, 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul; $5.

MUSIC
An Evening with Adele

While a bit of my editorial credibility may fly out the window for admitting this, I am an avid reader of Perezhilton.com.
He’s just so sassy! Not to mention, he’s got pretty awesome musical
taste, which, through his massively popular blog, has helped launch
many a talented up and comer into the spotlight — Adele
being one of them. Touring in support of her latest album, 19, which
is also not-so-coincidentally her age, this charismatic and spicy Brit
with a sultry, soulful voice is often compared to Amy Winehouse, but
with a lighter pop sensibility and no crack addiction.

7 p.m., Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 N. 1st St., Minneapolis; $17.50.

Not-so-secret: Death Cab for Cutie rocks the Orpheum Theater tonight at 7:3 p.m.

DINING
Prix Fixe Mondays

Uptown eatery Barbette
definitely knows how to set the mood. A perfect date night for friends and/or
lovers, Prix Fixe Monday keeps it classy with a predetermined 4 to 5
course meal thoughtfully prepared by Chef Peter Botcher.
Menus often include locally farmed meats, but vegetarian and vegan
options are available as well. After 10 p.m., jazzy piano trio Supreme Privacy creates a sexy ambiance to compliment Barbette’s popular late-night happy hour, which includes
$3 select taps, $4 house wines and bubbly, and $5 select appetizers. How can you go wrong?

Barbette, 1600 West Lake St., Uptown Minneapolis; $32 for Prix Fixe dinner.

FESTIVAL

Electric Eyes: New Music & Media Festival

The 2nd annual New Music and Media Festival
is right up your alley, if your alley is cluttered with electronics,
video, and weird/cool music, that is. Get futuristic with performances
by The Cosmic Engine, Super Marimba, Unfamiliar Geometry, and more, along
with amazing video and electronic art. Equal parts appropriation,
experimentation, and advanced technology, Electric Eyes translates the
marriage between new school and old school into NOW school — in a most
entertaining and visually stunning way. Runs this weekend and next.

Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. (through June 7th), Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. N., West Bank, Minneapolis; $15 (1 show), $25 (2 shows).

MUSIC
MN Homegrown Kickoff Festival

Get your bluegrass fix at this three-day outdoor music and camping extravaganza featuring numerous local and regional musicians performing bluegrass, old-time stringband, and more. Held at El Rancho Mañana Campground and Riding Stables,
the festival includes workshops, tons of jam sessions, music
and craft vendors, delicious food, and possibly kickin’ it old-timey
around a campfire with some bearded gent named "Bud" who talks about
the good old days and smokes hand-rolled cigarettes in between
banjo-jams (that’s where my imagination takes me anyway).

Friday through Sunday, all day; El Rancho Mañana Campgrounds, 27302B Ranch Rd., Richmond, MN; $20 (single day), $40 (3 days with camping).

Want to stay close to home tonight? Check out the funky R&B sounds of Friendly Freddie at Clubhouse Jager (Friday, 10 p.m.), or the eerie, avant-garde stylings of 2 Foot Yard at the Cedar (Friday, 8 p.m.). And on Sunday, 28-year old Georgia native Lizz Wright flexes her emotional range at the Varsity (8 p.m.).

 

FILM
La Corona/Septimebre

The Walker’s Cinematica
series, which focuses on contemporary Latin American filmmakers,
continues tonight with a double feature that includes films from Columbia and Spain. La Corona (The Crown), an Oscar-nominated documentary short set in a women’s penitentiary in Bogotá,
Columbia, follows four inmates vying for the crown in the prison’s
annual beauty pageant — with dramatic results. The second film, Septiembres,
(keeping with the prison theme) focuses on eight inmates who pine for
their loved ones through songs performed in a competition at a
Madrid penitentiary. Director Carles Bosch tracks down the subjects of
these songs outside the prison walls.

Friday at 7:30 p.m., Walker Art Center Cinema, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; $8.

Also this weekend, The Rape of Europa opens at the Edina Cinema. Read Max Ross’s review.

ART
Red Hot Art

This annual art festival typically marks the start of summer for me,
but with this year’s obvious absence of spring, I’m not sure what it’s
marking — hopefully, good weather of some sort. At any rate, I
love Red Hot Art because of its DIY eclecticism; one year, I bought
delicate hand-made paper art, the next, a neon orange anti-Bush stencil
on a piece of cardboard, made-to-order by a dirty punk rocker. At Red
Hot Art you’ll be sure to walk away with an armload of fun and
affordable art-ifacts, and possibly ear damage — a number of bands rock
the heck out of park all weekend long.

Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Stevens Square Park, Between 18th & 19th St., and Stevens & 2nd Ave., Minneapolis; free.

BENEFIT
Off the Shelf Gala

Love books? You can prove it tonight at Hennepin County Library’s "Off the Shelf" gala fundraiser.
Proceeds from the event will go directly to benefit K-12 programs at
libraries city-wide and other bookishly good programs. Enjoy a wide variety of
entertainment, including music by the MacPhail Faculty Jazz Quartet and Tambuca — plus the chance to mingle with notable authors,
an opportunity to bid on unique literary items, and of course,
delectable food and drink for all. With a whimsical Alice in
Wonderland-style theme, you can bet Off the Shelf has put enough
imagination into this event to impress even Lewis Carroll himself.

Saturday at 7 p.m. ($150 level) and 8:30 p.m. ($50 level), Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Downtown Minneapolis; $50-$150, order tickets HERE.

SPECIAL EVENT
Grand Old Day

A clear memory of my youth centers around nearly being trampled while a motorcade carrying Mikhail Gorbachev
cruised Summit Avenue during Grand Old Day in the early ’90s — at least I think it was during Grand Old Day (that part — not
so clear). Either way, I got a cool temporary tattoo in the shape of Gorby’s infamous head-birthmark, which made up for the near-trampling. My point is, Grand Old Day,
while a potential hazard to your health, is bound to entertain, with
concerts on multiple stages, a parade, an all day art fair, a huge beer
garden, and tasty food — literally as far as the eye can see. So, wear
your hiking boots because this party spans a good couple of miles down
Grand Avenue.

Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Grand Ave., between Fairview & Dale, St. Paul; free.

READINGS

What Light Poetry Reading

Join our friends at mnartists.org
for a lovely Sunday evening of poetry at Magers & Quinn.
Tonight will include readings from Patricia Kirkpatrick, Brenda Hellen, Jason Ericson, and other winners from the latest series of
mnartist’s "What Light" poetry contest. Make an afternoon of it with a stroll around Lake Calhoun, or a bit of Uptown shopping and/or eating!

Sunday at 5 p.m., Magers & Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Uptown Minneapolis; free.

 
LATE ADDITION
One More Thing — If You’re into Cosmos and Jimmy Choos

After pressure from multiple sources to write about the Sex and the City premier, I’ve finally relented. Not that I’m anti-SATC — the fashion in the show is amazing — it’s just that I’m not really the type of gal who enjoys gossiping about boys
and handbags over a Cosmo. I also don’t get a weekly "mani" or "pedi",
nor do I drool over Jimmy Choo shoes — which I can definitely
appreciate, but don’t ever expect to own. Despite my thinly veiled
sarcasm, there are quite a few events going on in conjunction with the premier tonight, so rock those Minolos if you’ve got ’em, and grab your girlfriends for a fabulous night on the town.

FRIDAY: Official premier party with SATC-themed drinks, Bliss Lau Handbag Giveaway, and more. 7 p.m., Bellanotte, 6th St N & 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis; free.

SATURDAY: An evening with Sex and the City: Pre-movie cocktail hour, door prizes, giftbags, and free post-drink at the Chambers. 8 p.m., Drama, Gaviidae Common, 1st Floor, 651 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; $25.  

THEATER & PERFORMANCE
The Comedian’s Tragedy

The Comedian’s Tragedy is
a contemporary play set in ancient times that tells the tale of a young
artistic prodigy who falls in love with an unlikely muse, an ancestral
enemy of Greece. Encouraged to take his rightful place as a Tragedian,
the greatest of artists, young Aristophanes finds himself struggling
between love, revenge, and
loyalty. An all-star cast and crew from every major theater in town
accompany the production, written by 26-year-old playwright and
seasoned actor Matthew Amendt,
with costumes by Lauren Machen, set by Nicholas Golfis, and a cast of
actors with too many accolades to possibly list here. Runs through June
15th (previews tonight and tomorrow, opening night Saturday).

8 p.m., Theater Garage, 711 W. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis; $15-$20 suggested donation.

Also, showing tonight — The Ugly One, at the Guthrie’s Dowling Studio. Read Hannah Simpson’s review.

FILM
A Place in the Sun

Tonight wraps up the "Cult Classics" film series, a collection of flicks hand-picked by Walker exhibiting artist Richard Prince. This six-time Oscar-winning classic stars
Montgomery Cliff as a handsome and charming factory worker who fends
off a pregnant ex (Shelley Winters) while romancing an
out-of-his-league debutante (Elizabeth Taylor) in a bid for a life of
leisure. Tonight also marks another of the Walker’s Target Free
Thursday nights, which is exactly what it sounds like: free admission
to the Walker, all night long!

7:30 p.m., Walker Art Center Cinema, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, free.

MUSIC
Sound Funktion

With the never-ending chain of cookie-cutter nightclubs
that crop up and die just as quickly in downtown Minneapolis, only a
select few are exempt from my general indifference, and the 414 Soundbar
is one of them. On the fringe of Downtown, this tucked away Warehouse
District hotspot sets itself apart with rotating monthly exhibits by
local artists, an uber-cool euro-crowd, an amazing (and beautiful)
staff, and of course, good music. Thursday nights at the Soundbar are
equal parts sexy and chill, with deep, deep house and experimental
electronic music from resident DJs Aaron Bliss and Jesse Jakob. FYI: You’ll never need an excuse to drink champagne here because it almost seems unnatural not to — even on a Thursday.

9 p.m., 414 Soundbar, 414 3rd Ave. N, Warehouse District (North Loop), Minneapolis; free.

DANCE
The Rite of Spring

A homage to Igor Stravinsky’s scandalous production of the same name, The Rite of Spring
is recreated by three local dance troupes: Ballet of the Dolls, Zorongo
Flamenco, and Live Action Set. A tale of paganism with a burlesque
twist, you can expect the unexpected from artistic director and Ballet of the Dolls founder
Myron Johnson, who creates a unique and visually stunning experience that includes Stravinsky’s original score accompanied by heavy
metal music! Tonight’s opening night performance is quite special,
as it marks 95 years from the original performance that
outraged Paris in 1913.

8 p.m. (Thursday through Sunday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday), Ritz Theatre, 345 13th Ave., Northeast Minneapolis; $15-$27.

As you may have noticed, our Secrets of the Day header has changed. From here on out, Kate Iverson will take the lead on compiling the Secrets and letting you know what great things are happening in the Twin Cities. We are very excited to have her with us, as I’m sure you will be once you experience her awesomeness.

Please see below for her first Secrets of the Day recommendations. I have but one thing to add to the mix. Tonight, the Edina Cinema is serving up a stellar double feature — too good to pass up: Woody Allen & Diane Keaton in Annie Hall (1977), and Jack Lemmon & Shirley MacLaine in Billy Wilder’s The Apartment (1960). You just can’t go wrong with these two!

Have a great one, and be sure to check out some of our new articles: J.A. del Rosario’s review of Mike Edison’s pop novel, I Have Fun Everywhere I Go; author Stephan Evans’s explanation as to why his novel is set in Minneapolis; Gwen E. Kirby’s "Cherry on a Spoon"; Denis Joeng’s Martin Olav Sabo Bridge-Naming Ceremony slideshow; and Brian Voerding’s piece on Mikenastics.

—Cristina Córdova

And now, more from Kate…

THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Bedlam 10 Minute Play Festival

The forum for independently produced theater is always in high-demand, and since 2002 the Bedlam Theatre has been catering to that demand through its 10 Minute Play Festival. Each year, for the past seven years, the company has painstakingly selected the most visionary directors and playwrights for this annual production. Twenty-three ten-minute or less works showcase experimental and cutting edge ideas of local and national talent — which culminate on the Bedlam stage this very evening. The plays are parceled out into three sections that rotate throughout the festival for easy and non-overwhelming theatrical enjoyment.

7 & 9 p.m. (through June 1st), Bedlam Theater, 1501 S. 6th St., Minneapolis; $10-$20.

SPECIAL EVENT
Bush-McCain Challenge

A funny yet informative twist on the old Pepsi-Coke Challenge, the Bush-McCain challenge is an enlightening quiz which shows George Bush and John McCain in a very similar light. A phenomenon that is sweeping the internet, actual Bush-McCain Challenge events have been popping up all over the country — in-your-face man-on-the-street events. Today, three such events will occur throughout the afternoon all over the city. So, come on down, take the challenge, and talk politics with like-minded (and perhaps some not-like-minded) folks.

Noon; 11th & Nicollet Mall, downtown Minneapolis; Wedge Coop, Franklin & Lyndale, Minneapolis; Hub Shopping Center, 66th & Nicollet, Minneapolis; free.

ART

Art Revolution for Twin Cities Students: Ask Me

The Center for Independent Artists has been churning out an impressive season of community-friendly art events aimed at drawing in and educating people of all ethnicities, ages, and skill levels about the arts. Tonight’s event, presented by Yo! The Movement and Art Revolution for Twin Cities Students, brings together arts professionals with Twin Cities students for a fun meet-and-greet and general information session about art as a profession and as a creative outlet. A great activitity for the fam that includes cool music, art, food, and creative encouragement.

6-10 p.m., Center for Independent Arts, 4137 Bloomington Ave. S, Minneapolis; free.

MUSIC
Los Campesinos!

Los Campesinos translates to "The Farmers," and what they seem to be cultivating is some seriously charming indie art-pop, topped off with a nice, messy dollop of punk rock sensibility. Tonight’s show at the Varsity supports their fittingly titled debut CD, Hold on Now, Youngster, and will most likely be a high-energy phantasm filled with musically elite college students who probably think they’re cooler than you. If you can get past that, however, I definitely think this show merits consideration on your hump-day itinerary.

8 p.m., Varsity Theater, 1308 4th St. SE, Dinkytown, Minneapolis; $13.