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

MUSIC
New Orleans Piano Master Allen Toussaint

If you know New Orleans R&B, you know this man. Allen Toussaint has been producing hits for half a century, teaming up with some of the country's best musicians, and inspiring others to record his songs with great success. Bonnie Raitt recorded "What is Success," Warren Zevon recorded "A Certain Girl," the Jerry Garcia Band recorded "Get Out of My Life Woman," The Band recorded "You See Me," The Who recorded "Fortune Teller" — all Toussaint songs. And tonight, you can have the pleasure of hearing him for yourself.

7 and 9:30 p.m., Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis; 612-332-1010; $50, $40.

Ok, I love New Orleans R&B, and certainly I can appreciate a master piano player, but I have to confess (embarrassing as it may be) it's not Toussaint I listen to — much too loud — in my car when things are not quite right. Shhh. "Here we go for the hundredth time. Hand grenade pins in every line. Throw 'em up and let something shine. Going out of my f**king mind." That's right, baby: it's Linkin Park. Tonight. No need to hide any longer. (Though I'll probably go in disguise.)

7 p.m., Xcel Energy Center, 175 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; 651-989-5151; $39.50-$56.

Valentine's Eve Glam/Fetish Bash

Celebrate Valentine's Eve with glam, fetishism, and All the Pretty Horses. Let frontman Venus redefine rebellion and sexuality for you on this special day. "My neighbor Venus is the front person for a band called All the Pretty Horses," wrote Emily Carter for us in 2002. "He or she sports a lovely pair of partridge-sized breasts that peek out over a leather bustier, a talent for fearsome guitar licks, and a vocal apparatus that effortlessly blends the power of Diamanda Galas with the decadence of David Bowie... It’s one thing to be a transsexual glam-goddess in Manhattan’s seen-it-all Meat Packing district, where trannies strut their stuff as a matter of course. It’s quite another to walk into Mill’s Fleet Farm in Oakdale at eight in the morning, wearing a lace-up midriff and standing six feet tall in platform boots." You don't have to go to Fleet Farm to catch Venus this evening.

8 p.m., First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-338-8388; $8.

Also tonight, Dan "Daddy Squeeze" Newton brings his fox trottin' ways to the Varsity. And you can bring your own music to the stage at the Cedar as part of Bill Cagley's open mic.