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

ART

Yuri Arajs: Reclaimed Memory

Longtime Minneapolis staple, Yuri Arajs, will soon take leave of us to return to his homeland of Canada. And while I am sad to see him go, I can honestly say he's been a true inspiration as a curator, artist, and community supporter — to me personally, and to countless others who've been lucky enough to know him and/or work with him. Tonight's exhibit is Yuri's latest body of work and his last solo show in Minneapolis. Known for his recognizable brand of minimal mixed-media art, Arajs takes it to a slightly different level this time around, incorporating discarded photographs he's collected over the years and reclaiming those memories as his own. Luckily, the Twin Cities has many Yuri-related memories which will not soon be forgotten, but I'd still suggest popping into this opening to make another one — just for good measure.

If it's more art you are after, check out MPLSART, a local arts calendar that's got your weekend art adventures all mapped out.

Friday, 7-11 p.m., Rogue Buddha, 357 13th Ave. NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

DANCE
Enchanted Evening

Jawaahir Dance Company has built an impressive reputation for its exotic and distinctive performances in the Twin Cities. Blending traditional dance techniques of Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, and the Saudi Gulf with a bit of humor and some contemporary flair, Jawaahir stands apart from other dance companies. Expect glittering costumes, enticing dancers, and lots of pizazz during this performance of Middle Eastern dance solos and other pieces from the companies eclectic repertoire. Purchase tickets online HERE.

Friday, 8 p.m., Jawaahir Theater, 1940 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, $15

ART
Through the Looking Glass/Draw Too

Tonight SooVAC opens two imaginative exhibits that will surely tickle your artbone. Local darling Jennifer Davis exhibits her easter candy-colored, fantasy inspired paintings in Through the Looking Glass, in the Toomer Gallery. Says Davis, "From the confusing battles we fight within ourselves, to the familiar feeling of being lost in a crowd, each story is played out in a dreamland that somehow feels like home." Also opening in SooVAC's main gallery is Draw Too: A Drawing Show in Four Acts. Explore four meanings of the word "draw" in this exhibition of work by 14 local artists of high repute, including Rob McBroom, Isaac Arvold, Eric Carlson, and Scott Stulen.

Friday, 6-9 p.m., Soo Visual Arts Center, 2640 Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis, Free

THEATER
Uranus

The always ingenious Upright Egg Theater Company brings us an experimental production that's part sci-fi/fantasy and part social commentary. Uranus Director Jeremy Pickard brings us the story of two backpackers who find themselves stranded a on planet made entirely of Earth's waste. The set, props, lights, and costumes are all either recycled or donated materials, making Uranus a "green" production. Performed at the Tilsner Artist's Cooperative, in cooler-than-cool Lowertown St. Paul, you can easily make an impressive date of if with a glass of vino and bite at the Black Dog Cafe, located just around the corner.

Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 6 p.m., Tilsner Artist's Cooperative, 300 Broadway Street, Lowertown Saint Paul, For reservations please call 651-292-0179

NIGHTCLUB
Flash Jam

If you're looking to get crunk on Saturday, the Kitty Cat Klub's Flash Jam has you covered. A hipster-infested evening of electro, rock, and pop jams led by prolific cool kid DJ Jonathan Ackerman, this dance party will introduce you to the hottest DJs and the fliest dance moves around. So if you're not in the mood for art and culture, Flash Jam is the perfect alternative. Saturday's special guest is NYC's DJ Dirty Finger, who will spin '80s Euro new wave, danceable rock jams, and Latin soul classics through the night, alongside local beatheads Winship, Portnoy, and Ackerman.

Saturday, 10 p.m., Kitty Cat Klub, 315 14th Ave SE, Dinkytown, Free


FAMILY
Pride Picnic

The perfect warm up to next weekend's Pride Festival, today will feature a fun family-friendly picnic at Como Park's East Picnic Pavillions. Wrangle your friends and come on down to this free event that will include complimentary grilled treats (cooked on a grill the size of a Volkswagon) and other picnic fodder, old-fashioned races, table games, softball, and lots of good people watching. Find out what's going on at Pride, from the festival to the parade, to the music, parties, and so much more — because it's definitely something you should be planning out in advance!

Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Como Park East Picnic Pavillions, Lexington & Midway Pkwy, St.Paul, Free