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

FILM
What We Do Is Secret

Attention aging punk rockers! Don't miss the limited run of What We Do Is Secret, a biopic of seminal Los Angeles punk band The Germs, who raged through the 1970s punk scene with wild abandon - defining an era for many, and getting themselves banned from every venue in the greater Los Angeles area along the way. This film captures the grit, sweat, desperation and determination of the early punk scene through the life and times of the band and their fantastically unruly lead singer, Darby Crash. Though Crash committed suicide via a heroin overdose in 1980, his tumultuous legacy has inspired many a young and snarling anti-socialite, and has established The Germs as one of the most iconic punk bands of all time. Not for the faint of heart, you can expect an onslaught of sex, booze, drugs, rock n' roll and harsh reality in this critically acclaimed film starring Shane West as Darby Crash - who was apparently so convincing in the role that the remaining Germs actually invited him to join the band. So, put on your best sneer and swagger, and head to the Lagoon, because this frenzied rock flick ends its limited run on October 2nd. Directed by Rodger Grossman.

2pm, 4:30pm, 7:10pm, 9:30pm, Lagoon Cinema, 1320 Lagoon Avenue, Uptown, $9

SPECIAL EVENT
"Ragged Road" Premier Party

Macy's has long been associated with events like parades and the great Holidazzle. Tonight promises to be another entertaining event (albeit minus inflatables) at which Macy's private-label brand American Rag hosts a premier party for "Ragged Road," a web series documentary about five aspiring musicians/college students. White Light Riot, the local band that burst onto the Minneapolis scene to rave reviews in 2005, will also be performing. The coolest part of the night, in an early bird getting the worm kind of way, is that the first 75 registered guests receive a "free swag bag" and are entered to win a $500 American Rag shopping spree. Click here to register for this night at the Varsity; prepare to inventory your swag, and check out the painful-but-funny, or funny-but-painful, reality of life as an aspiring musician. Maybe now you'll feel better about your band that never quite went anywhere. -Jill Yablonski

9pm-Midnight, Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Minneapolis, Free Admission


OPEN MIC
The Poet's Groove

Keep it low key this Tuesday with the hep cat crowd at The Blue Nile! This long-running open mic night is always a poetically driven jam-out with the likes of funky drummer Kevin Washington and reigning Minneapolis hip hop queen Desdamona running the show. Whether you're a seasoned pro, a first-timer, or merely a spectator, you'll be welcome with artistically open arms at this chilled out spot, where the spoken word flows as freely as Belgian ale. Belgian ale at an Ethiopian joint, you ask? Well, as the owners of The Blue Nile say, "Why not?" Their superb selection of fancy taps will appeal to any beer snob, and their specialty cocktail menu is equally delightful. Arrive before 10pm and sign up to perform, if you've got the guts, or simply grab a cozy corner and enjoy poets of all stripes at this cool, cool weekly groove.

10pm, The Blue Nile, 2027 Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, Free