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

FASHION
Rare Affections

Looking for a festive frock to spice up the holidays? Look no further. The MNFashion pop-up boutique just opened in Gaviidae Common and plans to kick off the stylin' season tonight with Rare Affections, an event centered around a stunning collection of fanciful, one-of-a-kind garments. With exclusive designs by such local fashion darlings as Ra'mon Lawrence, Calpurnia Peach, Princess Warrior, Ivan Idland, Max Lorbach, Red Shoe Clothing Co, Laura Fulk and more, you'll certainly find something that will crown you the belle of the ball at that inevitable holiday gathering. Designers will be on-hand for alterations and to answer your questions, and mingling with other fashion-forward folks will make this event as fun as it is flashy!

Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., MNFashion Boutique, Gaviidae Common II, 555 Nicollet Mall, 2nd Floor, Downtown Minneapolis

SHOPPING
No Coast Craft-o-Rama

This wonderous annual craft extravaganza will definitely have you burning to indulge your own creativity. We know you're busy though, so go the easy route by bringing plenty of cash to snap up deals from some of the coolest craftisians in the Twin Cities! Find handmade jewelry, home decor, bags, cards, journals, candles, soaps, clothing, art and so much more - buying local not only helps the arts economy, but will make your gifts seem much more special. Not to mention, a trip to the Midtown Global Market always results in delicious food eating and exciting sensory overload.

Friday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Midtown Global Market, 2901 Chicago Avenue S, Minneapolis, Free

Extra: Looking for more handmade giftables? Also this weekend: Gifts from the Arts at Casket Arts, Grainbelt Artists' Holiday Gala at the Grainbelt Bottling House, Black Christmas at Blacklist Vintage, The Grand Meander on Grand Avenue, Handmaiden's Craftsmas at the Uptown VFW, Holiday Market at The Northrup King Building.

Extra, Extra: Be sure to check out Secrets of the Season: A Guide to Holiday Harmony, for our personal suggestions for the 2008 holiday season!

SPECIAL EVENT
Hill House Holidays

An absolute must for families and history buffs alike! Take this charming tour of the historic James J. Hill House which promises to embodie "the bustle and excitement of a Gilded Age Christmas." Enjoy a one-hour program that takes you on a magical journey through this elegantly decked out manse, complete with costumed actors portraying servants preparing the house for the holidays during the first decade of the 20th century. This spirited and educational event is a perfect weekend excursion for the whole family, and will definitely get you in the mood for the season ahead.

Saturdays and Sundays through Dec 28th, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, $10 adults, $8 Seniors and Students, $6 Children.

Extra: Like what you see? More historical holiday fun stuff awaits at The Alexander Ramsey House, as well as at the American Swedish Institute!

BENEFIT EVENT
Juried Art Show, Sale & Auction

We believe that children are our future...which is why we can't help but give a shout out to this wonderful benefit event for the Children of Urban Arts Academy. Visit the Weisman tonight, where a full-fledged gala will be in effect. Featuring an art show, sale and auction of original work by emerging and established artists of all stripes,  juried by an esteemed panel of professors, artists,  docents, gallery owners, and art critics. Add in a delectable gourmet spread and tasty wines from D'amico Catering alongside the emcee skills of Sandra Hey of Hey City Theater, and you've got yourself one fabulous soiree. The event will benefit richly diverse children in the free after school arts enrichment and tutoring program at Urban Arts Academy, so it's a win-win!

Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Weisman Art Museum, 333 East River Pkwy, Minneapolis, $50 at the door or by calling 612-827-1641

MUSIC
Yusef Lateef

Tonight the Walker Art Center will come alive with Yusef Lateef's marvelous and unique brand of Jazz. Legendary Grammy-winning composer and insrumentalist Lateef sets the stage with longtime collaborator and percussionist Adam Rudolph and Twin Cities-based composer Douglas Ewart as well as longtime Art Ensemble of Chicago saxophonist Roscoe Mitchell. Jazz Weekly claims,"Yusef Lateef is an artist in the purest form of the word." And we can't help but agree. Soak up these sweet and searing sounds for one night only, and make it count; Lateef hasn't visited the Twin Cities for over a decade and who knows when he'll return, so step to it!

Saturday, 8 p.m., Walker Art Center, McGuire Theater, 1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, $35 ($30 Walker Members)