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

PERFORMANCE

 

So many holiday shows, so little time. If you're planning on seeing just one, this is it. Back by popular demand, The Ordway hosts this entertaining seasonal spectacular once again. Sure to bring Christmas cheer to your ears, Irving Berlin's White Christmas is filled with classic tunes such as "Blue Skies," "How Deep is the Ocean?" and of course the signature title song. The rousing tale of two showbiz partners who find love while producing a show at a Vermont inn, White Christmas is a charming collection of familiar and heartwarming songs and enough spirited revelry to get even grinchiest of us on the holiday bandwagon. Runs through January 3rd.

 

 

SHOPPING

 

Take care of the literature lovers on your list in one shot at the St. Paul Central Library's Annual Holiday Book Sale, going on now through December 5th. The Library store will be offering sweet deals on new and slightly used books, videos and music this week. Perfect for the spendthrift holiday shopper or simply anyone looking to stockpile novels for the long winter ahead. Limited hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. make it a bit complicated for those with day jobs, but  if anything, it does make for a good excuse to take an extended lunch break!

 

MUSIC

Venus De Mars is a Minneapolis icon. If you've never been privy to this gender-bending performer's intense presence and dark rock n' roll sensibilities, you're definitely missing out. Leader of outrageous goth-glam-rock band All the Pretty Horses, Venus and co. are known for putting on one hell of a show and captivating audiences with their wicked sound and spark-flying on stage antics. Tonight, however, you can chill out with the corseted one as she spins records for your listening pleasure at this laid back evening at the 331 Club. Expect a playlist of underground gems, 80s, and glam rock that will perfectly compliment the fun-to-watch crowd that is bound to show up.