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

MUSIC
Cash Only IX: A Tribute to The Man in Black

Somehow, despite complete over-saturation in music, movies, and pop culture in general, Johnny Cash still never loses his timeless charm. The original Man in Black is paid his just dues this evening at the Cabooze's annual Cash Only Tribute Show.  Local bands, including Sherwin Linton, Trailer Trash, Ol' Yeller, White Iron Band, Janis Figure, Prairie Sons, Baby Grant Johnson, Dave Babb, and The Brass Kings, all line up to pay musical homage to this epic country legend. Due to popular demand, the show runs both Friday and Saturday.

Friday and Saturday, 8:30 p.m., The Cabooze, 917 Cedar Avenue S., $12

THEATER
Pure Confidence

Mixed Blood Theatre departs from its usual contemporary plays to stage an historical drama, opening this weekend. Simon Cato, a slave and an extraordinary horse jockey, was one of the most heralded athletes of his time. The story follows Simon on his journey to freedom -- though once he finds it, he discovers it's not all it's cracked up to be. A tale told with humor and grace, Pure Confidence examines an epic time in American history, near the close of the Civil War. The cast, directed by Marion McClinton, includes notables Gavin Lawrence, Regina Williams, Chris Mulkay, and Karen Landry. 

Friday, 7:30 p.m. (Opening), Runs Wed-Sun through Feb 1st, Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. Fourth Street, Minneapolis, $26

EXTRA: Take advantage of the Secrets of the City $12 ticket deal on select performances of Pure Confidence! Click HERE for more info.

MUSIC
Elfi Snow CD Release Show

Although Kristen Copham (aka Elfi Snow) and bassist Erik Asp moved to New York in 2005, the band is still rocking shows in the MPLS with members based both in Minnesota and New York. Splitting their gigs in this way, you might be compelled to consider the band mere part-time locals, but their commitment to performance is apparent regardless of the locale. Tonight, Elfi Snow celebrates the release of their new album, Your Face. Don't miss the band's infusion of reggae, punk, country with vocals reminiscent of Aimee Mann. Tonight's show also includes performances from Kid Dakota and Rob the Carpenter. -Juleana Enright

Friday, 9 p.m., Lee's Liquor Lounge, 101 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis, $6

ART
Art Shanty Projects

This chilly annual tradition takes the cake as the most endearingly Minnesotan art event, ever. Where else but in the hearty heartland would you find so many art instigators willing to risk frostbite in the name of creativity? Each year, individual teams work their mitted-fingers to the bone building inspired ice shantys of the most artistic variety. Spread over the frozen tundra of Medicine Lake, each Art Shanty boasts some sort of oddball theme and/or design. Visit such enticing outposts as a karaoke shanty, a performance theater, a structure full of bicycle-powered fixtures, a knitting shanty, a French-language Quebecois outpost, a post office, a submarine, an oversized game of dice, multiple museums, research laboratories, and more. Just remember to dress properly, because, as Sean Smuda says, "It's spacesuit weather!"

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Through Feb 14th, Art Shanty Projects, Medicine Lake, Plymouth, Free

BONUS: ARP Issue Release/Art Shanty After Party at Art of This Gallery Tonight, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.!

ART
Artform 1040

If freezing your face off in the name of art (see above) doesn't appeal to you, then keep it cozy tonight at Fox Tax Gallery! This pre-tax season art party has your wallet in mind: 10 notable local artists are each offering 10 specially priced, limited edition prints based on themes of economic crisis, political climate, and religious conflict. While these topics don't sound exactly cheerful, the prices are -- at just $40 a piece! Featuring artists Kate Burgau, Jaime Carrera, Rudy Fig, Anne George, Keith Eric Williams, Jake Keeler, Alex Kuno, David Lynn, Miles Mendenhall, Tamara Sadlo, Becca Shewmake, Katherine Stemwedel, and Michelle Westmark. Get em' while they're hot (and before the tax man takes all your money). Runs through April 18th.

Saturday, Opening reception 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Fox Tax Gallery, 503 1st Avenue NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free