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

FILM
Make Your Own Grainbelt Commercial Viewing Party

For the past five years, filmmakers of all stripes have paid on-screen homage to signature hometown brew, Grainbelt Premium. This annual contest invites fimmakers to create short commercials, which range from ridiculous to slickly produced. Come down to the Ritz tonight to watch all the entries on the big screen, then stick around to see who won. The first place winner scores not only $1000, but also a year's supply of Grainbelt Premium! Aptly hosted by Ian of Drinking with Ian, this beer-soaked special event is the perfect hump-day escape, especially when you factor in the cheap beer and free admission. See the commercials online and vote for your favorites HERE.

Doors at 6, Screening at 7, Ritz Theater, 345 13th Avenue NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

MUSIC
Reloaded Wednesdays

Reloaded Wednesday returns with a bang in '09! Head to St. Paul's favorite dive bar for an evening of stellar music with jazz/funk jam band Average Bears, the hip-hop stylings of one Omaur Bliss, and the smooth grooves of special guest, DJ Espada. Reloaded Wednesdays is a respectful nod to the late, great Groove Garden series, Freeloaded Wednesdays, that took place in the late 90s at the Front in Minneapolis. Each month, Reloaded brings together new and established local musicians that play jazz, hip hop and r&b. Not to mention, you can play drinking Jenga!

9 p.m., Turf Club, 1601 University Avenue W., St. Paul, $4

THEATER
Guthrie Winter Sale

Deals, deals, deals! If you've been to any malls or any department stores lately, you know what we're talkin' about. It seems like everything is on sale, and we love it! Not to be outdone, The Guthrie Theater has announced a fire sale of its own: Through January 11th you can score tickets to amazing plays throughout the month of January for bargain basement prices. Purchase one ticket at full price and add up to three more at a fraction of the regular cost. Today additional tickets are $7, on the 8th they are $8, the 9th they are $9, and so on. This sweet deal only runs through Sunday the 11th, so step on it! The discount is valid on January performances of Henry V, A Delicate Balance, and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Some restrictions apply.

Call 612-377-2224 to reserve your tickets now or click HERE for more details!