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

MUSIC
My Bloody Valentine Party

Oh, the possibilities! Tonight's party at Staisu's seems to be loosely themed around one of our favorite music groups that hit their stride in the mid-nineties. My Bloody Valentine was a dreamy, distorted, shoe-gazey delight that definitely deserves nostalgic props. Just for one evening, revive the frayed sweater with thumbholes cut into the cuffs; or slather on some black eyeliner to match that dour attitude you entertained back in High School. The night is young, and it's never too late to break out that composition notebook full of angsty poetry that you've been saving since 1992. You may just meet the emotionally unstable emo of your dreams tonight! Featuring the music of Strangelights, Luke's Angels, Grey Skies, Basement Apartment, and DJ Christian Fritz & Sara Jean. My Bloody Valentine covers are bound to happen.

Friday, 9 p.m., Stasiu's Place, 2600 University Avenue NE, Northeast Minneapolis, $5

ART
Walker After Hours

The iconic, pop culture portrait work of Elizabeth Peyton is fitting fuel for the Walker's popular After Hours series. Bedeck yourself in dazzling attire and join the art set this evening for a sneak prev of Live Forever, Peyton's vivid collection of intimate portraiture featuring rock idols, artists, historic figures, and personal friends. The party ain't too shabby either, with lavish buffets, specialty cocktails, hip tunes, pretty lights, and hundreds of the coolest people in the Twin Cities. Catch a screening of Kurt Cobain: About a Son in the Cinema; hit the art lab to create your own portrait with a forensic artist; and have your fabulous time immortalized in the Party People Picture Booth. We'll be there with bells (and possibly opera gloves) on! Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton runs through June 14th.

Friday, 9 p.m. to Midnight, Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, $35 ($25 Walker Members)

SPECIAL EVENT
VD09

There are more cool Valentine's Day events this weekend than we can shake an arrow at. Finding one that involves "furries," however, is something else entirely. This playfully humorous love fest, VD09, put on by a group of art instigators who are "sick of crappy v-Days," intermingles work from over a dozen local artists with beds, beer, chocolate, dancing, DJs, films, wine, special guests, and yes, furries. Register at the door for a raffle and be entered to win cool prizes from the talented artists of Squad 19, then proceed to dance the night away to the sexy sounds of DJ Danny Sigelman. The fact that this event is poppin' off at The Northrup King Building, where Secrets of the City just so happens to be headquartered, definitely ups the coolness ante. Because, um, need we say it?

Saturday, 7 p.m. to Midnight, Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

ART
Fingers Crossed: Four Girls Pulling on Heartstrings

Explore the landscape of four pretty minds this evening at Umber Studios. The typically airy gallery will be transformed into the heart of a girlish beast with this collection of quirky and alluring works. Local artists DC Ice, Rebecca Sullivan, Jessica Helvey, and Torey Bonar indulge themselves in "evil, love, hate, curiosity, hunger, insanity, wounds, brilliance, quirks, whys, becauses, thoughts and middle fingers." Amid paper hearts and twinkling lights you'll blow kisses to strangers, sip red wine, and nibble on decadent chocolates -- a seductive Valentine's feast for the senses! Exhibit runs through March 14th.

Saturday, 8 p.m., Umber Studios, 3109 E. 42nd Avenue, Minneapolis, Free

Extra: For more art openings this weekend, visit our friends at www.mplsart.com

SPECIAL EVENT
Dre Day: Minnesota Love

Each year, the wild minds behind Burlesque Design celebrate an epic holiday. No, not Valentine's Day -- Dr. Dre's Birthday! This annual hip hop blowout honors Dre, the iconic rapper and producer who introduced the world to such lovable acts as N.W.A., Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, and so many others. The boys at Burlesque have started a national craze, with official Dre Day parties now rocking both Chicago and New York City. This evening, head to the Varsity Theater and crack a 40 oz. in homage to the legendary Doctor.  Dress to impress, because awesome prizes will be awarded to the best dressed couple. Hosted by Espada, you'll enjoy tuneage a la Muja Messiah, Trama with DJ Snuggles, Jimmy Two Times, and Mike the 2600 King. You can also get a classy pic snapped in "The Chronic" photo booth, or play the "$20 Sack Pyramid." A perfectly romantic V-Day!

Saturday, 9 p.m., Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Dinkytown Minneapolis, $10

For more V-Day related events visit our friends at  www.letoilemagazine.com who have prepared an epic itinerary for lovers and haters alike.

Still looking for the perfect gift? Check out our 2009 Valentine's Guide!