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

SPECIAL EVENT
The Big Pitch: Advertising in the 1950s

Trek to St. Peazy this fine Tuesday eve for a nostalgic stroll down consumerism lane...a la 1950! Join Carmichael Lynch founder Lee Lynch, and the University of Minnesota's Melissa Williams for an in-depth look at the "Golden Age" of advertising and how it relates to the modern world. In the 1950s and 60s, branding and advertising began to define an era, as pop culture ran rampant within a booming economy. Tonight, kick back at the Turf Club with an old-timey cocktail (think a Tom Collins, a Gimlet, or a Seabreeze), listen in, and check out some of the most influential branding of the last century. This program is offered in conjunction with the Historical Society's "Minnesota's Greatest Generation Project." For more information click HERE.

7:30 p.m., Turf Club, 1601 University Avenue, St. Paul, $6 ($5 for MNHS members)

SPECIAL EVENT
Living Arts: Building a Fairy Tale Opera

Join opera lovin' literati Marcia Aubineau, composer Jonathan Dove and director Martin Duncan for an insider's peek at the Minnesota Opera's upcoming production of The Adventures of Pinocchio. Learn how this beloved, classic fairy tale was transformed into a full-scale opera through the magic of music, set design, and high-concept artistry. Part of the Library's "Living Arts Series," this fun and engaging event will open your eyes to the wonders of theatrical production -- and have you running to order tickets to the Minnesota Opera!

7 p.m., Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall, 300 Washington Avenue, Downtown Minneapolis, Free

MUSIC
Spark Festival Opening Night

Showcasing the international and local work of creators and performers of new media arts, the Spark Festival is a large-scale music convention designed to unite the community of live electronic artists with its listeners. Tonight the festival kicks off at 7 p.m. at The Whole Music Club and features five local artists - Josh Musikantow, Brett Wartchow, Scott Keever, Schuyler Tsuda and Pat O'Keefe, who will deliver live sets ranging from laptop-derived performances to real instrument/digital integration. And if all that bumping has you excited for more, follow the crowd over to Azia's Caterpillar Lounge for the official Spark Fest Opening Party featuring performances by Jon Hester, Centrific, and LadyShades, a.k.a. JamesPatrick (SPARK nightlife director). The Spark Festival continues through February 22nd in numerous venues across the Twin Cities. Click HERE for a full schedule. -Juleana Enright

7 p.m., Music Showcase, Whole Music Club, Coffman Union, 300 Washington Avenue SE, Dinkytown Minneapolis, Free.

10 p.m., Opening Party, Azia's Caterpillar Lounge, 26th & Nicollet, Minneapolis, Free