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

READINGS
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

One of the world's most famous modern philosophy books was written above Robert's Shoe Store on Lake & Chicago while its author, Robert M. Pirsig, was under contract as a technical writer at Honeywell. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance chronicles Pirsig's 17-day motorcycle journey with his son, where road-trippin' and bike repair segued into epic philosophical narration. Head to Smuda Studio tonight, aptly located just above Pirsig's old digs in the Robert's Shoes Building, for a 35th anniversary celebration of this influential tome. Writers Steve Marsh, Marya Hornbacher, Paul Dickinson, Jen March, Alexis McKinnis and others will take turns reading their favorite passages from the book, and then will invite the audience to read as well. Stick around for a screening of On the Road with Robert Pirsig, a documentary featuring Pirsig's personal footage and interviews with actual characters from the book.
 
Friday, 8 p.m., Smuda Studio, 2948 Chicago Avenue S., ring buzzer #08 to be admitted, Minneapolis, donations encouraged

MUSIC
France Has the Bomb 7" Release

Get down and dirty at the Hex tonight! Celebrating the release of their brand new 7", Invisible Angle, gritty power-poppers France Has The Bomb will take this opportunity to blow out your ear drums in the most endearing of ways: with good old fashioned guitar-driven rock n' roll. Joined by equally awesome openers The Box Elders, Leisure Birds, and Real Numbers, tonight's ferocious showcase will definitely appeal to your unruly side. Buy your drinks from the band side of the bar to ensure the performers get their just dues -- and watch out, because Hexagon Rose pours a mean drink!

Friday, 9 p.m., The Hexagon Bar, 2600 27th Avenue S, Minneapolis, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
Renegade Book Sale

We'll gladly get behind anything with "Renegade" and "Book Sale" in its title. Today's festival of unusual literature will feature rare books, vintage books, out of print books, books pertaining to art, design, and crafting, old books, new books, along with a plethora of CDs, DVDs, and even the "People's Format" -- VHS! You'll also have the privilege of perusing one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories by designer Betty Scagnetti; and artist Andree Tracey will peddle her lovely print and collage work to round things out.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street, #350, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
Crispin Iceball Adventure Series

We're pretty sure that Thursday's unfortunate "Snowmaggedon" fiasco won't put too much of a damper on this weekend's outdoor activities -- we are Minnnesotans after all! Crispin's Iceball extravaganza is further proof that Twincy residents are not afraid of a freeze (or an over-hyped blizzard). Join the Saint Paul Saints and Crispin Natural Hard Cider for this old-timey, outdoor ball game that pits Saints players and local celebrities against the Saint Croix Baseball Club -- using vintage baseball rules, no less. And while we won't pretend to know the difference between vintage and current rules, we do know that we like to drink hard cider, especially when the money we spend on said cider goes to benefit cool charities like Second Harvest Heartland.

Saturday, Tailgaiting/Entertainment at 1:30 p.m., First Pitch 3:09 p.m., Midway Stadium, 1771 Energy Park Drive, St.Paul, Free (Donations to Second Harvest encouraged)

ART
Art at 801

Personally, we are big fans of window shopping: expensive shoes, platinum grills, and yes, even fancy downtown living spaces. Despite the fact that we haven't quite saved up enough to move into 801 just yet, we appreciate the idea of high-end loft/condo developments inviting local artists to show on their walls. First and foremost, it connects artists with a new demographic of patrons. And secondly, the opening receptions usually have good wine and gourmet catering! Tonight's reception features the eclectic work of three local artists; Robyn Stoller Awend on the first floor, Suzanne Kosmalski on the second, and Paul Seidler on the third. So, on the off chance that you're loaded, tonight you can pick up a stylish downtown condo and some equally stylish art to go along with it. And after you do that, call us!

Saturday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., 801 Lofts, 801 Washington Avenue N. , Minneapolis, Free

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