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

MUSIC
Jake Shimabukuro

You might not consider the ukulele to be a rockin', multi-faceted instrument, but after experiencing world-renowned musician Jake Shimabukuro work his magic on it, you'll never think of these Hawaiian strings in the same way. Shimabukuro's unique techniques revolutionize the traditional uke range to incorporate the styles of folk, bluegrass, jazz, funk, classical. Honolulu-born Shimabukuro's performance is a testament to the art of blending classic heritage with modern pop influences. Join him for a special performance tonight at the beautiful Ordway Theater. And don't worry, Hawaiian attire is not required!  -Juleana Enright

7:30 p.m., Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, $15-$25

READINGS
Raking Through Books

The luck o' the Irish comes around a bit early this March, with tonight's St. Paddy's themed edition of Raking Through Books. Join local Irish authors Carol Connolly, Erin Hart, Kieran Folliard, Faith Sullivan, and Bill Watkins as they read their own or their favorite Gaelic tales and passages for your listening enjoyment. Raking Through Books takes place on the second Tuesday of the month and offers readers and writers the chance to discuss literature and writing in a casual pub setting. Settle in: Raking Through Books includes free appetizers and a cash bar. Cosponsored by the Loft, Secrets of the City, University of Minnesota Bookstore, KFAI Radio, and Kieran's Irish Pub.

5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Kieran's Irish Pub, 330 2nd Avenue, Downtown Minneapolis, Free

Extra: And if you're quick, you can make it to Talk of the Stacks, featuring author and Salon editor David Plotz, just a few blocks away at the Central Library, starting at 7 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENT
Scientific Trivia

What do you get when you combine scientific trivia, beer, and Dessa Darling? We're not quite sure, but we're pretty confident it's awesome. Head to the Nomad tonight as the Bell Museum and science buff/musical genius Dessa Darling host an evening of nerdy trivia based on topics such as basic biology, current events, science fiction and science history. Teams of up to five people compete for cool prizes and intelligence points, while drink specials abound. The perfect "educational" excuse to imbibe in a little ruckus juice on this hopefully not-too-snowy Tuesday night.

8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Nomad Pub, 501 Cedar Avenue S., West Bank Minneapolis, $10 registration per team