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

FILM
MSP International Film Fest

Cinematic flair rides in on the shirt tails of the Spring breeze tonight as the 27th Annual Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival kicks off its 14 day run. With "Minnesota Made" shorts and features plus world cinema screenings, the MSPIFF is the essence of local flavor and global vision. Local theaters St. Anthony Main, Kerasotes Block E, and Oak Street Cinema host a full catalog of must-see films such as the documentary, A Walk to Beautiful, which follows the journey of five Ethiopian women who suffered devastating childbirth-related injuries; Border 1918, a period piece set during the dawn of Finland's independence; and a series of American low-budget, indie flicks -- just to name a few. Don't miss the after parties which following many of the  screenings, including an Earth Day dance party; a MN Shorts party at Clubhouse Jager with the Fearless Filmmakers; a filmie happy hour at the Red Stag; a MPLS media mash-up bash at Gallery 13; and the 7 Sushi Lounge Closing Night Gala. Tonight's opening film 500 Days of Summer from director Marc Webb, tells the non-linear story of the relationship demise of a love-scorned boy (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and a free-spirited contrarian (Zooey Deschanel).  -Juleana Enright

Opening film 7 p.m., Kerasotes Block E Theaters, 600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, $10 General Admission, $8 Students and Seniors, See website for full schedule.

Extra: After the film, head down to Bellanote for a Opening Night Gala Bash with a scrumptous free buffet, charming cocktails and a special "world" performance from local dance troupes. $30 for tickets to Gala and film, $20 Gala only.

DANCE
Zenon Dance Company's 26th Season

Hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed 25th Anniversary season, Zenon Dance Company leaps and bounds its way into the hearts of dance fanatics once again. These four works of "comedic physical theater, uplifting virtuosic movement and whip-smart choreography" will dazzle audiences at the Ritz Theater, weekends through April 26th. Expect signature Zenon pieces such as Seán Curran's "Hard Bargain" and Danny Buraczeski's "Elegant Echoes" plus two premieres; Andrea Miller's "Picnic, Lightning" and the Brian Sostek and Megan McClellan collabo "Not from Texas." Immerse yourself in a wide range of graceful delights that range from abstract contemporary to ballroom-style dancing, all set to an eclectic sonic backdrop featuring Chopin, Joy Division and more.

Extra: Get up close and personal with the choreographers at tonight's post-show reception and fundraiser at Erte (just down the street from the Ritz) for an additional $25.

8 p.m. Thursday, ongoing through the 26th Fri-Sat 8 p.m., Sundays 7 p.m., Ritz Theater, 345 13th Avenue NE, Minneapolis, $28

MUSIC
More Cowbell 5th Anniversary

The Twin Cities is home to so many awesome bloggers it's hard to keep up with them all. One such awesome blog, More Cowbell, celebrates a solid five years as a go-to source for the local music scene. With show listings, photos, videos, and commentary, anyone who sets their mind to it can become a professional music elitist in no time, thanks to these tireless informers. Tonight's Anniversary show at the always-rockin' Turf Club features a line up of More Cowbell's personal favorites. Sip a cup o' likker and listen in on toe-tappin' sets from Romantica, The Evening Rig, and The Absent Arch. While you're there, be sure to high-five site founder Kyle Matteson on five fantastic years of keepin' Minneapolis cool.

8 p.m., Turf Club, 1601 University Avenue, St. Paul, $6