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

SPECIAL EVENT
History of Hip: Psychedelic Utopia

Groovy, man! The Minnesota Historical Society's History of Hip series investigates the art and music of everyone's favorite free wheelin', free lovin' and free druggin' era -- the 1960s. Say what you will about hippies; despite the fact that many brain cells were lost forever during this time frame, the endless flow of iconic imagery and music has definitely persevered. Join Christian Peterson, curator of the MIA's recent exhibit San Francisco Psychedelic, and Joel Stitzel, former music director of Radio K, as they take you on an audio/visual odyssey through our trippiest generation thus far. Tonight's program is offered in conjunction with the Historical Society's "Minnesota's Greatest Generation Project."

7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Turf Club, 1601 University Avenue, St. Paul, $6 ($5 for MNHS Members)

WINE & DINE
Sample Circuit

Each month we await the culinary delight that is Sample Circuit with extreme impatience. Our love of all things "mini" is fully indulged at this rotating gourmet sampling party, with small plates of numerous tasty treats from the minds of some of the top chefs in the city. This month's stop is at downtown staple Solera, where chef JP Samuelson (formerly of JP American Bistro) will tempt you with feats of flavor. Test drive such fare as red wine poached pear and espelette pepper on toasted brioche; roasted mushrooms stuffed with crab and chorizo; and veal meatballs glazed with spicy harissa on golden raisin basmati -- just to name a few. Add in mixed drinks from Ketel One Vodka, beer samples from Leinenkugel, and goodie bags jam-packed with cool swag, and you've got yourself a satisfying Tuesday evening.   

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Solera, 900 Hennepin Avenue, Downtown Minneapolis, $38

SPECIAL EVENT
Salon Saloon

"Part talk show, part art and culture review," Salon Saloon, invites the audience to tour the creative psyches of local artists, writers, oddballs, musicians and social entrepreneurs. Enjoy anecdotes from their personal experiences and insight into their creative processes -- all while drinking beer. Guests for tonight's themed show, "Road Stories," include St. Paul's famed punk poet Paul D. Dickinson, who will entertain you with tales of seeing America from the back of a tour van; Bella Koshka violinist Hilary Davis, who will give a hilarious recount of her recent trip to SXSW (some of which we've personally heard, and loved); actress/comedian Courtney McLean's experiences while touring the east coast Fringe Festival circuit in a white Monte Carlo; and painter Caroyln Swiszcz's comparison of the streets of Miami and Fargo to our own West St. Paul. Hosted by our fave local eccentric under the age of 30, Andy Sturdevant, bonuses include Old Man Orville as the Salon Saloon house band, photos, road songs, gossip, singing, dancing, and accordion music. Talk about a hometown hootenanny!

7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Nomad World Pub, 501 Cedar Avenue, West Bank Minneapolis, Free