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

Photo of Maud Hixson by Brooks Peterson

PERFORMANCE
Sample Night Live

Considering that today is April Fool's Day, we're pretty sure the zany minds behind Sample Night Live have a few tricks up their sleeves. Experience this monthly extravaganza at the Minnesota History Theater. SNL features bite-sized servings of upcoming performing arts events designed with your Attention Deficit Disorder in mind. Twelve mini-shows will captivate and entertain with an eclectic blend of theater, music, dance, comedy, puppetry, poetry, magic, and film. Tonight will includes visual art by Linnea Doyle, Rince na Chroi Irish Dancers, two film previews, the jazz stylings of Maud Hixson & Rick Carlson, slam poet Ezra, and lots more.

7 p.m., Minnesota History Theater, 30 E. 10th Street, St. Paul, $20

SPECIAL EVENT
Studio 145 Grand Opening

We love to see artists movin' and shakin' and makin' pretty things despite the "economic downturn." Photographer Tobin Russell and filmmaker Mark Wojahn have combined powers to create Studio 145, a multi-media company whose mission is to bring "relevant, hip and compelling stories and content to drive 21st Century business." These two visual storytellers each have years of experience under their belts, creating important cultural narratives and capturing historic moments in American history such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and more. Join the two ambitious artists tonight as they celebrate the Grand Opening of their joint venture. Check out projections of their work, enjoy grilled treats, free Summit, and get a glimpse at their new production space.

5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Studio 145, Casket Arts Building, 681 17th Ave. N.E. (parking left off Monroe north of 17th), Northeast Minneapolis, Free

MUSIC
Nightinghales Listening Party

What's that you say? You've never heard of the Nightinghales? Well, don't feel too out of the loop. This quintet made up of pre-existing Minneapolis music scene staples has been quietly infiltrating the scene for the past couple years. Flying a bit under the radar while they work on numerous other projects, as Nightinghales members also moonlight in bands such as Idle Hands, Faux Jean, and Steve Bakken & The Travel Agents. With a sound that's pure, melodic rock n' roll at its finest, the band's brand new CD No Looking Back is bound to be one of the hottest albums of the season. Tonight's event is a laid-back CD listening party at cozy Northeast restaurant, The Sample Room, which specializes in small plate, gourmet fare. Introduce yourself to the music tonight without the need for earplugs, and if you like what you hear, hit up the live CD release party on April 10th at the Hexagon Bar!

10 p.m., The Sample Room, 2124 Marshall Street NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

Extra: Pair the above two events together and make it a cute Northeast date night that will do minimal damage to your pocket book!