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

MUSIC
Cyn's Second Tuesdays: Ode to the Roddes

Channeling those old-time rhythmic roots may be as easy as taking a trip to the new 501 Club in Downtown Minneapolis tonight. Part of KFAI's Dig Up the Roots programming, Cyn's Second Tuesdays at 501 features an evening of live bands whose sound will transform the club into an antique hub of forgotten music. Hosted by sassy babe and local writer Cyn Collins, tonight's performance features Alaska-based ensemble, Ode to the Roddes, who will be performing a traditional set of gospel blues. With dark harmonies, fiddles, bass and trashcan percussion, the 9 person band sings dark tales of woe, redemption and murder, with foot-stomping energy and a Hank Williams feel. To make matters more enticing, old-timey string band The False Hearts kick things off. Similar to their Northeast sister venue, the 331 Club, The 501's nights are always "no cover" so feel free to spend your cash on the things that really count: good eats and drinks! -Juleana Enright

Extra: Catch Ode to the Roddes live on KFAI's Dig Up the Roots from 9 – 11 a.m. today for a tasty preview of what to expect in tonight's jam session.

9 p.m. to midnight, 501 Club, 501 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
Bakken Evening Out

Celebrate "Earth Month" with electrifying antics at the Bakken Museum! The Bakken, whose mission is educate the public on electricity and magnetism in medicine and the life sciences, goes "green" tonight. Stock up on knowledge on living green, with gardening advice from expert herbalist and author Don Engebretson; a perusable selection of gardening books from Magers & Quinn; and a display of greenery and flora courtesy of Brown & Greene Floral Market. You'll also be invited to take the "Minnesota Energy Challenge," nibble apps from Qdoba Mexican Grill and sip organic wine from France 44. Geared more towards grown-ups, but still family friendly, the Bakken's Evening Out parties are as educational as they are festive.

5 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Avenue S, Minneapolis, $7 (for a buy one/get one free coupon, click HERE)

SPECIAL EVENT
Policy and a Pint

Not quite sure how to interpret this whole "recession" hoopla? Neither are we. However, the clever minds behind the monthly "Policy and a Pint" event may be able to help. Join moderator Steve Seel of 89.3 the Current, Tom Weber (MPR News Reporter), and Glenn Dorfman (former housing lobbyist and current consultant on economic analysis and public affairs), as they delve into "The Budget Breakdown -- from Washington to Minnesota," tonight at the Varsity Theater. Kick back with a brewski and gain insight into our current economic crisis, how it affects us as Minnesotans, and what the government is doing to correct it. If anything, tonight's event will fuel some interesting political discussion, regardless of your bank account status.

5:30 p.m., Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Dinkytown Minneapolis, $10 ($5 for students with a valid ID)