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

READINGS
Subterranean Twin Cities

We've always been fascinated with the concept of urban exploration. And since we personally are way too wussy to try it ourselves, the next best thing is hearing geologist, historian, and sewer-traipser Greg Brick talk about it. His book, Subterranean Twin Cities, takes you on an odyssey through the abandoned industrial spaces, caves and tunnels that lie quietly beneath our busy streets. Brick will regale you with stories of such never-traveled spots as St. Paul's Carver Cave with its rumors of sunken treasure, and the "Shangri-La" of caves located 75 feet beneath strip club Schiek's Palace in Downtown Minneapolis. Also covered in the book is an extensive geological history of the area which includes the giant cone-shaped mollusk Endoceras, whose thirteen-foot-long fossils are found in the Mississippi River gorge. Cool!

7:30 p.m., Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
Clothing Swap

Trade in that frilly frock you've worn one too many times for something fresh and fanciful tonight at the Textile Center! The style connoisseurs at Yelp and MNFashion invite you to bring your clean, gently used clothing that is rip and stain-free, shoes, or accessories and trade up. You may just find something perfectly you, without breaking the bank! Bring at least three items to trade. All remaining items will be donated to the Goodwill at the end of the night.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Textile Center, 3000 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis, Free (donations welcome)

PERFORMANCE
Salon Series 3

Head to the Mpls Photo Center's sprawling warehouse art gallery this evening for a number of up close and personal mini-performances by the Minnesota Dance Theater. Explore two floors of the Center, where small troupes of talented dancers will be performing vignettes in multiple locations for your enjoyment. Professional photographers from the Center will be on hand to capture the grace and strength of this local dance company on film (or memory card), to be shown in an upcoming exhibit. While you're there, check out the current show featuring the pinhole photography work of Tom Miller, Ric Johnson, Earl Johnson, Chrissy Johnson, Scott Stillman, and Marvin Thompson.  

7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mpls Photo Center, 2400 N. 2nd Street, Minneapolis, Free
 
RETAIL
Via's Vintage Sale

Staple Uptown vintage boutique, Via's, celebrates Fashion Week in style, literally, with 10% off all items in the store! What's better, is that with your purchase, you'll receive a free, limited edition, screen-printed canvas shopping bag (while supplies last). Pick through new inventory including revamped and recycled jewelry from Vintage City Classics, and Reevolution's 2009 Spring collection. Hang out until 5 p.m. for a special reception with designer Sarah Holm (Reevolution) plus Holly Luke and Jen Des Lauriers (Vintage City Classics).

11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Reception 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Via's Vintage, 2408 Hennepin Avenue S., Minneapolis, Free