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

PERFORMANCE
The David Harris Show: A Comedy Variety Show

Ever met someone who has the same name you do?  Most of us would be content to say, "Wow, what are the odds?" and ironically add them as a Facebook friend.   But physical comedian David M. Harris and comic magician David J. Harris took it to the next level by starting their own variety show at the Bryant Lake Bowl Theater.  Their last show featured live beatboxing, special guest interviews and a hilarious multimedia bit that melded a slide show of internet-found pictures with some witty stand up. Not to be out done, tonight's show includes Sweetpea & Switch the Boi Wonder of Lili's Burlesque Revue and Super Dave (AKA Dancin' David) the pop and lock hip-hop master, as well as a few surprises.  And since it's at the BLB,  guests can enjoy food and drinks before, during, and after show.  Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at Brown Paper Tickets. -Stephen Stephens

Bonus: Get in for free if your name is David Harris.

Friday, 10 p.m., Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 West Lake St. Minneapolis, $10

THEATER
Death of a Rabbit

Death, rabbits, a spot of tea? Sounds British to us. The Walker welcomes the Hoipolloi Theatre troupe to the stage tonight as they present a narrative tale surrounding the death of a rabbit, the death of a father, and a bit of hospitality. Welsh writer/performer Hugh Hughes (the alter ego of Shon Dale-Jones) and atmospheric musician Alred Williams combine forces to create a "comic and curiously uplifting performance" on life's greatest enigma -- all while serving tea to the audience. Story of a Rabbit runs tonight with a special encore performance Saturday night. -Juleana Enright

Extra: Arrive early (7 p.m. Friday) to celebrate the last in the Walker's UK Performance Now! series with cheap drinks and a spot of tea with Hugh Hughes.

Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m., Walker Art Center, McGuire Theater, 1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, $15-$25

SPECIAL EVENT
Flint Hills Children's Festival

We believe that children are our future...and what better way to mold said children into cool adults than by immersing them in creativity and art? The annual Flint Hills Children's Festival pulls out all the stops and serves up imagination on a silver platter! Gather your little sponges and let them soak up some stellar performing arts in the form of live music, roaming artists (think mimes, balloon artists, musicians and clowns), theater, circus acts, art exhibits and more. Enjoy international cuisine, a butterfly garden, a parade, and a downtown St. Paul art walk. Watch as the city's 50 foot Blooming St. Paul mosaic is installed at Landmark Plaza, then go home over-stimulated and truly dazzled -- with inspired children in tow. Check out the full schedule of amazing events HERE.

Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Ordway Center (and outdoor surrounding areas), 345 Washington Street, Downtown St. Paul

MUSIC
Tim Sparks Sidewalk Blues CD Release

Music innovator and guitar virtuoso, Tim Sparks, definitely knows his roots. Versed in European and Mediterranean folk, classical and early American music, Sparks fingerpicking jams are a testament to the genres and artists who shaped his unique performing style. Using a variety of guitars and eclectic taste, Sparks' sound impeccably captures the spirit of old-time jazz, country, gospel and ragtime, evokes old Southern memories of Harlem speakeasies, moonshine and New Orleans sportin' houses. No stranger to the Twin Cities music scene, Sparks is best known for his role as a founding member of 70's West Back jazz vocal trio, Rio Nido, where he performed classic 1930's and 40's swing and jazz numbers. Tonight, in honor of his newest solo album, Sidewalk Blues, Sparks will be performing an acoustic concert sure to get feet tapping and nostalgia flowing. Don't miss a chance to hear this guitar guru and local legend live.

Saturday, 8 p.m., Armatage School Auditorium, 2501 W. 56th St. Minneapolis, $15, $13 Advance

ART
Formidable Flat

Are they artists or are they illusionists? The new work of Drew Peterson and Kristina Paabus is confusing us in more ways than one. Exploring the concepts of visual perception and optical illusion, First Amendment's exhibit Formidable Flat, takes an inherently one-dimensional art piece - like a print - and explores the physical progression from flat and repetitive to the final appearance of layered and spacious. Peterson's explosive color prints paired with Paabus' detailed and interactive installation pieces make for a surreal exhibit that tricks the eye. Tonight's opening reception features a performance from Cecil Otter (of Doomtree), live screenprinting from Drew Peterson and Burlesque of North America and a set by First Amendment resident DJS BRLSQOTHEQUE. Runs through June 23rd.

Saturday, 7-10 p.m., First Amendment Arts, 1101 Stinson Blvd. NE, Minneapolis, Free