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

Photo by Aaron Wojak

READING
Dessa: Spiral Bound

Fact: Dessa is one of the Twin Cities' most quietly treasured artistic commodities. Hip hop maven, poet, and music educator are just a few of the titles that we could use to label this amazingly talented and dynamic woman. Head down to Common Good books to hear Dessa read from Spiral Bound, her first published collection of poems and essays -- which not surprisingly was met with immediate critical acclaim when it was released earlier this year. Described as "an existential journey for the ages" by the Star Tribune, Spiral Bound is a tome filled with poetic wise cracks, heartfelt notions, sharp wit and fierce intelligence. Tonight's reading will likely be packed, so get there early to grab a good seat!

7:30 p.m., Common Good Books, 165 Western Avenue N., St. Paul, Free

FILM
Purple Rain

Prince is probably Minnesota's main claim to musical fame, and the movie Purple Rain put our very own First Avenue Nightclub on the music history map. In case you haven't noticed, recently the Twin Cities has been a-buzz with Purple Rain mania, due to the 25th Anniversary of the film's release. This past weekend boasted a sing-a-long and costume contest at First Ave, plus a much Twittered about possibility of the Purple One making a surprise appearance at the Dakota Jazz Club (he never showed, of course). Tonight, however, you can re-live those sweet 80s memories atop Solera Restaurant, where Purple Rain will be projected for your viewing enjoyment, along with fancy cocktails and tasty tapas to round things out.

Dusk, Solera, 900 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Free

MUSIC
Animal Control

Desperately seeking some late night dance action on a Tuesday eve? Look no further. Animal Control is a new weekly techno night presented by the party instigators at TimeFog and features a rotating lineup of the Twin Cities' electronically elite. Hell-bent on "captivating dance floor mojo," tonight's edition of Animal Control will feature DJs Strangelove and Timmay, along with resident DJ Mike G. Show up early, grab a spot at the bar, and indulge in delicious and hearty snackings such as Nick & Eddie's famous Bialy with smoked white fish salad, or perhaps some cheesy and decadent baked Gnocchi.

10 p.m., Nick & Eddie, 1612 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, Free