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

FILM
48 Hour Film Project

Your trusty columnist has personally worked on the 48 Hour Film Project, in some way, shape, or form, for the past 4 years. And while it obviously has not brought fame or fortune, it is definitely FUN. Each year, in Minneapolis alone, over 90 teams of local filmmakers and ambitious-types throw down for a weekend -- 48 hours to be exact -- to write, produce and edit a short film based on a surprise genre assigned at the last minute. This is much harder than it sounds, hence the results range from hilarious to amazing to, often, downright terrible. Winners of the local competition go on to compete nationally against winners from 80 other cities. Make your way to the Riverview Theater tonight, Thursday, and Monday for screenings of the locally submitted films, with a "Best of Minneapolis" screening on the 25th. See select films from last year HERE.

7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Wednesday, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday, 7 p.m. Monday, 7 p.m. Thursday 25th (Best Of), Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Avenue S, Minneapolis, $8

Extra: Secrets editor Kate Iverson is the producer for the Alphasuede team's film -- the first film to show at the 9 p.m. screening today!

SPECIAL EVENT
History Pub Crawl: Summit Hill Special

Hop on board with the Minnesota Historical Society tonight for a history-themed pub crawl! You'll travel by trolley to numerous Summit Hill watering holes where guides will regale you with intriguing tales of days gone by. Follow routes where streetcars once ran in St. Paul's most famous neighborhood, see the gorgeous architecture, and catch a buzz while you're at it. The trolley will depart from the Minnesota History Center at promptly 7p.m. Drink purchases are not included in the tour price, but specials will be available at participating locations. History pub crawls happen once a month, with upcoming events on July 22nd and August 19th.

Reservations are required by phone at 651-259-3015 or online HERE.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Trolley leaves at 7 p.m. sharp, Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd West, St. Paul, $25 ($20 for MNHS members)

MUSIC
Blind Pilot

We don't usually write up non-local music acts, but Portland's Blind Pilot is worth straying from our Twin Cities obsession. The wistful pop duo comprised of longtime friends Israel Nebeker and Ryan Dobrowski is fueled by cleverly poetic lyrics and catchy hooks that will easily get stuck on repeat in your head. This dreamy acoustic outfit definitely has its work cut out for it this summer, with tour stops all over the country -- many of them supporting big-dog indie rockers The Decemberists. Head to the West Bank this evening to catch this addictive group in the intimate confines of the 400 Bar!

8 p.m., 400 Bar, 400 Cedar Avenue S., West Bank Minneapolis, $10