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

Art by Serena Cole

ART
A New Breed of Watercolor

Get your visual fix at the Soo Visual Arts Center tonight at this new watercolor exhibit that reaches beyond typical artistic boundaries. Watercolor is generally identified as a soft, safe medium that more often than not results in a landscape or a floral something-or-other. But don't tell that to the artists in this show! Taking a bold spin on the art of watercolor are artists Serena Cole, Keren Kroul, Margaret Pezalla-Grandlund, Lindsay Smith, and Betsy Walton. This group of women expands on traditional technique to create something fresh and imaginative. Also on display in the Soo Too pocket gallery is painter Alex Kuno, whose dark yet playful characters will add a sense of mischief to the evening. Show runs through July 26th.

Friday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Soo Visual Arts Center, 2640 Lyndale Avenue, Uptown Minneapolis, Free

MUSIC
The Mad Ripple Hoot

Lake Harriet kicks off Bandshell season with the Mad Ripple Hoot, a long-running concert series hosted by notable rock critic and local musician, Jim Walsh. Tonight's hootenanny-esque entertainment includes round-robin style storytelling and live performances from local artists that include The Mad Ripple (featuring Jim Walsh), Slim Dunlap, Molly Maher, Terry Walsh, Dana Thompson, and Erik Koshinen. Expect a little bit of folk, Americana, and rock music and a lot of soulful energy -- all set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Harriet. -Juleana Enright

Friday, 7-10 p.m., Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, Free

Extra: Listen in on past Hoots via podcast at Howwastheshow.com

ART
Red Hot Art Festival

One of our favorite outdoor art events of the summer, the annual Red Hot Art Festival, is a bargain hunter's dream come true. Make your way to Stevens Square Park for the ultimate D.I.Y. art experience, with dozens of local art vendors all hawking their wares like colorful, creative gypsies. One year we scored multiple art prints and a couple of handmade zines for under $20. Another year proved fruitful with a funny,  bright orange, made-while-we-waited George Bush 2 stencil on cardboard for $1. The people watching is also top notch: an eclectic crowd of punkers, artists, and neighborhood characters make this grassroots art festival as socially fun as it is creatively inspiring. Live music abounds as well, with two stages going all day both Saturday and Sunday, featuring such acts as The Knotwells, Gerald Prokop, Cadillac Kolstad, A Paper Cup Band, and dozens more.

Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Stevens Square Park, 1801 Stevens Avenue S., Minneapolis, Free

Extra: There are tons of cool art events going on today, including Amy Rice's cupcake-themed art show, an opening at the Soap Factory, and more! Visit www.mplsart.com or The Twin Cities Fine Arts Organization, or our own events calendar to make your arty itinerary!

BENEFIT
Finnegan's ShamROCK

A non-profit beer company? Huh? Yes, it's true! Finnegan's Irish Amber, the "socially conscious" beer, has been donating every cent of its profits to local charities since its inception. Nice, eh? And of course, being a beer company, they also know how to party with the best of them -- and the annual Finnegan's ShamROCK event is undeniable proof of that! Head to The Cabooze this Saturday for rockin' tunes, sunshine and ice cold brewskis a la Finnegan's. Featuring live music on an outdoor stage from local faves Tim Mahoney, Jeremy Messersmith, The Twilight Hours, and Joseph Arthur. Once the sun goes down (and the sound permit expires) move inside for more excitement, drinking, and live music. It's all for a good cause, as the moola raised goes to benefit local charity, Heading Home Hennepin. It's also the best justification for getting inappropriately loaded we've heard for a long time, so enjoy!

Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., The Cabooze, 917 Cedar Avenue S., West Bank Minneapolis, $20

MUSIC
Indignant

Five piece Chicago blues-punk band, Indignant, sets its sights on the Twin Cities this weekend for a show with a whole lotta swagger. Indignant's punk sound infused with rhythm and blues recalls a seditious classic rock feel, reminiscent of the Black Crowes on a bender with the Social Distortion boys. Catch them on their first trip to the TC tonight at St. Paul's own rebellious rock club, Big V's. Local rockers Mingus Red and MN Bolweevil open. -Juleana Enright

Saturday, 8 p.m., Big V's, 1567 University Ave., W., St. Paul, $5