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

MUSIC
Transmission

If there's one colloquial expression local DJ Jake Rudh is the living, breathing example of,  it's "variety is the spice of life." You'd think after hosting weekly dance party, Transmission, year after year one might exhaust their musical library, or at least begin to spin repetitive sets. But Rudh's extensive and eclectic taste in genres and artists is consistently spontaneous, refreshing, at times ironic and always highly grooveable. If you've yet to attend this long-running dance party, tonight is your lucky night; not only is 89.3 The Current DJ Mary Lucia guest deejaying from 10 p.m. to Midnight, but it's also the Transmission master's birthday! So, buy the boy a drink, thank him for the music, and dance alongside him as Lucia lights up the dance floor. At Midnight, Rudh takes back the reigns and will rock you 'til bar close with a hodge podge of hits from across the genre board. Practice your moves to the best sounds of indie, glam, new wave, yacht rock and even Bossa Nova. -Juleana Enright

10 p.m.-2 a.m., Clubhouse Jager, 923 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
Happy Hour with a Preservationist

We've all driven, walked or biked past it. We may have even meandered around its stunning plaza. But it's pretty doubtful any of us have been allowed inside. The statuesque, modernist landmark that stands at the end of Nicollet Mall where it spills out onto Washington Avenue is an architectural marvel, with its looming white columns and serene reflecting pools (which are currently being restored). Designed by famed architect Minoru Yamasaki, who also designed New York's ill-fated World Trade Center towers, the ING Building (formerly the Reliastar Building, formerly Northwest National Life Insurance) is an intriguing property that is rarely open to the public. Tonight, however, you're in luck! The historical experts of Preserve Minneapolis invite you for a very special happy hour at the ING Building which will feature a guided tour of the commons areas of the building and a special talk about the building's history. The event only runs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., so we recommend a prompt arrival in order to soak it all in.

6 p.m. to 7 p.m., ING Building, 20 Washington Avenue S., Downtown Minneapolis, Free

THEATER
Out of Towner's Fringe Showcase

The Bedlam Theater, a.k.a. "Fringe Central," kicks off two week's worth of Fringetastic fun tonight! This evening's preview showcase features festival participants who have journeyed far and wide to be involved in the two-week long theatrical bonanza that is Fringe. Get a sneak peek at what they've got up their sleeves for the festival and knock back a couple of Bedlam brews among friends while you're at it. Throughout Fringe (July 31st-August 9th), the Bedlam will be providing a bevy of related activities to keep your spirits up, such as Polish-fusion dinners, late night pizzas, champagne brunches, and super-mega specials for festival volunteers and performers -- not to mention, late night dance parties, karaoke, discussions, and even an ice cream social. We love the Bedlam!

7:30 p.m., Bedlam Theater, 1501 S. 6th Street, West Bank Minneapolis, a 2009 Fringe Button is required for admission, and is available at the door.

Extra: Be sure to keep your eyes glued to SecretsoftheCity.com during Fringe Festival for actor/director/playwright Christopher Kidder's up-to-the-minute Fringe coverage! See his preview of comedies HERE.