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

PERFORMANCE
Kooza

If you have yet to witness the glorious phantasm that is Cirque Du Soliel we implore you not to miss Kooza, the latest production from the famed performance company! This year, the whimsical Grand Chapiteau (in America-speak: Big Top) has planted its roots in our capitol city at Kellogg and Broadway. With no detail spared, this dazzling circus will stun and mesmerize you with its grandeur, style and death-defying stunts. From the satin-clad stilt-walkers who greet you with brightly-hued daisies to the seemingly boneless contortionists and acrobats -- Kooza is guaranteed to drop your jaw more than once. Make no mistake, this show is not mere circus antics; it also weaves a tale filled with curiosity, love, comedy, and endearingly odd characters. There are some relatively scary parts, so Kooza may not be suitable for kids under the age of 8 -- but what do we know? We were scared of the movie E.T. well into our teens. One thing's for sure: snapping up tickets to this show will definitely score you major brownie points in the date department!

Extra: Win a pair of tix to see Kooza on July 9th! E-mail contest@secretsofthecity.com with "KOOZA" in the subject line along with your name and phone number. Winners will be notified by Tuesday and put on the will call list.

Friday-Sunday and through August 2nd, The Grand Chapiteau, Broadway & Kellogg, Downtown St. Paul, $60-$125 (discounted for Children, Seniors, Students, and Military)

FASHION
ExtraVaaKhanga

Twin Cities fashionistas are always striving to keep things local, but tonight's fashion show brings together the best of both worlds: local and international fashion. Paired with the savvy minds of MNFashion, FunkHouse Entertainment presents an African-inspired extravaganza featuring live dancers, festive beats and African wear from the best local and international designers. Prizes will be award for the best audience-worn Khanga Ensemble, so start your African couture research! Music sets from DJ Dave, DJ Nasser & DJ Dennis, plus a late-night, post-show set from DJ Cape and FunkHouse Crew in the Khanga Lounge. -Juleana Enright

Friday, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m., Graves 601 Hotel, 601 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis, $15 General, $25 Standing VIP, $40 Sitting VIP

FILM
Ten Second Film Festival

No one understands the phrase “every little second counts” better than the quick-witted filmmakers of the Ten Second Film Festival. Continuing into its fifth year, the fest promises to include the best mini-masterpieces from TC locals, with plenty of bizarro moments and a double-dose of hilarity. And now, thanks to the brilliant technology of cellphone recordings, everyone can be a director – thank god?  Over a 100 films screen while you enjoy a cool glass of beer and jam out to local band, The Debut, in between films. 89.3 the Current deejay, Barb Abney will judge and emcee the event, and expect appearances from other infamous scenesters, including Vita.mn sex columnist, Alexis MckInnis and actor/director Randy Reyes. -Juleana Enright

Saturday, 10:15 p.m., Soap Factory, 518 2nd St. SE., Minneapolis, Free

Extra: Head to the Soap Factory early to catch St. Anthony Main's fantastic firework display from the backyard!

SPECIAL EVENTS
Historical 4th of July!

There is plenty of history in our own backyard, so don't be thinking you need to go to Philadelphia for the 4th of July.  Several of the Minnesota Historical Society sites are worth a visit just about any time, but especially with special programs around Independence Day.  Some suggestions:

Minnesota History Center: "Minnesota's Greatest Generation" exhibit; Open July 4 and 5

Historic Fort Snelling: theatrical presentation, canon salutes, frontier games and dances; Open July 4

Mill City Museum: Flower Tower, Water Lab, and riverfront access and walking tours. New this year are special Observation Deck tickets for the fireworks. Open July 4

Jeffers Petroglyphs: American Indian technology demonstrations, native plant instruction; Open July 4.

Saturday, Minnesota Historical Society, sites across Minnesota; museum and site admissions apply, a mere pittance for our state's historical legacy!