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

Art by John Alspach

FRIDAY
Go Live IV

The 526 Salon has been throwing some of the coolest art/music/fashion parties in the Twin Cities this year with their "Go Live" series. Curated by uber-cool art appreciateur Stephen Trevino, Go Live is always an event filled with color, sound, beauty, and incredibly hip people. Friday's event will feature local artist John Alspach, exhibiting new work and creating one of his oversized contemporary collage pieces live. Peer into an interactive installation by Page Whitmore incorporating a live performance; see the latest collaborative art work by Booka B and MJ Heubach; and watch 526 stylists create avant garde looks on live models wearing clothing by designer Atom Pechman of FormFormForm. Tunes by Booka B and refreshments from Cheeky Monkey Deli and Solo Vino wine shop round out this eclectic evening!

Friday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., 526 Salon, 526 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, Free (donation accepted)

MUSIC
Mercurial Rage / Blue Sky Blackout / The Invincible Kids

If, when walking down South Hennepin tonight, you hear synthesizers, heavy flanger sounds, and echoed vocals coming from inside the Uptown Bar, do not be afraid. Synth-pop-loving extraterrestrials haven't taken over. Instead, step inside and witness live performances by a few of the best Twin City-based indie/rock/electronica bands. Electro-pop rockers Mercurial Rage headline with Dandy Warholsesque indie band, Blue Sky Blackout and the catchy hooks of powerpop babies, The Invincible Kids. Neon colors encouraged. -Juleana Enright

Friday, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m., The Uptown Bar, 3018 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis

MUSIC
Orpheus and Eurydice: A Picnic Operetta

If you love opera and the gorgeous sunny days of summer, why not combine them? That's the idea behind Mixed Precipitation's new unique outdoor opera experience. A collaboration by director Scotty Reynolds, music director Erik Pearson, choreographer Taja Will, chef Nick Schneider, and seven singers and musicians, the production, Orpheus and Eurydice, will tour eight selected community garden sites throughout the Twin Cities and St. Louis Park as part of the Parade of Community Gardens. Mixed Precipitation performances are the harmonious union of the local theatrical arts and the sustainable foods movement and are designed specifically for opera fans - or haters - gardeners, kids, and enthusiastic epicureans. Based on the Greek myth, the opera follows the journey of Orpheus on a dark mission to the underworld to retrieve his love, Eurydice. Told with a mix of tunes from traditional, classical, and even Motown genres, the opera will be told in French, Italian, and English, with food samplings to bridge the translation gap. -Juleana Enright

Saturday, 1 p.m., Eat Street Community Garden, 2416 1st Ave. S., Minneapolis, $10 - $20 suggested donations

Extra: "A Picnic Operetta" will continue Saturdays and Sundays through September 27th. Visit the Mixed Precipitation blog for specific showtimes and locations.

SPECIAL EVENT
Red Stag Block Party

We can always count on the Red Stag/BLB/Barbette trifecta to provide us with epic block party fodder all summer long! Today's latest installment of outdoor fun comes to you from the Stag, where you'll be engaged by such activities as live musical performances, delicious organic food eating, beer drinking, and even hula hooping. Show up at 4 p.m. to experience the entire lineup, featuring local faves Roma di Luna, E.L.nO., Black Blondie, Romantica, Heiruspecs, Chooglin, and Mark Mallman -- MC'ed by the lovely ladies Foxy Tann and Mary Lucia. Looking for some late night action? After 10:30, head indoors for a snazzy after party with DJs Millions Billions, Tendercakes, Fundo, and Solid Gold (DJ set) as well as special guest Last Word rockin' the mic.

For a bit more neighborhood exploration, show up early to catch the NE Boardwalk fashion show at 2 p.m., presented by Belle Reve and The Shop Girls. Or head over to Surdyk's to sample Crispin Honey Crisp, the newly released Crispin Artisanal Reserve, Cloudy Hard Cider. It's on special Saturday 11 - 3 during honey bee info presentations, whiles supplies last. It's tasty and seasonal, and if you don't believe us, just check out Jeremy's review of our recent sipping soire. Talk about a full day of entertainment!

Saturday, 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. block party, 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. indoor after party, Red Stag Supper Club, 509 1st Avenue NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
The Sartorialist Book Release Party

Street fashion blog, The Sartorialist, has long been a favorite of ours in our endless pursuit of, unique styles, sartorial tastes, and creative self-expression. Which is why, when we heard blog creator and photographer Scott Schuman was publishing a book of his 'best of', we knew we needed in on the action. Tonight, pick up your copy of the book that inspires every fashionista and makes the perfect coffee table conversation starter. You'll mingle with local fashion peeps and munch on Japanese "street food" from Uptown's Moto-I. Feel sartorialistic as Digital Crush snaps a chic photo of you in front of M+Q's fitting wall of art books. Not feeling flashy enough? Ask the fancy dames of Blacklist Vintage to help -- they'll be on-hand to lend you some stylish accessories (which then you can buy, if you're so inclined!)

Sponsored by Magers and Quinn, l'etoile Magazine, Secrets of the City, Digital Crush Photography and Blacklist Vintage.

Sunday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Avenue S., Uptown Minneapolis, Free