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

ART
The Beautifully Grotesque

The Rogue Buddha Gallery hosts Maryland-based artist Sylvia Oritz in an exhibit that may make the men-folk a bit squeamish. Ortiz's dramatic, surreal paintings may be brightly hued in color, but seem to represent the darkest part of the female psyche. Says Ortiz, "The Beautifully Grotesque explores the many ways to visually describe what many women endure emotionally, physically, spiritually and the social standards that have been set for them." The artist's personal experiences are clearly a driving force behind this whimsical, twisted, and honest collection. Both striking and disturbing at the same time, it's no wonder the exhibit bears the name it does.
 
Bonus: Lots of disembodied boobs.

Friday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Rogue Buddha Gallery, 357 13th Avenue NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

MUSIC
Vampire Hands LP Release
 
As soon as the music begins to pound from the Turf Club stage at Friday night's release show for Vampire Hands limited-edition new record, Hannah in the Mansion, this band's stomping slacker anthems glistening under a beautiful heap of lo-fi drone will have you hooked in a heartbeat. The brash, homemade quality of Vamp Hands' '70s bluesy-psych throwback is surprisingly refined for a band of its nature, and this fresh batch of new songs prove them to be one of the most innovative and unique bands on the local music scene. The band will be rocking St. Paul tonight one last time as a 4-piece, as vocalist/drummer Colin Johnson is moving out west. So, get there early to assure your entrance -- tonight is going to be packed. With Wrong Crowd and Velvet Davenport. -Robyn Lewis

Friday, 9 p.m., Turf Club, 1601 University Avenue, St. Paul, $8

SPECIAL EVENT
Rattle My Bones Scooter Rally

Until you personally witness the insanity of a scooter rally, you really won't be able to grasp the concept of how many scooter enthusiasts call Minnesota home. The 4-day extravaganza, which began yesterday and runs through Sunday, features a number of special events happening in all corners of the cities. Have a scooter? You probably already have your itinerary all mapped out. Don't have a scooter? No worries, this isn't Sturgis -- you're perfectly welcome to gawk without fear. Group rides through town happen each day, but after the sun goes down partying will surely ensue. Friday night, hit up the 331 Club for music by The Spent 50s, Umbrella Bed, and Anonymus; Saturday includes gyros, scooter antics, and music by DJ Aaron at Blue Cat Motors from 2 p.m. until late. Check the sched for many more scooter-centric activities throughout the weekend!

Now through Sunday, Various times/locations, Twin Cities, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
Sun Machine Summer Jam

Enjoy the great outdoors in the city this Saturday with the cool cats from cooperative record label, Sun Machine! Make your way to Northeast's Natural Basin Amphitheater for a day "jam" packed with family-friendly fun including face painting, a musical instrument petting zoo, art activities, lawn games, raffles, local business vendors and more. Of course any outdoor festival put on by a record label would not be complete without an amazing musical line up! Bring a sitting device and settle in for tunesmithing from the likes of Pharaohs of Rhythm, Wallace Wylie, Gabe Barnett (who played the Secrets of the City New Years Eve Party!), Andy Juhl and the Bluestem Players, Snowbowler, and John Juhl.

Saturday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Natural Basin Amphitheater, 22nd Avenue NE & Quincy Street, Minneapolis, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
Mad Men Season 3 Viewing Party

The seasoned party throwers at Vita.mn have teamed up with DJ Jake Rudh to create the perfect formula to get you (literally) off the couch this Sunday evening! Instead of holing up at home to watch the season premiere of the award winning 1960s-inspired tv show, Mad Men, head down to Jax Cafe to whoop it up with other like-minded tv-lovers. Tonight's party will feature a screening of the new episode projected on a large screen at 9 p.m., followed by live performances of Mad Men-era jazz standards from local faves Jeremy Messersmith, Lucy Michele, and Janey Winterbauer. Enjoy appetizers, cigars, brandy, a mid-century design showcase, tunes from DJ Jake Rudh and more. Dress up in your snazziest '60s attire for a chance to win "best dressed," then get your pic snapped in the onsite photo studio to commemorate the whole fabulous ordeal. What's better? Proceeds from the evening will go to benefit CaringBridge, a non-profit service that connects family and friends during a critical illness, treatment or recovery. It's a win-win!

Sunday, Jax Cafe, 1928 University Avenue, Northeast Minneapolis, $8/$10 day of show, purchase tix HERE