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

Photo of Doug Padilla by Xavier Tavera for "Dougieland 60"

MUSIC
Concrete & Grass Festival

We love Lowertown. We love the cool old architecture, the abundant artist studios, the Farmer's Market, the great restaurants, and of course, the urban greenspace known as Mears Park. It seems there's always something cool going on in Mears, whether it be music, movies, performances, rallies, or just plain old enjoyment of the great outdoors. And this weekend's annual Concrete and Grass festival is definitely no exception. Enjoy three whole days of eclectic music and performance from such acts as The Warblers (a duo comprised of Chris Osgood and Dave Ahl of the Suicide Commandos), Freddy Fresh with Mark Wheat, Kid Dakota, the Idle Hands, Romantica, Moore by Four, Heiruspecs, and a slew more, plus special performances from the likes of the Minnesota Opera, The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Ordway and the Schubert Club. Add in food, drinks, and an exuberant crowd, and you've got yourself one fine late summer/early fall evening in downtown Saint Paul.

Friday 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday Noon to 10 p.m., Sunday Noon to 8 p.m., Mears Park, Corner of Sibley & 6th Street, Lowertown St. Paul, Free

MUSIC
Mad Ripple Hootenanny with Patches and Gretchen

This week's Mad Ripple Hoot features the lyrically clever local Americana pop ensemble, Patches and Gretchen, led by MPLS-based musician /songwriter Gretchen Seichrist - sister to the well-known melancholy pop queen, Aimee Mann. Described as "a cross between Patti Smith, Velvet Underground, Big Star's Sister Lover and a good old-fashioned Gestalt therapy!," Gretchen's vocals capture an unguarded, wise soul. Although she claims to be just "an off-kilter singer pretending to be a rockstar," Gretchen's sophisticated lyrics and husky vocal range has impressed local radio stations, including 89.3 The Current. Backed by a unique band whose talents range from guitar, banjo and organ playing to the uncommon mastery of the vibrating potato, Patches and Gretchen's sound blends for an unconventional and engaging listening experience. Jim Walsh hosts as local and visiting artists share fire pit-style stories, songs and shenanigans in a casual and creative social setting. Guest appearances by Slim Dunlap, Lianne Smith, Kevin Bowe, and Venus Demars. -Juleana Enright

Friday, Doors at 7 p.m., Music Box Theatre, 1407 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, Pay what you can (suggested donation $5)

SPECIAL EVENT
Lebowski Fest

Eleven years later, The Big Lebowski is regarded as not only the Coen Brothers' finest work but has, since 2002, joined the ranks of Star Trek as the source of conventions filled with costumed, saucer-eyed devotees. For the first time, the state in which the creators were born and raised will be host to a "Lebowski Fest." Not that the publicity-averse Joel and Ethan are likely to put in an appearance at either First Avenue, where the festival's Movie Night will take place on Friday, September 11, or at Memory Lanes, where Bowling Night will happen on Saturday, September 12. -John Ervin

Extra: To read John Ervin's full article and interview with Lebowski Fest co-founder Will Russell click HERE.  

Friday, 9 p.m., First Avenue (movie), 701 1st Avenue N, Minneapolis, $20 adv/$22 door, Saturday, 8 p.m., Memory Lanes (bowling) 8 p.m., 2520 26th Ave S., Minneapolis, $25 adv/$30 door

ART
Dougieland 60

Staple local artist, Doug Padilla, has definitely made his mark in the Twin Cities and beyond. At a well-seasoned 60 years old, Padilla has shown his work all over the globe and helped bring Latino artists to the forefront of the local art scene with his festive events and his work with artist collective Grupo Soap del Corazon. And tonight we celebrate all things Padilla at the California Building! See rarely exhibited work by Padilla, who describes his art as "21st Century Self-taught Nor-Mex-esotan Pulp Magic Realism." The evening does not stop there, however. In true Doug Padilla style, he's formally requested that guests come dressed in "stylish, amusing, and fascinating" attire -- though we doubt Padilla himself could possibly be trumped on that front. Be sure to stick around to catch a stunning experimental dance piece from Deborah Jinza Thayer/Movement Architecture that is inspired by the artist's "La Mode" series, which will be on display in the gallery.

Saturday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., California Building Gallery, 2205 California Street NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

ART
Randomness, Control, and the Loss or Attainment of Both Those Things

In the art world, randomness can take a piece of work from simplistic to avant-garde, or abstract to impressionist. In his solo exhibition, local artist and recent U of M grad, Miles Mendenhall explores the concept of control and its antithesis: chaos and randomness. Known mostly as a self-portrait artist (albeit a very colorful and somewhat outrageous one), Mendenhall's latest work is a drastic change, creating sporadic configurations through structures of modern pyramids and soothingly addictive geometric patterns. Join Fox Tax, mplsart.com and the artist for an opening reception tonight. Exhibit runs through October 4th. -Juleana Enright

Saturday, Reception 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Fox Tax Gallery, 503 1st Avenue NE, Minneapolis, Free