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

LECTURE
An Evening with Chip Kidd

Remember the iconic T-Rex cover for Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park, or the provocative smoking skeleton for David Sedaris' short stories compilation When You Are Engulfed in Flames? If ever there was a graphic artist rockstar, it would be the man behind these designs, Chip Kidd. His book covers have pushed readers to appreciate books as objects of art as well as literature; famed author James Ellroy calls him "the world's greatest book-jacket designer." Tonight, MCAD and the Minnesota Book Publishers' Roundtable present "An Evening with Chip Kidd," featuring a discussion with the creative genius, author/editor, comic book enthusiast and new wave musician himself. This is a presentation any artist, designer and book art aficionado doesn't want to miss. Space is limited and likely to sell out quickly, so grab your tickets ASAP. -Juleana Enright

7 p.m., MCAD Auditorium 150, 2501 Stevens Ave., Minneapolis, $15 AIGA member $20 non-members

WINE & DINE
Sample Circuit

It's hard to prioritize our sampling options. So many places to check out; so little time. Sample Circuit just keeps on delivering great venues filled with great guests with oodles of goodies from the Sample Circuit sponsors (including BT McElrath, Fitness Together, Maserati, Lehmann Farms, Panera Bread, and others), plus the ever-enticing Leinenkugal Classic Amber, Ketel One Vodka, and select South African wines by Z Wines.  Our host on September 16 is Restaurant Max, which some say is the best new restaurant in town.  Max has led the way in primo parties this year, and survived the 2nd Ave construction!  Set adjacent to The Hotel Minneapolis, Max is well-situated for pre-game or pre-theater warm-ups, and takes advantage of its downtown historic quarters with rosy colors, high ceilings ,and marble columns.  See the tasting menu prepared by chef Kevin Kathman here.

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m,, Restaurant Max, 215 4th St. S., Mpls  Tickets $38.

READING
Wendy Brown-Baez & Tim Brennan

Head down to Magers & Quinn tonight for your Wednesday dose of poetic flow with Wendy Brown-Baez and Tim Brennan. Brown-Baez, author of Ceremonies of the Spirit, will regale you with her engaging performance style and passionate love poems that sensuously flirt the sharp edge of everything from infatuation to lovelorn grief. Brennan, author of Fifty White Stones and an accomplished playwright will read from his recent work, which -- if it's anything like his past musings -- will be contemplative and profound personal reflections on life and family.

7:30 p.m., Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Avenue, Uptown Minneapolis, Free