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

PERFORMANCE
A Prairie Home Companion

Yes, swine flu has apparently broken out at the State Fair, ironically enough, but as long as you avoid eating a 4-H kid, you'll probably make it out alive. It's your last weekend to experience the "great Minnesota get-together" in 2009 after all, and fried stuff on sticks is definitely worth the risk. Also worth the risk? The most intrinsically Minnesotan performance money can buy: A Prairie Home Companion. Hit the Grandstand tonight and experience the legendary storytelling skillz of one Garrison Keillor in this ridiculously appropriate, uber-Midwestern setting. We're sure Keillor will have more than a few good yarns to spin based on our beloved annual tradition, so snag your tix now and embrace your Minnesotan roots to the fullest.

Fun fact: A mere few weeks before scoring our rockstar gig as your Secrets editor in early 2008, we were in the running to be GK's personal assistant. Fortunately for you, the job went to someone who probably had more flannel shirts in their wardrobe.

Disclaimer: Secrets of the City does not condone the eating of children, even at the State Fair.

Friday, 7:45 p.m., State Fair Grandstand, State Fair grounds, St. Paul, $23-$28 plus fair admission

THEATER
The Romance of Magno Rubio

Mu Performing Arts and Guthrie favorite Randy Reyes stars in this '30s era lyrical tale about a Filipino farmer (Magno Rubio) who falls for a beautiful white woman from Arkansas through a personal ad in a movie magazine. Despite deterrents from his friends, Rubio stays steadfast to his "naive" fantasy of true love and expresses his heartache through beautiful ballads using improvised instruments, guitars and a mandolin. Based on a short poem by Filipino American poet, Carlos Bulosan, this version of "The Romance of Magno Rubio" is directed by the Obie Award-winner Orlando Pabotoy with original composition and sound design by Fabian Obispo. Runs through September 27th. -Juleana Enright

Opens Friday, Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St. Minneapolis, $20 general, $18 students/ seniors, 612.338.6131.

MUSIC
Mark Mallman CD Release

In the words of the Denver Post, "You've not really lived until you've seen Mark Mallman ride his keyboard!" Well, be prepared to come alive as Midwest madman and renowned live artist, Mark Mallman celebrates his heavily anticipated LP, Invincible Criminal, tonight at First Avenue's mainroom. Composed in the (presumably) haunted basement of a converted church and inspired by the apparition of an Elvis ghost, the album released mid-August off Badman Recording Co (home to My Morning Jacket and Starf*ucker), features plenty of Twin Cities credits including vocals by the Hold Steady's Craig Finn, a duet with Cloud Cult violinist, Shannon Frid and a ballad about St. Paul hide-away gangster, John Dillinger and his love, "Anna Sage." Expect forceful pop tunes, chilling anthem-esque ballads, boundary-pushing soul rock, and - per usual - a stunning live show. With local experimental trip-hoppers Black Blondie and the infectious electro-pop duo, Lookbook. -Juleana Enright

Saturday, 6 pm, First Ave, 701 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis, 18+, $8
 

SPECIAL EVENT
Clapperclaw Festival

This annual, multi-faceted fest has just about everything your "art" desires. What began two years ago as a blowout warehouse art party has matured with age, debuting a more legitimate venue at Uptown's Intermedia Arts (not that we'd ever complain about a warehouse party). Music, art, film, fashion, theater and more abound at this all day extravaganza. Featuring music from the likes of Free Energy (ex-Hockey Night, Philadelphia, PA), Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (MO), City on the Make, Kristoff Krane, The Show is the Rainbow (NE), Dada Trash Collage and many more. Also featured is Homegrind, a visual art exhibition of almost 20 local artists including some of our favorites: Isaac Arvold, Garrett Perry, Jesse Draxler, Kate Burgau and more. See fresh fashion by local it-girl Laura Fulk and up and comer Emilee Kuznar; watch performances by Lamb Lays with Lion theater company and catch a screening of All Tomorrow's Parties. All of this has been loosely inspired by the term "Grindhouse," a film industry term which according to Wikipedia, refers to (now no longer existent) "movie theaters specializing in B movies, often exploitation films, shown in a multiple-feature format." However, we highly doubt Clapperclaw could ever get a bad review!

Saturday, 2 p.m. to Midnight, Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Avenue, Minneapolis, $15 adv, $20 door

SPECIAL EVENT
Super Romp!

Ah, Bedlam Theatre. We can always count on you for an eccentric, whimsical event that will amaze and delight. Tonight's "Super Romp" is a mega-party to raise funds for one of our fave Fall events: The Barebones Halloween Show! Romp on over to the West Bank for an entertaining evenin' featuring live music from local horn-blowers The Brass Messengers; fresh beats a la DJs Asylum Soundsystem and Shannon Blowtorch; a bevy of performances including dance, sketch comedy, puppetry, film and even some "erotic bluegrass." Can you handle it? We think you can.

Saturday, 9 p.m., Bedlam Theatre, 1501 S. 6th Street, West Bank Minneapolis, $5-$15 (pay what you can)