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

BENEFIT EVENT
Hot Art Cool Jazz

The Textile Center's Joan Mondale Gallery has never been about fuddy-duddy woolens and weaves. But then again, it has never presented an exhibit quite like this, either. The fiber art exhibition Intimate Apparel, curated by California fiber artist Linda Gass, introduces us to the "merkin," a term used centuries ago to describe a mini-wig that masked the "imperfections" of a woman's pubic area (otherwise known as cleverly hiding the evidence of old-timey venereal disease).  Twenty-two fiber artists have reinterpreted the concept in the terms of 21st century culture. Humorous and often political in expression, these inspired, diverse works speak to a wide range of issues -- not just 18th century pubic lice. Those attending this Friday's benefit event -- besides getting the first look at the racy new exhibition -- will be treated to a runway show of sensual artwear by local designers, plus the cool jazz of pianist Dan Chouinard and vocalist Debbie Duncan, and a fun reception, of course.  The Intimate Apparel exhibition runs through October 24 and is free to the pubic. Oops, we mean public.

Friday, 6:30 p.m., Textile Center, 3000 University Av. S.E., Mpls; Minimum $50 donation requested tonight, exhibit free through the rest of the month

MUSIC
West Bank Revival

Famed Minneapolis neighborhood, the West Bank, is known for a plethora of things: students, co-ops, an alt-punk lifestyle, late-night eateries, cultural diversity and of course, its music venues. So this weekend, a two-day tribute to the West Bank's music scene should come as no surprise. Thrown by volunteer-based, locally-supported group, the Front Porch Sitters, the revival is a kudos to the guitar-slinging, storytelling, anarchy-talk-over-beers community traditions that make up the area's sui generis creative history. Check out venues the Acadia Café, The Nomad Pub, the Red Sea, and the Bedlam Theater as they showcase over 40 local multi-generational acts from blues legends Willie Murphy to DJs and dark punk rockers The Knotwells -- not to mention at taste of the crazy shenanigans and hootenannies synonymous with the neighborhood's legacy. Brush up on your West Bank facts inside the newly opened West Bank Social Center with a storytelling bonanza complete with historic photo displays of the West Bank. Plus, get your drink on with musicians and other like-minded West Bank enthusiasts while enjoying tasty food specials from The Weinery and Hardtimes Café. Friday kicks off the festivities with a Bluegress hoot at the Nomad (2 p.m.) featuring Papa John Kolstad and a Fireplace Lounge at the Bedlam (3 p.m.) with music from rock & roll legend Cornbread Harris, and much more. For a full music line-up for both Friday and Saturday, click HERE. -Juleana Enright

Friday & Saturday, 2 p.m. - bar close, Various Locations, West Bank Minneapolis, $5/Day

THEATER
The Buddha Prince

Part theatrical production and part nature hike, The Buddha Prince is a visually stunning play crafted around the amazing life and teachings of the 14th Dalai Lama. This "walking play" will take the audience on a whimsical meander through the natural environment of the venue (in this case, Powderhorn Park) and will re-tell the life and times of the Tibetan master through storytelling, song, dance, puppetry and more. Fun and educational for the whole fam, the Buddha Prince is designed to "invoke peace in the world and to celebrate the inherent goodness of human beings," and with the DL's personal stamp of approval on the whole production, who can argue with that? Runs through Monday, Sept. 21st.

Now through Monday 21st, 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.(weekend), 5:30 p.m. (weekdays), Powderhorn Park, Southside of Community Center 15th Ave S & E. 35th Street, Minneapolis, Free (suggested donation)

SPECIAL EVENT
B-Girl Be Block Party

Multimedia, unite! MCing, DJing, breakdancing and graffiti have their day in the sun during this event intended to influence and inspire leadership to change the perceptions and roles of women in hip-hop for current and future generations. Today's block party features spoken word showcases, music by Maria Isa, Ill Chemistry, Black Pearl and more. Dance and explorations of freestyling take place inside Intermedia Arts as well. An art exhibition accompanies this event, entitled Mama Said Knock U Out!, featuring 28 female artists from across the globe. -Lacey Prpic Hedtke

Saturday, 12pm-10pm, Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Avenue S., Minneapolis, $10  for students, members; advance tickets, $15 general admission

SPECIAL EVENT
Opera Tasting 2009  

You don't need to be an oenophile to enjoy tonight's sexy romp, just an enthusiast with a bit of flair. Join the Minnesota Opera's Tempo group for a stylish evening that pleases the palate and arouses the senses. Designed with the hip, young arts enthusiast in mind, Tempo puts on tonight's charming social engagement where conversation from opera votarists flows like wine -- and flow the wine does, literally. During tonight's fanciful reception, enjoy an elegant wine tasting and delectable hors d'oeuvres at 7:30, then be amazed by a smattering of samplings from upcoming opera productions, with Amy Buchanan of MPLS Cabaret troupe, Le Cirque Rouge as your tour guide. Rub elbows with talented opera stars Isabel Bayrakdarian, Jesus Garcia and Philip Cutlip of the upcoming production The Pearl Fishers, along with many more exciting and stunning surprises. Since it is cocktail hour - and quite the extravaganza affair - don't forget to dress to impress! -Juleana Enright

Saturday, 7:30 p.m., MN Opera Center, 601 N. 1st St., Minneapolis, 21+, $35

ART
Pine Wood Derby Art Car Show

Aw, Cub Scout Pine Wood racers. The whimsical design aesthetics; the excitement of fabricating your own racing machine. They were every bit as exciting as the Soap Box Derbies, but sans the fear of breaking a limb and therefore "mom approved." Tonight, pop art gallery, the Pink Hobo, features an interactive exhibit of uniquely customized Cub Scout standard Pine Wood Derby Art Cars. Just like the kiddie troupes, the artists involved in tonight's show where each given a derby kit to bedazzle to their hearts desire. Meet the artists, view their creations, then stick around to watch the artists duke it out in a nail-biting derby race, old-school style at 10 p.m. The crafty show includes artists King Mini, Curtis Square-Briggs, Jenny Schmid, Will Dinski, and many more.

Saturday, 7 p.m., Pink Hobo Gallery, 507 E. Hennepin Ave. NE., Minneapolis, free