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

Photo by Karen Moskowitz

MUSIC
KMFDM

Ah, youth. When we were but a wee goth teenager back in the early nineties (yes, we went through that phase), bands like KMFDM, Skinny Puppy, Einstürzende Neubauten, and Front 242 were all the rage. The sound was dark, hard, electronically-driven industrial music that appealed to the angst-ridden youth and invigorated a scene that is still quite relevant today. And KMFDM has paid its dues well; with dozens of albums, EPs, and notable collaborations spanning 25 years under its belt, the German band certainly has cause for a world tour. Tonight witness this legendary electronic group blow the roof off First Avenue before a packed house of still-rabid fans -- and embrace your inner "darksider." Dress code: Black, black, metal stuff, black.

8 p.m., First Avenue, 701 1st Avenue N., Minneapolis, $20

READING
Lowertown Reading Jam

Saint Paul definitely has a cool literary scene, if you know where to look. Luckily, a little birdy (Facebook event search) informed us of this awesome new series kicking off tonight at the Black Dog Cafe. Each month, The Saint Paul Almanac invites a local writer to curate a lineup of established and emerging literary talent that will focus on a specific theme. Each event will also feature sign language and a visual artist (it IS Lowertown, after all) interpreting each reading, live. Tonight's Jam includes writer Diego Vázquez reading an excerpt from his next novel in progress, "Border Town with the UFO Sky." Also featured are poets Julia Klatt-Singer and Marcie Rendon, young writers Andrew Hall and Evan Hall, and a reading from a new immigrant, Adán González. Not to mention, the Black Dog has a pretty sweet pizza/wine deal on Mondays, so feel free to imbibe and get your literary fix simultaneously.

7 p.m., Blackdog Cafe, 4th & Sibley, Lowertown St. Paul, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
1st Mondays at the Commodore

Head to the historic Commodore Hotel for a festive evening of shopping and cocktailing! The Commodore, previously a residential hotel and home to such notable figures as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Al Capone and Sinclair Lewis, has been renovated to serve as a banquet hall and full service venue. Tonight's "1st Mondays at the Commodore" flea market-style event will feature "unique, exotic treasures from world travelers, artists, designers, collectors and antique aficionados." Chat it up over cocktails in the historic Art Deco Bar and enjoy this unique monthly shopping experience designed with the connoisseur in mind.

4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Commodore Hotel, 79 Western Avenue, St. Paul, Free