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

SPECIAL EVENT
Digital Crush Website Launch Party

And now for a bit of shameless self promotion! In addition to being The Rake's new A&E editor, I am also involved in a number of artsy side projects — one being cheeky photography collective Digital Crush. Well-known in the Twin Cities for our fun and candid event photos, award-winning art photography, and creative promotional work, Digital Crush is officially launching a brand spankin' new website and will celebrate tonight at the 414 Soundbar. Check out prints of our work on display (and up for sale), plus killer music by Millions Billions, DJ Bach, and Bryan Gerrard with visuals on the Soundbar's amazing 7-projector system. Plus, it's an open bar from 8-10pm!

Friday, 8pm, 414 Soundbar, 414 3rd Avenue N, Warehouse District, Free before 10pm, $8 after

ART
Bike Art

Tis the season for bicycle-mania! Among many other cool bike-related events going on this summer, Altered Esthetic's 3rd annual Bike Art show is a visual treat for bikers and art-lovers alike. With 100 works — ranging from sculpture, to installation art, to paintings — you'll be hard-pressed to find a more inspiring reason to pedal yourself over to the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District this evening. Stop in for the show's opening reception, which, if you've ever been to AE, you know will be a hoot. Want to make an evening of it? There are a bevy of bike-to-able restaurants in the vicinity of the gallery.

Friday at 7pm, Altered Esthetics Gallery, 1224 Quincy Street NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Ambrosiatic Productions: Euphoria

People struggle to survive in the midst of crisis. Is hatred stronger than love? What horrors are we capable of when our survival is at stake? And what happens to the survival instinct when you no longer have a reason to live? The Playwrights' Center presents Euphoria, a new play by University of Minnesota student Keith Hovis. Directed by 2007 BA graduate Jenna Papke, the play is an intense exploration of the dark things people are capable of in dark times. — Andrew Newman

Thurs-Sat at 8pm, Sunday at 3pm, Playwrights Center, 2301 E Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, $10

FASHION
Identity Theft (Clothing Swap + Contest)

Presented by MCP and MNFashion, this fashionista-friendly clothing swap is the perfect opportunity to revamp your wardrobe. Bring at least two items of clean, gently used clothing or accessories to the Minnesota Center for Photography tonight at 6pm, throw them into the community style pile and trade up! The dazzling dames of styling group Eclecticoiffeur will be on hand to lend their expertise, helping you create a fresh new look for the summer. Enter the Before + After contest to show off your fabulous transformation and win cool prizes; then enjoy refreshments and music. At the end of the night all un-swapped clothing will be donated to charity, so get there early and leave dolled up — just in time for some late night fun.

Saturday from 6-10pm, MNCP, 165 13th Ave. NE, Northeast Minneapolis, Free


MUSIC
Finnegan's ShamROCK

How often do you have an excuse to drink beer to your hearts content? Not that often; it's usually all: "you're making an ass of yourself," or "maybe you should slow down." Right? Not today. Drinking Finnegan's Irish Amber is always a good thing, because as a non-profit company, they donate 100 percent of their proceeds to numerous local and national charities. Today marks Finnegan's 2nd annual outdoor music bash at the Cabooze, with all profits going to benefit Heading Home Hennepin, an organization working to end homelessness. Today's festivities include live music from Romantica, 'Ol Yeller, Built to Spill, more — plus a Finnegan's bottlecap fashion show, a "beer-pong" tournament, and lots of Irish bagpipes.

Saturday from 2-10pm, The Cabooze, 917 Cedar Ave S, West Bank Minneapolis, $20 in advance, $25 at the gate


FESTIVAL
Minneapolis Mosaic Opening Celebration

The streets comes alive this evening with an overwhelming array of music, dance, and art on Hennepin Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis. The sixth annual Minneapolis MOSAIC festival, a summer-long program celebrating the city's diverse arts and culture, kicks off tonight with this free jamboree designed with all ages in mind. Sample food from Midtown Global Market vendors, check out original films being screened all night at the State Theater, and take in over 40 performance acts, including flamenco dancers, conga players, and theatrics of all kinds in multiple locations and on the main stage on 7th & Hennepin. Last year over 15,000 people attended, so expect more than a little celebratory mayhem. The beginning of summer is definitely something worth partying for after all!

Friday from 6-10pm, on Hennepin Ave between 7th and 9th Street, Downtown Minneapolis, Free