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

MUSIC
Radio K 15th Anniversary Show

Has it really been 15 years? We fondly recall good ol' 1993, hanging out in the Radio K studio with a DJ we considered to be the end-all be-all of cool at the time, and being so impressed by the concept of college radio and its artistic freedom. The days when "alternative" music was really alternative, and bands became popular through word of mouth, not MySpace, and when seeing a band you loved was an epiphany - something special and personal and ever-so memorable. Radio K still manages to embody this old-timey concept with its continually imaginative programming and specialty shows - straight from the fresh, unjaded hearts and minds of its staff - who are true music lovers through and through. This evening we celebrate the legacy and accomplishments of the little college radio station that could - which is now one of the top stations of its kind in the country. Musical guests include local faves Low, Sims, Vampire Hands and Dosh.

8pm, First Avenue, 701 First Avenue N., Minneapolis, $12

READINGS
Dave Boling: Guernica

Stop by the U of M Bookstore at Coffman Memorial Union this afternoon to hear Dave Boling speak about his book, Guernica. The book synthesizes history and fiction as it recounts life in the Basque town of Guernica before, during, and after its annihilation by the Germans. Boling's talk will undoubtedly touch on the international impact of the Spanish Civil War and the personal impact it had on those affected. Plan on hearing this author discuss his epic first novel, stick around to get it signed, and you'll still have time to check out our other Secrets afterwards! -Jill Yablonski

4pm, U of M Bookstore at Coffman Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E. Minneapolis, Free

MUSIC
36 Hour Songwriting Competition

Popular Minneapolis music rag, Rift Magazine, presents the results of the latest edition of the popular 36 Hour Songwriting Contest tonight! A slew of talented tunesmiths from the Twin Cities all take a stab at writing a song in 36 hours with an assigned theme. This time around, the topic is "America," so you can expect everything from angry political folk rock to (and how could there not be?) a ditty or two about sexy librarian Sarah Palin, with a few bald eagle references thrown in to keep things ironic. With such participants as Brad Senne, Eliza Blue, Ben Glaros and many more, we're sure cleverness and originality will abound, especially considering the lucky winner is honored at the end of the night with an "absurdly large and flamboyant trophy." Kick back, order a pint and a burger (made with grass fed beef from MN Moonstoon Farms!) and enjoy the sweet (and perhaps not-so-sweet) sounds of these talented local singer/songwriters under the gun.

6pm doors, 7pm show, Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 West Lake Street, Uptown Minneapolis, $10