Nightwatch notes: Fine Line turns 20

Fine Line turns 20

Few clubs last 20 months, much less 20 years. So cheers to the Fine Line, which celebrates its 20th anniversary today. A pioneer in downtown Minneapolis' entertainment district, it was the scene of classic performances by Prince, Soul Asylum, Alanis Morissette and the Pixies, and is still landing impressive gigs, including an acoustic set by Maroon 5 this summer. Tonight, the club parties with one of Minneapolis' favorite cover bands, Hookers and Blow. Here's to another 20 years. (8 p.m. today, 318 1st Av. N., Mpls. $8. 612-338-8100. www.finelinemusic.com)

Hot, hot, hot!

The Flaming Film Festival, Lisa Ganser's beloved event dedicated to queer cinema, is spread over two weekends this year. This weekend is mostly performance -- by Purest Spiritual Pigs, Hula Hoop Troupe NE, Foxy Tann, Hijack and Oskar Ly -- but Ganser will screen her film "Tough Tough Kate," about local musician Kate McNulty. (8 p.m. today & Sat., Patrick's Cabaret, 3010 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls. $8. All ages.) The movie schedule goes down Thursday through next Saturday at Bedlam Theatre. Short films range from "DL Chronicles" (about black men who live secret gay lives) to "Witness" (about exploitative adults working at a queer youth center). (1501 S. 6th St., Mpls. $6. All ages.) Closing-night party is at Pi Nov. 18. For info, go to www.myspace.com/flamingfilmfest.

Bend your arm like Beckham

You can pay $15 to see megastar David Beckham Sunday from a nosebleed seat in the Metrodome, or you can drop $200 to drink with him the night before at Temple in downtown Minneapolis. The soccer sensation is in town this weekend with the L.A. Galaxy to play the Minnesota Thunder and will attend a benefit party Saturday to help out two children's charities. Other players will be there, too -- but sadly, Beckham's honey, Posh Spice, probably won't be. Tickets can be purchased at www.metromag.com. (6-9 p.m. Sat., 1201 Harmon Pl., Mpls.)

A different beat

If you want to see a performance that will get your blood pumping, check out the amazing taiko drumming show that starts this weekend at the Ritz. Minnesota's own Mu Daiko ensemble will perform its biggest local show of the year at the rejuvenated northeast Minneapolis theater. Taiko is a Japanese style of fast, furious drumming. While Japan has more than 5,000 "kumi daiko" ensembles, there are far fewer in this country, and Mu Daiko is one of the most acclaimed. It will be joined by another group from L.A. for next weekend's shows. (8 p.m. today-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Also next Fri.-Nov. 18. 343 13th Av. NE., Mpls. $20-26. 612-436-1129. www.ritztheaterfoundation.org)

TOM HORGEN

on the list