Radio 4
@ The Triple Rock Social Club

Imagine the Clash at their ass-shakingest—the moments when Strummer and Co. kicked out shiny semi-rap jams like “The Magnificent Seven” and made all the punk kids scratch their collective Mohawk-covered heads—and you’ve got a vague idea of where Radio 4 are coming from. This is not disco-punk horseshit, although Radio 4 boasts the right pedigree for such a tag (their most recent album was produced by the famed DFA team of Tim Goldsworthy and James Murphy). A band that wants to make you pogo, shimmy, break things and generally cause melodic mayhem, Radio 4 are one of the few bands riding the NYC hype-train that have the talent to buy their own ticket. With The Fever and Heiruspecs. 9 p.m. $8. 21+. 629 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls. 612-333-7399. (Nathan Dean)

Adrian Legg
@ Rossi’s Blue Star Room

The term “genius” is bandied about far too easily these days—I recently had a friend inform me that he knew a guy who was a “genius” at Golden Tee. Now that’s what I call getting a little bit too loose with the word. That being said, Adrian Legg is a genius at the guitar. A full-on fucking Einstein level axe wiz. Performing live in the solo acoustic setting, Legg is the rare virtuoso whose talents can actually appeal to non-musicians, skirting masturbatory showcasing in favor of finding innovative ways to further his instrumental songs’ melodies. When you’re voted guitar player of the decade by “Guitar Magazine” you’re either a tool like Joe Satriani or a tasteful craftsman like Adrian Legg. 8:30 and 10 p.m. $15. 21+. 9th & Marquette, Mpls. 612-312-2828. (Nathan Dean)

Karyn and Sharyn
@ Bryant Lake Bowl

Margot Bassett and Molly Van Avery invite you on a journey as they channel local lesbian folk “legends” Karyn and Sharyn, hosts of a cable access TV show, “Karyn and Sharyn’s Care ‘n’ Share Show.” Though they present a peppy appearance of positivity, Karyn and Sharyn are in fact bitter, jaded pessimists who, due to infinite rejections, have reclaimed celibacy. This performance celebrates 25 years of Karyn and Sharyn’s self-proclaimed impact on feminism and the gay community. Every Thursday you can enjoy short films by Heidi Eckwall, including “Special Report: LESBIANS, Women Loving Womyn” and “Karyn and Sharyn: An Intimate Portrait.” This week’s musical guest is Leigh Combs. 7 p.m. $10. Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 W. Lake St., Mpls. 612-825-8949. (Dubya)

Twin Town High CD Release Show
@ The Turf Club

Another weekend, another kick-ass Twin Town High Volume VI CD release show to soothe your working week induced pain. At last Friday’s packed-to-the-gills showcase at the Triple Rock Social Club the beer flowed effortlessly, the groups rocked graciously and for a brief moment all was right in the world. As a reminder of the great time had by all, those in attendance were able to take home their own free copy of Twin Town High Volume VI, the best local music compilation in town (22 exclusive tracks from 22 different Minnesota artists ranging from well established acts like Low to fresh faces like Lifestyle of Wigs). This second CD release show brings the love to St. Paul—big time. The evening’s undoubtedly ear-pleasing lineup features Randal Throckmorton, JG Everest, Lifestyle of Wigs, Winter Blanket, Poosa, The Chris Danforths, Big Ditch Road and Ben Weaver. The music starts right after the doors open so get on down there early to enjoy some tasty drink specials ($2 pints of Summit from 8 to 10 p.m.) and quality local music. 8 p.m. $6. 21+. The Corner of University and Snelling Avenues, St. Paul. 651-647-0486. (Rob van Alstyne)




2004 Minnesota Folk Festival
@ Little Log House Showgrounds

Throw out the winter blahs and celebrate spring outdoors this weekend with three days of music and merriment at the Minnesota Folk Festival starting this Friday, now at the unique Little Log House Showgrounds just south of Hastings. This year the festival presents music from the Old Blind Dogs (Scotland), John Renbourn and Jacqui McShee (England), Nordic Angst (Norway), and the Wyrd Sisters (Canada). In addition the festival features artists and bands closer to home—Ann Reed, Pat Donahue, Cam Waters, Machinery Hill and Cousin Dad. Check out talent from all over the country in the Song Writing Contest or dance to Ceili, Contras or Squares. There will be an abundance of food and drink offered and displays of fine crafts. Fri. and Sat. from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sun. from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a dance from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Little Log House Showgrounds 6 miles south of Hastings … Highway 61 South to 220th St. go East 1 mile to Showground. For ticket info and ordering visit Minnesotafolkfestival.org or call 651-692-4900. (Ken Sherman)

Borderlands: Turkish-Armenian-Greek Film Festival
@ The University Film Society

This is not just a film festival, this is an important political and cultural event. Presented by scholars at the University of Minnesota and Minnesota Film Arts, this festival will show films from three cultures that have been antagonistic toward each other to the point of genocide (the word “genocide” was coined to describe what the Turks did to the Armenians at the beginning of the twentieth century). The philosopher Susanne K. Langer calls the medium of film a virtual dream: you sit in a theater, the lights go dark, you are hypnotized by images on a giant screen, you are lost in a dream. This festival brings together great Greek and Turkish films along with documentary and classic films about the Armenian massacre. The wounds are still deep and open between these three communities. It is an act of courage that people of good will try to bring them together. The plebicite in Cyprus last week where the Greeks refused reunification simply because the Turks needed it to be allowed into the European Union in good standing, is the latest example of wounds that have not healed. Bobbie Dylan says, “I’ll let you be in my dream, if I can be in yours.” Let’s all go and dream of reconciliation. Opening night, Friday, April 30, there will be a talk by Etyen Mahcupyan, the screenwriter for “Mrs. Salkim’s Diamonds,” the lead film of the festival. The film shows at 7 p.m. The talk will be immediately after. For a complete schedule check http://www.chgs.umn.edu/coexistence. April 30 – May 6. U of M, Bell Auditorium, 10 Church St. SE., Mpls. 612-331-7563. (Ed Felien)

The Rivals
@ Theatre in the Round

No two ways about it. Playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan, author of “The School for Scandal,” was one of the good guys—a radical politician who strongly supported an uncensored press and strenuously argued against the use of libel laws to prevent criticism of the government. One is inclined to enjoy his writing on sheer principle. Here’s a chance to do exactly that. His 1775 comedy “The Rivals” is in town. Written as a spoof of sentimental plays, it’s been compared to the best of Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward. Lydia Languish, whose head is full of romantic novels, yearns to elope, preferably with a penniless lover—setting the stage for country squires, baronets and other suitors to woo her, all under the watchful eye of her guardian Mrs. Malaprop. You have a whirl of mistaken identities, duels, well-turned phrases and whimsical humor. Craig Johnson directs. Apr. 30 – May 23. Fri. – Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. Apr. 2 & May 23, 2 p.m.; Sun. May 9 & 16, 7 p.m. $20. Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. 612-333-3010. (Dwight Hobbes)

The Golem
@ Theatre de la Jeune Lune

It is said that once every generation a spiritual disturbance runs through the soul of a community. Something that forces the mystical and marvelous dreams of the subconscious up to the light of day. The Golem. A creature made of clay and brought to life through magical powers. It may protect or turn evil and become a menace. Theatre de la Jeune Lune’s latest production, “The Golem,” captures the soul and struggles of a community—their hunger and hope, their oppression but also the spirit to survive. The story is inspired by Jewish folklore about the Golem as well as Gustav Meyrink’s novel of the same name. During its 1999 run, the local media gave the show rave reviews, “…a gracefully executed work full of mystic wonder. Breathtaking.” Be sure to ask for the $10 seats set aside for each performance. May 1 – June 27. Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 7 p.m. $10-$30. Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 N. 1st St., Mpls. 612-333-6200. (Gyros Papadopoulos)

Destroyer
@ The Triple Rock Social Club

Dan Bejar is probably best known these days as a sometime member of Canadian power-pop sensation The New Pornographers, but he’s been following his own considerably more eccentric creative path as Destroyer for the past nine years, reaching his wackiness apex with the recently released Your Blues. Ditching the full-band format that worked so well on Destroyer’s folk-rock epic preceding album, This Night, Bejar opts to conduct a synthetic pop symphony on Your Blues replacing his rhythm section with various cheap keyboards. Admittedly a somewhat dubious move, the shift manages to work surprisingly well because the cheezed-out drama of the synthetic orchestra provides the perfect flourishing touches to Bejar’s typically surrealistic acid-trip lyrics. If Hobbits existed, this is the kind of Middle-Earth rock music they would drink mead and make merry to. With Frog Eyes and Arctic Universe. 10 p.m. $8. 21+. 629 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls. 612-333-7399. (Rob van Alstyne)

May Day Parade & Festival
@ Powderhorn Park

The May Day Festival at Powderhorn Park has long been a marker of springtime. Known for its large-scale puppets, dark, haunting masks, pagan ceremonies and progressive themes, the May Day Parade and Festival is something everybody should experience. This year’s theme, “LEAP! Into the Wondrous Possible,” is a call to action to open our hearts, change our ways and create the best possible environment for those who share planet Earth. Running from noon until sunset, the festival features three events: the Community Parade, the Tree of Life Ceremony and a festival of music and performance. Parade begins 1 p.m. at 26th St. & Bloomington Ave. and proceeds south on Bloomington to 34th St. Festival runs from noon to sunset at Powderhorn Park, Mpls. 612-721-2535. (Katie Bodin)

Graham Parker and the Twang Three
@ The Fine Line Music Café

Britain’s favorite pub-rocker, the eternally caustic and feisty Graham Parker, has been cranking out solid and literate tunes for nearly 30 years but his latest, Your Country, represents his first steps into uncharted country music territory. Released on esteemed Chicago indie-label Bloodshot Records, Parker still goes for the jugular lyrically, even if he’s employing a more sedate musical backing. With the aid of buddies like the legendary Don Heffington on drums (who has pounded the skins for the likes of Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan and the Jayhawks) and a cameo from Lucinda Williams it’s clear Parker’s fully committed to the genre exercise and largely pulls it off. Although ostensibly about America, Your Country actually shines brightest when Parker ruminates on his homeland. “Nation of Shopkeepers,” Parker’s tribute to the drudgery-intensive lives of England’s underclass (“My eyes are all over you / But my hand remains in the till”) is worth the price of admission alone. With Special Guests. 8 p.m. $21. 21+. 318 First Ave. N., Mpls. 612-338-8100. (van Alstyne)

Fastball
@ The Fine Line Music Café

Mistakenly, people often assume that the ’80s was the definitive one-hit wonder decade. In fact, there have been one-hit wonders in every era, it’s just that these ’80s folks have somehow managed to cash in on the nostalgia surrounding their short-lived fame better than most. Fastball scored their lone hit “The Way” back in 1998 and have been trying to outrun it ever since (with some nice follow-up singles that reached semi-hit status). Back on the road in support of the forthcoming Keep Your Wig On, Fastball should be focused on new material, although undoubtedly there will be those fans talking during the set who are waiting solely to hear “The Way”—oh well. With Peter Sands and Tripod. 8 p.m. $13 adv/ $16 door. 21+. 318 First Ave. N., Mpls. 612-338-8100. (Louis Lenzmeier)