Laura’s Bush
@ Mixed Blood Theatre

Rolling stones and Leah Cooper gather no moss. Word has barely finished getting around that Cooper will no longer head up the Minnesota Fringe Festival and here she is, already up to something new, directing a reading of “Laura’s Bush” for Starting Gate Productions. Cooper, who put writing and directing on hold for the past four seasons, picked an eyebrow-raising way to get back into the swing of things. The play by Jane Martin (“Flags” and “What Mama Don’t Know”) has been dubbed an “apocalyptic lesbian sex farce.” The premise is that a prudish librarian gets help from a small-town dominatrix to break Laura Bush out of the White House. Sexual and political hi-jinks ensue as they uncover a plot so evil and over-the-top that it just might be more fact than fiction. Needless to say, this is not for fans of the current administration. But the unruly and irreverent who ate up “Fahrenheit 9/11” with a knife and fork should have a fine time–especially if they’re into ribald satire. Wed. Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. $5. Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., U of M West Bank, Mpls. 651-645-3503. Dwight Hobbes

Rock for Karl
@ The Quest Club

When Soul Asylum bassist Karl Mueller fell ill earlier this year with throat cancer, he was faced with some staggering medical bills, so this “Concert for Karl” is equal parts a celebration of Mueller’s recovery and a fundraising effort to help defray some of his mountainous expenses. Featuring a veritable who’s who of Mueller’s musical peers and close buddies (most of whom are directly responsible for Minneapolis’ golden era of ’80s college rock) it’s pretty hard for me to wrap my head around the possibility of seeing Dave Pirner, Bob Mould and Paul Westerberg on stage simultaneously, but there’s a good chance it’ll happen. Appropriately enough, Soul Asylum closes out the night and will hopefully be showcasing some of the songs they’re currently recording with new drummer Michael Bland (formerly of Prince’s New Power Generation and also playing with Paul Westerberg in his latest backing band, the Painkillers). Featuring Soul Asylum, Bob Mould, Paul Westerberg, members of Golden Smog, The Gear Daddies. 7 p.m. $30. 18+. 110 N. 5th St., Mpls. 612-338-3383. Rob van Alstyne

Har Mar Superstar
@ The Triple Rock Social Club

Whether Sean Tillman’s act as Har Mar Superstar is an elaborate practical joke or a geeky love letter to ’80s soul from a true devotee is anyone’s guess (I’m guessing it’s a little bit of both), one has to admire how far the man has gotten on sheer charisma and performance panache. Making the leap from entertaining small packs of Minneapolis hipsters in dodgey nightclubs to having his own star cameo dance-off against Ben Stiller in this year’s “Starsky & Hutch”—it’s safe to say that Tillman’s career trajectory isn’t seen in the Twin Cities too often. Har Mar’s latest album, The Handler, bears the first recorded traces of his new celebrity status—he’s got the big name producer (John Fields of Pink fame) and big name guest stars (close pal and SPIN cover girl Karen O. of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s) befitting someone who lives in L.A. and has been pictured partying with Kelly Osbourne. The spotlight hasn’t dulled any of Tillman’s wit though, as The Handler is every bit as ridiculously oversexed and gaudy as its predecessors. If campy cape-wearing karaoke is your bag, Har Mar is here to show you the light (and shake yo ass). With Die Electric, Wild Honey. 10 p.m. $10. 21+. 629 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls. 612-333-7399. van Alstyne

The Old 97’s
@ First Avenue

Things were looking dicey for the Old 97’s not too long ago. Their lead singer Rhett Miller had moved to L.A. and shed his geeky glasses, recasting himself with a surprising amount of success as an adult-album-alternative crooner on his solo debut, The Instigator. The rest of his band was scattered across the country, busy having kids and being adults. The odds of the formerly Texan outfit saddling up for another round of shit’-kickin’ barn-rock seemed slim (and let’s be honest, they hadn’t made a record with twangy zip in it since 1997’s Too Far to Care anyway). All of which is my roundabout way of saying that the Old’s return with Drag It Up comes on like an unexpected swift kick in the pants. After being kept on a leash the last few go rounds lead guitarist Ken Bethea is a man possessed throughout, raging all over the place like a rabies-infested cowboy gunslinger. Miller and bassist/vocalist Murray Hammond hold up their end of the bargain as well, turning out a set of tried-but-true tunes with a focus on heartbreak (an area that’s been their specialty all along). Here’s hoping another decade of Old 97’s is in the cards. With Sarah Lee and Johnny. 6 p.m. $15. 21+. 701 First Ave. N., Mpls. 612-338-8388. Nathan Dean

Wellstone World Music Day
@ The Turf Club, The Triple Rock Social Club

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since the tragic and unexpected loss of Senator Paul Wellstone, but I’m glad to know that the one-off idea started by local columnist Jim Walsh to commemorate the man in music has returned for a second year. Admittedly a smaller-scale operation than last year’s expansive endeavor, there’s still a number of quality shows being staged in the cities this weekend and dedicated to the guy who stood up for the little people. For more information about this year’s activities check out WellstoneWorldMusicDay.com. These will undoubtedly be emotion-filled shows and, given the current political season, I can’t think of a time when reflecting on the meaning of Wellstone’s life and work could be more relevant. At the Turf Club: Slim Dunlap, Grant Hart, The Beatifics, Martin Devaney, Walsh Bros. $5. 21+. The Corner of University and Snelling Avenue, St. Paul. 651-647-0486. At the Triple Rock: The Melismatics, Doomtree, Rise or Rust. 5 p.m. $8. All Ages. and later, I Self Divine (featuring Budah Tye and DJ Fu Man Chu), Doomtree, the Moodswings. 10 p.m. $8. 21+. 629 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls. 612-333-7399. van Alstyne

Chris Mars Solo Exhibition
@ Kellie Rae Theiss Gallery

After spending most of this year on break from exhibiting, Chris Mars has been busy producing new work to meet the demands from an adoring public who can’t get enough of his sad and whimsical ghouls. As in past work, Mars draws from his family experience—growing up with a brother who suffered from mental illness affected him profoundly. Mars transcribes his memories and emotions onto the canvas, and the results are powerful, emotional and psychological paintings that challenge the viewer to find beauty in ugliness, and humanity in grotesque forms. Through Nov. 27. Tue. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and by appointment. Kelly Rae Theiss Gallery, 400 1st Ave. N., Mpls. 612-339-1094. Nancy Sartor

LightWorks Benefit for “Coffee Jon”
@ Coffee Gallery

Many people know “Coffee Jon” from his shop, The Coffee Gallery at Open Book, and the wagon of goodies he brings to summer rites like the May Day Festival and Loring Park’s movies and music series. John Sherrell has been a supporter of local community arts and nonprofits for more than a decade, providing exhibit space to aspiring artists throughout the Twin Cities. Last April he was in a serious motorcycle accident that left him unconscious for nearly two weeks and in the hospital for months. Even though he was wearing a helmet at the time, John suffered severe brain injuries and other physical maladies. Although eager to return to work, most of his time is spent in physical, occupational and speech therapy. And despite his health insurance, the medical, personal and business costs are astronomical. LightWorks is a celebration and benefit for Coffee Jon that includes performances by Kevin Kling and Flying Foot Forum, as well as a silent auction. Advanced tickets are available at the Coffee Gallery, Electric Fetus, Gigi’s Café and Twisted Groove. To make a donation to The John W. Sherrell Special Needs Trust, contact Paul or Tom at First National Bank of the Lakes, 3100 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. 612-822-8395. Benefit celebration Sun., Oct. 24, noon – 5 p.m. $20. The Coffee Gallery, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. Sartor

The Fourth World War
@ Macalester College & The Soap Factory

As the U.S. administration forges ahead with foreign policies to make the world “safer,” little is reported about the human stories amidst our global conflict. “The Fourth World War” is a film two years in the making, directed by Rick Rowley and Jacquie Soohen, who gave us “This is What Democracy Looks Like” and “Zapatista.” It’s the story of men and women around the world who resist being annihilated in war. From Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, Palestine and Korea; to WTO gatherings in Seattle and Geneva; to the so-called “War on Terror” in New York, Afghanistan and Iraq, the film brings together images and voices seldom seen. Produced through a worldwide network of independent media and activist groups, it is truly a film by and about the global movement. Sun., Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. at Macalester College, John B. Davis Lecture Hall, 1600 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-696-6888; and 10 p.m. The Soap Factory, 2nd St. SE & 5th Ave., Mpls. Sartor

The Delgados
@ First Avenue

Scotland’s Delgados have slowly built their reputation internationally on the basis of cinematic and sweeping indie-pop willing to make bold statements and take up a lot of space.Their albums recorded with the aid of producer Dave Fridman (best known for his work with the Flaming Lips and in his own band Mercury Rev) tended towards swelling string sections and dazzling layers of ornate sound. Their latest, Universal Audio, marks an abrupt turn away from the bombast and towards more modest melodic pleasures. Most of the tracks flit by on little more than skeletal electric guitar jangles and the occasional fleeting keyboard run. The skill of vocalists/songwriters Emma Pollock and Alun Woodward is such that the dramatic scaling back works, placing more emphasis on their excellent voices (Pollock’s a more tuneful Kim Deal, Woodward’s reminiscent of XTC’s Andy Partridge) and witty lyrics. Fans of European-influenced independent pop will find plenty to like on Universal Audio, as well as anyone who enjoys a classically pretty melody. With Crooked Fingers, Spaghetti Western. 8 p.m. $10. 21+. 701 First Ave. N., Mpls. 612-338-8388. van Alstyne

Fucking A
Frank Theatre @ Old Pillsbury Machine Shop

Frank Theatre is a company known for producing unique work. This week they open their Brechtian-influenced musical tragedy “Fucking A”—a riff on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, “The Scarlet Letter.” Presented by Suzan-Lori Parks, this highly imaginative, idiosyncratic version examines the role of women as outsiders through the dual lens of race and power. It also raises questions about class, race, social justice and our criminal justice system. Directed by Wendy Knox. Oct. 21 – Nov. 14, Thu. – Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. $14 - $20. Old Pillsbury Machine Shop, 300 2nd St. SE, Mpls. 612-724-3760. Sartor