Film School
400 Bar

The backwards-guitar-and static-sound collage that begins Film School’s self-titled disc doesn’t exactly grab you by the lapels and shove you to the floor, but that’s just because Film School’s interested in enticing you before they kick your ass. Once the band really drops in for “On & On,” they make an impressively expansive sound, clean guitars draped in chorus and overdriven guitars drowned in reverb. They fall squarely into the camp of bands like Interpol and I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness in their ’80s-philia, but they have a couple tricks up their sleeve, too. “Harmed” is just plain pretty, while “He’s a DeepDeep Lake” opens up enough to tread on My Bloody Valentine and Swervedriver territory before dropping the bottom out and replacing the guitar-swirl with ’70s analog synth and acoustic guitars. Without striving for wanton eclecticism, the band makes enough intra-paradigm shifts to keep their debut compelling over the distance. Expect the same from the live show. With Turin Blue and Hojas Rojas. 8 p.m. 21+ $8. 400 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls. 612-332-2903. STEVE MCPHERSON

Catalpa
Varsity Theater

This might be the ultimate sea story. Actor/playwright Donal O’Kelly takes the one-person performance genre to a whole new level with “Catalpa.” A screenwriter who can’t get his script filmed is driven to an insomniac incarnation of his characters. It’s a fever-dream voyage of a 19th century American whaling ship, the Catalpa, which rescued six Irish political prisoners incarcerated in an Australian penal colony. These true events resulted in the first NYC ticker-tape parade. O’Kelly, who is from Dublin, Ireland, is well-seasoned in both stage performance and pen. He embodies the captain, crew, seagulls and the sea itself. A winner at the Edinburgh International Festival, “Catalpa” promises to be theater of humor, intrigue and drama. Hosted by the ever-innovative Pangea World Theatre, with live Irish music by TC musician Trevor Knight. Also Thu. Mar. 2. 7:30 p.m. $15/$12. 1308 14th St. SE, Mpls. 612-822-0015 or PangeaWorldTheater.org. LYDIA HOWELL

Nikki Matteson & Rich Rue with Baby Grant Johnson
Viking Bar

Nikki Matteson and Rich Rue are a creative singer-songwriting duo who produce a rocking, high-energy good time, reminding you that rock ’n’ roll came before the electric guitar. They jump into a sea of music and come out with their own sound: blues, folk and psychedelic, forming and reforming. Since they’re an acoustic act they fall more easily into a blues and folk classification. Their energy during live performances is reportedly reminiscent of Janis Joplin and the Rolling Stones. Bluesman Baby Grant Johnson opens. Nikki and Rich also play next Tue. Mar. 7 at the Viking. 7 p.m. 1829 Riverside Ave., Mpls. 612-332-4259. MCM

Welfare Rights Rally
State Capitol

Gov. Pawlenty has been patting himself on the back and taking credit for balancing the state budget. This money isn’t a surplus—it’s Blood Money from poor working people and children. With the theme of “Fund Children’s Needs, Not Rich People’s Greed,” low-income people from around the state will hold a protest on the front steps of the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. Organizing the rally is the Welfare Rights Committee and the MN Welfare Rights Coalition, who will support a bill this legislative session to get our children’s money from the politicians who stole it. Closing corporate tax loopholes is a goal of the groups, who will advocate that the money be used to undo the budget cuts from the 2003 legislative session. Noon. 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul. For free bus ride, call 612-822-8020. REBECCA THURN

SMA Records Showcase
The Cabooze

SMA Records is the little label that could. Rich Mattson, with a little help from his friends, began the co-op label SMA Records in 1995. SMA Records got its name from Glenrustles’ old guitarist Jim Kennedy, who said “Major labels can suck my ass!” The politically correct version became Self-Motivated Artists, and is jokingly referred to by its members as “Slowly Maturing Arseholes ... revolutionizing the recording industry one CD sale at a time.” Since its first releases by The Strawdogs and Glenrustles, this crazy label’s gathered steam, picking up The Gleam and the Flamin’ Oh’s, in addition to Mike Niccolai and Baby Grant Johnson. An alt rock and alt.country lover’s dream come true, the label’s flagship artists are gonna straight rock our faces off tonight at the old Cabooze. There are new releases from Mike Nicolai (God Fatigue in the Post Atom Age) and Baby Grant Johnson’s band The New Vintage’s self-titled debut, plus the rebellious return of the Flamin’ Oh’s with Long Live the King. Spring 2006 promises new stuff from Rich Mattson’s Ol’ Yeller, and another punched up twang-punk piece of glory from the Gleam. I can’t wait. But, wait indeed, there’s more. The label plans to dig into the annals of ’90s Minneapolis music and bring classics back to light, plus offer us more showcases, T-shirts and CDs only available at shows. A compilation sampler will be given out at the CD booth free with purchase of a disc from one of the bands. 9 p.m. 21+. $8. 917 Cedar Ave., Mpls. 612-338-6425. MySpace.com/smaRecords. CYN COLLINS

Coleman Lindberg CD Release
Bryant Lake Bowl

Is there any art form as beautiful as the confessional? Nothing incites empathy like hearing a lone person, a guitar and some intensely personal lyrics. Given the bare-my-soul nature of the genre, it’s surprising that this throwback to the folk era is the direction (or one direction) in which the punk scene is moving—but I’m glad it is, and I’m glad that so many local artists are taking it personal. Local singer/songwriter Coleman Lindberg is a great example of the genre, and his new CD and first solo release in eight years, Making My Name, expertly combines the personal and the political. He’s a great showman, so his CD release show, presented by Homocore Minneapolis, should be heart-wrenchingly fun. Lisa Ganser will also be screening her new film, a collaboration with Lindberg. With local hip-hop/spoken word artist Desdamona and folk outfit Grace Darling. 7 p.m. $8. 810 W. Lake St., Mpls. 612-825-3737. www.bryantlakebowl.com. MICHELLE LEE

Ragamala Music and Dance Theater
Southern Theater

Had your fill of medal chasing ice dancers? How ’bout Hollywood has-beens who dance with the stars? Satiate your taste for movement and grace this weekend with Ragamala Music and Dance Theater. Artistic director, choreographer and dancer Ranee Ramaswamy has performed and taught Bharatanatyam—an ancient classical dance style from Southern India—for nearly 30 years here in the Twin Cities. Her daughter Aparna Ramaswamy, a principal dancer and co-artistic director, has studied with world-renowned Indian masters. Ragamala’s heady performances tell stories through colorfully costumed and exquisitely bejeweled dancers using traditional music and English narration that will transport you far away from the lackluster landscape of a Minnesota March. Inspired by a modern folktale, “Return of the Rainseed” tells the story of young Mala, a brave and adventurous girl who yearns to save her village from a pesky demon who has swallowed a rainseed. The performance was created especially for families, so bring the kids or treat your inner child. 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sun. Mar. 5 at 2 p.m. $17 adults/$12 youth under 12. Gala Celebration w/silent auction Sat. Mar. 4 at 5 p.m. $60/$65. 1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. 612-340-1725. NANCY SARTOR

Foghorn Stringband at the 27th Annual Winter Bluegrass Weekend
Radisson Hotel & Conference Center (Plymouth)

The best antidote to cabin fever I know of is good, old-time stringband music. And one of the greatest things to happen to old-time in a long time is the Foghorn Stringband from Portland, Ore. Their “ass-kickin’ redneck” stringband music literally revived the old-time scene in Portland to the point where upwards of 800 people ages 3 to 80 attend their wild square dances—punks, hobos, artists, musicians, hillbillies, working class and professionals alike come together and dance like crazy to their driving Appalachian fiddle tunes. These five monster musicians play together tighter than a sealed Ball jar, and once they’re locked into their groove, which happens right fast, it’s euphoric enough to make you feel like you’re nearly levitating to the music. If you liked the music in “Cold Mountain,” check them out ... they’re the official touring band of the soundtrack’s featured musicians, Dirk Powell and Riley Baugus. Foghorn performs for a dance Saturday in the Dance Parlour, which is the best way to experience ‘em. They send dancers into such a frenzy, it’s a good idea to make sure your health insurance policy’s current. Not to mention the plethora of other great bluegrass and old-time stringbands taking over 30 conference rooms, and spilling out into the halls, basement, and nooks and crannies of the Plymouth Radisson for one glorious weekend of performances. There are also spontaneous whooper jam sessions all day and night. This is one weekend not to be missed. I done tol’ ya! Mar. 3 - 5. 3131 Campus Dr., Plymouth. 800-625-3037. MinnesotaBluegrass.org. COLLINS

Benefit for MN Green Party
Latvian House

Being ecologically sensitive doesn’t mean not having fun. Greens beat the winter chill musically with the warmth of acoustic instruments, unique percussion and original songwriting talents. This benefit features Steve Kraul, the guitar/vocals lead of The Brass Kings, regulars at Dusty’s Bar, a Nordeast’s neighborhood staple. Mikel Bakman—who’s backed the likes of folk music celeb Greg Brown, as well as punk bassist Brad Ptacek, will provide washboard and other odd rhythm. Bluegrass gets its due with Chick Pea & Garbonzo, and St. Paul singer-songwriters Travis and Johnny cross the river with their brand of acoustic introspection. There’s also a silent auction and vegetarian feast. The newest Green on the Minneapolis City Council, Cam Gordon, emcees the event. 7 p.m. $10 (BYOB). 2337 Central Ave. NE, Mpls. 612-871-4585 or mnGreens.org. HOWELL