wednesday

OCTOBER 18th

Pop For Charity
@ The Turf Club
It’s another rock and roll blowout in this ongoing series of musical benefits for worthy causes. It’s pop, and it’s for charity — what else do you need to know? Featuring the dark, new wave vibes of Tuscon natives End Transmission, with Buss and Rotoscope kicking off the festivities. Come down to the crossroads of the Twin Cities, Snelling and University Avenues, and help make a difference while enjoying some great tuneage. 8 p.m., $3, Turf Club, 1601 University Ave., St. Paul, 651-647-0486. (Tom Hallett)



Free Weed Again!
@ First Avenue
In the immortal words of Peter Tosh, “Legalize it, don’t criticize it” It’s no secret that the U.S. Government’s pathetic war on drugs has filled our prisons with non-violent offenders, fattened the coffers of criminals, politicians and law enforcement agencies, and generally helped to destroy more lives than the substances “they” are so concerned with. What you may not know is that marijuana, in its natural state as hemp, could conceivably change world economics as we know them (for the better) were farmers allowed to cultivate it, and despite the recent reversal of the California medical marijuana law, that little green plant actually has many time-tested benefits for people with a wide range of ailments, including cancer, AIDS and glaucoma. Groups like NORML and events like this Free Weed shindig help raise money to educate the public on both sides of the issue, fund various pro-legalization functions, and provide decent counsel for folks at odds with “their” own legal system. The musical line-up is killer, with tunes in the Mainroom and the Entry, and DJ’s haDJI and azrael helpin’ to keep the grooves groovin’ up in the VIP lounge. Regardless of your opinions, you’ll certainly leave with a clear idea of the real dope situation in America — and who the real dopes are. What you decide to light once you get home should be your own business. 8 p.m., $5, free for NORML members, 21+, First Avenue, 701 1st Ave. N., Mpls., 612-338-8388. (Hallett)



thursday

OCTOBER 19th



Mehil-e-Darbar
@ The Southern Theater
Transport yourself to the musical age of Emperor Nawab Wazid Ali Shah and his spectacular court in Katha Dance theater’s production of Mehfil-e-Darbar. Here you will find a colorful anthologized performance that blends instrumental music and dance with classical Indian poetry and storytelling. This theater event provides both a didactic and passionate look at North Indian culture. All participants are allowed not only the opportunity to hear a sorod and tabla drum but also the chance to feel the energy these antiquated instruments can create. This weekend only. 8 p.m. Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. $15 on Thu. & Sat. matinee; $17 Fri., Sat., & Sun. Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Avenue. S., Mpls., 612-340-1725 (J.P. Johnson)


friday

OCTOBER 20th


Evil Dead Trilogy
@ Plaza Maplewood Theater
Possession by spirits is no unusual occurrence in horror movies, but sometimes it’s all in the way it’s done. The original Evil Dead story finds Ash, played by Bruce Campbell, with car full of friends. After rousing some evil spirits from an incantation on a reel to reel tape, each kid eventually becomes possessed. The second movie finds surviving hero Ash once again at odds with the Evil Dead. But this time around, add a bigger budget, slapstick comedy, a girlfriend for Ash, and a slight change in storyline. Rounding out the series, Army of Darkness places Ash in a comedic adventure fighting off medieval warriors and, of course, fighting off the Evil Dead. From beginning to end, see why the Evil Dead movies are cult favorites, inspiring a video game and a host of fan sites on the web. This weekend only. Fri., Sat. & Sun. Evil Dead 9:00; Evil Dead 2 10:30; Army of Darkness 12 Midnight. $4 per film or $10 for the trilogy. Plaza Maplewood Theater, Larpenteur Ave. & White Bear Ave., Maplewood, 651-770-7969 (Katie Bodin)
Robert Bradley’s Blackwater Surprise
@ The Cabooze
Blind Alabama-born bluesman Robert Bradley is somewhat of an anachronism in today’s spit-and-polish world of fashion rockers and pubescent blues wannabes. Now in his 50s, the man has accrued more road hours and street-corner cred than all three of his younger bandmates (who discovered him singing outside the window of their practice space in Detroit a few years back) combined. Though his latest album, Time To Discover, is a tad overproduced, Bradley is nothin’ but the real thing live. Definitely worth a look-see. Bare Jr. opens. 8 p.m., $12/$14, Cabooze, 917 Cedar Ave., Mpls., 612-338-6425. (Hallett)



saturday

OCTOBER 21st


Cool, Yeah
@ Christensen’s Big V
Oh boy! Cool, Yeah is going to play! Troy, Sharon, Jason and Ben haven’t been in the same room since the last April or so. Cool, Yeah’s been working on the follow up to Transistor Radio Songs. Come on down and check out their weird, short, educational ditties. The Coolies will be joined by fellow Motherite Terry Shubring from Progwonk. It should be a great time, ‘sides, who knows when this busy bunch can swing another show? Check it out! 8 p.m., Christensen’s Big V’s Saloon, 1567 University Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-645-8472 (T. Alexander)

Twin Cities
Peace Concert
With Sri Chinmoy
@ The Xcel Energy Center

New Age spiritual leader/singer Sri Chinmoy and his Bhajan singers perform melodious, chant-like devotionals involving Kali, the Goddess of Power and Liberation, transforming both the performers and audience with a pure soul-energy not usually found in places like, well, The Xcel Energy Center. The performers, a large international group of (mostly) women singers and musicians, all devotees of Sri, accompany themselves on bells, harmonium, celeste, flute, guitar, hammer dulcimer, tamboura and synthesizer, and the Bhajans are written by Sri in the North Indian language Bengali. Highly recommended for those seeking enlightment and guidance on their personal paths or just looking to expand their musical/cultural horizons. 8 p.m., free, Xcel Energy Center, 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, 651-224-9627. (Hallett)

John Hiatt
@ The Fine Line
Grammy-nominated songwriter/guitarist John Hiatt returns to the Twin Cities after a brief acoustic stop-over last month at Borders. This time, the acclaimed songsmith will perform numbers from his latest album, Crossing Muddy Waters, as well as his massive catalog of bluesy-folksy rock and roll, where they belong — in a dark, smoke-filled nightclub. Though he doesn’t consider himself a professional songwriter, he’s been covered by everybody in the book, from Bob Dylan to Bonnie Raitt to Iggy Pop, and his witty, earthy tunes (“Drive South,” “Slow Turning,” “Thing Called Love” and my personal favorite, “Perfectly Good Guitar.”) defy genre categorization. It’s just damn fine music, and this gig should provide fans with an up-close, raw listen to it. 8 p.m., $25, Fine Line Music Café, 318 First Ave., Mpls., 612-338-8100. (Hallett)

Eugene Lloyd
& Joseph Statz
@ Flatland Gallery
This obsessive exhibition illustrates how the creative, provocative, abstract nature of art shares a common bond and necessary symbiotic relationship with the angular rigid essence of architecture. Joseph Statz of Feyereisen Studios creates the world around us in tiny elegant models which include both his one-story childhood home and the I. M. ei Bank of China. Visual artist Eugene Lloyd responds with his self-styled graphics which have appeared on numerous alt rock and acid jazz CDs. Working in separate media both of these local artists strive to alter traditional lines and combinations in an attempt to invent an unexpected and pure artistic form. Mon. - Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Flatland Gallery, 208 E. Hennepin Ave., Mpls, 612-378-3890 (Johnson)

Polara & Astronaut Wife
@ 400 bar
Polara shows are always a social event, chalked with new outfits and stylish hair-do’s (or stylish hair didn’t-do’s). But it’s the wonder of sweet guitar tones and tech-y knowledge that pull you in, along with the trademark light show. It’s been awhile since a local Polara show, surely they will hit us with some new ones. Astronaut Wife will be supporting their friends in Polara and if you missed their last show at the 7th Street Entry, you missed a grand entrance of new vocal arrangements by Janey Winterbauer and Angela Orluck and new beat-i-ful songs! For the love of local rock, I hope you make it. 400 Bar, 400 Cedar Ave. (corner of Cedar/Riverside), Mpls., 612-332-2903. (Tabora)



sunday

OCTOBER 22nd



Oscar Lopez
@ The Cedar Cultural Centre
This Chilean guitarist went into self-imposed exile from his homeland to Canada to expand his musical knowledge and create fascinating new takes on the flamenco stylings he grew up hearing and performing. By running the classic sound (always heretofore performed on nylon-stringed guitars) through amps and plucking away gingerly at metal strings, Lopez has managed to bring an exciting, defiant ring to an already gorgeous traditional music. His latest CD, Armando’s Fire, is a ground-breaking album which may herald a veritable renaissance in flamenco around the world. A rare treat. 7:30 p.m., Cedar Cultural Centre, West Bank, 416 Cedar Ave., Mpls., 612-338-2674. (Hallett)

monday

OCTOBER 23


Apogee:
Recent work by
Timothy Dooly & Suzanne Sbarge
@ Orbit Gallery
This weekend will be the opening of the brand new Orbit Gallery in Saint Paul. A satellite gallery for the College of Visual Arts, this new art venue occupies the lobby of the old Drake Hotel, just down the street from the historic Orpheum Theatre. Their first show, “Apogee” will occupy the space with art derived from computer screenprints and oil-based collage work by Timothy Dooley and Suzanne Sbarge. Noon-5 p.m. Orbit Gallery, 5 W. 7th Place, St. Paul, 651-293-0884 (Awend)


Drive By Truckers
@ 400 Bar
After seeing a performance by this Southern-fried rock outfit, you may just feel like you’ve been run over by a truck. The band certainly manages to keep the energy up and the title of their new CD, Alabama Ass Whuppin’, may give you some idea of what you’re in for. Have a few beers and enjoy the dulcet tones of songs like “Buttholeville.” You’ll never be the same again. 8 p.m., 21+, 400 Bar, 400 Cedar Ave., Mpls., 612-332-2903.