MUSIC
Dirt Nasty, Andre Legacy, Beardo
Today, 8 p.m., $15 in advance, $17 day of show
The Boardwalk in Orangevale
Some people are so bad that they’re good, and Dirt Nasty may or may not be one of those people. It all just depends whether you’re into obnoxious rap songs that feature topics such as cocaine, itty-bitty baby dicks and bestiality.
Tin Cup Serenade
Today, 10 p.m., $3, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
We’re facing the heat of midterm season, people. My remedy? Soothe the senses with a cool drink and even cooler lounge jams with San Francisco band Tin Cup Serenade, whose bluesy jazz are more southern bayou than Bay Area origins would let on.
Whitman, John Thill, Nicole Kidman, Stellaluna, A Good Pillow
Friday, 6 p.m., donations accepted
Robot Rocket Residence
A night of DIY folk kicks off the season at everyone’s favorite backyard venue. Traveling from the faraway lands of Phoenix, AZ is Stellaluna, whose lighthearted twee brings to mind a Kimya Dawson meets Anni Rossi incarnate. Showgoers will be sure to gather around tight to hear the sweet, soft-spoken vocals and sassy lyrics of lead singer Frances.
Knock Knock, Silver Darling, Missouri Mule
Saturday, 8 p.m., $5
Luigi’s Fun Garden in Sacramento
As much as I love to take advantage of any opportunities to be cheesy, I’ll pass on the knock knock jokes. Sactown group Knock Knock make picture perfect indie pop – and it’s not too bad on the ears, either. Fans of Vampire Weekend and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, this one’s for you.
Olive Drive
Saturday, 9 p.m., $5, 21
The Stag in Woodland
Olive Drive may pay homage to their hometown of Davis, but their understated pop is a bit more reminiscent of our Northernly friends – namely, Canadian indie collective Broken Social Scene. Those searching for that perfect lazy day at the park song, check out “Born Again, and Again“ on the band’s MySpace.
Underscore Orkestra
Saturday, 10 p.m., $3, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
As the group themselves have said, it’s not just a band, it’s an orchestra. This ensemble from Portland fuses Balkan, Klezmer, Gypsy jazz and swing – a worthy lesson in world music.
Tech N9ne, Murs, Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun
Monday, 7:30 p.m., $30 in advance, $35 day of show
The Boardwalk in Orangevale
There’s a reason why Los Angeles rapper Murs has run such a successful 2008 hip-hop presidential campaign: He’s damn good! From his work with Atmosphere’s Slug as one half of Felt to his solo work, Murs makes a case for smart and catchy hip-hop; someone with enough charisma to own up to his “Bad Man!” cockiness.
Oak & Gorski
Tuesday, noon, free
The Quad
A free show that features a cello- and guitar-playing duo of cuties? Sounds good to me.
Abe Vigoda, Hawnay Troof
Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., $5 general admission, free with a student ID
UC Davis Coffee House
Thank the Entertainment Council for bringing not just one, but two shows on Tuesday! Balancing out the poppy rock of the afternoon Quad show will be the no wave, “tropicali punk” of Abe Vigoda in the evening.
ART / GALLERY
100% In Focus: Life Under the Lens
On display now
The Art Lounge (second floor of the Memorial Union)
This year’s student juried art show, presented by Campus Unions, exhibits works celebrating the UC Davis Centennial. A reception presenting the winners will take place on Monday at 6 p.m.
THEATER / POETRY
See What I Wanna See
Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. and Sunday, 7 p.m., $18 general admission, $15 with a student ID
California Stage (2509 R St. in Sacramento)
Death, rape, murder – this isn’t your typical musical fare. Sacramento theater group Artistic Differences present this production, which is based on three short stories by Ryunosuke Akutagawa.
Poetry Night
Wednesday, 9 p.m.
Bistro 33
This installment of Poetry Night at Bistro 33 brings Rick Campbell, author of Setting the World in Order (a winner of the Walt McDonald Prize), The Traveler’s Companion and A Day’s Work. An open mic segment will follow after Campbell at 10 p.m.
RACHEL FILIPINAS can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.
