FILM
Focus on Film: Days of Heaven
Monday, May 6, 7 p.m., $5 students
Vanderhoef Studio Theatre, Mondavi Center
Acclaimed director Terrence Malick’s second feature film, 1978’s Days of Heaven is renowned for its iconic, painting-like cinematography of the American Midwest. The film stars Richard Gere and Sally Field in early roles as lovers Bill and Abby, who attempt to pursue the American Dream in the Texas Panhandle circa 1916 when their idyllic romance is disrupted by a plan to inherit an ailing farmer’s fortune by having Abby marry him.
MUSIC
Christopher Taylor on Piano: Goldberg Variations
Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. $17.50 – $29 students
Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center
The Mondavi welcomes another virtuoso artist who brings along with him a rare instrument: a Steinway-Moor piano with a unique double-tier that is an attraction unto itself. Taylor, whose other pursuits range from mathematics, linguistics and philosophy, brings his singular talent to one of Bach’s later works, The Goldberg Variations (1741).
Rose Windows, Sea Dramas
Saturday, May 4, 9 p.m., $5, 21 and over
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
The patio at Sophia’s welcomes Seattle-based psych outfit Rose Windows (signed to the illustrious emerald city label Sub Pop) who play a heavy blend of late ’60s progressive and 21st century post-rock, with flute and organ instrumentation lending a retro-tinge to their sound. They are followed by Sea Dramas, an SF group whose sound is a mix of ’60s beach pop, folk-rock and psychedelic.
Elena Urioste, Violin and Gabriela Martinez, piano
Sunday, May 5, 2 p.m., $19 students
Vanderhoef Studio Theatre
This is the third event in the Mondavi’s debut series, showcasing two brilliant young artists. Talented graduate of Juilliard and the Curtis Institute of Music, violinist Elena Urioste performs three sonatas from Beethoven, Debussy and Janacek. She is accompanied by Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Martinez, who has been performing orchestral music since the age of seven.
KDVS Presents: Week of Wonders, Arts & Leisure, Sneeze Attack
Sunday, May 5, 8 p.m., $5, all ages
Davis Bike Collective, 1221 1/2 Fourth St.
The show features three great artists, including Seattle-based tropical guitar pop group Week of Wonders, along with jangly indie-pop band Arts & Leisure and melodic basement-punk group Sneeze Attack, both from Sacramento.
ART/GALLERY
Home Is: Artists Reflect on the Meaning of Place
Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, all ages
Pence Gallery, 212 D St.
This inspired display at the Pence Gallery downtown features the painting and sculpture work of various local artists, who explore notions of “home” and “place” through their assorted pieces. This exhibition will run until June 2.
Imagine: Design Deliberation
Thursday, May 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, all ages
Nelson Gallery, Art Building
The public is invited to take a close look at the three final architectural designs for the Jan Shrem and Maria Marnetti Shrem Museum of Art, with detailed drawings and models on display from April 3 to May 19. Visitor feedback is encouraged on the event’s Facebook page.
THEATRE
Batboy: The Musical
Thursday, May 2 to Saturday, May 4, 8 p.m., $10 Students
Wyatt Theatre
This weekend is the last opportunity to catch a showing of the bizarre and fun musical parody, Batboy, put on by Studio 301. Witness the “true” story of a cave-dwelling half-boy, half-bat who struggles to fit in with his adopted human family and the suspicious townspeople. Catchy musical numbers and tasteful gore highlight the entertaining story of this blood-sucking outcast.
OTHER
SickSpits Presents: May Open Mic
Tuesday, May 7, 7 p.m., free, all ages
Griffin Lounge, Memorial Union
The popular open mic event, put on by the SickSpits spoken word collective, returns to its original location at the Griffin Lounge. Musicians, rappers, poets, comedians and other talented individuals are encouraged to bring their unique contributions to this showcase of community voices.
Hands On: All About Samosas
Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m., $30, all ages
Davis Food Co-op Teaching Kitchen, 537 G St.
Learn the art of a delicious Indian snack, the samosa. Attendants will learn how to make this popular curried potato and flour pastry by several alternate methods, along with an accompanying sauce.
— Andrew Russell
