8 Days a Week

May 7-14, 2003

NOW IN ITS second year, the San Francisco Alt Music Festival continues its mission to spotlight the Bay Area's busy avant jazz-free improv-postclassical scene in conjunction with appearances by visiting musicians. Among this year's guests is underground legend Eugene Chadbourne – Greensboro, N.C.'s foremost guitar-banjo-electric rake virtuoso and the main force behind the late, often-great Shockabilly – who performs in a duo with Fuzzy Bunny electronics manipulator Tim Perkis. Chadbourne's recordings may be maddeningly inconsistent, but live, he's far more reliable and almost always a lot of fun. He's as likely to whip out a Johnny Paycheck cover as he is to play his guitar with a cheese grater. Other notable out-of-towners include trumpet-abusing Boston improviser Greg Kelley, who performs solo and in a duo with clarinetist Matt Ingalls; Japanese vocalist Haco, a veteran of the trio Hoahio (who have an album on John Zorn's Tzadik imprint that, surprisingly for the label, is actually pretty good); and Old Time Relijun's Arrington De Dionyso, a robe-wearing saxophonist and throat singer who released an album of grotesque smooth jazz meets free jazz karaoke on the band Friends Forever's N.G.W.T.T. label a couple of years ago. May 10-18. Various times and venues. Single shows $12; festival pass $60. For a complete schedule see www.sfalt.org. (Will York)

May 7

Wednesday

Small wonders Perfect for literary fans with short attention spans and/or small hands, Angry Dog Press Midget Editions are a series of palm-size zines penned by authors as diverse as Richard Hell, Thurston Moore, and Devendra Banhart. Each writer was given free reign to write about whatever he or she chose, and the resulting booklets contain poetry, illustrations, random thoughts ("More Ways to Cook and Eat Celine Dion," in Mike Topp's entry, Where We Found You), short tales drawn from real life (Darin Klien's Night Sky Without Airplanes, in which the author finds a kitten and ruminates on the aftermath of 9/11; Jules Wilt's oddly tender Pork, An Oral History), and memorably, Kenneth Cleaver's collection of deadpan letters asking unusual questions of groups like the Poodle Club of America (In the Spirit of Toth). Contributors Kevin Opstedal, Cedar Sigo, Noel Black, Marina Eckler, Jules Wilt, and the Bay Guardian's own Johnny Ray Huston read from their works; art from the series is also on display. 7:30 p.m., Balazo/Mission Badlands Gallery, 2811 Mission, S.F. $5. (415) 920-0896, darksandal@hotmail.com. (Cheryl Eddy)

May 8

Thursday

Truly divine Known for blending maternal melodrama with quirky political satire, writer-performer Sherry Glaser garnered fame with her off-Broadway solo show Family Secrets. Her new spoof on Judeo-Christian doctrine, Oh My Goddess!, aims to be not so much a feminine takeover of the world as an appeal for balance. The play centers on waiter Miguel De Cervantes, who contacts the Psychic Friends Hotline to save him from his sad-sack existence. With the help of a clairvoyant named Reality, Cervantes gets in touch with his softer side and becomes a vessel for the goddess Ma. The resulting offbeat, earth-mothery revision of the Old Testament takes all things "primal" and "feminine" and renders them palatable. Through May 31. Opens tonight, 8 p.m. Runs Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m., Venue 9, 252 Ninth St., S.F. $15-$20. (415) 289-2000. (Rachel Swan)

May 9

Friday

Amusing When the ancient Greeks were in need of inspiration, they had to seek out and offer sacrifices to the Muses, those coy and callipygian goddesses of the arts, who dwelt high on Mount Helicon. Nowadays, in this age of convenience, we can simply find them in the Mission District, where they're appearing in 9 Muses, a new musical theater revue by Dan Laks and Victor Etienne. The show, produced by Hemline Records and performed by the Surreal Avengers (whose Ode to Drowning Glaciers – A Night of Viking Poetry rocked the fjords like never before) takes place on two stages and features Julie Bishop as Thaleia, Muse of Comedy; Julie Zeilinksi (of Staci Twigg fame) as Kleio, Muse of History; Galaxxy Chamber's Krystal as Ourania, Muse of Astronomy; and some 25 other musical celebrants. Through Sat/10. 9 p.m., Odeon Bar, 3223 Mission, S.F. $10. (415) 550-6994. (Amir Baghdachi)

Meow mix Did "art" originate from the need to mark one's territory, as evidenced in cave drawings and graffitied overpasses everywhere? Are cats' markings, like the Egyptians believed, messages from the gods? (And not so incidentally, is the question mark derived from the curved tail of the curious cat?) Look for answers to these and other aesthetic questions at 'Palettes and Paws,' an exhibit of paintings by undeniably talented feline artists in residence at the San Francisco SPCA's Maddie's Adoption Center. Whether artistically or biologically motivated, the original paintings on display show instinct at its best – full of color, free from art-world pretensions, and open to interpretation and hanging possibilities. And most important, the creative process provided much needed release for the S.F./SPCA's neediest and inspired felines. Opening night features a reception and music by jazz saxophonist Philip "King of Swing" Gordon, plus a silent auction and art sale (works start at $3.50) benefiting the shelter's cats. Through May 14. Opening reception tonight 7-9 p.m.; gallery open daily 9 a.m.-10 p.m, University of San Francisco, University Gallery, Golden Gate between Kitteridge and Roselyn Terraces, S.F. Free. palletsandpaws@yahoo.com. (M.P. Klier)

Take it sleazy An academic conference it may be, but it doesn't take a Ph.D. to get behind 'Trash Cinema: Born to Be Bad 2,' especially when you consider that it features a keynote address titled "Why I Hate Gwyneth Paltrow." Other topics on tap include hillbillies, blaxploitation, John Waters, Kenneth Anger, Shallow Hal, true crime, and car crash culture. Naturally, the event's screenings do not disappoint, with a lineup that boasts Edward D. Murphy's 1982 Raw Force (a.k.a. Kung Fu Cannibals), starring the immortal Cameron Mitchell; Bethel Buckalew's 1972 backwoods classic Pigkeeper's Daughter; and Chu Yuan's 1972 Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan, which will be introduced by Asian film expert (and Bay Guardian contributor) Patrick Macias. Screenings through Sun/11, PFA Theater, 2575 Bancroft, Berk. $4-$8. (510) 642-5249. See Rep Clock, in Film listings, for a complete schedule. Conference Sat/10, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun/11, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., UC Berkeley, 220 Stephens Hall, Geballe Room, Berk. Free. www.trashcinema.com. (Eddy)

Heavy breathing For 13 years, Lungfish have been eluding critics' labels, successfully straddling musical genres and emerging as one of Washington, D.C.'s longest standing punk outfits. Having survived the explosion of grunge and the year that punk broke, Lungfish continue to bend the ear and tonight make a rare West Coast appearance. Fresh from the completion of their ninth untitled record, Dischord's mainstay remain equally at home collaborating with Fugazi or touring the country with Joan Jett. Their minimalist song structure, jarring instrumentation, and abstract poetic lyrics cannot obscure the rock that lies at the heart of each of their songs; their stage shows have become legendary, with enigmatic front man Daniel Higgs often spooking the audience and occasionally puncturing his body. Lungfish play with the Enablers, the Trauma Queens, and the Quails. 10 p.m., Thee Parkside, 1600 17th St., S.F. $5. (415) 503-0393. (John Lombardo)

Frequent flyer Choreographer Nancy Karp has been crafting unique, well-thought-out dance works for more than two decades. She is a focused artist who pursues her own bliss no matter what the current fashions dictate. Karp's latest program includes the world premiere of La traversa, the third part of a large-scale work influenced by her travels in Sicily. Also on the program are two excerpts, "Jaisalmer" and "Chennai," from Kalasam, a piece inspired by visits to India. Not the least of Karp's attractions are her choices of musicians: La traversa has a score by Alvin Curran that uses trombone, accordion, and violin in addition to collaged sounds from southern Italy; the Kalasam segments' accompaniment is performed by composer Paul Dresher and his ensemble. Through Sat/10. 8 p.m., Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, Marina at Laguna, S.F. $18-$40. (415) 345-7575. (Rita Felciano)

May 10

Saturday

Let it bleed Local rock 'n' faux band Thunderbleed, a.k.a. Blind Vengeance have got metal down to a science. Though their members quote Vince Neil ("Just because I wear lipstick doesn't mean I can't kick your ass") and aspire to party with hot groupies, à la Backstage Sluts, the four-piece – inspired by the likes of Maiden, Van Halen, and the Nuge – are mostly about massive bass lines and heavy guitar work. At their Curve Bar show, prepare to be liberally splashed by mustache sweat and for some shirtless jam action. Talking about shirtless (and probably pantsless), eXtreme Elvis headlines, bringing his obscene and absurd antics to the show. Schticky Skrewdriver cover band Jewdriver also play. 9 p.m., Curve Bar, 747 Third St., S.F. $5. (415) 820-1400. (Sarah Han)

Sweet dreams Pick up the 2003 edition of Morbid Curiosity – the zine's seventh issue – and you'll be treated to another collection of first-person accounts woven by writers boldly, honestly, and often humorously sharing true experiences. As the title suggests, the subject matter tends toward the decidedly unusual: the search for souvenir shrunken heads, the experience of growing up on the same street as the Amityville Horror house, a creepy lover's lane encounter, fakin' it on reality TV, brushes with death, office voodoo, odd neighbors, medical traumas, and more. In other words, we're talking fascinating, haunt-you-for-days-after material, and beautifully written and illustrated to boot. Contributors join editor-publisher Loren Rhoads for a reading to celebrate the release. 3-6 p.m., Borderlands Books, 866 Valencia, S.F. Free. (415) 558-8978, www.charnel.com/morbidcuriosity. (Eddy)

Three's company Everyone appreciates skills executed with style – whether it be the president or a plumber, you gotta love a flair for fashion. Pianist Lucia Ahn, violinist Angella Ahn, and cellist Maria Ahn of the Ahn Trio certainly know how to dress. These sisters (featured in People magazine's latest "Most Beautiful" issue) also know how to play – sublimely well. They've given chamber music a sartorial and spiritual makeover by appealing to a wider demographic; they're also known for complementing the old standards with fresh new sounds. This one-night-only event features Ravel's renowned Piano Trio in A Minor, a newly transcribed work by Piazzolla, and two pieces written by young composers expressly for the sisters. Rock Ahn! 7:30 p.m., Calvin Simmons Theatre, 10 10th St., Oakl. $25-$35. (510) 451-0775, www.fourseasonsconcerts.com. (Kerry Rodgers)

May 11

Sunday

Out-there sounds In the world of European free improvised music, British saxophonist Evan Parker looms large. Over the years he's gone toe-to-toe with just about every other heavyweight in the genre – guitarist Derek Bailey, saxophonist Peter Brötzmann, drummer Han Bennink, and others – and released more albums than anyone with the slightest hint of a social life could imagine listening to. His rabid following is remarkable given how uncompromising and out there his music really is: his circular breathing-based soprano solos bring to mind swarms of insects, and his scraping, post-post-Coltrane tenor stylings aren't easy listening, either. As cerebral as his playing can get, though, there's something compelling and powerful about the way he wrestles those ugly sounds out of his horn. Tonight's show is Parker's first in the Bay Area since 1995 and features him in a trio with two of his longest-running collaborators, British drummer Paul Lytton and German pianist Alex von Schlippenbach. George Cremaschi and Greg Goodman also play. 8:30 p.m., Community Music Center, 544 Capp, S.F. $10. (415) 647-6015. (York)

May 12

Monday

Lights out Ease the pain of a new work week at the ongoing SF IndieFest Microcinema, which features a different silent film each Monday in May. This week's selection is Charlie Chaplin's 1931 City Lights, in which the Little Tramp courts a blind girl – and, of course, stirs up plenty of slapstick on the side. Alongside Modern Times, it's one of his best. If silent comedies aren't your bag, tomorrow night the Microcinema demonstrates the breadth of their programming by hosting the mind-blowing (literally) Scanners, by another cinematic genius, David Cronenberg. 8 p.m., Jezebel's Joint, 510 Larkin, S.F. Free. www.sfindie.com. (Eddy)

May 13

Tuesday

À la mode His autobiography is titled Confessions of a Window Dresser, and now Barney's New York creative director, New York Observer columnist, and whip-crack smart cultural observer Simon Doonan returns with Wacky Chicks: Life Lessons from Fearlessly Inappropriate and Fabulously Eccentric Women. The book celebrates women with big personalities and provocative tendencies, including Amy Sedaris, Brigid Berlin, and a lizard-loving, fashion designer turned park ranger named Spider Fawke. The style guru hits Haight Street to minister to fans and budding wacky chicks at a reading and book signing. 7 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight, S.F. Free. (415) 863-8688. (Eddy)

May 14

Wednesday

Beyond the law After freaking out drive-through window devotees everywhere with the excellent (and terrifying) Fast Food Nation, investigative journalist Eric Schlosser takes aim at the greedy trades of XXX entertainment, drugs, and illegal- immigrant labor in Reefer Madness: Sex, Drugs, and Cheap Labor in the American Black Market. In his unveiling of our "other economy" – its very nature renders it impossible to truly gauge in scope, but it's worth billions – Schlosser studies our love affair with marijuana, the migrant workers who toil in California fields, and pornography's gradual absorption into pop culture. He also explores the many, many ways in which these underground elements are linked to mainstream America, pointing out "to know a country you must see it whole." Hear it from the source tonight. 7:30 p.m., Cody's Books, 2454 Telegraph, Berk. Free. (510) 845-7852. (Eddy)