Can't Miss It: Thursday

CALL IT GOOF-HOP Kid Koala plays Nectar tonight. The Vancouver-born DJ makes relaxing hiphop/glitch-flavored songs. He’s one of those people whom it seems unfair to call a "DJ" because his records are more than remixes: his music is uniquely, goofily relaxing. His first record, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, sounds like a dance club on Sesame Street. Kid Koala is a rare thing: a DJ who just wants to make you smile. Correction: Tonight's set is The Slew--Kid Koala accompanied by Dynomite D, and the former rhythm section from Wolfmother. You can download the Slew album free.

9:00 p.m. // Nectar, 412 N 36th St // $10

NOT GLOOMY, WE PROMISE: Grand Archives play their hopeful, illuminating rock at the Crocodile. The Seattle-based group is made of former members of Carissa’s Wierd and Band of Horses, and has toured with Modest Mouse—they’re best in show if we’re going by indie pedigree. Fortunately, they back up that heritage with genuinely beautiful music. With Most Serene Republic.

8:00 p.m. // Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave. // $12

VENGEFUL CIRCUSES: The Balagan Theatre presents Elephant's Graveyard, a George Brant-penned drama based on the true story of a traveling circus that got into some southern-style trouble in Tennessee. The play is set in 1916 and combines fact and legend and works with themes of spectacle and revenge. Directed by Jason Harber.

8:00 p.m. // Balagan Theatre, 1117 E Pike St // $12-20