Can't Miss It: Thursday
INSIDE OUT: Audiophiles are pedestrian addicts, and we mean that in a nice way, mostly. Though rarely going to destructive lengths for that next sonic fix, there's little they won't do -- if they can afford it -- to reach the upper echelons of high fidelity, surrounding their heads with the newest means in order to pleasure their growing needs. Well, if surround sound is smack, then Tuning the Air is an organic, opium den. Again, in a nice way. Nine acoustic guitarists encircle the small audience, playing off each other and using spatial techniques to titillate the ears of sitting listeners. The group's repertoire includes classical, ambient, rock, and minimalist music. Tonight's performance is the last of the 2010 season.
8:00 p.m. // Fremont Abbey // $10
ATTRACTION: Stephin Merritt is a songwriter first -- a worshipped one at that. A "prickly" personality second, according to various journalists whom Merritt easily chews up and spits out simply by saying "I don't know. Why the hell are you asking me?" instead of making up an answer to please the question. And because of that, because he is a "genius" musician, an extremely talented poet and a bit of an ass, Merritt is an enigma. We want to see celebrities' underwear when they crawl out of their limousines. We want to see them taking bong hits from the perspective of their friends mobile phone video cameras. But all Merritt gives us is an uncommon focus and well-crafted songs. Thanks for nothing. Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields, a documentary, ends its run at Northwest Film Forum tonight.
7:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. // Northwest Film Forum // $6-$9
STORY TIME: 'Tis the season to spend lots of brain power trying to decide just which movie is "the best Christmas movie of all time." The Santa Clause 3, probably. While there may be some involved arguments about which film wins -- respectful and measured arguments, of course -- there's no doubt A Christmas Story (1983) would end up in anyone's top 5. Yes, little Ralphie and his quest for that Red Ryder BB gun remains a Christmas classic, no matter how many times in a row TBS shows it. And if musical stage productions have become the true sign of a film's success (box office numbers are boring), then welcome to the big leagues, A Christmas Story.
8:00 p.m. // 5th Ave Theatre // $28 - $108
