Hold onto your hats folks, there's a crapload of shows going on sale this week. Everything from Jay-Z/Kanye to The Handsome Furs, from Bright Eyes and Michael Ian Black to City Arts Fest sneak peeks. If there's anything that we missed let us know. We'll post local and national acts. If it's out there to be seen, we're here to post it. more ›

OCEAN JUNK: Saturday Curtis Ebbesmeyer reads from his new book Flotsametrics and the Floating World: How One Man's Obsession with Runaway Sneakers and Rubber Ducks Revolutionized Ocean Science at the Central Library. Ebbesmeyer is a very smart guy studying a very disturbing and very new topic: ocean-borne trash. If anyone can figure out where those severed feet that washed up around Puget Sound came from, it’s him. A must for anyone concerned about the state of the oceans. more ›

PONIES RUN THE MILE: Get ready for the horses to really run this Sunday, during the Emerald Downs' 74th Longacres Mile, which happens to be one of those "win and you’re in" races for the legendary Breeder’s Cup. So sure enough, you'll see some of the top horses and jockeys, including 2008 winner Jennifer Whitaker, riding Wasserman. Besides the horse racing, the official Railbird Rally tailgate begins at 10:30 a.m., which is another spectacle not to miss. Put on the fancy hats, heels, or seersucker and witness Washington Thoroughbred horse-racing history. more ›

Today is Day One of the Modest Mouse Sold-Out-a-Thon (and you can interpret that title however you want) at the Showbox. For the very eager and very commited there's a potential four days of MM and openers Mason Jennings, Headphones, and The Thermals in store for you. The masses that couldn't get it together in time to purchase a ticket or a four-day pass are left to sort through the leavings at Craigslist and, no doubt, overpay. more ›