The Stranger

(FILM SERIES) If you've never been exposed to the works of Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, then you don't know a thing about cinema. And if you don't know a thing about cinema, then you are entirely ignorant of the highest art form in the world. This series, which starts with a screening of Cries and Whispers at the Grand Illusion (screenings will also take place at SAM), is not comprehensive, but it will just have to do for those who know nothing about cinema. (See Movie Times, page 87, for more info.) CHARLES MUDEDE

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(BOOZY AMATEUR BREAKDANCING) Not sure if you're an amateur or an asshole breakdancer—why not finally break that tie? The War Room's Monday b-boy/b-girl night, Soul City, is throwing a "no-holds barred" "drunk/amateur" breakdancing contest. The winner walks away with $500. Participants must sport '80s attire, take a shot before each battle, and of course, sign a legal waiver. (War Room, 722 E Pike St, 328-7666. 9 pm, $6 adv/$10 DOS.) JENNIFER MAERZ

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(SOUND ART) Seeing and listening to sound-based art in a gallery can be wonderful, but getting a chance to experience it performed onstage is doubly satisfying. As part of the events surrounding this year's visual arts exhibition at Bumbershoot, On the Boards is presenting a night of sound performances including Marina Rosenfeld, whose "emotional orchestra" will be seen at the Tate Modern later in September with local violinist Eyvind Kang. (On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888. 8 pm, $10.) NATE LIPPENS

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(FILM) In 1986, Paul Simon made this remarkable statement in the song "Boy in a Bubble": "These are the days of lasers in the jungle/Lasers in the jungle somewhere." Nearly 20 years later, Crónicas, which is set in hot Ecuador and directed by Sebastián Cordero, shows that TV satellite dishes, cell-phone towers, SUVs, serial killers, and news reporters in search of sensational stories, are now, too, "in the jungle somewhere." It's a great movie. (See Movie Times, page 87, for more info.) CHARLES MUDEDE

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(TECHNO) Behind the decks (and Final Scratch software), techno innovator Richie "Plastikman" Hawtin delivers a devastating combination of advanced beat seminar and sweaty warehouse party. With Final Scratch, he can customize each track in his DJ sets to his exact specs, allowing him to transmute brainy, minimalist, glitchy techno (and the odd Nitzer Ebb chestnut) into ecstatic dance rituals. Seattle's world-class experimental-techno producer Bruno Pronsato and biggest-bang-for-the-buck DJ Jerry Abstract complement Hawtin's next-level spinning and clicking. (Showbox, 1426 First Ave, 628-3151. 8 pm, $18 adv/$20 DOS, 21+.) DAVE SEGAL

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