The Stranger

(FILM) Yeah, James Dean is an icon—a fate that has obscured his awesome acting talent, nowhere captured better than in Elia Kazan's East of Eden. Released in 1955, Dean's first major film spins John Steinbeck's twisted Cain-and-Abel story into a ravishing melodrama of filial division and family betrayal, boasting classic performances by Dean, Raymond Massey, Julie Harris, and Jo Van Fleet, all freshly pressed on a new 35mm print. (Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, 329-2629. 7 pm and 9:15 pm, $8/$5 for members, through Sept 15.) DAVID SCHMADER

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(MUSIC) Local boys Whalebones use the feedback wails of the Orcas to bookend boot-stompin' Neil Young–meets–Lou Reed grooves. Their hayseed harmonies and grass-stained melodies add an extra layer of grit to seedy guitar distortion occasionally uplifted by fluttering keyboard parts. This is a jam band in the only good sense of the word. (108 Gallery, 912 12th Ave #108, 853-0336. 9 pm, $5.) JENNIFER MAERZ

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(FILM) Northwest Film Forum hosts an inspired benefit for the victims of Hurricane Katrina: A three-night run of Jim Jarmusch's 1986 minimalist comedy classic Down By Law, a movie that follows three down-and-out jailbirds—played by post–Rain Dogs Tom Waits, pre-Life Is Beautiful Roberto Benigni, and the eternal John Lurie—as they escape from a Louisiana prison. Best of all, 100 percent of ticket proceeds go directly to the Red Cross. (Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, 800-838-3006. 7 pm and 9:15 pm, $10 minimum, through Sept 18.) DAVID SCHMADER

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(MUSIC) Australian aesthetes Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry craft unique compositions that draw upon their encyclopedic knowledge of music from many eras and genres. But rather than dryly resurrect these forms like fusty academics, Dead Can Dance infuse a potent mystery and veneration for them, then shroud it all in vivid, widescreen goth-ambient-worldbeat production. That Gerrard and Perry also possess two of the most gorgeous voices ever ices this glorious cake. (Paramount, 911 Pine St, 467-5510. 8 pm, $29.50–$59.50, all ages.) DAVE SEGAL

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(LATE-AFTERNOON BAR PARTY) This weekly bash at charming hole-in-the-wall Bus Stop is like the great gay basement party you never went to in high school. DJs El Toro and Freddy King of Pants spin gloriously trashy tunes, drinks remain at happy-hour prices, and the last time I went, the teeny dance floor swelled with blissful freaks getting their post-ironic groove on. (Bus Stop, 508 E Pine St, 322-9123. 4–8 pm, free, 21+.) DAVID SCHMADER

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(LIVESTOCK) The Puyallup Fair is full of enjoyment. You can pet pygmy goats, gaze at gigantic pumpkins, visit with piglets, watch 4-H kids’ demonstrations, see cows being milked, mull over really weird exhibits, ride rides, learn about beekeeping, and eat. There are all kinds of things to eat. And it’s open every day of the week. Including today. (Puyallup Fairgrounds, 110 Ninth Ave SW, Puyallup, 253-841-5045. 10 am–10 pm, $10.) GILLIAN ANDERSON

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