The Stranger

(ART & WALKING) The map of the 53 sites and 75 artists in this annual alternative to First Thursday includes 17th-century religious icons and a show with a space-travel theme benefiting 826 Seattle. If you would rather not stumble upon greatness but have it thrust upon you, a team of jurors has selected works they're calling "Top Picks" for this year, to be shown at the Phinney Center Gallery. (Greenwood Ave N and Phinney Ave N between N 65th St and N 87th St, www.greenwoodphinneyartwalk.com. Noon–5 pm, free.) by Jen Graves

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(FILM) How you feel about La Mujer de Mi Hermano depends on how you feel about sex. There are three characters, they're all burning hot, they speak Spanish, they ruin each other's lives, and it all goes down in a huge, modern house in Mexico City with a glowing pool. (See Movie Times for more info.) by Christopher Frizzelle

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(FORGOTTEN FRENCH NOIR) There are many reasons to see Northwest Film Forum's revival of Claude Sautet's Classe Tous Risques. Here're three: (1) Its thief-running-from-his-past plot is bleak yet surprisingly humanistic; (2) the gorgeous black-and-white photography and European locales make you long for a time and a place you'll never experience; and (3) it serves as a handy reminder that Jean-Paul Belmondo remains one of the coolest actors ever to grace the screen—in any language. (See Movie Times for more info.) by Bradley Steinbacher

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(FUNKENTELECHY) P-Funk is a whole mind/body-trippin' philosophy. Tonight's show could be an absurd fiasco or a transcendent celebration of the Clintonian songbook (regardless, pray Bernie Worrell appears). No matter the level of inspiration, a glorious wallow in nostalgia is guaranteed. With a catalog as abundant in sublime, libido-liberating funk as Parliament's, a medley of highlights will suffice—or three hours of "One Nation Under a Groove." (Showbox, 1426 First Ave, 628-3151. 8 pm, $20 adv/$25 DOS, 21+.) by Dave Segal

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(CIRCUS) Varekai is a bright and beautiful spectacle. The dreamscape conjures both tropical forest and coral reef. A gilt contortionist bends herself in half while standing on one hand. The crowd-favorite Russian swings are back, with flame-colored acrobats flying between them. Plus juggling, magic, popcorn, and everything else you'd expect to find under Cirque du Soleil's sophisticated big top. (Marymoor Park, Redmond. Tues–Wed 8 pm, Thurs–Sat 4 and 8 pm, Sun 1 and 5 pm; $35–$185, plus $10 parking. Tickets at 1-800-678-5440 or Ticketmaster.) by Amy Kate Horn

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(LITERATURE) Since the start of this decade, Nicole Krauss has been a breath of fresh air in the aging, male-dominated institution of the Jewish-American novel. Her second and most recognized novel, The History of Love, is an exploration of three lives connected in strange and lyrical ways. The talented young Stranger editor Christopher Frizzelle is to interview the talented young novelist about her work, ideas, and heritage. (Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave NW, 1-888-621-2230. 7:30 pm, $8, 21+.) by Charles Mudede

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