The Stranger

(BLACK FICTION) Edward P. Jones is the author of the historical novel The Known World, which won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2004 and is set in Virginia just before the Civil War. What distinguishes Jones's book from others that examine the institution of American slavery is that it focuses on the ownership of black slaves by black freemen. Jones's short stories regularly appear in the New Yorker, and he is certainly one of the leading lights of contemporary black American literature. (Seattle Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave, 386-4636, www.spl.org. 7 pm, free.) by Charles Mudede

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(MUSIC) You'll go to this show because the very loveable Boat and Speaker Speaker are playing, and because Boat's new record, Songs That You Might Not Like, is a wonderful symphony of quirky sounds and goofy lyrics that make you feel like you're walking through clouds made of cotton candy. And once at the show, you'll stay because Maritime's lovely and poignant indie pop makes you want to dance and smile more than you'll want to stare at your shoes with watery eyes. (The Paradox, 1401 NW Leary Way, www.theparadox.org. 7:30 pm, $8, all ages.) by Megan Seling

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(FILM) Kate might be content with her life on the fringes of Seattle's theater scene were it not for her pesky childhood ambitions, set to paper at the age of 13. With quiet confidence, filmmaker Lynn Shelton establishes and overcomes her central conceit—in which Kate's teenage self visits her in the flesh—to tell a funny, touching story about self-effacement, trust, and really bad Seattle theater. (Varsity, 4329 University Way NE, 781-5755. See Movie Times for details.) by Annie Wagner

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(LIVE 'JEOPARDY!') Seattle resident Ken Jennings holds the record for best winning streak in the history of Jeopardy!, winning $3,022,700 in 74 straight games in 2004. Tonight, he will face off against a team of local celebrities, including Seattle Times columnist Nicole Brodeur, KUOW host Steve Scher, and The Stranger's Charles Mudede. (Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, 800-838-3006. 7:30 pm, $10—$12.) by Brendan Kiley

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(MUSIC) Your problem is that when you think of the Bee Gees, you think disco. You think of Barry Gibb's falsetto, you think of three brothers in sparkly white suits, you think of "Stayin' Alive." That unfortunate era has totally eclipsed the Bee Gees' fucking awesome late-'60s and early-'70s output—haunting pop tunes like "New York Mining Disaster 1941" and "Come Home Johnny Bridie." The Shee Bee Gees, a foxy all-girl Bee Gees cover band from Portland, will set you straight. In harmony. They're opening for the Minus 5 and Tim Seely. (Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave, 441-5611, www.ticketweb.com. 9 pm, $10, 21+.) by Christopher Frizzelle

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(WHAT IT SAYS) The first rule of Pillow Fight Club: Tell everyone you know about Pillow Fight Club. Tonight at Re-bar, the freaks come out and bring their pillows and jammies with 'em, to bash each other for the entertainment of all. Amid the flying feathers, there will be drinking, dancing, and free-for-all battles, with the evening's grand-prize winner determined by the audience. (Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 233-9873. 10 pm, $5, 21+.) by David Schmader

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(DOCUMENTARY) Kirby Dick's scathing documentary is a must see for anyone who cares about creative freedom. A complete takedown of the shadowy Motion Picture Association of America—the anonymous souls who slap ratings upon films, often serving as de facto censors in the process—it's a superior agitdoc: infuriating, hilarious, and more than a little one-sided. The MPAA has been frustrating filmmakers for decades. This is the type of slap they deserve. (See Movie Times for details.) by Bradley Steinbacher

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