The Stranger

Digable Planets won a Grammy for "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)" but had much more in their arsenal than one catchy, minimalist jazz-rap jam. Their albums—1993's Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space) and 1994's Blowout Comb—contained some of that decade's sharpest lyrical insights and most velvety grooves, steeped in DJ King Britt's epicurean ear for jazz and funk samples. The core trio (including Seattle native Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler) reunited in 2005; this gig should be a treat for fans of hiphop's second Golden Age. (Neumos, 925 E Pike St, 709-9467. 8 pm, $18, 21+.) by Dave Segal

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You know how sometimes you just want to switch your brain off for a few hours and watch a bunch of dudes beat the shit out of each other with foam-rubber swords? Yeah. Meeeeeee, too. Especially right now, with the nation currently idling in a disorienting (and sublime) postelection refractory stupor. Role Models, written by and starring Paul Rudd (can we go ahead and declare him Everyone's Favorite Person already?), is totally dumb and goofy. It's about two complete jackasses assigned to community service mentoring troubled youth. Your brain is not required. (See movie times, www.thestranger.com, for details.) by Lindy West

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Last week's glory was marred only by the freakish passage of California's Proposition 8, which seeks to revoke the marriage rights of the state's same-sex couples. But the outpouring of outrage that's greeted the hateful legislation (since when does the majority get to vote on the rights of a minority?) has been an awesome consolation prize, proving that marriage equality has made the leap from fringe obsession to American civil rights issue. Today, Seattle makes its feelings on the issue known. (Rally at noon in Volunteer Park, march to Westlake Center at 1 pm, rally at Westlake Center at 2 pm. Info and updates at www.jointheimpact.wetpaint.com.) by David Schmader

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The subject matter of Steven Dietz's wonderful new comedy—long-term marriage, midlife stasis, cars—could hardly be more middlebrow. But out of these mundane bits Dietz spins a rich, surprising, emotionally gratifying tale that'll crack your shit up (and should get Dietz on the Pulitzer short list). Aiding things immeasurably: an exemplary cast led by the brilliant Kimberly King and Charles Leggett, who, among many other accomplishments, create one of the most realistic families you'll ever see onstage. (ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. 2 pm, $40. Through Nov 16.) by David Schmader

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Let's not mince words: Couch is the most exciting, original debut novel to be released this fall. Benjamin Parzybok, a Portland writer and web designer, has written a book about one of the most annoying, uninteresting scenarios you can imagine—three apathetic young men moving an unwanted couch—and somehow turned it into a globe-spanning fantasy epic. Through all the battles with gun-toting villains and shark attacks, Couch tells a story of heroism and valor and outrageous acts, and somehow makes it all believable and touching. (Elliott Bay Book Company, 101 S Main St, 624-6600. 7:30 pm, free.) by Paul Constant

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Forget about Twilight. The best vampire movie of the season is this Swedish film about two alienated 12-year-olds falling in love. Let the Right One In is in many ways a classic vampire story—with outraged villagers and menacing late-night visits—but in other ways, you've never seen a love story quite like this. The slowly building terror and the weird sexuality on display make the movie a convincing analogy for the horror of becoming an adolescent. (Varsity, 4329 University Way NE, 781-5755. See movie times, www.thestranger .com, for details, $7.) by Paul Constant

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