The Stranger

Seattle has its own Chia Pet: the ivy-covered Roanoke Tavern, with drinks served inside since 1935. In the winter, the potbellied stove keeps it toasty; in the summer, there's beer pong out back. Like the place itself, the burgers, grilled sandwiches, and nachos aren't fancy, just plain old good—and Wednesday is $1-taco night. (Roanoke Park Place Tavern, 2409 10th Ave E, 324-5882. 4 pm–2 am, 21+.) by Bethany Jean Clement

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If you've never stood in front of an Indian painting and held up a magnifying glass so that you can disappear into the world of bright and tiny details crawling all over its surface, then you do not know painting or pleasure. Garden and Cosmos: The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur is one of those once-in-a-lifetime exhibitions. Many of these paintings—cosmic, sexy, and eye-blowing—were just discovered a few years ago and go back to India after visiting only D.C., London, and here. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, Volunteer Park, 654-3100. 10 am–9 pm, $7 suggested.) by Jen Graves

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Kathleen Rooney is the author of Live Nude Girl, a meditation about working as a nude model. Kyle Minor has published a collection of short stories about hateful ex-Communist teachers and preachers bathing their moms. And Jonathan Evison is the Bainbridge-based author of All About Lulu, a novel about a runt from a family of bodybuilders. All three are young and talented, and Evison is famous for making a big deal of his readings, often providing an "Appalachian wedding buffet" (Little Smokies, Twinkies, and other processed delectables) for everyone in attendance. (University Book Store, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400. 7 pm, free.) by Paul Constant

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Artist and zinester Esther Pearl Watson created her signature character—Tammy Pierce, an angsty high-school girl forever stuck in the 1980s—after finding a teenager's diary in a gas-station bathroom. Watson's new graphic novel, Unlovable, compiles the beautifully crude Tammy Pierce saga (long-running in Bust magazine) and shoves it into a sparkly blue hardcover book. At her first-ever art exhibition in Seattle, Watson will be on hand to sign copies of Unlovable, while Rusty Willoughby serenades her with song. (Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery, 1201 S Vale St, 658-0110. 6–9 pm, free.) by Kelly O

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Ever hear Radiohead's "Idioteque" blended into Cybotron's "Techno City"? Probably not. That's a typical Tim Sweeney move. One of DFA boss James Murphy's favorite DJs, Sweeney possesses the specialized knowledge and keen mixing sense that get hips thinking and brains dancing. His Beats in Space radio program/podcast on WNYU airs the cream of cosmic disco, techno, Kraut rock, freak folk, house, rock, and other genres, making unexpected, brilliant transitions his trademark. With Rong Music head Ben Cook and H.M.A. (Chop Suey, 1325 E Madison St, 324-8000. 9 pm, $10, 21+.) by Dave Segal

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I, Pierre Rivière is a French gem. First, it features a young Isabelle Huppert, who is as beautiful as the current old Huppert. Second, the 1976 film is based on a real and shocking crime that happened in 1835 ("I, Pierre Rivière, having butchered my mother, my sister, and my brother..."). Thirdly, this crime happened in rural France, and so the film has the mood of a horror movie. Lastly and most importantly, the real crime fascinated one of the greatest minds of the 20th century, Michel Foucault. (Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, 267-5380. 9:15 pm, $9.) by Charles Mudede

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Criminally underrated Portland trio Wet Confetti broke up in May 2007, but by the year's end, all three members were making music again as Reporter. Their debut, Dust & Stars, polishes up their old act's pop tendencies, smooths out their jerkier rhythms, and adds a blanket of lo-fi fuzz and reverb to deliver slightly rackety, slightly dark dream pop that wouldn't be too out of place alongside Vivian Girls or much of Slumberland's current roster (see especially the stellar "Set Fire"). With the always-congenial Fist Fite, the Hail Seizures, and Jes Blackwell. (MarsBar, 609 Eastlake Ave E, 626-4516. 9 pm, $6, 21+.) by Eric Grandy

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