The Stranger

Detroit's Outrageous Cherry are one of those groups that have never deviated from their original sound—reverent, obsessive-record-collector's interpretations of their favorite Vietnam War–era rock records. Because frontman Matthew Smith has impeccable musical taste and keen songwriting skills, Outrageous Cherry sound like simulacra of canonical psych-pop and garage-rock bands, as well as Nuggets-worthy no-hit wonders. Their latest album, Universal Malcontents, emits yet more sonic sunshine: Earnestness trumps irony, and sweet melodies embroidered with tasteful effects revivify paisley-shaped nostalgia. (Comet, 922 E Pike St, 322-9272. 8 pm, $7, 21+.) by Dave Segal

Link  |  Post Comment (0)

Bumbershoot is for people who like music/arts in the same way that a buffet is for people who like food. It's not for those who like Modest Mouse or Holy Fuck or De La Soul specifically, but for those who want to try a taste of everything. That's fine. Buffets can be great, and if you're a glutton for punishment you leave totally fucking full—of music and arts and comedy!—for the amount of money you pay. Also: teens—Bumbershoot, like Wu-Tang Clan, is for the children. (Seattle Center, thestranger.com/bumbershoot. Sat–Mon 11 am–11 pm, $50–$420, all ages.) by Eric Grandy

Link  |  Post Comment (0)

I don't blame you for not watching District 9 yet. You probably heard it described as social commentary about apartheid thinly disguised as science fiction. While the movie is set in Johannesburg, it's not a heavy-handed lecture about race and inequality. It's some of the smartest, most compelling sci-fi put to film this year. The special effects—especially a climactic battle between a giant robot and a battalion of ruthless, alien-hating soldiers—surpass even this year's Star Trek for sheer awesomeness. Don't watch it for social justice; watch it because it fucking kicks ass. (See Movie Times: thestranger.com/film.) by Paul Constant

Link  |  Post Comment (11)

Enjoy late summer by renting an electric boat down on Lake Union. You can drive yourself around and look at the houseboats and the parks and the dry docks and other people's boats and the skyline and the bridges and the beaver dams and the water. There is a big table onboard, and you can bring snacks and cocktails. The boat holds 10 people and is completely silent, letting you listen to music and have maritime conversation with your shipmates. (Electric Boat Company, 2046 Westlake Ave N, www.theelectricboatco.com. 10 am–9 pm, $89/hour.) by Gillian Anderson

Link  |  Post Comment (0)

Two problems with most book readings: (1) You never know if the author is going to be a good reader of her own work, which can lead to an hour of skull-fucking boredom. (2) There's never enough cheap booze. The Hugo House's new reading series tidily eliminates both problems: Curator Brian McGuigan doesn't invite readers unless they're wildly entertaining—tonight's crew, Cienna Madrid, Ryan Boudinot, Mary Purdy, and David Schmader, are all hilarious—and Rainier beer is a buck a can all night long. (Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 322-7030. 7 pm, free.) by Paul Constant

Link  |  Post Comment (3)

Few Seattle musicians have the ambition to host their own 30th birthday party in the lofty recital chamber of Town Hall; fewer still have the talent and collaborators to pull it off. But Jherek Bischoff is up to the task. The Dead Science bassist and composer has recorded solo under his own name and as Ribbons, and he's worked with the likes of David Byrne, Degenerate Art Ensemble, Xiu Xiu, and countless others. Tonight, for one night only, Bischoff presents 13 original compositions for 40 musicians. One piece will employ 30 glockenspiels; all will presumably feature Bischoff partying like it's his birthday. (Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, 676-2321. 8 pm, $5–$15 sliding scale, all ages.) by Eric Grandy

Link  |  Post Comment (0)

Besides being a pioneer, a genius, and one of the rare scientists who is as comfortable in front of a crowd as she is in an African jungle, Jane Goodall is one foxy lady. (I must've seen her in a National Geographic at some sexually formative age.) She's an unconventional scientist—and has been criticized for giving her chimps names instead of numbers—but her mind and heart have collaborated on one of the most admirable careers of the 20th century. Goodall has a new book called Hope for Animals and Their World, about successes and failures in the bringing-animals-back-from-extinction racket. Discussed: Asian vultures, giant pandas, Mongolian miniature horses, American whooping cranes, and more. The event is sold out, but you can linger by the back door for an autograph and a kiss. (Theo Chocolate, 3400 Phinney Ave N, 624-6600. 12:30 pm, $50.) by Brendan Kiley

Link  |  Post Comment (4)