The Stranger

The liberating, multicultural spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. manifests itself in tonight's lineup of local DJs. The veteran hosts of KEXP's Expansions program—Kid Hops, Masa, and DJ Riz—form a United Nations committee of beat science, bringing many strains of electronic music in their record bags, which they mix impeccably. Fellow savvy selectors SunTzu Sound add to the aural heat. Free your mind and your ass will follow—in a civilly righteous manner. (Neumos, 925 E Pike St, 709-9442. 8 pm, $7, 21+.) by Dave Segal

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Fuck the New Year's resolutions, man. If you're gonna blow that promise to lose 10 pounds (or, you know, not have a heart attack in 2010), make sure you blow it on a beautiful basket of deep-fried pickles at the Peoples Pub in Ballard. Thick, juicy, delightfully tart spears of dill pickle are breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection—they're not too greasy and the crispy coating is surprisingly light. The best part: A fistful of pickles costs only $4 during happy hour (daily 3–7 pm and 10 pm–last call). (The Peoples Pub, 5429 Ballard Ave NW, 783-6521.) by Megan Seling

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You've been hearing about the death of the media forever and you're fucking sick of it. I don't blame you; I am, too. That's why this reading is so important. The authors of The Death and Life of American Journalism have tirelessly researched newspapers, and they've got a plan to save them. In a book that spans the history of newspapers in America (the founding fathers thought papers were so important that they're the only industry specifically mentioned in the Constitution) to the future of news in the age of Google, Journalism changes the conversation from self-pity to optimism. (Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, 652-4255. 7:30 pm, $5.) by Paul Constant

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Xanadu slayed the critics when it hit Broadway with its arsenal of disco balls, frosted lips, roller skates, and stretch pants. Charles Isherwood of the New York Times called it "simultaneously indefensible and irresistible," and it won a pack of awards including a Tony nomination for best musical. Tonight's special performance will help slay the haters—every cent of the $99 VIP ticket price goes to Equal Rights Washington. Tickets include floor seating and an afterparty at Chapel hosted by Dan Savage with the Xanadu cast. (And if you can't make it tonight but still want to help, enter the ticket code "ERW" when you buy tickets and $5 will go to this indispensable advocacy organization.) (Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St, thestranger.com/xanadutix. 7 pm, $99, 21+.) by Brendan Kiley

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The fourth annual Week of Fun comedy festival starts today, showcasing the best of Seattle's indie comedy scene. It's like the indie music scene, but with less whining. Actually, I take that back. There's probably more. Billy Wayne Davis will be there—or as I call him, "The Ben Gibbard of the South." Visit www.weekoffun.com for more info. (Capitol Club, 414 E Pine St, 325-2149. 8 pm, $5, all ages. This week's Suggests have been sold for our Strangercrombie charity auction.) by Dartanion London

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Festival cofounder and current bum Dartanion London returns to the city that made him (not) famous. Join him along with the amazing horror comedy of Blood Squad and a few special guests. Also, do you remember that movie There Will Be Blood? Well, tonight should be named There Will Be Booze. Because there will be. (People's Republic Kafe, 1718 12th Ave. 8 pm, $7, 21+. This week's Suggests have been sold for our Strangercrombie charity auction.) by Dartanion London

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