Star Wars Un-Premiere

(FILM) Despite the fact (and yes, it is a fact) that the new Star Wars movie is really good, there's a better way to commemorate its release than by standing in lines around the block with the rest of the sci-fi dorks. To wit: a party at the newly renovated Jewel Box Theater at the Rendezvous, featuring screenings of the Turkish version of Episode IV (to get the original film shown in Turkey, Lucas was apparently forced to recut it with Turkish actors standing in for Luke, Leia, and Han) and, even better, the rarely seen 1978 ABC Star Wars Christmas special, a misbegotten variety show hosted by none other than Harvey Korman and (drum roll, please) Bea Arthur. There will also be food, drinks, and music provided by DJs SuperJew and EZ-Action. (The Rendezvous, 2320 Second Ave, 325-8780, 9 pm, free.) SEAN NELSON

Lava 2002

(ART) It's like our own little Biennial. The stakes for this year's Noodleworks Invitational got much higher when Henry curator Rhonda Howard got involved and decided to produce an event catalogue. So instead of just a damn good party and studio show--which it usually is--it's now a bona fide controversy. Already there's talk flying around town about who's in and who's not and who really is who in the Seattle art underground (and not so far underground, and pretty much on top of the ground as well). Join the fray! (Noodleworks, 802 Sixth Ave S, 652-0636, Fri May 17, 7-11 pm; Sat May 18, 6-11 pm.) EMILY HALL

Seattle Districts Now!

(KICKOFF PARTY) If there's anything that will improve this city (besides the monorail), it's district elections. As it stands now we've got this bizarre system--nine city council members elected citywide--who are accountable to everyone... and so... are accountable to no one... and so don't get anything done. Oh, they also can't get bumped because once they're in office, no one can raise enough money to run a citywide campaign to unseat an incumbent. If you think representative democracy is a grand idea (one council member accountable to a tangible neighborhood constituency), show up to support district elections at the Seattle Districts Now! kick-off. The coolest city council member, Nick Licata, will be speaking, along with Rep. Ed Murray, Olympia Senator Jeanne Kohl, and excellent lefty Dawn Mason. (The Mountaineer Club, 300 Third Ave W in Queen Anne, 7 pm, free.) JOSH FEIT

Hella, Replikants

(MUSIC) Aptly named, Hella is two people from Sacramento making a hell of a lot of noise, as in loud, breakneck signature changes and exciting instrumental songs. Label mate Replikants features original Unwound members Justin Trosper and Brandt Sandeno in a project that compares to that lauded Olympia band only in its dedication to freeform, boundless energy. You'll recognize the basic similarities, but also note how they fuel an entirely different sound and experimental freedom. This show continues the Graceland's all-ages summer BBQ series. See also Up & Coming. (Graceland, 109 Eastlake Ave E, 262-0482, 3:30 pm, $7.) KATHLEEN WILSON

Copper River Salmon

(DELICIOUS FOOD) Frantic fishermen, panting chefs, and a local media frenzy: It can only be the start of Copper River salmon season. Everyone goes apeshit over the beautiful, succulent Chinook (king), sockeye (red), and Coho (silver) salmon from the Gulf of Alaska's icy waters... and for good reason. One mouthful of this celebrated fish--lustrous, dark red flesh that's rich with flavor, nutrients, good oils, and a sublimely clean finish--and you'll practically need a cigarette afterward. Fish markets are fully stocked right now, so get a piece and cook it yourself. A hot pan and a squirt of lemon is all you need. (Mutual Fish, 2335 Rainier Ave S, 322-4368; University Seafood & Poultry, 1317 NE 47th, 632-3900.) MIN LIAO

Robert A. Caro

(READINGS) I feel sorry for Caro's wife, Ina, with whom he lives in New York City, according to the dust jacket of the third (and latest) volume of his beautifully endless biography of former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. I feel sorry for her because Caro obviously doesn't live with her. He lives with LBJ. Closely. He's been writing and publishing nothing but the critically acclaimed Johnson series since 1982's first installment, Path to Power. With the third volume, LBJ isn't even close to the presidency yet. He's a Southern Democrat cajoling and bullying his racist colleagues to sign onto the Northern liberal Democrats' civil rights bill. I predict that Caro will die before Johnson signs 1964's follow-up civil rights bill. Poor Ina. (Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, 325-6500, 7 pm. Free w/ticket, available at University Bookstore, 634-3400.) JOSH FEIT

Cornershop

(MUSIC) Though Cornershop's music is a mix of several international elements defined by, or corresponding to, urban centers like Bombay, London, and New York, the band is not dense or even ambitious. Most musicians who attempt such radical blends--the very ancient (raga) with the very new (hiphop, jungle, house)--do so with a heightened sense of purpose, like Talvin Singh or DJ Cheb I Sabbah (both of whom I admire). But Cornershop does it for the sake of pop. There are no great ideas in the band's music, just pleasant atmospheres that will make you snap your fingers. (Showbox, 1426 First Ave, 628-3151, $14 adv., $17 at door.) CHARLES MUDEDE