Shaun Surething
(ART & PHO BANG) Seattle's Shaun Surething is having his coming-out party (in the artistic sense, of course) at the Re-bar tonight, immediately before March's Pho Bang spectacular (featuring Pretty Girls Make Graves). In the first exhibition of this talented painter's work, Surething focuses on a zoo theme, creating images of himself/his lover in quietly odd poses that strike at innocent and ominous situations with the same broad stroke. His work teeters on the edge of adolescence, with the weight just about to drop his subjects into adulthood for good. (Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 233-9873, 8-10 pm.) Also tonight, be sure to check out photographer Alice Wheeler's images of Kurt Cobain. (Greg Kucera Gallery, 212 Third Ave S, 624-0770, 6-8 pm.) JENNIFER MAERZ
FRIDAY MARCH 7
The Future of Media
(HEARING/EVENT) Big media wants to get bigger, and it's been lobbying the government hard to get rid of the rules that keep it from doing so. Now it's your turn to get your two cents in, as the Federal Communications Commission comes to Seattle to hold a hearing on media concentration. It's at UW's HUB Auditorium at 9 am, and it's your chance to horn in on the inside-the-Beltway policy debate that is likely to change the American media landscape for decades to come. Or if that's a little too early in the morning for you--or a little too wonky-sounding--you can still get an earful about the issue from Federal Communications Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, and media diversity advocates, and have fun while you're at it by catching the Future of Media show, headlined by Chuck D and the Fine Arts Militia. It's all ages, and sponsored by activists from the regional chapter of the Recording Academy and Reclaim the Media (for more details, check out their website at reclaimthemedia.org). (EMP, Seattle Center, 7-10:30 pm, free.) SANDEEP KAUSHIK
SATURDAY MARCH 8
Free Rock Show
(BLATANT SELF-PROMOTION) Who doesn't love a free show? Everyone's broke these days and The Stranger knows it (especially those of us on staff at the paper). So we're giving Seattle a free show featuring one of our favorite bands, the Catheters, plus a pre-renegade SXSW music conference showcase handpicked by readers that includes the Turn-Ons, Radio Nationals, Alta May, and the Memphis Radio Kings, with some extra entertainment from the Gun St. Girls. That's a whole lot of entertainment for less than it costs to stay home. (The Showbox, 1426 First Ave, 628-3151, 9 pm, free.) JENNIFER MAERZ
Alvin Ailey
(DANCE) If there is such a thing as "urban ballet," then Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater would be the premier example of what happens when classical technique meets Harlem sensibilities. Whether it's the gospel grace of "Revelations," or the modern ballet set to a Duke Ellington soundtrack in "Pas de Duke," or the techno-jazz score to 2002's "Apex," AAADT's dancers continue to demonstrate the kind of raw, honest, and yet elegant choreography that earned Ailey a worldwide following. Today, artistic director Judith Jamison and her dancers perform eclectic new works in addition to Ailey's original repertoire--remaining faithful to his legacy of beautiful, virile, emotionally resonant dance. (Fri March 7 at 8 pm, Sat March 8 at 2 and 8 pm, Sun March 9 at 2 pm; Paramount Theatre, 911 E Pine St, 467-5510, $24-$60.) MIN LIAO
'Amandla!'
(FILM) Amandla! chronicles the 40-year "revolution of dancing and singing" that eventually toppled apartheid in South Africa. A documentary that also serves as a life-affirming hymnal, Lee Hirsch's film features interviews with musical dissidents, telling stories of revolutionary heroes singing defiantly while being led to their executions; singing in prisons and on work trains; singing through clouds of tear gas and into the barrels of guns. Singing as a means of protest, and to elevate the spirit. Singing together as a statement of unity and power. Singing instead of crying to mourn the dead--or, as one woman remembers, "singing, then crying anyway." If you can see this film and not be stirred up, you have failed. (Fri-Thurs March 7-13 at the Varsity, 4329 University Way NE, 632-3131, $7.50/$5.50.) SEAN NELSON
'Moonlight Mile'
(VIDEO) This is the second time for Stranger Suggests to suggest you catch this small, funny, sad story of grief, loss, and family. You might not have noticed it the first time around because despite the fact that it stars Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon, and what's-his-butt from Bubble Boy (you know, Maggie Gyllenhaal's brother), Moonlight Mile was only in theaters for a week or two. Today, it's released on video and DVD, and the recommendation still holds. In fact, it's bolstered; seeing Mile a second time (and a third, thanks to the glory that is the DVD commentary track) only extends the film's humble human charms. (Available for sale or rental at most video stores.) SEAN NELSON
Gang Starr
(REAL HIPHOP) Guru and DJ Premier (Gang Starr) are to the '90s what Rakim and Eric B were to the '80s. But that is another matter altogether. Let's just say this for now: As a Master of Ceremony, Guru is one of the smoothest, a fact that was emphasized by his 1994 collaboration with the French rapper MC Solaar on "La Bien, Le Mal." As for DJ Premier, he is the greatest hiphop producer of all time. Not even RZA, his nearest rival, comes close. It's DJ Premier from here to infinity. (Showbox, 1426 First Ave, 628-3151, doors at 8 pm, $35, 21+.) CHARLES MUDEDE
