Welcome to our shimmering-smooth guide to Bumbershoot '99. Alternately, welcome to our nightmare. We're not quite sure how to feel about the big B this year. Part of us thinks it's just more ether from the banality of mainstream culture, but that part of us hasn't outgrown our college angst yet. Part of us is worried about being out in the sun with a lot of hippies for four days, but that part of us easily forgets the variegated local climate. (All our parts worry about hippies, especially our hair, but that's not particular to Bumbershoot.) Our naughty parts are especially tingly for some of the performers (backlash or no -- those Murder City Devils are CUTE). Mostly we're excited to see some of the bands, and don't really care about the others. We guess that's how most people feel.

R.E.M. -- The defining Bumbershoot show that separates those who go because they love from those who go because it's there. Mainstage, 7 p.m.

JUDE BOWERMAN BAND -- Jude's a young and talented local blues/funk guitarist -- but he hasn't yet graduated from the Stevie Ray Vaughan school of licks. Here's hopin' that it's just a matter of time before he matures -- and begins to build his own house of style. Northwest Airlines Blues Stage, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

BILLY BRAGG & THE BLOKES -- I am the poor man's Morrissey. That is not a slight. Opera House, 9-10:15 p.m.

FASTBACKS -- A tried and true local favorite (17 years!), the Fastbacks offer plenty of pop and crunch with their snappy bubblegum. BumberClub, 6-7 p.m.

THE GOURDS -- It should come as no surprise that the Gourds play twangy, roots-influenced music that's a little rough 'round the edges. Foot-stompin' good tunes and a cornucopia of instrumentation. Northwest Airlines Blues Stage, 5:30-6:45 p.m.

HANK DOGS -- Unforgettable country-influenced folk tunes and rich female harmonies are the stuff of dreams, and ultimately transcend comparison. PCC Northwest Court Stage, 7:15-8:30 p.m.

JOE HENRY -- Unlike many of his contemporaries who fall into the "guys with guitar" mold, Joe Henry has consistently pushed artistic boundaries. Although he's continued to deliver albums of critically acclaimed material, Henry's never been confined by genre limitations or anyone else's expectations. He's a talented songwriter and performer who -- in a rare display of consistency -- always delivers the goods, both live and on record. Tesoro Bumbrella Stage, 8:45-10:15 p.m.

INDIGO GIRLS -- We are earnest and homely. Our live performances are unspectacular. Also, we helped perpetuate Lilith Fair. We accept the blame. Mainstage, 8:45-10:15 p.m.

MURDER CITY DEVILS -- Even though Mike Johnson referred to them as Seattle's Sha Na Na, we say Murder City Devils' shtick-heavy, attitude-laden, Stooges-influenced ROCK is some of the most entertaining in town. BumberClub, 9-10 p.m.

SON VOLT -- Some of that there y'all-ternative from one of the founders of Uncle Tupelo. Northwest Airlines Blues Stage, 7:30-9 p.m.

TIGHT BRO'S FROM WAY BACK WHEN -- We're betting these guys own multiple copies of every single AC/DC album, even Heatseaker, and we applaud them for it. BumberClub, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

TOM TOM CLUB -- Quite a surprise to see the Tom Tom Club on this year's bill. The side project-turned-primary-outlet of Talking Heads rhythm section Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, the Tom Tom Club are to the Heads what the Rentals are to Weezer -- the lighter, sunnier side of the street. Frightening to think that the Tom Tom Club made its debut almost -- gulp! -- 20 years ago. However, given the talent and background of the individuals involved, you can expect the music to sound as fresh as that of any currently emerging artist. Rhythm Stage, 7:30-9 p.m.

AN EVENING OF DANCE with KT Niehoff and Crispin Spaeth -- Two of the Northwest's most innovative young choreographers stage three pieces. KT/Dance presents Emma Was Attracted to Accidents; Crispin Spaeth Dance Group presents Supply and Lion's Share. Bagley Wright Theatre, 8-9 p.m. (Also Mon 5-6 p.m.)

TRIPLE ESPRESSO -- Three guys who are supposedly funny as shit -- even though their show contains no profanity, innuendo, or insults! See it to believe it. The Creative Space in the Seattle Center House, 8-9:30 p.m. (Also Sat 1-2:30 p.m., 5-6:30 p.m., & 8-9:30 p.m.; Sun 3-4:30 p.m. & 7-8:30 p.m.; and Mon 3-4:30 p.m.)

(on view all weekend)

JACOB LAWRENCE & GWENDOLYN KNIGHT LAWRENCE: Together in the World -- Seattle's most famous resident artist and his wife show work. Lawrence came to wide notice during the Harlem Renaissance, especially for his Migration Series, a large series of paintings covering the history of black life in America. Olympic Room.

MORE: A Show about American Consumption -- Local artists Christian French and Leslie Clague put together this broad survey of art about consuming. Fidalgo Room.

PHRESH: A Fresh Look at Northwest Art -- Seattle Art Museum curator Trevor Fairbrother juries this invitational show of work by emerging local artists. Lopez Room.

SCULPTURE: 40,000 YEARS LATER -- Interesting title for what's just a group show of Northwest sculptors, including Mark Calderon, Helen Lessick, Ellen Sollod, and Brandon Zebold. Rainier Room.

VILLA VELOUR: The Velvet Masterpieces of Edgar William Leeteg -- The Museum of Velvet Paintings (a collection awaiting a home) shows off its large collection of works by Leeteg, an early master of black velvet painting. Shaw Room.

(all shows at the Intiman Playhouse)

THE AMERICAN SHORT FILM COMPETITION -- 1-5 p.m. Atom Films sponsors this series of shorts showing throughout the weekend at the Intiman Playhouse. Here are some picks:

A PACK OF GIFTS NOW -- A cross between Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Apocalypse Now? How can you go wrong?

BUST -- The simple tale of a teenage girl who tries to sneak back into her house through the doggy door late one night. Unfortunately, her recently developed boobs get in the way. Hilarity, of course, ensues.

DAS CLOWN -- The description says it all: "A splatter film/love story told as an educational slide show." Wow!

SEVENTEEN SECONDS TO SOPHIE -- A full pregnancy show in just 56 seconds!

NYU PRESENTS -- A bunch of short films from those snooty NYU film students. Expect little brilliance, and a lot of pretension.

CARTOONS FROM HELL: THE DEVIL IN ANIMATION -- Rarely seen cartoons from Warner Bros. and Harveytoons, showcasing the wacky exploits of that guy named Satan.

WIGGLYWORLD PRESENTS -- Local shorts produced through WigglyWorld's "Out of the Can" filmmaking program.

ALIEN CRIME SYNDICATE -- Though we like the music, we're most thankful for the tall, dark, and handsome this San Francisco power-pop band brought to Seattle. BumberClub, 12-12:45 p.m.

BAABA MAAL -- Is this Senegalese Afro-pop singer's obsession with "crossing over" indicative of a sincere desire to redefine Western styles, or is it a purely commercial mission? Alternately brilliant and cheesy results. Rhythm Stage, 9-10:30 p.m.

BLACK EYED PEAS -- We are the best crossover rap group since Arrested Development -- er -- we are the best crossover rap group. Rock Arena, 2:15-3:15 p.m.

RICHARD BUCKNER -- The bluesy, alterna-country guy from San Francisco. If you like a breezy, Southern, introspective moodiness to your music, but are too pansy-assed to hear real country, have Mr. Buckner feed you exactly what you want. It'll be worth it. PCC Northwest Court Stage, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

CAKE -- This band takes the fear out of funk, making it safe for the suburbs to groove. Rather than being a pale imitation of groove-pop pioneers like Beck and Soul Coughing, Cake actually does deserve credit. The lyrics are smart -- but not so blatantly that they can't be appreciated by the masses -- and that's the band's secret weapon and its curse. Mainstage, 1:45-3 p.m.

CRY CRY CRY -- Is what you will do when you hear our harmonies, because they are so beautiful. Opera House, 8-11 p.m.

AMY DENIO -- Formerly of the Billy Tipton Memorial Saxophone Quartet, Amy's witty one-woman blend of the traditional and modern is truly unlike any other. Music Box, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

STACEY EARLE -- Sure, she's Steve Earle's sister, but her debut album, the self-released Simple Gearle, has drawn heaps of praise and comparisons to such contemporary country greats as Iris Dement and Lucinda Williams. PCC Northwest Court Stage, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

KULANJAN (TAJ MAHAL & TOUMANI DIABATE) -- This soul-stirring collaboration offers a glimpse into the deeply varied connections between ancient string traditions and the American South. Rhythm Stage, 7-8:30 p.m.

LO'JO -- Last year's WOMAD USA crowds just couldn't get enough of this Paris-based band's Serge Gainsbourg-meets-Tom Waits singer/keyboardist. Beware: They're also way French. Tesoro Bumbrella Stage, 1:45-3 p.m.

LO PHAT HI FI -- I play old-school electronica and write for The Stranger. Did I mention I play old-school electronica? The BumberClub, 7-8 p.m.

MIRACLE WHIP -- More fun Seattle Scene cross-pollination: members of the Fastbacks and Shuggie doing '60s-influenced soul. PCC Northwest Court Stage, 12-1 p.m.

OLEANDER -- Radio-friendly "hard rock," which we think is neither friendly nor rock. Rock Arena, 8-9:15 p.m.

PAVEMENT -- "Show me/A word that rhymes with Pavement/And I will kill your parents/And roast them on a spit." We are not too old to rock. Rock Arena, 5-6:15 p.m.

PHAROAH SANDERS QUARTET -- Often remembered for his passionate work with Coltrane in the '60s, this tenor sax titan long ago became a jazz legend in his own right. Opera House, 4:30-6 p.m.

PINK MARTINI -- Pink Martini blends French cinema soundtracks, classical chamber music, and cocktail culture without one iota of stinking irony. Tesoro Bumbrella Stage, 8:15-9:30 p.m.

TRILON -- This all-star side-project (drum guru Michael Shrieve, Maktub's Reggie Watts, & Critters Buggin's Skerik & Brad Houser) plays like a supercharged search engine that's been expertly engineered to find lost grooves and breathe new life into 'em. Tesoro Bumbrella Stage, 5-6 p.m.

VIOLENT FEMMES -- We promise to lay the smack down on anyone who dares to criticize the world's most dependable, once-young-and-stuttery creators of "Blister in the Sun." Mainstage, 12:30-1:15 p.m.

STEVE WINWOOD -- Spencer Davis Group. Traffic. Although it might look good on paper, Steve Winwood is a musical legend we wish would stay that way. Mainstage, 9:30-11 p.m.

D-9 DANCE COLLECTIVE -- Seattle's smart, athletic dance troupe present works by West Coast choreographers, from California to Canada. Bagley Wright Theatre, 6:30-7 p.m. (Also Sun 1:45-2:15 p.m.)

DANNY HOCH -- Brilliant NY monologist transforms himself into a series of vivid urban characters, creating a gritty mosaic of marginalized Americans in Jails, Hospitals, and Hip-Hop. Bagley Wright Theatre, 2:30-4 p.m. (Also Sun 9-10:30 p.m. & Mon 2:30-4 p.m.)

RENNIE HARRIS PUREMOVEMENT -- Nationally acclaimed 10-man troupe brings street dancing to the stage. Bagley Wright Theatre, 5-6:15 p.m. (Also Sun 5-6:15 p.m. at the Opera House.)

LAUREN H. WEEDMAN -- Hyper-talented local fave Weedman performs her popular one-woman show Yea Tho I Walk. Bagley Wright Theatre, 7-7:45 p.m.

ANDREI CODRESCU -- The big name at this year's literary Bumbershoot has acted in many capacities: NPR commentator, non-fiction chronicler of Cuba, editor of Exquisite Corpse... and he has the personality to fill all of these big shoes. Hear him exercise that personality as he combats Victor Hernandez Cruz in the Bumbershoot Poetry Championship Bout, Bagley Wright Theatre, 8:15-10:15 p.m., or hear him read Sat at the Starbucks Literary Stage, 4:15-5:15 p.m.

CHUCK PALAHNIUK -- Although Palahniuk has apparently been called "the ultimate cynic," his futuristic work offers a clarity of vision that you rarely find elsewhere: cultural fears like the violence of men or the seduction of cults taken to illustrative extremes. His first novel, Fight Club, is soon to be released as a movie with Brad Pitt; his last novel, Survivor, counts down the final minutes of a survivor of a death cult -- exciting, accessible work you should hear out loud. Starbucks Literary Stage, 7-8 p.m.

JEROME GOLD -- Stranger reviewer Rebecca Brown describes Gold's sixth book, Prisoners, as "ruthless, powerful.... For the people in this book, belief in anything like God or family or culture is an irrelevant, impossible luxury. These speakers' lives are about little more than brute survival." Gold's straightforward style, honed here and in his newest book, Sergeant Dickinson, "makes us think about both the individual and cultural inheritance of violence." Starbucks Literary Stage, 5:30-6:45 p.m.

MATTHEW STADLER -- Stadler's novel Allan Stein is a remarkably intricate trip into the history, and potentials, of desire: A teacher, traveling under an assumed name, searches for lost pencil sketches of Allan Stein, who posed for Picasso. His experiences in France lead him to other obsessions, both sketchy and lost, in a narrative that carries the reader through as if on a high-speed train. Sensual, introspective, packed with beautiful phrasing, Stadler's writing can be ranked with the very best. Starbucks Literary Stage, 7-8 p.m.

(all shows at the Intiman Playhouse)

THE AMERICAN SHORT FILM COMPETITION -- 1-7 p.m. (See Friday.)

THE BLACK CAT ORCHESTRA -- Fritz Lang's (Metropolis, M) brilliant 1928 film Spies gets a rare showing with an original orchestration by the equally brilliant Black Cat Orchestra. Not to be missed! 8-10 p.m.

HARLEM IN THE 1930s -- Rare clips from Harlem's golden age of Cab Calloway, Bessie Smith, Lena Horne, Flournay Miller, Ethel Waters, and others. 10:30 p.m.

CARRIE AKRE -- First of Hammerbox and currently of Goodness, Carrie Akre is Seattle rock's reigning diva. PCC Northwest Court Stage, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

BLACK ANGER -- Melodic, searing hiphop from the most pre-eminent ghetto north of Oakland, CA: Tacoma. BumberClub, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

BLOQUE -- This band from Bogotà, Colombia kicks out a razor-sharp mix of rock, South American tropicalismo, funk, wicked Afro-Latin riffs, and hot vocals with an infectious confidence. Rhythm Stage, 5-6:15 p.m.

CIBO MATTO -- We are so much cuter than you. We make Sean Lennon play bass. Just try to resist us. Rock Arena, 4-5 p.m.

DAMNATIONS TX -- At South by Southwest this year, the Damnations TX captured the attention of a music-biz crowd distracted by free beer and grub. It takes a whole lot of confidence, a boatload of charm, and some damn good songs to pull off a stunt like that -- all of which you'll find here. The bittersweet harmonies of sisters Amy Boone and Deborah Kelly lift them above the rest of the y'all-ternative crowd. Tesoro Bumbrella Stage, 8:30-9:45 p.m.

DODI We dare you to play name-the-genre with this funky band that throws techno, psychedelia, and pop into the mix. BumberClub, 4-4:45 p.m.

DJ EVA & MC M.I.A. -- The Stranger loves us. You should, too. Please dance. BumberClub, 7-8 p.m.

EVERLAST -- I sing "What It's Like." If that interests you, we deserve each other. Please buy my record! Mainstage, 9-10 p.m.

HANA -- Though we're not supposed to, we feel distinctly un-hippie when we listen to this side project of Sky Cries Mary vocalist Anisa Romero and composer/musician Jeff Greinke. Music Box, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

EMMYLOU HARRIS & LINDA RONSTADT -- We have not been on VH1's Divas yet. Coincidentally, we are good entertainers. Mainstage, 5-6:15 p.m.

IQU -- Miranda July Alert! Don't be surprised if the woman who managed to clear the BumberClub beer garden makes an appearance with this otherwise wonderful hybrid of techno and groove. Rock Arena, 1-1:45 p.m.

MASTER MUSICIANS OF JAJOUKA, FEATURING BACHIR ATTAR -- This timeless Moroccan-trance ensemble is a 4,000-year-old, buzz-inducing whirl of ecstatic rhythms. Experience the telepathic interplay of their ancient "rhaita" horns. Mainstage, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

KATE AND ANNA MCGARRIGLE -- Singing/songwriting sisters of folk/Americana fame. Sister Kate also is famous for giving birth to Rufus Wainwright. Opera House, 8-10:30 p.m.

MOJO NIXON & THE TOADLIQUORS -- With hits like "Elvis Is Everywhere" and "Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant (with My Two-Headed Love Child)" under his belt, Mojo Nixon brings a much-needed sense of levity to this year's festival. His appearance should offend several dozen overly p.c., narrow-minded, Teva-wearing, anal-retentive types. Northwest Airlines Blues Stage, 8:30-10 p.m.

MARC OLSEN -- Don't let the fact that he's playing at the Rhythm Stage scare you -- Marc Olsen (formerly of Sage) is one of Seattle's most gifted singer/songwriters. Rhythm Stage, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

JOEL R. L. PHELPS & THE DOWNER TRIO -- Downtrodden, heartache-inducing lyrics sung in a plaintive yet melodic wail. We love it. Opera House, 8-8:45 p.m.

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE -- Rising from the ashes of the mighty Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age are at the forefront of the movement to reinstate the majesty of rock in all its head-banging, bong-friendly glory. Leaning toward the Black Sabbath/Led Zep (low) end of the spectrum, the Queens boast a singer who can really sing, musicians who know how to play their instruments, and -- surprise! -- actual songs. Rock Arena, 6:45-8 p.m.

THE RED ELVISES -- Siberia is not exactly the place from which one would expect finger-snapping, hip-shaking surf-rockabilly to emerge. Behold the Red Elvises, who play an eclectic blend of balalaika, guitar, bass, and traditional surf drum beats and horn rhythms, with a sprinkling of playful lyrics. (From the Six-String Samurai soundtrack's "Boogie on the Beach": "Last night, Jesus called me on the phone... and he said, 'why don't we do some boogie-boogie?'") Don't miss this chance to witness the latest Russian invasion. Tesoro Bumbrella Stage, 5-6 p.m. (Also Mon 5:15-6:30 p.m. at the Rhythm Stage.)

ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT -- How many band members can we fit onstage? How many do you want? We rock the house, anyway. Rock Arena, 9:30-10:30 p.m.

LONI ROSE -- Can you say Jewel? We do whenever we hear Rose's strummy, girl-with-a-guitar rock. Matter of fact, Rose won this year's local Lilith Fair Talent Search. PCC Northwest Court Stage, 12-1 p.m.

SONIC YOUTH -- New York's favorite skronk-rockers are back to delight and confuse. One of the few original "alternative" bands to survive the '90s intact, and still vital (and one of the few to make "experimental" music that's still listenable), SY promises to be a treat whether you're a long-time fan or a neophyte who thinks that combining rap and metal was revolutionary. Mainstage, 2:15-3:30 p.m.

SUNSET VALLEY -- All that really matters is that they rock in the quirky, nervously geeky way that never fails to make us feel 17 and silly. BumberClub, 12-12:45 p.m.

LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III -- Political science and history all rolled up in one funny guitar-crazy package. Famous father of famous son Rufus Wainwright. Opera House, 8-9 p.m.

ZYDECO FLAMES -- This furiously funky fivesome hails from San Francisco, and they're one of the premier zydeco bands in the country. Their down-home, Louisiana-class cookin' has been simmering for over 10 years. Rhythm Stage, 12-1:15 p.m.

DAVID SCHMADER -- Well-known homosexual and Stranger columnist performs Straight, his hilarious one-man show exploring the world of conversion therapy, where gays are reputedly made straight. Bagley Wright Theatre, 12-1:30 p.m.

SEATTLE MIME THEATRE -- The world's only praiseworthy mimes work their magic in a show for the whole family. Bagley Wright Theatre, 2:15-3 p.m.; Kids' Stage, 4:30-5 p.m.

CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI -- With Mistress of Spices and her newest novel, Sister of My Heart, India-born Divakaruni successfully combined poetic and narrative impulses and gained herself an audience that loves the sensuality and sentiment in her storytelling. She's sure to draw a big audience, so if you're a fan, arrive early! Starbucks Literary Stage, 6:15-7:15 p.m.

MATT BRIGGS -- Seattle's circumspect talent shines with his debut collection of linked stories, The Remains of River Names, a beautiful, locally set first-person narrative in the voices of a family of hippies. Go if you like hilarious and melancholy, rough-and-tumble, pot-smoke-shrouded adventures, literary clarity in a regional vein, or the groundings of real characters in search of something known as "home." Bagley Wright Theatre, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

DENNIS COOPER -- Contemporary literary fiction's most sharply influential, subversive, disarming personality, Cooper has portrayed Los Angeles' lost angels -- gay teenage boys -- in rippling, close-to-the-bone novels such as Frisk and Guide; he reads here from a new collection of essays, cultural criticism, and celebrity obituaries, All Ears -- many of which were written in his capacity as contributing editor for SPIN magazine. Starbucks Literary Stage, 7:30-8:45 p.m.

MANIC D PRESS SHOWCASE -- This Los Angeles publishing house showcases young, edge-ragged writers like Jeffrey McDaniel, Jon Lohghi, and J. Tarin Towers. They read here with Marci Blackman, a touring member of the Sister Spit performance group that made such a splash here last year. Starbucks Literary Stage, 3:30-4:45 p.m.

(all shows at the Intiman Playhouse)

THE AMERICAN SHORT FILM COMPETITION -- 1-9 p.m. (See Friday.)

VAUDEVILLE DELUXE -- Clips from the great days of vaudeville, featuring the likes of Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, and Burns & Allen. 9-10:30 p.m.

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY -- We wear fedoras, ironically. Everyone loves to dance in Los Angeles, ironically. Mainstage, 4:45-6 p.m.

BIS -- If Britney Spears fell in a vat of punk, she could be in our band. We did the theme from the PowerPuff Girls. Think pink. BumberClub, 8:45-9:45 p.m.

BUILT TO SPILL -- Sweet-sounding, distinctly Northwest pop rock from Boise's favorite sons. Rock Arena, 6:45-8 p.m.

PETER CASE Former Nerves and Plimsouls member Peter Case lends structure to the fragility of human life. Don't try to figure that one out, just go. PCC Northwest Court Stage, 2:15-3:15 p.m.

CAT POWER -- I try to stand very, very still when I play so that you will not notice me. My hair hangs over my eyes because if I can't see you, you can't see me. Opera House, 1-2 p.m.

CORNUCOPIA -- Here we have a promising big band (led by trumpeter/composer Chris Littlefield) steeped in soulful, '70s-inspired sounds -- and gifted locals, such as singer Whitney James (of Plush Safe). Tesoro Bumbrella Stage, 6:15-7:15 p.m.

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE -- You MUST see us play, or you will feel a hole in your heart for the rest of your days. You will be unfulfilled but never know why. Even rock critics are excited by our music. That is not a slight. Rock Arena, 2:45-3:30 p.m.

ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO Remember '80s band Rank and File's geeky blend of punk, country, and rock? We do, which is why we still love former R&F-er Alejandro Escovedo, even though he mellowed a bit. Northwest Airlines Blues Stage, 8:30-10 p.m.

GHETTO CHILDREN -- Proof positive that hiphop without big-bootied, golddiggin', babymakin' hoochies can taste great AND be more filling. BumberClub, 2:30-3 p.m.

GYPSY CARAVAN -- If you think belly dancing is strictly background entertainment for eating, guess again. This modern belly-dancing troupe plans to go tribal on your strawberry shortcake-eating ass. Tesoro Bumbrella Stage, 12-1 p.m.

MICKEY HART'S PLANET DRUM -- Q: What did one Deadhead say to the other Deadhead at the Grateful Dead concert when they ran out of pot? A: This music sucks; let's get outta here. (My mother told me that joke.) Mainstage, 2-3:15 p.m.

ROBYN HITCHCOCK -- More '80s-into-'90s reflective stuff with the man who keeps art-folk alive and fighting. Come early and get in the mood with Cat Power's opening set. Opera House, 1-3:30 p.m.

JANIS IAN -- Only the strong of heart should attempt this show by the woman who launched a thousand teenage suicides with "At Seventeen." PCC Northwest Court Stage, 7-8:15 p.m.

IMPERIAL TEEN -- A winner no matter which way you slice it, Imperial Teen play incredibly catchy, cathartic pop with an exuberant delivery that often masks darker subject matter. Although the band's contagious camaraderie is probably still best experienced in smaller venues, this show should stand out as one of the brightest spots on this year's bill -- a rare opportunity to catch a critically acclaimed band that's just plain fun to see and hear. Rock Arena, 4-5 p.m.

LOS VAN VAN -- To all you musicians hoping to make a career out of Latin dance music: Pray that Cuba doesn't open its borders. Mainstage, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

LOUDERMILK -- Though folks decades older than this young band recognize a true metalhead when they see one, folks still persist in referring to Loudermilk as "neo-metal." Fuck 'em. BumberClub, 12:30-1:15 p.m.

IAN MOORE -- This fiery guitar slinger used to tear up my favorite Midwestern, college-town bars with crowd-pleasing electric blues-rock, but will be playing solo acoustic this time around. PCC Northwest Court Stage, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

THE PROMISE KEEPERS -- Seattle lost one of its most abrasive, bottom-heavy bands when the Promise Keepers relocated to New York City earlier this summer. If you like the Cows' intimidating live show, you'll love this like-minded four-piece. BumberClub, 7:30-8:15 p.m.

THE ROOTS -- We're hiphop, but we've got a live band. We're hiphop, but we're smart as hell. We're hiphop, but we don't need a gimmick. You will dance. Mainstage, 9:15-10:30 p.m.

SEX MOB -- It's jazz, but it's funny. How do we do it? We're New Yorkers. Kendall-Jackson Jazz Stage, 6-7 p.m.

JAI UTTAL & THE PAGAN LOVE ORCHESTRA -- Technically, I play world music, but it sounds like triphop. I'm weird, but good. Tesoro Bumbrella Stage, 3-4:15 p.m.

MICHAEL VLATKOVICH TRIO -- Given that this L.A.-based jazz trombone veteran is a member of Brian Setzer's Big Band, one might expect him to play it safe -- but that's certainly not the case; his compositions are stylistically eccentric -- and satisfyingly unpredictable. Kendall-Jackson Jazz Stage, 3-4 p.m.

BUMBERSHOOT COMEDY SHOWCASE -- Yuk it up with up 'n' coming comedians Kathy Griffin and Doug Benson. Hosted, for some reason, by Moon Unit Zappa. Opera House, 4:45-6:15 p.m.

LISA KOCH -- Local fave Koch (of Dos Fallopia infamy) trots out an array of demented songs, zany characters, and ugly wigs in her solo show Chipmunks and Beavers and Nuns -- Oh My! Bagley Wright Theatre, 7:30-8 p.m.

OPEN CIRCLE THEATER -- Pu'uhonua: Seattle's Open Circle Theater presents Maria Glanz's one-woman show exploring an interracial love affair that blossoms in a 1940s Japanese internment camp. Bagley Wright Theatre, 1-2 p.m.

CLAUDIA MAURO -- Poet Claudia Mauro speaks in polished lozenges -- succinct language that brings poetry to its essential constructions. Butch, always out and always on, Mauro is a local reader worth catching on the big stage. Starbucks Literary Stage, 5-6:30 p.m.

(all shows at the Intiman Playhouse)

THE AMERICAN SHORT FILM COMPETITION -- 1-9 p.m.

(See Friday.)