Bruce Campbell

(READING) When most actors write a book, it's a pretty safe bet that you're in for a ghostwritten exercise in vacuous self-love. But Bruce Campbell (aka Ash in Sam Raimi's Evil Dead films, aka the genius from whom Jim Carrey stole an entire shtick) is more than an actor, he's a great man of the cinema, and his book (If Chins Could Kill) is a hilarious account of his years in the world of independent film, and his particular stripe of superstardom. Campbell will read from the book and sign autographs for the faithful. Mention your love of Brisco County Jr. and maybe he'll sign it twice! (Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park Center, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 366-3333, 6 pm, free!) SEAN NELSON

Binocular Parallax

(OPENING) Obscure new term du jour binocular parallax is that phenomenon that occurs when the position of an object changes depending on which eye you have open. Here, it's invoked in service of investigating the similarities and differences between art in Seattle and art in Vancouver, BC. Whatever your diplomatic relationship to (or personal feelings about) Canada, this show's first night is also the big ol' gala opening of ConWorks' gorgeous new gallery, a cause for celebration in any case, with music, performance, and a little modest ribbon-cutting with Mayor Greg Nickels. (Opening reception Fri Sept 13, 8 pm, Consolidated Works, 500 Boren Ave N, 381-3218, $10. Through Nov 23.) EMILY HALL

The Gloryholes

(ROCK) The Comet has played host to some great rock 'n' roll in the past couple months, from Midnight Thunder Express to Dave Crider's (Estrus Records) latest act, the DT's. Tonight, the very garage-punk-friendly bar brings more local talent to its upstairs corner with the Gloryholes and the Popular Shapes. For a little primer on the Gloryholes, check out Knock You Up, the band's excellent new Empty Records offering. Fusing the skittish penchant for screaming at the end of nearly every other sentence (see the Sonics) with old-school, sing-song anthems, the record is an excellent study on effortlessly renewing the unfettered energy of rock 'n' roll past. Although there are a couple good shows around town tonight, namely Princess Superstar at Chop Suey (see Speaker Freak, pg. 45) and Slayer at the Paramount, for top o' the line local rock, the Comet is the place to drink your beer tonight. (The Comet, 922 E Pike St, 323-9853, 9:30 pm, $3.) JENNIFER MAERZ

Alta May

(MUSIC) Along with the Bronze, Alta May makes the local heavy-rock contingent proud, grinding away at music that at times invokes elements of both Nirvana and Fu Manchu. There's no posturing here, no cock rock swagger, just a band that walks a shifty tightrope between sludgy metal aggression and punk ferocity (in another era, I guess that's what'd be called grunge). I recently saw Alta May perform at the Showbox (at the opening night for the amazing Justin Hampton/Jermain Rogers/Emek poster-art show) and their live performance lives up to the high standards the band sets on disc. Tonight the band plays with the Valley and DJ Deutscher Meister. Pitchers of Pabst are $5. (Sit & Spin, 2219 Fourth Ave, 441-9484, $4.) JENNIFER MAERZ

Involution

(HIPHOP) For those not too exhausted by Chop Suey's packed hiphop Sunday night (or simply refuse to party on the Lord's Day), Nation still has a fine hiphop night on Mondays. The space itself is one of the best for dancing and drinking, with a futuristic/noirish view of the cylindrical hotel towers and the monorail line (if only it ran all night). (Nation, 1921 Fifth Ave, 374-9492, $5.) CHARLES MUDEDE

Chicago 7 Film Festival

(MOVIES) A one-night program of shorts by some of the Windy City's finest film and video experimentalists, including Jim Finn, Micah Scarpelli, Kirsten Stoltmann, and Doug Lussenhop. Never heard of them? Me neither. But that's okay: The work, particularly the indieviscerating "My Friend Oona," "Perfect Burger," and Eric Fensler's GI Joe cartoon, is strong. And lest Seattle go unrepresented, the evening will also include music by Plan B, a reading by Randy Wood, and, if CoCA's track record holds up, a torrent of foxy onlookers. Hosted and curated by filmmaker Rusty Nails. (CoCA, 1420 11th St between Pike and Union, 728-1980, 8:30 pm, $5.) SEAN NELSON

Lipstick Traces: A Secret History of the 20th Century

(THEATER) Straight outta NYC by way of Austin, TX, Lipstick Traces brings Greil Marcus' legendary punk-meets-Dada culture-surf to the stage in all its noisy, brainy glory. Created by Austin's acclaimed Rude Mechs and produced by New York's even more acclaimed Foundry Theatre, Traces has drawn raves from critics both snooty and indie, and witnesses report the show gives as much play to Marcus' pointy-headed historical musings as to punk's high-drama nihilism. If the actors boast half the canniness of their sources, this should be a show worth screaming about. (On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, 217-9888, Wed-Sat Sept 18-21 at 8 pm, additional shows Fri-Sat at 10:30 pm, $25.) DAVID SCHMADER