The EMP Pop Conference is for music nerds: four days of panels, presentations, and round-table discussions, featuring luminaries (Robert Christgau, Greil Marcus, and Ann Powers), Stranger hacks (Charles Mudede, Michaelangelo Matos), and a lunchtime performance by Blue Scholars. This year's theme of "Shake, Rattle: Music, Conflict, and Change" explores the intersection between pop music and political struggle, including such topics as the all-ages movement, rave's response to England's Criminal Justice Act, and protest music. Get your geek on. (Experience Music Project, 325 Fifth Ave N, 770-2745, www.empsfm.org. Times vary, free with registration, all ages. Through Sun April 13.)