by Mark Pinkos

THURSDAY 4/27

JACK STRAW PRODUCTIONS: MEET THE ARTIST NIGHT -- JSP, the Northwest's blue-chip, non-profit audio arts center, will host an evening of audio presentations from recent grant recipients. Diversity will reign tonight as the works to be debuted encompass everything from contemporary classical to the sonic avant-garde to traditional Eastern European folk music. Q & A with the artists will follow. Jack Straw Productions, 4261 Roosevelt Wy NE, 634-0919, 7 pm, free.

FRIDAY 4/28

LISTENING TO INDIGENOUS VOICES -- This all-day event features speakers from many U.S. indigenous nations, who will lecture on the issues that arise when their populations struggle to maintain autonomy and tradition (Makah whaling rights and the struggle to reclaim the Black Hills area from the U.S. Government, among others). Activities will also include live music, art, film, and a traditional salmon bake. Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave, Olympia, 360-943-5185, 9 am-1 am, $15 general/$10 students/$7 elders.

TUESDAY 5/2

KARPELES MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY -- In much the same way that a first-hand view of visual art is a more visceral experience than merely viewing reproductions, seeing an original document up close can crystallize historic events in a way that no textbook can approach. The current exhibit is called Significant Events 1000-2000 AD, and features documents by Gandhi; Spanish explorer Cortez; and a page from one of the world's first printed documents, the Gutenberg Bible, printed in 1456. We've come a long way, baby. Karpeles Manuscript Library, 407 S G St, Tacoma, 253-383-2575, 10 am-4 pm, through June 29, free.

SEATTLE POETRY FESTIVAL -- The third annual celebration of the written, spoken, and dangerous word kicks off today with events that showcase the whimsical side of poetry: a "Poetry Boat" launch, a "Giant Poem" installation, and a roving "Poetry Truck" that will fill the spring air with bell-like sonnets as it glides around Seattle. The meat of the festival, however, happens the following Thursday through Sunday at various venues around town. For schedule, tickets, and info, call Open Books, 633-0811, or Pistil Books, 325-5401, or visit www.poetryfestival.org.