portland
saturday 12
Pink Martini and the Oregon Symphony
Pink Martini will perform with special guests The von Trapps in a special three-night engagement at the Oregon Symphony. Portland's favorite little orchestra recently released an album with the descendants of the Austrian family famously depicted in "The Sound of Music." And while it would be easy for such a collaboration to turn gimmicky, "Dream a Little Dream" captures the optimism of that film to create an uplifting experience that is at once rooted in tradition and yet thoroughly modern—the perfect soundtrack for an emerging springtime. $35-$127, 7:30 pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Additional show times Friday and Sunday.
monday 14
Comics for Change!
Know Your City presents the release of Comics for Change!, an unconventional approach to preservation often overlooked people and events in Portland's history. The comic book explores a wide range of culture-shifting issues including the gentrification of North Portland, the anti-logging efforts of environmental activists, and grassroots advocacy and support for the homeless—all through illustrations and interviews. The result is a compelling celebration of the city's unsung heroes in an easily digested—and dare we say, fun—format. Hear from the writers, illustrators, and activists featured in the project. Free. 7:30 pm. Powell's City of Books.
seattle
friday 11
"Moby Alpha"
"Moby Dick" is hilarious. And not just because of the obvious fourth-grade humor inherent in the title. Transformed by comedians Chuck Armstrong and Charlie Stockman into a sci-fi adventure, the classic novel takes on a funky shape with the Pequod becoming a starship and the monster portrayed as an amorphous energy cloud (surely much more challenging to spear). Though the production—titled "Moby Alpha"—uses "Moby Dick" as the skeleton for its story, the show is filled with enough science fiction references to appeal to both Star Trek and classic literature fans alike. LED lights—used to distinguish between characters played by the two actors—add to the futuristic feel. $12-$15, 8 pm, The Ballard Underground.
saturday 12
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
Underground indie figurehead Stephen Malkmus (Pavement) performs with his band The Jicks in the birthplace of alt rock. In other words: if you sleepwalk during your dream of the '90s, you may just end up here. Just don't expect the jaded cynicism and self-indulgent jam band sounds of the past. Malkmus—who has now made more albums with The Jicks than he did with Pavement—is living happily in the present, making indie rock that knows its roots, and its contemporary audience. That said, Malkmus hasn't left his youth entirely behind—he still plays on Disjecta's adult softball team in Portland. $18.50-$20. 9 pm. Neptune Theatre.
