seattle
friday 24
Krar Collective and Gabriel Teodros
The krar is a lyre native to Ethiopia, its psychedelic, tinny-sounding six strings creating a smooth melodic background similar to its sitar cousin. The Krar Collective is a London-based trio with Addis Abada roots which creates what Seattle's The Stranger describes as a "gorgeous tornado of Ethiopian music." Temesegen Zeleke plays acoustic, electric and bass versions of the krar, with Grum Begashaw on drums and the moody voice and hip-tastic dance moves of Genet Asefa accompanying. Seattle-based hip-hop artist Gabriel Teodros opens this show with his mellow combination of Middle Eastern flavor and inventive rap lyrics. 8 pm. Town Hall. $20-$25.
thursday 23-saturday 25
The Normal Heart
This Larry Kramer-penned play premiered on Broadway in 1985, the same year Rock Hudson announced he had AIDS, 13-year-old Ryan White was fighting to attend school in small-town Indiana, and when the disease was decimating gay communities, from The Castro to the West Village, right outside the theater doors. Although research, treatment and public stigma of HIV/AIDS has changed in the decades since, the play still hits exposed nerves—and also resonates with the current health care debate≠≠≠. A New York revival of the play won multiple Tony Awards in 2011, and a film production is in the works. The Strawberry Theatre Workshop brings it to life now. 7:30pm. Erickson Theater Off-Broadway. $18-$36.
portland
friday 24
Jerry Seinfeld
Master of my domain, Soup Nazi, "they're real and they're fabulous," anti-dentite, spongeworthy, yada, yada, yada... Jerry Seinfeld left an indelible mark on the American sitcom—and, culture at large—with his self-christened 1990s show. Although his presence on the tube—and, in the world—has been minimal in the last decade (minus TBS reruns and that weird dating show he hosted), he has continued to produce and tour, with his one-man stand-up comedy show coming to Oregon with reflections on how the nothingness of his life (including his "show about nothing") made him a star of American comedy. 7 & 9:30pm. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. $56.50-$89.50.
saturday 25
NW Coffee Beer Invitational
Regardless of whatever phrase catches your attention most—"beer," "coffee" or "donuts provided by Donut-o-Rama"—this inaugural celebration of two of the area's most revered beverages will be sure to satisfy all your taste buds. The event is focused on freshly-brewed beer made with locally-roasted coffee (which will get your buzz going first?). An outdoor tent provides coverage for the tasting and live music kicks up the ambiance. 1-7pm. Goose Hollow Inn. $12 for admission, tasting glass and six taster tickets.
