seattle
friday 26
Dr. Dog and Dawes
For most of Dr. Dog's career the band's main creative outlet has been twisting '60s inspired pop with the lo-fi anti-polish of an early '90s grunge scene. Using eight-track recorders, their early work has a vintage twist; even in the digital copies, the needle touching down on vinyl is almost audible. On its newest album, Be the Void, has traded in crackly grit for a new kind of shine, but retains all of Dr. Dog's clever songwriting and earworm brightness. Dawes, a folk-rock crew, softens the lineup with its heart-wrenching harmonious and twangy alt-country. Showbox at the Market. 8 pm. $25-$30.
portland
friday 26
One-Man 'Star Wars' Trilogy
Charles Ross, a Canadian actor, interprets the original Star Wars trilogy—the whole thing—playing every role, recreating special effects and dialogue, wielding all of the light sabers and singing the original John Williams' score when appropriate. Pay to watch him be a professional nerd on stage. Aladdin Theater. Doors at 9 pm. $20-$25.
friday 26
David Sedaris
NPR notable and exceedingly eccentric author David Sedaris writes pee-in-your-pants funny stories about everything from his relationship with longtime BF Hugh to naming the animals in his yard after inanimate objects. His alcoholic middle-class father, and his efforts to speak French as an American in Paris, also seem to come up a lot. Shamelessly funny and smartass. He is reading from his newest release, Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls, among other essays and stories from his sardonic, personal diary. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. 8 pm. $40-$57.50.
saturday 27
Eat Mobile 2013
One of the best street meat cities around brings together its finest food carts for the ultimate showdown. Fifty worldly mobile servers including 808 Grinds (traditional Hawaiian), King Quesadilla (globally inspired cheese/tortilla creations), Rolling Etta (Burgers and so forth), Chez Dodo (cuisine from the Indian Island of Mauritius), and Bunk (assorted upscale sandwiches) will participate in the food festival/cook off/ food science fair. The food cart face-off culminates in the presentation of the coveted "Carty" award. The best part? Admission includes samples from ALL of the vendors. OMSI. 4 pm. $20.
