Thursday, Jan. 16

Though one wouldn’t instinctively put the words “Iran” and “comedy” together, tonight’s film screening in Campbell Hall will create just the occasion to do so. The film “Secret Ballot,” by Babek Payami, won the Best Director Award at the Venice Film Festival and dissects democracy and women’s roles in the Middle East. The film screens at 7:30 p.m. for $5. Call 893-3535 for more info. Also tonight, the MultiCultural Center will host an important panel discussion about the recent threat to ethnic studies here at UCSB. Come talk to former hunger strikers and concerned students starting at 6 in the MCC lounge. Call 893-8411 for info.

Friday, Jan. 17

In case you were one of the throng of rabid fans who missed their last Ÿber-intimate local, upbeat hip hoppers Blackalicious are back in town for a second shot. Tonight they’ll be playing with D-Sharp and Chef Santo at Bar Absinthe, located at 500 Anacapa St., and aren’t promising a third chance for all you lazy bums. Call 965-5057 for ticket info. 21+. Also tonight, local bands Nogahyde, Mothra and Trace Element will show you what “crushing heavy” metal is all about as they thrash all over Velvet Jones, located at 423 State St. Call 965-8676 for info. 21+.

Saturday, Jan. 18

Those darn canucks will befuddle their southerly neighbors yet again, tonight, with the Obie Award-winning play, “In On It,” performed by the da da kamera theater company. And no, we haven’t a clue what that name means. If you’re enticed to see this two-man act, come by Campbell Hall at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $16. Call 893-3535 for more info. Pop quiz hot shot: Do you see enough live classical music? Didn’t think so. Well, tonight the Santa Barbara Symphony will be playing under the conduction of Gisele Ben-Dor in the Arlington Theater located downtown. This acclaimed group of local musicians will titillate your ears starting at 8 p.m. Call 963-4408 for ticket info.

Sunday, Jan. 19

Doesn’t the band name Roots of Orchis sound, oh, a little sensual? Aren’t you the least bit curious where that root leads? Enough seduction. They sound a good bit like Portishead and will be playing with local loves Kissing Tigers and The Snake The Cross The Crown, at the Hard to Find Showspace, located at 7190 Hollister Ave., out by Costco. Also tonight, pre-pubescent SoCal boys, Something Corporate will be playing along with The Juliana Theory at the Majestic Ventura Theater, located at 26 S. Chestnut Ave. Call 653-0721 for more info.

Monday Jan. 20, Tuesday, Jan. 21

The greatest action movie ever made is, in fact, not “Die Hard III,” but “Seven Samurai” by Akira Kurosawa. Filmed in 1954, this epic tale is at the top of every critic’s list and has newly translated subtitles that better capture the film’s language. It screens on Tuesday in Campbell Hall for $5. Call 893-3535 for more info. Also on Tuesday, the MultiCultural Center will host “‘What Are You?’ The Question of Multiracial Identity” with Marc Coronado from the UCSB English Dept. She will explore how language can create mixed multiracial images in the U.S. Starts at 5:30. This event is free. Call 893-8411 for more info.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

It’s been sold out for weeks now, but you never know what might happen if you show up and offer to sell your kidneys just to see AFI play tonight at the Living Room with Himsa and All Bets Off. These punks might just have the dubious distinction of being the last show ever at the Living Room, located at 430 S. Fairview Ave., in Goleta. For info, call 692-8550 for info. Also tonight, the son of the legendary Beach Boy Mike Love will be serenading Santa Barbarans at the Wildcat Lounge, located at 15 W. Ortega St. in downtown. His name is Christian Love (hmm?) and he labels his music “groove-pop-alternative” (hmm?). Call 692-7970 for info. 21+.

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