Thursday 4/3
Well, Anne Heche may have an almost nuclear family now, but surely there are no hurt feelings, right? See Ellen DeGeneres as she comes out (tee hee) to the Arlington Theatre tonight at 8. Tickets start at $33.50 to see this comedian/actress’s newest set of gut-busters. After seeing her all over TV sitcoms and hosting a myriad of award shows, it’s time to see her live. For info call 963-4408. Also tonight is a performance by renowned pianist Lang Lang at 8. After playing a sold-out show at Carnegie Hall, this young artist is sure to captivate Campbell Hall with a few tinklings of the ivories. Tickets start at $16 to see this prize-winning artist. For info call 893-3535.
Friday 4/4
Eminem moved up in the world from TRL appearances to the big screen with his movie debut in 8 Mile, where he plays a young rapper trying to make it big in the midst of inner-city Detroit, a cracked-out girlfriend and family dramas. There will be screenings tonight at 7:30 and again at 10 in Campbell Hall. Tickets are $5. For info call 893-3535. After the closing of the Living Room, the Goleta Valley Community Center will play host to the struggling, all-ages music venue. Tonight, pop punkers Strung Out will be one of the first bands to break in the new showspace, along with Staring Back and Missing 23rd. For ticket and time info call 692-8550.
Saturday 4/5
In the late ’80s, Bad Religion “infected” the music scene of glam rock with its melodic punk rock sound, creating a gateway for much of the now distinctly early ’90s music. This seminal punk rock band will make more waves when it comes to the Ventura Theatre with Sparta tonight at 7. Tickets are only $22 to see a group that has yet to allow time to define it. For info call 653-0721. Designed to challenge, offend and enlighten audiences, the Indian culture show “Too Hot” will be performed tonight at 6 in I.V. Theatre. Expect a spattering of dancing, chuckles and – sniffle, sniffle – some drama. Tickets are $5. Call 689-7450 for info.
Sunday 4/6
Haven’t had much lutage lately? Neither have we. This afternoon, Ellen Hargis and Paul O’Dette will enchant the Julia Morgan Ballroom as they combine Hargis’ soprano voice with O’Dette’s vibrant lute. There will be performances at 3 and 5, both selling for $25. For info call 893-3535. Also this afternoon, check out a curiosity-sparking musical about the adventures of a princess and her pet iguana stranded on a tropical island. “Helena Grapevine” will grace the stage of Stewart Hall at 3 and showcase some gorgeous soprano and tenor voices, along with a chamber orchestra. Tickets are $15. Call 688-9894 for info.
Monday 4/7
They claim themselves to be acoustic/hip hop/horn hypernauts. Hmm? The YoungBlood Brass Band mixes the sounds of horns, drums and turntables, creating a new genre that sounds like a posse of hip hoppers and brass band members partied it up on the streets of New Orleans ’til the wee hours. You can check them out tonight at the Coach House. For info call 965-0789. On campus tonight is a performance by Yair Dalal and the Al Ol Ensemble. Dalal’s Middle Eastern music has been recognized and honored with a BBC Award nomination for world music in 2003. They will perform in Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall at 8. Tickets cost $7. For info call 893-3535.
Tuesday 4/8
Wednesday 4/9
The delectable mugs of Mark Wahlberg, George Clooney and Ice Cube will make an appearance tonight in the MCC Theater at 6 and 8:30, during the screening of the Gulf War drama “Three Kings.” Sayed Badreya, an actor from the movie, will be present to answer questions at the end of the film. The free tickets are available from the Center for Middle East Studies or the MCC before tonight. Call 893-8411 for info. Also tonight is the Acting Company’s performance of Studs Terkel’s American Dreams: Lost and Found. This drama reveals a collection of Terkel’s interviews over the past years. The play starts at 8 and the price starts at $13. For info call 893-3535.
