Thursday 1/29
Word is spreading fast about these guys so you better check ’em out before they get too big and take over the world. One Nation Under Rod is a group of individuals committed to spreading the word and music of rock god Rod Stewart to those who have forgotten or don’t believe. They will be performing tonight at Rocks, located at 801 State St., starting at 9:30. It’s sad to admit that in this day and age thousands of crimes or acts against people and communities occur in the name of hate. Learn more about the distinction between hate crimes and hate incidents through a panel discussion “Hate Crimes: Where Are We Today?” Local community figures will discuss the current state of hate crimes locally and nationally this evening at 6:30 in the MultiCultural Center Theater.

Friday 1/30
Believe it or not, Aussie rocker Colin Hay of the late ’80s one-hit wonder Men at Work is still rockin’ out and he’ll be performing tonight at 8 at the Coach House North, located at 110 South Santa Barbara St. Call 965-0789. Lights, camera, action! Although Santa Barbara may not exactly conjure up images of Tinseltown, its time for Hollywood to step aside and give us our annual 15 minutes of fame. Starting at 7 tonight, the 19th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival kicks off with a screening of the Argentinean film “Valentin.” Visit www.sbfilmfestival.org or call 963-0023 for more information.

Saturday 1/31
It’s time for the BIKO show space to kick off the new year with the first of many shows and, by golly, Artsweek’s excited for what’s to come. Tonight at 8, come rock out to the vicious sounds of the Black, Black Ocean, the Sweet Teens and Brilliant Red Lights. The BIKO house is located at 6612 Sueno Road in Isla Vista. A $5 donation for the bands is appreciated. Into all things surrounding music and popular culture? Don’t miss out on the two-day popular music conference where grad students from a broad array of disciplines will discuss topics ranging from “unpopular” popular music to “global pop” vs. popular music of the globe. It will be held in Geiringer Hall and Room 1145 in the Music Building from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday 2/1 & Monday 2/2
Running! Bagels! When will the excitement cease?! The entire UCSB campus community is invited to participate in the Second Annual 5k “Bagel Run” sponsored by the Hillel Jewish Student Center. The course starts and finishes at Hillel, 781 Embarcadero del Mar, Isla Vista. The run starts on Sunday morning at 10:30 on and goes around the campus lagoon, and when you’re finished, enjoy a free bagel brunch and music at Hillel. Call 968-1280 for more info. UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival present Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme’s stirring documentary “The Agronomist,” which traces the life of Haitian radio personality and heroic fighter for democracy Jean Dominique. The film screens Monday night at 7:30 in Campbell Hall; all tickets are $8.50. Call 893-3535 for more info.

Tuesday 2/3
Broaden your musical horizons by checking out two of the most magnetic world music superstars together in one show. Malian guitarist/singer Habib Koit