.This Week’s Day-by-Day Picks

WED 3

Diablo Valley College has an interesting film society going, with Monday-Wednesday-Friday screenings of movies you might not expect, such as tonight’s Angels with Dirty Faces. The 1938 Warner Bros. gangster flick, directed by Michael Curtiz, gathers together some of the Depression era’s favorite urban themes: the tough guy back in the old neighborhood, hoping in vain to go straight (James Cagney); his boyhood pal the parish priest (Pat O’Brien); and the energetic skylarking of the Dead End Kids, junior hoods with wise mouths. Check the Kids’ basketball game, all flying elbows and tripped-up fast breaks. DVC’s screenings take place in the Forum, inside the library building of the college, 321 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill. Park in the #3 lot for $1. All movies are free. For more information: 925-687-4445. — Kelly Vance

THU 4

Author-skier-photographer Howard Weamer came to Yosemite Valley in 1971 to work on his doctoral thesis on the valley’s history, and then stayed on as winter caretaker of the Ostrander Lake ski hut. Lonely work (he and his wife live in Lafayette in the off-season), but Weamer turned his photographic hobby into art, snapping a series of nature studies now on display at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum. The museum’s Howard Weamer Landscapes exhibition, open through March 28, contains his images of the beautiful backcountry that can be reached only on foot (or by cross-country ski), and also some of his philosophy on the endless quest for imaging. The Lindsay Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays at 1931 1st Ave., Walnut Creek. For further info: 925-935-1978 or Wildlife-Museum.orgKelly Vance

FRI 5

Untitled Soundtrack #449B. What is it? It’s a sound installation by Norman Long — incorporating his ideas on sampling, randomness, the space-enveloping properties of sound, etc. — along with architectural sculptures and metal engravings by Sarah Filley. Long’s site-specific work utilizes sounds from all over, looped and redirected to fit the available space. Filley’s white-plastic casts of human body parts protrude from the walls, and her “Gutter to Galaxy” engraved metal plates riff on extraterrestrial communication à la NASA, ironically of course. It’s all about “alternative attitudes to information.” Pretty deep-dish stuff, but nothing 21 Grand can’t handle. The show runs through March 28, and tonight there’s a reception for the artists from 7 to 10 p.m. 21 Grand, which used to be at 21 Grand, is at 449-B 23rd St. these days. Check 21Grand.org or phone 510-444-7263. — Kelly Vance

SAT 6

It seems like bit of a shame to relegate what may be the East Bay’s indie-rock dance party of the year (so far, anyway) to such an unassuming space. But that’s the way to stay underground, yo. Altamont #2 will bring some furious talent (and security by the East Bay Rats!) to Liminal (1919 Market St., Oakland). There’s Deerhoof, whose new rekkid, Milk Man, drops this Tuesday, and Numbers, both of which have been on tour for the last few weeks. There’s Da Hawnay Troof, aka teenage Cro-Magno-electro party monstah Vice Cooler and his revolving cast of nasties. Brooklyn’s X27 do the coed, microtonal herky-jerky, harking back to early Sonic Youth via the shuddering swank of the Make-Up. Also on the bill are Chicago-based maniac pop savant Bobby Conn; Triangle, who mesmerized a crowd at the Overflow last month with their Velvets-inspired set; Arctic Universe; and a surprise DJ. Cover is $8 — come early if you want to get in. — Stefanie Kalem

SUN 7

The atmosphere is dark and thick at the Ivy Room tonight. Neurosis’ Scott Kelly and Noah Landis will show off their new project, Blood and Time, which also features bassist Anthony Nelson and drummer Stephen Garrett, affecting a folkier, more psychedelic take on Neurosis’ brooding spirituality. Opening the show will be Inventing Edward, a Half Moon Bay-based quintet with female vocals, Rhodes piano, and a penchant for the slow, spacey burn. The Ivy Room is located at 858 San Pablo Ave. (at Solano) in Albany. Call 510-524-9220 for start time and cover charge. — Stefanie Kalem

MON 8

Does your boss’ hairdo look suspiciously like satanic horns? Is your HR director an evil cat? Is your best friend a round white dog who not-so-secretly hates you? Ever heard of a little thing called Dilbert? Maybe you’d like to have a few drinks with the strip’s creator, Scott Adams, then, and thank him for making much-needed light of your cubicle-addled life. Get your chance 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Stacey’s at Waterford (4500 Tassajara Rd., Dublin) during Dinner with Dilbert. Sure, you’ll have to plunk down $75 for food, wine, tax, and tip. And you’ll have to hear about the recent merger of the East Bay IT Group (eBig) and the East Bay Venture Forum, and what the new conglomerate has planned for the year. But there will be Dilbert door prizes! And perhaps, after his address, you can corner Adams and regale him with tales of your own annoying co-workers. Visit eBig.org/calendar/calendar.aspx or e-mail [email protected] for tickets and more info. — Stefanie Kalem

TUE 9

On Sat., March 27 and Sat., April 3, more than a thousand girls will gather in San Francisco to pore over racks and racks of formal gowns and party frocks, vying for the one that’s best for them. No, it’s not another season of Joe Millionaire — it’s the end result of this year’s Princess Project, an annual drive to make prom night the glamorous, special thing it’s supposed to be for Bay Area girls who could otherwise not afford it. So if you have a stylish, new, or nearly new dress or some accessories stashed in the back of your closet, you can help. The donations must be dry-cleaned, on hangers, and stylish (keep that 1979 mother-of-the-bride ensemble to your own damn self, please). The Princess Project 2004 Dress Giveaway also needs volunteers, so visit PrincessProject.org for how to help, a list of drop spots, and how to get a dress of your own. — Stefanie Kalem

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