The List

Thursday

Mapantsula (1988) A South African film about a petty criminal who is transformed after being thrown into a jail with activists contemptuous of his lifestyle. Angell Hall G127. 7 p.m. Free.

Courtesy of MGM Omar Epps, Giovanni Ribisi and Claire Danes are the coolest kids this side of the Mississippi. Now they get to kick criminal butt in "The Mod Squad." Look out!

MUSIC

Econoline Crush These Canadian industrial rockers aren't players - they just like to crush a lot. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., 996-8555. 9:30 p.m. $8.

Erik Friedlander's Topaz The quartet will perform music inspired by Miles Davis, Earth, Wind and Fire and Herbie Hancock from their debut CD. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 769-2999. 8 p.m. $10-15.

Gypsy Caravan Take a journey in sound with music by Gypsies, spanning centuries and continents. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., 764-2538. 8 p.m. $22-34.

Jazz Ensemble Ellen Rowe directs the ensemble in classic and contemporary big band jazz repertory. Rackham Auditorium. 8 p.m.

Mudpuppy Bluesy R&B/soul, Royal Oak-style! Cavern Club, 210 S. First St., 332-9900. $5.

Steve Nardella Band Greasy rockabilly struts and bluesy shuffles from this Ann Arbor veteran. Arbor Brewing Company, 114 E. Washington St., 213-1393. 9 p.m. Free.

Shindig Share a blues-funk shindig with...uh, Shindig. Cross Street Station, 511 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti. 485-5050. 10:30 p.m. $4.

World Premiere of "Possession for Orchestra" by Stephan Rush Be the first on the block to see this soon-to-be symphonic masterpiece. Witness why William Peter Blatty should be really upset with Rush for stealing his idea. Still, no heads will spin this time and the Devil probably won't have good seats. Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., 8 p.m. Call (313) 833-3700 for ticket information and directions.

THEATER

Don Quixote One of the most hysterical works ever written, and a timeless classic. The first-ever "modern novel" is now a musical production that can't possibly be as good as the work of Cervantes, if for no other reason than it is in English. Still it should be at least ok as it features the American Ballet Theater Detroit Opera House, 7:30 p.m., 1526 Broadway Ave., Detroit. Call (313) 936-7476 for ticket information and directions.

Fiddler on the Roof Washtenaw Community College students present the fun musical about finding husbands. This one's a favorite of the family of Michigan bands from Marching to Hockey Pep. Towsley Aud., Morris Lawrence Bldg., WCC campus. Call 973-3450 for directions and ticket information. 8 p.m. Students $10, others $15.

Jeffrey Basement Arts presents Paul Rudnick's touching and well-known love-story, of happiness in life in the face of AIDS. Arena Theater, Frieze Building, 764-6800. 7 p.m.

The Magic Flute Mozart's most famous and final opera, the production will be performed in English translation, with Pamina, Tamino and all the other mystic and lovable characters. Re-born quarterback Doug Flutie will probably not be in attendance, however. Mendelssohn Theater, 911 North University Ave., 764-0450. 8 p.m. Student tickets $7, $14-18 for others.

ALTERNATIVES

Nicholas Delbanco University professor reads from his latest, "In the Name of Mercy and Old Scores." Rackham Ampitheatre, 915 E. Washington St., 764-2538. 5 p.m.

Farcity Blues The eight cast members of the UAC Comedy Company perform their last show of the year, featuring sketch comedy, skits and an hour of improve games with the audience. Thankfully, James Van Der Beek will not be anywhere on stage or in the audience ... And it's still a pretty cool title, no? The Michigan Union's U Club, 763-1107, 8 p.m. $3 for students, others $5.

MFA I Performance Dance students perform their thesis concert. Betty Pease Studio Theatre, Dance Bldg. 8 p.m. $5 at the door.

Kivi Rogers A guest performer on "Home Improvement" and "Soul Man," as well as star of "Romey and Michelle's High School Reunion," he will deliver side-splitting comedy. Mainstreet Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty. 996-9080. 8:30 p.m. $10.

Friday

The Bicycle Thief (1948) One of the greatest films of all time celebrates it's 50th anniversary. The film tells the tale of a man in search of the stolen bike he needs to get to work. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 7 p.m. $5.50

Chungking Express (1994) One of the best films of the '90s, Wong Kar-Wai explores love and alienation in the daily life of three people. Angell Aud. A. 8 p.m. Free.

The Controller (1994) After 30 years as a member of the East German border patrol, Hermann Hoffstedt finds himself unemployed as, from one day to the next, East Germany and the border cease to exist. Lorch Hall. 7 p.m. Free.

The Eel (1997) A man is released from jail eight years after murdering his unfaithful wife, and becomes a barber in a small town. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 9 p.m. $5.50.

Panic II (1999) University student Mark Marabate shows his film about a lawyer who looks into the murder of an old flame. Nat. Sci. 8 p.m. Free.

There's Something About Mary (1998) Really, do we really even need to tell you what this movie is about. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 11:30 p.m. $5.50.

This Is My Life (1997) This film tells of a number of people who were entering school in Golzow in 1961, just a few days after the Berlin Wall was built, and who are now middle-aged. Lorch Hall. 8:30 p.m. Free.

MUSIC

Amazin' Blue The "Miseducation of Amazin' Blue" will showcase these wonderful singing talents. None of those performing received a Grammy, however. Rackham Auditorium, 915 E. Washington St., 8 p.m. Call 763-TKTS for seating information. $6.

Disco Biscuits Intense trance-fusion from this Philadelphia jam band. The kids are calling the style "Bisco." And the kids know rock 'n' roll! Ann Arbor's own music band, The Element, opens. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., 996-8555. 9:30 p.m. $6.

Nate Gurley He's no girly-man. He's just a jazz vocalist from Toledo, home of the Mudhens. Go Hens! Bird of Paradise, 207 S. Ashley St., 662-8310. 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. $5.

he Lash Celtic mayhem from this lively Lansing band. Be sure to raise a glass, as the drinking songs will be 'a plenty. Rick's American Cafe, 611 Church St., 996-2747. 10 p.m.

Wally Pleasant This hipster folksinger/comedian has songs called "Ted Nugent Killed All the Animals" and "Denny's at 4 a.m." Need we say anymore about this master of the novelty tune? Michigan League Underground, 8:30 p.m. $5.

TSweet Honey in the Rock A mix of jazz, blues and gospel, this Grammy-winning group of women singers bring their music back to Ann Arbor. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave. 764-2538. 8 p.m. $12-28.

World Premiere of "Possession for Orchestra" by Stephan Rush See Thursday, 8 p.m.

THEATER

Chess MUSKET presents Tim Rice's rock opera, examining the politics of Russian vs. American chess champs during the Cold War. And love intrigue is definitely a must. You should come for the excitement of the story, but you should stay for a rousing rendition of the '80s radio favorite "One Night in Bangkok." Power Center, 121 Fletcher St., 764-0450. 8 p.m. $12, Students $7.

Don Quixote See Thursday. 7:30 p.m.

The Magic Flute See Thursday. 8 p.m.

Jeffrey See Thursday. 11 p.m.

Fiddler on the Roof See Thursday. 8 p.m.

ALTERNATIVES

Arts Weekend Afterglow Swing Dance As part of showcasing the many events on stage, the fun-filled night will allow participants to mingle with performers, learn swing steps and eat. It is free for any ticket holders of weekend events. Michigan League Ballroom. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m!!!

Kate Bornstein The Author, playwright and performance artist holds an open forum. RC Auditorium, East Quad. 7 p.m.

Farcity Blues See Thursday. 8 p.m.

MFA I Performance See Thursday. 8 p.m.

Yopie Prins University professor reads from her newly published "Victorian Sappho." Shaman Drum, 315 S. State, 662-7407. 3 p.m.

Kivi Rogers See Thursday. 8 & 10:30 p.m. $12.

Saturday

Evil Dead (1983) One cabin. A group of college students. A whole mess of demons. What more could you ask for! State Theater, 233 State St. 12 mid. $5.50.

Forgiveness (1994) At an outdoor wedding party in an industrial town in former East Germany, the illusion of family harmony is destroyed as memories return of things that happened an eternity ago - before 1989. Lorch. 7 p.m. Free.

MUSIC

Bugs Beddow Band It's only fitting that a man named "Bugs" is fronting a vintage sound, horn-driven R&B band. Play it again, Bugs. Cavern Club, 210 S.First St. 332-9900. 10 p.m. $5.

Electric Boogaloo Speaking of breakin' it down, Alfonso used to cut a mean rug every now and then on "Silver Spoons." He probably have liked this jam-happy Ypsilanti band. Cross Street Station, 511 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti. 485-5050. 10:30 p.m. $4.

K.C. Groves Experience country-flavored folk-rock originals on mandolin and guitar by this local singer-songwriter as he celebrates his new cd release, a true K.C. masterpiece. Gypsy Cafe 214 N. Fourth Ave., 994-3940. 9:30 p.m. $4.

Maschina Welcome to the bizarro machine. Special guests include Utopia Black and the Bottle Prophets. Check all purple boas at the door, please. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., 996-8555. 9:30 p.m. $5.

Sister Seed Harmony-laden folk-rock originals by this Detroit-based, female acoustic duo. Not to be confused with the small New England feminist farming organization. One love, one seed. Espresso Royale Caffe, 214 S.Main St., 668-1838. 8 p.m. Free.

Cello Studio Recital Anthony Elliott's students perform. Blanche Anderson Moore Hall, E.V. Moore Bldg. 8 p.m.

Gamelan Ensemble Ethnomusicologist Judith Becker directs this concert. Rackham Auditorium., 915 E. Washington St., 8 p.m. Call 763-TKTS for seating information. $6.

World Premiere of "Possession for Orchestra" by Stephan Rush See Thursday, 8 p.m.

THEATER

The Magic Flute See Thursday. 8 p.m.

Chess See Friday. 8 p.m.

Don Quixote See Thursday. 7:30 p.m.

Jeffrey See Thursday. 7 and 11 p.m.

Fiddler on the Roof See Thursday. 8 p.m.

ALTERNATIVES

Hildegard Schmidt Lindstrom Author of "Child Prisoner of War Denmark WWII" reads. Barnes & Noble, 3245 Washtenaw, 677-6475. 2 p.m.

Al Kooper Songwriter and musician - no relation to Alice Cooper - reads from his new memoir, "Backstage Passes and Back-stabbing Bastards." Shaman Drum, 315 S. State, 662-7407. 7 p.m.

Kate Bornstein Performance artist presents her unique mix of poetry and drama. RC Auditorium, East Quad. 7 p.m.

03-25-99