THREE TO SEE ON THURSDAY, NOV. 8
Mac Sabbath: What if GWAR was just slightly tastier? Well, keep your eyes on your fries, gang, because in the grand tradition of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s odd food obsession and GWAR’s terrifying outfits, Mac Sabbath is coming to town to fill you up with McDonald’s-themed heavy metal. Yep, that’s really a thing: Ronald Osbourne, Slayer MacCheeze, Grimlace and the Catburglar — nice KISS reference — are taking the stage with such songs as Pair-a-Buns, Frying Pan and More Ribs, ridiculous twists on Paranoid, Iron Man and War Pigs if you didn’t catch that. Like GWAR, the L.A. “drive-thru metal” band claims to originate from outer space, which is technically true if you consider where Earth exists. Details: 8 p.m. at Temple (10030 102 St.), $18 at Ticketfly
The Sadies: The cover of the Sadies’ latest album, Northern Passages, is a stunner of the northern lights by photographer David Kilabuk shot in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, and hits at the dreamy, sometimes psychedelic mystery of Canada’s coolest country band. The Toronto foursome have made records with various artists including Gord Downie, Neko Case and Neil Young. And while they will always look like handsome little boys dressed for the prom, their music is magically timeless, as well as whip smart.
Details: 8 p.m., Station on Jasper (10524 Jasper Ave.), $22 online, $26 at the door
50 Years Rat Free — An Exhibit of New Alberta Contemporaries: The Art and Design Graduate Student Association presents an exhibit of new works by graduate and PhD students working toward degrees in fine art, design, and the history of art, design, and visual culture (HADVC) at the University of Alberta. This diverse showcase highlights the breadth of research among the practices of current students in the areas of drawing/intermedia, industrial design, painting, printmaking, sculpture and visual communication design. These shows are always compelling, so have a look.
Details: 7 p.m. at FAB Gallery (1-1 Fine Arts Building, U of A, 112 Street and 89 Avenue), free admission