CRITICS’ PICKS
ALTERNATIVE MUSIC
What: Eugene Chadbourne (opening Tremblers of Seven, Sol Mogerman) Where: Logan’s Pub, 1821 Cook St. When: Monday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Admission: $10 at door Why: This is a wonderful opportunity to see one of underground music’s legendary eccentrics at a bargain price. As a kid, Eugene Chadbourne loved the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. However, he soon embraced a free jazz esthetic, then ventured out into the sort of gonzo experimentation favoured by iconoclasts such as Captain Beefheart and The Mothers of Invention. Will Eugene bring out his electric lawn rake? Pay your 10 bucks and find out. — Adrian Chamberlain
MUSICAL THEATRE
What: Avenue Q Where: Canadian College of Performing Arts, 1701 Elgin Rd. When: Tonight, Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m., 2 p.m. Saturday matinée Tickets: $25-$35 Reservations: ccpacanada.com 250-595-9970 Rating: Four stars Why: You certainly won’t be thinking that It Sucks To Be Me, to quote one of this irresistible show’s musical highlights, as you enjoy the Canadian College of Performing Arts alumni’s company’s madly endearing take on the Tony Award-winning musical hit. Think Sesame Street for grownups for an idea of what to expect from this tuneful, cheerfully rude diversion. It cleverly pairs humans with colourful puppets to promote self-acceptance while amusingly addressing post-college angst, racial and sexual stereotypes, pornography and other adult issues amid a college grad’s coming-of-age in the shabby New York neighbourhood of its title. A stellar cast of CCPA grads, most interacting with amazing puppets that they manipulate with astonishing conviction, confidently breeze through a show infused with as much heart and humanity as risqué humour. — Michael D. Reid
CANCER FUNDRAISER
What: A Fundraiser For Tim Fukushima featuring Dug Nugget and Davenport Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates St. When: Saturday, 7 p.m. Tickets: $15 in advance at Driftwood Brewery; $20 at the door (cash only) Why: A night of musical revelry and fundraising is on tap at Lucky Bar on Saturday, with proceeds to benefit Driftwood Brewing’s head brewer, Tim Fukushima, who is battling leukemia for a second time. There will also be a silent auction, in addition to music from local favourites Dug Nugget and Davenport. — Mike Devlin