CONCERTS

Mar 7
Alicia Keys
Does it get old? You know, having everything you touch turn to gold? The R&B superstar’s new album Girl on Fire was her fifth to chart at no. 1, and she’s only released six records (the lone outlier peaked at a ghastly no. 2). Meanwhile, “Empire State of Mind” became NYC’s new unofficial anthem (sorry “New York, New York”). Even her side projects soar. WaMu Theater, $47–$107.

Mar 9
Seattle Rock Lottery
Here's how it works: Twenty-five musicians—guitarists and drummers, viola and trombone players—are asked to show up at the Crocodile at 10am Saturday. They're assigned, by lottery, to five new bands, which then go off and create three new songs to perform later that night. The magic to the madness is that these are some of Seattle's top artists from Led to Sea, Visqueen, 18 Individual Eyes, and more; we hear Kris Orlowski is on the list. Proceeds from the evening support audio art nonprofit Jack Straw Productions. The Crocodile, $10–$15.

BOOKS & TALKS

Mar 9
Michael Chabon with Sherman Alexie
The master of metaphor and Pulitzer-winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay shares the stage with Sherman Alexie as the keynote speaker of Seattle University’s Search for Meaning Book Festival. Sullivan Hall at Seattle University, free; overflow seating only.

FILM

Mar 8–28
007: Six Classic James Bond Films
Fifty years later, James Bond still looks good. Grand Illusion celebrates everyone’s favorite spy with three Connerys (From Russia with Love , Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice), two Moores (The Spy Who Loved Me , Moonraker), and the Lazenby (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service). Grand Illusion Cinema, $8; series pass $40.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Mar 7
Culturebot: Everyone's a Critic
On the Boards hosts Jeremy Barker and Andy ­Horwitz, founders of the NYC-based culture website Culturebot, and local artists in a conversation about the role of a critic in the 21st century. The prompt: “Everyone’s a critic! Or are they? What’s the difference between having an opinion and having a conversation? How do we move beyond ‘love it/hate it’ reviewing and into real dialogue?” On the Boards, $12.

Mar 8
SAM Remix
Seattle Art Museum stays open for a late-night art party with live music, dancing, cocktails, artmaking, and entry into the new Rembrandt exhibit. DJs J-Justice and Jaymz Nylon supply the soundtrack to the evening. Seattle Art Museum, $25; advanced tickets sold out, limited tickets at the door.

Mar 9 & 10
Seattle Bicycle Expo
Seattleites take their biking seriously. Maybe it’s the dense urban setting, our environmental friendliness, or the fact that we would rather ride than walk down hills. Regardless, pedalers will want to wheel on over to the Seattle Bicycle Expo to check out the newest parts, bike book authors, and BMX stunt shows. Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, $10–$12.

ART TALK

Mar 8
JoAnn Verburg Lecture
For this artist lecture, the Henry hosts photographer JoAnn Verburg, whose work has been shown in the Whitney, MoMA, and the National Portrait Gallery, and is currently on display at G. Gibson Gallery. Henry Art Gallery, $6–$10.

THEATER

Mar 8–31
Good People
David Lindsay-Abaire, the Pulitzer-winning playwright of Rabbit Hole (now a Nicole Kidman film), returns with this wicked-smart comedy about a single mother in South Boston who can’t seem to make it to the right side of the tracks. After Margie loses her job at the dollar store, she turns to her ex—the now well-to-do Dr. Mike—for a fresh start. Seattle Repertory Theatre, $12–$45.

FAMILY

Mar 9
The Not-Its!
The high-energy pop-rock of the Not-Its!—“your child’s first rock band”—benefits from the vocals of Sarah Shannon, former front woman of Sub Pop indie band Velocity Girl. The band celebrates the release of a new album, Kidquake!, with songs like “Full Tilt” and “Temper Tantrum” that are sure to get the kids bouncing ’round the room. Mount Baker Community Club, $15.