1. Formerly-local comedian Hari Kondabolu (he recently moved back to his native NYC) is performing tonight and tomorrow night at the Comedy Underground. Kondabolu has a perfect delivery, and his jokes usually center on race and politics, and might even veer toward the confrontational—after all, he calls people who prefer white chocolate "fucking racists."

With W. Kamau Bell. Tonight and tomorrow night at 8 pm, at the Comedy Underground, at 109 S. Washington St. Tickets are $20.

2. "WAPI" is a non-profit group, running out of an office building in the International District, that teaches kids how to make songs using recording equipment and software. There's a party tonight at Hidmo called "Katalyst," and the kids will be present their final projects.

The name, WAPI, is a shortening of Washington Pacific Asian Islander Families Against Substance Abuse, but this particular program spun off a couple of years ago, and has grown into a city-funded affair.

Next year, they're going to start teaching kids graffiti art.

Tonight, from 6 pm to 9 pm. Admission is $5 (free for youth). At Hidmo, on 20th and Jackson.

3. I hyped Pun(c)tuation's first art opening a few of weeks ago, when they first moved into their spot on Pine and Boylston and presented a collection of samurai-themed graffiti art. Tonight they've got “Beyond the Masks,” featuring art by Curtis Barnes (who happens to be art director Maikiyo Alley-Barnes' dad).

The art is political in a sort of tangential way, at least from what I've seen. On first glance, it looks like a sort of demented Giuseppe Arcimboldo, with missiles instead of fruit. It's great to have a small art show opening on a Capitol Hill artery on a Friday night—perfect to wander in as you're on your way up or down the hill.

There will also be food and drinks, and music by DJ crew Sun Tzu Sound, in case you decide to hang around.

Tonight from 7 to 10 pm, at Pun(c)tuation, 705A E Pike Street.

4. There are a few good shows this weekend (Khingz at Nectar tonight, for example), but I'm going to Neumo's 4th annual Christmas party, featuring Champagne Champagne, Hey Marseilles, and the Maldives. Also tonight.

Besides the Moondoggies, the Maldives are my favorite local 70s country rock revivalists. One thing the Maldives got that the Moondoggies don't is instrumentation: Layers of fiddle, banjo, mando, and, country music's greatest asset—pedal steel guitar. They do, however, have the same propensity to rock the hell out, and then sharp-left-turn back into harmonies and triumph. Veering between pretty country ditties to long, distorted jam-outs usually turns out perfect.

Also: Champagne Champagne, the awesome psych-synth-party rappers, have a song with Thee Satisfaction called "Magnetic Blackness" that makes me glad I live in Seattle.



And, as if there was any doubt about what you're doing tonight, the Pike Street Fish Fry has free fries and $2 Fat Tires between 5 pm and 7 pm. And it's right next door to Neumo's.

Tonight at 8 pm, at Neumos. Tickets are $10.

Know about any important meetings, rad shows, weirdo lectures, or other noteworthy events? E-mail [email protected].