MUSIC
Dir en Gray
Wednesday, Feb. 21
Slayer. Megadeath. Dir en Gray? Even some of the biggest fans of classic metal may be unfamiliar with Dir en Gray, a hard-rocking Japanese band currently on its first U.S. headlining tour. Dir en Gray came together in 1997, riding the popularity of Japan's visual kei movement, which emphasized elaborate makeup and style, often coupled with androgynous appearances. Since this time, the band has evolved its style into hardcore metal, and the members are touring on the strength of their 2006 cult-hit album, "Withering to Death." Also performing are rock bands Fair to Midland and Bleed to Dream. Tickets for the 6:30 p.m. show are $30. For more information and to buy tickets, visit marqueetheatre.ticketforce.com.
COMEDY
The Comedy Jesus Show
Friday, Feb. 16
Oh, blasphemy — how humorous it can be! The Almighty of the Christian faith comes to The Paper Heart (750 Northwest Grand Ave., Phoenix) in the form of Los Angeles comedian Troy Conrad. Conrad, a one-time door-to-door Bible salesman, uses audio, visual and stand-up components to illustrate his ideas on how religion is manipulated for political and institutional agendas. Don't expect church-appropriate language at the show, which, according to Conrad's Web site, is "not recommended for evangelicals, even the ones on crystal meth." Doors open at 8 p.m. for the 8:30 p.m. show, and tickets are $5 at the door. For more information, visit thepaperheart.com or comedyjesus.com.
EVENTS
Fright Night 3
Saturday, Feb. 17 – Sunday, Feb. 18
I'm just going to throw it out there: pudding wrestling. Just think about it; let it roll around in your mind like delicious tapioca rolls across the tongue, and then tell me you're not intrigued about attending Fright Night 3. The Dirty Darlings of Debauchery's pudding antics are complemented by the skills of the Phoenix-based Cut Throat Freak Show, which include lifting weights with eyeballs, breaking cinder blocks with faces, eating fire and touching bodies to lots and lots of broken glass. Musical acts Calabrese, The Limit Club, Reliquary and Family Secret will perform. The event will be held at the Atomic Comics Mesa Superstore (1120 S. Country Club Drive) and will run from noon to 1 a.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit atomiccomics.com.
Erotic Poetry & Music Festivus
Friday, Feb. 16
There once was a man from Phoenix, who had a really large … poetry and music festivus to attend. At the Alwun House (1204 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix) on Friday, more than 50 performers will grace two stages at the venue, providing you with a lyrically titillating Valentine's Day weekend. Poetry, music and beat performances will appeal to your artistic side, and cheese and wine — plus a cash bar — will fulfill your more earthly desires. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show, and tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the event. For more information, visit alwunhouse.org.
Chinese Culture and Cuisine Festival
Friday, Feb. 16 – Sunday, Feb. 18
The Chinese year of the boar is nearly upon us, and of the plethora of events occurring throughout the Valley to mark the New Year, the Chinese Cultural and Cuisine Festival is the best all-around crash course on this tradition. The festival, held at the Chinese Cultural Center (668 N. 44th St., Phoenix), features food, musical performances, martial arts demonstrations and even a mah-jong booth. Activities take place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The event is free. For more information, visit phxchinatown.com.
Strong Beer Festival
Saturday, Feb. 17
Like you even need a blurb to be convinced about this one; just look at the name and you're there. More than 30 breweries from as far as Belgium to as close as Four Peaks will work taps at Mesa Amphitheatre (201 N. Center St.) from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Unfortunately, they will be carding. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door, but designated drivers get in for $5. For more information or to buy tickets, visit azbrewguild.com.
