Tuesday, 7/20/10
Comedy: Maria Bamford

The hilarious Maria Bamford, whose Black Friday ads for Target made our entire Thanksgiving weekend last year, will take the stage at Punch Line Comedy Club on Tuesday. Known for her self-depracating comedy, we’re confident saying she’s one of the most creative comics working today. Don’t be discouraged by the SOLD OUT warnings on LiveNation—work it on Craigslist or get yourself to the venue early. We bet you’ll find a way in.

Wednesday, 7/21/10
Music: MGMT

Okay, so even though it’s old news by now, I’m still rocking out to “Electric Feel” and “Kids” from 2008’s Oracular Spectacular. And although their live performance garners mixed reviews, I’m still reliving memories from last year’s Treasure Island Music Fest. This week, they’re at The Fox, and no matter how much you are dying to hear your old favorites, MGMT is really digging their new psychedelic-inspired album Congratulations. It’s time you (and I) moved on anyway.

Thursday, 7/22/10
Film: This History of Burlesque

Quick. If you’ve never thought of the history behind modern day strips clubs and topless bars, head to YBCA for a lesson in burlesque. Behind the Burly Q, Leslie Zemeckis’ documentary on the most popular form of live entertainment in the first half of the 20th century, will enlighten you on its complex background and new renaissance. No smut about it.

Friday, 7/23/10
Music: Miniature Tigers

There’s not much good coming out of Arizona these days, so it’s refreshing to hear that Phoenix-based indie rock band Miniature Tigers is putting the state on the music map. Hailed by Rolling Stone and Spin magazines, it’s surprising that they’ll be playing such a small venue on their first headlining tour in promotion of their forthcoming album Fortress. But hey, intimate shows are always the most rewarding. Get tickets for the Hotel Utah show here.

Saturday, 7/24/10
Music: Summer & The Symphony Finale with Chris Noth

Classical gets spicey. The supremely sexy Chris Noth (aka Mr. Big) will be narrating Copland's Lincoln Portrait at Summer & The Symphony’s Grand Finale this Saturday. The swanky musical event also includes the UC Berkeley Marching Band in a performance of the hit Broadway tune "Seventy-Six Trombones." Hey, any excuse to see Chris Noth in person is a good one.

Sunday, 7/25/10
Lit + Theater: Staged Reading of Christopher Moore’s Fool

Reading and acting come together for a live revisit of Shakespeare’s King Lear via acclaimed author Christopher Moore’s bestselling novel Fool. Moore will narrate as a cast of A.C.T. actors plays out the tale onstage at Brava Theater. Gratuitous shagging, murder, spanking, maiming and treason will unfold before you for a night of high-brow fun. Get your tickets here.