BOOKS AND AUTHORS
Dan Mathews IS Committed
If you like to challenge the status quo, you’re in for a real treat tonight. Dan Mathews, the force behind PETA, is in town tonight to share his memoir, Committed: A Rabble-Rouser’s Memoir. Mathews writes about growing up as a poor, gay, punk-rocker in conservative Orange County, California — the abuse he endured, his passion for animal rights, and how he started PETA. He goes on to share the planning, chaos, and consequences of his most daring protests. This is bound to be be fascinating considering the chaos and riots that resulted from his many protest. I mean, you must remember his “I’d Rather Go Naked than Wear Fur” campaign.
7:30 p.m., Magers and Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-822-4611.
MUSIC AND A MOVIE
Another Sultry Night
The Walker’s Summer Music & Movies in Loring Park are coming to an end soon, so be sure to head over before it’s too late. Tonight’s performance features the music of Robert Skoro with the Douglas Sirk film, Imitation of Life. You might remember Skoro in his first role as Mason Jennings’ bass player. (Did you go see Mason Jennings last night at the 400 Bar?) Since then Skoro has gone on to become one of our most noted singer/songwriters. His band features Andy Thompson (Dan Wilson, Mike Doughty), Bill Mike (TBD), Adrian Suarez (Vicious Vicious), and James Buckley (Mystery Palace). The film, Imitation of Life, one of Sirk’s biggest hits, tells the story of an aspiring actress (Lana Turner) who spends more time on her career than on her own daughter. You know the story. It’s the typical tale of empty appearances and hallow lifestyles. But that’s not all. Sirk also explores internalized racism through the African-American housekeeper’s relationship with her own daughter.
7 p.m. (movie at dusk, around 8:45 p.m.), Loring Park; free.
MUSIC
The Devil’s Bastard Son
I confess, when I was about 16 years old — and a very angry teenager with an orange mohawk — I used to get into my bright yellow Toyota Corolla, which I called my batmobile, and drive around blasting Peter Murphy and Wall of Voodoo to unleash my anger. It helped. Really, it did. And they hold a dear place in my heart for helping me bear my teenage angst; so of course I’m pleased to hear that Stan Ridgway is in town tonight. While I no longer carry that sort of anger like a monkey on my back, I can still appreciate an occasional unleashing. And I’m hoping for a rock-hard show.
7 p.m., Varsity Theater, 1308 4th St. N.E., Minneapolis; 612-604-0222; $20.
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