Bumberblast

FRIDAY

YOU SHOULDN'T MISS

HIP HOP 101 With Mos Def and Jurassic 5, you shouldn't miss it. But Mos Def just might; he bailed on last year's Bumbershoot appearance and the reschedule that followed. If he does make it, though, the Black Star teammate and Black on Both Sides solo artist is a thing to behold; hip-hop's current poet laureate preaches with the real, eloquent, and honest voice of the underground. Jurassic 5's Cooleyhigh harmony vocals and laid-back So-Cal rhythms, meanwhile, bring the genre to a new level of chill. Real Mainstage, 6-10:45 p.m. L.G.

BLOODHAG Edu-core: This is the definition of high concept and should be welcomed unconditionally into our hearts and minds. For the uninitiated, Bloodhag condense biographies of noted science fiction visionaries into crushing metal supernovas. And they very appropriately sport short-sleeved white dress shirts and ties onstage. After this brain-inflating set, check out their Web site (www.bloodhag.com) and fall in love again with the bibliographies that made midnight at the university library such a blast. BumberClub at EMP's Sky Church, 7:30-8:15 p.m. A.B.

DAVID CROSS & FRIENDS I know, I know—this is supposed to be the section for music recommendations, but David Cross' show just might be the best thing going on Friday. Cross' comedic credentials have been well established by his work on Mr. Show and The Ben Stiller Show and his memorable cameos in Ghost World and Waiting for Guffman among others, but I'd go see him even if I'd only seen a picture of the guy. He just looks like he's funny. That impish grin is impossible to resist and offers a telling preview of the zany antics hiding behind his smile. Comedy Stage, 10-11 p.m. Also, Comedy Stage, 3-4 p.m. Sat., 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sun., 4:30-5:30 p.m. Mon. P.F.

YOU CAN'T LOSE WITH

SUPERKALI We've said it before: Their instrumental Afrobeat funky stuff is tailor-made for mid-afternoon Bumbershoot crowds who just want something to shake it to while barefoot on the grass after the phad Thai and strawberry shortcake have settled. Funky Kingston Rhythm Stage, 2:15-3:30 p.m. L.G.

DAMIEN JURADO What intrigues us most about Damien Jurado's shows are the conspicuous number of old punks standing around nodding their heads to his affecting laments. As crossover artistry goes, few are able to simultaneously pull off Fugazi/Fall punk and woeful guitar strummer. Fact is, Jurado's a champ at telling a tale, and whether he chooses to do so over urban acoustic folk or loud dirges, the result is always affecting. PCC Northwest Court Stage, 6-7:15 p.m. L.L.

DUSTY 45'S Having built a pretty solid following around their ability to deliver a rabble-rousing good time and some kick-ass swingabilly, these local rockers should have a rowdy pack of bopsters shaking their bobby-socked butts. Northwest Airlines Blues Stage, 7:15-8:30 p.m. L.L.

ZEKE These amphetamine punks slap a much-needed coat of idiocy and psychosis on this largely low-key hoedown. Average Zeke song: A little bit of thrash, a little bit of speed metal, and a little bit of '80s hardcore all get piss drunk, crash into one another, then topple over and die. When they don't stop to tune—and I assure you, there's really no reason to—Zeke can conceivably crank out 30 songs per set. BumberClub at EMP's Sky Church, 8:45-9:45 p.m. A.B.

SUPERSUCKERS A good goddamn time for anyone with a warm spot in their heart for punk, pop, country, garage, or the absurd. Yes, the Supersuckers cover some serious bases, but they do it without skimping. BumberClub at EMP's Sky Church, 10:15-11:15 p.m. L.L.

SATURDAY

YOU SHOULDN'T MISS

LORETTA LYNN See feature.

LOW They float from Nearly Bursting to Barely Audible like the two points are nearby neighbors on a compass. And really, in the context of a song such as "Like a Forest," it seems they truly are. The Minnesota trio evokes a heavy-hearted ache that should resound wonderfully within the acoustically sublime walls of the Opera House. Opera House, noon-2:45 p.m. (doors open at 11:15 a.m.). L.L.

KEN STRINGFELLOW He made his fame in the Posies and kept it by playing with the Saltine, Big Star, Minus 5, and R.E.M. Check his recent Touched (especially the single "Reveal Love" and the AM pop warmth of "The Lover's Hymn") for gentle, rainy day comfort. Northwest Court Stage, 4:30-5:30 p.m. L.L.

BUILT TO SPILL Hard to imagine that there's anyone in Seattle who hasn't been a party to Martsch and company's stellar song stylings. Be it their early, coy, and lamenting love pop; the poetry-ridden, Crazyhorse-inspired rock of the first couple Warner Bros. releases; or the return to warm, guitar-saturated indie rock felt on the latest release, Ancient Melodies of the Future, Built to Spill's shows, songs, and structures hold one of their very own truths to be self-evident: There really is nothing wrong with love. DMX MUSIC Boombox, 4:45-6 p.m. L.L.

KINSKI One of the best-selling bands in town, Kinski creates space inside guitar noise and spirals the fuzz into oblivion. This show is a must for fans of My Bloody Valentine, Spaceman 3, Mercury Rev, or anyone who has ever gazed lovingly at their shoes. BumberClub at EMP's Sky Church, 7:30-8:15 p.m. L.L.