S.O.S.

THURSDAY - FRIDAY
STAGE
S.O.S.

You can debate forever what caused the financial debacle currently plaguing the Empty Space Theatre, but you'd have a harder time arguing that the venue hasn't inspired a plethora of gifted devotees. Included among the many artists appearing at this two-night emergency fund-raising cabaret are some of the most distinctive talents ever to tread the Space's stage: (clockwise from top left) the Ridiculous Theatre's Everett Quinton, the drag Dickens behind Twisted Olivia; solo artist supreme Lauren Weedman, who hit fearless comic bull's-eyes with Amsterdam and Rash; Nick Garrison, a divine Oscar in Vera Wilde; and Sarah Rudinoff, the powerhouse of Ubu. Both nights feature a post-performance reception; Friday is a catered affair with complimentary wine and beer. 8 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 6–Fri., Jan. 7. $25 Thurs., $50 Fri. Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, 104 17th Ave. S., 206-547-7633. STEVE WIECKING

THURSDAY
FILM
THE EDGE OF THE WORLD

SAM begins a 10-film tribute to English director Michael Powell with this 1937 drama about Scottish islanders being forced to relocate from their remote homes. Real locations in the scenic Foula Islands distinguish the black-and-white photography, and Powell also mixed former island residents with his professional cast. The Thursday-night series runs through March and includes other well-known Powell titles, including Black Narcissus, The Red Shoes, and Peeping Tom. Call for individual ticket availability; the whole series may sell out in advance. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 6. $6 individual, $53–$60 series. Seattle Art Museum, 100 University St., 206-654.3121. BRIAN MILLER

THURSDAY
VISUAL ARTS
GARY HILL

Which contemporary local artist will people still be talking about 50 years from now? Put your money on Hill, a pioneer of video art whose preoccupations with the body, language, and perception lead him to create deeply mysterious, almost inscrutable images that get at the core of existence. In addition to catching this upcoming lecture at the Henry, you can immerse yourself in his motion-activated installation Tall Ships (of which a detail is pictured here), now on display in the Henry's "Work of the Work" show. Artist lecture: 7 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 6. $6–$8. Henry Art Gallery, UW Campus, 206-543-2280. ANDREW ENGELSON

FRIDAY
DANCE
BUTTROCK SUITES II

The first version of this good-natured romp, featuring wild choreography to arena-rock hits, was an out-and-out success, poking fun at genre conventions while delighting in the rhythmic motor that the music provides. This year's model should be even madder, with louder music—including Van Halen, Twisted Sister, AC/DC, and Lita Ford—tighter pants, and, of course, more mullets. Opens Fri., Jan. 7. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sun. Ends Sun., Jan. 16. $10–$12. Velocity MainSpace Theater, 915 E. Pine St., second floor, 206-722-0963. SANDRA KURTZ

FRIDAY
MUSIC
ELVIS INVITATIONALS

Seattle is the perfect place for a high-profile Elvis-impersonator competition: Our fair city served as the backdrop for the King's swingin' 1963 flick, It Happened at the World's Fair, after all. This year, the event celebrates its ninth birthday with a more diverse field of contestants than ever. Past editions have seen Elizabethan, transgendered, and even prepubescent Elvises—and one King who just couldn't get enough Kentucky Fried Chicken. There's no telling what you'll witness tonight, but the evening could give you a whole new take on "Love Me Tender." 8 p.m. Fri., Jan. 7. $15. Experience Music Project, 325 Fifth Ave. N., 206-770-2702. NEAL SCHINDLER