Performance

12 Minutes Max

A duet of futuristic geishas, choreographed by Kristin Von Claret; a non-jazz trio; a BMX bike duet (outdoors at intermission); and the Vis-a-Vis Society, which collects data on the audience and presents the results via song and dance. All that plus film, spoken word, and dance in this installment, curated by the Henry Art Gallery’s Betsey Brock and Western Bridge’s Eric Fredericksen, of On the Boards’ short-works series, showcasing experimental performance since 1978. On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St., www.ontheboards.org. $7. 7 p.m. Sun., Feb. 18–Mon., Feb. 19. GAVIN BORCHERT

Music

The Shins

Perhaps you didn’t see the 12-by-10 blow-up of Shins frontman James Mercer on our cover five issues back. Or the slightly smaller one on the first page of the feature about Sub Pop’s biggest record ever (the Shins’ third full-length, Wincing the Night Away, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard last month, reports music editor Brian J. Barr). If you did, though, you’d have noticed how hesitant and pensive Mercer looked in each—which is why I’m supplying this counterimage. Now, observe what else this band can be: a bunch of freaking goofballs. I’ve seen keyboardist-guitarist Marty Crandall get whacked with audience-flung bras onstage (at an all-ages show, mind you!), and bassist-guitarist Dave Hernandez get his ass slapped by hot women while off. The rocker’s life is rough, huh? Wincing‘s imminent and deserved success is serious business, but a Shins live show is always serious fun. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., 467-5510, www.theparamount.com. $25. 8 p.m. (Also Tues., Feb. 18.)RACHEL SHIMP