Northwest New Works Festival

Let’s thank whatever gods may be for the continued health of the Northwest New Works Festival, which turns 25 (!) this year. Both the OtB Studio and Mainstage offer full programs this weekend, sampler plates of the region’s experimental artists, including works-in-progress, excerpts from longer works, and a few polished and honed miniatures. (And, of course, at least a couple of pieces guaranteed to activate your “Huh?” gland.) As always at OtB, dance is well represented: Left Field Revival, Esse Aficionado, Harrell Projects, and NorthWest Dance Syndrome are on the bill. Also check out the charmingly bizarre bluegrass-inspired ramblings of the Half Brothers (Awesome! members John Ackerman and David Nixon, along with guitarist Rick Miller); solo performance from Portland’s Faith Helma (a member of Hand2Mouth, who blew us away with last year’s Repeat After Me); music and video from Holcombe Waller; and a theater/movement/puppet piece helmed by Annette Toutonghi (she of the big ideas and humorously little voice). Each showcase provides you with your minimum daily requirement of tasty avant-garde art through Sun., May 11. A new program begins next weekend (see Web site for full schedule and details). On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St., 217-9888, www.ontheboards.org. $14-$20. Opens May 9. 8 p.m. Fri., 5 & 8 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Ends May 18. JOHN LONGENBAUGH
Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays, 5 & 8 p.m. Starts: May 9. Continues through May 18, 2008