Thrift Store Cowboys
Although their painfully obvious/bordering-on-lame title might suggest that the Thrift Store Cowboys are here just to capitalize off of the rising market for indie-folk bands, their sound implies something different. They’re actually pretty good! And on top of that, they have a chick in the band. Still not convinced? Besides Sharon Stone, how many female cowboys do you know? Yeah, buddy, it’s 2003. Get with the program. Get with the times. Anyway, people say this band plays “”luscious soundscapes”” of the American West, mostly because lazy rock journalists use these as buzzwords, but also because the band really does. Go see them if you’re not a chauvinist. Wednesday. 9 p.m. $3. Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
“”Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices””
This movie had millions of self-labeled conspiracy-theorist 18-year-old boys creaming their pants a few years ago, but now it’s back in a deal you can’t refuse: it’s playing for free at the library. Yeah, that’s it: free books, plus a free movie on top of that. Sure, you could probably rent it for free over there anyway, but now you don’t have to worry about a late fee. Come see this documentary about the, gasp, horrors that Wal-Mart commits every day to an ignorant and complacent world. It’s groundbreaking, really it is. Saturday. 2:30 p.m. Free. Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive.
Shakespeare Under the Stars – “”Much Ado About Nothing””
Is this the movie with Keanu Reeves? To be honest I don’t remember it very well, but I do recall being surprised that the star of “”Bill and Ted”” could undergo such a literary role. I would make the joke about saying “”Whoa”” after all his Shakespearean quips, but that’s already been done and I’d look like more of an idiot than I already am by even mentioning it. Alas, this play version does not star the famous Neo, but rather a troop of Tucson actors who might actually enjoy performing outside at Reid Park during the summer. They must not like it that much, though, because Sunday is the last day to see this romantic comedy. Thou dost do it! Sunday. 8-10 p.m. Free. DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park, South Country Club Road and East 22nd Street
Talkdemonic
This is probably the only band I’ve ever not had to lie about liking. If you had to compare them to anyone, Talkdemonic sounds kind of like a more-palatable version of Godspeed You Black Emperor, mostly because of the shorter songs. But isn’t every instrumental band these days compared to them? Let’s see, they also sound like Radiohead a little, even though they don’t, but I just wanted everyone to know I listen to Radiohead. Well, to be honest, the synthesizer opening on their song “”Cascade Locks”” did sound a bit like Kid A, but doesn’t everything? Monday. 9:30 p.m. Free. Plush, 340 E. Sixth St.
“”Cats from a Dream””
According to www.dreammoods.com, to see a cat in your dream denotes misfortune, treachery and bad luck. Well, maybe I should have gone to a better Web site. But to see “”Cats from a Dream”” is something completely different. This downtown show of cat photographs will please even the most fervent cat-haters, or at least amuse them. Apparently, this selection taken by Elle Llerbrowen is an “”Electric Art Series.”” Sounds dangerous. Tuesday. 1-6 p.m. Free. Agama’s Little Gallery, 201 N. Court Ave.
– compiled by Andi Berlin