Today
Art Brut
This punk band from London uses simple three-chord melodies to compliment brash, loud vocals, creating a chaotic but catchy sound. When you put it that way, it almost sounds musical. 11:30 p.m. $10. Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. (21+)
UA Poetry Center summer exhibits
The three exhibitions featured in this exhibit are titled “”Some Fabulous Shadow,”” “”Twilight Polka Dots”” and “”Generally, Specifically, Constantly.”” I’m sure the poems make sense at least. Well, as much as poems can. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. UA Poetry Center, 1600 E. First St.
Tomorrow
“”Rachmaninoff Rocks””
Generals, lock up your daughters! The Tucson Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its Sweet 77th tomorrow. And the guest of honor is the dopest pimp in the hood: the late Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. Watch him spin some sexy beats. 8 p.m. $15.75 to $43. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
“”The Seven Year Itch””
I’m not a lesbian, but even I would consider having sex with Marilyn Monroe’s character in this classic movie. Too bad she’s not alive anymore and also not a lesbian. And famous. Damn. 7:30 p.m. $3. La Placita Village Plaza, South Church Avenue and West Broadway Boulevard
Friday
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Apparently this Mexican Independence Day celebration has food, games, Folklorico, a giant inflatable slide, a bounce house and lots of snow cones. This is all authentic, by the way. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. Borton Primary Magnet School, 700 E. 22nd St.
“”I Dream In Widescreen””
Apparently, media arts students do something besides watching movies all day. This festival features 12 short films created by UA filmmakers. 4:00 p.m. Free. The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.
Saturday
CrossTalk: UA Electronic Percussion Ensemble
This sounded cool. An “”electronic percussion ensemble”” accompanied by none other than a flutist. It’s like Jethro Tull, except without hating Christianity and bad hair. 7:30 p.m. Free. Marroney Theatre
Tango night
If you’ve always wanted to dance the “”three-minute love affair,”” go to these classes at the Hotel Arizona. They’re in the lobby next to the bar. But you don’t need to get drunk to dance; this isn’t Maloney’s. 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Free. The Hotel Arizona, 181 W. Broadway Blvd.
21st Annual Tucson Folk Festival
If you liked “”A Mighty Wind,”” you’ll love this folk festival. There may not be Gene Levy, but the people there will be just as weird. It’s life imitating art, or whatever the hell that saying is. Noon to 10 p.m. Free. El Presidio Park, downtown Tucson
Sunday
“”World Laughter Day””
The funniest thing about this festival of laughter is that it’s happening at a bus station. That, and there’s gonna be a clown. Features improvisation groups, comedians, laughter exercises and more. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $1 donation. Tucson Greyhound Park, 2601 S. Third Ave.
Buddha’s Birthday Celebration
Forget the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, It’s Buddha’s 2,630th birthday today! Now that’s what I call a playa’. Help celebrate by attending this lecture/service and bathing the Baby Buddha with sweet tea. 10:30 a.m. Donations accepted. Minh Dang Quang Buddhist Temple, 140 E. Navajo Road
Monday
Essex Green
This indie band is not really from some place in England, like the name might indicate. But don’t fret, it’s not as bad as you think. There are some good bands still coming from America. Some. 9 p.m. $7. Solar Culture, 31 E. Toole Ave.
John Vanderslice
If you like electronics mixed with an emo voice, you’re in luck with this guy. He may not sound like the Postal Service, but maybe a Postal Ben Kweller. Or a Postal Vanderservice. Oh god. 9:45 p.m. $8. Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. (21+)
Tuesday
Poetry reading
What rhymes with Pima Community College? Absolutely nothing, but maybe the students putting together this poetry reading can figure something out. If not, they’re giving out invaluable copies of their Anklam Road Review. Pick one up! 7 p.m. Free. Pima Community College Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, West Campus