Our Critics' Picks

Bring out the GimpPULP FICTION In which hitman Samuel L. Jackson experiences an according-to-Hoyle miracle and the movies’ most bad-ass religious conversion; his partner John Travolta wins a twist contest and tastes a 5-dollar shake from Buddy Holly on the last night of his life; Uma Thurman does the Aristocats dance before getting a needle in her heart; and Christopher Walken carries a dead soldier’s watch up his ass for two years. Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 compendium of cinematic cool gets two late-night shows this weekend, courtesy of Belcourt projectionist Andy Holmes; no word on what surprises the theater has planned for the midnight hour Friday—but a twist contest is pretty much a no-brainer. Midnight April 25-26 at The Belcourt Theatre —JIM RIDLEY

Jazz at the SymphonyPATTI AUSTIN WITH THE COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA Outside of a couple of brief hiatuses, the Count Basie Orchestra has been going strong for over 70 years—and you thought the Stones had been around a long time. Though the groundbreaking bandleader died 24 years ago, the group continues to carry his music forward, even as big-band music’s popularity has waxed and waned. The current band still features some players who worked with Basie himself, and focuses more on tight arrangements than on individual solos. Basie’s torchbearers will back up jazz/R&B singer Patti Austin, another seasoned vet—the Dinah Washington protégé began performing in 1955 at the ripe age of 5, and has worked with George Benson, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Roberta Flack. 8 p.m. at Laura Turner Concert Hall —JACK SILVERMAN

HealthTHE EMBODIED SELF As co-director of the Tennessee Dance Theatre and a dancer for 20 years in New York, Andrew Krichels amassed glowing reviews and an athletic repertoire; he also did untold damage to his bones, joints and muscles with the work’s agonizing physical demands. Now director of Nashville’s healing arts center Creative Action, Krichels recovered using techniques he will demonstrate in this weekend-long symposium that teaches people, in essence, to listen to their bodies. Registration for all three days starts at $195 and goes up to include meals and accommodation. Call 931-285-2543 for more information. April 25-27 at Highland Realm Holistic Health & Wellness Center —JIM RIDLEY

Kaiju ShakeupMTAC INFINITY: 2008 MIDDLE TENNESSEE ANIME CONVENTION To borrow a line from Full Metal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa: “This place isn’t like where I come from. It’s a brave new world.” Para Para the night away as Music City’s celebration of Japanese animation and all things Asian pop culture enters its ninth year. Feast your round wet saucer eyes on a real live monster-wrasslin’ Kaiju Big Battel; demonstrations of martial arts such as Brazilian capoeira, Chinese Northern Praying Mantis and Filipino kali; actors and voice talent Johnny Yong Bosch (the Black Ranger Adam on Power Rangers) and Greg Ayres (Nerima Daikon Brothers); live music featuring the awesome Peelander-Z, The Slants, Chickenbox and Nashville’s The Man Power; a panorama of panels, screenings, dances, costume contests and pajama parties; and even a meeting party for BJDs (ball-joint dolls). And watch for the awesome limited edition T-shirts by artist/voice actor Doug Smith. They’ll go fast—booming attendance for the three-day con topped 3,000 last year. Tickets are $20 at the door or $45 for a three-day pass; see mtac.net for more information. April 25-27 at Music City Sheraton —JIM RIDLEY

ArtWATKINS COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN SENIOR SHOW EVENTS If you’d like a sneak peek at the future of the Nashville art scene, tonight’s the night, as Watkins opens the Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Exhibit II at the college, as well as the Graphic Design Senior Show at Lot 7. The BFA exhibit will feature work by Patricia Earnhardt, Abby Whisenant and Max Haught. Graphic Design graduates include Kenneth Bonner, Alicia Waters, Jenn Lee, Kristin Schleihs, Ben Lancaster, Tierney Millhollin, Christi Osburn, Amanda Bybee, Katherine Tange-du Pre’, Sheena Ebinger and Hugo Martinez. Check out the show at Watkins, then rendezvous at the north end of The Gulch for a second taste. BFA show runs April 25 through May 11 at Watkins’ Brownlee O. Currey Jr. Gallery; opening reception 6-8 p.m. The one-night Graphic Design Show takes place 6-9 p.m. at Lot 7, 125 12th Ave. N. —JOE NOLAN

MusicPELICAN Along with Isis, Red Sparowes and Russian Circles, Pelican occupy the intersection where post-rock collides with metal. Completely instrumental, the band weds the sprawling noodlage of groups like Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor with the heavy riffage of more traditional metal. But rather than delve into calculus with math-rockers Don Caballero or Hella, Pelican keep things straightforward. The four Chicagoans find themselves in major keys much more often than their peers, which ultimately leads to either triumphant climaxes or clichéd crescendos. At their best, Pelican approximate the sludgy deluge of Neurosis with much more nimbleness, but occasionally they meander aimlessly along the way. 7 p.m. at Rcktwn —MATT SULLIVAN