Full reviews of recent concerts: nytimes.com/music.
AUGUSTANA (Wednesday) This popular California quintet is best known for its mawkish, piano-driven ballad “Boston,” which has been featured in many popular television shows. (It’s typically employed during moments of deep, brow-wrinkling catharsis.) The band’s latest LP, “Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt” (Epic), is packed with earnest, midtempo rock songs in the adult-alternative spirit of Counting Crows and the Wallflowers. With Wild Sweet Orange and David Ford. At 9 p.m., Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey Street, near the Bowery, Lower East Side, (212) 533-2111, boweryballroom.com; sold out. (Amanda Petrusich)
BISHOP ALLEN (Friday) Borrowing from the playbook of early Jonathan Richman, this Brooklyn band puts a boyish smile on spunky, angst-ridden guitar-pop, and nurses worries about the slow crawl toward the workaday adult life: “Burn, calendar, burn.” With the War On Drugs and the Silent Years. At 9 p.m., Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North Sixth Street, Brooklyn, (718) 486-5400, musichallofwilliamsburg.com; $13 in advance, $15 at the door.
★ BLOOD ON THE WALL (Saturday) One of New York City’s most beloved local bands, the Brooklyn trio Blood on the Wall plays belligerent, lo-fi stoner-rock marked by largely unintelligible lyrics and throbbing guitar riffs. Along with the band’s steadfast embrace of feedback, the oscillating boy-girl vocals of siblings Courtney and Brad Shanks recall “Daydream Nation”-era Sonic Youth. With Abigail Warchild, Lights and Cause Co-Motion. At 8:30 p.m., Mercury Lounge, 217 East Houston Street, at Ludlow Street, Lower East Side, (212) 260-4700, mercuryloungenyc.com; $10 in advance; $12 at the door. (Petrusich)
★ GLENN brANCA (Thursday) This avant-garde composer and guitarist transcends mere riffing: acclaimed for his experiments with volume, drone, tuning, microtonality and harmonics, Mr. Branca, a primary player in the No Wave movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s, is best known for his 100-guitar symphonies and for his 1981 masterpiece, “The Ascension” (99 Records). With the Paranoid Critical Revolution. At 8 p.m., Issue Project Room, 232 Third Street, at Third Avenue, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, (718) 330-0313, issueprojectroom.org; $10.

nytimes.com

In the lukewarm of the night appears Norman Jewison, ready to air-kiss a Kennedy.
“I was inspired by your father, and now we are all inspired by you,” says he to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The latter is standing on a staircase, the director sounds like a romantic lead and the whole thing twinkles and seems right out of a ? Norman Jewison film!
The scene unravelled last week at the celebrated Budman residence, in the quieter reaches above Eglinton. The younger Kennedy, in town then for the Green Living Show, was the man of the party. Burning almost the same fire as his dad — the ambient, cut-short hope of liberals everywhere — this RFK arrived, as he often does, in a Camelot-evoking skinny tie. Indeed, as the famous enviro-booster, known for taking on fat cats, said last year to New York mag, “I like to wear thin ties” and “I’m very happy to see that they’re finally coming into style ?”
But back to Jewison, who elicited applause that was anything but thin when he flattered the younggen Kennedy just so. In the process, he stitched together a nice bit of symmetry. As the Canadian director noted to moi that night, the elder Kennedy had been a huge supporter — a fan, in particular, of his seminal, race relations-stirring 1967 movie, In the Heat of the Night, starring Sidney Poitier.
Actually, looking it up later, I learned that when the New York Film Critics gave Jewison the best picture award for that flick, the ceremony was held at Sardi’s –and there to present him with it was none other than Senator Robert Kennedy, from New York. As he presented it to the young lensman, he apparently whispered, “See, I told you the timing was right, Norman.”
Fast-forward to Toronto, 2008, when the timing was right for a party baked in nostalgia. Don’tcha just love a dinner that comes with institutional memory? Those salonistas — Michael Budman and Diane Bald — really do think of everything.

nationalpost.com

To be assured of a local listing, send as much information as possible including a telephone number, by a Wednesday AT LEAST two weeks before the event occurs-Close-Up, The Salt Lake Tribune, 90 S. 400 West, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT 84101; or e-mail close-up@sltrib.com.
T O D A Y
SUNDAY ANDERSON WESTSIDE SENIOR CENTER “Positive Aging” is at 11 a.m. today. Activities include exercise, ceramics, pinochle, bridge tournament and bingo at the center, 868 W. 900 South. For information, call 801-538-2092.
TENTH EAST SENIOR CENTER Other activities include a Friday flick, yoga video, live music with dancing courtesy of the Fred Edwards Quartet, table tennis, bridge, wreath making, NIA and computer classes at the center, 237 S. 1000 East. For information, call 801-538-2084.
”CALL IT BUSINESS OR PLEASURE” WORKSHOP Participants will learn type and typesetting and design choices in designing a business or calling card from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today and Saturday at the Book Arts Studio, Marriott Library, Level 1, University of Utah. Cost is $150 and a materials fee is $25. For information, call Amber at 801-585-9191 or e-mail amber.heaton@utah.edu.
TEMPLE SQUARE PERFORMANCES “Joseph Smith the Prophet” is a sacred oratorio at 7:30 p.m. today
and Saturday in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. This event is open to those 8 and older. Tickets are free and required. For information, call 801-570-0080 or visit www.lds.org/events.
2ND ANNUAL UTAH HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONVENTION Session topics, a cocktail reception and business awards is at the Little America Hotel, 500 S. Main St. For information on booth rental or attendance, call 801-532-3308 or e-mail info@utahhcc.com.
”THE CLEAN HOUSE” The final performances are this weekend for this regional premiere by Sarah Ruhl at the Salt Lake Acting Company, 168 W. 500 North. Performances are at 8 p.m. today and Saturday; a Saturday matinee is at 2 p.m., followed by a post-play discussion, and at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $13-$34. For information, call 801-363-7522 or visit www.saltlakeactingcompany.org.

sltrib.com

UNC-Pembroke will start today at 2 p.m. at the Belk Athletic Complex and continue until 2 p.m. Saturday. The relay supports cancer research. Call (910) 521-3406.
“OLIVER!”: The Lu Mil Vineyard in
Dublin hosts the 7 p.m. performance. The play is a production of the North Carolina Children’s Theatre and Jaenicke Productions. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Call (910) 866-5819 or visit www.lumilvineyard.com
TARHEEL FLY-FISHING FILM FESTIVAL: The March of Dimes fundraiser of fly films and fellowship will be at the
Cameo Art House Theatre. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6. Tickets are $15 at the door. Call 323-5310 or go to www.flytieathon.com.
EXHIBIT: The 19th Annual Sandhills Community College Art Students Exhibit opening and reception will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Hastings Gallery in the Katherine L. Boyd Library at Sandhills Community College in
Southern Pines. The exhibit runs through May 5.
LIVE MUSIC: National acts The Dreaming plays tonight at
Jesters Pub. Mushroom Head plays Saturday. For list of other bands, go to www.jesterspub.com.
NITRO JAM SPRING NATIONALS: The races are at the Rockingham Dragway in
Rockingham through Sunday. Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. Friday and 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday. General admission is $35 today, $40 on Saturday and $35 Sunday. Junior general admission for ages 6 to 12 is $5 for all three days. A three-day pass is $85 for adults and $15 for junior admission. Go to www.ihra.com.
BLUEGRASS: Rhonda Vincent and Grammy nominee Audie Blaylock will be among performers in
Salemburg at the 6th Annual Laurel Lakes Bluegrass Festival from today through Sunday. A three-day pass is $45 at the door or $30 in advance. Daily prices range from $8 to $20. Admission is free for ages 16 and under when accompanied by an adult. Call (919) 422-8413 or go to www.jam-n-bluegrass.com.

fayobserver.com

Golf — The Masters — Par 3 Contest — From Augusta, Ga. (Live) (CC) TSN Noon
MLB Baseball — Oakland Athletics at Toronto Blue Jays. (Live) SNP 4 p.m.
NHL Hockey — Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Game 1 — New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils. (Live) (CC) TSN 4 p.m.
NHL Hockey — Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Game 1 — Ottawa Senators at Pittsburgh Penguins. (Live) (CC) CBC 4 p.m.
MLS Soccer — New England Revolution at Kansas City Wizards. (Live) WSBK 5 p.m.
NHL Hockey — Western Conference Quarterfinal Game 1 — Calgary Flames at San Jose Sharks. (Live) (CC) CBC 7 p.m.
MLB Baseball — San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants. (Live) SNP 7:30 p.m.
Women’s Hockey — 2008 IIHF World Championship From Harbin, China. (Live) (CC) TSN 9 p.m.
The Early Show — Leona Lewis performs. (N) CBS 7 a.m.
Good Morning America — Actor Laurence Fishburne; author Cokie Roberts. (N) ABC 7 a.m.
Today — Actor Keanu Reeves; diets to lose baby weight; comic Joan Rivers. (N) NBC 7 a.m.
Live With Regis and Kelly — Pat Sajak; Keanu Reeves. (N) CTV, ABC 9 a.m.
Montel Williams — A team of doctors discusses living wel. CBS 9 a.m., KVOS Noon
The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet — Brittany Snow; pursuit of perfection. (N) FOX 9 a.m.
The View — Singer Trisha Yearwood; actor Eddie Izzard (”The Riches”). (N) CTV, ABC 10 a.m.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show — Talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel; the winner of “Make Me a Supermodel.” (N) NBC, A-CHV 11 a.m., CITYTV 5 p.m.
The Martha Stewart Show — Secrets for living longer. (N) CBC 11 a.m., NBC 2 p.m.
Jerry Springer — A woman sleeps with her daughter’s boyfriend. (N) FOX 1 p.m.
The Steve Wilkos Show — Memorable lie-detector moments of the season. (N) E!, FOX 2 p.m.

canada.com

Gissendanner to challenge in District 71
She is first Democrat to file in legislative race
Betty Gissendanner wants to make sure people have an opportunity to vote for their District 71 state legislator in November.
Gissendanner, 57, plans to announce her candidacy for the District 71 seat at an 11:45 a.m. news conference on the steps of the historic Punta Gorda Courthouse today. She will be the first, and perhaps only, Democrat in the race.
“I think more than anything else,” she said of her reasons for running, “is that we have a two-party system that has served us well” and we need to preserve it. “As we look at the system right now, it has not been very balanced.”
Gissendanner has at least two opponents — both Republicans. Dr. Christopher Constance and funeral home operator Ken Roberson, both of Punta Gorda, have announced their candidacy. All three are vying for a seat left open when Rep. Michael Grant decided to forgo another run so he could compete for Lisa Carlton’s District 23 Senate seat. Term limits will prevent Carlton from running again.
Gissendanner has lived in Charlotte County for 22 years. She recently retired after operating a State Farm insurance office for 20 of those years. She is a former registered nurse with a master’s degree in nursing and a charter member of Edgewater United Methodist Church.
Her son, William Douglas Gissendanner, is serving in the United States Air Force in Germany.
Gissendanner says her experience in the health field and as a small businesswoman give her the experience and insight to represent her constituents in Tallahassee.
“I know both sides of the health-care debate — the health-care needs of the patients and the management perspective as well. I have the level of knowledge needed to make a significant contribution to meeting the health-care needs of the people of Florida.”

sun-herald.com

The NCAA tournament selection committee is meeting in Indianapolis this weekend, for the selection of the 34 best at-large basketball teams in the nation, pairing them up against the 31 automatic qualifiers and then listening to the critics instantly pick apart which teams were left out. Here are few things funs can do during the Selection Show.
1. Host a tupperware party - It’ll keep your mind off the crappy end to the season AND you’ll get some nice free gifts from the sales lady!
2. Play a video game that involves killing people in a violent manner - You can pretend your victims are prick coaches you hate like Jim Calhoun, Pete Gillen, and the quitter Bob Knight.
3. Begin spring cleaning - It’ll make your wife/girlfriend happy and maybe you’ll actually get laid in March for the first time since you became obsessed with college basketball oh so many years ago.
4. Go outside - I know this is foreign to all of us on days that involve college basketball games,news, and analysis but maybe you’ll like it. Maybe.
If all else fails swallow your pride, don’t be a hater, and wish a good friend luck on this NCAA Selection Show this Sunday.

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“Intersections.” Works by Marin Camille Hood and Lisa Solomon. Runs through April 16. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and by appt. S.F. State University, 1650 Holloway Ave. (415) 338-2580. www.sfsustudentcenter.com/artgallery. SF
“New Exercises.” Works by Franck Andre Jamme. “Dhyana.” Contemporary tantric drawings from Rajasthan. “Form +.” Works by Todd Bura, Leonie Guyer, Prajakti Jayavant, others. Exhibitions run through May 3. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. 535 Powell St. (415) 398-7229. www.meridiangallery.org. SF
“Reverie.” Works by Mark Stock. “West Coast Abstraction.” Works by Charles Arnoldi, Edith Baumann, James Hayward, others. Reception Thurs. Exhibitions run through May 3. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat. 685 Market St. (415) 541-0461. www.modernisminc.com. SF
“Mindscape.” Paintings, sculptures, photographs, more by member artists. Reception Thurs. Runs through April 5. Noon-5 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., noon-5:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 3489 Sacramento St. (415) 440-7392. www.sfwomenartists.org. SF
“All Mixed Up.” A group exhibition. Reception Fri. Runs through March 29. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat. 853 Fourth St., San Rafael. (415) 460-5208. www.artisansartgallery.com. NB
“Geography.” Paintings by Devorah Jacoby. Reception Fri. Runs through March 30. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., Sat.; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri. 851 Fourth St., San Rafael. (415) 454-4229. www.donnaseagergallery.com. NB
Paintings by Naomi Mindelzun. Reception Fri. Runs through March 30. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun. 143 Main St., Los Altos. (650) 941-7969. www.gallery9losaltos.com. PN

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The Notre Dame de Namur University gala honors Marie Gallo with the fifth annual NDNU Community Spirit Award. The evening includes dinner, dancing and a live and silent auction. Proceeds from the gala benefit the school’s Community Spirit Scholarship Fund. $175, tables of 10 $1,750. 6 p.m. March 29. Walter Gleason Center, Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont. (650) 508-4161, www.ndnu.edu/gala.
Invitation of the weekGateway to India Cal Shakes’ annual gala includes dining, music, dance and silent and live auctions. Festive formal and Indian attire. $250-$500, tables $3,500-$5,000. RSVP by Thurs. 6 p.m. March 8. The Rotunda, 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. (510) 548-3422, Ext. 125, www.calshakes.org .
Send hard-copy invitations to Benefits, Style section, The San Francisco Chronicle, 901 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103. Fax: (415) 543-6956.

sfgate.com