The Stranger

Do I need to tell you again that New York–based comedian Hari Kondabolu (who recorded his first Comedy Central special this fall—it airs in spring 2011) is a wise, witty, golden-hearted crusader for both funny jokes AND social justice? Surely you are aware of this by now. Instead, let's talk about his opening act, Ahamefule Oluo. Oluo is a local musician, comedian, and master storyteller who has somehow managed to cram approximately 56 tragic, awkward, hilarious, blistering lifetimes into his 30-odd years. He will tell you about it in dark, honest words and you will be amazed. (Comedy Underground, 109 S Washington St, 628-0303, 8 pm, $12, 21+) by Lindy West

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Speaking as someone who worked 14 straight retail Christmases: Bad Santa is a necessary holiday tradition, the flip side to the goodness of A Charlie Brown Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life. Terry Zwigoff's tinsel-choked caper comedy is about the side of Christmas that retail employees see—a flood of hideous people at their greediest and most wretched, clawing desperately for their own interests at the expense of everyone else. Billy Bob Thornton's performance taps into something raw: For 90 minutes, he is the anti–Christ child. In other words, he is America at Christmas. (Grand Illusion, 1403 NE 50th St, 523-3935, 11 pm, by donation) by Paul Constant

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If you're going to read only one book of shameless Christian propaganda in your life, drop that Bible immediately and pick up The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe instead. Wardrobe is the choice of the third meeting of the Bushwick Book Club, in which local musicians respond to a book with original songs. You simply can't find a more fun, boozy monthly combination of literature and music in Seattle, and tonight's exploration of childhood and magic and Jesusness should make for an interesting outing. Someone is guaranteed to perv it up in an innovative way. (Can Can, 94 Pike St, 652-0832, 8 pm, $7, 21+) by Paul Constant

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Anybody who enjoys really good food shouldn't expect to find it at Seattle Center's food court, but there's a hidden gem there among the Starbucks, Subway, and way overpriced "candy store"—Cafe Beignet. You get four large, delicious, fried-to-order beignets for $3.25. They're golden and crispy on the outside, tender and piping hot in the center, and topped with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. You can even get them filled with custard or jam! It's cheaper than a flight to New Orleans and just as yummy. (Cafe Beignet, Center House, Seattle Center, 11 am–6 pm) by Megan Seling

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For the Love of Music is the compilation CD featuring new recordings from virtually every Seattle hiphop artist worth knowing, all of 'em laid down at the new studio at the Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club. Tonight brings the release-party extravaganza, complete with performances by Shabazz Palaces, Champagne Champagne, THEESatisfaction, Mash Hall, Mad Rad, and many more. Best of all: Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club. (Neumos, 925 E Pike St, 709-9467, 8 pm, $15, 21+) by David Schmader

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One of the last plays by Shakespeare is by far his best. What makes it great is what it has in common with the Epistles of Paul: It speaks to the future, not to its moment of appearance. Directed by Julie Taymor (much of her fame rests on the stage adaptation of the movie The Lion King), and starring Helen Mirren as Prospero (inspired casting) and Djimon Hounsou as Caliban (smart casting), the film overwhelms us with beautiful music, people, scenery (it was filmed on a Hawaiian island), and language. Taymor does not update a thing—and why would she? The play already speaks to our dazzling and complicated age of international trade, postcolonial resentment, and mass entertainment. (See Movie Times: thestranger.com/film) by Charles Mudede

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