Friday 16
During Run-D.M.C.’s 1988 tour, riots erupted in Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, and Saint Louis, leaving 39 persons hurt and sticking rap music with a reputation for inciting violence. KRS-ONE defies that stereotype with his hit single “Stop the Violence.” Last year he pulled together a group of rappers to record “Self-Destruction,” another song designed to raise the consciousness of urban youth. Proceeds went straight to the National Urban League’s programs against crime, particularly black-on-black crime. KRS-ONE headlines today’s City-wide Rally Against Crime, which starts with speakers at 10 AM at Operation PUSH, 930 E. 50th St. At 11 there’s a march to Washington Park, 57th Street between King Drive and Cottage Grove, where the noon rally will be held. It’s free. Call 978-0868.
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In the 1977 black exploitation film The Human Tornado Rudy Ray Moore messes around with a white sheriff’s wife, does comedy routines while women strip, takes on the mob, and shows why he’s one of the most important influences on comedians Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. Presented by the Psychotronic Film Society, the film begins at 8 PM at the 950 Club, 950 W. Wrightwood. Admission is $2. Call 248-4823.
Wednesday 21
Bradley Parker-Sparrow, the talented and temperamental piano player who got a new tattoo after recording each of his albums, has really cleaned up his act. He and his wife, vocalist Joanie Pallatto, are giving a recital, for Pete’s sake. Together they’ll explore the possibilities of piano and voice as “string” instruments, as part of the Public Library’s “Zing Went the Strings” series. The two will premiere three new songs and two piano sonatas, and do a little jazz improv at 5:30 PM in the Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. It’s free. Call 346-3278.
