Willamette Weekend

[MUSIC] Omara “Bombino” Moctar managed one of the top 50 records of 2011, according to NPR, and you probably don’t even know who he is. The North African guitarist fast-forwards American rock’s lengthy journey from tribal ritual to arena spectacle in a single sitting. Moctar crafts bluesy, ’60s-era rock atop a backdrop of stunning traditional Saharan musical phrasing. The result is Agadez, a collection of scampering percussion, multilayered guitar melodies and incredibly infectious verses sung in his native Tuareg tongue. Star Theater, 13 NW 6th Ave. 7 pm. $15. 21+.

Puppet Slam! 
[THEATER] The latest iteration of Beady Little Eyes’ semiannual showcase of adult puppet theater has a “heroes and villains” theme. Dress as a hero or villain for $1 off. Funhouse Lounge, 2432 SE 11th Ave. 8 pm. $8. 21+. 

[FILM] Essentially the Ramones’ A Hard Day’s Night, 1979’s Rock ’n’ Roll High School takes place in a parallel dimension to our own, a Bizarro World where preppy pretty boys pine after weirdo punk girls and Joey Ramone is a teen idol. It’s self-consciously campy, but the musical numbers—particularly the band’s grand entrance, performing “I Just Wanna Have Something to Do” from the back of a convertible while simultaneously gnawing on fried chicken—are legit awesome. Fun fact: Roger Corman originally wanted to name the film Disco High. After changing the script to focus on a rock band, the directors were unsure who the starring group should be. As if there was any question: Who else but the Ramones could occupy such a brilliantly stupid universe? Bagdad Theater, 3702 SE Portland Blvd. 8 pm Friday-Saturday, April 20-21.

[MUSIC] Read our full guide to what's going down around town here, and our pick of the Portland releases here.

[BEER] Now, in its sixth year, Cheers to Belgian Beers will see 50 Oregon breweries making one-off Belgian-style beers from the same strains of yeast. Mmm, incestuous. Drinkers may vote on their favorite beer, and the winner will have the honor of choosing the yeast strains for next year’s festival. Metalcraft Fabrication, 723 N Tillamook St. Noon-9 pm. $15 for five drink tickets and a tasting glass, $20 for 10 tickets and a tasting glass. $1 for additional tastes. 21+. 

Something’s Got a Hold of My Heart
[THEATER] Hand2Mouth Theatre presents two work-in-progress performances of the company’s new show about love songs, falling in love and ’70s folk music. The first performance, in February, was excellent. Disjecta, 8371 N Interstate Ave., 286-9449. 8 pm Friday-Saturday, April 20-21. Free.

Marc Maron
[COMEDY] America’s leading comedy podcaster and confessional poet is in town for three nights. Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE 9th Ave., 888-643-8669. 8 pm Thursday, 7 and 9:30 pm Friday-Saturday, April 19-21. $20-$25. 21+. The Salt of Life

[MUSIC] When performing together as Loop 2.4.3, Lorne Watson and Thomas Kozumplik stand facing each other, often meeting each other's eyes while giving silent cues about where a particular piece is going. It's an unusual setup and can be slightly intense to watch. But they ease the situation through their music, an all-percussion barrage of rhythm and electronics. You can dance to it, but you might be better off immersing yourself in the audio-visual experience of watching two master musicians face off for one common musical goal. Rotture, 315 SE 3rd Ave. 9 pm. $7. 21+.