THE WEEK/CITY PICK

Sept. 8 through Sept. 14

All entries must be submitted by noon Friday. Fax 953-1394 or e-mail calendar@dmcityview.com.

thursday08

Blackpool Lights & Dead Girls Ruin Everything
9 p.m.
Maintenance Shop
The Blackpool Lights and Dead Girls Ruin Everything have never played in the Maintenance Shop. However, their members are veterans of the joint, if one considers that the two bands are made up of Lawrence, Kan., bands that frequented the venue during their reign of the Midwest. Blackpool Lights features members of The Get Up Kids, The Belles, The Start, The Ultimate Fakebook and The Creature Comforts, while Dead Girls Ruin Everything features former members of Ultimate Fakebook and Podstar. All of this previous musical experience chalks this night up to one word: rock. Both bands are expected to release their debut full-lengths in the near future, but in the meantime, check them out as they light up the Maintenance Shop stage in the Iowa State University Memorial Union. Tickets are $6 for students and $8 for the public in advance. Prices increase $1 day of show. For more information, visit www.m-shop.com.

friday09

Henry Rollins
8 p.m.
Stephens Auditorium
Henry Rollins puts on a memorable performance. The heavily muscled and tattooed renaissance man works the stage - veins popping, sweat dripping -- spouting off in spurts of rage. And these are just his Grammy Award-winning spoken-word performances, for which people claim he's more relaxed than on his musical ventures. One can only imagine what it would have been like to see him live as the frontman for Black Flag or for his solo project, The Rollins Band. In addition to his invaluable contributions to punk rock, Rollins writes books and poetry, appears in movies and on television, and, of course, performs his spoken word. In the midst of all that, he's kept his artistic integrity, becoming a sort of father figure for many alternative bands in the '90s. On his spoken-word albums, Rollins showcases a self-deprecating sense of humor, and on his spoken-word tours, Rollins lays out his opinions on topics of the day, from examinations of mundane activities to criticism of politics, politicians and current events. Don't miss your chance to see this free performance at Stephens Auditorium in Ames.

saturday10

Pufferbilly Days
All day
Boone
A pufferbilly is a small steam engine used to tunnel deep into coalmines. And while the days of the steam engine may be in the past, Boone keeps its memory alive for a few days every year during its Pufferbilly Days event, a four-day celebration of everything trains. And it's only fitting, considering some 70 trains pass through town on a daily basis and the railroad industry remains the city's largest employer. The event starts on Thursday and runs through Sunday, and by its end, participants will have seen a spike-driving contest, a parade, a lip-sync contest, a 5K run, train rides and more. In addition, a variety of music will be performed, including Tami Jo Platter with country western and Bob and the Beachcombers with a Beach Boys/Jimmy Buffett tribute. And if none of these things sound appealing, there's always the beer garden. Beer can make anything worthwhile. For more information, visit www.booneiowa.com.

sunday11

Chris Crutcher's "Banned Book Week: When Real Life Fiction Meets the Censor"
8 p.m.
Sun Room of Iowa State University's Memorial Union
Author Chris Crutcher tackles the controversial issues - bigotry, abuse, teen sexuality. And he writes about them using strong language. The combination of these elements has led to all nine of his books being banned or censored somewhere. Crutcher worked for a decade in California with at-risk K-12 students at a "last chance" alternative school. His written work is heavily influenced by his experiences as a therapist and child protection advocate. He balances comedy and tragedy, as well as its unflinching honesty and authentic voice. Crutcher will speak tonight in the Sun Room of Iowa State University's Sun Room about his body of work and its having been banned or censored. This is a free presentation.

tuesday13

Tristan Prettyman
8 p.m.
Maintenance Shop
Tristan Prettyman is often referred to as the female answer to Jack Johnson. And rightfully so: she's attractive, a surfer and plays the same brand of soft-spoken acoustic pop music as Johnson does. In between modeling for Quicksilver's Roxy clothing line and surfing, Prettyman started playing local venues before heading out on tour with the likes of Jason Mraz and G. Love and Special Sauce. Her debut LP released on Virgin Records, "Twentythree" features contributions from Mraz, Love, Norah Jones and Jesse Harris. With the right support in her corner, Prettyman is on the verge of taking over the coffee-shop circuit - before, of course, plotting to take over the rest of the music world. Don't miss the opportunity to see this up-and-comer tonight at the Maintenance Shop in Iowa State University's Memorial Union. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for the public in advance. Prices increase $1 day of show. For more information, visit www.m-shop.com.

wednesday14

The MiGGs
9 p.m.
Vaudeville Mews
The MiGGs sold more than 10,000 copies of their first release with little or no distribution. The band also opened for Aerosmith and Dishwalla. That hard work paid off, landing the band a deal with the Tower Records imprint 33rd Street Records for the release of "Insomnia," produced by Gavin MacKillop (Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, Sugarcult). With an alternative sound reminiscent of influences like the Replacements, R.E.M. and Live, the MiGGs' brand of music isn't breaking new ground by any means, but the Northern California band's music is solid, well-constructed, accessible and easy to absorb. Take some time out for this easily digestible band as it plays the Vaudeville Mews tonight. Tickets are $5 day of show.

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