THE WEEK/CITY PICK

Oct. 20 through Oct. 26

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

thursday20

Gallery Talk - "Red Trailer Motel"
7 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center Downtown

We've got to admit, Michael C. McMillen's "Red Trailer Motel" is one of the neatest art installations to visit the Des Moines Art Center Downtown in recent times. McMillan combines his past experience as a model builder for Hollywood movies with his interest in the discarded items of American society to create an intricate environ of a roadside motel in the middle of nowhere. Tonight, McMillan will give a free gallery talk and artist lecture at the Des Moines Art Center Downtown discussing the "Red Trailer Motel" installation, as well as his other projects. The special exhibition will be on display at the gallery through Dec. 30.

friday21

The Wild Rose Film Festival
5:30 p.m.
Fleur Cinema and Cafè

Documentaries and films by current and former Iowans are dominating the award nominations at the 2005 Wild Rose Independent Film Festival, organized by Des Moines' AriesWorks Entertainment. The festival - that starts on Thursday and runs through the weekend - features workshops, film screenings and an awards ceremony. Tonight, attend "Happy Hour Flickage" at 5:30 p.m., which includes 75 minutes of short films. Then, stick around for a wine reception for Mas Gardner and the cast of his film "Boone Style," which will be screened at 7:30 p.m. A full evening pass costs $12, the "Happy Hour Flickage" only is $6, and the "Boone Style" reception and screening only are $7. To receive full festival information, call AriesWorks at 244-1231.

saturday22

The Misfits
5 p.m.
Hairy Mary's

Forget social or political statements. Vampires, alien invasion, monsters and Frankenstein: these are the things of which Misfits songs are made. And that approach makes the Misfits a one-of-a-kind band. That and the band's DIY mentality that leads them to construct their own instruments, studded leather straps, spiked leather jackets and elaborate stage sets. The band started during the dawn of the punk movement in 1977, and taking the title of Marilyn Monroe's last movie as their name, the Misfits - including singer Glenn Danzig and bassist Jerry Only - set out to make an impression, inspiring legions of black makeup-wearing, studded accessory-clad admirers. Though Danzig is no longer with the band, Jerry Only continues to tour under the Misfits name with an ever-changing lineup in his coffer, including Black Flag's Dez Cadena. See the Misfits tonight at Hairy Mary's with openers The Street Urchins and The Street Brats. This all-ages show costs $22.

sunday23

All Iowa AIDS Benefit
4:30 to 10 p.m.
Embassy Suites on the River

Every year, the All Iowa AIDS Benefit raises money for organizations throughout the state to help support direct service programs for those living with HIV and AIDS. Tonight, the pre-show party starts at 4:30 p.m. in the atrium of the Embassy Suites on the River, followed by a silent auction from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring artwork by Iowa artisans, holiday and gift items, gift certificates, entertainment packages, lodging and more. The variety show will follow from 6 to 10 p.m. in the ballroom.

monday24

"Scare-Us" Hill Spooktacular
6, 7, or 8 p.m.
Terrace Hill

Get a head start on Halloween tonight with ghost storytelling and a nighttime tour of Terrace Hill for you and your little ones. The tours and storytelling groups will take place at 6, 7 and 8 p.m., the early tour recommended for ages 5 and up, the second for ages 7 and up, and the last one for 10 and up. Stories will get spookier as the night progresses. An adult must accompany children, but adults don't need accompaniment. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children. Reservations are required by calling 281-3604 or by e-mail at Carla.Herling@iowa.gov.

tuesday25

Ben Ulin
8 p.m.
Funny Bone

If you've seen a comedy illusion show at Adventureland since, oh, about 1987, chances are you're familiar with Ben Ulin, Central Iowa's foremost comedian-magician. Or perhaps you saw him when he hosted KDSM Fox 17 Kids Club or IPBN's "The Comedy Shop." Or perhaps you've seen his performance at a corporate event. Now, you can see him as he headlines the Funny Bone, when he will attempt to escape from a blue jean vest, perform a rope trick ballet and make a fool of at least one person - while the rest of the audience laughs when they see how it was done. The Funny Bone's Web site is also teasing potential customers by saying Ulin might break into the "Funky White Boy Blues." Though we're not sure that's as enticing as they might think it is, you can be the judge tonight at 8 p.m.

wednesday26

Paul Rusesabagina's "Hotel Rwanda: Global Justice and Human Rights"
7 p.m.
Great Hall of Iowa State's Memorial Union

For anyone who saw "Hotel Rwanda" starring Don Cheadle, the name Paul Rusesabagina should be instantly familiar. Rusesabagina is the hotel manager in Rwanda who saved more than 1,000 Tutsis refugees during the 1994 genocide when Hutu militia slaughtered nearly 1 million people over the course of 100 days. He still works with charitable organizations aiding survivors of the Rwandan tragedy and has set up the Rusesabagina Foundation to help the relief effort. Rusesabagina served as a special consultant to United Artists and Lion's Gate Films' production of "Hotel Rwanda." He is the keynote speaker for the World Affairs lecture series. CV

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