Whartscape 2010 The Rolling Stones once had a hit, "The Last Time," that you probably won't hear at this year's Whartscape, Baltimore's annual alternative music festival. But maybe you should — organizers are saying that this year's Whartscape, the fifth, will be the last. But what a run, and what a send-off! This year's schedule includes more than 100 music, theater and video performances, about half of them by local artists. Everyone from Arab on Radar to Zomes will be showing up, all reveling in the sort of cultural nonconformity that often gives rise to genius (or something dangerously close to it). The four-day fest began Thursday and continues through Sunday at the Current Space, 421 N. Howard St., and the H&H Building, 405 W. Franklin St. Schedule and information: whamcity.com. For more on Whartscape, turn to Page --.
Bubble Days Giant bubbles and tiny bubbles, six-sided bubbles and bubbles that make like disco balls — bubbles of every size, shape and consistency imaginable will be at the Maryland Science Center this weekend, courtesy of Casey Carle. This guy's spent 20 years learning about bubbles inside and out, and his 30-minute shows should leave you alternately gasping in amazement and smiling at the silliness of it all. One of the few bubbles he won't be showcasing is champagne, so bring the kids (he says his shows are perfect for people ages 5 to 95). Carle's shows are at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. inside the Science Center, 601 Light St. But even when he's not performing, the entire building and its surroundings will be awash in bubble-mania. Free with paid museum admission. 410-685-5225 or mdsci.org. For more on Carle, turn to Page --.
Baltimore Mariners The American Indoor Football Association championship will be on the line Sunday when the unbeaten Baltimore Mariners (15-0) take on the Wyoming Cavalry in AIFA Bowl IV. And for those who doubt Charm City's football cred, consider this: Baltimore is the only city whose football teams have won championships in the National Football League, Canadian Football League and United States Football League. A win Sunday would give Baltimore a total of eight football championships. The game is set for 4 p.m. at 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. Tickets are $10-$25. 410-528-9842 or baltimoremariners.com
Zappa, Glass and the BSO Frank Zappa spearheaded the Mothers of Invention and once had a Top 25 album called "Sheik Yerbouti." Philip Glass is a minimalist composer who bristles at the label, preferring instead to be called a composer of "music with repetitive structures." The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra specializes in classical orchestral music. Looking for a common tie? They're all from Baltimore. Tonight at 7:30, the BSO will perform "The Music of Frank Zappa and Philip Glass," including Zappa's "Dupree's Paradise," "Be-Bop Tango," "Outrage at Valdez" and "G-Spot Tornado," along with Glass' Symphony No. 4, "Heroes." Tickets to the Meyerhoff, 1212 Cathedral St., are $21-$48. 410-783-8000 or bsomusic.org
'Salt' Angelina Jolie is a CIA officer "outed" as a Russian spy in this latest from director Phillip Noyce ("Clear and Present Danger," "Rabbit-Proof Fence"). In the film, Jolie's Evelyn Salt loudly proclaims her innocence, and initiates all sorts of mayhem to prove it. Opens today in theaters. For a review, turn to Page --..
Baltimore Aerial Festival Aerial artists from Baltimore and Washington performing in the skies above Baltimore's only alley where the vibrant art of urban graffiti is not only welcome, but celebrated — the second Baltimore Aerial Festival runs through Sunday in the alley behind Load of Fun, 120 North Ave. at Howard Street. Performers include Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey, Arachne Aerial Arts, A Conspiracy of Movement and others. Shows are set for 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $5-$20. in-flighttheater.com
American Idol Live! The 10 finalists from last season's "American Idol," including eventual champion Lee DeWyze and runner-up Crystal Bowersox, will be singing their lungs out at 1st Mariner Arena on Saturday. Several "American Idol Live!" tour stops have been canceled this summer and the tour shortened by 16 days, but that could be good news for fans — great seats may still be available (as of Wednesday, floor tickets were still available online). The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. Tickets are $38.50-$69. 800-551-7328 or ticketmaster.com
Chris Kaltenbach