CONCERT
George Strait :
They call him the "King of Country," yet they could also call him the "King of Baltimore." Huge crowds are a given when he comes to town. He brings a warm, easygoing style to his vast catalog of heartland-themed hits. The show, which also features Reba McEntire, starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday at 1st Mariner Arena.
Web: www.baltimorearena.com
COMEDY
Cheech and Chong:
This pot-smoking comic duo have been reunited after more 20 years. Part stoner yuckfest, part marijuana political rally, their tour had a shaky start, but it's picking up some steam after more than a year on the road. Show starts 8 p.m. Saturday at the Meyerhoff. Just remember to leave your Fritos and bong at home.
Web: cheechand
chongtour.com
THEATER
'Two Rooms':
Although Lee Bleesing wrote this play in the 1980s, his study of the emotional toll of terrorism is more pertinent than ever. Everyman regular Clinton Brandhagen (above) stars as a professor held hostage in the Mideast. Back in the West, his wife enters her own version of captivity as she desperately waits for news. Opens 8 p.m. Friday at the Everyman Theatre.
Web: everymantheatre.org
ART
John Waters' 'Versailles':
What do a French royal palace and a Towson apartment complex have in common? Well, other than a name, nothing really, but it sure makes for an amusing juxtaposition. Catch this and other oddball observations from the irreverent director through Feb. 27 at C. Grimaldis Gallery. Waters opens the show with a reception at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Web: cgrimaldisgallery.com
LECTURE
Spike Lee at Loyola:
This year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Convocation will be a little late. But what's a few days when your keynote speaker is the pioneering director of films like "Do the Right Thing" and "When the Levees Broke"? Starts 7 p.m. Wednesday at Loyola's Reitz Arena.
Web: loyola.edu
CONCERT
Timbaland :
The slick producer behind the hits of pop stars like Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado is as comfortable on stage as he is in the recording studio. Promoting his latest, "Shock Value II," this tour promises surprise guests at some stops and plenty of technical wizardry. Show starts at 8 tonight at Rams Head Live.
Web: ramsheadlive.com
DVD
'The Invention of Lying':
With a romantic pairing like Jennifer Garner and Ricky Gervais (below), honesty might not be the best policy. But this odd couple does make for an endearing screwball comedy. The always droll Gervais stars as a sad-sack screenwriter who discovers the advantages of lies in a world without fibs. In stores Tuesday.
TV
'My Life as Liz':
After years of blondes and beaches, MTV is turning its attention to social outcasts. Think of it as "The Hills" with nerds. While it seems just as contrived, you laugh with the characters, not at them. Watch as Liz Lee (below) struggles in a small Texas town while doing her best impression of Ellen Page. Airs 10:30 p.m. Monday on MTV.
POP MUSIC
The Editors' 'In the Light :
and on This Evening' :
This moody British indie band has traded its guitars for synthesizers. The new direction was reportedly inspired by, of all things, the theme to "The Terminator." The album makes its official American debut Tuesday. And look for the guys on the late-night talk-show circuit in the coming weeks.
ART
'Participation Nation':
The Contemporary Museum is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an ambitious yearlong exhibition called Project 20. Part one, "Participation Nation," kicked off this weekend with interactive projects by Finishing School (below), Neighborhood Public Radio and Lee Mingwei. "Nation" runs through April.
Web: contemporary.org