Blackpool Lights

Blackpool lights

Blackpool Lights is a new all-star local band featuring Jim Suptic (The Get Up Kids), Brian Everard (The Creature Comforts), Billy Brimblecom (Stick) and J.D. Warnock (Ultimate Fakebook). Get Up Kids fans should warm up fast to the group’s bouncy, workaholic rock, propelled by the shotgun drum fills of Brimblecom and dueling lead guitars of Suptic and Warnock. The band is currently touring the United States with a five-song EP and “several new T-shirts” in anticipation of its debut album in early 2006. Blackpool Lights performs at 10 p.m. today at The Jackpot Saloon, 943 Mass.

Brewgrass Festival

Blackalicious

As most people who have played in bands can attest, beer and live music often go hand in hand. That’s the concept behind the inaugural Brewgrass Festival, where eight breweries will partner up with an equal amount of roots-oriented area bands. Performing artists include DJ Liondub, DeWayn Bros., Arthur Dodge, Yuca Roots, High Water Marksman, Konza Swamp, Kasey Rausch and the Buttermilk Boys, Fast Food Junkies and Poor Miners Union. The event runs from 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday at Burcham Park.

Blackalicious

'Side by Side'

Like fellow West Coast rap acts The Pharcyde and Jurassic 5, Blackalicious is more likely to flow on “the positive tip” than degrade women or celebrate thug life. The decade-old group has hooked up with ANTI Records to release its new album, “The Craft,” which displays heavy slices of Bay Area funk in the tradition of Sly Stone and Shuggie Otis. The two-man DJ/MC crew – rapper Gift of Gab and producer Chief Xcel – introspects and party-rocks in equal measure, making them one of hip-hop’s most universally beloved acts. Blackalicious joins Kansas City rapper Reach at 9 p.m. today at The Bottleneck, 737 N.H.

‘Side by Side’

Lawrence artist Jan Gaumnitz makes photographs, paintings, prints, sculptures and ceramics. “My favorite is what I’m working on at the time,” she says. “They all contribute to each other.” Much of her work is nature-based, and she also enjoys working in mixed media. An example of her sculpture is on view in front of the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., in this year’s Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition. CornerBank will feature Gaumnitz’ eclectic pieces in a show dubbed “Side by Side.” The exhibit opens with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today and remains on view through Oct. 29 at the bank, 4621 W. Sixth St.

Kaw Valley Quilters Guild Show

Kaw Valley Quilters Guild Show

More than 100 quilts created by members of the Kaw Valley Quilters Guild will be on display this weekend at the group’s annual show. The featured quilter will be Joyce Colton, who will give a program, “Every Quilt Has a Story, but Some Are Better Than Others,” at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. New this year will be a boutique featuring handmade book covers, eyeglass cases, pincushions and other items. Vendors will sell quilting supplies, and a sewing machine will be raffled. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Community Building, 11th and Vermont streets. Admission is $3.