FAWTEL ART   showcases photo and graphic impressionism by A.J. Montrose. Fawtel Art, 447-2790.

HOT BEARS SAY RRRRROOOOW!   Happy eighth anniversary hairy bears! The cuddliest, hairiest, most barrel-chested bigboys celebrate eight as the Heart of Texas Bears, a social service group dedicated to all things "grrrrr." They host monthly coffees, movie nights, beer busts, etc. Get on their list for more info and details about this weekend's b'day party! info@heartoftexasbears.org www.heartoftexasbears.org

SMOKING BANANA   The "Official Spam of the Austin Outpost of the Guerrilla Queer Bar." Oh, yes, we have some bananas. www.smokingbanana.com

STEAK NIGHT & STRIP OFF   Come out early for a $5 steak (or chicken) with all the fixins. Charles Hill & Chris Davidson provide the tunes. Then stay late for Jame Perry's original amateur strip-off. Mmmm, nothing like peeling outta yer trousers after a big plate o' beef! Tuesdays, 6pm & 12mid. Charlie's, 1301 Lavaca, 474-6481. www.charliesaustin.com

THUNDERING PAWS ANIMAL SANCTUARY   in Dripping Springs is in need of volunteers to care for cats, help with special events, and perform other tasks. volunteer@thunderingpaws.org

The State of Texas Hip-Hop
Antone's, Friday, Jun 16

With V-Zilla, Steve Austin, PPT, D.O.S., Mr. Blakes, and Vehicular.

The Streets
La Zona Rosa, Friday, Jun 16

Trying to get Mike Skinner to divulge his darkest secrets was proving a lot harder than his latest album suggested, but then, he drops the bomb: "I was a big fan of New Kids on the Block."

OK, not that scandalous, but admitting he also had a Vanilla Ice fade still fits nicely in the vein of his confessional third LP The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living, a tale of fame and blow under the microscope. Performing as the Streets since 2000, the 25-year-old Brit became a household name with 2004's sophomore effort A Grand Don't Come for Free, a day-in-the-life slice about video games and bad cell phone reception. On that album cover, he stood at a bus stop. On his new album, he's in front of a Rolls Royce.

"I didn't go into it with the intention of writing about celebrity," Skinner says. "But I think it's more interesting for it. Fame, [in England], it's not so much of a taboo. We find it all very funny, the whole [Pete Doherty] thing. You don't talk about your partying as much, not in a blunt way."

Indeed, Skinner's exploits are chronicled on his latest with typical deadpan detail. The paparazzi also get called out, but Skinner's surprisingly comfortable with the occupational hazard.

"To be honest," he adds, "it's not like I'm Hugh Grant."

Ever prolific, Skinner's already got a new project in the works, including an R. Kelly-influenced gem called "Get in the Cupboard."

"I play all the characters," Skinner explains. "Including the midget." – Audra Schroeder

Juneteenth Weekend
Nelson Athletic Stadium, Friday, Jun 16

Juneteenth weekend events kick off with the 3rd Annual Alvin Patterson Battle of the Bands, bringing high school talent to Congress Avenue on Friday afternoon and Nelson Field later that evening. Joined by high school squads from as far away as Memphis, the reigning two-time champion Louisiana Leadership All-Star Band sets a grand precedent against the Austin All-Star Band. After the Juneteenth Community Parade winds its way through the Eastside on Saturday, Gene’s New Orleans Style Poboys hosts local rap upstarts New Generation of Kings, trading blows with R&B; singer Rochelle Terrell. – Robert Gabriel

Insect Sex Act
Room 710, Friday, Jun 16

Well-oiled Austin psychotronic power trio Insect Sex Act makes a rare Red River landing Friday night. Guitarist Brett Bradford (Scratch Acid), drummer Max Brody (Ministry), and bassist Jason Craig (Pong) ply a scorching, one-louder soundtrack to mind-melting Texas summers on their latest, Act I (Stacked). Just forget about trying to stay cool and follow the bouncing eyeballs. Confuzatron jacks up the freak-out factor with their sledgehammer-subtle psychedelia, while the Strip Club D.J.s deliver a delirious dose of metal, punk, and perversion at ramming speed. Novice opens. – Greg Beets