Alembic is a performance series organized by performance superstar Linda Austin at pioneer FOPO outpost, Performance Works Northwest. Tonight's instance in the series is Temporary Roadmaps, films curated by Portland filmmaker Karl Lind. The program includes works of Portland artists Ed Mellnik, Stephanie Simek and Adam Keller. At Performance Works Northwest www.performanceworksnw.org 4625 SE 67th Friday and Saturday 8:30PM $8-10
Space is the Place is a low budget cult science fiction film staring experimental musician Sun Ra. Sun Ra began playing in 1940's Chicago. He was the first to use electronic keyboards and was a pioneer in large group improvization - free jazz. His group has been alternately named the Solar Arkestra, the Cosmo Discipline Arkestra, the Blue Universe Arkestra, the Jet Set Omniverse Arkestrathe, the Myth-Science Arkestra, and the Omniverse Arkestra. They perform in elaborate costumes with space mythology themes - Sun Ra claims to be born on Saturn and his birth certificate has never been found.
In the film, Sun Ra establishes a colony for Africans on Saturn then duals a pimp, the Overseer, over a game of cards for the future of the human race. This film is a gem - here is a clip. Recommended for all its weirdness and a look at 1972 on the West Coast.
Film at PSU's 5th Avenue Cinema 510 SW Hall Street
7:00PM, 9:30 Friday and Saturday 3PM Sunday Free PSU students, $2 for other students/seniors, $3 general and free popcorn
