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|  Thursday, August 14, 2008 |
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Bill Maher
 Aug. 16
Murat Theatre
While remoting through your cable channels, it is very possible to stop on a talk show appearance by Bill Maher and hear absolutely nothing funny.
That isn't because his jokes are bombing. It's because, increasingly, Maher seems to be invited on such shows not for his able way around a punch line, but for his political and social opinions. He's notoriously not shy, for instance, about challenging religion - organized or otherwise - as audiences will see when his film "Religulous" hits movie theaters in early October.
What these appearances might mask is that Bill Maher is one of the sharpest comedy writers around, with knowledge of the political scene that seems encyclopedic. And even if his act starts to sound like a partisan speech, remember there's always a punch line waiting at the end of each rant.
If you are on his side of the aisle - or have a thick skin - check out Maher doing what he does best. For details, click here.
Robert Frank Film Marathon
Aug. 17
Indianapolis Museum of Art
If you haven't yet seen the Robert Frank photographs on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, on the 17th there's an even better reason to visit: In conjunction with the exhibition, the museum will host a one-day marathon of seven Robert Frank films.
The best known of these is "Pull My Daisy," in which poets Allen Ginsberg and Gregory Corso crash a dinner planned for a bishop. It's written and narrated by Beat Generation icon Jack Kerouac - whose "On the Road" scroll is partnered with the Frank photos in the exhibition.
The most recent film, 1983's "This Song for Jack," documents a gathering of "On the Road" fans in Boulder, Colo. For details, click here.
"A League of Their Own"
Aug. 15
Indiana History Center
OK, let's get it over with. Everyone say it together: "There is no crying in baseball."
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There. It's been said. And no doubt when "A League of Their Own" screens at the canal outside the Indiana History Center, there will be audible signs of recognition from the crowd. The good thing is there's a very entertaining movie surrounding that famous Tom Hanks quote.
The screening is part of a weekly series of films with Indiana connections. In this case, some of the ballpark scenes were shot here. For details, click here.
 Tommy Davidson
Aug. 14-17
Morty's Comedy Joint
While Tommy Davidson has been doing stand-up for years - and starred in such films as "Juwanna Mann," "Booty Call" and the upcoming "Black Dynamite" - let me take you back for a moment to some of his more obscure stuff.
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| Here's a memory lane look at his Sugar Ray Leonard impersonation from the TV show "In Living Color."
And, from the same groundbreaking program, Davidson having some fun as MC Hammer.
Enough with the video. You can see Davidson live this weekend at Morty's. For details on the show, click here.
 "Video Games Live"
Aug. 15-16
Hilbert Circle Theatre
Before you scoff at the idea of an evening of symphonic video game music, consider these points:
- The creators of the program insist that "it is NOT a bunch of bleeps and bloops." In fact, many of the composers themselves supervised the presentation of the material.
- It's not just the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performing video game music. Lighting effects and video also are key components.
- Part of the fun happens before the show, when the lobby becomes a temporary arcade. A costume contest and prize giveaways also are part of the festivities.
- The show is family friendly. No need to fear "Grand Theft Auto" visuals.
If you're still cynical about whether this music is worthy of orchestral treatment, consider this: Many people in the audience will be going to hear symphonic music for the first time. And this is an audience that, once it likes something, stays hooked.
Me, I'm willing to give it a shot. If you see me, say hello. I'll be the guy not wearing the wizard cape. For details, click here. This week's contest
Want to win a Rib America prize package that includes four VIP tickets to the Labor Day festival and its music line-up of Blue Oyster Cult, Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band, 38 Special and more? We're giving away two such packages and all you have to do for a chance to win is enter here. We'll pull two names at random.
 Just to make things interesting, in the response box, tell us your favorite movie, TV show or band that has a number in its title (a la 38 Special).
What you tell us won't help you win, but next week we'll offer a link to our favorite responses. For more information on the show, click here.
Last week's lucky winner, Rena Cox, went to the Indiana State Fair to see Garrison Keillor. At that time, we asked you to tell us anything you know about Minnesota. Some interesting responses are here.
Oh, and make sure to visit www.ibj.com/arts for previews, reviews, blogs and video.
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Bill Maher. It's the incorrect thing to do. 
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