PHOTO BY DREW REYNOLDS

Indie rock outfit Pinback hail from sunny San Diego and—much like the oceanside climate—the act's sonic makeup can induce smiles and satisfied sighs. Named for a character in John Carpenter's spaced-out odyssey Dark Star, Pinback's catalog begs comparison to a number of acts, but the band ultimately sounds exactly like no one else. The group performs at Sunshine Theater (120 Central SW) on Wednesday, Jan. 30, along with Oakland, Calif.-based string-metal trio Judgement Day. The 13-and-over show kicks off at 8 p.m. and tickets are $16. (Samantha Anne Carrillo)

PHOTO BY TESSIE NAVARO

Putting Levi the Poet on a stage is like trying to put a rock concert inside a confessional. Fortunately, Revolutions International Theater Festival is hosting Levi the Poet in a movie theater. Which is fitting for this one night only performance, because watching Levi is also akin to watching moving pictures. A current inhabitant of ‘Burque, Levi has evangelized the word of poetry across the country. With infectious energy, skillful writing, and an intimidating amount of vulnerability, Levi embarks on a mission to remind his audience that they are alive, one poem at a time. With pieces fresh off of his new album, Seasons, Levi will showcase his work at the Guild Theater during the zenith of the 13th Annual Revolutions International Theater Festival. With Tricklock Company bringing in world class acts from Denmark, Poland, Italy, and beyond, it is significant that Levi gets to represent “ye old red ‘n green.” Think you’ve seen the likes of Levi the Poet at your neighborhood poetry reading? I suggest you check out his latest “cine-poem” Resentment at his website … and then go promptly reserve your tickets before this one sells out. (Hakim Bellamy)