Our To Do List for V-Day Weekend: Canadians, The Dude, and the Blues

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O Canada!
Alternorthern opens this weekend at The Lab. Friday’s opening reception will include a brief curator talk and artist Q & A, as well as a screening of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. The exhibit features the work of nine Canadian artists and runs from Feb 12th to March 6th. Fri., Feb. 12. 6-10pm. The Lab. 2948 16th Street. 415.864.8855

Pulling Out All The Stops
Be at The Red Poppy Art House this Friday to watch Will Blades work his magic on the rare and rather complex instrument known as the Hammond B-3 Organ. Fri., Feb. 12. 8pm. $10-15. Red Poppy Art House. 2698 Folsom. 415.826.2402

A nice Wil Blades video shot right here in the Mission. Very informative!

The Black Rock
Alcatraz is a common San Francisco tourist destination. But how much of its history goes untold? Director Kevin Epps examines the lives of African-American prisoners from the 1930s to the 1960s. “Some people believe that all criminals are treated equally, and many are deceived by the notion that all individuals receive equal treatment under the law. The Black Rock aka Black Alcatraz highlights the truth about the perseverance, sufferings, and resilience of African-Americans who experienced Alcatraz during this time of racial prejudice and discrimination.” Fri., Feb. 12. 8pm. $6. Artists’ Television Access. 992 Valencia Street. 415.824.3890

His Dudeness
Never pass up an opportunity to watch ‘The Big Lebowsky’! This party is complete with White Russians, mini bowling, beachside trampoline action, flying carpets, and nihilists! Come dressed as your favorite character for a chance to win fabulous prizes! The best thing about dressing in costume is that the essential pieces of almost every characters’ wardrobe can be found at one of the Mission’s many second-hand stores. Minimalists can probably get away with a bathrobe or a simple green pedicure. Fri., Feb. 12. 9pm. $10, $5 in costume, or free with any IndieFest ticket stub. 21 up. CellSpace. 2050 Bryant Street. 415.648.7562

Underwear Party
Club Neon presents their 6th annual Valentine’s day Underwear Party. Whether we choose to admit it or not, we all love to dance in our underpants. The question is, do we have the courage do this in public? Eh, why not? Get ready to shake your almost naked bodies to Indie-rock, electro, and hip-hop brought to you by DJ’s Jamie Jams, Emdee, Lil’ Melanie, and Aidan. Sat., Feb. 13. 9:30pm. $10. The Knockout. 3223 Mission. 415.550.6994

Root Division Gets Sick
“True to the assorted and often contradictory nature of heath care, the 13 artists in SICK approach their work from a multitude of conceptual viewpoints…on illness..drawing on an array of media, from traditional drawing, painting, and sculpture to audio/visual installation and video.” Sat., Feb. 13. 7pm. Sliding Scale Suggested Donation $2-$20. Root Division. 3175 17th Street. 415.863.7668

And Sometimes You Sing The Blues
Quin DeVeaux and the Blue Beat Review don’t play your average blues. They play the blues that makes you want to dance and smile. Their sweet little ditty ‘Walls’ is one of my favorites. Quin DeVeaux is joined by The Kally Price Band. Sun., Feb. 14. 9pm. $8. Amnesia. 853 Valencia Street. 415.970.0012