Shark fin scoop

In the rock world, tales of hotel room debauchery and excessive partying are as common as Eddie Vedder vocal inflections. But the most famous rock legend of all is a 1969 incident involving Led Zeppelin, a groupie and a live mud shark. While the validity of the myth is still heavily debated, local indie filmmakers Kidnapper Films claim to have settled the truth once and for all.

Cheekily calling their latest 35mm short "the most important documentary since Fahrenheit 9/11," Kidnapper Films' 18-minute Sharkboy chronicles the story of Francis - half boy, half shark and spawn of the most unnatural rock 'n' roll union since Lyle Lovett and Julia Roberts.

Drawing inspiration from various '80s classics like Teen Wolf, Can't Buy Me Love and Teen Wolf Too, the rebellious fish-faced Francis arrives at a new high school and must overcome bullies and beatdowns to become big shark on campus. Will he prevail? Find out for free at noon on Saturday, Aug. 21, at Ex-Centris, reservations are recommended (769-6301). Later on, at 11 p.m., catch Sharkboy live as he performs upstairs from the Green Room (5386 St-Laurent) with his '80s cover band Francis and the Dodecaphonics, $5. » Raf Katigbak

Afro heat

The first time I saw Les Ballets Africains, I was dazzled not only by the display but by the truly authentic excitement coming from the performers putting on the show. This theatrical dance troupe from the Republic of Guinea, stopping in at Place des Arts this weekend, obviously made a similar impression on Montreal crowds this past spring, one that sent programmers scrambling to bring them back.

Made up of over 30 dancers and musicians, the company celebrates their culture in a jam-packed night of colourful costumes, storytelling, song and dance, all accompanied by on-stage musicians playing traditional drums and stringed instruments. The company was formed 50 years ago by the late Guinean poet and choreographer Keita Fodeba, who wanted to teach the world about his country and its traditions through music and dance. Shows take place Aug. 20 and 21, call 790-1245 to reserve. » Marites Carino

Anti-Bush bash

Up to a quarter-million protesters are expected to converge in NYC during the Republican Convention, and to help fund the buses heading south, activist promoter Chrysanthi Michaelides is coordinating Bush Fires, a series of concerts in Toronto, Montreal and New York. "It's important to be able to elevate the arts to a higher purpose other than just entertainment's sake," Michaelides explains. "It is our responsibility to speak out as passionately and as loudly as we can, in celebration of life, not destruction!" The Montreal Bush Fire features 12 acts on two stages, including spoken word stars Dwayne Morgan and Rita di Ghent, legendary Montreal playwright David Fennario, and Dead Dolls Capitalist Cabaret. It's on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at the Green Room and Mile End Cultural Centre (5386 St-Laurent), 8 p.m., $10. » Vincent Tinguely

Beauty and dead beasts

If you have access to a car and a bit of time on your hands, hop on the 40 east and follow the signs to Shawinigan. The National Gallery of Canada has once again occupied the massive industrial space of the former Alcan Aluminum Smelter (1882 Cascade) with an exhibition that is worth the trip.

Noah's Ark brings together a wide selection of works made between 1832 and 2004. These include classic bronzes like Picasso's "Goat," Brian Jungen's plastic lawnchair-skeletons and Nike sneaker masks, Nick Park's hilarious animations and Ydessa Hendeles' acclaimed "Teddy Bear Project." There is also a selection of photographs from 1905–1915 of taxidermists, dancing bears and various dead animals. The assembled menagerie provides a pleasurable visual voyage and at the same time illuminates the dramatic shift that has occurred in the way people perceive other creatures. "The once symbiotic relationship between humans and animals," writes director Pierre Théberge, "has been transformed over time to one of domination, marginalization and sentimental attachment." Noah's Ark runs until Oct. 3, info: (819) 537-5300. » Christine Redfern

Is it Art?

LA VIDA COCA: One Ralph Nader supporter recently complained about living in a country that offers two choices for president and seven for Coke. That's something to burp at while you're getting juiced up on the company's forthcoming offering, a foray into the low-carb obsession of late. With half the carbs, calories and sugar of a Coke Classic, Coca-Cola C2 is, according to the makers, "not about what you can't have. It's about getting what you want. And having what you need." An Is it Art? taste-test came to the conclusion that C2 has a flavour somewhere between Coke and Diet Coke, is an effective diuretic and still gets you revved up good. It will be in deps soon.

ArtsHole

OPTICAL INFUSION: Something to test your new glasses on, Phyllis Kirk's exhibition of paintings of women ruminating whilst going about day-to-day business in various parts of their homes, Daydreams… Yours & Mine, opens on Aug. 26, 6–7:30 p.m., at Georges Laoun Opticians (1368 Sherbrooke W.), and runs until Sept. 18. • LAST DANCE: Summer's not over yet and that means that this week sees another open-air dance affair at the Théâtre de Verdure in Parc LaFontaine. Big Bang features three choreographic concoctions directed by Kathy Casey and presented by Montréal Danse. It gets it on from Aug. 20–22 at 8:30 p.m. nightly.

ARTISTAT: Milestone visit of the eternal vaudeville-punk-rock-literary tour, Perpetual Motion Roadshow, when it hits Pharmacy Esperanza (5490 St-Laurent) Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. with Willow Dawson (T.O.), Megan Butcher (Ottawa), Bucky Sinister (San Fran) and locals Anna Leventhal and J.B. Staniforth: 15

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