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THURSDAY

Paul Newman in "Cool Hand Luke"

Music in Mears: Dan Israel + “Cool Hand Luke” at Mears Park
The chance to see Paul Newman in Cool Hand Luke on the big screen is not one to pass up – and it doesn’t get much better than seeing it outdoors at dusk during the weekly Music in Mears series. Newman’s protagonist is Luke Jackson, a cool, gutsy prisoner in a Southern chain gain who refuses to back down to authority, repeatedly escaping and being recaptured. The camp works to crush Luke until he inevitably breaks. The forboding folk tunes of singer-songwriter Dan Israel will provide a fitting introduction to the film. (6 p.m. with film beginning at dusk. Free. All ages. Mears Park, 221 5th St. E., St. Paul. 651-266-6400.)

Also Thursday: Latin-flavored Ecuador Manta at District Del Sol music and movies series followed by a screening of La Perla; Pete Whitman’s X-tet at Artists’ Quarter; The Native Sons at Midway Stadium.

FRIDAY

Dillinger Four

Dillinger Four at Eclipse Records
Despite not having released an album for six years until late last year, local punk rock legends Dillinger Four are showing no signs of slowing down. They manage to promptly sell out every show they play, and though the sound hasn’t changed much over the years, you have to appreciate how these guys still are able to pull off one of the sweatiest, most energetic live shows year after year. This all-ages show in Eclipse’s dank live show room is guaranteed to be packed – but no booze is served, so remember to bring your flask. With Off With Their Heads, Dear Landlord and 86’d. (7 p.m. $6. All ages. 1922 University Av. W., St. Paul. 651-647-7724.)

Also Friday: Solid Gold, Jeremy Messersmith and The Pines at the Minnesota Zoo (Check out my St. Paul STAYcation blog on the show); Cincinatti-based orchestral-pop band Pomegranates with Yourself And The Air and Ice Palace at the Turf Club; Florida metalcore vets Poison the Wells with Terror, Bane, This Is Hell, and more at Station4; Cirque de Soleil Cast & Crew post part at Rumours & Innuendo f. DJ Shiek.

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SATURDAY

Atomic Flea

Atomic Flea at Dunn Brothers on Grand
Zany pop-rock band Atomic Flea has been around since 1996, so it’s no surprise they’v been likened to mid-‘90s acts Weezer and Matt Pond PA. But like any decade-old band, Atomic Flea has recently expanded its sound to include more experimental knob-twiddling and sampling. It’s an early show, so grab an espresso to give you some energy before heading out to the bars. (9-11 p.m. Free. All ages. 1569 Grand Av., St. Paul. 651-698-0618.)

Also Saturday: Austin, Minn. country-folk band Gear Daddies at the Minnesota Zoo; Fort Wilson Riot plays their first live show since their Idigaragua rock opera – catch them at the Turf Club with Economy Team, Dearling Physique and Brooklyn’s The Weird Fantasy Band; the hugely influential early ‘80s Canadian punk band The Dry Heaves with Little Field, Tiger Gash and Alpha Omega at Big V’s.

SUNDAY

Erotic Slam

The Erotic Slam at Artists’ Quarter
The annual Erotic Slam has local wordsmiths breaking out their best poetry about love, sex, and everything in between – it’s no surprise it’s said to be the most popular Soap Boxing event of the year. This month’s edition will include a raffle of dozens of sexy prizes – including merchandise and gift certificates from kitschy sex shop Smitten Kitten. If you’ve yet to see a live poetry slam, this is the one to check out. (8 p.m. $5. 18-plus. 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 612-207-7991.)

Also Sunday: Old-school country music group Roe Family Singers at Turf Club.

MONDAY

Paolo Nutini

Paolo Nutini at Minnesota Zoo
Nineteen-year-old Scotsman Paolo Nutini first established himself as part of the new wave of singer-songwriters after his successful 2006 debut These Streets. His soulful voice mixed with an organic, timeless sound set him apart from the old-school, stripped-down variety of singer-songwriters, instead focusing on classic pop melodies and an eclectic sound. Here he’ll focus on his lush follow-up, Sunny Side Up. With Erin McCarley and Matt Hires. (7:30 p.m. $25. 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley. 952-431-9200. Minnesota Zoo)

Also Monday: Hardcore metal band CKY (known for its association with MTV’s Jackass) plays at station-4.com with Graveyard and ASG.

TUESDAY

Charmin Michelle

9 Nights of Music: Charmin Michelle Swing Band at Minnesota History Center
Charismatic songstress Charmin Michelle, backed by her five-piece band, has the all the grace of the legendary ladies of jazz while adding her own modern groove to the mix. The Birminham, Ala.-bred now calls Minnesota home, and has performed in jazz festivals throughout Spain, Portugal and France. The special extended evening of 9 Nights is in tribune to the History Center’s ongoing exhibition, Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Project; don your best vintage ‘40s-era threads and you can win prizes in a fashion show during the 7:30 p.m. intermission. There will also be a swing workshop with instructors from the Tapestry Folkdance Center. (6:30-8 p.m. Free. All ages. 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul. 651-259-3000.)

WEDNESDAY

Will Hale

Will Hale Triple CD Release Concert at Steppingstone Theater
Parents, here’s your chance to turn off Dora and get out of the house. The kids get to be the rock stars at this family-friendly event hosted by “All American Air Guitar Hero” Will Hale. Backed by the Tadpole Parade Band, Hale encourages kids to play air guitar along with him as he celebrates the release of three new CDs and a DVD. (10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Tue. & Wed. 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul. 651-225-9265.)