His Holiness the Dalai Lama
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a familiar face in Madison, and he returns to town this week for several speaking engagements, including a talk at the Alliant Energy Center and the "Change Your Mind, Change the World" panel discussion at the Overture Center. The calendar also includes: Bike to Work Week; talks by Ron Faiola and Kashmira Sheth; a performance by Jose Valentino Ruiz; and another strong run of live music from Fall Out Boy, The Presets, Casey Foubert, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Volbeat, Telekinesis, and Youth Lagoon.
Monday 5.13
Through May
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin celebrates pedal power with a week's worth of special events. There will be daily bike repair and refreshments at commuter stations throughout town; a city press conference and refreshments at the Isthmus office off the Capitol Square (May 14, 8 am); and final fiesta (May 17, Cronometro, 4:30 pm).
Majestic Theatre, 8 pm
This punk-loving emo-pop band have climbed the charts numerous times, even in the face of loony paparazzi and reviewers fixated on frontman Pete Wentz's eye makeup. Their new release, Save Rock and Roll, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in April. With DJ Clinton Sparks and comedian Sarah Tiana.
Tuesday 5.14
NOTEWORTHY: NASA launches its first space station, Skylab, 1973.
Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall, 9:30 am
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and a Nobel Peace Prize winner to boot. He returns to Madison to discuss his Buddhist-based ideas about happiness and harmony.
A Room of One's Own, 6:30 pm
Faiola discusses his book Wisconsin Supper Clubs, which features dozens of classic meat-and-potatoes institutions. Relish-tray alert!
Barnes & Noble-West Towne, 7 pm
The local children's author presents her latest picture book, Tiger in My Soup, about -- well, the title says it all. Prepare for a boy vs. tiger battle royal.
Majestic Theatre, 8:30 pm
These Aussies lead disco into dark territory where lust and romance reside, using the music of the Smiths and Nine Inch Nails as their guide. With Dragonette and Classixx.
Mickey's Tavern, 10:30 pm
The sometime drummer for rockers Pedro the Lion is now a new dad and a Madison resident. See if he performs Pedro's greatest hits, indie pop from his time in Crystal Skulls, or folky lullabies from the nursery. With Doug Mains.
Wednesday 5.15
NOTEWORTHY: McDonald's opens its first restaurant in San Bernardino, Calif., 1940.
"Change Your Mind, Change the World"
Overture Center, 9:30 am & 2 pm
In this series of panel discussions, experts from science, economics, religion and other disciplines take on a doozy of a topic: how to make the world a healthier, happier place. Participants include Arianna Huffington, the Dalai Lama, Jonathan Patz and Richard Davidson.
Centro Hispano, 7 pm
Known as "the flute on fire," the 24-year-old jazz phenom will headline this benefit concert celebrating Centro's 30th anniversary.
Barrymore Theatre, 8 pm
This trio seemed to lack ambition in the late aughts, but they've found their way again with their latest album, Specter at the Feast (see Music). With thenewno2.
Thursday 5.16
NOTEWORTHY: Bob Dylan releases pop music's first double album, 1966.
Orpheum Theater, 7 pm
This Danish metal band is smitten with Elvis and schlager, a type of European music that tends to manifest as super-breezy pop or maudlin love ballads. Get acquainted with the group's wonderfully titled new album, Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies. With Eye Empire.
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
A protégé of Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla, this 26-year-old artist has found a niche that suits him perfectly on his new album, Dormarion, which NPR has praised for being "as marvelous as it is meticulous." With Deep Sea Diver and Advance Base.
Majestic Theatre, 9 pm
"Out there" is a compliment to this dream-pop artist who's enamored of the human psyche. His sophomore album, Wondrous Bughouse, explores "the struggle between the physical and the spiritual world." With Majical Cloudz.
