Durham
Picasso and the Allure of Language
Nasher Museum of ArtPossibly the most influential artist in the Western world, Pablo Picasso defined art in the public consciousness, starting with his groundbreaking and severely angular “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” painted in 1907, to “Guernica,” an outsize black-and-white indictment of the perils of warand fascism. In 1904, Picasso moved to Paris’ Montmartre district to further pursue his art and forged friendships with leading French writers of the day, including American expat Gertrude Stein and French poet and critic Guillame Apollinaire. The exhibit opening today at the Nasher Museum concerns Picasso’s interest in writing and language and includes 60 works created from 1900 to 1969. Various literary items from his contemporaries (such as Georges Braque) will also be displayed. The exhibit is open today from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and runs though Jan. 3, 2010. For more information, visit nasher.duke.edu. Sarah Ewald
Chapel Hill
The Love Language, Lost in the Trees
Wallace Plaza, 150 E. Rosemary St.Fresh off a tour with Cursive, The Love Language persevere as one of the Triangle’s most buzzed bands, and for good reason: Transforming Stu McLamb’s grievous narratives from golden lo-fi pop-rock nuggets into blissfully charming bursts, the seven-piece manages moments of Day-Glo rapture above woebegone tales. Expansive indie pop orchestra Lost in the Trees eschews the busy cacophony and Technicolor hues of brethren like Polyphonic Spree for a refined, every-sound-counts philosophy that favors Ari Picker’s subtle songs. No excuses for missing this golden opportunity to see two of Chapel Hill’s finest young bands: The free admission is easy on the wallet, and the 7 p.m. start time won’t have you dragging at work on Friday morning. Visit www.townofchapelhill.org/locallygrown. Spencer Griffith
Raleigh
Tarrus Riley
Lincoln TheatreIf you consider 20 years to be a generation, then reggae music is now in its third generation of bringing sweet rhythms and nimble vocals to the planet. Tarrus Riley represents the second generation of Rileys to add to that sweetness and dexterity. His father, Jimmy, was a member of both the Uniques and the Techniques and also put together a long solo career. The younger Riley’s new, knowingly titled Contagious showcases a voice so expressive and Caribbean-clear that, yes, you’ll want to pass your discovery along. Tickets are $18 in advance, $24 at the door, and the consensual healing begins at 9 p.m. Inner Visions opens. Visit lincolntheatre.com. Rick Cornell
