Friday Happenings

Representations of Individuality and Belief in Personal Freedom

-- The critically panned but rabidly liked David Lynch film Wild at Heart is violent, cartoonish, and absurd. But, really, what else can you expect from a movie starring Nicholas Cage in a snakeskin jacket? It's not the world's deepest movie, but it can probably compete with the new Bond flick in the brutality olympics. Screening as a part of the Brattle's tribute to Willem Dafoe (who plays a murderous Bobby Peru). Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, 9:30 p.m. $9.50.

The Cars that Go Bang

-- Boston's hard rock big band Bang Camaro releases its second album. If you like them, you like them. If you don't, stay away from Rock Band II. Paradise Rock Club, 967 Comm. Ave., 8 p.m. $16.50

Modern Orchestras

-- Bostonist has a long-running love affair with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, which opens its 2008-2009 season tonight with a clutch of string concertos. Including a world premiere from composer Matin Boykan and a BMOP commission from Elliott Schwartz, it will be yet another chance to catch the newest in New Music. Also featuring works by Arnold Schoenberg and Bostonist's favorite throat singer Ken Ueno. Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory, 30 Gainsborough St., 8 p.m. $10-$47.

Dance

-- CRASHarts brings another cutting edge dance troupe to the ICA tonight. Philadanco juggles African-American, ballet, and modern dance traditions. Performing works by Rennie Harris, Christopher L. Huggins, Milton Myers and Gene Hill Sagan. Institute for Contemporary Art, South Boston, 7:30 p.m. $35/$31.50.