Thursday Happenings

Comedy

-- Stella, the comedy trio comprising Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter, and David Wain, is, quite simply, hilarious. Check out our interview with Stella and judge for yourself. Wilbur Theatre, 106 Boylston St., 7:30 p.m. $29.50.

Urban Art

-- Paints, Pens, and Purses is the series of women-only urban art showcases. Whether its traditional graffiti, stencil work or street photography, the work in the exhibitions has not failed to provide a pink-tinted slice of city life. Today's installment features photography from Molly David and Rich Millionaire, illustrations by Ali Jersey, paintings by Christine Newsham, mixed media work from MyKim Dang, and film from Agnieszka Woznicka. Free cocktails with admission. Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, 7:30 p.m. $5 donation.

West African Jams

-- Boubacar Diabate, a Bostonian who hails from Mali, offers a contemporary take on Malian griot, or storytelling, music. His band Samba Lolo plays a fusion that combines West African polyrhythms with western hemisphere musical forms like reggae and the electric blues. Well-rooted and vital. Johnny D's Uptown, 17 Holland St., Somerville.

Reggae and Blues

-- It used to be that every other dancehall act combined a rapper with a singer (think Chaka Demus and Pliers), but the combination has been neglected by recent performers. Thankfully, Tanto Metro & Devonte still do the dancehall duo up right. Recently back on this side of the world after performing at the "Biggest Show Ever in Africa" in Uganda, you will have the chance to ask them how they feel about wintry mix. Club Pearl, 275 Tremont St., 10 p.m. $15.

Image of Boubacar Diabate from the Samba Lolo Myspace page.