Wednesday Happenings

Openings

-- R. Crumb probably needs no introduction. An early linchpin of the underground comix scene, Crumb, along with other Zap! comics creators, invented the literary comic book. Still an active cartoonist, Crumb's career has seen several shifts in subject matter, and his recent autobiographical collaborations with his wife Aline Kominsky-Crumb are among his strongest work. R. Crumb Underground is a career retrospective curated by Comic Art Magazine's Todd Hignite. Stephen D. Paine Gallery, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, 621 Huntington Ave., Opening reception 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free.

Movies

-- MassArt faculty member Saul Levine is a living master of short filmmaking, an inspired editor whose quick cuts and shaky camera work have earned him a place among the pantheon of experimental film greats. A former editor of the Students for a Democratic Society's newsletter, Levine's subject matter ranges from the political to the autobiographical, and he will present the entire spectrum today. Film Department Screening Room 1, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, 621 Huntington Ave., 8 p.m. $4 (free for MassArt students).

Rock

-- Not to be confused with Yaz (either the left fielder or the blue-eyed electro outfit), VAZ channels the harsh spazz sludge of Providence even though the band lives in Brooklyn these days. Featuring former members of Amphetamine Reptile band Hammerhead, VAZ puts on the loudest show you are likely to see this month. With home town favorites the In-Out. Church of Boston, 69 Kilmarnock St., 9 p.m. $8/$10.

New Music

-- NEC faculty member Anthony Coleman, an associate of John Zorn and a longstanding fixture of the NYC downtown jazz scene, presents an evening of his new compositions. Brown Hall, New England Conservatory, 30 Gainsborough St., 8 p.m. Free.