Thursday Happenings

Image of James Blackshaw from Myspace.

James Blackshaw is the latest inheritor of the experimental folk guitar tradition that began with John Fahey and Leo Kottke. The British guitarist specializes in the 12-string, and, though his technique is mind-bendingly complex, his music is spare and hypnotic. Performing with Meg Baird, of the Philadelphia psychedelic outfit Espers. Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, 7:30 p.m. $15.

Gay Purim Parties

Purim is Judaism's wildest holiday. It features binge drinking mandated by God (until you can't tell the difference between the good guys and the bad guys), the cursing of the persecutors of the Jews (our childhood friends would throw in Hitler along with Haman), and the wearing of insane costumes. Keshet, the Jewish GLBT advocacy group, hosts a Purim costume making party tonight to ensure that your Purim holiday is dragtastic. Workmen's Circle, 1762 Beacon St., Brookline, 7 p.m. More information and RSVP.

Openings

This is Not Happening is the rather pretentious, Magritte-inspired title of an exhibition of new multimedia work from grad students at the SMFA and Tufts. Featuring work from Melissa Boyajian, Krista Caballero, Melinda Go, Jesse Jagtiani, and Alexia Mellor. The next generation of art? You decide. Through April 26. Mills Gallery, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St. More information.

Across the Harbor, it's the New Members Show 2009 at Atlantic Works Gallery. It's a survey of work created by artists who have just joined the gallery space. The exhibition features a wide variety of media and subject matter that ranges from self-portraiture to pies. Through March 28. Atlantic Works Gallery, 80 Border St., East Boston, 6 p.m. Free. More information.

Dancing Hipsters

Spank Rock DJ Chris Devlin and DJ Knife bring Baltimore club, disco, hip hop, and home cooked mash-ups to JP with their regular Shake Em Down party. It's the last Shake Em Down event in the Milky Way's current location, and the DJs have invited Soul Clap. Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 9 p.m. Free.

Hip Hop

Are Berklee students hip hop? At least according to themselves they are. We are Hip Hop is a showcase of conscious rap music made by Berklee kids. Performers include the Berklee J Dilla Ensemble (righteous!), KR, We Are Hip-Hop House Band, The Berklee Hip-Hop Ensemble, and many others. Cafe 939, Berklee College of Music, 939 Boylston St., 8 p.m. Free.