Friday Happenings

Jazz

George Russell, who died earlier this year, freed jazz in the 1950s when he discovered "a new way to relate to chords." His Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization yielded both the modal jazz of Miles Davis and the free jazz of John Coltrane, but Russell's own compositions were nothing to sneeze at, either. Students and faculty at NEC, where Russell taught, celebrate his work tonight by playing some of his best known compositions, including the majestic tribute to Charlie Parker and Igor Stravinksy A Bird in Igor's Yard. Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory, 30 Gainsborough St., 8 p.m. Free.

Movies

Throne of Blood (1957) was Akira Kurosawa's adaptation of Macbeth, transposed to feudal Japan and adorned with the formal elements of Noh theater. Toshiro Mifune brings the sound and fury. Remis Auditorium, Museum of Fine Arts, 7 p.m. $10/$8.

Photography

The 2009 Positively Roxbury show opens today, featuring photographs of the neighborhood by Celeste Sheffey. Show runs through October 29, and the reception is on Saturday, October 17. Dudley Branch Library, 65 Warren St., Roxbury, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.

Sold Out Rock Shows

I guess we're going to have to wait to finally see the reunited original lineup of Dinosaur Jr. because tonight's show is sold out. Middle East Downstairs, 472 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, 8 p.m.

Ink

The 8th annual Boston Tattoo Convention kicks off today and will last through the weekend. Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St., 2 p.m. to midnight. Tickets and more information.