Aug. 18
Film
Accepted
The Animal House knockoff, also known as the college movie, is now among the most established and rigid traditions in American filmmaking, as fastidiously ritualistic as a Japanese tea ceremony. Accepted looks you straight in the eye and declares with pride, “I am that movie!” It should be proud. It isn’t half bad. Stay away, though, if the punk from the new Mac commercials (Justin Long) throws you into a violent rage. He’s the hero. (Jason Shamai)
Opens Fri/18 in Bay Area theaters
Music
Dave Alvin
First displaying his formidable chops as a songsmith and guitarist as a member of Southern California’s roots-rock pioneers the Blasters, Dave Alvin has mixed the sounds of country, rockabilly, jump blues, and a wide swath of other influences with his own modern and contemporary edge for more than a quarter century. His newest solo release, West of West: Songs from California Songwriters (Yep Roc), finds Alvin reworking a collection of songs by artists from his home state who have inspired him throughout his career, including Merle Haggard, John Fogerty, and Tom Waits. (Sean McCourt)
With James McMurtry
9 p.m.
Great American Music Hall
859 O’Farrell, SF
$18
(415) 885-0750
www.musichallsf.com