Melodic Politics

6/18-6/20
“You can’t trust politicians,” Irish rocker Bob Geldof said. “It doesn’t matter who makes a political speech — it’s all lies … and it applies to any rock star who wants to make a political speech as well.” Good thing Geldof’s cynicism didn’t stop him from organizing Live Aid, which raised more than $100 million for famine relief 20 years ago. There will be no rock stars at the politically charged 39th Street Mojo this weekend. Nonetheless, musicians of all sorts — such as Forrest Whitlow and the Crash, shown here — share microphones with local activists, voter-registration coordinators and organizers of the Kansas City Independent Internet Radio Project.

If you can’t make it to Saturday’s orgy of music and community outreach, check out the 39th Street Artwalk, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday and anchored by Prospero’s Books (1800 West 39th Street). On Sunday, Mojo goings-on include a Lincoln-Douglas-style debate in the afternoon and the evening reading of a one-act play from the 39th Street Mojo Playwrights Competition. Keep an eye out for belly dancers, spoken word, short films and good food as well. For a complete schedule, see www.pros perosbookstore.com or call 816-531-9673.<b— Sarah Smarsh

Imitation Identity theft is not the sincerest form of flattery.

TUE 6/22
From what we see on TV, it seems to be reaching epidemic proportions. Heavyset businessmen open their mouths, and out comes a woman’s Long Island rasp. Little old ladies speak with the burly voices of truckers. Thanks to Citibank’s clever commercials, we’re now more aware of the identity-theft problem. But the ads don’t quite drive home how not fun it is to have someone mucking around with your credit: The average victim spends 175 hours and $1,500 to clear his or her good name. We have neither the time nor the cash to humor those sneaky bastards. Luckily, “master pickpocket entertainer” Gene Turner is visiting Longview Community College (500 Southwest Longview Road in Lee’s Summit) to share tips on how to avoid the 17 ways an identity thief can grab our assets. Part of Turner’s interactive shtick is to snag the wallets and watches of unsuspecting audience members, but he promises to give them all back. The workshop is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; tickets are $24. For more information, call 816-672-2030. — Nadia Pflaum

Hey, DJ
Don’t have plans Friday night? Now you do.

FRI 6/18
The folks at the Urban Culture Project, through venues such as the Paragraph and the Bank, gave people something to do on the third Friday of every month. Now these generous souls, who are seriously committed to supplementing everyone’s social calendar, offer a party Friday at their newest venue, the Boley Building. Director David Hughes classifies the event as a “soft opening,” which means the space isn’t ready for art but is prepared to accommodate a kick-ass bash. It’s called the DJ Party, with Tyrone Blea spinning his soulful house beats from 9 to 11:30 p.m. Hughes says the new space, on the northwest corner of 12th Street and Walnut, is breathtaking. Call 816-221-5115 for more information. — Annie Fischer

Zydeco Party

6/18-6/19
After Neil Smith left the Chiefs’ defense to get a ring with the Broncos, we swore we’d never go to his Copeland’s restaurant. We might have found a loophole for getting out of our oath: Copeland’s is sponsoring the food tent at this weekend’s Crawfish Festival at the City Market (5th and Walnut). Gates to the Creole food and music open at 5:30 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $5. For details, call 816-842-1271. — Michael Vennard