Pop music critic

The Hold Steady

I've never seen this band, which visits Salt Lake for the first time this week, but I trust lead singer Craig Finn's advice to take the next day off because the shows are so raucous. Blending the punk-meets-classic rock roots of Finn's Minnesota childhood with sounds reminiscent of The Band and old Springsteen, The Hold Steady charmed critics with last year's "Boys and Girls in America" album. With the blues-rock trio The Heartless Bastards opening, this could be one of the best double-bills of the year. The show is Wednesday at 9 p.m. at The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East. Tickets are $13 at 24tix.com, Smith's Tix outlets and the door.

Anne Wilson

Arts editor

Chinese culture night

Murray Arts in the Park opens its summer season Saturday with a concert of traditional Chinese music played on strings, long zithers, flutes, Pi-pa, and percussion instruments, along with a demonstration of sword-fighting skills and dance. It's Saturday at 8 p.m., at the Murray Park Amphitheater, 5300 S. 495 East, Murray. (In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move to Murray High.) Tickets are $5 at the door. For more info, call 801-264-2614.

Sean P. Means

Movie critic

'Offside'

Jafar Panahi's wry satire is a perfect example of a small story that speaks volumes about the bigger world around it. With gentle humor, Panahi exposes the camaraderie of Iran's female soccer fans, who thrill to a game they are not allowed to watch. We never see the match, either, but Panahi scores by allowing us to share in their excitement and joy.