About Tonight

>> Should you expect crappy service at the Black Cat tonight, when they're advertising a party celebrating their 14th anniversary tonight as an event where staffers "will be hanging out?" Maybe. But it's a free night of noisy rock bands, and you know the guys and gals who pour your drinks night in and night out deserve some appreciation. Backstage, 8 p.m.

>> Def Jux artist Aesop Rock has been redefining hip-hop since the 2000 release of his influential album, Float, and he'll be at 9:30 Club this evening supporting his latest, more mature effort, None Shall Pass. Performing with Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz, with Cage and Blockhead with DJ Signify opening. $20 tickets are still available.

>> Don't miss your chance to see the one-week only run of Lou Ye's Summer Palace, a film which tells the story of a student romance that unfolds alongside the events in Tiananmen Square in 1989 -- and which caused the director to be banned from making any more films in China for the next five years. Through Sept. 13 only, at the AFI Silver Theater.

Photo by philliefan_99