'Hallelujah, I'm a Bum'
Hallelujah, I'm a Bum is one old Depression musical (made in 1933) that will get you smiling through the latest recession. It stars Al Jolson, and if you never understood the appeal of the song-and-dance man who ushered in the sound age, this is the place to start: He's got charm to burn as a hobo "mayor," and so does the Rodgers and Hart score, which includes that knockout number "You Are Too Beautiful." It's Saturday's choice for the Enoch Pratty Free Library's FilmTalk series at 10 a.m. at the Central Library, 400 Cathedral St. Admission is free. Call 410-396-5430 or go to prattlibrary.org.
'Bombshell'
If you liked Singin' in the Rain or Tootsie, you'll love Bombshell, the scintillating 1933 inside-Hollywood comedy starring Jean Harlow. It plays 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Falvey Hall in Maryland Institute College of Art's Brown Center. The Baltimore Sun's Michael Sragow will be there to answer questions and sign copies of his new book, Victor Fleming: An American Movie Master, on the film's director. Tickets are $3; $5 for two. Go to md-filmfest.com.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Baltimore Consort
The Baltimore Consort, founded at the Peabody Conservatory, has been going strong for nearly three decades, serving up early music from Europe and this country in vivacious style. With avid fans on both sides of the Atlantic, the ensemble of lutes, recorders, fifes, crumhorns, viols and more does a lot of concertizing outside of this area, so its weekend appearance commands extra attention. Presented by An die Musik, the Consort will give a Christmas concert at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Basilica of the Assumption, 409 Cathedral St. Tickets are $10 to $20. Call 410-385-2638 or got to andiemusiklive.com.
POP MUSIC
Dr. John
For nearly 40 years, New Orleans native Dr. John has concocted a potent musical brew of funk, jazz, blues and pop. His muddy vocals add another dimension to his kaleidoscopic musicianship. Whether onstage or in the studio, it's hard to lock down his mercurial but inviting style. See him at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. today-Sunday at Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. in Washington. Tickets are $50. Call 202-337-4141 or go to bluesalley.com.
OTHER PICKS
Extreme makeover
