lifestyle

STARS

7 p.m. • Triple Rock • 18-plus • must win tickets

The classic money-for-tickets system that Stars fans have grown accustomed to won't be helpful tonight. That's because passes to see the Canadian indie-poppers are available only as prizes from 89.3 the Current, First Avenue and Electric Fetus. On "The North," the Toronto group's sixth full-length from September, Stars still feature retro synths aplenty, but they take a more playful, dancier tone than on previous efforts. The vocal interplay between Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan remains as dramatic as ever. JAY BOLLER

CHARLIE HUNTER

7 p.m. • Dakota Jazz Club • $25

Charlie Hunter's new album carries the grimly funny title, "Not Getting Behind Is the New Getting Ahead." It presents Hunter's slinky, soulful, bluesy seven-string electric guitar in 10 compelling duets with ace drummer Scott Amendola. Hunter wrote all the music and the duo recorded live to analog tape, achieving a cozy immediacy. TOM SUROWICZ