Thirsty Thursday not your thing?

This Thursday, NIU and downtown DeKalb will play host to several concerts and performances. With such a wide and striking variety of acts converging on us at the same time, the classic “nothing to do” standby won’t be good enough to keep you home this time.

WHAT: Henry Rollins

WHEN: 8 p.m.

WHERE: Otto’s, 118 E. Lincoln Highway

COST: $22 in advance, $25 at the door

WHY: For those DeKalbians enthralled with the mythos surrounding the ‘80s punk juggernaut Black Flag, this is a rare treat. Former frontman Rollins will take the stage at Otto’s to deliver his signature brand of spoken word performance. For a visceral evening of “stand-up,” this show is not to be missed.

WHAT: Rock Against Rape

WHEN: 6 p.m.

WHERE: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

COST: $5

WHY: Is Rollins not your guy? Would you rather see vocalists still fronting their bands? If so, The House Cafe and the Women’s Resource Center will be hosting Rock Against Rape. Musicians will be promoting awareness of sexual assault, and theoretically having a blast doing so. Plus, all proceeds go to benefit the Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment association.

WHAT: Visual Music Concert

WHEN: 8 p.m.

WHERE: Music Building Recital Hall

COST: Free

WHY: Based around the unconventional means of music notation currently on display in Altgeld Hall, the School of Music will host a recital dedicated to the works of composers written in “alternative” formats. Not only will their works be presented, but some of the composers will actually be in attendance. If you’re interested in how a rainbow-shaded grid can be interpreted by an orchestra, now is your chance to ask the people who know how to make it happen.

WHAT: Arabian Nights

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Players Theatre, Stevens Building

COST: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for students

WHY: Though the play shares its title with a song from Disney’s Aladdin, that’s as far as the similarities between the two go. The plot of this show involves a Persian king marrying a new, virgin bride every night, then sleeping with and executing her. One woman, however, begins telling him a story so long and captivating, he is forced to keep her alive over the course of 1,001 nights so he might hear the ending. Join the School of Theatre and Dance on opening night to see where it goes from there.