By Cristof Traudes

Nothing screams art quite like a night of Bon Jovi, jean jackets and bad hair. “Power Balladz” promises all of the above.

The show revolves around three people who show how music changed their lives. Read: It’s an excuse to whip out a soundtrack filled with Motley Crüe, Night Ranger, Poison, Scorpions and Guns N’ Roses.

Because they know most of us have a little Aqua-Netted rawker inside just begging to be let out, the show’s producers are letting audience members influence the setlist through an online poll. Top-voted tunes will make it into a musical medley. (Good luck choosing between Whitesnake, REO Speedwagon and Foreigner.)

Also promised: interactive trivia, a T-shirt cannon and a smoke machine.

Gnarly.

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‘POWER BALLADZ’
Opens 7:30 p.m. May 28
The Lab Theater, 700 N. 1st St.
$30-$35; www.powerballadz.com


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Jil Evans seems to be as interested in biology and evolution as she is in art. Recently returned from the Galapagos Islands, Evans has been closely studying Charles Darwin for the past three years. Her pieces reflect both Darwin’s work and the places where he formed his theories.

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‘THE GALLAPAGOS CACTUS WARS’
Thru June 13
Form+Content Gallery
210 N. 2nd St., Suite 104
Free; 436-1151
www.formandcontent.org


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The last time Thomas Barry Fine Arts hosted a gallery artists exhibition was during its inaugural show. That was 25 years ago.

To celebrate the birthday, all 10 gallery artists — including five who were also featured in 1984 — will share the floor for six weeks. Furthermore, all of the art in the exhibition will be available at 25 percent off.

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‘GALLERY ARTISTS’
Thru June 13
Thomas Barry Fine Arts
530 N. 3rd St.
Free; 338-3656
www.thomasbarry.com