The Slip will be performing in Northampton. With four albums already released, the Slip is largely renowned for inventive approaches to English; the band tries to vary traditional song forms and approaches in order to create elements of improvisation and artistic aesthetic. Claimed by both "jam" and jazz circles, the Slip is composed of brothers Brad and Andrew Barr and then-friend Marc Friedman. The group has toured the United States, Japan and Canada over the last six years. This show promises to be a progressive and interesting experience. (Fri., Nov. 21, 8:30 p.m., Pearl Street Ballroom, Northampton. Tickets $12.50 to $15 at 584-7771.)

Professor of Spanish James Maraniss and Professor of Music Louis Spratlan will discuss their opera, "Life is a Dream," winner of the 2000 Pulitzer Prize. The opera, which had its world debut in Boston and Amherst in January 2000, is based on Pedro Calderon de la Barca's "La Vida es Sueño." The themes of illusion, frenzy and the conflict between dream and reality are explored in the opera. A recording of the opera's second act will be played before the professors begin a discussion and commentary session. (Thurs., Nov. 20, 4:30 p.m., Room 3, Arms Music Center.)

The Asian Students Association and the Korean-American Students of Smith College will host a full-day joint annual conference. Workshop topics will include the queer experience for Asian Americans, adoption-related issues and the respective roles of arts and activism for Asian Americans. The conference will conclude with a performance by the hip hop group Kontrast. Keynote speaker Gary Y. Okihiro will discuss the responses of Asian Americans to the war. (Fri., Nov. 22, 9:30 a.m., Smith College. Call 585-7498 for more information.)

Edwin McCain and David Ryan Harris will be coming to Northampton. McCain, a South Carolina native, played acoustic guitar solos until forming the Edwin McCain Band in 1993. He is best known for such hits as "I'll Be," "Solitude" and "I Could Not Ask For More." McCain is also the host of a new television pilot which he is currently trying to sell to cable networks. (Fri., Nov. 21, 9:30 p.m., Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton. Tickets $15 to $18 at 584-0610.)

Going home for Thanksgiving? Need a good family movie to bond over? Allow me to suggest "Finding Nemo." Nemo (Alexander Gould), a young clownfish, gets whisked away by a scuba diver for his tropical fish collection. His father Marlin (Albert Brooks) joins the forgetful Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) in a frantic oceanwide search for his only son. The animation wizards at Pixar do an excellent job with the illustration, and the voice actors are wonderful in their roles. Witty but not bawdy, touching but not saccharine, "Nemo" is appropriate and enjoyable for everyone from your baby nephew to your yuppie older sister to your senile grandmother. Bonus: It just came out on DVD this month, so it's perfect for any early Christmas presents that you need to send out.