Fans of Shinichiro Watanabe's true-noir space opera "Cowboy Bebop" are likely well aware that the series is moved above all by the smooth, elegiac jazz of composer-performer Yoko Kanno. To those unaware, the Asian Culture House project of Michael Yang '07, a Cowboy Bebop Jazz Night, extends an appeal to anime and jazz enthusiasts alike. Featuring arrangements of Bebop's eclectic score for big band, sax quartet and other ensembles and featuring such performers as the Shades of Blue and members of the Blue Nomads and the Zumbyes, the concert offers free food and renditions of such iconic tunes as "Tank!" and "Real Folk Blues." (Sat., 8 p.m., Friedmann Room, Keefe Campus Center. No admission charge.)

Nick Brentley '06 and fellow theater/dance major Taela Brooks '06 will present their dual thesis concert, "Soul Restriction," this weekend in Holden Theater. The work features original choreography and ranges in style from athletic hip-hop to contemporary floorwork to explosive afro-fusion. Included will be a duet between the two dancers choreographed by Smith College artist-in-residence Mark Allan Davis. Led by an intense, dynamic drive, this promises to be an energetic concert with a heavy emphasis on the juxtaposition of music and movement. (Sat., 8 p.m., Holden Theater. No admission charge.)

Jennifer Hornsby, Professor of Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London, will lecture on "Knowing How To And Knowing Why To." Hornsby's talk is funded by the Forry and Micken Fund in Philosophy and Science. Her main interests are the philosophy of action, mind and language. She teaches in these subjects and metaphysics and areas of feminist philosophy. (Thurs., 4:30 p.m., Pruyne Auditorium, Fayerweather Hall. No admission charge.)

For a little culture, a lot of Fresh Side food and tons of fun, check out the Asian Students' Association's Asian-Pacific American Heritage Dinner. Local and Five College groups will feature in a program including dance, traditional instrumental performances and anime music. Watch out for the Lion Dancers in Valentine Quadrangle! (Fri., 8 p.m., Valentine Annex. No admission charge.)

Amherst's Professor of Law, Jurisprudence and Social Thought, Nasser Hussain, will give a lecture titled, "Guantanamo: It is No State of Emergency; Matters are Much Worse" with a reception to follow. The talk is made possible by the Lazerowitz Lectureship, which was established in 1985 and is awarded each year to support and encourage members of the Amherst College faculty in their scholarly work. (Wed., 4:30 p.m., Alumni House. No admission charge.)