Big Star's #1 Record inspired a thousand literate young bands, but Big Star's Third can't ever be copied by anyone — it's less an artifact than an avatar of Alex Chilton, the Big Star co-founder who documented disaster and what comes after on this darkest of dark-night-of-the-soul records. In 1974, contributing rhythm guitarist Steve Cropper reportedly called the barely released Third “scary, evil shit,” but 40 years since reveal that Third is as beautiful as it is terrible, and more beautiful for the terror Chilton built in. Original drummer and surviving member Jody Stephens will propel a rotating series of guest musicians and an orchestral ensemble through this terrifically rare performance of both albums in their entirety as a benefit for the Autism Think Tank. As the Big Star song says so simply: Thank you, friends.

Sat., Sept. 27, 8 p.m., 2014
(Expired: 09/27/14)

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