Wild, Yet Mild

SUN 10/12

Record-release parties are usually extreme efforts in cool. When held in bars or highfalutin clubs, they seem to be as much about getting lit and hooking up as they are about the band's new album. Leave it to the Wilders, who specialize in "old time country," to make the release party for their new Spring a Leak CD as fun and unhip as possible. To be fair, the Wilders have always been cool in spite of themselves, participating in events at children's bookstores, farms and dive bars. Wilders fans are equal numbers hipster and toddler. At Recycled Sounds (3941 Main Street, 816-531-4890) on Sunday, the group hosts an ice cream social and pumpkin-carving contest at 3 p.m., pursuits as old-timey as the tunes they cover on their sixth album. The store is open from noon to 4 p.m., selling a newly acquired batch of country, bluegrass and traditional LPs while the Wilders sell CDs and judge pumpkins out back. Be sure to bring your own pumpkin and leave your hipness at home.-- Christopher Sebela

Artifactual

10/9-10/19

Over the past twenty years, Kansas City artist David Ford has regularly escaped the hustle and bustle of Kansas City to travel the Central American countryside. Along the course of these journeys, Ford began acquiring what is now an extensive collection of Mayan ritual objects, artifacts and antiques from the small villages he frequents during his travels. Now all these objects and artifacts (which would normally be encased in glass in a stuffy, institutional setting) are on display at the Pearl Gallery (1818 McGee) until October 19. According to Ford, this is a unique opportunity to get close to some beautiful and historic items ... and buy them. All of the pieces are for sale. To make an appointment, call 816-471-5989. -- Michael Vennard

Real Splendor
Harvey Pekar visits Missouri.

FRI 10/10

In American Splendor, there are three Harvey Pekars: the real one, the animated one and the one played by Paul Giamatti. Only the real Pekar will attend the film's "mid-Missouri debut" at Columbia's Missouri Theatre (203 South Ninth Street). Hosted by the Ragtag Cinemacafé, Pekar and his wife, Joyce Brabner, take part in a Q&A session after the 7:30 p.m. screening. Having recently retired from his forty-year career as a file clerk to bask in recognition as a comic-book scribe, Pekar is living off his art for the first time. On his blog, he declares, "My favorite activity right now is sleeping."

Splendor has won awards at the Sundance and Cannes film festivals, and critics have praised it, but Pekar hasn't let go of his notorious cynicism -- a rancor worth traveling to see in person. Call 573-443-4359 for details. -- Sebela