Where have all the heroes gone? Sure, today's pop culture heroes deserve some props. (Just how many bullets has 50 Cent taken and survived?) But for hard-core heroism, we must hark back to the 1800s, and people such as Harriet Tubman, who braved the severest of penalties -- public lynching -- to help her fellow slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Desert Dance Theatre honors Tubman with Sister Moses: The Story of Harriet Tubman, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 North Arizona Avenue, on Thursday, January 27. The production combines narration, African drumming by Step Raptis, traditional spirituals, and interpretive dance. Martial artists Axe Capoeira open the show. The story unfolds at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15, and purchase entitles you to half-price tickets to see Sweet Honey in the Rock the following night. Call 480-782-2680. -- Niki D'Andrea
Social Contortion
The Peking Acrobats bend it so you don't have to
SUN 1/30
Okay, take your right leg and stretch it out in front of you as far as you can. Now, take your left leg and bend it backward over your head. What? You can't? Well, we can't, either; that's why we must live vicariously through the Peking Acrobats, who'll be flying into the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 North Arizona Avenue, on Sunday, January 30. Gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers will carry on a 2,000-year-old tradition, accompanied by an "exotic Chinese orchestra." The feats of wonder begin at 7 p.m., and tickets cost $24 to $36. Call 480-782-2680. -- Niki D'Andrea
Born Star
Lockwood eats cake
SAT 1/29
What do you get Andrew Lockwood, a man with seemingly everything -- including his own weekly piano show at the Emerald Lounge -- for his 25th birthday bash on Saturday, January 29? It's a tough call for a guy who shares a B-day with Thomas Paine and Sara Gilbert. "Thomas Paine is pretty awesome," Lockwood acknowledges. "And Sara Gilbert was pretty hot. Is she still hot?" Uh, maybe, but not as smokin' as ye, what with a new band, Dolphins Kill for Love, who'll perform along with Candice Aragon, The 1140s, Rum Tenor, and Brent Miles, starting at 9 p.m. at the Emerald, 1540 North Seventh Avenue. So, Andrew, got any gift ideas? "Burgundy silk pajamas, and one of those sex swings you hang from the ceiling," he says. "And a record deal would be nice." Cover is $3 for the 21-and-over show. Call 602-256-9705.-- Joe Watson