CD Release/Bass Culture

THE JOHN EWING Band, who give a Texas-fried flavor to Minneapolis pub-rock, celebrate their sophomore disc Seen Yer Face (TRG) Friday at Lee's Liquor Lounge. Punkabilly band The Short Fuses (featuring 'billy girl Miss Georgia Peach) open, along with much-buzzed Texas country-rockers The Gourds (see A List)... Wheelo, the pop band that includes REV 105 darling Peter Lack and one-time Replacements drummer Steve Foley, changed their name from the apparently controversial 69 a few months back, and now they're out with their CD Something Wonderful. Join their celebration Saturday at the Fine Line, where they play between Acetylene and Rex Daisy... Behind-the-scenes folk-pop songwriting vet Madeleine Hart celebrates her first CD, True Heart (Crocus), Saturday at the Maplewood Performing Arts Theater (2100 White Bear Ave.; 8 p.m.; $12/$14 at the door; 779-3555). Hart will donate all of her proceeds to KFAI public radio... Kudos to the Anti-Racist Action alliance for bringing some perspective to the segmented dance scene: Bass Culture, an ARA benefit happening this Saturday, rolls jungle, hip hop, and dancehall reggae up in one phat bill. Jungle Vibe Collective will drop mad beats and hip hop heroes Phull Surkle and the Micranots' MC Truth Maze will also hold court, rounded out by dancehall stylists Dimension Sound featuring Uglie Mann. A long overdue statement of (racial and aesthetic) unity on the urban music front. 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. $7. Call 649-4586 or 257-7058 for location and ticket information.