COMMON GROUND. An exhibition of works by seven local Portuguese American artists, bringing diverse individual approaches under a common cultural framework. The exhibition is supported by the Portuguese-American Artists Association. Wednesday, Feb. 12 to Friday, Mar. 28. Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second St., (617) 577-1400. (RJK)

VISUAL ARTS AT MIT. Computer-based video, photographic, and sculptural works by Paul Pfeiffer. Selected video works by William Wegman at the Media Test Wall, and “Rapid Eye Movement,” a short film by Runa Islam, at the Bakalar Gallery. Opening reception Friday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Hours: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 12 to 6 p.m.; Fridays, 12 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 12 to 6 p.m. MIT List Visual Arts Center, Wiesner Building, 20 Ames St., (617) 253-4680. (TIH)

EXHIBIT BY NEW VES FACULTY. The Carpenter Center is displaying work by new VES faculty members: printmaker Gail Deery, photographers Jim Dow and Mark Steinmetz, sculptor Mel Kendrick and painter John Obuck. Through Feb. 16. Hours: Mondays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Sundays, 12 to 11:30 p.m. Free. Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St., (617) 495-9400. (SLS)

THOMAS STRUTH and NAYLAND BLAKE. German photographer Struth, renowned for his “Museum Pictures,” gives a guest VES lecture at the Harvard Film Archive on Thursday Feb. 13 at 6 pm. Conceptual artist Blake and his characteristic bunny rabbits will be at the Carpenter Center on Monday February 10 at 5 pm. Both events are open to the public. (TIH)

IMAGE AND EMPIRE: PICTURING INDIA DURING THE COLONIAL ERA. See inset story. Through May 25. Hours: Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m. $6.50, $5 students/seniors, free to Harvard ID holders, Cambridge Public Library card holders and to people under 18. Group rates available. Sackler Museum, 485 Broadway, (617) 495-9400.

music

MIHNUET BLACK TIE RECITAL. Music In Hospitals and Nursing Homes Using Entertainment as Therapy presents their annual black tie recital. Features classical music, chamber groups, jazz, and the Crimson Crooners. Black tie attire encouraged! Saturday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. Tickets $8, $6 students/seniors, available at the Harvard Box Office or by phone (617) 496-2222. Junior Common Room, Kirkland House. (TIH)

ANTIBALAS AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA. This 14-musician musical group performs ethnic fare rife with boisterous horns and polyrhythmic beats. The ethnically diverse group includes Latinos, whites, Afro-Americans, Africans and Asian-Americans; they perform songs in Spanish, Yoruba and English. Saturday, Feb. 14 at 10:30 p.m. Tickets $12/15 day of show, 21+. The Original House of Blues, 96 Winthrop St., (617) 491-2100. (SLS)

BOSTON CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY. The musical group will perform Debussy’s Sonata No. 3 for flute, viola, and harp; Zwilich’s Passages (1981); and Brahms’ Piano Trio in B Major. Sunday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $25-$42, available at the Harvard Box Office or by phone (617) 496-2222. Student rush $5, begins at 6:30 on the day of concert. Sanders Theater. (TIH)

SUICIDE. Legendary synth-pop pioneers headline a show also featuring experimental bands Calla and The Cignal. A must-see for discerning indie kids and longtime music fans alike. Friday, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets $15. The Middle East, 472-480 Massachusetts Ave., (617) 864-EAST. (RJK)

APPLES IN STEREO. A night of indie-pop with the favorite lo-fi trio. Opening bands are Oranger and Dragstrip Courage. Sunday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets $10. The Middle East, 472-480 Massachusetts Ave., (617) 864-EAST. (RJK)

THE RAPTURE. Hotly tipped New York City post-punk newcomers share the stage with hotly tipped New York City avant-funk band Out Hud. Go if you need to be a hipster, or just to experience some of the most exciting sounds in contemporary rock. Thursday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. Tickets $10 advance, $12 door. The Middle East, 472-480 Massachusetts Ave., (617) 864-EAST. (RJK)

MC PAUL BARMAN. Geek rapper extraordinaire drops knowledge and irony on Cambridge with multisyllabic nerdplay. Thursday, Feb. 13 at 11:15 p.m. Tickets $10. T.T. the Bear’s Place, 10 Brookline St., (617) 492-0082. (RJK)

ELEMENTS. Dance to raucous drum & bass in close quarters, courtesy of guest DJs sCi and Aria. Optionally, mingle with the confused restaurant patrons as a bonus. Thursday, Feb. 13 at 10 p.m. Tickets $3-$5; free before 10 p.m. The Phoenix Landing, 512 Massachusetts Ave., (617) 576-6260.