Saturday 

CHAPEL HILL

THE NEIN

NIGHTLIGHT--The Nein had to regroup when longtime bass player Casey Burns split for Portland earlier this year, and they've done it quickly: Recruiting drummer Josh Carpenter from Asheville, the group rearranged some older numbers from their fantastic early EPs and LP, Wrath of Circuits, and--for some material from their record coming in September--they're experimenting with Robert Biggers drumming simultaneously with Carpenter. Their angular, hooky post-punk has always roared, but this should offer it a second wind. Tonight, they form the rock side of an excellent rock/rap split bill, playing with L in Japanese, Crash and Robosapien. It starts at 10 p.m. for $5.
--Grayson Currin

CARRBORO

HIDDEN VOICES: R.E.S.P.E.C.T. HAS SEVEN LETTERS

THE ARTSCENTER--Imagine not being able to leave the familiar grid of streets in your neighborhood because you wouldn't be able to read the signs to get back home. Now go further: What about prescription bottles, bills or ominous, official-looking envelopes? This latest work in Hidden Voices' series of autobiographical group performances raises another community to be finally heard--adult learners, left behind in literacy earlier in life, telling their tales about the smarts and resourcefulness you'd better have if you're going to make it in a world without reading. For more info, call 929-2787. It also shows tomorrow at Fearrington Village Barn. --Byron Woods