The night is young

Art's inspiration is shaped by its roots - whether grief or joy - so here's hoping these events will quench your thirst for culture.

The Shape of Things Neil LaBute's 2001 play is about an art student who tackles her most challenging medium yet: a human. She molds an overweight, unconfident security guard into a self-assured ladies man, but breaks his spirit in the process. See what happens when art imitates life in this adaptation. 4 p.m. Free, donations welcome. All ages. Marran Theater, Lesley University, 47 Oxford St. Cambridge. 617-349-8115. lesley.edu

These Go to 11: Christopher Guest Meets Berklee Berklee faculty and students will interpret Guest's tunes from the movies "This Is Spinal Tap," "Waiting for Guffman," and "A Mighty Wind." 8:15 p.m. $30. All ages. The Berklee Performance Center. 136 Massachusetts Ave. 617-747-2261. berklee.edu

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists Leo, an indie-rock veteran known for his energetic live shows, has always been able to balance his left-leaning politics with his prose. With a career spanning 10 albums, Leo is touring in support of his latest disc, "Living With the Living." 6:30 p.m. $16.50. All ages. The Roxy. 279 Tremont St. 617-338-7699. roxyplex.com

Elvis Perkins With stints on this summer's Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza music festivals Perkins won over critics and fans alike with his tuneful yet melancholy folk rock. His full-length debut album, "Ash Wednesday," reflects loss: His father died of AIDS when Elvis was 17, and his mother was killed during Sept. 11. See him with opener Bon Iver. Doors at 7 p.m. $12. 18+. Paradise Rock Club. 967 Commonwealth Ave. 617-562-8800. thedise.com

"The Night Is Young" runs every Thursday. To submit event listings for all ages or 18+, e-mail Jeff Miranda at jmiranda@globe.com and Elisabeth Donnelly at elisabethdonnelly@yahoo.com.