High-energy local and out-of-town rock bands are focusing their intensity on the stage at the Adam Mickiewicz Theater to benefit the Torn Space Theater Friday night. Knife Crazy and Bare Flames, both from Buffalo, are a mix of experimental indie punk and pop. Knife Crazy’s debut record, Delicious Delicious Science, blends Sonic Youth-like guitars with a few understated tracks that flirt with the mainstream, but holds on tight to their specialty of “jagged, serpentine excursions” fueled by a dry wit. Cleveland-based bands Self-Destruct Button and Clan of the Cave Bear also produce a type of experimental rock featuring a disjointedness that somehow works, while never losing momentum. Clan of the Cave Bear is a two-piece thrash band, with only a guitar and drums to make themselves heard. Doors open for this event at 8pm, and the $5 cover charge will go to benefit the Torn Space Theater—a company that is itself given to experimentalism. In the last year, Torn Space has given Buffalo productions of Quills, ’night, Mother and Terminus, the latter a rare spectacle staged in the East Side’s abandoned New York Central Terminal. Great bands playing to benefit a great theater company, in one of the city’s great, underappreciated venues. Who can say no to that?

Friday, January 12 at 8pm. Adam Mickiewicz Theater, 612 Fillmore Avenue

(847-0839). $5.