For the uninitiated, the sci-fi convention, long the brunt of easy jokes, is a subculture as insular and mysterious as the workings of the Romulan Senate. It is also the proving ground for a distinct musical genre known as Filk. The term is a reference to an early 1950s essay by Lee Jacobs titled “The Influence of Science Fiction on Modern American Filk Music.” The typo stuck, and a movement was born, albeit a slow-moving one. Often characterized by humorous references to sci-fi as well as TV and comic book junk culture, Filk is music by nerds, for nerds. For almost 15 years Buffalo’s Ookla the Mok has been bringing a rock approach to the genre. Now, Market Street Films out of Venice, CA will be in town for five days to chronicle the band’s activities—which will include a show at Mohawk Place. Jim Hanks, brother of famous actor Tom, will also be in town to work on the project. According to band member Adam English, “You’ve never heard of us, but at any Star Trek convention in North America, we’re huge rock stars with groupies and everything.” Highly illogical, indeed.

Sunday, February 18 at 7pm. Mohawk Place, 47 E. Mohawk Street (855-3931) www.mohawkplace.com.