ongoing

This is not going to come as a huge surprise to regular readers, but we're fans of the Dixie Chicks. We were before Natalie Maines made her Bush-knockin' comment in London (2003), and we were more so afterwards as mainstream/flag-waving America turned against them. The country hadn't figured out the quagmire we were in in Iraq yet - we were still looking for those darn WMDs - and conservative country radio stations banned the band - like Natalie was pulling a John Lennon by saying the Beatles were bigger than Jesus. (Actually, we think John may have been right at that point, too, though Jesus had 20 centuries of endurance on his side.) Anyway, filmmakers Barbara Koppel and Cecilia Peck - uppity women, no doubt - followed the Chicks on a three year sojourn post-flap. They take you front and center; they take you backstage. And they show you a band with roots, guts and spunk. One that writes damn fine songs, too. "Dixie Chicks: Shut Up & Sing" is a winner. (Title: A clever knockoff of Pearl Harbour and the Explosions' "Shut Up and Dance.")  It's at the Coolidge Corner Theatre's screening room - that's the small box upstairs - at least through Feb 1. Shows at 2:15, 5:45, and 7:35 p.m. most days. Check website for particulars.  Tickets: $9.

290 Harvard St., Brookline, 617-734-2500 coolidge.org