Arts & Culture

The embodiment behind the "Keep Austin Weird" slogan, psychedelic garage rock mastermind Roky Erickson of the 13th Floor Elevators has died of undisclosed causes. Erickson, who underwent electro-shock therapy for schizophrenia and was at one point, destitute, enjoyed a late career revival thanks to his work with fellow Lone Star artist Okkervil River.  Apple is about done with their once popular paid download site I-Tunes. And a trailer for the  new Martin Scorsese documentary on Dylan's commercial flop, but artistic achievement, the Rolling Thunder Revue tour has been released 

Jangly surfy indie rockers Best Coast have been named the house band for the new TV aftershow parody on FOX, "What Just Happened??" starring Wonder Years alum Fred Savage. "Lucifer," the second posthumous single by The Screaming Eagle of Soul Charles Bradley is out today, and features instrumentation from members of The Avett Bros. And timeless, mysterious jazz, blues and Tin Pan Alley singer from another dimension Leon Redbone dies at the age of 127, a press release says with a wink.

Jana Hunter, lead singer of Baltimore's Lower Dens, wants to make songs that provide a mental space for beauty, wonder and love, the same way pop music did for him while growing up as a trans kid in a conservative family. Poised for a breakout, the indie band's first album in four years, THE COMPETITION is out in September, and ahead of it, a surreal new video. Wilco has launched a karaoke competition for their Solid Sound Festival next month. Boy George will be the subject of a new biopic. And, this morning, The Cure live streamed their concert from the Sydney Opera House, where they played DISINTEGRATION in its entirety to celebrate its 30th anniversary.  

The stage adaptation of “A Beautiful Hell” by area poet Carol Kapaun Ratchenski continues to evolve. Performances are coming up at Theatre B in Fargo, and here to discuss how the performance has matured is Carrie Winterstein, Theatre B executive director; and Laurie J. Baker, who adapted the book for the stage. A Beautiful Hell explores the ways death and grief are worthy of acceptance, curiosity and even humor. Performances May 29, 30, June 1 at 7:30 PM (Thu, Fri, Sat) Matinee Performance June 2 at 2:00 PM (Sunday)

Sky Blue Sky is not just the name of a Wilco album, but a destination concert experience, set for the Mexican Riviera in January that features Sharon Van Etton, Courtney Barnett, Yo La Tengo, Kamasi Washington, Dr. Dog and more. Longtime and highly influential jazz composer/guitarist/educator Kenny Burrell and his wife are facing financial ruin and homelessness after a confluence of events have, including an accident and identity theft, have pushed them to brink. The American Music Association have announced musicians up for their Americana Honors & Awards, which will be given out at the Ryman Auditorium in September, including all female nominees for the Artist of the Year Award.