You’re led into a dark room shrouded in black curtains and paved with AstroTurf. The sparkly green lawn is also tacked to the ceiling, which begs the question of whether you’re right-side up. The answer is that maybe you are, but you’re about to be shuffled around.

Grab a bunch of poets, actors, dancers, musicians, professors and comedians. Assign them a topic. Set them loose on a single stage. Those are the basics of Albuquerque's Encyclopedia Show, one in a network of affiliated variety acts around the world. Add that it only happens once every two months and costs a measly $5, and you’ve got your plans for Friday, Oct. 7.

Dear Burqueños,

Few people know as many folks in this arts community as Summer Olsson. If you are one of those acquaintances, colleagues or Tap Room stool mates, you may have heard that she’s moved on after a great stint as arts editor at the Alibi.

As for the rumors about her going off to join a cult downstate—they’re completely unfounded. The cult is actually in Northern California, and it's really more of a commune. Truth is, Summer's been accepted to Dell'Arte, where she'll be taking her talents to the redwoods. We hope she successfully tackles the world-renowned ensemble and physical theater program and returns home in prodigal fashion.