Alice Popkorn

Using a combination of wind instruments and percussion to describe the essentially airborne, song-like life of birds, composers John Luther Adams and Shirish Korde have succeeded in creating musical interludes that signify the delicate balance and struggle involved in the natural existence of the avians with whom we share this planet. On Sunday, Aug. 3, at 10:30am at The Kosmos (1715 Fifth Street NW), Chatter presents a concert of airy music of these composers’ works, as well as delving into a selection of sonatas by Bach. This musical experience is preceded by a poetry reading by John Macker. The concert, featuring flautists Jesse Tatum and Shelley Brown, as well as Alexis Corbin, Hovey Corbin and Jeff Cornelius on percussion, focuses on naturalistic interpretation as well as the ornate restraint typical of Bach’s sonatas. The musicians will perform Adams’ songbirdsongs, Korde’s Tenderness of Cranes and “Trio Sonatas” from The Musical Offering. While Pulitzer Prize-winner Adams' work is directly inspired by nature, Korde took his inspiration for Tenderness of Cranes from Japanese shakuhachi flute techniques, created by a wooden instrument used in the Edo period and by Zen monks. The elegant subtlety of the Sonatas provide a rich counterpoint to the proceedings. As always, the prices range from $5-$15, and the happening includes gratis espresso. (August March)

Shutterbugs gather up your best pieces and pick some to submit for hanging in the new Bernalillo County headquarters when the gov-peeps move to Alvarado Square, happening now until Monday, August 31. The selected photographs will be printed in a large scale and format. They will be used to create a welcoming environment for county customers, county employees and the general public. Some will be used on the windows of the new Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office suite. The photographs should represent the history and character of Bernalillo County and its people, places, landscapes and unique events in our county. There are some big bucks involved as chosen photographers will receive $1,500, with a limit of one photograph per artist. The chosen photos will become part of the public art program’s permanent collection. There is no fee or age limit required to submit. For more information, visit bernco.gov/community-services/current-call-for-entries.aspx. Ends August 31. (Carolyn Carlson)

City on the Edge is a breezy, smart podcast looking at the stories from Albuquerque history that have often been overlooked. Each episode takes a deep dive into a topic like the 1955 crash of TWA flight 260, Sandia Man or the 1918 quarantine. Worthwhile listening that will spur your curiosity about things you didn’t even know about in the city where you live. It’s free and available wherever you get your podcasts. (Clarke Condé)

In the words of Dean Martin, “Baby, it's cold outside.” So lend a helping hand to the homeless folks in Burque by contributing to Astro-Zombies' 8th Annual Holiday Sleeping Bag Drive. Now through Saturday, Dec. 24, drop off new, adult-sized cold weather sleeping bags at the comic store to help local homeless people weather the winter cold. The bags will be distributed throughout the community on Christmas Eve. And for each bag you donate, you'll also be entered in a raffle to win awesome prizes from the likes of Masks Y Mas, Rude Boy Cookies, Archetype Dermigraphic Studio and more. After all, when told, “Baby, you'd freeze out there,” even Dean's lady asked him to lend her a coat. (Renée Chavez)