Courtesy of the Artist

Remember the thing called Witch House? How about darkwave? The constant bifurcation of artistic paths in the field of electronic music can be damnably confusing and irritating, as well as rewarding and helluva lot of fun too—as long as you pick the right band. When adherents of these sorts of genres aren't busy sorting their rainbow-colored toe socks and looking for tubes of Vick's Vaporub to snatch up at the local Walmart, then it's a pretty fair bet that they are listening to the likes of Crystal Castles, a duo of Canuck electro-arhats who've made their mark in the music world with a febrile and spooky glitchiness that has outlasted any names critics might apply in favor of an honestly, intimidatingly pure exploration of sounds that make humans dance and rejoice as they swirl around the very noisy and icy maelstrom of life and death. Ethan Kath and Edith Frances, AKA Crystal Castles, perform live in Burque on Thursday, Oct. 19. Viewed as an opportunity to joyfully and ferociously embrace the void, this ought to be a damn good show, but don't blame me if you can't remember your name afterwards. (August March)

Courtesy of the Artist

Jazz, an intrinsically American art form, actually has deep roots in the music of Africa and hence in the music of the Caribbean and Indigenous America. With all that worldliness going for it, you'd think the form would be considered the most popular musical idiom, instead of an esoteric adventure into complexity and obscure chordal and rhythmic structures. Really the only thing preventing the rise of jazz music is an audience, hint hint. So if jazz is to rise to our culture's expectations, that means you, dear readers, have to go to more jazz recitals. If that bit of twisted logic makes sense—and even if it doesn't—give jazz a shot by going to check out one of it's greatest proponents and most awesome representatives. Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Manuel Valera, bassist Hans Glawischnig and stickman E.J. Strickland of the Manuel Valera Trio bring their post-bop, funk-infused Afro-Cuban sound to the Outpost Performance Space on Thursday, Oct. 19. Hear for yourself why jazz is so formidable … and so relevant in today's multi-genre world. For only $15 to $20, you'll come away with a diggable mental expansion that's sweet, sour and sublime. (August March)

via Pixabay

One of the best things about New Mexico is its rich variety of wild birds. Dwayne Longenbaugh says birds are attracted to our state for very specific reasons. Find out why our state has the fourth highest bird species count in the US when Longenbaugh discusses geology, paleogeology and biology at the Adelante Development Center this Thursday, Oct. 19. This free lecture—entitled “New Mexico: A Birder's Paradise?” is open to the public, so bring all the birders in your family. The lecture starts at 7pm. (Joshua Lee)

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)

Looking for a little chile? The 2020 Bosque Chile Festival, a celebration of food, art, and culture on the Rio Grande, is happening Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, with times waiting to be officially announced. But due to COVID-19 and the State of New Mexico public health order, the festival will be presented virtually! There will still be entertainment, art activities, a virtual artisan market, chile-chef demonstrations, educational workshops and more. This free, all-ages event is meant to give those stuck at home a chance to see what the state has to offer. If you are a high-quality chile-inspired and authentic New Mexican business with an e-commerce website and want to be a vendor, there is still time. Applications are being accepted until Wednesday, August 5. For more information email bosquechilefestival@bernco.gov.