Courtesy of the artist

It was a pop culture collision that was inevitable. The result is a dreamlike, Endless Summer quality of music that Jack Johnson plays as archetype. There are no tropes here. Johnson is the latest iteration of the divine surfer symbol—ever so slightly skewed to the dark side by rocanrol music but still hardy, kind and filled with wonder at their interaction with the world. Johnson does more than inhabit that identity. He is it. He grew up surfing in Hawaii; dude was surfing big events on Oahu's north shore at the age of 17, while soundtracked by The Beatles and A Tribe Called Quest. A gig writing a tune for G Love and Special Sauce led to the type of exposure local musicians dream about. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Johnson's brand of tuneage varies from surf-rock to folk rock, but it's all informed, meticulously composed and joyously relayed to audiences. And like the waves of late summer, those audiences tend toward the huge: Johnson's got a gig at Isleta Amphitheater this Labor Day weekend, Sunday, Sept. 2 at 7:30pm. Admission ranges from $26 to $80 and it'll be a perfect all-ages opportunity to dance while watching the skies and dreaming of pacific waves. (August March)

Image via Pixabay

Some of us crave human touch more than others. This sometimes desperate need for connection can bore a hole into the soul that no other feeling can fill. The Source provides this service, known as The Cuddle Revolution, on Sundays, including Sept. 2, starting at 6pm and potentially stretching into the wee hours. While this is both platonic and PG-rated, it is for adults only. The first snuggle sesh is free, but donations are always appreciated and accepted. Please arrive on time, as essential exercises in the first hour are meant to build authentic connection and an understanding of consensual touching for the ultimate therapeutic experience. No one is required to cuddle, snuggle or embrace and you can leave at any time. Feel free to bring snacks and anything else that makes you comfortable and get ready for some serious, restorative nuzzling. (Mayo Lua de Frenchie)

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)