Image courtesy of Barney Lopez

On Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8pm, the legendary Launchpad presents a hang-out style concert that has become a holiday legend in Burque. Tom Waits for Christmas is a total seasonal party with libations, piped-in Christmas music to reminisce over and covers of tunes by musical madman and major dude Tom Waits. The covers part of the show features performances by the likes of Billy Crooze, the Silver String Band with special guest Los Bebes, Carlos Jose Rafael Garcia, JD Dame, Avenge Apollo, William Sunday and Darlin' & the Rodeo Runners. Basement films, a local legend in its own right, is there to screen old-timey holiday movies too, so you oughta go. As a heads up, this 21-plus event does not feature the real Tom Waits, but we can remember when he'd perform monthly at Rafael's Silver Cloud on the road to Santa Fe in the early '70s. Take part in it all for a $10 cover. (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)

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.