As a new semester begins, so too does the search for new entertainment. It’s an endless endeavor, but fruitful as well. Movies, books and music can be the perfect companions to your thoughts, giving you something to chew on or just to help you relax at the end of the day — that is, if you can squeeze free time into the busy Hopkins lifestyle. We hope you can, because there are so many exciting releases and events happening in the coming week. Whether you’re looking for things to fill your ears or eyes, or just something that isn’t mindless, the Arts section is here with a curated list of media for you to check out.
This week will see the release of the highly anticipated Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, as well as an album by the iconic Paris Hilton. I am personally eager to hear Hole Erth by Toro y Moi, the genre-bending band who brought us “The Difference” and “Ordinary Pleasure.” In the world of books, our selections include the tales of a struggling artist, a family drama and a borderline magical travel story. Most exciting, though, are the live events happening this week — in particular the O-Show performances by Hopkins dance groups. If you missed the theater and a capella shows over the weekend, be sure to catch this one.
We hope you enjoy our picks for the week!
To watch…
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton — Sept. 6
This long-awaited Tim Burton sequel to Beetlejuice will be released in theaters on Friday with many of the old stylistic haunts, like gothic whimsy and green lighting. This time, Jenna Ortega joins the cast, which also features Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton. Ortega plays a rebellious young girl who discovers a portal which eventually leads to the return of Beetlejuice.
The Front Room, directed by Max and Sam Eggers — Sept. 6
The Front Room is the latest addition to A24’s horror productions with a uniquely claustrophobic premise: the mother-in-law of a newly pregnant young woman moves into her house. The mother-in-law’s sinister presence and constant proximity cause chaos for the woman and her husband.
English Teacher, directed by Brian Jordan Alvarez — Sept. 2
In the comedy television series produced by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez, a high school English teacher must try to accommodate students, parents and teachers at the same time. This humorous response to the current political climate in academia will be released on Hulu and Sling TV.
To read…
Colored Television, by Danzy Senna — Sept. 3
With its finger directly on the pulse of current creative culture, this book follows Jane, a writer working in Los Angeles. Desperate for the legitimacy and stability of a completed project yet unable to attain it, Jane must navigate ambition and failure and learn to adapt to the limits of the creative industry.
The Life Impossible, by Matt Haig — Sept. 3
From the author who wrote The Midnight Library comes a new novel exploring the human soul through a mysterious and possibly metaphorical building. In the book, the protagonist inherits a house in the Mediterranean from a long-lost friend. Haig follows her as she discovers more and more about her friend’s past and about herself.
Blue Sisters, by Coco Mellors — Sept. 3
Blue Sisters narrates the reunion of three sisters — each with shockingly different life paths — when their fourth sister dies and they must reconvene to protect their childhood home. As they confront their differences and past grievances, Mellors weaves in a sense of humor while retaining the strong humanistic basis of the story.
To listen…
Hole Erth, by Toro y Moi — Sept. 6
In an all-new compilation of blitzes and blips, Toro y Moi’s Chaz Bear explores a vast range of genres and sounds which will be dropped in its entirety on Thursday. The pre-released tracks feature electronic distortion and the artist’s signature melodic rap.
Infinite Icon, by Paris Hilton — Sept. 6
Multimedia personality Paris Hilton plans to release her second studio album this Friday, with a shiny album cover that embraces the AI-generated fantasy style. The album is executively produced by Sia and features artists like Meghan Trainor and Rina Sawayama, so it should be a big event in pop music.
Oh My God - That’s So Me, by Okay Kaya — Sept. 6
From one of my personal favorite artists, Oh My God - That’s So Me promises funky instrumentals and lyrics exploring femininity and self perception. The artist has been releasing tracks off the album with smushed-up photo scans of faces, setting the mood in her signature fleshy and unglamorous style.
Live events…
Dance O-Show at Shriver Hall — Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.
This annual event showcases all of the dance groups at Hopkins, putting the performance arts on full display. Following the event, which is free, there will be a meet-and-greet at the Glass Pavilion starting at 9 p.m. Registration is required.
Peabody’s “Jazz in the Square” at Lafayette Square — Sept. 7 at 2 p.m.
Hosted each year by the Johns Hopkins Billie Holiday Center for the Liberation Arts, this jazz concert will feature performances by Peabody faculty singers and instrumentalists. The performance will be outdoors in Lafayette Square, which is about 15 minutes from the Homewood campus. Admission is free; registration is required.
