The first traces of autumn are here. Sprays of red and orange have appeared on the trees along St. Paul Street, like first stars in the night sky. The air still smells like summer, though, and most days have been balmy. To accompany this season of indeterminate moods, the Arts & Entertainment section is here with a list of this week’s media recommendations. A few are spooky if you want to lean into the fall atmosphere, but many of them still sing the sunny song of summer. All are worth checking out.
A few especially exciting events to make a note of: the High Zero Festival comes to Baltimore for four days in all its experimental and improvisational glory, three new albums from three especially creative artists and an optimistic look at climate futures in a book by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. Also, our very own Special Collections is hosting an open house on Tuesday with a plushie raffle at the end.
We hope you enjoy our picks for the week!
To watch…
Never Let Go, directed by Alexandre Aja — Sept. 20
This horror film follows a mother, played by Halle Berry, and her two sons as they face an unspeakable evil. For years, the family had found refuge in their home and their constant physical connection to one another through a network of ropes. But when one of the boys begins to question whether or not the evil truly exists, he severs the ties that bind his family and the three must fight to stay alive.
La Maison, various directors — Sept. 20
A joint project directed by minds like Daniel Grou and Fabrice Grobert, this French-language show follows the scandals of French haute couture. When the reputation of a high fashion house takes a hit, they must scramble to redesign themselves as their rivals threaten to tear them down.
What We Find on the Road, directed by Chaysen Beacham — Sept. 20
It begins with a birthday gift from an estranged father: On his eighteenth birthday, TJ receives a key to a vintage convertible. Together with his circle of idiosyncratic friends, TJ drives the long road across America and tries to piece his family back together.
To read…
Entitlement, by Rumaan Alam — Sept. 17
Finely attuned to both the imagined effects and real transformative abilities of money, this book tells a story of American wealth and what it can do. For Brooke, who is employed as a billionaire’s assistant, money can give her the sense of purpose and meaning she has been searching for.
What If We Get It Right?, by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson — Sept. 17
In our current climate of catastrophizing our environmental future, in which everyone is spelling out a million different kinds of doom, sometimes we have to stop and consider the possibility that things can work. This is the project of What If We Get It Right? — a book of essays and other informative writings. It hopes to provide solutions and grace, brightening the prospects for humanity.
To listen…
Lemons, Limes and Orchids, by Joan As Police Woman — Sept. 20
Joan As Police Woman’s signature soulful voice shines on her new album to be released on Friday. Some of the tracks are warm echoey chambers scaffolded by soft keyboard and drums, while others like “Long For Ruin” build themselves up into something akin to a melodic chant. With heartfelt lyrics and smoky instrumentals, the artist adds a twelfth bead to her glass bracelet of albums.
Viva Tu, by Manu Chao — Sept. 20
The multicultural alternative band Manu Chao plans to end its long drought of albums with Viva Tu. Despite being their first extended release since 2007, the artist’s sound has not changed much, carrying over the same bold sounds and playful melodies. The title track, “Viva Tu,” is summery and pleasant with its sun-soaked soundscape, and the other songs released so far promise variety.
THE VANDALIST, by Noga Erez — Sept. 20
Ever since discovering their song “VIEWS,” I have been drawn to the candidness of contemporary artist Noga Erez. Their tracks frequently feature cold hard lyrics with colorful creative sonics, and THE VANDALIST seems to be no different. Pushing for expression and originality both in the music and its message, Noga Erez prepares to deliver another refreshing album.
Live events…
Book Arts Open House at Special Collections — Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.
For their first open house of the year, Special Collections at Hopkins will pull out rare manuscripts from its archive to share the art of bookmaking with visitors. There will also be stickers and a pumpkin spice latte plushie raffled off at the end! This event is free and registration is not required.
High Zero Festival — Sept. 19–22
This truly exceptional music festival celebrates experimental music and collaborative improvisation from around the world. Musicians are placed together on a stage wielding reeds, harps, synths and a variety of other instruments with no prior practice — they must spontaneously create noise according to their intuition. Students tickets are $10 for one night for or $60 for a four-day festival pass.
Bright Moments Jazz Jam Session — Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.
Keystone Korner’s weekly tradition of jam sessions is an opportunity to immerse yourself in good music produced by Baltimore’s own jazz community. Head downtown to enjoy a soul lift, or enjoy the live stream from home. This event is free, but registration is required.
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