It’s time. With another week comes another roundup of upcoming media, brought to you by the Arts and Entertainment section. We hope that no matter what your life looks like this week, you are able to find a moment to enjoy some of our recommendations from the worlds of film, television, books, albums and live events.
For something to watch, my pick would be Zero Day, which will premiere on Netflix this coming Thursday Feb. 20. The show centers around a political conspiracy unfolding amid an international cyberattack. In a time when truth is becoming harder to come by and the threat of an information crisis looms close, Zero Day should provide an effective social commentary. It also stars Robert de Niro and Lizzy Caplan — you may recognize the actress from her role as Janis Ian in the original Mean Girls.
As for something to read, my recommendation would be Dream State by our University’s very own Eric Puchner. The novel follows Cece as she prepares to marry her dream man — a young doctor named Charlie. As wedding plans progress, however, Cece realizes that she has a connection with her fiance’s best friend, a gruff man named Garrett. Hitting all the emotional points of a classic drama romance — a love triangle, an unlucky wedding and a rival between friends — Dream State also promises to be a poignant portrait of the American West and the beautiful relations between people.
If you’re looking for something to listen to, my personal pick would be SAYA by Saya Gray. The Canadian-Japanese musician has been consistently producing art that is both fresh and strange, and her new album should be no different. A few tracks off of SAYA have already been released, and the full EP is expected to be released this Friday. As with much of artful indie music these days, Gray is able to blend futurism with folksy familiarity, and I’m very excited to hear what she has come up with on SAYA.
Last but not least, we have our live events. A show that seems idiosyncratic and deeply interesting is POTUS + FLOTUS at the Creative Alliance. The Dan Meyer Choir will perform love poetry between former presidents and their spouses. Some of it will be disturbing, some of it will be sweet. For a chance to celebrate President’s Day along with the remnants of Valentine’s Day, don’t miss out on this event!
Without further ado, we hope you enjoy our list of content for you to enjoy this week.
To watch...
Zero Day, created by Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim and Michael Schmidt — Feb. 20
The Monkey, directed by Osgood Perkins — Feb. 21
The Unbreakable Boy, directed by Jon Gunn — Feb. 21
Cleaner, directed by Martin Campbell — Feb. 21
To read...
Dream State, by Eric Puchner — Feb. 18
Lorne, by Susan Morrison — Feb. 18
Nesting, by Roisín O’Donnell — Feb. 18
Nothing Serious, by Emily J. Smith — Feb. 18
Rebel Witch, by Kristen Ciccarelli — Feb. 18
To listen...
SAYA, by Saya Gray — Feb. 21
So Close To What, by Tate McRae — Feb. 21
Rarely Do I Dream, by Youth Lagoon — Feb. 21
Jupiter, by Nao — Feb. 21
People Watching, by Sam Fender — Feb. 21
Live events...
The Dan Meyer Choir presents POTUS + FLOTUS at Creative Alliance — Feb. 17, at 3 p.m.
- General admission tickets for this event are $15 and are available at the link
Tom Miller Day! Opening Reception and 30th Anniversary Celebration at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center — Feb. 18, 5–8 p.m.
- General admission for this event is free, but registration is required
Precarious Lives and the Inhabitable in South America at Mergenthaler Hall — Feb. 20, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- This event is free; registration is not required
Alicia Waller and The Excursion at Mobtown Ballroom and Cafe — Feb. 20, 7–11 p.m.
- Tickets for this event are $15 in advance and $20 at the door
Peabody Dance! Festival at Joe Byrd Hall — Feb. 23, 3–5 p.m.
- This event is free, and you can reserve a spot through the link
