Attention violin students everywhere: Hang in there, kids. It is possible to parlay those Vivaldi exercises into a musical career with a fan base of near-hysterical young women. Just ask the dreamy Owen Pallett of Final Fantasy, whose austere synth and drum-accompanied strings nearly brought the house down last Sunday. The profound beauty of the headlining Mountain Goats, on tour to promote their latest full-length, The Life of the World to Come, followed, and the sum total was a night of gorgeous sights, sounds, and stories. more ›

Tonight Florida-bred singer-songwriter Chris Carraba, or rather Dashboard Confessional, will be headlining the Hollywood Palladium with Floridian pop punk quintet New Found Glory (CANCELLED!). Celebrated Boston-based post-punk outfit Mission of Burma are poised to take on the Echo with none other than hometown heroes the Henry Clay People (Review, #2, #3, #4)... more ›

On Monday evening, the winner of the 2nd annual Polaris Music Prize will be announced. This is not earth shattering news because many don’t even know what it is. The Polaris Music Prize is Canada’s equivalent to the U.K.’s Mercury Prize. It is an award given to the best Canadian album of the year, regardless of genre, sales, or record label. The winner receives $20,000 cash and a bevy of publicity. The initial jury... more ›

Seattlest watches as a S.L.U.T. is born and Seattle Flickr users go nuts over a local art installation. A restaurant critic demands a Diner's Bill of Rights over a gnat next to her drink, and, in lieu of a Portlandist, Seattlest debates with itself over the identity of the Northwest's crown jewel. Seattlest also joins the guys from Fantagraphics for an ill-fated gun party in the woods. more ›

Little more than 24 hours remain to enter the LAist giveaway to win one of two pairs of tickets to see Video Games Live on July 6th at the Hollywood Bowl. more ›

LAist is giving away two pairs of tickets to Video Games Live, a unique live music event from composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, on July 6th at the Hollywood Bowl. more ›