Michele Reverte

Friday night's lineup at Largo at the Coronet will bring together a journalist, a whistleblower and a singer/songwriter, and the results will be nothing less than riveting. In addition to the intellectual stimulation, a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Veterans Project, a local non-profit committed to helping military veterans reintegrate into society when they come home.

Punch Brothers' music is the sound of synapses firing. The band's mix of unpredictability and virtuosity means there's always something new to uncover in their original pieces. And upon listening to one of their covers, you'll be hard-pressed to imagine Bach's Brandenburg without banjo or Of Montreal's "Gronlandic Edit" without mandolin. Don't miss them tomorrow night at the El Rey with opener Jon Brion.

The LA County Fair ends this Sunday, and the above photos are just a taste of this year's attractions. If you're headed to the Pomona Fairplex, keep in mind that it can get pretty hot, so be sure to pack some sunscreen and keep hydrated. When temperatures do get too high, there's plenty to do inside where it's a little cooler. Keep reading for a few suggestions.

It seems fitting that Peter Murray and Jennie Wayne of the band John Heart Jackie recorded most of their debut record at a vineyard. The nine soft-yet-striking songs pair perfectly with life's most delicious moments. The new album also features special guests such as Luke Reynolds, Ryan Dobrowski & Luke Ydstie of Blind Pilot and Mat Davidson of The Low Anthem.

Hayley Taylor's debut record, "One Foot in Front of the Other," is a bright, tender and saucy collection that'll keep you coming back for more. LAist caught up with her last week to learn more about the new album, her early acting role opposite Barbra Streisand, and her record release show Thursday night at the Hotel Cafe.

Saturday night will mark the Bagavagabonds' fourth Art Explosion—an all-ages multimedia experience and art show at the Brick Building in Culver City. This Art Explosion's theme is "Dream," and the group extended an open invitation to anyone who wanted to participate. All art pieces will be sold via silent auction for $50 or less, with proceeds benefiting Los Angeles-based charity Make Something.

Keane's latest EP, Night Train, is essentially a microcosm of their touring schedule these last few years. The UK band recorded and mixed the album's eight tracks on planes, on trains and in seven different recording studios around the world—from Berlin to Brisbane. Last week, LAist caught up with Richard Hughes to learn more about the new EP, his tour photography, his work with Amnesty International, and the band's gig tonight at the Greek Theatre.

LA-based band Summer Darling has extended an irresistible invitation for you to get to know their music. Throughout the month of July, tickets to their Monday residence at Spaceland are free. And to top it all off, the full digital version of their latest album, also called Summer Darling, is available free of charge via their website.

London-based Marina Diamandis of Marina and the Diamonds is a pop artist with presence. The songs on her just-released album, The Family Jewels, are both sonically and lyrically intriguing. From her deft combination of Kipling and cutlery on "Mowgli's Road" to the fun-yet-vulnerable "I Am Not a Robot," 24-year-old Marina has proven she's in it for the long run.

Listening to Josh Ritter's new album is like reading a satisfying novel. Whether it's a spry tune like "Lark" or the tale of a mummy who falls in love with an archeologist in "The Curse," Ritter's wordplay and melodies reveal new facets upon each listen. That's probably one reason why Stephen King is a fan, and why Paste Magazine included Ritter on their "100 Best Living Songwriters" list.