Visual Arts » Cornell professor emeritus Michael Kammen returns to Utah this week to discusss to when and why American art sparks controversy. The focus of his lecture is the subject of his 2007 book, "Visual Shock." Kamman, a historian and winner of a 1973 Pulitzer Prize for "People of Paradox: An Inquiry Concerning the Origins of American Civilization," a subject he taught at Cornell for more than 40 years. He'll deliver the 2008 Social Science Lecture at Weber State University on Oct. 7 at 1:30 p.m. in the Hetzel-Hoellein Room of the Stewart Library, Weber State University, 3750 Harrison Blvd., Ogden. For information, contact the WSU History Department at 801-626-6706 or visit www.weber.edu.
- Julie Checkoway
Drum and bass band
Music » Pendulum, an Australian drum-and-bass rock band, is on its first U.S. tour and is poised to conquer America the same way it has conquered Europe, Japan and, of course, its homeland. The band originally hit it big with its innovative drum-and-bass sound, described as quick-tempo synth music, with the buzzing bass, rather than the rhyhm guitar, providing the melody. For its trailblazing, Pendulum was rewarded with the biggest-selling drum-and-bass album in world history. Never content to tread water, the Aussies have broadened their sound recently by adding aggressive guitars to the mix. This is fierce dance music. Pendulum performs Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Murray Theater, 4916 S. State St., Murray. Tickets are $15 in advance, $16 the day of, at SmithsTix.
- David Burger
Book, film and voting
Film » The book "State by State: A Panoramic Portrait of America" is a collection of reflections by 50 prominent authors, including George Packer, Dave Eggers, Louise Erdrich and Sarah Vowell. It's accompanied by a 35-minute film produced by Portland's Powell's Bookstore, intended to serve as a catalyst for conversation before the presidential election.
The film will screen in more than 100 American cities, including Salt Lake City (thanks to The King's English Bookshop and the Salt Lake City Film Center), on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. The screening is free and will be followed by a panel discussion. Salt Lake City Public Library Main Branch, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City; call 801- 524-8200 or visit www.slcpl.lib.ut.us.
- Julie Checkoway
