The Return of Bruno parodies music history

Don’t Think Twice finds the drama in improv

Don’t Think Twice is a bittersweet film about the breakup of an improvisational comedy group, as well as a smart and earnest look into the lives of funny people. A serious comedy infused with heart and honesty, the film is a tribute to improv, as written and directed by Mike Birbiglia. The film offers an honest reflection on the uncertainty, frustration and ambition of striving to make a life in a creative field.

Gospel sounds influence Chance’s new mixtape

Chance the Rapper refuses to stay inside the lines of conventional rap music in his latest release, Coloring Book. The Chicago rapper’s third mixtape that dropped May 12 guides listeners through both a playful and spiritual journey. Are you ready, Big Fella?

Our Election Year Playlist

1. “Reagan Youth” by Reagan Youth

Travis Scott defines social trap with new album

For his sophomore album, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, Travis Scott really tries to forge his unique identity as an artist by trying to invent a new genre of music and make it all his own.

Moonrise Festival packs thrills into two days

The third annual Moonrise Festival returned to Pimlico Race Course for two days (Aug. 6 and 7). The festival’s focus on electronic dance music (EDM) with the occasional rap act proved successful, with the Race Course being packed for both days. The headliners for this year’s festival were Bassnectar, Tiesto, Zedd and The Chainsmokers (who played at last year’s Spring Fair).

Should you give the Sweetlife music festival a try?

This year’s Sweetlife music festival jam-packed headliners The 1975, Halsey and Flume, as well as 14 other diverse artists, into a single day. The performances ranged from the full-on, energetic pop of popular singer-songwriters Grimes and Shamir to an 80’s throwback performance from rock band Blondie.

18th annual Maryland Film Festival delights audiences

The 18th annual Maryland Film Festival took place in Baltimore from May 4 to 8. Each year the festival showcases approximately 50 feature-length films and 75 shorts in addition to one film selected and hosted by cult film director John Waters, a Baltimore native.

The News-Letter’s Five Essential Prince Albums

1. Controversy (1981)

Enter Shikari lead vocalist Rou Reynolds talks newest album

Rou Reynolds is the lead vocalist for the English post-hardcore four-piece band Enter Shikari. Their most recent release was 2015’s The Mindsweep. Reynolds answered The News-Letter’s questions via email prior to Enter Shikari’s May 6 performance at the Baltimore Soundstage.

Music Dynasty embraces Chinese musical heritage

Music Dynasty held its spring show last Sunday night in Bloomberg. One of the many a cappella groups on the Homewood campus, Music Dynasty is the University’s first and only Chinese a cappella group. The group performed to a full crowd, sharing their passion for Chinese music and culture through eclectic performances. This spring concert featured a number of pop songs with Chinese and English lyrics, including songs from artists like Jay Chou, Pentatonix and Meghan Trainor.

Arthouse marries good food and local artists

The Arthouse is a restaurant, bar and art gallery in Hampden. It is about a 30 minute walk from Homewood campus, located on the west end of W. 36th St.

Winter’s War is unnecessary and confused

The Huntsman: Winter’s War is a fantasy action film directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, the man responsible for Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) and partially involved in Maleficent (2014). The film is something of a follow-up to his Snow White film, following the backstory and later exploits of the titular Huntsman, played by the ever-popular actor Chris Hemsworth.

New exhibition unveils Peale’s forgotten past

The Contemporary is one of Baltimore’s most unique arts institutions and perhaps its most innovative museum. It does not collect art, nor does it have a central location for displaying works. Instead, it is a nomadic museum, commissioning works to transform specific Baltimore spaces into nouveau-galleries.

Eclectic local record store celebrates 10 years

The world celebrated the ninth annual Record Store Day on Saturday, April 16. The festivities, which occur on the third Saturday of April, honor independent record stores. This year, The News-Letter decided to mark the occasion by reaching out to Celebrated Summer Records, a local store, for an interview and some insight into independent music culture. Owner Tony Pence spoke about the store and his relationship with music.

Prince remembered for revolutionary style

The man behind some of the most innovative sounds in American pop music passed away on April 21. The death of Prince Rogers Nelson, better known as just Prince, marks a 2016 that has already featured the deaths of many visionaries, including fellow musical genius, David Bowie.

Beyoncé’s Lemonade breaks pop conventions

Beyoncé released her latest album, Lemonade, on Saturday. Her sixth album and second visual album, Lemonade was a surprise, shrouded in hushed whispers, as no one knew its nature before release date.

Beirut play against typical indie sensibilities

Not your typical indie band, Beirut mixes heady blends of lush, brass melodies with electronic and acoustic sensibilities. Drawing from Balkan-inspired folk and postmodern pop, their sound has yet to be replicated by anyone in the indie scene.

D.C. poetry festival seeks to enact change

The Split This Rock Poetry Festival took place for the fifth time over the weekend from Thursday, April 14 to Sunday, April 17 in Washington, D.C. The festival, which has been held at the nation’s capital every other year since 2008, centers around poetry of provocation and witness.