Sneakers, sunshine, bratwurst and beer. It’s a seemingly impossible wish list for curious college students looking for a classical concert to attend. Add not having to worry about applauding in the wrong spot to the list and you’re practically looking at a distant dream for most.

A summer comedy about friends running a homegrown phone sex line out of their New York apartment seems like a slam dunk. Juxtapose some bawdy humor with a sincerely sweet resolution and you have a light-yet-satisfying trip to the movie theater.

Sharon Van Etten and Andrew Bird
Aug. 12
Greek Theatre

The indie-folk genre can be written off as static far too quickly.

The conundrum known as the sophomore album is a fascinating phenomenon to observe. Artists newly minted with the burden of expectation navigate a number of decisions while conceiving their second full-length album ““ which ideas are trash, which are worth a rehash? To stay the course stylistically or boldly break new ground?

UCLA sports teams are not the only ones hitting film rooms around campus. In the world of dance, video analysis can be one of few ways students try to learn about the techniques of out-of-reach choreographers.

It is wrapped in layers of pages from old books, worn to fade in between sheets of music and adorned with handwritten words of Victor Hugo and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

UCLA alum Sara Bareilles doesn’t just write “Love Song”s any more; “The Sing-Off” judge, Grammy nominated artist and two-time Spring Sing champ can now add documentarian and philanthropist to her resume.

Fresh off an official selection and screening at the prestigious ten-day event, MFA directing student Lucas Mireles’ short film “Playtime (Spielzeit)” has been selected for the film portion of South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. The film was produced by UCLA producers program alum Ryan Slattery.

Liza Johnson’s “Return” is a brilliant take on a familiar story. A soldier’s return to civilian life has been the subject of countless films, though too often rehashed narratives undermine the complexity of what U.S. servicemen and servicewomen experience upon returning home.

Steve Aoki has worn many hats over the course of his career – concert promoter, remix artist, label founder, DJ, fashion executive and headphone designer (oh, and he co-owns a Korean BBQ joint with Danny Masterson). His debut studio album “Wonderland” employs the “do ALL the things!” ethos driving his eclectic entertainment background, though to a mixed result.