Looks like seminal '80s rock band Sonic Youth will be playing the Knitting Factory July 23. Tickets are $22 and go on sale Saturday through TicketWeb.

Hasidic Jewish reggae/hip-hop star Matisyahu will return to the Knitting Factory June 25. Tickets are $27 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, also through TicketWeb.

Earlier today, the Western Idaho Fair announced that classic rockers Foreigner will play Aug. 25.

Rodney Atkins (Aug. 26) and Blake Shelton (Aug. 28) have already been announced for the fair. Admission to the shows is free with a paid fair admission.

Over in Caldwell, the Canyon County Fair's Web site has Little Big Town scheduled for 8 p.m. July 23.

PLAY will keep you updated as more fair...read more

One of my favorite films of 2008 was "Man on Wire," a documentary about Philippe Petit, the French high-wire arist who walked between the World Trade Center towers in 1974, 1,350 feet above ground. If you haven't seen it, rent it this weekend — it's superb (if you don't believe me, the film has garnered a rare 100 percent "fresh" status on Rotten Tomatoes)...read more

According to a press release sent out today, Hijinx Comedy Club is slated to open April 22 at the corner of 8th and Idaho in Boise. It's the first comedy club featuring national touring comedians in Boise since Funny Bone closed in 2007. No information yet on the club's Web site, but the press release indicates that the club will have live comedy every night except for Mondays and Tuesdays...read more

When Opera Idaho announced its 2009-10 season this week, it was clear that there are some big changes coming to the organization.

For one thing, there will be more shows. This past season, there was one performance each of two main operas, along with Opera Under the Stars. That's pretty typical. Next year, however, there will be multiple performances of five operas, as well as a recital to kick...read more