The Weeknd's latest tour has made noticeable changes from its predecessor. Gone are the giant moon of 2022, replaced by a gilded statue of a woman that rotates at the center of a massive catwalk. The Weeknd's backing band is now more prominent on stage, with all members performing together instead of being hidden behind the scenes. The show features 40 songs, an increase from 29 in 2022, and includes animated dances by masked female performers dressed in red gowns. The Weeknd himself takes center stage, walking between dancers while performing electronic R&B classics, accompanied by drummer Ricky Lewis's driving beats.
The Umbrella Sky Elmhurst public art installation in downtown Elmhurst has returned for its third year, featuring hundreds of colorful umbrellas suspended above Schiller Court and other locations. The display, which includes three separate installations - "Dots Invasion", "Color Rain", and a Rock the Block Party display - has become a popular attraction, drawing foot traffic from residents and visitors alike, including those from out-of-state. Organized by the Elmhurst City Centre and Public Arts Commission, the installation is sponsored by several local banks and has been seen in countries such as France, Japan, Norway, and Spain since its creation in Portugal in 2012.
Wakin Chau is set to return to Kuala Lumpur with his "The Younger Me Concerts Tour 3.0" at the Axiata Arena on October 18, 2025. The concert marks his 40th year in music and promises an emotional wave of singalongs and unforgettable moments. Inspired by Ang Lee's film "Life of Pi," the tour title continues Wakin Chau's "Younger" tour from five years ago, with a new upgraded production featuring cutting-edge visuals, dynamic lighting projections, and a meticulously crafted stage design. The concert will be a heartfelt tribute to his loyal fans and a reflective journey for himself, offering a time-traveling experience through four decades of Wakin Chau's musical legacy.
Aspen Art Week Showcases Handmade Paper, Quartz Pigment
7.28.25
Aspen Art Week is a $20m initiative that includes the Aspen Ice Garden and Hotel Jerome. The week-long event features Intersect Aspen, an art fair with galleries from Southern California, the Middle East, and North Africa, which debuted in 2021 as Intersect 21. This year's fair highlights material specificity, with examples including handmade paper and crushed quartz pigment.
The Bourgard College of Music and Art in Louisville, Kentucky has reopened after nearly a century of closure. The historic college, founded by Caroline Bourgard in 1927, was initially designed as a safe space for African American children to learn music and explore their creativity. After falling into disrepair, the building was donated to the city in 2020 and received a $500,000 grant from the National Park Service to fund repairs. The renovation cost over $1.1 million and was completed in June 2025. The college is now leased to the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA), which plans to offer music education programs for children in the community.
The artist D'Ambrosio draws inspiration from the contrasting environments of Coney Island's beachside carnival and Berlin's bathhouses to create works that embody a sense of freedom and community. Her paintings, such as those in "Noah's Wonderwheel" and "To Pitch a Tent", feature vibrant colors and abstracted forms reminiscent of Paul Cézanne and Marsden Hartley, evoking the eroticism of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's style. The works are characterized by curved gestures and a jeweled blue palette, echoing the curves of the human body and natural elements like waves and trees. D'Ambrosio's art reflects the idea that ideal conditions for sensory liberation can be found in spaces where individuals feel safe to express themselves freely, as seen in Berlin's bathhouses where nudity is accepted and collective respect for rules creates a sense of community.
Imax Teams with Runway for Immersive Storytelling Experiments
7.28.25
Imax is partnering with Runway to experiment with a new type of creator, combining storytelling and technology in an innovative way. This collaboration aims to expand Imax's platform beyond traditional filmmaking, exploring the impact on the creative process while honoring its partners' intentions. The company has seen success from mainstream moviegoing and is now diversifying into concerts, sporting events, and other non-traditional content.
The creator of a new Frankenstein-inspired sculpture is warning that it could be misinterpreted as a symbol of evil if not understood correctly. The sculpture, described as "kintsugi-like," features a shattered and repaired marble statue reminiscent of ancient antiquity, highlighting the art of repairing broken pottery with gold.
The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City co-presented "Summer for the City's Shanghai Day" with the Center for the China Shanghai International Arts Festival, showcasing a vibrant array of performances and interactive experiences that blended classic and innovative elements. The event drew an estimated audience of thousands and featured Lady White Snake, presented by Shanghai Grand Theatre Li Ming, who aimed to bring Haipai (Shanghai-style) culture to a global stage. Lincoln Center's President and CEO Mariko Silver praised the event as a beautiful example of cross-cultural exchange and artistic discovery for audiences of all ages.