Priority list includes U2, poet Ross Gay, more

“Quest for the West”

The per-capita wearing of cowboy hats increases dramatically during opening weekend of this annual event, where Western artists and passionate collectors of their work converge for a party/buying spree. Even when the crowd isn’t around, this is a great place to see what’s happening in the mainstream of Western art. Sept. 10-Oct. 8  Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art  Details 

U2

On its Joshua Tree Tour 2017, the legendary group tours with Beck as an opening act. For the record, the band that became U2 was formed more than 40 years ago. Sept. 10 Lucas Oil Stadium Details

Ross Gay

“…and thank you the way my father one time came back in a dream,/by plucking the two cables beneath my chin/like a bass fiddle’s strings/and played me until I woke up singing,/no kidding, singing, smiling…” The National Book Award and National Book Critics Circle Award finalist—and a founding editor of the online sports magazine “Some Call It Ballin’”—reads his poetry as part of the Butler University Visiting Writers Series.  Sept. 7 Schrott Center for the Arts Details

Also this week

The Penrod Art Fair on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art features multiple stages, aisle after aisle of art for sale, and a chance to say hello to me and grab a copy of the IBJ A&E Season Preview (while supplies last).

The Colts Kickoff Concert, Sept. 9 on Georgia St., features Frankie Ballard with openers Clayton Anderson and Corey Cox.

The Children’s Museum’s Sept. 8 After Dark program for the 21-and-older crowd focuses on “Weird Science.”

The American Pianists Association presents Russian pianist Nikita Mndoyants, winner of the Cleveland International Piano Competition Sept. 10 at Butler University’s Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall.

Monika Herzig plays a free concert at the ArtsGarden Sept. 10.