What's impressive: The Walker Art Center's programming of "semipopular music" this season. Personally, I anxiously await the arrival of The Books [1], a duo of "recording artists" whose live performances have been known to fall a little flat on audiences' ears. But when it comes to laying down her credit card, a loyal fan doesn't discriminate between the catchy song bought for her iPod and a ticket to hear the low-def but nevertheless real thing. Of all the concerts in the WAC's music season, tonight's show probably falls the furthest from the "semipopular music" repertoire. Rather, cellist Maya Beiser [2] will join with the VocalEssence singers as well as composer Eve Beglarian and visual artist Shirin Neshart to create something proponents of "contemporary classical music" like to call an "evening-length performance." In other words, there'll be film footage artfully set to the music this evening. The result: something of a cross between theater, concert, and music video. In any case, this is the kind of music--the kind that's made of acoustic instrument and un-amplified voice--that I still love to hear live. And I don't mind the eye candy either.

Other worthwhile happenings this weekend (both shopping-related): There's MCAD's Art Sale [3]. And a group of clothing stylists, interior designers, and store owners are throwing a pretty great sale up in Northeast today and tomorrow, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.. I stopped by yesterday and, if you'll believe it, scored a vintage Diane VonFursteberg wrap dress for only $30. Find them at Patina Props: 2014 Central Ave. NE.