The Star-Telegram arts writers spotlight what's rocking their world this week.
1 Mindy Smith, Mindy Smith: The last week of June is jammed with big music releases -- Maroon 5, Linkin Park and R. Kelly have fresh product in stores -- but make an effort to track down singer-songwriter Mindy Smith's lovely new self-titled LP, available Tuesday. The 40-year-old Long Island native's fifth album meanders among folk, country and pop, held together by Smith's wondrous, luminescent alto. Evoking Patty Griffin or Shawn Colvin, Smith is a skilled songsmith deserving of greater acclaim.
-- Preston Jones
2 360: Artists, Critics, Curators: The Speaker Series at the Nasher Sculpture Center has two big events on the horizon by way of Houston. On Saturday at 1 p.m., sculptor Joseph Havel, director of the Glassell School of Art, speaks. On July 14 at 1 p.m., The Art Guys will deliver one of their high camp but serious riffs on contemporary art. Both events are free with admission ($5-$10), but call or e-mail (360RSVP@nashersculpturecenter.org) to RSVP. 2001 Flora St., Dallas. 214-242-5159; www.nashersculpturecenter.org.
-- Gaile Robinson
3 Pecha Kucha Night: Tell your story in 20 slides, and give no more than 20 seconds to each slide -- that's Pecha Kucha (peh-CHAHK-chah). The sixth public Fort Worth Pecha Kucha takes place 7-9 p.m. Friday at Artspace111. The lineup of presenters who'd like to enlist your help, garner your support or just show you what they are doing include architects, filmmakers, developers, journalists, artists and inventors. Free. 111 Hampton St. www.artspace111.com, pechakuchafwvol06.eventbrite.com.
-- Gaile Robinson
