Art Hounds: Free comic books, Hot Jazz and Robert Johnson’s birthday

Scotty Reynolds, Zena Moses and Reginald D. Haney in Interact Theater's Hot Jazz at Da Funky Butt

This week, the hounds take us to a a church/nightclub haunted by jazz musicians past, a happy land where comic books are free and a tribute to the legendary blues guitarist Robert Johnson.

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What's better than comic books? Free comic books! Screenwriter and director Ed Linder says Free Comic Book Day has become a tradition in his family. He and his son head to Uncle Sven's in St. Paul and leave with a big bag full of new comics to try and new characters to meet. Free Comic Book Day is this Saturday. Click here to find out more and find a comic book store near you.

According to music professor and pianist Sonja Thomspon, Hot Jazz at Da Funky Butt is a chaotic, messy good time. A band of visitng musicians from New Orleans helps to transport us to the birthplace of jazz and introduces us to the spirits of jazz musicians past. Intearact Theater's casts are made up of people with a range of disabilties, and Sonja says their performances celebrate our humanity and our differences. The show runs through May 21.

This weekend would have been the 100th birthday of blues legend Robert Johnson. To celebrate his life and music, music writer, artist and musician Sarah Moeding will be at Palmer's in Minneapolis this Saturday for the Robert Johnson Tribute show. Seven bands will be playing all 29 of the songs he recorded during his short life -- and will also play songs inspired by the guitarist. Sarah is most excited to hear The Fattenin' Frogs, whose vocalist reminds of Sarah of a sunny day on a backporch.

For more Art Hounds' recommendations, check us out on Facebook and Twitter. And you can get an early sneak peek at the Art Hounds' picks every week by texting the word ART to 677-677. Art Hounds is powered by the Public Insight Network.