Art Hounds: Justin Busch, Ashley Hunt and Narco States

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(Image courtesty of Narco States)

This week the hounds introduce us to an overlooked Minnesota composer, a gallery that is hosting a live documentary and a band that embodies the best of garage rock.

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Actor Luke Weber is glad to see that Minnesota composer Justin E.A. Busch will be in the spotlight at Studio Z this weekend. The Esperanza Ensemble will be playing several of Busch's chamber music pieces, which Luke thinks are interesting yet accessible. The free concert will be at Studio Z in St. Paul this Sunday at 2 p.m.

More than a few Art Hounds have recommended documentary films, but poet, publisher and graphic designer Chaun Webster is the first to recommend a LIVE documentary. In "Notes on the Emptying of a City," artist Ashley Hunt explores the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina by piecing together sounds, images and stories from the months following the storm. The performance is this Saturday at The Bindery Projects, a space that Chaun appreciates for consistently bringing groundbreaking African-American artists from around the country to the Twin Cities.

In a time when many bands seem to care about proving themselves on their records than on stage, Dave Hoenack loves that Narco States really brings it to their live shows. Hoenack, owner of Hymie's Vintage Records, sees Narco States as a throwback -- but not a nostalgia act -- to the heyday of Twin Cities garage bands in the mid-'60s. They'll be at Hell's Kitchen this Friday along with San Dimas, The Goondas and Hevy Syrup. For more Art Hounds' recommendations, check us out on Facebook and Twitter. Art Hounds is also available as a podcast on iTunes. Art Hounds is powered by the Public Insight Network.