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I am a product of the house that Jack built (#IYKYK). Singing my heart out and dancing my baby knees weak to the likes of Robin S. and CeCe Peniston. Putting my lungs and my ankles in peril when Cajmere ominously proclaimed, “It’s time.” Then at a curious 12 years old, I started sneaking peeks at late-night video hours on MTV, where I was baptized in the church of Bjӧrk and her effervescent case of Big Time Sensuality. Some decades later, my knees are tried and true, my voice is obnoxious, and I have been introduced to Babestock, the first (and FREE, honey) electronica festival featuring only femme-identified and gender-expansive artists on the whole damn continent! For all the grown babes out there (21+, kiddos), Cheer Up Charlies will be the place to be starting on Saturday, June 15. – Cy White

Résumés don’t come much more impressive than Billy Harper’s. Born in Houston and a graduate of the University of North Texas, the saxophonist earned slots with Gil Evans, Lee Morgan, Randy Weston, Art Blakey, and even, for one of his last sessions, Louis Armstrong. He forged a career as a leader with extraordinary albums like Capra Black, The Awakening, and the classic Black Saint, the first album on the powerhouse Italian label that took its name. Also a member of supergroup the Cookers, Harper last dazzled Austin in 2022 alongside legendary drummer Andrew Cyrille. It’s simple: Do not miss this. – Michael Toland