Concert: Robyn Hitchcock
Since forming the influential (just ask R.E.M.) Soft Boys in the late 1970s, English musician Robyn Hitchcock has proffered a surreal lyrical optimism and an extraordinary gift for crafting a catchy, cockeyed tune. His latest studio album (his 25th!) doesn’t arrive until July, but you can bet he’ll be debuting a couple of its songs when he brings a full band to the Horseshoe Tavern on April 11. His wife, Australian singer-songwriter Emma Swift, opens the show. — Doug Brod
TV: ‘Adolescence’
“Adolescence,” about a teen boy accused of murdering a classmate and the devastation felt by his family and community, swept up many awards last season. After reporting on its runaway success, I finally managed to watch the four-part Netflix series last weekend — and it’s a stunner. A psychological drama packed in a powder keg with what feels like several tons of TNT, Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham’s show explodes out of the gate, its tension ratcheted up by the fact that each episode is filmed, astoundingly, in a single, continuous take. — Joshua Chong
TV: ‘Hacks’
“Hacks” has been one of the best shows on TV for the past few years: hilarious, sweet, poignant and a rare showcase for two fabulous, flawed female lead characters, played beautifully by Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. Now, with its fifth and final season, the show brings curmudgeonly standup legend Deborah and weirdo comedy writer Ava’s tumultuous journey to an end. This season (beginning Thursday on Crave) promises plenty of guffaws — and, we’re sure, heart-tugging pathos — along with a juicy guest-star roster that includes Cherry Jones and Leslie Bibb. — Briony Smith
Book: ‘Nowhere’
In his latest graphic novel, “Nowhere” (Goose Lane Editions), New Brunswick writer-artist Jon Claytor uses the point of view of a 12-year-old to capture an eerie East Coast town run by monsters. Claytor’s idea of childhood is one haunted by clowns and vampires searching for psychiatric help — an absurdist view of growing up that’s brought richly to life by his minimalist black-and-white drawings. — Kristjan Lautens
