FESTIVAL
Baltimore Book Festival:
Next weekend, Mount Vernon Place does its best Barnes & Noble impression as hundreds of books go on sale along its leafy thoroughfares. Dozens of authors and celebrities are set to appear, including astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Marcia Brady herself, Maureen McCormick. Starts at noon Friday and continues through Sept. 27.
Web: baltimorebookfestival.org
THEATER
'Eurydice':
Single Carrot Theater returns for the fall season with this contemporary take on the myth of Orpheus. The famous musician tragically loses his love, but he's literally willing to go to hell and back to be reunited with her. But will she remember him when he gets there? Opens 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Load of Fun Gallery in Station North.
Web: singlecarrot.com
TV
'Cougar Town':
"Friends" alumna Courtney Cox (above) is back on the TV prowl. This time she stars as an "older" woman looking for young love. Once you get past the whiny middle-age woman cliches, there's a lot to like here. Some of the humor is brutal (in a good way), and Cox's affable gal pals (Christa Miller and Busy Philipps) really shine. Airs 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on WMAR, Channel 2.
DVD
'The Mentalist::
The Complete First Season':
This reformed psychic detective show was one of the few TV hits of last year that actually had actors and production values. Yes, it's yet another crime drama with a twist, but few of them are as well-executed. Simon Baker (above) returns for the second season Thursday, but the uninitiated can still watch how it all started. In stores Tuesday.
CONCERT
Mat Kearney:
You might not know his name, but you've probably heard his music. This indie rocker's brooding songs have shown up in dozens of TV shows, including "Grey's Anatomy" and "Vampire Diaries." Show starts 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Recher Theatre in Towson.
Web: rechertheatre.com
ART
'Fax':
This fall, the Contemporary Museum's fax machine will be getting quite the workout - all in the name of art. The incoming black-and-white (yet not so crisp) copies will share gallery space with pieces by artists who were inspired by the nearly obsolete bit of '80s tech. On display through Dec. 20.
Web: contemporary.org
POP MUSIC
'The Boy Who Knew :
Too Much' by Mika:
Those looking for a pop pick-me-up should look no further than this British singer's sophomore effort. Led by the single "We Are Golden," the album bursts with youthful enthusiasm. The campy, over-the-top Mika can be a bit too sweet for some tastes, but he's certainly not gloomy. In stores Tuesday.
CONCERT
Snow Patrol:
After spending most of the summer touring arenas with megaband U2, these rockers are ready to fly solo for a bit as they gear up for their next album. Expect a mix of radio-friendly hits like "Chasing Cars" and some early renditions of songs to come. Show starts 8 p.m. Friday at DAR Constitution Hall.
Web: ticketmaster.com
GAMES
'Halo 3 ODST' :
It wasn't supposed to be a full-fledged game, but the appetite for all things "Halo" is ravenous. This spinoff follows the fight of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (that's where the ODST comes in). "Halo's" main man Master Chief sits this one out, but "ODST" does offer hours of new first-person shooter opportunities. Out on Xbox 360 Tuesday.
FILM
'The Informant!':
Matt Damon (below) is back on screen playing secret agent again, but don't expect any Jason Bourne-like feats of acrobatics from corporate whistle-blower Mark Whitacre. Gaining weight and donning prosthetics, Damon throws himself into the comic role of a turncoat executive at a big agricultural firm. Now in theaters.
