Bloomington booms with music for welcome week

The room, house or dorm is set up. Your parents are about to leave town. Sweat trickles down your back as they drive away, and you can finally shower after a long move-in. But what to do after that cleansing break?
Here at the Arts desk, we’d suggest grabbing some friends and heading toward downtown Bloomington. Local venues around town are bursting with acts for your enjoyment during the week before the academic grind commences. We’ve compiled a few of our most anticipated artistic events and are hoping to get you acquainted with some of Bloomington’s favorite artists, musicians and venues.
(1) Wednesday
Stagnant Pools, Clouds as Oceans and Vollmar perform at 9 p.m. at the Bishop, at 123 S. Walnut Sreet. These three groups each have a sound all their own, from the rhythmic drumming and ambient vocals of the Enas brothers in Stagnant Pools to the more gentle and poetic sound of Justin Vollmar. The Bishop is the perfect place to see your favorite local acts. 
(2) Wednesday
The Office of First Year Experiences is sponsoring the Freshman Induction Ceremony at the IU Auditorium. While this event is closed to most students, all of campus has a night with the acerbic wit of John Stewart to look forward to on Sept. 30.
(3) Friday
“30 Plays in 60 Minutes” will be at 8 p.m. at the Bloomington Playwrights Project, at 107 West Ninth Street. In this interactive theatrical experience, members of the audience are encouraged to participate in concocting the plot of the plays, while the actors race to complete each play in the time allotted .
(4) Friday
The Hart Rock Poetry Series is presenting the Dog Days of Summer at 7 p.m. at Rachael’s Cafe, 300 E. Third Street. Hart Rock sponsors a poetry reading and open mic on the fourth Friday of every month and gives community members a chance to listen and share their favorite poems, songs and stories after each slam.
(5) Saturday
Sleeping Bag LP’s release show is at the Bishop, 123 S. Walnut Street. Returning home from a recent tour, Sleeping Bag will unveil their most recent project at the Bishop. Come hear the trio serenade you, and pick up a copy of the new tunes.
(6) Saturday
There will be salsa dance lessons and a salsa-making competition at 10 a.m. at the Bloomington Community Farmers Market, which is next door to City Hall at 401 N. Morton Street. Yes, cooking is an art, and what better way to enjoy the flavors of the season than with some spice?  Sample a variety of salsas created by Bloomington residents, cooks and professional chefs. Then grab a partner and prepare to dance.
(7) Saturday
Local band Main Squeeze will be performing at 11 p.m. at Bluebird Nightclub at 216 N. Walnut Street. This soulful and funky group formed while at IU in 2009 and has been shaking local venues ever since. The Bluebird has has some of the biggest names to pass through Bloomington; however, the bar is 21 and older.
(8) Monday-Saturday
There’s a poster sale at Landlocked Music, at 202 N. Walnut Street. Empty walls can be a bit unhappy looking. Spruce them up with a poster from a local show of a great musician or artist.