Plus Tori Amos, John Patitucci, Wale, Zac Brown Band, Johnny Winter, Tony Bennett & Bill Evans, and More

The contrast between classical-period instruments and modern ones is a bit like that between an original vinyl recording and a CD remastering.

In Piehole's tale of utopian communities gone sour, the company's inventive energy shines through the suffocating snows, but some shovels and a plow are desperately needed.

Swados's newest musical expands out of its narrative thinness with sheer artistic energy, solid performances, and, not least, commitment to its highly stylized presentation.

Some critics disdained this production when it settled in Canada in 2012. But while in some respects it may confound, it feels honest, both musically and theatrically. Plus: Sumo wrestlers!

In cinematically convincing atmosphere, the great Hungarian playwright's century-old tale of artfully exaggerated personalities, screwy events, and the heights and depths of human nature takes on a timeless quality.

I've heard it said many times and I agree that the period-instrument movement was one of the two or three most refreshing and lifeblood-giving events in a century to keep classical music alive.

A new album of old-timey soul music with a blue-eyed southern twist has a perfect fusion of sound and sensibility and is up there with JJ Grey & Mofro's best.

What a shock it'll be if it's shock-performers like Cyrus and Gaga who engineer revivals of classic soul and musical-theater stylings.

Plus Florence + the Machine, Alabama Shakes, The Replacements, Buena Vista Social Club, Larry Coryell, Jorma Kaukonen, Simone Dinnerstein, and The Yardbirds.