Weekly Roundup: Summer Reads, Kanye, Frozen Treats

Here's our weekly compilation of arts coverage from all four of WBUR's radio programs -- Here & Now, Only A Game, On Point and Radio Boston.

Cuban Jazz Virtuoso Harold Lopez-Nussa

Harold Lopez-Nussa from Havana is a rising young star in the international jazz scene. His style reflects traditional jazz influences, but it’s also infused with a distinct Afro-Cuban sound, rhythm and energy.

New Music From Neko Case 

Indie scene-stealer Neko Cae released the first single from her first album in four years.

Is Kanye West’s New Album ‘Yeezus’ Mostly Hype?

Pop culture critic Renee Graham calls "Yeezus" the cultural flash point of the week, with songs like "I Am A God," "New Slaves" and "Black Skinhead." Is there any substance behind all the provocation?

Guitar Legend John McLaughlin Has New Album

Jazz guitarist John McLaughlin is known for collaborating with greats including Miles Davis, Tony Williams and Carlos Santana.

Surf Rock: Still Making Waves

Surf rock originated on the California coast. It enjoyed a brief heyday in the 1960s, but it’s making a comeback these days — including a thriving subculture in Boston.

Verdi Vs. Wagner, And Why They Disliked Each Other’s Music

This year would have been the 200th birthday of the two composers. "Wagner was known to abhor grand opera. And Verdi was known to say that Wagner often went down an avenue that was unnecessary," says the director of Boston University's Opera Institute.

What To Read This Summer

“Bring Up The Bodies,” “Transatlantic,” “And The Mountains Echoed” — we’ll look at this summer’s hot reads. Check out our guests' recommendations and listen to audiobook excerpts from their top picks.

Sir Ken Robinson On Discovering Your Passions

"Finding Your Element" is the new book by Sir Ken Robinson, the most-watched speaker on TED. He shares his advice on how to find what really makes us tick and how we can get the most out of life and work.

New Poems From Stephen Burt: 'Belmont'

Stephen Burt has just published his third poetry collection, "Belmont," based on the Greater Boston town he calls home.

Remembering A Crime Writer’s Wife And Muse

Joan Parker, longtime philanthropist and the widow of mystery writer Robert B. Parker, died on June 18. She was the inspiration for the character Susan Silverman, the longtime love of detective Spenser.

Ta-Nehisi Coates On Writing And MIT

What is the most important quality of a really great writer? What is that one thing she/he must have? Atlantic writer Ta-Nehisi Coates discovered the answers in an unlikely place.

Wacky New Shows Dominate Summer TV

Forget reruns. Summer TV is now about "burning off shows that didn't make it in the regular season and attempts to launch something that's genuinely interesting," says Linda Holmes of NPR's Monkey See blog.

'Star Wars' Being Dubbed Into Navajo

In July, the original "Star Wars" movie will be re-released, dubbed in Navajo. It's the first time a major motion picture will be translated into a North American tribal language.

From Gelato To Granita, Frozen Treats Explained

Now that it's officially summer, there's no excuse not to try some frozen sweets. Here & Now resident chef Kathy Gunst dropped in with some samples and recipes.