Dylan Carlson has been the sole constant in Earth since 1989. His tragic friendship with Nirvana's Kurt Cobain is here mentioned only as a historical footnote. His true legacy is the introduction of drone into heavy music, using heavily downtuned and distorted electric guitars to harness feedback and low frequencies, creating extended monolithic soundscapes that combined the minimalism of LaMonte Young or Indian raga with heavy metal sonics.

October is Void Church season. The Quad Cities collective books shows in all seasons. But when the shadows fall and the light fades, when the veil draws thin and the wind whispers dark and suggestive secrets on the chilling air, Void Church falls into their element. The term “goth” is thrown around like a can of black lacquer, but it fits them like a pair of fishnets. They invite you to come revel in the dying of the light, with one caveat: “Are you ready to meet your shadow?”

Two classic piano concertos, two world premieres by female composers, and the Quad Cities debut of a new saxophone concerto are among highlights of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's (QCSO's) 111th season, which will formally begin with its first Masterworks program on October 4 and 5.