Flying Squirrels

Chicago poster artist Jay Ryan has honed his quirky hand-drawn style for more than a decade, making crudely elegant album art and posters for a diverse roster of clients including Andrew Bird, Built to Spill and the Decemberists. His imaginative drawings feature such scenes as turtles raising a flag Iwo Jima-style, an armadillo skateboarding and, in the case of one poster (for the band High on Fire), Bigfoot pushing a lawnmower. Much of his unique work has been compiled in 100 Posters, 134 Squirrels, a new book of Ryan's art featuring an interview with the artist alongside essays by such notables as producer Steve Albini and Chicago Tribune music critic Greg Kot. This Friday, Ryan visits Good Records, 1808 Greenville Ave., from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a book signing; Record Hop will also perform. Call 214-752-4663. Saturday he'll make the trek up Interstate 35 to Art Prostitute, 1120 W. Oak St. in Denton, where the Baptist Generals will play the opening for Songs of Farewell and Departure, a new exhibition of Ryan's screen prints marking the end of Art Prostitute's days in Denton. Call 940-381-1526 or visit artprostitute.com.
Fri., March 10, 7-10 p.m.