Jon Langford

The Mekons, who came roaring out of Leeds in the wake of British punk’s late-seventies explosion, remain shining exemplars of a band as a committed, progressive community. Jon Langford, a Mekons ringleader, is now rolling through his fourth decade of creating provocative and politically charged music and art. The man remains ridiculously busy, with various working bands (the Waco Brothers and the Pine Valley Cosmonauts, among others) and other musical collaborations, plus art: prints and paintings that incorporate influences ranging from Jose Guadelupe Posada to some of the great poster artists of the twentieth century. His artwork also shares a political sensibility–not to mention a keen understanding for the dark back alleys of American popular culture–with his music. 2402 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-331-3889; www.roguebuddha.com