Long live the power of the word, whether it is spoken, written or sung.---

Sometimes just one of those mediums isn’t enough for an artist. Singer-songwriter Josh Ritter just dropped his first novel back in June, although the work probably won’t make much of an appearance at tonight’s Red Butte Garden concert. For a review of the novel, read this. For an interview with the songsmith from his 2010 SLC stop, read this. Blind Pilot and Devil Makes Three open the show, for a stellar lineup that kicks off at 7 p.m.

Another young songwriter who is proving his prowess at creating vibrant characters and staying away from self-indulgent autobiographical verse (don’t get me wrong, there is definitely a place for that) is Eric Earley of Seattle, Wash.-based folk group Blitzen Trapper. The 2011 release American Goldwing doesn’t disappoint, and those songs should come to life rather nicely at the Urban Lounge tonight.

For a free show by one of Salt Lake City’s finest rappers, head over to the Music at Main series, starting at 7 p.m. Burnell Washburn released Food & Love earlier this year, and City Weekly contributor Gavin Sheehan cited it as his favorite release of 2011, so far.

Comedian Doug Stanhope will be filming his next DVD tonight at The Complex and you can be on it. Read this blog for more information.