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The Signal’s Lisa Morgan looks on from the control room as musicians Nathan Bell (left) and Dave Heumann (right) perform as the duo Human Bell in the WYPR studios.

• The music and the thoughts of guitar players Dave Heumann and Nathan Bell. Their aptly named collaboration, Human Bell, blends banjo-picking techniques and traditional blues influences into a new and hypnotic genre of instrumental music.
• A visit to a rehearsal of Baltimore’s Opera Vivente. They’re putting together a new staging of Verdi’s Rigoletto — a production that re-sets the classic opera in the contemporary world… of professional boxing.
• A chat with one of patriarchs of modern American comedy, Bob Newhart, about his years as a stand-up comedian and his memorable roles on television and the silver screen
• And, in honor of Small Press Month, a conversation with Jennifer Wallace, co-editor of a new independent poetry imprint called Toadlily Press.

This evening (03.17.06), Gallery Imperato hosts the opening reception for Femme Effect: Part Deux, curated by Jordan Faye Block. This show is a continuation of the Femme Effect exhibit launched by Sub-Basement Studios, and it features the work of artists Melissa Dickenson, Valerie Fischler, Cara Ober, Lauren Schott, and Dana Reifler. The works range from oil paintings to jewelry, and the opening reception begins tonight at 7 and continues ‘til 10. The exhibition runs through April 15, and Gallery Imperato is located at 921 E. Fort Avenue in Suite 120. For gallery hours and more information, you can visit them on the web at www.galleryimperato.com.

Tonight (03.17.06) at 9 o’clock, the 14 Karat Cabaret presents another Shattered Wig Night of poetry and music. Poet Chris Toll has been called “the Emily Dickenson from Mars,” and he returns to the stage to read from his forthcoming book, Be Light. He’s joined by Heather Fuller, whose most recent book of poetry is the highly praised Startle Response. The evening’s musical entertainment includes electro-crush band Randy Rage and Peek-a-boo and Old Songs, a trio of talented musicians who translate ancient Greek poetry and set it to haunting melodies. The 14 Karat Cabaret is located at 218 W. Saratoga Street, and more information is online at www.normals.com.

The weather’s been getting milder, and there are blossoms sprouting on the trees, but spring won’t officially arrive until the Vernal Equinox, the point in the Earth’s revolution when day and night become equal in length. The band Telesma celebrates the occasion this Saturday (03.18.06) at the 8 x 10 club with Telesma-Nox, a Vernal Equinox Party. Telesma’s instrumentation features the didgeridoo alongside electric guitar, fusing the primal and the futuristic into a distinctive musical experience. News Travels Fast opens the show, which kicks off at 9. The 8 x 10 is located at 10 E. Cross St. in Federal Hill. For more information, you can call 410-625-2000.