When people were shorter and lived near the water ...

Back when Tomato Head hosted live music and The Laurel hosted, um, more diverse live music, you might have heard an experimental music quintet from Wyandotte, Mich. called Only A Mother at either place. Metro Pulse described the now defunct OAM as a "rapturous cacophony." Only A Mother's leader and lead euphonium player, Frank Pahl, now leads multiple other bands, including Little Bang Theory. They're a trio that performs music for film, theater and dance on toys and children's instruments. Simultaneously songs of innocence and experience, Little Bang Theory's music is a treat and like nothing else.

You can hear Little Bang Theory and a bunch of other uncommonly wonderful acts this weekend for free at The WhoFest, a two-day arts and music love-in on the river down in Chattanooga. Yes, the Shaking Ray Levis are involved, and will perform.