Pitchfork

Well we knew Jens Lekman, Julie Doiron, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, and-- in all likelihood-- these guys were fans, but they're hardly the only ones.

Paul Simon, aka the guy who stole Annie Hall from Woody Allen, will be the subject of a series of star-studded concerts presented by the Brooklyn Academy of Music. "Love in Hard Times: The Music of Paul Simon" descends in April and consists of three separate programs touching on aspects of Simon's globetrotting songcraft.

"Songs from The Capeman", the first program, runs April 1-6 at the Harvey Theater and brings together Oscar Hernández and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Claudette Sierra, Obie Bermudez, Ray de la Paz, and more for a concert staging of Simon's 1998 Broadway show The Capeman. Little Anthony and the Imperials will make a special appearance as well.

"Under African Skies" is next, running April 9-13 at the Howard Gilman Opera House. David Byrne, Hugh Masekela, Cyro Baptista, Milton Nascimento, Kaïssa, Luciana Souza, and others will be on hand to help Simon and his band recreate tunes from Graceland and The Rhythm of the Saints. What, no Chevy Chase?

"American Tunes", finally, takes over the Howard Gilman Opera House April 23-27. The collaboration-happy Grizzly Bear will join the Roches, Olu Dara, and others to assist Simon as he spins through some of his more domestic fare.

So come on out and celebrate the adventurous sounds of Paul Simon. Just please take care not to sneeze all over his coke.