Welcome to summer in the Carolinas! This is the type of summer I grew up with many years ago with most days staying relatively pleasant temperaturewise, and the ever-changing flower scene always amazing in presentation. The Triad is certainly not hard on the eyes, and as we near August the arts community is humming right along.

I’ve reviewed a few Will Ferrell comedies in my time writing this column. Regardless of my personal opinion about the quality of each, the common theme I always come back to seems to be: Either you think the guy’s funny or you don’t. For the record, I like Will Ferrell.

“Okay,” she says, “they’re getting ready to kick everybody out.” “How do they like that?” I ask. She shrugs her shoulders. “We just tell ’em, ‘The movie starts at nine and the seats are reserved.’” There’s only room for about 35 back here on the patio at Sweet Basil’s, the cozy cottage that once housed Café D’Arte, and on Friday nights it fills up fast.

Well for the past 15 years Dawoud Bey has been photographing high school in a different light. His exhibit features 40 photographs of high school students from a wide economic, social and ethnic spectrum, telling a story that breaks stereotypes with every photo.

We all know at least one. That person who is good at pretty much everything they try. And good at a level that makes them money, not just “entertaining your friends” good. Zooey Deschanel is best known for her roles in major motion pictures such as Almost Famous, Elf, The Happening.

Tommy LaCombe, owner of Tragic Hero, knew exactly what he was doing. and why. when he signed Yearling to his North Carolina record label (www.myspace.com/tragicherorecords). Since the signatures hit paper, Yearling has been hitting stages nonstop, sent off on national tours and, recently, even further — Japan.

I’m not sure if there has ever been a wider variety summer weekend of concerts for you to choose from. And if you hold broad and eclectic music tastes like myself you might find yourself going out a few nights in a row. Thursday is the new Friday — and I almost dropped dead when I heard internationally-renowned blues-folk artist Amos Lee.

Walking up to the Raleigh venue, kids of all ages were immediately approached before even making it to the waiting line by two or three others with questions. The first was a kid working for the Obama campaign, who wasn’t even old enough to vote himself, and if you gave him a moment, you’d quickly learn he was also too young to drive.

A band’s first album contains the hit that makes them fans. A band’s second album is generally considered the “sophomore slump,” smart and a good mix of what you did right the first time, with room to improve and spend more time and money on what you.

The fun begins at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Green Burro Sports Bar (106 W. McGee St., Greensboro). Media mastermind Sean Coon and his crack team of filmmakers and photographers will be doing their best to capture the live concert experience and showcase some of the music talent of the region.