The Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute (BMI) will host the 2nd annual The Believer Festival April 13-14 at various Las Vegas venues. The festival, a two-day roving celebration of writing, music and visual arts, brings together an eclectic mix of established and emerging artists, comedians, literary luminaries, and the Las Vegas arts community.

The festival will feature artists Nima Abkenar and The Los Angeles arts collective Optics Division of the Metabolic Studio. UNLV professors Javon Johnson and José Orduña and BMI Shearing Fellow Tayari Jones also will participate, among many others.

Admission is free to most events, but RSVPs are required. For a full lineup and a list of event sponsors, visit The Believer website.

Tickets are still available for the following events:

Songs of Love and Betrayal

What:    A reading by writer Mohsin Hamid and Oprah Book Club author Tayari Jones, and an interview by Morgan Jerkins with Barry Jenkins. Special introduction by Vogue Robinson. Event is free, but RSVP is required.

When:   Saturday, April 14
               Doors open at 3 p.m.; event begins at 3:30 p.m.

Where:  Performing Arts Center at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts
               955 E. Clark Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89101

Laugh Tracks: The Believer Variety Show with John Hodgman and Jean Grae

What:    The Believer Variety show features hosts Jean Grae and John Hodgman, comedian Aparna Nancherla, and writers Nick Hornby, Wajahat Ali, Ayelet Waldman, Lawrence Weschler, Meg Wolitzer, and special musical guest Aimee Mann. Tickets are $5-$15. Proceeds will benefit BMI’s City of Asylum program, which provides safe haven for writers who are censored or threatened in their home countries.

When:   Saturday, April 14
               Doors open at 7:45 p.m.; event begins at 8 p.m.

Where:  Fremont Country Club
               601 Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89101