Five years ago you never would have believed it, but it’s true: the harp is so in. And evidence of that is most acute in that elfin goddess of harpsterism, Joanna Newsom, who will be toting her really big harp—and the lilting wordplay that comes along with it—right on down to Austin this Saturday night. And no, it won’t just be her alone lighting up the stage and the eyes of adoring boys at Riverbend Centre, but also our own internationally acclaimed Austin Symphony Orchestra.

When we first broke this story, we knew matches made in heaven such as this one don’t come along too often, and we were right--Austin is the second of only six full orchestra dates on Newsom's schedule. And we’d be willing to bet that our orchestra can kick all those other orchestras’ asses. After all, they’ve accompanied world-class acts such as Joshua Bell and Hilary Hahn, and their interpretation of the Van Dyke Parks’ string arrangements on Newsom’s latest album, Ys, is sure to be spot on. Toss in the capable hands of Newsom's Ys Street Band, and we've got ourselves quite a shindig.

For a chance to win two tickets to this culturally-enriching and brag-to-all-your-sophisticated-friends-worthy event, enter your little name in the form provided after the jump.

Joanna Newsom w/ Austin Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, October 27, doors at 7
Riverbend Centre
Newsom @ Drag City
Austin Symphony
Frontgate Tickets
$35, general admission seating

As icing on the cake of possibility, here’s a delightful hint as to what may transpire at Riverbend Centre: at the first show on this tour, the entirety of Ys was played in sequence, followed by an intermission, then a selection of orchestra-free tunes from her widely loved debut album Milk-Eyed Mender. So put on your fanciest duds and get ready to rock.

Enter for two free tickets:

This contest is closed. Thanks for reading!

Photo courtesy Alissa Anderson