Lazer 103.3 has announced that there will be no LAZERfest in 2016, as the long-time metal and hard rock festival has played its last. Once one of the biggest draws in the state, the event had been flagging the past couple years, as venue changes, schedule idiosyncrasies and declining lineups had all conspired to sap the LAZERfest of its crowds. Fans of metal who are looking for a festival can turn their eyes to A Carnival of Razors, while fans of Lazer can rest assured that the station will throw its weight behind other endeavors.

This week’s Pick o’ the Week takes you to Lefty’s on Friday, Jan. 15 to check out Superchief, Nest of Snakes and Further South, as everyone gets together to celebrate the birthday of Other Brothers front man Eli Clark. Get in for $5, and the show kicks off at 9 p.m. Mahalo. CV

Chad Taylor is an award-winning news journalist and music writer from Des Moines who would love to take his talents abroad if the rent were not so much more affordable in Des Moines.