Few things signal the dawn of spring in S.B. like the start of the Santa Barbara Bowl season, and this year, it’s kicking off with a mighty bang. On Thursday, April 12, British alt-rock icons Radiohead return to town for an extra special — and extra sold-out — show at our beloved and picturesque outdoor venue. But even if you didn’t score tickets, there’s plenty — and we mean plenty — of concerts, films, theater, dance, and visual art to satisfy your culturally curious side in the coming months. In the following pages, you’ll find our rundown of critics’ picks for the 2012 spring arts season. For a full listing of events, visit independent.com/events.