Ripples in the curvature of space-time – "gravitational waves" – are produced by some of the most energetic and dramatic phenomena in our universe, including black holes, neutron stars and supernovae. Close to 100 years after the prediction of the existence of gravitational waves, the advanced detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detected such signals for the first time, starting a new era in astronomy. This talk will explain the nature of gravitational waves, describe what sources out in the Universe can produce them, explain how they are detected and what the future of this new era in astronomy might look (and sound) like.