PICK OF THE DAY
Man of many talents
Accomplished actor, pianist, playwright, and producer Hershey Felder (above) shines the spotlight on others in his successful one-man shows about Leonard Bernstein, Chopin, Beethoven, and George Gershwin (his “George Gershwin Alone” is currently playing in Boston). “An Evening With Hershey Felder: The Man Behind the Legends” offers glimpses into the artist’s own life and creative process. In the event presented by ArtsEmerson and New Center for Arts and Culture, Joyce Kulhawik talks with Felder about topics including his experiences growing up Jewish in Montreal, and the visit to Auschwitz that inspired his Gershwin show. June 4, 7:30 p.m. $28. Paramount Center Mainstage, 559 Washington St., Boston. 617-824-8400, www.artsemerson.org
MONDAY
It’s only natural See the best illustrations from four decades of work in “A Natural Curiosity: A Retrospective of Images by Gordon Morrison.”
The artist’s credits include Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, the Peterson Field Guide to Forests, and his own Birds in the Garden series. Through July 1. Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun noon-4 p.m. Free. Arnold Arboretum, Hunnewell Visitor Center, 125 Arborway, Boston. 617-384-5209,
www.arboretum.harvard.edu/news-events/art-shows
Flat broke In 1962, Michael Harrington wrote “The Other America,” which influenced historians and politicians including JFK and Lyndon Johnson. Fifty years later, Harrington biographer Maurice Isserman and “So Rich, So Poor” author Peter Edelman get together for “Poverty in America,” a Kennedy Library Forum. June 4, 5:30-7 p.m. Free, registration requested. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston. 617-514-1600, www.jfklibrary.org
Get on your bike Now that the first-ever Rush Hour Race in Boston has established the humble bicycle as a faster mode of rush-hour transport than a car or the T, you’ll want to start riding yours more often. The 16th Annual Bike Party & Benefit for the New England Mountain Bike Association and MassBike is a good place to start. The outdoor shindig features barbecue, valet parking for your two-wheeler, drawings, and music by the Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Society Brass Band. June 4, 5-10 p.m. (rain date June 11). $15. In front of Redbones, 55 Chester St., Somerville. 617-628-2200, www.redbones.com
TUESDAY
Here, kitty There’s a new animal act in town. “An Evening of Counterpoint With Alla Cohen, Ran Blake, and Darby, the Red Persian Cat”
combines two distinguished musical minds and a feline one for an evening of contemporary classical, third stream, and jazz. Joyce Kulhawik hosts. June 5, 7:30 p.m. $25-$50. Old South Church,
Gordon Chapel, 645 Boylston St., Boston. www.alla
cohen.tix.com
Garden party We promise you a rose garden in “An Evening Stroll Through the Gardens of the Back Bay Fens.” Emerald Necklace docents lead the one-hour tour through winding paths of gardens that include more than a thousand roses. June 5, 6:30 p.m. Free. Walk begins at the Shattuck Emerald Necklace Visitor Center, 125 The Fenway, Boston. 617-522-2700, www.emeraldnecklace.org
Unforgettable Dinah The Beehive remembers the Queen of the Blues in “A Tribute to Dinah Washington.” Michelle “Evil Gal” Willson provides the music, Chef Rebecca Newell provides the menu. June 5, music at 8 p.m., dining 5 p.m.-2 a.m. No cover. Beehive, 541 Tremont St., Boston. 617-423-0069, www.beehiveboston.com