PICK OF THE DAY
Student of invention
While studying at the Berklee College of Music, Steve Vai
transcribed a few challenging Frank Zappa guitar pieces and sent “Black Page” to the rock legend. Zappa asked the young guitarist and composer to join his band and nicknamed him “Stunt Guitarist.” Vai is in town in support of his new release, “The Story of Light.” Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. $35-$49.50. The Wilbur Theatre,
246 Tremont St., Boston. 800-745-3000. www.ticketmaster.com
WEDNESDAY
Up on the roof Your tour starts on the roof of the Great House where you’ll check out the half-mile landscape restoration project. “A View to the Sea: The Grand Alleé Tour” also stops at the ballroom adjacent to the in-ground saltwater pool (then you can go home to your palace). 5-6 p.m. $15 (pre-registration required). Castle Hill, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich. 978-356-4351, ext. 4049. www.ttor.org
Jazz impressions With a repertoire of classical and avant-garde jazz, Lisa Hilton covers the bases. The composer and pianist who has been called the “Lioness of Jazz” roars on her latest release, “American Impressions.” Hilton will perform with bassist Quincy Philips and drummer Ameen Saleem. 8 p.m. $22. Scullers Jazz Club at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston. 617-562-4111. www.scullersjazz.com
THURSDAY
Lebanon at the Plaza The World Lebanese Cultural Union is on a mission to raise awareness about Boston’s Lebanese-American community. At Lebanon Day, the Lebanese flag will be raised and City Hall Plaza will be filled with food, music, dancing, and cultural exhibits. Sept. 13 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. No cover. Boston City Hall Plaza. 617-688-8080. www.wlcuboston.com
Funny Friedlander Will he wear a trucker hat, big glasses, and casual outfit? The “he” is Judah Friedlander of “30 Rock” fame, who will be honored Sept. 22 as comedian of the year at the Boston Comedy Festival. Thursday’s show is the Loren & Wally Comedy show with Tony V. and Lenny Clarke. Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. (through Sept. 22; finals at Somerville Theatre on Sept. 22). Sept. 13 tickets are $25-$75. North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, Beverly. 978-232-7200. www.nsmt.org (additional venue and event information at 860-712-5093. www.bostoncomedyfestival.com)
On the waterfront Move over, Newport mansions, to make room for the sailboats, powerboats, products, and services at the Newport International Boat Show. Sept. 13-15 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sept. 16 until 5 p.m. $30 (Sept. 13 VIP Day), $18, free under 12. Waterfront facilities along America’s Cup Avenue including the Newport Yachting Center, Newport, R.I. 800-582-7846. www.newportboatshow.com
Music in Harvard Square There’s plenty of room in Harvard Square for students and more than 50 local musical acts who do their thing through Saturday at the New England Americana Festival. Club Oberon is the venue on Thursday and Friday; Saturday it’s Winthrop Square during the day and three venues at night. Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. (through Sept. 15). $15 (free Sept. 15 from 2-7 p.m.), $35 three-day pass. Club Oberon, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge (check website for additional venues). www.newenglandamericana.com