PICK OF THE DAY

Necessity is the mother of. . .

In 2008, Shota Nakama wanted to combine his two passions: video games and music. The Japanese guitarist hit pay dirt with his Boston-based Video Game Orchestra, a classical and contemporary hybrid. Sunday’s concert features a 70-piece orchestra, choir, five-piece rock band, and a program of “rockestral” arrangements from popular video games. Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. $40.50-$100. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston.
888-266-1200. www.bso.org

FRIDAY

Sweet talkin’

Miss Tess is known for her behind-the-beat vocal phrasing and gently swinging rhythm guitar. The New York City musician’s new album, “Sweet Talk,” illustrates the points with honky-tonk, western swing, and pop standards. With her new band, Miss Tess & the Talkbacks produce a stronger country and early rock ’n’ roll sound. 9 p.m. $12. Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 617-547-0759. www.lizardloungeclub.com

Taylor made About 10 years ago, Ben Taylor went into the family business. The son of James Taylor and Carly Simon is a singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist who recently released his fourth album, “Listening,” a compilation of folk, pop, soul, reggae, and country.
8 p.m. $20 (discounts available). The Center for Arts in Natick,
14 Summer St., Natick. 508-647-0097. www.natickarts.org

The ambassador “Ambassador of the classical guitar,” Berta Rojas , performs an evening of Latin American guitar music. Presented by the Boston Classical Guitar Society.7:30 p.m. $25, $20 students and seniors. First Lutheran Church of Boston, 299 Berkeley St., Boston. 617-420-2247. www.bostonguitar.org

SATURDAY

Season of love

It’s a reunion for former “Rent” stars Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, who will help raise money for the Center for Arts in Natick at Saturday’s benefit concert. They’ll perform solo and then come together for a “Rent” medley. Pascal is on Broadway in “Memphis,” and Rapp is off-Broadway with his autobiographical “Without You.” Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. $100, $150 (concert and reception with actors), discounts available. Walnut Hill School for the Arts, 12 Highland St., Natick. 508-647-0097. www.natickarts.org

SUNDAY

From the White House to Wellfleet

In February, Shemekia Copeland performed for President Obama and his wife, Michelle, at “In Performance at the White House: Red, White and Blues,” a concert celebrating blues music and Black History Month. The Payomet Performing Arts Center presents Copeland and her blues band. Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. $25-$55. First Congregational Church, 200 Main St., Wellfleet. 508-487-5400. www.payomet.org