PICK OF THE DAY
Isn’t it grand?
In 1919, Grand Canyon National Park had about 44,000 visitors. Now, almost 5 million folks take in the grandness. If Arizona isn’t in your travel budget this year, how about a trip to Lexington for the “Lasting Light: 125 Years of Grand Canyon Photography” Smithsonian exhibit of 60 color photos covering almost 125 years. Pictured: Jack Dykinga’s “Toroweap Overlook in Morning Light.” 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (through Jan. 5). Free.
The National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington. 781-861-6559. www.monh.org
SATURDAY
Sad but true
Leo Frank was a Jewish factory manager in early 20th-century, anti-Semitic Marietta, Ga., who was accused of murdering employee Mary Phagan, 13. The tragic and true story is told in “Parade,” a musical by Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry. Presented by F.U.D.G.E. Theatre Company.8 p.m. (through Oct. 20). $25. The Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. 617-945-0773. www.fudgetheatre.com
Piece of work
Animals and humans become one in “The Paragon of Creatures.” This exhibit of surreal paintings by local artist John Jorgenson explores the beast called human. The title is a tweak from “Hamlet”: “What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculties . . . in apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the world. The paragon of animals. And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust?” Noon-5 p.m. (through Oct. 20). Free. Gallery 263,
263 Pearl St., Cambridge.
www.gallery263.com
Visit from the Queen
Here’s what Adele had to say about Wanda Jackson: “She’s like my rockabilly Etta James. I love her, she’s so brilliant. I don’t think ‘Rollin’ in the Deep’ would exist if it wasn’t for Wanda Jackson.” “Unfinished Business” is the new record by the Queen of Rockabilly. 8 p.m. $28-$54.68. Johnny D’s,
17 Holland St., Davis Sq., Somerville. 617-776-2004. www.johnnyds.com
They like to share
If you can’t make up your mind about which dance style you like, see a bunch of them at “An Evening Delight.” The Shared Choreographers’ Concert showcases five local dance makers who cover ballet, contemporary, modern, hip-hop, jazz, and musical theater. 8 p.m. $10. Julie Ince Thompson Theatre
at the Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Ave.,
Cambridge. 617-547-9396. www.dancecomplex.org
SUNDAY
They’re the top
There’s a local musician at Sunday’s live taping of NPR’s “From the Top.” The program by 15-year-old Shrewsbury pianist Vanessa Meiling Haynes includes Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57. Pianist Christopher O’Riley hosts this opportunity for up-and-stunning classical musicians. Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. $25-$35. Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St., Boston. 617-585-1260. www.fromthetop.org
Sargent and seeds
Charles Sprague Sargent “wouldn’t amount to much,” according to his colleagues, but the Harvard alum became the first director of the Arnold Arboretum in 1872. Sargent literally and figuratively crossed paths with Frederick Law Olmsted and other conservationists, and there’s more to learn on your two-hour guided walking tour “The Arnold Arboretum: Seeds of Conservation.” Oct. 14 at 10 a.m., rain or shine. Free. Meet at the Arnold Arboretum Hunnewell Building, 125 Arborway, Boston. 617-566-1689. www.nps.gov/frla