MUSIC
Pop & Rock
2 CHAINZ The prolific Atlanta MC’s latest LP, “Pretty Girls Like Trap Music,” is a recounting of his years-long rise to fame that puts the focus on his arch rhymes while also welcoming big-time guests like hip-hop king Drake and fellow Georgians Migos. Sept. 5, 7 p.m. $42.50 and up. House of Blues. 888-693-2583, www.houseofblues.com/boston
WIDOWSPEAK The atmospheric, country-tinged guitar gauze by this Brooklyn band is ideal autumn music, full of sighing solos and drowsy vocals that sparkle amid fuzzed-out riffing. Sept. 8, 10:30 p.m. $15. Great Scott. 617-566-0914, www.greatscottboston.com
CINDY WILSON When she’s not bringing down the house with The B-52’s, this modern-rock legend has been making gently percolating, expansive electro-pop that showcases the lighter side of her voice, to arresting effect. Her solo debut, “Change,” comes out this fall; she’s released two EPs, “Sunrise” and “Supernatural,” that showcase her new direction. Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m. $20. Middle East Upstairs, Cambridge. 617-864-3278, www.mideastoffers.com
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Folk & World
TOM RUSSELL This veteran singer-songwriter is nothing if not prolific; he released an homage to Ian & Sylvia in May and is already back with another album, “Folk Hotel,” which also comes with a companion book of lyrics and Russell art and stories. He kicks off his tour in support of the new one with a two-night stand in Harvard Square. Sept. 7-8, 8 p.m. $32. Club Passim, Cambridge. 617-492-7679, www.passim.org
DAVID DAVIS AND THE WARRIOR RIVER BOYS David Davis has a direct line to the founder of bluegrass music — his uncle, Cleo Davis, was a member of the very first edition of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys — and he and his Warrior River Boys have been representing the hardcore-traditional side of what Monroe started for over 30 years now. Sept. 8, 8 p.m. $10. Belleville Congregational Church, Newburyport. 800-838-3006, www.brownpapertickets.com
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LILLY HIATT There’s a new Hiatt in town; John’s daughter Lilly has just released her third album, “Trinity Lane,” and with a little bit of roots and a whole lot of thrash, Hiatt’s tough-minded lyrics and the twangy keen of her vocals, it has the sound of an artist who’s starting to come into her own. Sept. 3, 10 p.m. $10. Atwood’s Tavern, Cambridge. 800-838-3006, www.brownpapertickets.com
Jazz & Blues
DONAL FOX: IN THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH & BEAUTY A solo concert by the nonpareil pianist, composer, and improviser whose music seamlessly merges jazz and classical with a tinge of Afro-Latin, interpreting the likes of Thelonious Monk on the one hand and J.S. Bach on the other. Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m. $20. Regattabar. 617-395-7757, www.regattabarjazz.com
GENE TAYLOR BAND The marvelous blues pianist and singer was a member of the legendary bands Canned Heat, the Blasters, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Leading his own outfit, he continues to bring his house-rocking best to juke joints far and wide. Sept. 8, 8 p.m. $12-$14. Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining, 267 Main St., Woonsocket, R.I. 401-765-1900, www.chanseggrollsandjazz.com
THE GREG HOPKINS SEXTET + ONE: REMEMBERING DUKE & STRAYS Highland Jazz kicks off its 35th annual series with trumpeter, composer, and arranger Hopkins and his all-star crew paying tribute to epochal collaborators Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, creators of some of the best-known pieces in jazz history. Sept. 10, 2 p.m. $10-$20. Highland Jazz at Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Road, Newton Centre. 781-237-1917, www.highlandjazz.org
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Classical
A FAR CRY The Gardner Museum launches its Sunday afternoon concert series with a performance by its intrepid chamber orchestra in residence. Titled “Violin Hero,” the program features works by legendary fiddlers worthy of the name: Ysaye, Kreisler, and Enescu. Sept. 10, 1:30 p.m. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 617-278-5159, www.gardnermuseum.org
MIRROR VISIONS ENSEMBLE Guest soprano Mireille Asselin joins this thoughtful collective for a program exploring the genre of the travel song, with selections by Barber, Berlioz, Blangini, Duparc, Haydn, Poulenc and Schubert. Sept. 15, 8 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, Jamaica Plain. 617-971-8630, www.mirrorvisions.org
ODYSSEY OPERA Gil Rose and his adventurous company embark on their Joan of Arc-themed season with a concert performance of Tchaikovsky’s rarely spotted “The Maid of Orléans.” Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. Jordan Hall. www.odysseyopera.org
ARTS
Theater
THE WEIRD Responding to themes and ideas devised by the cast with director Steven Bogart, playwrights Kirsten Greenidge, John Kuntz, Obehi Janice, and Lila Rose Kaplan combined their talents to create a new play that “communes with the contentious time our nation is in through the lens of magic and witchcraft.’’ Through Sept. 16. Off the Grid Theatre Company. At Wimberly Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts. 617-933-8600, www.bostontheatrescene.com
GYPSY Rachel Bertone directs and choreographs a production of the classic musical about the ultimate stage mother, Mama Rose, played by Leigh Barrett, and Rose’s two daughters, Louise (Kirsten Salpini) and June (Kira Troilo). With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents. Through Oct. 8. Lyric Stage Company of Boston. 617-585-5678, www.lyricstage.com
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THE TEMPEST The true storm in this fine production rages within Nigel Gore’s nearly unappeasable Prospero. Gore brings a seething, magisterial fury to his portrayal of the deposed duke turned vengeful island sorcerer, who causes a shipwreck that brings his enemies within his grasp. Allyn Burrows, helming his first production at Shakespeare & Company since he took over as artistic director, makes smart and creative use of the troupe’s brand-new outdoor theater. Through Sept. 3. Shakespeare & Company. At Roman Garden Theatre, Lenox. 413-637-3353, www.shakespeare.org
Dance
REVERSIBLE The fabulously imaginative contemporary circus troupe The Seven Fingers returns to Boston with a US premiere. The Montreal-based company of eight specializes in eye-popping feats of physical derring-do set within a provocative theatrical context, and this production, presented by ArtsEmerson, explores how the stories of the past might offer wisdom for the future. Sept. 6-24. $10-$90. Cutler Majestic Theatre. 617-824-8400, www.artsemerson.org
TANGO BY MOONLIGHT Imagine the light of the moon dancing across the water of the Charles River as elegant couples glide across Cambridge’s Weeks Pedestrian Bridge to the strains of Argentine Tango. It’s a lovely scene, whether you go to watch or try out a few moves of your own. And in case you need a little refresher, the event includes impromptu mini-lessons and demonstrations. Sept. 9, 7:30-11 p.m. Free. Weeks Bridge off Memorial Drive, Cambridge. 617-699-6246, www.bostontango.org
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THE YARD The famed Martha’s Vineyard festival showcases the Schonberg (Boston) Fellows participating in its new mentored residency initiative, designed to connect with Boston’s professional dance community. The current slate of artists includes Peter DiMuro, McKersin Previlus, and duo Claire Johannes and Jordan Jamil Ahmed, along with Boston native David Parker (The Bang Group). Sept. 9, 6:30. $5-$25. Patricia Nanon Theater, Chilmark, Martha’s Vineyard. 508-645-9677, www.dancetheyard.org
Galleries
JEANNIE MOTHERWELL: POUR. PUSH. LAYER. The painter’s father is Robert Motherwell; her stepmother is Helen Frankenthaler. Her generative abstract canvases lean toward the latter. She pours, swipes, layers, and coaxes her paint into voluptuous, swirling weather systems and galaxies. Pictured: “Chrysalis.” Through Oct. 22. Rafius Fane Gallery, 460 Harrison Ave. 508-843-2184, www.rafiusfanegallery.com
RICHARD YARDE: PORTRAITS The virtuoso watercolorist, known for his dauntingly large-scale works, lived and taught in Massachusetts. He died in 2011. His work explores African-American culture, social justice, and his relationship to his ailing body. Sept. 5-Oct. 27. University Hall Gallery, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd. 617-287-7633, www.umb.edu/news/detail/special_exhibition_richard_yarde_portraits
THE NORTH: ARTISTS FROM ICELAND AND NORWAY Stefán Jóhann Boulter paints the Icelandic psyche in still lifes and portraits. Thorri Hringsson paints crisp, haunted Icelandic landscapes. In photographer Ole Brodersen’s long exposures of Norwegian wilds, colorful kites tint the sky. Through Oct. 1. Dedee Shattuck Gallery, 1 Partners Lane, Westport. 508-636-4177, www.dedeeshattuckgallery.com
Museums
TECHNOLOGIES OF THE IMAGE: ART IN 19th-CENTURY IRAN Trade and imperial ambitions brought Europeans to Iran in record numbers, and Iranians synthesized Western imagery and picture-making techniques with traditional Persian approaches. On view: photographs, lithographs, lacquer pieces, drawings, and paintings. Through Jan. 7. Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., Cambridge. 617-495-9400, www.harvardartmuseums.org
ARTISTS IN EXILE: EXPRESSIONS OF LOSS AND HOPE Leaving one’s homeland behind can be traumatizing, but for an artist it can also spark innovation. Here artists from Jacques-Louis David to Mona Hatoum ponder exiles’ damages and gifts. Through Dec. 31. Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., New Haven. 203-432-0600, artgallery.yale.edu
INVISIBLE CITINGS Elaine Reichek and Jeanne Silverthorne give familiar texts form in their art — Reichek in embroidery, and Silverthorne in cast-rubber sculptures. They weave in elements of invisibility, inviting viewers to contemplate what can’t be seen. Through Dec. 31. Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, 180 Main St., Andover. 978-749-4015, www.addisongallery.org
EVENTS
Comedy
WELLRED COMEDY TOUR Comedians Trae Crowder (a.k.a. The Liberal Redneck), Drew Morgan, and Corey Forrester are touring in support of their new book, “The Liberal Redneck Manifesto: Draggin’ Dixie Outta the Dark,” their attack on the political stereotype of the South. Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m. $24-$57. The Wilbur, 246 Tremont St., Boston. 617-248-9700, www.thewilbur.com
RAY HARRINGTON A former Mainer now based in Rhode Island, Harrington is a staple of the Boston scene. His comedy is sharp and relatable, and his new album, “Overwhelmed,” is out Friday. Sept. 8, 8 p.m. $20. Nick’s Comedy Stop, 100 Warrenton St., Boston. 617-963-6261, www.nickscomedystop.com
TV GUIDANCE COUNSELOR Ken Reid celebrates the 250th episode of his podcast with trivia, TV clips, and all manner of deep pop culture knowledge. Pajamas encouraged for this “Sleepover Spectacular.” Sept. 9, 7 p.m. Free. Comicazi, 407 Highland Ave., Somerville. 617-666-2664, www.comicazi.com
Family
ALL HANDS TO MISCHIEF! Sailors need some fun over Labor Day weekend, too — including small ones. Head to the sea for board games, quill writing, and other ship-based activities. Get a nautical tattoo to show off your newfound mischievous ways, and then take a quick snooze in an on-board hammock. Sept. 3 and 4, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. USS Constitution Museum, Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown. 617-426-1812. ussconstitutionmuseum.org/event/all-hands-to-mischief
BREAD & PUPPET THEATER AT SUMMER IN THE CITY What could make the last weekend before school starts even more awesome? A puppet show. Will the end-of-summer blues away with the theater’s last event of the season at this multicultural, interactive event hosted by Cambridge Arts. Sept. 3, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Cambridge Common. 617-349-4380. www.cambridgema.gov/arts/Programs/summerinthecity
BEVERLY AIRPORT FAMILY FUN DAY Have you ever wanted to get a birds’-eye view of the place we call home? Helicopter and airplane rides will be available for purchase for anyone daring enough, while a bouncy house will be on deck for anyone only willing to go a few feet off the ground. Food vendors, demonstrations, and professional attendees (including the Coast Guard) will be part of the fun, hosted by Flight4CF, a nonprofit seeking a cure for cystic fibrosis. Sept. 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $5. Beverly Airport, 46 LP Henderson Road, Beverly. 857-888-2592. flight4cf.com/events
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Sept. 28 The Lemon Twigs at Sinclair www.axs.com
Sept. 28 Open Mike Eagle at Middle East Upstairs www.ticketweb.com
Oct. 1 Touche Amore at Sinclair www.axs.com
Oct. 2 METZ at Sinclair www.axs.com
Oct. 3 Alvvays at Paradise Rock Club www.ticketmaster.com
Oct. 4-5 Dinosaur Jr. at Sinclair www.axs.com
Oct. 5 Herbie Hancock at Orpheum Theatre www.ticketmaster.com
Oct. 7 Broken Social Scene at House of Blues concerts.livenation.com