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THE MAVERICKS
For most of the double-aughts, the Mavericks were seemingly a thing of the past, but stentorian crooner Raul Malo and his cohorts have been making up for lost time since reuniting. This will be their third year in a row at the venerable country music park; their previous two visits turned the place into a raucous, writhing dance party, and there’s no reason to think this time will be any different. June 20, 2 p.m. Tickets: $34-$46.50. Indian Ranch, Webster. 508-943-3871. www.indianranch.com
LOWER DENS Always a sonic chameleon, Lower Dens mastermind Jana Hunter has again reinvented her sound on the band’s latest, “Escape From Evil.” The ricocheting guitar lines and synth sheen give the album a moody, alternative-’80s vibe, while keeping the focus on Hunter’s penetrating wail. June 20, 8:45 p.m. Tickets: $14, $12 in advance. The Sinclair, Cambridge. 800-745-3000, www.
MORRISSEY I know, I know: It’s anyone’s guess what will happen when Morrissey goes on tour. But when he’s on, as he was last year at the Boston Opera House, Moz is usually in exceptional form with a crack band behind him. He’ll be performing selections from last year’s “World Peace Is None of Your Business,” along with a few from his days with the Smiths. June 24, 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $49.50-$79.50. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, Worcester. 877-471-7649, www.thehanovertheatre.org
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NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Now grown men, the Kids are still all right when they get together again 30 years since forming in Boston. This time out, they’re supporting a recent album, 2013’s “10,” and will turn back the clock for not only “Hangin’ Tough” and “You’ve Got It (The Right Stuff),” but also with opening set from R&B soul sisters TLC and rapper Nelly. June 24 and 25, 7 p.m. Tickets: $32-$104.50. TD Garden. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com
Folk & World
SLEEPY LABEEFWhen Sleepy LaBeef released his first single, “I’m Through,” on Starday Records in 1957, he could count George Jones, Red Sovine, Buck Owens, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Buddy Holly as peers. He’s gone from rockabilly to country and back again, and as he approaches 80, he is (with the possible exception of the Killer) the last man standing, on stage and otherwise. His show on Saturday is a birthday celebration. June 20, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20. Johnny D’s,Somerville. 617-776-2004. www.johnnyds.com
RICHARD THOMPSON TRIO More precisely, the Richard Thompson Electric Trio, which means an evening dominated by the guitar master’s winding, astringent plugged-in sound and the lean propulsion of trio members Taras Prodaniuk and Michael Jerome. There will be some acoustic guitar, though, provided by opener Doug Paisley as he plays his understated, meticulously crafted country-folk. June 20, 8 p.m. Tickets: $40-$55. Wilbur Theatre. 800-745-3000. www.ticketmaster.com
RYLEY WALKER; WILLIAM TYLERA marvelous twofer for fans of inventive contemporary guitar players working in a folk vein (loosely considered): American Primitivist and more Ryley Walker comes to town Tuesday, supporting Jessica Pratt; William Tyler brings his wordless explorations as opener for Real Estate the next night. June 23, 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. Great Scott (Walker); June 24, 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. The Paradise (Tyler). 800-745-3000. www.ticketmaster.com
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Jazz & Blues
BENNY GREEN TRIO As sideman for the likes of Betty Carter, Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, and Ray Brown, and in his over two-decade career as a leader, Green has ranked among our finest exponents of hard-swinging, mainstream jazz piano. June 18, 8 p.m. Tickets: $30. Scullers. 866-777-8932, www.scullersjazz.com
THIrd ANNUAL DRIFF RECORDS FEST Boston’s own transatlantic improvised-music label, helmed by saxophonist/composer Jorritt Dijkstra and pianist/composer Pandelis Karayorgis, presents two evenings featuring four bands playing short sets, topped off with a passel of platters spun by saxophonist/DJ Charlie Kohlhase. Special guests will include trombonist Jeb Bishop, cornetist Taylor Ho Bynum, saxophonist Tony Malaby, and drummer Ra-Kalam Bob Moses. June 19, 20, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$25. Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St., Cambridge. 617-955-7729, www.lilypadinman.com
THE COMPOSERSSAXOPHONE QUARTET Baritone saxophonist Kathy Olson’s ensemble flies high without the net of a rhythm section in the challenging and exhilarating four-sax format. With tenor saxophonist Sean Berry, alto and soprano saxophonist Allan Chase, and alto saxophonist Rick Stone. June 20, 8 p.m. Tickets: $12-$15. The Green Room, 62 Bow St., Somerville. 617-615-9467, www.mandorlamusic.net
JANIVA MAGNESS The only woman apart from Koko Taylor to have won the Blues Music Foundation’s B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award, the charismatic and cathartic singer and songwriter has been called “one of the real deals” by no less an authority than Bettye Lavette. June 21, 2015, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$24. Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Route. 2A, Shirley. 877-536-7190, www.bullrunrestaurant.com
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Classical
POWDER HER FACE Thomas Adès’s early chamber opera, which centers on the life of Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, is already a modern classic. Conductor Gil Rose returns to the score as the culminating production in Odyssey Opera’s spring festival of British works. Nic Muni directs. June 18-20, Boston Conservatory Theater. 617-826-1626, www.odysseyopera.org
ASTON MAGNA FESTIVAL The early music festival opens with its own worthy contribution to the season’s Monteverdi feast: a program of operatic madrigals and other works including “Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda.” With Dominique Labelle (soprano), and Frank Kelley and William Hite (tenors). June 18, Brandeis University’s Slosberg Auditorium, 800-875-7156, www.astonmagna.org
ROCKPORT CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL Next up at Rockport: Beethoven and Schubert from the Deveau-Cardenes-Williams Trio (June 18), the Jupiter Quartet (June 19 and 21), and pianist Marc-André Hamelin (June 20). Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport. 978-546-7391, www.rockport music.org
NEW MUSIC Handel and Haydn marks its bicentenary with the premiere on June 18 of a newly commissioned work by Gabriela Lena Frank (617-266-3605, www.handeland haydn.org ); the annual “Sick Puppy” new-music seminar at New England Conservatory is in full swing this week, with free evening concerts culminating on June 20 with a multi-hour marathon dubbed the “Iditarod” (617-585-1122, www.sicpp.org ); and Boston Guitar Fest — running through June 21 — celebrates its tenth anniversary this year with a premiere by Kurt Schwertsik (617-373-4700, www.bostonguitarfest.org ).
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THEATER
AFTER ALL THE TERRIBLE THINGS I DOAn absorbing production of A. Rey Pamatmat’s talky but trenchant dramatization of a timely issue — the bullying of gay kids — that explores the corrosive nature of guilt and sheds light on what can be revealed, or concealed, by the stories we tell about our lives. Directed by Peter DuBois. Through June 21. Huntington Theatre Company at Wimberly Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts. 617-266-0800, www.huntingtontheatre.org
SHINING CITYLast summer, shortly before Benedict Cumberbatch excited moviegoers with his portrayal of British computer pioneer and World War II code breaker Alan Turing in “The Imitation Game,’’ Mark H. Dold riveted theatergoers with an unforgettable performance as Turing in a production of Hugh Whitemore’s “Breaking the Code.’’ Memories of that portrayal are enough to whet the appetite for this production of Conor McPherson’s “Shining City,” where Dold will play Ian, a troubled therapist whose patient, a Dublin widower, insists he has seen the ghost of his wife, recently killed in a car crash. Directed by Christopher Innvar. June 18-July 11. Barrington Stage Company, St. Germain Stage, Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center, Pittsfield. 413-236-8888; www.barringtonstageco.org
SWEET AND SADGathered for dinner on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, a family navigates the intersection of the personal and the political in Richard Nelson’s deeply sensitive, subtext-rich play. A six-person cast shines under masterful direction by Weylin Symes. The mixture of social relevance, deeply personal stakes, and thoughtful questioning found here is more or less why we go to the theater. Through June 20. Production by Gloucester Stage Company in collaboration with Stoneham Theatre. At Gloucester Stage Company, Gloucester. 978-281-4433, www.gloucesterstage.com
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MELANCHOLY PLAY: A CHAMBER MUSICALA farcical spirit pervades this new musical setting of Sarah Ruhl’s play, a frequently funny contemporary fable that boasts an assured ensemble performance. Ruhl coheres elements of magic realism, opera, and melodrama into something strange but ultimately comforting. Here, a vial of tears possesses transformational powers, and almonds are not what they seem. An onstage string quartet plays bittersweet, faintly melodic pieces that remain eminently pleasant. Through June 28. Trinity Repertory Company. At Dowling Theater, Providence. 401-351-4242, www.trinityrep.com
The Opposites Game
To inaugurate the Tufts University Dance Faculty Series, Nicole Pierce and her company EgoArt, Inc. present this one-act exploration of opposing states in four chapters: “Hot v. Cold,” “Agitated v. Tranquil,” “Tense v. Slack,” and “Together v. Alone.” Pictured: Mary McCarthy and Kathryn Dunkel Zeek. June 19-20. $22-$25. Tufts University’s Jackson Dance Lab, Medford. www.brownpapertickets.com KAREN CAMPBELL
THE TEAMThis ensemble of visual and performing artists uses humor to explore a range of contemporary issues. This “Dancing in the Streets” presentation features “Business Casual,” which examines rites and rituals of women in the workplace, and “Mammals Dancing,” which explores the tactile relationship between skin and clothing. June 19, 8:30 p.m., Free. Conway Basketball Court (Somerville Ave. and Central Street), Somerville. 617-625-6600, www.somervilleartscouncil.org
LUMINARIUM DANCE COMPANY To celebrate its progress over the past five years, including winning a Massachusetts Cultural Council 2015 Gold Star Award, the company is presenting a “5th Anniversary Gala & Showcase.” Anchored by troupe performances, the evening also includes food from local establishments, a cash bar, a raffle, and auctions. June 21, 5-8 p.m., $20-$30. Center for the Arts at the Armory, Somerville. 617-477-4494, www.luminariumdance.org
DARK SHADOWS:BRIGHT LIGHTS Penumbra:Movement presents two concerts of new choreography by Wisty Andres, Eugenia Kim, and Mai Telesford. Programs range from improv and contemporary to jazz funk and include a suite of dances inspired by 1950s movie musicals. The first concert also includes the children’s hip-hop troupe Move and Inspire. June 20, 6 and 8 p.m., $12-$15. Green Street Studios, Cambridge. 617-864-3191, www.penumbrarme.org
GALLERIES
THE BOSTON SCHOOL TRADITION: TRUTH, BEAUTY, AND TIMELESS CRAFT From the 1870s to the 1920s, Boston School painters blended Impressionist and Barbizon techniques with an old master approach to figuration. On view, more than 60 works by artists such as Frank Benson and Edmund Tarbell. Through July 18.Vose Galleries, 238 Newbury St. 617-536-6176, www.vosegalleries.com
ABOVE THE FOLD: ALUMNI WORKS IN DESIGN Samples of innovative designs in architecture, industrial design, illustration, fashion, and more include cooking and garden tools, skateboards, snazzy logos, and eco-friendly water bottles. Through July 11. Sandra and David Bakalar Gallery, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, 621 Huntington Ave. 617-879-7333, www.massart.edu
DRAWING & SPARRING The Club by George Foreman III welcomed local artists to make life drawings of boxers in the ring. The results range from fleeting sketches to more finished paintings, along with photos and video. Through July 3. Fort Point Arts Community Gallery, 300 Summer St. 617-423-4299, www.fortpointarts.org
Museums
VAN GOGH AND NATURE The great Dutch artist’s passionate investigations into the natural world are the subject of this ambitious show, featuring 40 paintings and 10 drawings. Through Sept.13. Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303, www.clarkart.edu
ARLENE SHECHET: ALL AT ONCE The first museum survey of the celebrated sculptor, who works primarily in clay and was recently an artist in residence at the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Through Sept. 7. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-478-3100, www.icaboston.org
JIM SHAW: ENTERTAINING DOUBTS A wide range of work by the superb Los Angeles-based artist, emphasizing his interest in fallen heroes, disgraced political figures and broken economies. The show is centered on new work utilizing old theatrical backdrops, but includes much more. Through January 2016. Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, North Adams. 413-662-2111, www.massmoca.org
BYZANTIUM TO RUSSIA: THE ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT OF RUSSIAN ICONS 1200 TO 1900 Rare icons and artifacts from the British Museum feature in this show that traces the development of sacred art in Byzantium and Russia. Includes two famous 14th-century icons – “Saint John the Baptist” and “Saint George and the Dragon” – never previously sent to a US museum. Through Sept. 12. Museum of Russian Icons, Clinton. 978-598-5000, www.museumofrussianicons.org
Clubs
ROCK THE BOAT PARTY CRUISEBoston Ski & Sports Club welcomes summer with a party on the water. Beneath the Sheets plays music on the roof deck, DJ Xkaliber spins tunes on Deck 2, and games including cornhole rule the lower deck. June 19, boarding 7 p.m., cruise 8-11 p.m. Commonwealth Pier at World Trade Center, Provincetown II, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston. www.bssc.com
BUTCHThe techno producer says this about his performances: “I’m the captain of the spaceship and I’m driving it. People who come to the show get on the ship — and I take them on a trip.” The journey happens at Thursday’s edition of Make It New. June 18, 9 p.m. $15-$20. Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 617-868-6739, www.middlesexlounge.us
DO YOUR THINGDJ-production duo The Whiskey Barons lead a late-night, multi-genre dance party that includes tropical, Latin, funk, and disco. June 19, 11 p.m. $5. Middle East, ZuZu, 474 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 617-864-3278, www.mideastclub.com
DEEPERDeeper Nights presents a powerhouse double bill with London house producer Vanilla Ace and Australian artist Wax Motif. June 20, 10 p.m. Prime, 295 Franklin St., Boston. www.deepernights.com
Comedy
CAMERON ESPOSITO The Chicago native spent some of her formative stand-up years in Boston. She’s planning a new book and stand-up special, plus film and television projects, and could be on the verge of much bigger things. June 18, 8 p.m. $22. Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant & Music Club, 17 Holland St., Somerville. 617-776-2004, www.johnnyds.com
FELIPE ESPARZA Goofy and sometimes a bit rough, the season 7 “Last Comic Standing” champ comes to Laugh Boston for four shows. June 18-19,8 p.m.; June 20, 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. $25-$35. Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St., Boston. 617-725-2844, www.laughboston.com
STEVE RANNAZZISI The New York native and costar of “The League,” which wraps up its run on FXX this fall, is in town taping a one-hour stand-up special for Comedy Central. June 21, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $15. The Wilbur Theatre. 246 Tremont St., Boston. 866-448-7849, www.thewilbur.com
BLACKNIFICENCE 2 Tawanda Gona packed Oberon for the first edition of this show in January, and he’s expanded to two nights. First night features Langston Kerman, Lamont Price, Quincy Jones, Nick Chambers, and Jason Cordova. Night two features Rae Sanni, Sam Jay, Rob Haze, Mike Lemme, and Alex English. June 24-25, 8 p.m. $15-$25. Oberon, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge. 617-495-2668, www.cluboberon.com
Kids
EurekaFestPut on by MIT’s Lemelson program, this multi-day celebration is designed to inspire youth to pursue creative lives and careers through invention. Activities and programs include a student design challenge, invention showcases, and hands-on learning activities for inventors of all ages at the Museum of Science. June 19-20 (visit website for full schedule of events). Free. Events held at MIT, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge and the Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 617-253-3352. lemelson.mit.edu
Marini Farm Strawberry FestivalHead to Ipswich for a day full of strawberries and family fun. Along with berry picking, visitors can enjoy hayrides, duck races, bouncy houses, face painting, farm animals, and other amusements. June 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. 259 Linebrook Road, Ipswich. 978-356-0430. www.marinifarm.com
Civil War Lawn Games at Fort Warren What did people do for fun 150 years ago? Travel back in time and find out at this event, where visitors can learn about mid-19th century re-creation and play games on the Georges Island grounds. June 21 from 12 to 2 p.m. Free. Georges Island, Boston Harbor (ferries depart from Long Wharf North, 66 Long Wharf). www.bostonharborislands.org
Summer Solstice Celebration Kick off summer at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture’s annual outdoor celebration, which features free admission to all four HMSC museums and hands-on activities for all ages. Highlights include performances by circus performers and Japanese taiko drummers, food trucks, a special presentation on bees, street chalking, and art-making activities. June 21, 5-9 p.m. Free. Harvard Museums of Science and Culture, Oxford St. and Divinity Ave., Cambridge. 617-496-1638. www.hmsc.harvard.edu
Garden Party at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Part of the museum’s popular Third Thursday events, this party lets guests mingle in the Gardner’s beautiful courtyard after hours and features live entertainment and spotlight talks in the galleries. The museum’s cafe will be open for dinner, snacks, and drinks, and there will also be a cash wine bar. June 18 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 for adults; $12 seniors; $5 for students (free for youth ages 7 to 17). Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, 280 The Fenway. 617-566-1401. www.gardnermuseum.org
Found Footage Festival: Salute to Weirdos A touring showcase of odd and unintentionally hilarious found videos, the Found Footage Festival returns to Boston to showcase an impressive collection of clips featuring those who are decidedly weird. Curators Joe Pickett from The Onion and Nick Prueher, a former writer from “Late Night With David Letterman,” provide live commentary and updates on the people in the videotaped obscurities, which range from a Arnold Schwarzenegger-hosted travel video to a montage of exercise videos featuring the likes of Angela Lansbury and Traci Lords. June 18 at 9 p.m. Tickets: $12. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 617-734-2500. www.coolidge.org
Donna Summer Roller Disco Tribute Party Lace up your skates and celebrate the legendary singer-songwriter Donna Summer, a Boston native who died in 2012, at this second annual event hosted by Mayor Walsh. The event features the Boston Derby Dames roller derby team and live musical entertainment. Rental skates will be available. June 19 from 6 to 10 p.m. Free. City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square. www.facebook.com/DonnaSummerMemorial
Urban Foraging for Wild Edibles Learn about the abundance of wild edible greens, nuts, mushrooms and roots right in your neighborhood on this educational walk. Along with learning how to identify edibles, participants will get the chance to sample what they find and discuss seasons of availability and the guidelines for safe and environmentally responsible foraging. June 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $20. Larz Anderson Park, 15 Newton St., Brookline. 617-730-2700. www.brooklineadulted.org
June 26 The Weepies at theWilbur Theatre
June 26-28 Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival at MASS MoCA www.massmoca.org
June 27 Ingrid Michaelson at Blue Hills Bank Pavilion www.ticketmaster.com
Celtic Woman at The Hanover Theatre, Worcester www.thehanovertheatre.org
June 30 Tony Bennett and
Lady Gaga at Tanglewood www.bso.org
July 1 Imagine Dragons at TD Garden www.ticketmaster.com
July 1-5 Boston Harborfest at various locations www.bostonusa.com/harborfest
July 4 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at Hatch Memorial Shell www.bso.org
July 9 Def Leppard at Xfinity Center, Mansfield www.ticketmaster.com
July 10 U2 at TD Garden www.ticketmaster.com
July 11 Darius Rucker (above) at Xfinity Center, Mansfield www.ticketmaster.com
“Pastoral to Pop: 20th-Century Britain on Paper” exhibition on show at the MFA www.mfa.org