MUSIC
Pop & Rock
DEAFHEAVEN The California metallurgists blend crushing riffs with dreamy distortion and big-sky atmospherics on their expansive fifth album, “Ordinary Corrupt Human Love.” July 25, 8 p.m. $20 and up. Royale. 617-338-7699, www.royaleboston.com
RAPHAEL SAADIQ The former leader of New Jack Swing standard-bearers Tony! Toni! Toné! hasn’t released a solo album since 2011’s groove-heavy “Stone Rollin’,” but he’s kept busy, lending his talents to Solange’s “A Seat at the Table” and Netflix’s Marvel adaptation “Luke Cage,” among other endeavors. With A Tribe Called Quest’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad, who co-wrote the score for “Cage” with producer Adrian Younge; their recent project “The Midnight Hour” luxuriates in late-night vibes. July 26, 9 p.m. $35 and up. Royale. 617-338-7699, www.royaleboston.com
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TAYLOR SWIFT The pop megastar touches down in Foxborough to support last year’s “Reputation,” which broods and buzzes as its heroine navigates the not-quite-blank space between her public persona and her private life. July 26-28, 7 p.m. $49.50 and up. Gillette Stadium. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com
MAURA JOHNSTON
Folk & World
NICKI BLUHM Singer-songwriter Bluhm is out on her own, having parted ways with her backing band the Gramblers and gone through a couple of major life events — a divorce, and a move to Nashville from California. She sums it up in her first after-Gramblers solo album, “To Rise You Gotta Fall.” July 22, 8 p.m. $20. The Sinclair, Cambridge. 888-929-7849, www.axs.com
FEMI KUTI The keeper of the Afrobeat flame lit by his father, Fela Kuti, comes to Boston on the heels of “One People One World” (his first album in five years), as well as a curious musical feat; last year he set a world record by sustaining a single note on his saxophone for over 55 minutes. July 27, 9 p.m. $22. Brighton Music Hall. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com
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OLIVIA CHANEY On her marvelous new album, “Shelter,” Chaney continues to sound as ancient as the English countryside, and once again it’s almost entirely her own doing, with only a couple of forays into traditional material, one a different sort of trad — the Everly Brothers’ “Long Time Gone.” July 28, 8 p.m. $18. Club Passim, Cambridge. 617-492-7679, www.passim.org
STUART MUNRO
Jazz & Blues
GRITS & GROCERIES ORCHESTRA The winners of the 2016 Boston Blues Challenge — vocalist-bassist John Anthony, tenor saxophonist Robert Lyons, guitarist Charlie O’Neal, and drummer Kemp Dunn — have backed up Barrence Whitfield and are a soulful, rocking unit in their own right. July 27, 9 p.m. No cover. Chianti Restaurant, 285 Cabot St., Beverly. 978-921-2233, www.chiantibeverly.com
DUDLEY JAZZ FESTIVAL For its third go-round, this annual musical celebration will feature performances by vibraphonist Monte Croft, tenor saxophonist Ricky Ford, vocalist Lydia Harrell, and guitarist/festival organizer Fred Woodard’s Collective. July 28, noon-6 p.m. Free. Mary Hannon Park, 613 Dudley St., Dorchester. (Rain location: Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, second floor, 2300 Washington St., Roxbury.) www.creativeculturalarts.org
CAMBRIDGE JAZZ FESTIVAL Acclaimed drummer Terri Lyne Carrington headlines the fifth edition of this yearly bash with a tribute to the late, great pianist/composer Geri Allen. Other performers include drummer/educator and festival director Ron Savage’s trio, the Brazilian sounds of Receita de Samba, and MND FLO, led by brother bass and drum team Alexander and Anthony Tóth. July 29, noon-6 p.m. Free. Danehy Park, Cambridge. 617-945-8052, www.cambridgejazzfestival.org
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KEVIN LOWENTHAL
Classical
TANGLEWOOD This week in Ozawa Hall, Michael Gandolfi’s “In America,” a Tanglewood Music Center commission, receives its premiere (July 23), the Emerson Quartet performs late-Beethoven (July 24 and 25), and the Festival of Contemporary Music, curated this year by Thomas Adès, opens July 26 and runs through July 30. In the Shed, pianist Garrick Ohlsson is the soloist in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 under the baton of Juanjo Mena, who also leads works by Britten and Brahms (July 27); the BSO under David Newman performs the score of “West Side Story” to accompany a screening of the film (July 28); and Mena leads works by Haydn and Mozart as well as Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with soloist Gil Shaham (July 29). Lenox. 617-266-1200, www.tanglewood.org
BARD SUMMERSCAPE The big operatic offering this summer at Bard is Russian composer Anton Rubinstein’s “Demon,” an important 19th-century Russian work rarely spotted in the West. The American Symphony Orchestra performs under Leon Botstein’s direction, Thaddeus Strassberger will direct the new production, and the cast will be headed by baritone Efim Zavalny and soprano Olga Tolkmit. July 27-Aug 5, Fisher Center, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. 845-758-7900, fishercenter.bard.edu/summerscape
BOSTON LANDMARKS ORCHESTRA Next up in this popular series of free al fresco performances, the highly capable young musicians of the Boston University Tanglewood Institute take the stage with a program of works by Bernstein and Stravinsky. July 25, 7 p.m., Hatch Shell at the Esplanade. 617-987-2000, www.landmarksorchestra.org
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JEREMY EICHLER
ARTS
Theater
RICHARD III As history, this Shakespeare drama is notoriously suspect, its portrait of the last Plantagenet king as a loathsome villain serving as a justification for the succession of the Tudors — one of whom, Queen Elizabeth, happened to be on the throne when the Bard wrote it. But as a tour through the psychological heart of darkness, guided by the ruthless monarch himself, “Richard III’’ seldom fails to fascinate. Starring Faran Tahir in the title role, and directed by Steven Maler. Through Aug. 5. Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. On Boston Common near Parkman Bandstand. Performances are free and open to the public. Reserved chairs available for $60-$75 per chair. 617-426-0863, www.commshakes.org
CYRANO The endlessly resourceful Jeremiah Kissel brings his physical and intellectual nimbleness to the role of Cyrano de Bergerac, a chivalric wiseacre who is mad for love and poetry in roughly equal measure, and is as adept at wordplay as he is at swordplay. Directed by Robert Walsh, this lively New England premiere of an adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s 19th-century play by Jason O’Connell and Brenda Withers features vibrant supporting performances by Andrea Goldman, James Ricardo Milord, Paul Melendy, and Erin Nicole Washington. Through Aug. 11. Gloucester Stage Company, Gloucester. 978-281-4433, www.gloucesterstage.com
CREDITORS For the first time in its 40-year history, Shakespeare & Company is presenting a work by the great Swedish dramatist August Strindberg, adapted by Scottish playwright David Greig (“The Events’’). “Creditors’’ features Ryan Winkles as an artist, Kristin Wold as the novelist to whom he’s married, and Jonathan Epstein as the friend trying to undermine their marriage. Directed by Nicole Ricciardi, who helmed last season’s splendid S&C production of Amy Herzog’s “4000 Miles.’’ Through Aug. 12. Shakespeare & Company. At Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, Lenox. 413-637-3353, www.shakespeare.org
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DON AUCOIN
Dance
QUARRY DANCE VII For six years, Windhover Performing Arts Center has been enlivening quarries around Cape Ann with original site-specific contemporary dance. This upcoming presentation, part of the Manship Artists Residency + Studios, features work by Dušan Týnek Dance Theatre that draws from the mythic sculptures of artist Paul Manship. July 27-29. Free. Canney’s Pit in Lanesville, 10 Leverett St., Gloucester. 978-546-3611, www.windhover.org
COMPAÑIA SHARON FRIDMAN The Madrid-based company makes its US debut at the Pillow with two acclaimed works by the Israeli choreographer that are rooted in athletically adventurous contact improvisation. One is a duet that has been performed around the world; the other is the award-winning “Free fall,” which incorporates dancers of all genders and experience levels from the local community. July 25-29. $25-$45. Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Becket. 413-243-0745, www.jacobspillow.org
REACH INTERGENERATIONAL DANCE COMPANY The summer outreach program is now in its impressive 28th year of training and mentoring talented teen dancers from around Greater Boston. This family-friendly annual outdoor performance showcases not just the dancers’ skills and enthusiasm, but their cultural diversity, offering audiences original choreography in a range of styles. July 25. Free. Municipal Lot #5 at Bishop Allen Drive and Essex Street, Cambridge. 617-353-1597, www.bu.edu/fitrec/programs/dance/reach/
KAREN CAMPBELL
Galleries
INFINITE VIBRATION: NIHO KOZURU The artist’s sculptures and two-dimensional works, popping in brilliant colors, are crafted from rubber casts she makes of ordinary objects steeped with cultural significance, such as architectural ornaments and Japanese floating lanterns. Through Sept. 29. Society of Arts + Crafts, 100 Pier 4 Blvd. 617-266-1810, www.societyofcrafts.org
AMIRHOSSEIN BAYANI: OUT OF CONTEXT The Iranian artist cadges images from traditional Persian paintings, robbing them of context, blowing them up, and more. He sees his process as violent, and a mirror of the damage political power can do to unsuspecting groups. Through Aug. 31. Ars Libri, 500 Harrison Ave. 617-357-5212, www.arslibri.com
HOT SUMMER DAY Artists and illustrators Brian Butler, Chris E. O’Neill, and Sarah Gay-O’Neill work on the street and in cafes, taking inspiration from what they come across to craft murals and drawings. Through Sept. 20. Montserrat Gallery, Montserrat College of Art, 23 Essex St., Beverly. 978-921-4242, www.montserrat.edu/galleries/
CATE McQUAID
Museums
10,000 MILES ALONG THE YANGZI RIVER In 1699 Chinese court painter Wang Hui took nine months to paint this 53-foot-long hand scroll, laced with artistic allusions and capturing the mountainous landscape, small villages, and boats along Asia’s longest river. Through Sept. 30. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave. 617-267-9300, www.mfa.org
JOHN BISBEE/AMERICAN STEEL Bisbee’s only material is forged and welded nails. He makes sculptures imbued with themes of hard work, the labor force, and industry at a time when manufacturing is relying on fewer hands and more robotics. Through Oct. 14. Center for Maine Contemporary Art, 21 Winter St., Rockland, Maine. 207-701-5005, www.cmcanow.org
LEONARDO: DISCOVERIES FROM VERROCCHIO’S STUDIO This examination of Leonardo da Vinci’s formative environment, the Florence studio of Andrea del Verrocchio, features a painting from the Worcester Art Museum recently attributed to the Renaissance master and other early works. Through Oct. 7. Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., New Haven. 203-432-0600, artgallery.yale.edu
CATE McQUAID
EVENTS
Comedy
CITYSIDE COMEDY Headliner Sam Tallent is a sharp comic and storyteller with a knack for crowd work earned from ceaseless touring. Featuring David Drake, Jay Whitecotton, and Andrew Polk. Hosted by Sam Ike and Anjan Biswas. July 23, 8:30 p.m. Free. CitySide Bar, 1960 Beacon St., Brighton. 617-566-1002, www.citysidebar.com
ARTLOUNGE COMEDY By day, this venue teaches people to paint. Once a month, it’s a comedy club. This edition features Anthony Scibelli, Brian Agosta, Cathy Coleman, Lloyd Legacy Sharp, May Keith, Nora Panahi, and Ryan Shea. July 27, 7:30 p.m. $10. Artlounge Arlington, 1346 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington. 781-643-0300, www.arlingtonartlounge.com
HOT AND BOTHERED Kelly MacFarland and Corey Rodrigues won’t say which one is “hot” and which one is “bothered,” but they are both strong stand-up headliners with Boston roots (Rodrigues now lives in Brooklyn) and experience with improv. July 27-28, 8 p.m. $20-$25. Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St., Boston. 617-725-2844, www.laughboston.com
NICK A. ZAINO III
Family
TIDE POOLS With its Tide Pools program, the New England Aquarium offers kids the chance to learn about science in an exciting, hands-on way. Children will spend the day exploring the world of marine biology up close with local tide pool creatures in their natural habitats. July 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $9. Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton, www.childrensmuseumineaston.org
CRUISE TO SPECTACLE ISLAND Take the whole family on a trip to Spectacle Island as part of the Save the Harbor/Save the Bay program. Enjoy the harbor views during the ride and prepare for a fun, game-filled day on Spectacle Island, with swimming, crabbing, and even shoreside art. Reservations are required. July 23, 10 a.m., free. World Trade Center Dock, 200 Seaport Boulevard, www.blog.savetheharbor.org
PLANT PARTY POTLUCK Bring the whole family and a plant-based dish for an evening of delicious food. Organized by Kristen Ciccolini, a culinary nutrition expert and the founder of The Good Witch, the potluck is a fun way to meet fellow Bostonians while learning about healthy eating. July 26, 6-8 p.m., Free. Fenway Community Center, 1283 Boylston St. #123, Boston, www.eventbrite.com
LILLIAN BROWN
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
July 31 Smashing Pumpkins at TD Garden www.vividseats.com
Aug. 4 Keith Urban at Xfinity Center www.concerts1.livenation.com
Aug. 7 Wiz Khalifa and Rae Sremmurd at Xfinity Center www.concerts1.livenation.com
Aug. 14 OAR with Matt Nathanson at Blue Hills Bank Pavilion www.vividseats.com
Aug. 16 Ra Ra Riot at the Sinclair www1.ticketmaster.com
Aug. 18 Gym Class Heroes at Brighton Music Hall www.vividseats.com
Aug. 24 Kenny Chesney at Gillette Stadium www.ticketmaster.com
Aug. 30 5 Seconds of Summer at Blue Hills Bank Pavilion www.vividseats.com
LILLIAN BROWN