RAGTIME
Connections between the present and the past reverberate throughout this enthralling production, directed by Joe Calarco. Though set in the early 20th century, the musical adaptation of E.L. Doctorow’s brilliantly panoramic novel dramatizes and illuminates issues that remain current today, from pervasive racial injustice to the empowerment of women to the struggles of immigrants in a new and hostile land. Through July 15. Barrington Stage Company at Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, Pittsfield. 413-236-8888, www.barringtonstageco.org DON AUCOIN
CHRIS STAPLETON
The Grammy-winning troubadour is supporting his stripped-down second album, “From a Room: Vol. 1.’’ The album (a second volume is set for later this year) pairs his weathered voice and knotty storytelling with bare-bones arrangements that reveal how his brand of country takes cues from soul, blues, and other American-grown genres. July 14, 7 p.m. $30.75 and up. Xfinity Center, Mansfield. 800-745-3000, www.livenation.com Maura Johnston
Pop & Rock
GORILLAZ Damon Albarn’s “virtual band’’ released its fifth album, “Humanz,’’ this year; it’s a wild ride through a possibly impending apocalypse, with future-minded guests like dance-floor queen Grace Jones, heady MC Vince Staples, and post-post-punker Jehnny Beth along for the ride. Re-creating its atmosphere live seems tricky, but if early reports are any indication, big beats, beamed-in cameos, and Albarn’s boundless energy will prove to be a winning combination. July 12, 7:30 p.m. $48.75 and up. Blue Hills Bank Pavilion. 617-728-1600, www.livenation .com
OXBOW This long-running Bay Area trio’s seventh album, “Thin Black Duke,’’ pairs crushing riffs and taffy-pull tempo shifts with delicate string arrangements and barroom piano, making for moments of beauty that threaten to teeter on the grotesque. July 14, 9 p.m. $18. Once Ballroom, Somerville. 617-285-0167, www.oncesomerville.com
Maura Johnston
Folk & World
BIG & RICH There has never been a more unlikely success story in mainstream country music than the hard-core honky-tonk/old-school rap dipole unleashed by Big Kenny and John Rich with their aptly titled 2004 debut “Horse of a Different Color’’ and the over-the top, circus-tent spectacle they took on the road in its wake. Their time at the top didn’t last long, but they’ve continued to ride that horse. July 9, 2 p.m. $54.50-$74.50. Indian Ranch, Webster. 508-943-3871, www.indianranch.com
GREEN RIVER FESTIVAL This annual festival always offers a packed weekend of folk, country, and world-music offerings (along with camping, a craft fair, and hot-air balloon launches). The Mavericks, Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, Pedrito Martinez, the Deslondes, Chicano Batman, and Big Al Anderson are just a sampling of this year’s lineup. July 14, 5 p.m.; July 15-16, noon. $110, $120 (weekend) $35, $65 (day). Greenfield Community College, Greenfield. 413-341-5995, www.greenriverfestival .com
GANGSTAGRASS Call it urban twang, or MCs ’n’ pickers: Other artists have brought together elements of country and hip-hop (see Big & Rich, above), but this Brooklyn group sets itself apart by the prominence it gives to the microphones while pushing the rural side of the amalgam far into the hollers of bluegrass, old-time, and mountain music. July 15, 9 p.m. $10. Thunder Road, Somerville. 866-777-8932, www.ticketweb.com
STUART MUNRO
Jazz & Blues
CERCIE MILLER QUARTET The saxophonist, composer, and educator, a longtime Boston-area fixture, has performed and recorded with everyone from Deborah Henson-Conant to Your Neighborhood Saxophone Quartet. With guitarist Jane Miller, bassist Ron Ormsby, and drummer Bart Weisman. July 12, 8 p.m. $20. Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, 2357 Route 6, Wellfleet. 508-349-9428, www.what.org
PEACE MEAL/QUARTET A double-header featuring some of Boston’s most adventurous improvisers. Peace Meal comprises pianist Pandelis Karayorgis, trumpeter Forbes Graham, bassist Jacob William, and drummer Eric Rosenthal. Quartet is saxophone and lyricon player Joritt Dijkstra, guitarist Eric Hofbauer, and accordionist Ted Reichman, with Rosenthal once again manning the drums. July 12, 7:30 p.m. $10. Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St., Cambridge. www.lilypad inman.com
JAZZMEIA HORNThe commanding young singer, the most acclaimed female jazz vocalist to emerge since Cécile McLorin Salvant, won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2013 and the Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition in 2015, leading to the recording of her debut album, “A Social Call,’’ which was recently released to much acclaim. July 15, 8 p.m. $30-$45. Scullers. 866-777-8932, www.scullersjazz.com
KEVIN LOWENTHAL
Classical
BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA With Sarah Connolly indisposed, veteran mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe will be stepping in to sing the role of Fricka in the BSO’s keenly anticipated concert performance of Wagner’s Das Rheingold. The cast also features Thomas J. Mayer as Wotan, Kim Begley as Loge, and Jochen Schmeckenbecher as Alberich. Andris Nelsons conducts. July 15, 8 p.m. $13-$33. Koussevitzky Music Shed, Tanglewood, Lenox. 888-266-1200, www.tanglewood .org
YELLOW BARN The innovative Vermont festival has cued up a pair of characteristically eclectic programs this week, with works by Brahms, Haydn, Schnittke, and Beat Furrer (on Thursday, $18, $16 seniors, $9 students) and Beethoven, Mozart, Korngold, and Donnacha Dennehy (on Friday, $25, $22 seniors, $12 students). The Big Barn, Putney, Vt. 802-387-6637, www.yellowbarn .org
MATT HAIMOVITZ The restlessly imaginative Montreal-based cellist returns to Mohawk Trail Concerts with a program of works by Bach, Schubert, Falla, and Ginastera, partnered by pianist Estela Olevsky. July 15, 7:30 p.m. $20. Federated Church of Charlemont, 175 Main St. (Route 2), Charlemont. 413-625-9511, www.mohawktrailconcerts.org JEREMY EICHLER
ARTS
Theater
THE ROOMMATE S. Epatha Merkerson, showcasing comic skills she seldom got a chance to demonstrate on “Law & Order,’’ portrays an endearingly square divorcee who takes a walk on the wild side after a lesbian slam poet from the Bronx, played by Jane Kaczmarek, moves into her Iowa home. Jen Silverman’s play is a deeply satisfying exploration of friendship, parenthood, attraction, and the surprises that can lie inside any human being. Directed by Mike Donahue. Through July 16. $50-$68. Williamstown Theatre Festival, Main Stage, Williamstown. 413-458-3253, www.wtfestival.org
WICKEDPart ode to female friendship, part political allegory about the dangers of sliding into tyranny, this blockbuster musical still derives most of its potency from Stephen Schwartz’s ravishing score. From celebrated tunes like “Popular,’’ “Defying Gravity,’’ “Dancing Through Life’’ and “For Good’’ to quiet gems such as “I’m Not That Girl,’’ the composer-lyricist achieved a rare emotional sweep. Jessica Vosk is alternately funny, fierce, and poignant as Elphaba, opposite Ginna Claire Mason’s Glinda. Directed by Joe Mantello.Through July 23. Broadway In Boston. $49-$249. Boston Opera House. 800-982-2787, www.BroadwayIn Boston.com DON AUCOIN
Dance
JACOB’S PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL The Paul Taylor Dance Company returns to the festival for its 17th Pillow engagement — its first visit in 10 years. The company brings one of the undisputed masterpieces of 20th-century dance, Taylor’s exuberant “Esplanade,’’ as well as his “Airs’’ and “Syzygy.’’ In the smaller Doris Duke Theatre, Israeli company Roy Assaf Dance makes its highly anticipated US debut. July 12-16, $25-$78. Jacob’s Pillow, Becket. 413-243-0745, www.jacobs pillow.org
BOSTON/TRACKS/WHERE WILL DANCE TAKE YOU? The title alludes to the span of this new initiative, which began in New York and tours to Boston and two Pennsylvania locations. The collaboration provides a forum for dance makers in and out of their cities, and the four concerts this coming weekend showcase the work of Danza Orgánica, Kairos Dance Theater, DanceTheYard, Staycee Pearl dance project (Pittsburgh), Kat Nasti Dance, Sidra Bell Dance New York, and others. July 15-16, $10-$20. Green Street Studios, Cambridge. 917-292-5453, www.greenstreetstudios.org
OPEN REHEARSAL: NEW WORK FOR GOLDBERG VARIATIONS A lot of times, it can be more interesting to watch a rehearsal of a piece, with its stops and starts to clarify and fine tune, than to see the finished performance. Postmodern choreographer Pam Tanowitz and her company invite the public to an open rehearsal of their new collaboration with pianist Simone Dinnerstein deconstructing traditional movement vocabularies to the music of Bach’s glorious “Goldberg Variations.’’ July 15, 2-5 p.m. Free with museum admission. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-478-3100, www.icaboston.org
KAREN CAMPBELL
Galleries
PAINTING LIBRARY Twenty new paintings by artist John Gonzalez are available to borrow. Gonzalez’s conceptual art examines creative collaboration, work, community, and how an artwork’s context influences its perceived value. Through Aug. 11. Elizabeth A. Beland Gallery, Essex Art Center, 56 Island St., Lawrence. 978-685-2343, www.essexartcenter .com
ERICA LICEA-KANE: OVER & OVER Licea-Kane’s works resemble weavings, but they’re made of paint piped through a pastry bag in multiple, crisscrossing layers. Their contrasts of color and pattern also summon up aerial views of cities, with central arteries and clustered blocks. Through July 30. Kingston Gallery, 450 Harrison Ave. 617-423-4113, www.kingstongallery.com
SHOW OF HANDS: GESTURAL WORKS ON PAPER The dynamism of many artworks relies on gesture – calligraphic marks, swipes, and smears that convey movement, emotion, or a story, as in these works by Adria Arch, Kristen Breiseth, Catherine Carter, and Anthony Falcetta. Through Aug. 1. Fort Point Arts Community Gallery, 617-423-4299, www.fortpointarts.org
CATE McQUAID
Museums
GRANDMA MOSES: AMERICAN MODERN Anna Mary Robertson Moses, who became a phenomenon in her 70s, is presented in context with contemporaries such as Andy Warhol and Joseph Cornell, in a museum that boasts the largest public collection of her works. Through Nov. 5. Bennington Museum, 75 Main St., Bennington, Vt. 802-447-1571, www.benningtonmuseum.org
OCEAN LINERS: GLAMOUR, SPEED, AND STYLE Ocean liners were symbols of progress and modernity: ever bigger, sleeker, and audaciously luxurious. Art, models, furniture, and ephemera explore the designs of these floating palaces and the culture that fostered them. Through Oct. 9. Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. 978-745-9500, www.pem.org
ALTERED STATES: ETCHING IN LATE 19th-CENTURY PARIS Etchings, 150 years ago, were generally used to copy paintings. Then came Paris, where artists such as Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt revived the passion for intaglio techniques, making highly original prints. Through Dec. 3. RISD Museum, 20 North Main St., Providence. 401-454-6500, www.risdmuseum.org
CATE McQUAID
EVENTS
Comedy
MONDAY COMEDY NIGHT Will Noonan hosts this weekly show at the Supper Club at Capo every Monday. This week’s featured comics are Danny Kelly, Bethany Van Delft, and Casey Crawford. July 10, 8 p.m. $15. The Supper Club at Capo, 443 West Broadway. 617-993-8080, www.caposouthboston.com
TIM & ERIC 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AWESOME TOUR! The offbeat comedy duo, who more recently produced “Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Stories’’ for Adult Swim and “Totally Prank Your Dad’’ for Snapchat Discover, celebrate the 10th anniversary of their breakthrough show, “Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!’’ Second show added. July 12 and 13, 8 p.m. $42.50-$47.50. Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave. 617-747-2261, www.berklee.edu/BPC
BLONDE SIDE OF THE MOON Singer and comedian Niki Luparelli has been building music and burlesque shows around her favorite acts, and she’ll be paying tribute to Pink Floyd by hosting a bevy of dancers and the “Even Pinker Band’’ at Oberon. Take note: Friday’s show is about 2½ hours, Saturday’s is 1½. July 14 at 9 p.m. and July 15 at 7 p.m. $35-$55. Oberon, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge. 617-547-8300, www.americanrepertorytheater .org NICK A. ZAINO III
Family
Art Day/Balloon Sculpture Give your budding young artists a creative new platform they’ve only ever previously seen featured at birthday parties: balloons. Take inspiration from classic artists while incorporating the concepts of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) into balloon pieces with the help of a certain Balloon Fairy. July 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $9. The Children’s Museum In Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton. 508-230-3789, www.childrensmuseumineaston.org/ summer-drop-days
WGBH FunFest — A Day of Ice Cream and Music The recipe for a 10-year-old’s perfect summer day? Music, ice cream (copious amounts), and a chance to meet the adorable Curious George. More PBS characters, face painting, and inflatable rides only add to the fun. July 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10. WGBH Studios, 1 Guest St. 617-300-2000, www.wgbh.org/events
Summer Family Drop-In Series at ifarm Plotting ways to get the kids away from screens and devices this summer? Let them experience a real-life farm — complete with a blossoming garden, animals, and craft activities — for an internet-free afternoon, hosted weekly. July 12, 1-3 p.m. $5. ifarm LLC, 55 Towne Road, Boxford. 978-887-0878, ifarmboxford.com/event/summer-family-drop-series
Kaitlyn Locke
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
July 12-13 Tim and Eric at Berklee Performance Center www.etix.com
July 15 Violent Femmes and Echo and the Bunnymen at Blue Hills Bank Pavilion concerts.livenation.com
July 18 Incubus and Jimmy Eat World at Xfinity Center concerts.livenation.com
July 19 Ride at Royale www.axs.com
July 21 Toad the Wet Sprocket at Wilbur Theatre www.ticket master.com
July 22 Kendrick Lamar at TD Garden www.ticketmaster.com
July 27 DJ Shadow at House of Blues concerts.livenation.com
July 30 Blondie and Garbage at Blue Hills Bank Pavilion concerts.livenation.com
Terence Cawley
