BLUES BALLAD Listen to five-time Grammy-nominee blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who heads to Beverly on Sunday, Aug. 27, to perform songs from his new album, “Lay It On Down,’’ with his band at The Cabot.
“It’s like a mid-tempo ballad,’’ said Shepherd, who recorded most of it live. “I grew up in the era of power ballads. I’m a sucker for a good ballad and wanted to have one on this record.’’
Shepherd has been the opening act for the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Eagles, and Van Halen. He’s had seven No. 1 blues albums.
Tickets are $45.50 to $65.50. The concert is at 7 p.m. at 286 Cabot St. Purchase tickets at thecabot.org or call 866-811-4111.
SHIPS AHOY Nothing says “the North Shore’’ like the sight of boats of all kinds, from rare vintage motor yachts to sailboats. See them for yourself in Salem during the annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival Aug. 26-27 at the Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina, 10 White St.
Now in its 35th year, the festival allows landlubbers to shake hands with skippers and crews who love sharing their love of the old crafts with others. Board boats and vote for your favorites.
Last year’s star was the 1923 “Miss Asia,’’ a 62-foot Consolidated Speedway luxury commuter.
There’s plenty to do, including boat rides, old-time music, and a crafts market. Children can make their own miniature boats. Sunday ends with a Blessing of the Fleet.
Admission is $5; children under 12 are free. To enter your boat, call Frank Conahan at 978-448-6757. Visit boatfestival.org.
WACKY WHEELS Do regular cars bore you? Love the challenge and competition of robotics? Creating movable art out of . . . anything?
Then the second annualLowell Kinetic Sculpture Race being held Sept. 23 might be for you.
A sort of triathlon/obstacle course of the art world, Lowell Mayor Edward Kennedy said that over 3,400 spectators showed last year to cheer teams riding whimsical, all-terrain, human-powered machines constructed from repurposed materials as they raced around the city through obstacles of mud, sand, water, pavement, and gravel.
Gear up for this family-friendly event that takes place 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting and ending at Market Street. Racers tackle the Maddening Mud Pit near the Tsongas Center and the water obstacle at at Heritage State Park.
The event is free for entrants and spectators. Anyone can enter. Entries will be accepted until 8 a.m. on the morning of the event. For more information and to register, visit lowellkinetic.com.
VOCAL ADRENALINE Dare to exercise your vocal chords outside the shower with the Mishawum Choral Society of Woburn.
The chorus, which has been singing for 50 years, is holding open rehearsals throughout September from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays in the music room at Woburn Memorial High School, 88 Montvale Ave.
Mingle with chorale members as you sing for a week or all September. No formal auditions are required. Visit mishawumchoral.org.
SOMETHING FISHY Catch what Gyotaku (Japanese style fish prints) is all about at the Beverly Public Library, where local artist and recreational lobsterman Peter Concannon has a display through Aug. 29.
“Often the specimens I get are too beautiful to be placed unceremoniously in my traps,’’ he said. “I use block printing ink on rice paper in an attempt to capture respectful portrayals of these magnificent, multi-faceted creatures.’’
The exhibit is in the library’s Sohier Room, 32 Essex St. Go to beverlylibrary.org.
ABSTRACT REALITY How do you see a world that is both beautiful and terrifying?
Visual artist Blake Brasher creates colorful abstractions on the nature of reality on both canvas and textured polypropylene paper. His work is on display through August at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, 100 Merrimack St., Suite 202.
Brasher graduated MIT with an undergraduate degree in art and design. He has participated in many artist residency programs, including in Italy, Romania, France, and New York.
Meet Brasher during a reception Thursday, Aug. 24, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The display is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 978-970-1600 or visit glcfoundation.org.
Kathy Shiels Tully can be reached at kathy@kathyshielstully.com.
