THURSDAY // Old Crow Medicine Show
The originators of the open mic sing-a-long phenomenon “Wagon Wheel” are upbeat bluegrass band Old Crow Medicine Show. Although the band’s single is well known, there’s more to Old Crow Medicine Show than just this one tune. They made their start busking on the street corners of New York state and mix an old-time roots music sensibility with bluegrass and a punch of punk rock attitude. The rambling string band plays Look Memorial Park on Thursday, Aug. 24 with opening act Joshua Hedley, an Americana country singer-songwriter from Nashville. Look Memorial Park, 300 N. Main St., Florence. 7 p.m. $40-$45. $10 parking per car.
— Chris Goudreau
FRIDAY: Music of E.T.
Yes, we just had a solar eclipse. That was a must-see experience. But remember when Elliott and his friends biked with E.T. in front of the moon?? That was really cool. The Boston Pops Orchestra at their summer home in Tanglewood will be performing the score from E.T. by john Williams. A fair warning: the tickets can get expensive ($124 for the best seats), but start at $23 for the lawn. Show at 8 p.m. Tanglewood, 297 West St., Lenox.
— Dave Eisenstadter
SATURDAY: Charlemont Reggae Festival
Smoke em if you got em! You can see the Berklee Bob Marley Ensemble, Bob Marley-inspired Ras Spectiv from Hartford, and Once Drop, A Bob Marley tribute band. Basically, there’s going to be a lot of Bob. And a lot of great local reggae, like awesome Advocate Sessions alumni Shokazoba. Show goes down Saturday, Aug. 26, 11 a.m. $25-$35. Charlemont Fairgrounds, Park Street off of Route 8a, Charlemont.
— Kristin Palpini
This video, from 2012, is about a minute long and gives a good sense of what it’s like to be at the reggae fest.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY: Red Fire Farm Tomato Festival
All hail the almighty tomato! There will be live music, cooking demos, and a smorgasbord of local food. Mmmm. Definitely check out the tomato workshops, which include one titled “getting stacked and sauced with tomatoes.” Yes, pleased! On Sunday, pick-your-own will be open with tomatoes, herbs, and hot peppers. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. $5. Red Fire Farm, 7 Carver St., Granby.
— Jennifer Levesque
