Event highlights

When Toubab Krewe pulls out the West African 21-stringed kora, the six-stringed kamelengoni, talking drums and rock guitar, you can forget about sitting still. The energetic performances of Drew Heller, Justin Perkins, David Pransky, Luke Quarnta and Teal Brown have set feet a-dancin’ from The Blue Note to the Kennedy Center. Not bad for five guys from Asheville, North Carolina. Thursday, May 4.
Starr Hill. $8-10, 8pm. 709 W. Main St. 977-0017.

O.K., all you land-lubbers—time to take a canoe trip on the Rivanna River, Saturday, May 6. Paddle downstream and view sites that Mr. Jefferson roamed when they were just plantations, river birch groves and a woolen mill. Put-ins at both Crofton Point (Palmyra) and James River (Scottsville). Parents, call to register with your children (12 and over only, please). $25-40, 9:30am-2pm. 970-3260. www.charlottesville.org.

The only thing better than jazz in a club is jazz on the Lawn. Bring a blanket and enjoy some sunshine Wednesday, May 3, as the jazz ensembles at UVA hold a concert on the steps of Old Cabell Hall. Under the direction of Peter Spaar, Mike Rosensky and Jeff Decker, student groups perform works by John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sun Ra and Charlie Parker. Free, 3pm. Lower Lawn at Old Cabell Hall, UVA. 238-6918.

Like his idols Bob Wills and Hank Williams, Merle Haggard has drawn from country, jazz, blues and folk. In the process, he’s developed a gravel-voiced country sound like no other. Throughout his 40-year career, due to his own rough and tumble life (ask him about San Quentin, if you dare), he’s been the working man’s champion. Don’t miss the real
deal Wednesday, May 3, at the Pavilion. $22-41.50.
1-877-CPAV-TIX or www.charlottesvillepavilion.com.music

In the ’90s, Boston acoustic guitar wizard Patty Larkin was hailed as
a leading voice of the Lilith era—but she was a folk icon long before that. The
constantly evolving Larkin resides where Beck meets Richard Thompson; where
Beth Orton intersects with Guy Clark; and most recently, where Me’shell Ndegeocello melds with Bob Dylan.
Enjoy Larkin’s incisive songwriting style
at The Gravity Lounge Sunday May 7. 7pm, $15-20. 103 S. First St. 977-5590. www.gravity-lounge.com.