Family datebook
Not the Salem of witch-lore fame; not the Salem north of the state border. It's New Salem. You know, near Petersham, Wendell, Shutesbury, and Montague. Today's folk rock 1794 Meetinghouse MusicFest may introduce you to new towns and music groups in your very own backyard. The headliner needs no introduction. Patty Larkin performs a double set at 5 p.m. and is preceded at noon by singer/songwriter Scott Smith, The Rewinders (1 p.m.), Joel Zoss Trio (2 p.m.), Lisa Martin (3 p.m.), and Trailer Park (4 p.m.). The New Salem Common, off Route 202, hosts the festival, complete with food and craft vendors. 
Bring a blanket or chair. Tickets are $12; free under 12. Proceeds benefit the Meetinghouse, "A Meeting Place for the Arts." Call 978-544-5200. If it rains, the event is in the Meetinghouse.
Homework can wait. Tonight's "Rhythms of Peace" concert in Belmont commemorates 9/11 with peace-inspired folk and rock music, traditional West African drumming, classical Japanese music, and globally-inspired choral music. The 7:30 remembrance opens with the folk-rock group Susan Cohen, Dennis Sullivan, and Friends performing original compositions by Cohen who was near the World Trade Center on 9/11. Suggested donation for the concert at Payson Park Church, 365 Belmont St., is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Call 617-484-1542 or 781-643-1331. Proceeds benefit the United Church of Christ's Sudan/Darfur Crisis Relief Fund and the church's Music Ministry.
Does this doo-wop group know what a fashion statement it makes? The Capris sing their platinum hits "There's A Moon Out Tonight" and "Morse Code of Love" at 9 p.m. at this weekend's Italian Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian in Cambridge's Gaeta Square on Warren Street. Today's outdoor feast runs from 5 to 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 10 p.m. Tonight's 6:30 candlelight procession begins at 17 Porter St., Cambridge. Enzo Amara and "Volare" perform Italian and American hits. Sunday's seven-hour parade through the streets of East Cambridge and East Somerville moves out at 1 p.m. Call 617-661-1164 if raining.
The Mayuh invites you to the 2nd annual ahts, The Boston Arts Festival this weekend from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Christopher Columbus Park on the Waterfront (between Faneuil Marketplace and the North End). Launching Boston's ahts season, the event showcases more than 60 ahtists who exhibit and sell paintings, sculptuh, ceramics, pottery, jewelry, fiber aht, glasswork, woodwork, and photography. There are performances by the Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Ballet, Ballet Folklorico, Taiko Drumming, and Bo Sim Mark. Free. Call 617-635-3911. Weather permitting.
Forget this season's preppy look. It's time for men and boys to put on those leather shorts and suspenders. Lederhosen are in this weekend at Oktoberfest in Walpole. Today from noon to 11 p.m. and tomorrow from noon to 6 p.m. at the Boylston Schul-Verein, Route 109, fill out the shorts with potato pancakes, potato salad, German sausages, pretzels, sauerkraut, and pastries. Dance it off in the Pavilion. The music group Mississauga Express performs today 1-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.; Sunday 1:30-5:30 p.m. There are children's games and activities (we refuse to mention face painting). Donation is $7; free under 12. Free pony rides both days 2-4 p.m. Call 508-660-2018. Rain or shine.
Trade the lederhosen for chaps at tomorrow's Western Round Up at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington. In conjunction with "The Western Pursuit of the American Dream," on exhibit through April 24, Sunday is a day of yippee kay ay from noon-5 p.m. at 33 Marrett Road. The western swing band The Coachmen give two performances. Historian Chris Bullock erects a Plains Indian teepee. Stephen Pass carves saddles, chaps, and holsters. One Ear Pete roams the Lexington plain telling stories of life on the trail. Admission is $5 per car. Exhibit is free . Western-style barbecue available for purchase. Call 781-861-6559. Indoors if rain.
Submit items and photos two weeks before event to: June Wulff, Living/Arts, The Boston Globe, PO Box 55819, Boston MA 02205-5819 or jwulff@globe.com. 
