Top picks of the week
THURS 9-28
Joanna Newsom
Joanna Newsom isn’t easy to classify. In addition to her innovative, avant-folk tunes, she’s laid down harp arrangements with the experimental group Nervous Cop as well as playing keys with pop rockers the Pleased. Students can enjoy her performance tonight at 10, when she brings her pristine plucking and elfin voice to the Museum of Fine Arts as part of its College Night. Entry to the entire event — which also includes refreshments, DJs, art, and prizes — is free with a student ID. Doors open at 8.
Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-267-9300. www.mfa.org
SAT 9-30
Fall Festival
Autumn in New England is easy to take for granted. But the crisp air, rich gold and yellow hues, and Colonial feel that washes over the region are enough to get anyone in the mood for a hot cup of cider. Before we start cursing the snow and claiming parking spots with lawn chairs, Drumlin Farm will celebrate the coming of fall today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants can pick up pumpkins, produce, maple syrup, and wool, or just chow down on hot dogs, burgers, and other refreshments. There will also be a sheep-herding demonstration with border collies and an old-time fiddle contest. Tickets: $15, $13 for Mass. Audubon members. Drumlin Farm, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln. 781-259-2200. www.massaudubon.org
SUN 10-1
The Utter Wonder
Arlington-based writer and humorist Christopher Monks is a fairly odd character. His blog, Utter Wonder (www.utterwonder.com), is full of random observations ranging in topic from Black Eyed Peas alumna Fergie (‘‘It makes me think I shouldn’t come around as often. You know, out of solidarity to all those who are missing out on the London Bridge’’) to Ikea (‘‘I’ve been in the market for a good SLUTLIG for a while now’’). Tonight at 7, Monks is joined by fellow humorist Jason Roeder and comedian Steven Brykman for a 21+ humor reading at the Plough & Stars. Free. Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 617-576-0032. www.ploughandstars.com
MON 10-2
Diane Setterfield
Not all ghost stories are reserved for the campfire. In her debut novel, ‘‘The Thirteenth Tale,’’ Diane Setterfield tackles an intricate story within a story laden with creepy characters, a hidden past, and a haunting present. The book tells the story of Margaret Lea, a bookseller’s daughter and fledgling writer, as she tries to sort out the real story of aging author Vida Winter. Vida’s never opened up about her past before, and Margaret has to dig deep to verify her tale of a governess, a neglectful family, and the estate’s caretakers. Setterfield’s Margaret has been compared to Jane Eyre — a well-read narrator who may not be emotionally prepared to face what lies ahead. The author is at a Borders today at 12:30 p.m. Free. Borders, 10-24 School St., 617-557-7188. bordersstores.com
WED 10-4
Spank Rock
If it’s booty-shaking you’re after, there are more options than just the standard techno of the clubs. Tonight at 9, Great Scott hosts Baltimore-bred MC Spank Rock for an 18+ performance. Born Naeem Juwan, he teams with producer XXXChange to combine the beats of Baltimore house, the bleeps and bloops of techno, and the energy of a punk-rock show. The group’s debut, ‘‘Yo Yo Yo Yo Yo,’’ features Juwan’s rapid rhymes — mostly about sex and parties — over XXXChange’s innovative production. The dynamic duo get the party started tonight at 9. Tickets: $10. Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Ave., Allston. 617-566-9014. www.greatscottboston.com
