Road trips

Rhythm & Roots Festival If you're wondering how it's Labor Day weekend already, get yourself a shot of Cajun and Zydeco courtesy of the 11th annual Rhythm & Roots Festival in Charlestown, R.I. Ninigret Park hops with main-stage action featuring the Grammy-nominated Pine Leaf Boys (above), Donna the Buffalo, and the first return trip by contemporary blues musician Keb Mo since 2005. Head to the dance tent for afternoon lessons to get ready to twirl the night away. At this festival, even your chow's musical - the Hot Tamale Brass Band plays the food court so you don't have to miss a beat to eat. Fri 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat and Sun noon-midnight. $30-$160, free for kids 12 and under. Ninigret Park, 4813 Old Post Road, Charlestown, R.I.; 92 miles from Boston. 888-855-6940. www.rhythmandroots.com

The Blind Boys of Alabama The boys (below) have been singing since 1939 - that means fans have listened to their soulful gospel on 78-rpm records, MP3s, and every format in between. Friday night the band takes the stage at the Great Waters Music Festival fronted by singer Jimmy Carter. Carter may have been with the band at the start, but what many up-and-coming singers wouldn't give to capture the passion of this man's throaty, from-the-gut vocals. 8 p.m. $26- $80. Great Waters Music Festival, 58 North Main St., Wolfeboro, N.H.; 102 miles from Boston. 603-569-7710. www.greatwaters.org

Buskers Festival If you've ever been in Faneuil Hall on a summer day, you know about that special brand of performer (musician, magician, juggler, daredevil, etc.) who entertains for what change (or bills, please!) you care to throw them. On Sunday and Monday, Newburyport hosts a Buskers Festival. The event is free, but buskers make their money from the generosity of audiences, so bring plenty of small bills. And if a performer asks you to volunteer, just do it - nothing says wet noodle like shaking your head and shrinking away when the clown reaches for you. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Downtown Newburyport; 34 miles from Boston. 978-462-6680. www.newbury portchamber.org

16th annual New World Festival Main Street in Randolph, Vt., transforms into a pedestrian village for the 16th annual New World Festival. More than 70 Celtic and Franco-American musicians from New England, Quebec, Ireland, and Scotland will play, teach, dance, and trade stories from noon until last call at the dance tent . . . whenever that is! Noon. $25 advance, $30 door, $10 ages 13-18, $5 ages 12 and under. Main Street, Randolph, Vt.; 160 miles from Boston. 802-728-9878. www.NewWorldFestival.com

Pig Roast & Corn Fest What better way to close out the barbecue season than with a pig roast and corn fest in scenic Vermont? Charlotte-based roast master Don Jacques will roast a locally raised swine - the fruits and veggies will be local, too. And if the food alone isn't tempting you to make the trip, consider the musical lineup. Carol Ann Jones opens for the Defibulators, a honky-tonkin' ensemble that calls itself "Hee-Haw on mescaline." Also on the bill: Busted Brix, a young, eight-piece rock/funk/ska band that took first in the 2008 TeenFest Battle of the Bands - see them now and one day you'll tell people about the time you heard them play a pig roast. Noon. $20 roast and concert, $10 concert only. Old Lantern, Greenbush Road, Charlotte, Vt.; 226 miles from Boston. 802-425-3739.

E-mail your suggestions for Road Trips to celcik@comcast.net.