Globe northwest best bets
MUSIC
Chelmsford: No passports are needed to take a musical trip around the world this summer. Just show up at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn of the MacKay Library, 43 Newfield St., for "World Wide Wednesdays." On July 9, merengue, salsa, and Latin rhythms from Grupo Fantasia. July 16, C'est Si Bon transports the audience to the Left Bank for French cabaret tunes. July 23, InkasWasi offers colorful costumes, dances, and music of Peru. July 30, head for Guadalajara with Mariachi Mexamerica. Aug. 6, it's lederhosen and oompah night with the Jolly Kopperschmidts. And, on Aug. 13, the ContraBanditos bring it all back to New England. Free. Rain location: Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road. 978-251-3212, chelmsfordlibrary.com.
Medford: The Medford Saving Lives Program, a school- and community-based organization dedicated to reducing accidents and increasing awareness about driving and bike safety, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It has also hosted a very popular annual summer concert series on City Hall Plaza. "In Tune With Medford" opens the season on July 10, 7 p.m., with Medford's own vocalist Jimmy Geany. On July 17, 7 p.m., swing and sway with the Continentals with Jack Knox. July 24 is "Parents Night Out" for kids and parents: at 6:30 p.m., amazing stunts and acrobatics by the Jim Show, followed at 7:30 p.m. by the Ben Rudnick Band. And on July 31, the musical troupe Masquerade performs Broadway tunes. Bring a chair. Free. Rain location: Medford Senior Citizens Drop-In Center, 101 Riverside Ave. 781-393-2450.
ARTS
Lexington: With auction prices for antique decoys running into six figures, it can really pay to get your ducks in order. While master wood carver Bob Brophy's waterfowl decoys don't yet meet the definition of antique, they are wonderful examples of folk craftsmanship, several of which are included in the National Heritage Museum's exhibition "Keepers of Tradition: Art and Folk Heritage in Massachusetts." He'll be demonstrating his skills July 10 from noon until 3 p.m. at the museum at 33 Marrett Road. Free. nationalheritagemuseum.org, 781-861-6559.
DANCE
Concord: Once again, the acclaimed Summer Stages Dance Academy's 2008 Meet the Artist performance series at Concord Academy's Performing Arts Center, 166 Main St., features some of the finest dancers and choreographers in the business: July 10 and 11, 7 and 9 p.m., Tere O'Connor Dance troupe performs "Rammed Earth." $25. July 17, 8 p.m., Eiko & Koma, pianist Margaret Leng Tan performs "Mourning." $25. July 23 and 24, 7 and 9 p.m., Sara Rudner and friends perform "Dancing-On-View: Stages Variations." $25. July 26, 8 p.m., new works by Choreographers' Project. $25. The program has expanded to also include off-site performances and programs at the ICA, the Coolidge Corner Theatre, and Rialto Restaurant + Bar. Full details are at summerstagesdance.org, 978-402-2339.
NorthWest calendar and Best Bets listings should be sent, three weeks in advance, to Libbie Payne at epayne@globe.com.
