FRIDAY

Bearstronaut: This Lowell-based synth-pop outfit tops off an evening of readings, children’s rap, marionettes, and world music — all part of the ArtBeat Fest at Seven Hills Park, behind the Somerville Theatre. Check out Bearstronaut’s catchy new single “Shannon” on MySpace. We did, and danced in our cubicle chairs. 9:30 p.m. (events start at 5:45 p.m. — see the full schedule online) . $3 suggested donation. Park Stage, Seven Hills Park, Somerville. 617-625-6600 x 2985, somervilleartscouncil.org

SATURDAY

‘John Davis Caravan Celebrates Mark Twain’: American author Mark Twain was born in a year that saw Halley’s Comet (1835) and he swore he’d die upon its return. He did, in 1910. One century later marks the centennial of Twain’s death, the 175th anniversary of his birth, and the 125th anniversary of the publication of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” A good year for pianist John Davis to release “Halley’s Comet: Around the Piano with Mark Twain & John Davis,” a recording of piano music with connections to the famous writer. Some names you may recognize (Beethoven, Schubert). Others — like Blind Boone and Ossip Gabrilowitsch — you may not. Hear the music in this program. 8 p.m. $23, $20 advance. Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River. 508-324-1926, ncfta.org

Mercury Orchestra: Don’t let the fact that it’s a community ensemble composed of amateur musicians delude you into thinking this orchestra isn’t a top-notch group. Maestro Channing Yu and his nearly 100 local players beat out competitors from 26 states and the District of Columbia to snag the 2010 American Prize in Orchestra Performance, Community Orchestra Division. They’ll play two symphonic showpieces, Stravinsky’s “Petrushka” and Berlioz’ “Symphonie fantastique.” 8 p.m. $20, $15 students and seniors. Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge. 617-826-9092, mercuryorchestra.org

Eddie Money: Fact: We always play a mean air guitar, sing along (loudly), and throw any street cred out the window whenever this ’80s crooner comes on the car radio. We just can’t get enough. He’s got us shakin’, snappin’ my fingers, etc. Catch him for free Saturday night and do some shakin’ of your own. Retro rockers John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band are also on the bill at this 103.3 WODS Summer Concert Series show. 7 p.m. Free. Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Boston. Rain or shine. 800-336-1033, wods.com

Wendy Liebman: Before she landed gigs on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson,” Liebman performed plays as a kid in the basement of her Long Island home. This at-home performance space eventually led to lines like these: “My mom was a ventriloquist and she always was throwing her voice. For 10 years I thought the dog was telling me to kill my father.” “My mother always said don’t marry for money, divorce for money.” 7 p.m. $25, $30 at the door. The Orpheum Theatre, 1 School St., Foxborough. 508-543-2787. brownpapertickets.com

SUNDAY

Tequila Fiesta: Gargoyles has a lot to celebrate. Not only is this year the restaurant’s 15th birthday, but chef Jason Santos is currently competing on “Hell’s Kitchen.” Let’s all raise a glass of tequila, shall we? Snack on chicken chicharones and Mexican corn with chipotle mayo while listening to the Latin sounds of the Los Sugar Kings at this beach-themed bash. 7:30 p.m. $15 for the buffet. Gargoyles on the Square. 617-776-5300, gargoylesrestaurant.com

Paw Wash: Wearing their game-day uniforms, the New England Patriots Cheerleaders will focus on pooches instead of players at this benefit for the MSPCA’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center and Law Enforcement department. Your pooch can have a photo taken with the cheerleaders (you can be in the photo too). If you can’t get enough of the cheerleaders, visit the new “Cheers Through the Years” exhibit at the Hall at Patriot Place. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., rain or shine. $15 (bath), $15 (photos), $25 (both). Parking lot of MSPCA-Angell, 350 South Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain. 617-541-5120. mspca.org/pawwash