Bruce Springsteen and Jasmine Guy are the big names this week. Although there's much more to do, see our list here. Check the event calendar for more.
A songwriter's dream
Tidewater Arts Outreach presents the Sea Level Singer/Songwriter Festival, which has plenty of free things to do in Norfolk, including a songwriting workshop at the School of Rock, 430 Boush St., from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, and an open mic showcase at event central on the corner of Colley and Brandon avenues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For a complete list of activities, including ticketed concerts, visit www.tidewaterartsoutreach.org.
Appalachian acclaim
"Bagels and Bluegrass" is an evening of discussion of Appalachian culture led by Jean Haskell, co-author of "Encyclopedia of Appalachia," with music by Bob Zentz, above, and others. The enlightenment starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at The Jewish Museum & Cultural Center, 607 Effingham St., Portsmouth. $30 at the door. For more information, visit jewishmuseumportsmouth.org.
What can't glass do?
Third Thursdays at the Chrysler Museum's Glass Studio merge live music and glass art in a performance setting. This session will feature Etsuko Ichikawa in "Drawing With Glass" to the sounds of jazz. Doors open at 7 p.m. Thursday at 745 Duke St., Norfolk. $5, free for members. 664-6200.
Putting the pop in Pixar
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra Pops performance of "Pixar in Concert" will feature movie clips and scores from Pixar films, including "Toy Story" and "Up." It begins at 8 tonight at Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News and 8 p.m. Saturday at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk. Tickets start at $22. 892-6366, virginiasymphony.org.
An "Independent" woman
Priest Tyaire's play "Mrs. Independent" focuses on a female breadwinner and the role she plays in her relationship. The show stars Robin Givens, known for her film and TV roles as well as her former marriage to Mike Tyson. She and the rest of the cast take the stage at 8 tonight and 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday at Willett Hall in Portsmouth. Tickets start at $34.50. Visit www.willett-hall-portsmouth.com.
It’s the anthem man
Some people think Robbin Thompson’s “Sweet Virginia Breeze” (co-written with Steve Bassett) should be our commonwealth’s anthem. You know some of those people will be at Abbey Road Pub waiting for him to play that tune. See him at 9 and 10:15 p.m. today and Saturday, 203 22nd St., Virginia Beach. $10. 425-6330. www.abbeyroadpub.com.
Tin men and turkey legs
The Southampton Renaissance Faire is a little outside the metro area, but that’s kind of how you should want your renfest. This year’s Faire revolves around an art and artists theme, but it’s sure to have men in armor, English accents and large turkey legs. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Franklin-Southampton County Fairgrounds, 25374 New Market Road, Courtland. Free. www.southamptonrenfaire.com
Boss hangover cure
It’s the day after The Boss rocked Virginia Beach. But you need more. What to do? See Springsteen sax man and Virginia Beach native Jake Clemons play some of his original tunes. 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Naro Expanded Cinema, 1507 Colley Ave., Norfolk. $20. www.narocinema.com