This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, Aug. 1

• Cedric Burnside was born and raised in Holly Springs, Miss.,” begins the multi-instrumentalist’s bio. “At the young age of 13, he began touring around the world playing drums with his grandfather, North Mississippi blues legend R.L. Burnside, also known as ‘Big Daddy.’ In late 2006, Cedric and Lightin’ Malcum teamed up and toured as ‘The Juke Joint Duo,’ which produced the award winning record Two Man Wrecking Crew. In 2010, Cedric collaborated with his younger brother, Cody Burnside, and his uncle, Garry Burnside, to create The Cedric Burnside Project. They have created a new genre of music by infusing Mississippi hill country blues, funk, R&B and soul that will keep your foot stomping all night long!” Catch the band during Black Mountain‘s free outdoor concert series, Park Rhythms, at Lake Tomahawk. 7 p.m.

• “Since the early 1950s, Spruce Pine, N.C., has been the host of the North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival and welcomed visitors from around the world to shop for beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, beads, crystals, fossils and more,” explains the event’s website. “Even celebrities have been spotted at the festival selecting their jewelry, gemstones and gifts. The festival features dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a special stone for your own setting, a custom designed piece of jewelry or a special crystal display for your home, you can’t miss the N.C. Mineral and Gem Festival.” Held at Bridge Coliseum, 97 Pinebridge Ave., Spruce Pine. Thurs.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $3.

Friday, Aug. 2

• From a website for the event, “The Annual Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair is held on the Town Square in Burnsville on the first Friday and Saturday of August. A Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event for the month of August, with approximately 200 juried crafts, this event more than qualifies as a craft shopper’s paradise, as evidenced by the more than 25,000 people who attend each year searching for those special, one-of-a-kind items created by artisans from across the Blue Ridge. Shoppers browse a wide selection of items, including handmade quilts, jewelry, hand-turned wooden household items, various types of pottery, art fabrics, rustic furniture, traditional mountain musical instruments, blacksmith creations, candles, soaps, lotions and artwork of all mediums. Have a seat and watch as the artisans produce their craft throughout the day. Enjoy a lunch of Southern favorites such as barbecue and sweet tea on the square as you listen to the live music and entertainment or perhaps try to keep up with the cloggers and other dancers as they kick up their heels on the stage.” 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

• “Materfest is our flagship event of the season, with fun for the whole family,” begins a post on the Greater Canton Focus Group’s website. “We will have a parade, antique car drive-in and, of course, everyone’s favorite, the Mrs. Materfest pagent. Come join us for the whole weekend. And don’t forget to bring your lawn chair and picnic baskets to curl up with loved ones and watch some of the best musicians in the mountains.” See website for entertainment schedule. Fri., 3-11 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

• “Join us at the Colburn Earth Science Museum for informal and lively science discussion while enjoying some local N.C. beverages,” invites the Beer City Science Pub. “Dot Sulock from UNCA will speak on renewable energy. Her topic will be ‘Renewable Energy: Sufficient and Affordable’ — an explanation of how renewable energies can replace all coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power and save money in the process, with a discussion about how each person can help.” 2 S. Pack Square. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $10 donation includes drinks and benefits the museum’s educational programming. 

• Ananda West Hair Salon hosts an opening reception for Zen Sutherland‘s exhibition of circular photographs on hand-painted boards at 37 Paynes Way, Suite 5 (next to Wedge Brewery). Wine and snacks available. Free.

• Local rock outfit Onawa‘s Facebook has little by way of background, aside from the cryptic, “Think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” But that abstraction is fitting for the bands experimental psychedelia, often void of lyrics and heavy on abrupt rhythmic shifts. The four piece just released its debut, self-titled EP during a party at Isis last weekend, and it returns to the stage this weekend for a performance at The LAB, 39 N. Lexington Ave. Mobility Chief also performs. 9:30 p.m. $5.

Saturday, Aug. 3

• “On Saturday, Aug. 3, rock and roll will come alive at ZaPow with a reception celebrating the opening of the newest ZaPow member artist group show, fittingly entitled Rock and Roll,” begins a Web page for the event. “Subjects of the show range from contemporary indie bands and cult classics like Sid and Nancy to classic rock acts like Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. Participating ZaPow member artists include local and nationally-known artists. … The show will be on display for viewing during the Aug. 5 Art Walk, but don’t miss the official reception on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 7-9 p.m. Many of the artists will be on hand, along with live music. Free adult beverages will also be provided.” 21 Battery Park Ave., Suite 101. Free.

• From a Clubland feature in this week’s issue, “Desert Noises’ melodic, harmony-rich indie rock is jangly and rhythmic, ‘music for shouting into canyons, jumping into rivers and getting married to the wide-open road,’ according to the band. The Utah-based quartet plays The Grey Eagle on Saturday, Aug. 3.” 185 Clingman Ave. 9 p.m. $8/$10.

• From the band’s bio: “Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun is about the collaborative. It’s about the connections between sound and people. It’s about the heart and the head. It’s for mistakes and triumphs, and against arrogance and underconfidence. Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun is a band of four. Two boys. Two girls. Noisy. Dancey. Loud. Sincere. Sweaty. Loveable. Hardworking. A real good time. Touring full-time since August ‘09. Their dwellings are in Atlanta, GA, but they call the East Coast home.” The band plays The LAB, 39 N. Lexington Ave., with When We Say Go and The Luxury Spirit. 9:30 p.m. $5.