Hear high-spirited Baroque music laced with trumpet, piano and oboe tonight. Pre-eminent conductor Carlos Kalmar leads the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in Dvork’s “Slavonic Dances,” Martin’s Oboe Concerto and Haydn’s “Military” Symphony for one night only at The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The oboe concerto’s Baroque style features BSO principal Katherine Needleman’s range and expressiveness. On Saturday at 11 a.m., a shortened program as part of the BSO’s Casual Series will feature “Slavonic Dances” and the “Military” Symphony. 8 p.m. $25 to $80. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore. 410-783-8000, bsomusic.org.
WHO’S IN TOWN
The Drive-By Truckers play personal songs in a twangy rock ‘n’ roll style. But this isn’t the same band who stopped by Charm City a couple of years ago. The signature sound has changed a bit with the parting of founding member Jason Isbell (who left in 2007 over creative differences). New material features songs written by bass player Shonna Tucker. 8 p.m. $25. Recher Theatre, 512 York Road, Towson. 410-337-7178, rechertheatre.com.
MUSIC
With a big-band jazz sound and high energy, the Joe Piscopo Quartet knows how to entertain. Led by the “Saturday Night Live” alumnus of the 1980s famous for his impression of Frank Sinatra, the singer Piscopo plays lively music that appeals to fans of the late crooner. 8 p.m. $40. Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis. ramsheadonstage.com.
Carl Filipiak, Timonium’s acclaimed and dynamic guitarist, who performs jazz and rock nationally, joins blues-rock guitarist Tom Principato for a string of songs. 8 p.m. $15. The 8×10, 10 E. Cross St., Baltimore. 410-625-2000, the8x10.com.
The U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors, the official jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army, performs exciting big-band jazz this evening — for free. The concert is part of the 2009 Maryland All State Jazz Conference. 7:30 p.m. Kaplan Concert Hall, Center for the Arts, Towson University at Osler and Cross Campus drives, Towson. 410-704-2787, towson.edu.
ART
Ruth Pettus: Memoranda features work by New Zealand-born Pettus, a Baltimore artist known for her profound, blurred-paint portraits. Through Feb. 28. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. MINçS, 815 W. 36th St., Baltimore. Free. 410-732-4258, minasgalleryandboutique.com.
AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Children ages 3 to 5 are invited to Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Enoch Pratt Free Library, Cherry Hill, 606 Cherry Hill Road, Baltimore. 410-396-1168, prattlibrary.org.
LITERARY
Iraqi-born artist, activist and author Wafaa Bilal presents a radical look at life overseas in Shoot an Iraqi: Art, Life and Resistance Under the Gun. 7 p.m. Free. 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul St., Baltimore. redemmas.org.
DISCUSSION
MICA Unity Week closes out with a talk with photographer and mixed-media artist Renee Cox, one of the most controversial and thought-provoking black artists working today. 3:30 p.m. Maryland Institute College of Art, 1200 Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore. 410-225-2300, mica.edu.
THEATER
Fly with Peter, Wendy, John and Michael to Neverland when Children’s Theatre of Annapolis takes on J. M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan.” The tale of pirates, Lost Boys, Indians, a fairy named Tinkerbell and a boy who can fly is brought to life on stage by CTA performers ages 12 to 18 years old. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $12 to $15. Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis. childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
WINE & DINE
Swan Song Spirits hosts a Wine Tasting featuring wines from Spain and California. 5 to 8 p.m. Swan Song Spirits, 9639 Belair Road, Perry Hall. 410-529-6699.
EVENTS
Whether you’re a cat lover or dog lover, Check out the awesome pet loot at the World of Pets Expo at Maryland State Fairgrounds. The expo features something for everyone from the serious pet enthusiast to the casual pet admirer. Many activities and demonstrations will be directed toward children at this exciting event for the entire family. 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. $5 to $9. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. 410-252-0200. worldofpets.org.
The Baltimore Boat Show continues into the weekend with a slew of powerboats and sea vessels. Learn how you finance a boat for less than $250 per month at the Affordability Pavilion, which will feature a variety of lower-priced and entry-level boats. At the Green Boating Zone, check out the newest eco-friendly boats and products, including hybrid boats and products that reduce water and air pollutants. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. $5 to $10, children 12 and under free. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St., Baltimore. baltimoreboatshow.com.
SATURDAY PREVIEW
See who can play the most intricate rock and Spanish-style songs backwards and forward and hear dozens of finger-style guitarists from as far away as Argentina and France show off their skills International Guitar Night. 8 p.m. $20. Saturday; The Gordon Center for Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills. 410-356-7469, gordoncenter.com.
