Just like many of his Athens, Ga., peers, Leo Kottke transformed into today’s innovative acoustic guitar virtuoso after being exposed to a variety of musical influences as a child. What happened in his adulthood (including losing much of his hearing in his left ear after an accident with a firecracker) makes him even more memorable. 8 p.m. $42.50. Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis.

MUSIC

As far as hip-hop shows go, the lineup doesn’t get better than today’s at Merriweather, when Rock the Bells Festival descends upon us. Check out the bands and musical acts that made the 1990s and early ’00s so great, including A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Mos Def, The Pharcyde, De La Soul, Rakim, Method Man and Redman, Raekwon and Ghostface, Immortal Technique, Dead Prez, Murs, Spankrock, Wale, Santogold, Jay Electronica, B.O.B., Kidz in the Hall and Amanda Blank. 11 a.m. $43 to $80. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. 410-715-5550.

The Heart of Maryland Barbershop Chorus stretches its pipes for a lovely evening of melodic performances. 6 p.m. Free. Lurman Woodland Theater, 614 Hilltop Road, Catonsville. 410-379-0779.

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Today rocks with poetic legends East of Eden, Age Sixteen, the Usual, Press Black. All ages. 6 p.m. $10. The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., Baltimore. 410-662-0069.

THEATER

A man has lived with a mistake for the last 14 years, when a young student painter arrives to change all of this as she delves into his past. Suddenly, ancient history becomes the focal point as the man strives to come to grips with the uneasy relationship with his daughter and the long-buried emotions of this past. Want more? Check out Baltimore Playwrights Festival’s “Graven Image.” Through Aug. 10. 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday. $13 to $15. Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann St., Baltimore. 410-276-7837.

FOOD

Chow down at your favorite fancy eatery — or try multiple courses at a new neighborhood hot spot. Baltimore Restaurant Week kicks off today with amazing three-course lunches for $20.08 and dinners for $30.08. Cooking classes, wine pairings and other culinary “to-do” events make this summer event even more memorable. Click here to find  participating restaurants.

FESTIVAL

The weekend’s 108th German Festival goes beyond sauerkraut and beer, with a rockin’ performance by multi-instrumental native band die Schlauberger. 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. $5 to $6. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. 410-252-0200

Head to Annapolis for this weekend’s International Great Grapes! Wine, Arts and Food Festival and enjoy 300 international wines from Italy, Australia, California, Germany, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Spain. Teetotalers can opt for live music and cooking demonstrations. Kiddies will enjoy arts and crafts galore. Noon to 6 p.m. $20 to $25; $15 for designated drivers. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, 1450 Generals Highway, Crownsville. 410-923-3400.

WATER BALLET

Fluid Movement’s seventh annual water ballet fundraiser, “Mother Goosed: The Nurseryland Campaign Tales,” is a show featuring 70 volunteer swimmers, synchronized and exploring the American electoral process through the re-enactment of childhood tales. 5 and 7 p.m. Riverside Park, 800 Covington St., Baltimore.

KIDS

Enjoy hands-on workshops, as well as gallery and sketching tours, at BMA’s free Family Sundays. Today’s is inspired by the theme “Patterns at Play.” 2 p.m. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore. 443-573-1700

BELLY DANCING

Meridian Belly Dance hosts a hafleh, a traditional performance showcasing a variety of belly dancing styles. 5 p.m. $5. MINÁS, 815 W. 36th St., Baltimore. 410-732-4258 .