1) The current lineup of rock’s Grand Funk Railroad, together 23 years and featuring two of its three original members, bring a collection of the band’s biggest hits and more to an 8 p.m. Sept. 8 concert at Brown County Music Center, 200 Maple Leaf Drive in Nashville. This tour highlights a milestone: the 50th anniversary of drummer and vocalist Don Brewer’s smash hit “We’re An American Band.” Now at 74, Brewer, shown here, sounds just as excited as ever to still be touring and introducing the group’s tunes to a whole new generation. Information: browncountymusiccenter.com
2) Even with a solid, Scottish surname such as Blair, I didn’t know the difference between a caber toss from a tossed salad at the first Columbus Scottish Festival I covered years ago. However, I am much more ethnically knowledgeable these days. And even if you know nothing of Scotland and its Highland games, I heartily recommend checking 0ut the annual festival slated Sept. 9-10 at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds, County Road 200S in Garden City. An event that continues to reinvent itself features a queen contest this year along with Highland dancing, pipe bands, whiskey tasting and more. Information: scottishfestival.org
3) Only three more weekends of the Columbus Farmers Market before the season ends for the gathering of everything from produce to plants from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday along First Street behind Columbus City Hall. The weekly event regularly seems to be a varied community meeting space — and a great spot for live music and more. Information: columbusfarmersmarket.org
Staff writer Brian Blair can be reached at bblair@therepublic.com or at 812-379-5672.
