Mae

Mae

No, it’s not another band named after a person’s first name. According to the group, Mae is an acronym for Multisensory Aesthetic Experience. What would music look like if you could see it? What would it feel like and how would it taste? The Norfolk, Va., quintet attempts to tackle such heady concepts on its latest album, “The Everglow,” which Alternative Press calls “an engaging, superb listen with a massive production scope, to boot.” Mae joins Circa Survive, Mute Math and The Working Title at 6 p.m. today at The Granada, 1020 Mass.

Kenan Thompson and Seth Meyers

Dar Williams

Most people have a pretty good idea what Kenan Thompson and Seth Meyers are doing Saturday nights. But this Sunday the “Saturday Night Live” cast members will bring their improvisational and sketch comedy skills to Lawrence to kick off KU’s Homecoming Week festivities. There are no guidelines as for what to expect, but John Kerry and Bill Cosby impressions aren’t a bad bet. The pair performs at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Lied Center.

Dar Williams

To her hardcore fans, “Dar” needs no introduction (or last name). The New England-bred songwriter furthers her transition from solo folkie to bandleader on her new album “Better Self,” which is filled with blasts of electric guitar, xylophones meshing with organs and other assorted nuances. Intact are Dar’s effortless narrative sensibilities and understated melodies, perhaps the key attributes separating her from the rock-diva pack. She performs at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Liberty Hall, 642 Mass.

Beijing Modern Dance Company

Beijing Modern Dance Company

Founded in 1995, the Beijing Modern Dance Company is making its U.S. debut this year. The tour brings the company to Lied Center tonight for a performance of “Rear Light.” Choreographed by Li Han-Zhong and Ma Bo and set to Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” the piece reflects a young Chinese generation struggling to reconcile its traditional culture with influences from abroad and a thirst for freedom. The artists will speak about their work and creative process immediately following today’s 7:30 p.m. show in the Lied Center’s Seymour Gallery. In conjunction with the performance, an exhibit, “Conflict and Creativity: A Look at Israel and China,” is on view at the Lied Center through Monday.

‘Convergence’ in Lawrence

'Convergence' in Lawrence

Three years ago, a group of nine Lawrence women artists traveled to Ottawa, Ontario for an international art event with nine women artists from the Canadian capital. The collaboration continues this month with the opening of “Convergence,” a reciprocal event that brings the Canadian artists to Lawrence. A group exhibition at the Lawrence Arts Center and a concurrent installation at Kansas University’s Art & Design Gallery open with a reception from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. “I think it’s important that we’re connecting with people from another country,” says participating Lawrence artist Jan Gaumnitz. “We need to do more reaching out.”