Things To Do in Boston This Weekend: May 1-May 3

The Boston area has a packed weekend ahead, with the Silkroad Ensemble bringing world music traditions to an intimate gathering, Anne Wilson blending country and Christian music at the Boch Center, and the Boston Open Market kicking off its season at the Public Garden. From live performances to open-air shopping, there's a wide range of ways to spend the weekend.

Anne Wilson is a Lexington, Kentucky, native whose genre-bending sound blends country and Christian music. Her GRAMMY-nominated debut single "My Jesus" reached No. 1 on Billboard's Christian Airplay chart and earned Platinum certification, and her album "REBEL" produced the country single "Rain In The Rearview" and the chart-topping "Strong." She has surpassed 1 billion global streams, made her Grand Ole Opry debut, and earned recognition from CMT and the Billboard Music Awards. Opening the show is California singer-songwriter Peter Burton, a worship leader whose music draws on personal experience with mental illness to deliver a message of faith and hope.

One Nighter with Silkroad Ensemble features cellist Mike Block and balafon master Balla Kouyaté, both members of the Silkroad Ensemble, bringing together musical traditions from West Africa, Europe, and the United States in an intimate performance. The Silkroad Ensemble was founded by Yo-Yo Ma and is now led by Rhiannon Giddens. The event is hosted by The Jar, a venue with a unique entry requirement: Each guest must bring a plus-one, two people who are like themselves, and two people who are not. The experience is designed to connect cultures both onstage and among the audience.

The Boston Open Market opens for the season at the Boylston Street entrance to the Boston Public Garden. The outdoor market features 50 local artists and small businesses offering handcrafted jewelry, fashion accessories, pottery, and home decor. Running Saturdays from May through October, the market is a destination for shoppers seeking locally made and one-of-a-kind goods.

Boston has a strong lineup of performing arts events this weekend, from dance and classical music to live jazz. Several shows run on multiple dates, offering plenty of opportunities to find a time that works.

The Boston area has a full week of cultural offerings ahead, spanning astronomy, music, theater, and dance. Here are a few upcoming weeknight events worth adding to the calendar.