Taj Mahal brings the blues to Prescott Park: Taj Mahal launched his performing career 50 years ago, serving as lead singer of R&B band The Elektras in 1961. Since then, he’s released roughly 50 studio albums, live recordings and compilations, won two Grammy Awards, and played the blues for thousands of fans. The living legend will perform in Portsmouth as part of the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s concert series on Wednesday, July 27. 

Among the highlights of Mahal’s career: he performed at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration in 1993; he received the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 1998 for “Senor Blues” and again in 2001 for “Shoutin’ in Key”; he received The United States Congressional Recognition Award in 2002 for his lifetime contribution to music; and he was declared The Official Blues Musician of Springfield, Mass., in 2006 by then governor Mitt Romney. 

Festival-goers can now enjoy a new perk. The Prescott Park Arts Festival sells blankets for $25, and for another $10, a guests can have it laid out front and center in advance. Blankets can be reserved online the day of the event.

Taj Mahal’s show begins at 7 p.m. on July 27 at Prescott Park on Marcy Street. There is an $8 to $10 suggested donation. Visit www.prescottpark.org.

Free jazz  in Exeter:  The final concert of the summer series at Phillips Exeter Library will take place on Wednesday, July 27, when jazz violinist Sara Caswell joins The Faculty Jazz Quartet in Exeter. 

Based in New York, Caswell is a member of the New York Pops and has made several appearances as a featured soloist in Carnegie Hall and on national television for the NBC broadcast of the 2009 Macy’s Fourth of July Spectacular. Lately, she’s been touring with Grammy Award-winning bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding in support of Spalding’s new CD “Chamber Music Society.”

The Jazz Faculty quartet consists of saxophonist Charlie Jennison, guitarist Dave Newsam, bassist Mark Carlsen, and drummer Les Harris Jr. 

Presented by Friends of the Class of 1945 Library, the free show begins at 7 p.m. on July 27 at Phillips Exeter Library on Front Street in Exeter.