The Big Three

By Courtney Pomeroy

July 17, 2008

Up where you belong

With four decades of music-making under its belt, the Steve Miller Band is at it again this summer. A jam band at heart (it was formed in the '60s after all), the group's music touches on notes of everything, from blues to classic rock. During this summer's 37-city tour, the band is getting by with a little help from its friend, Joe Cocker, whose soulful voice was also first heard in the free love era. These two '60s legends will join forces tonight at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. The pavilion is at 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. Lawn seats are $35; pavilion seats are $55-$75. Call 410-547-7328 or go to ticketmaster.com.

Easton arts festival

Begun four years ago as a community art event, the Plein Air- Easton Competition and Arts Festival has since grown to be the biggest arts festival in Easton. Artists nationwide come together to exhibit, compete and sell their work at this weeklong event. Winners receive cash prizes, and visitors have the opportunity to buy the artists' work. Artisans also have work on display, including jewelry, pottery and stained glass.

The festival runs 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-July 27 at 5 Goldsborough St., Easton. Call 410-822-7297 or go to pleinair-easton.com.

Toasting reggae

Family-operated vineyard Linganore hosts the Reggae Wine Festival this weekend. In 1977, Linganore held its first wine festival as a way to present its first vintage to the public. Since then, the vineyard has won more than 200 medals in competitions. Harvey's Catering and Jamaica Catering will provide beef, turkey, chicken, fries, nachos, jerk chicken, barbeque, lemonade, smoothies and seafood. More than 25 artisans will present jewelry, glassware, sculpture, temporary tattoos and photography. Two reggae bands, Passion Reggae Band and Image Band, will perform.

The festival is noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Berrywine Plantations, 13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy. Tickets are $15 for ages 21 and older; $10 for ages 18-20 accompanied by an adult; free for ages 17 and younger with an adult. Call 301-831-5889 or go to linganore-wine.com.