Our Picks Recommended

NC Symphony 

Given the chance to travel anywhere, you might pick Ontario after this week of heat. The North Carolina Symphony diverts you, instead, to the City of Light, presenting a Francophiliac evening of music titled "A Night in Paris." Mischa Santora conducts a program of Django Reinhardt, Edith Piaf, Michel Legrand, Charles Dumont and other Parisian favorites, including the necessary joy of Gershwin's An American in Paris. Featured performers include vocalists Robb Asklof and Kersten Rodau, accordionist Patrick Harison and guitarist Robert Bell channeling Reinhardt's jangly gypsy sound. Come early to this finale of the Symphony's Summerfest Series, which also includes the "Instrument Zoo" program, in which your kids get to try out orchestra instruments with the musicians. And if your picnic spread impresses the roving judges, you could win Whole Foods gift certificates. Bon chance, mes gourmets! The show starts at 7:30 p.m., with lawn seats costing $28 (children under 12 get in free) and tables going for $33. Visit ncsymphony.org. —Chris Vitiello