• High time: With an uncanny resemblance in both looks and voice, Remembering John Denver features singer-guitarist Ted Vigil paying tribute to the folksinger. His act has earned praise from members of Denver’s own band. Vigil’s lively set runs through classic songs like “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Rocky Mountain High” and “Calypso.” Thursday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m., Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, $40 and up, palacetheatre.org.
• Swede shred: Amidst a tour modestly called Freedom World Crusade, Swedish metal band HammerFall stops in Derry for a show that includes fellow countrymen Evergrey. Led by founder Oscar Dronjak and longtime vocalist Joacim Cans, the band is closing in on three decades of its classic, powerful sound, with songs about medieval battles, fantasy figures, and Templar knights. Friday, Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $50 and up, tupelohall.com.
• Nu thing: A weekend of nu metal and EDM, the Weirs Beach Music Festival is built around the Tool-loving 3 Degrees – A Tribute to Maynard James Keenan, which also draws from A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. The band performs at 7 p.m. on Sept. 19, but the event has more, including Charing Cross, Hollow Virtue, Frank EB and DJ MM3, as well as Big Stage Karaoke. Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m., Big House, 306-322 Lakeside Ave., Laconia, bighousenightclub.com.
• Multi core: A bill crowded with heaviness is topped by Texas hardcore stalwarts Soul Exchange, whose latest single “Cash and Cold Hands” packs a punch — one fan described it as “moshing with chains.” Also performing at the all-ages show are Pure Bliss (characterized as “boulder-crushing”), Wise Choice, Infernal Diatribe, Selfish Act and Montreal alt rockers Tarbox. Saturday, Sept 19, 7 p.m., Bungalow Bar & Grill, 333 Valley St., Manchester, $15, @bigboybookings.
• Dog day: Motley Mutts Rescue holds its fifth annual MuttFest, with music from Nightshade & Gold singer Lauribeth, Jimmy & the Barhoppers and Chasing Ghosts. With a mission “to help dogs in need by providing the highest quality care on their journey to an approved forever home,” the organization works primarily with dog rescuers in the South. The event has raffles, food trucks and beer. Sunday, Sept. 20, noon, 603 Brewery, 42 Main St., Londonderry, motleymuttrescue.org.