Hear the music of Elton John in a new way, plus 12 of our Best Bets this week

With a three-day weekend, opportunities abound for fun and reflection.

N.C. Symphony presents the Music of Elton John

If you remember when rock was young, you and Suzie are def gonna have so much fun as the North Carolina Symphony Pops Series presents the music of Elton John. Michael Cavanaugh and his energetic band will join the North Carolina Symphony, conducted by Wesley Schulz, paying tribute to The Rocket Man himself. Listen for favorites like “Crocodile Rock,” “Rocket Man” (obviously), “Tiny Dancer” and many more. Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. Jan. 17, 8 p.m.; Jan. 18, 3 & 8 p.m. From $20. ncsymphony,org

‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’

Raleigh Little Theatre presents its first show of the new year: the winner of the 2013 Olivier Award for best new play and 2015 Tony Award for best play winner “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” The play, based on the novel by Mark Haddon, originally premiered at the Royal National Theatre in London in 2012. The play tells the story of 15-year-old Christopher, a young man who, despite his extraordinary brain and exceptional intellect, is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life and falls under suspicion for the death of his neighbor’s dog, leading to his quest to identify the culprit and an earth-shattering discovery. The local production stars Michael Larson in the role of Christopher. Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh. Jan. 17-Feb. 2, times vary. Adults: $27, students/seniors 62+: $23, First Sunday: $14. raleighlittletheatre.org

Raleigh Roasts

Hello darkness, my old friend. The City of Raleigh Museum’s popular annual toast to Raleigh Roasts is back for its third installment, feting our city’s cafe culture via live tunes, coffee tastings and more. Confirmed local vendors include Slingshot Coffee Co., Larry’s Coffee, Yellow Dog Bread Co., Carroll’s Kitchen, TAMA Tea, Lousy Hunters Doughnuts and more. If last year is any indication, tickets won’t last. Admission includes a commemorative mug (with a Sir Walter Raleigh image from the late N&O political cartoonist Dwane Powell, who passed away last year). Visitors can purchase wristbands allowing them to sample freely from onsite local coffee and pastry businesses while browsing museum exhibits. City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St., Raleigh. Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Line closes at 12:45 p.m.). Tickets for members of the Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum (the non-profit organization that supports the museum through fundraising and initiatives) are $3 in advance ($5 at the door). There will be a separate entrance line for members of the Friends. Tickets are available now for $5 ($10 at the door). cityofraleighmuseum.org or facebook.com/CORMuseum/

Unscripted Winter Lineup

New year/new you enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Unscripted Durham unrolls its new winter events lineup of new music, food and drinks for the new year to celebrate inclusivity and diversity. This week sees a special performance by one of hip-hop’s most influential artists, DJ Terminator X from Public Enemy. The award-winning artist, who is receiving a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in April, will be spinning classic soul, funk and R&B records. 202 N. Corcoran St., Durham. Jan. 19, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Free. unscriptedhotels.com/durham

Triangle African American Theater Preview ’20

Kick off the African American theater season in the Triangle with the popular (and usually sold out) preview by Triangle Friends of African American Arts. The dramatic readings, songs and scenes from upcoming performances showcases the diverse set of plays and musicals slated to take the stage in 2020. Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh. Jan. 19, 7 p.m., with one intermission. Adults $20, students/seniors age 62+ $18. raleighlittletheatre.org; africanamericanarts.org

Camper Van Beethoven & Cracker

The pioneering indie/alt rock acts Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker — both led by frontman David Lowery — join forces at Cat’s Cradle as part of their annual U.S. tour. Collectively, the bands have released four albums in the last six years as odes to the north and south regions of California. Cracker’s 10th and most recent studio effort, the double-album “Berkeley to Bakersfield,” finds the band traversing two different sides of the California landscape: the northern Bay area and further down-state in Bakersfield. The show promises to be a soundoff worth hearing. 300 E. Main St., Carrboro. Jan. 20, 8 p.m. Tickets $22 /day-of : $25. catscradle.com

Sarah Colonna

Famous funny woman Sarah Colonna is set to give you an ab workout at Goodnights Comedy Club in this can’t-miss appearance. She’s a “Chelsea Lately” roundtable-regular and full-time writer; currently Angie in Netflix’s “Insatiable,” with regular appearances as Lori on Showtime’s twisted “Shameless,” and author of best-sellers like “Has Anyone Seen My Pants?” 861 W. Morgan St., Raleigh. Jan. 17 and 18, 7:30 and 10 p.m.; Jan. 19, 7 p.m. goodnightscomedy.com

Finally Friday: ‘E.T.’

E.T., phone home. … Steven Spielberg’s stellar sci-fi classic returns to the big screen in conjunction with N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences’ Astronomy Days event. Come early for food, live music and science stations (5:30- 7 p.m.) and stay for the film. It will be followed by commentary by Rachel Smith, head of the Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Lab and curator of meteorites at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, to help us separate science from fiction. 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh. Jan. 17, 5:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $5 for the general public and $2 for Friends of the Museum members. To receive the discount, members must sign-in to their account (the link is located in the upper right corner of this webpage. naturalsciences.org

Triangle Martin Luther King Jr. events

▪ Join keynote speaker Rev. Lisa Yebuah at this Interfaith Prayer Breakfast (set to air simultaneously on WRAL-TV at 8 a.m. and FOX 50 at noon) in remembrance of the late Martin Luther King Jr. See site for additional MLK Day of Service events. Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Research Triangle Park. Jan. 20, 7:15- 9 a.m. Doors open at 5:45 a.m., breakfast is served from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. only.

▪ Continue the commemoration with the 40th installment of this annual musical celebration. Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. Jan. 20, noon & 5:30 p.m. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com; http://trianglemlk.com/programs-events/

Travis Tritt

“It’s a great day to be alive” indeed as Grammy-winning country crooner takes the stage at Carolina Theatre with “the best of intentions” celebrating more than 25 years of chart-topping singles and sold-out shows. 309 W. Morgan St., Durham. Jan. 17, 8 p.m. $55-$65. carolinatheatre.org

The Dirt on Tuscany

Uncork fine wine and a good time as the Umstead Hotel kicks off its 2020 Uncorked Wine Tasting: The Dirt on Tuscany with a romp to Central Italy, featuring full-bodied earthy reds and a discussion led by sommelier Hannah Barton in the Fireplace Room. It’s the perfect way to warm up your winter night. 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary. Jan. 22, 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 plus tax and service charge, and can be purchased at 919-447-4050. theumstead.com

Three Dog Night

If mama told you not to come, you should probably ignore mama on this one and head over to Carolina Theatre for an iconic night with music legends Three Dog Night as they “play something sweet,” with special guest Charlie Farren. Joy to the World, indeed. 309 W. Morgan St., Durham. Jan. 21 (postponed from Sept. 6 as a result of Hurricane Dorian), 8 p.m. $55-$79.50. carolinatheatre.org