PROUST AND PIERRE

The French Institute/Alliance Francaise connects Marcel Proust to composer Pierre Boulez in a festival of literature and music. The celebration begins with a panel discussion about “Marcel Proust as Musician.” Panelists include the editor of “The Proust Project” (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), Andre Aciman, novelist Edmund White, and French writer Anne Garreta. The director of public programs for the New York Public Library, Paul Holdengraber, moderates the discussion (Friday, 6 p.m.). Later, there’s a concert of Proust’s favorite music, including work by Camille Saint-Saens and Cesar Franck (8 p.m., $15 discussion and concert). In between, attendees feast on a “Proustian picnic,” with madeleines for dessert (7 p.m., $40 for concert, panel, and picnic, reservations required). The weekend culminates in a concert celebration of Mr. Boulez’s 80th birthday, featuring a program of his compositions (Sunday, 7:30 p.m., $15.). All events: Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., between Park and Madison avenues, 212-307-4100.

NEW RZEWSKI

Pianist Frederic Rzewski performs a program of his contemporary compositions, including several New York premieres. The concert takes place in a piano store just north of Carnegie Hall, where Mr. Rzewski gave his most recent performance. Friday, 7 p.m., Faust Harrison Pianos, 205 W. 58th St., between Seventh Avenue and Broadway, 212-489-0666, $15.

NOTHING DOING

The New York band Nada Surf, whose pop tunes are just slightly raw around the edges, performs a free outdoor show. Saturday, 7 p.m., South Street Seaport, Pier 17, Fulton Street at South Street, 212-732-7678, free.

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