On Thursday night Medeski Martin & Wood and Antibalas will open a three night run in which each band will perform one full set on their own, followed by a set with both groups performing together. The two groups have just announced that they also will host a pumpkin-carving contest during the Thursday gig at Washington, DC’s 9:30 Club and on Friday night at Philadelphia’s Electric Factory (there is still no word whether a contest also will be held on Saturday night at New York’s Terminal 5). Interested participants are encouraged to bring their pre-carved pumpkins to the venues by 8 PM both nights with an LED light inside (no candles) as well as the entrant’s name. The pumpkins will appear on stage during the show and the musicians will select a winner before the encore. The carver will receive “a goodie bag of merch plus a chance to meet and chat with the bands (with up to 3 friends)”.