Research shows that studying music can help students achieve higher test scores and also even learn how to empathize with others. Often music educators are short on funds, though, as school budget cuts often start with the arts. So every year bands come together at the Petaluma Music Festival to perform and raise money to keep music education a part of local curricula. This year’s festival lineup includes Americana singer-songwriter Jackie Greene, New Orleans guitarist Anders Osborne, and folk trio the Rainbow Girls. The festival will be held on August 6, 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m., at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma. General admission is $60; purchase tickets at petalumamusicfestival.org.