Longtime music photographer Michael Weintrob came up with the concept for his "Instrumenthead" book of portraits quite by accident. Years ago, he was backstage at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, shooting images of the Derek Trucks Band, and he captured a whimsical shot of the musician holding a treasured guitar in front of his face.

Astonished by how revealing the image was, Weintrob spent almost two decades refining and exploring a surreal but reflective concept capturing the relationship between a musician and her or his instrument. "Instrumenthead" contains images of over 500 musicians from around the world — and an exhibition of photos from the book will be on display today through Saturday in New London's Hygienic Art Gallery.

In thematic celebration, the Hygienic will simultaneously host three nights of music in the Art Park under their new amphitheater covering. Tonight's show features Grammy-winning blues guitarist Paul Nelson in an acoustic format. Nelson — if you don't know him — is superb and has worked with a galaxy of fellow greats from Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy and Sonny Landreth to Vince Gill, Slash and Warren Haynes. On Friday, Chrstine Ohlman and Rebel Montez entertain, and, on Saturday, members of Deep Banana Blackout will be onstage.

Intrumenthead Opening Night, exhibit preview 7 p.m., Paul Nelson 8 p.m. tonight; Hygienic Art Gallery, 79 Bank St., New London; donations accepted; (860) 443-8001.

Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Hygienic Art Park, 79 Bank St., New London; $25; (860) 443-8001.

Members of Deep Banana Blackout, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Hygienic Art Park, 79 Bank St., New London; $25; (860) 443-8001.