AUDITIONS
COMEDY AUDITIONS. RJ's Comedy Express seeks local comedic talent for open mike and comedy nights in the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire. Call Raymond Poirier, 603-382-0445 or 603-793-3725. Mail tapes to 12 Auburn St., Plaistow, N.H.
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic auditions. Openings in the violin, viola and bass sections, Monday evenings at the Rogers Center For the Performing Arts, Merrimack College. Call to schedule an audition. 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. 978-687-7098, www.mvpomusic.org.
Merrimack Valley String Orchestra auditions. The multi-generational community orchestra, based in Haverhill, is having open auditions for the upcoming season. Three levels of orchestra, plus Cello Choir and Advanced Cello Ensemble perform several concerts each year. Call to schedule an audition. 978-372-9158, www.mvsostrings.org.
Children/Families
STORY HOUR. The Book Rack, Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Free. 52 State St., Newburyport. 978-462-8615.
CLUBS
Brookstone Grille. Live music on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Dan Webster will perform Dec. 10. Entertainment is free. 14 Route 111, Derry, N.H. 603-328-9250.
CARRIAGE WHEEL PUB. Open mike with Rockin' Randy, Thursdays, 8 to 11 p.m. No cover. 10 Friend St., Amesbury. 978-388-0291.
DAVID'S TAVERN. John Tavano appears every Thursday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday brunch, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 12 Brown Square, Newburyport. 978-462-8077.
Dodge Street Bar & Grill. Frank Booth's Car CD release party for their new Reluctant Records CD, Punk Rock Garage, Friday, Dec. 11, 9 p.m. Also appearing are The Dubious Brothers, The MayFlys, and Jake and the Jakes. $5. For 21 and over. 7 Dodge St., Salem. 978-745-0139, www.frankboothscar.com.
GLORY. Ladies Night Fashion Show Series with DJ Dee and giveaways. Top local stores and hair salons participating. 8 p.m. every Thursday in The Lounge at Glory, 19 Essex St., Andover. 978-475-4811.
HOBO CAFE AND LOUNGE. Bob Allison hosts piano bar Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m. No cover charge. "Nostalgia Night" with the Lighthouse Trio and Friends the first Wednesday of the month, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 Broadway, Salisbury Beach. 978-465-4626, 978-270-9242, www.CasablancaPiano.com.
Jocko's Jazz at the Sahara. The Mark Shilansky Quartet, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. $5 cover. Wheelchair accessible. 34 Bates St., Methuen. 978-683-9200 or www.jockosjazz.com.
PALMER'S RESTAURANT AND TAVERN. Live music Thursdays, 8 to 11 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m. to midnight. 18 Elm St., Andover. 978-470-1606.
THE GEORGETOWN GRILLE. Acoustic Open Mic, every Wednesday from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at The Georgetown Grille. Hosted by Dave Coppola. 19 W. Main St., Georgetown. 978-769-3550.
THE GROG. Flamenco guitarist Steven Spungin, Tuesdays. Music starts at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays; 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 6 p.m. on Sundays. Admission, $5-$7. 13 Middle St., Newburyport. 978-465-8008.
COMEDY
China Blossom Comedy Room. Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30 p.m. at the China Blossom Restaurant. $20 per person. 946 Osgood St., North Andover. Reservations, 978-455-0978. www.chinablossomcomedy.net.
DANCE
Ballroom Dancing classes. Christine Glaeser teaches American, Latin and Ballroom Dancing Thursdays, 6:45 p.m. at the Chelmsford Senior Center. $7 per class, $10 per couple. 75 Groton Road, North Chelmsford. 978-251-0533.
LINE DANCING CLASSES. All Saints Parish offers line dancing classes Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. in the parish hall, 120 Bellevue Ave., Haverhill. All are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. 978-374-6001.
Line Dancing. Every Wednesday, 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the VFW, River Street, Methuen. $3. 603-329-5904.
FILM
Free Movies. Every Friday, 10 a.m. at the Stevens Memorial Library. Open to seniors and the public. 345 Main St., North Andover. 978-688-9505.
Ghost Stories of New England. Local haunts of Salem shows are scheduled each Thursday, 7:30 p.m. by telephone appointment. "The Salem Experience" is shown Saturdays with continuous 30 minute shows between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., walk-in-basis, at SATV, 285 Derby St., Salem. Tickets are $6 each. Groups of four or more are $5 each. 978-777-2711.
GALLERIES AND ART
ART SERIES. Veasey Memorial Park's art series offers art shows and open houses for area artists each month. Artists who want to showcase their work are welcome. 201 Washington St., Groveland. 978-521-9345, e-mail events@veaseypark.org.
Bridge Gallery. "Small Works," the holiday exhibition at Bridge Gallery, is comprised of work by the gallery's 15 member artists and will be on view throughout the month of December. In addition, Bridge Gallery is taking part in Newburyport's annual "Invitation Nights" by remaining open until 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11. Harpist Avanah Trudeau will perform Dec. 11. Regular hours: Open noon to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays. 1R Water St., Newburyport. 978-462-2740, www.bridgegallerynewburyport.com.
Brush Art Gallery & Studios. "The Art of Healing: The Art of Psychotherapists" will be on view through Jan. 10. Gallery hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 256 Market St., Lowell. 978-459-7819, www.thebrush.org.
CHURCHILL GALLERY. A collection of oils by photo-realistic artist Michael McGovern. Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays, 12:30 to 5 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, 12:30 to 5 p.m. or by appointment. 6 Inn St., Newburyport. 978-462-9891 or www.thechurchillgallery.com.
CLARKE GALLERY. Relocated from Boston's Newbury Street, features work of traditional artists from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries, including the Hudson River and Cape Ann schools, as well as Newburyport artists Laura Coombs Hills and John Appleton Brown. 94 1/2 Lime St., Newburyport. 978-465-0494.
'Colored Light.' "Celebrating the Brilliance of the Season with New England Glass Artists" at the Sharon Arts Exhibition Gallery through Jan. 9. Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Mondays. 30 Grove St., Peterborough, N.H. 603-924-7676, www.sharonarts.org.
CURRIER MUSEUM OF ART. Museum's entrance at 150 Ash St., Manchester, N.H. Museum hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; open the first Thursday of each month, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed on Tuesdays. Admission to the museum free for children 17 and under, and every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon admission is free to everyone. 603-669-6144, ext. 108, or www.currier.org.
Endicott College Exhibit. Works by Herman Trunk will be on view through Dec. 18 at the Spencer Presentation Gallery, Center for the Arts, Endicott College. Gallery hours: Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays, 3 to 5 p.m.; Fridays, noon to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m. Open to the public. 376 Hale St., Beverly. 978-232-2655, e-mail kmoore@endicott.edu, www.endicott.edu.
Exhibition of Wood Engravings. The exhibit, by Lawrence native Anna Hogan, is at the Museum of Printing. The exhibit continues on Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 800 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover.¬ www.museumofprinting.org.
'Figurative Prints.' Works by Will Barnet, on view through Dec. 22 at the Heftler Visiting Artist Gallery, Center for the Arts, Endicott College. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m. 376 Hale St., Beverly. www.endicott.edu.
'Fish, Silk, Tea, Bamboo.' On view at the Peabody Essex Museum through 2011. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday and holiday Mondays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas and New Year's Day. $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $11 for students, free for members, youth 16 and under and residents of Salem. East India Square, Salem. 866-745-1876, www.pem.org.
'Flower Mandalas.' Photography by David Bookbinder will be on display at the Firehouse Center for the Arts through Jan. 2. An artist reception will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Open to the public. Market Square, Newburyport. 978-462-7336, www.firehouse.org.
GAGA GALLERY. Open Fridays, 2 to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. and by appointment. 459 Humphrey St., Swampscott. 781-596-7596.
Gallery Della-Piana. Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 152-R Main St., Route 1-A, Wenham. 978-468-1944, www.gallerydellapiana.com.
'Harry Potter: The Exhibition.' On exhibit through Feb. 21 at the Museum of Science, Science Park, Boston. 617-589-0250, www.mos.org.
LEPORE FINE ARTS. Newburyport's oldest gallery dealing in antique paintings and a leading expert in the work of Laura Hills and J. Appleton Brown. Also showing works by William Bradford, Emile Gruppe, George L. Noyes, Jane Peterson, Paul Strisik and Harry Vincent. Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 58 Merrimac St., Newburyport. 978-462-1663.
Local Colors Artists' Cooperative. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays, noon to 6 p.m. 121 Main St., Gloucester. 978-283-3996, www.local-colors.org.
'Monotype Guild of New England.' On view through Dec. 22, at Carol Grillo Art Gallery, Center for the Arts, Endicott College. Gallery hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m. 376 Hale St., Beverly. 978-232-2655, www.endicott.edu.
POSITIVE IMAGES GALLERY 61. Fine-art photography, cards and gifts. Now through the holidays: "Urban Landscapes" by Jack Fowler of Newbury.¬ Ongoing exhibit: Seasonal scenics by Warren Stone and Scott Leonhart, "The Kitchen" and "Images of Ireland" by Patricia J. Bruno. Pottery by Two Rivers of Amesbury, Pairpoint Glass, Basic Spirit Pewter, Fair-Trade purses and women's accessories, hand-crafted jewelry by local artists. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Open Sundays. 61 Wingate St., Haverhill. 978-556-9366.
'Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel. The Peabody Essex Museum will present ensembles from the personal collection of Iris Apfel through Feb. 7. $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $11 for students. Open Tuesday through Sunday and holiday Mondays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas, New Year's Day. East India Square, Salem. 866-745-1876, www.pem.org.
RIVERWALK BEAD SHOP. Work by 36 local artists, including jewelry, beads, paintings, pottery, weaving, carved gourds and more. 32 Elm St., Amesbury. 978-388-3499.
Sam Paolini Art Exhibition. The latest works by Sam Paolini will be on display Saturday, Dec. 12, 7 to 11 p.m. at Front Street Spa, 29 Front St., Exeter, N.H. Includes new paintings, drawings and mixed media. www.sampaolini.com.
'The Liberator of the Liberator.' Allison Katz, 2009 Brooks School visiting artist, through Jan. 9. Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. The Robert Lehman Art Center, Brooks School, 1160 Great Pond Road, North Andover. 978-725-6232, www.lehmanartcenter.com.
'The Secrets of Tomb 10A: Egypt 2000 BC.' On view through May 16, at the Museum of Fine Arts. Free for MFA members, $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students 18 and older, free for youths 17 and under, $7.50 for youths 7-17 on school days until 3 p.m. Groups of ten or more should book in advance. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-369-3310, www.mfa.org.
'Valerie Belin: Made Up.' Through Feb. 7, at the Peabody Essex Museum, The exhibit explores a photographer's ability to manipulate perception of artificiality and reality. $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $11 for students. East India Square, Salem. 866-745-1876, www.pem.org.
Lecture
Kennedy Library Forum. "Civil Rights: Here and Now" will be presented Thursday, Dec. 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Reservations recommended. Columbia Point, Boston. 617-514-1643, www.jfklibrary.org.
MUSEUMS
American Textile History Museum. Features the exhibit "Textile Revolution: An Exploration Through Space and Time." Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, children 6-16, and college students. Free for members, children under 6. 491 Dutton St., Lowell. 978-441-0400, www.athm.org.
CUSTOM HOUSE MARITIME MUSEUM. Built in 1835, the Newburyport Custom House was designed by Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Treasury Building. Features ship models and maritime art as well as exhibits on shipbuilding, the Coast Guard and author John Marquand. Open Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 25 Water St., Newburyport. 978-462-8681 or www.themaritimesociety.org.
DOLE-LITTLE HOUSE. Circa-1700 timber-frame construction home restored in 1955. Open year-round by appointment only. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 students/children. 289 High Road, Newbury. 978-462-2634, www.historicnewengland.org.
JOB LANE FARM MUSEUM. The Job Lane House, built in 1713, added on to in 1820, and the post and beam barn (1993) are at 295 North Road, Bedford. Open house tours: May through October, second and fourth Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m. Gift shop in the barn. The house parlor has Rufus Porter murals. Cost is $2 per person or $5 per family. www.joblane.org or e-mail joblanefarm@gmail.com.
LOWELL'S BOAT SHOP. Established in 1793, oldest continuously operating boat shop in the country. Guests can view boatbuilders at work, take a tour and view exhibits. By appointment only. 459 Main St., Amesbury. 978-834-0050, www.lowellsboatshop.com.
MEETINGHOUSE. Rocky Hill Meeting House, circa-1785 rural New England meetinghouse with limited ornamental detail offering example of vernacular architecture. 4 Portsmouth Road, Amesbury. 978-462-2634, www.spnea.org.
PAINE HOUSE TOURS. The Paine House at Greenwood Farm, Ipswich. One hour tours: first Saturdays and Sundays, June through October, 1 to 3 p.m. Recommended for children 8 years and older. Members: free. Nonmembers: first Saturdays, all are free; first Sundays, $8 for adults; $5 for children. 978-921-1944, www.thetrustees.org.
PRINTING MUSEUM. World's largest collection of antique printing, typesetting and bindery machines. Has extensive printing collection of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $5. 800 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover. 978-686-0450.
SWETT-ILSLEY HOUSE. Circa-1670 saltbox dwelling illustrating development of New England's timber-frame architecture and building practices over two centuries, including one of the largest kitchen hearths in New England. 4 High Road, Newbury. 978-462-2634, www.spnea.org.
The George Peabody House Museum. A new exhibition by in-house curator Merritt Kirkpatrick titled, "George's Footprints: His Everlasting Legacy and Influence," will feature topics such as George Peabody's philanthropic endeavors, the people he inspired and the status of the foundations as they stand today. An opening reception will be held Thursday, Dec. 10, 5 to 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. 205 Washington St., Peabody. 978-531-0355, www.peabodymuseums.org.
MUSIC
'A Christmas Celtic Sojourn.' Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 p.m. at Cutler Majestic Theatre at Emerson College, 219 Tremont St., Boston. Tickets are $25, $45, $55, $65, $75. 1-800-233-3123, www.maj.org.
Acoustic Open Mic Nights. Every Tuesday, 7 to 10 p.m. at the Pasta Loft Restaurant. Hosted by singer/guitarist Mike Belkas. All acoustic instruments and musical genres are encouraged. Free admission. 220 East Main St., Route 121A, East Hampstead, N.H. 603-548-5742.
A Rockapella Holiday. Saturday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at the Stockbridge Theatre in Derry, N.H. Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors, $15 for children. 603-437-5210, www.stockbridgetheatre.com.
BARBERSHOP SINGING GROUP. The barbershop singing group holds a guest night from 7:30 to 9 Mondays at All Saints Church, Haverhill. 978-372-8231.
Bluegrass Christmas Concert. Saturday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. at the Pilgrim Church, 197 Middle Road, Brentwood, N.H. Features a seasonal blend of bluegrass and acoustic holiday music with Rick Lang and Friends, Blackstone Valley Bluegrass, and Amy Gallatin and Roger Williams. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. General admission seating only. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. 603-778-3189, www.haleyannamusic.com, www.blackstonevalleybluegrass.com, www.amygallatin.com.
Bluegrass Jam. Every second Saturday, 2 to 6 p.m. at the Gulu-Gulu Cafe. Open jam for all levels. 247 Essex St., Salem. 978-740-0098.
Boston Community Choir in Concert. Saturday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Church. Doors open at 6 p.m. $10 for adults, free for children 12 and under. Proceeds benefit North Shore Christian Ministries, Inc. and St. Mary's Parish. 94 Andover St., Georgetown. 978-225-8186, www.northshorecm.org.
Community Chorus Holiday Concert. Voices of Distinction will present "Peace on Earth...The Sounds of Christmas" Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12, 8 p.m. at Kingston's Church on the Plains. $13 in advance, $15 at the door. 151 Main St., Kingston, N.H. 603-642-5262, www.voicesofdistinction.org.
Cornerstone Books Bluegrass Jam. Third Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. 45 Lafayette St., Salem. 978-595-5401.
Country Music. "Country Friends Band" hosts Country Music each Friday at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 227. No cover. River Street, Middleton. 978-777-2711.
'First Light.' Annual Chanukah concert Saturday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at Congregation Shalom. Advance tickets: $18 for adults, $9 for seniors over 60 and children over 5, free for children 5 and under. Tickets at the door: $22 for adults, $12 for seniors over 60 and children over 5, free for children 5 and under. Cost includes candle lighting, concert and dessert reception. 87 Richardson Road, North Chelmsford. 978-688-0466, www.mjvf.org.
Holiday Concert. Choral group Cantemus will perform Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 p.m. at the Crane Estate. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $25 per person, $20 for Trustees' members. Call for reservations. 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich. 978-356-4351, www.craneestate.org.
Holiday Pops. Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra Saturday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are $40, $60, $80, and $126. 50 East Merrimack St., Lowell. 978-454-2299, www.lowellauditorium.com.
Jazz Jam Session. For jazz musicians, sit in with house trio, weekly, 6 to 10 p.m. at The Sahara Club. Free entrance. Food and drinks available. 34 Bates St., Methuen. 508-662-1715.
LIVE JAZZ. Live jazz is performed every Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. at Salvatore's Italian Restaurant, 354 Merrimack St., Lawrence. No cover or music charge. For dinner reservations, 978-291-0220.
Merrimack Valley String Orchestra Winter Concert. Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 p.m. at Universalist-Unitarian Church, 16 Ashland St., Haverhill. Free. 978-372-9158.
Old Time Jam. Every Sunday, 7 to 10 p.m. at Skellig Pub. Hosted by Alan Kaufman. 240 Moody St., Waltham. 781-647-0679.
Open Music Session. Every Sunday, 4 to 8 p.m. at Paddy Kelly's Pub. Hosted by The Breakheart Ceildh Band. Irish, folk and bluegrass players welcome. 154 Washington St., Peabody. 978-532-2370.
Portsmouth Pro Musica Concerts. The 45-voice mixed chorus will perform their 25th Anniversary Holiday Concerts Friday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1035 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, N.H.; and Saturday, Dec. 12, 4 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 22 Fox Run Road, Newington, N.H. Snow date is Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Christ Episcopal Church advance tickets are $12.50 for adults, $10 for seniors and students. 603-828-6377, www.portsmouthpromusica.org.
REGGAE ON THE RIVER. Reggae on the River with Dis-N-Dat Band every Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Salvatore's Italian Restaurant, 354 Merrimack St., Lawrence. No cover charge. Dinner reservations available. 978-291-0220.
'Songs for the Season' Christmas Concert. Performed by the Merrimack Valley Players Friday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 12, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall. Matinee tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and children. Evening tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and children under 12. Group discounts available. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Veteran's Outreach Center in Haverhill. 192 Broadway, Methuen. 978-914-5384, www.merrimackvalleyplayers.org.
The Vienna Boys' Choir. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. at the Timberlane Performing Arts Center. Features a selection of classical and holiday music. Tickets are $40, $35 and $30. Free parking. 36 Greenough Road, Plaistow, N.H. 603-382-6541, ext. 243, www.timberlanepac.org, www.mktix.com.
Traditional Old Time Jam. Every Monday, 8 p.m. at Sandy's Music, 896A Mass Ave., Cambridge. 617-491-2812.
THEATER
'A Christmas Carol.' Presented by the Haverhill High School Chorus and Drama Club Thursday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 12, 2 and 7 p.m. in the Haverhill High School auditorium. Tickets are $8 for regular admission, $5 for students and seniors. Seating is general admission. No reserved seating. 137 Monument St., Haverhill. 978-374-5700.
'A Christmas Carol.' Presented by Village Theatre Company at the Laurel Grange Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12, 7 p.m. and Dec. 12 and 13, 2 p.m. $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors and children. Seating is limited. 21 Garden St., West Newbury. 978-902-0466, e-mail info@villagetheatrecompany.org.
'An Ideal Husband.' Performed by Bad Habit Productions at the Durrell Theatre at the Cambridge YMCA in Cambridge. Performances are Thursday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 online, $20 at the door. www.badhabitproductions.org.
'A Very Ida Christmas.' Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12, 8 p.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts. $18 for adults, $16 for students, seniors and members. Market Square, Newburyport. 978-462-7336, www.firehouse.org.
'Ebenezer Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.' Performed by New Life Fine Arts' Musical Theater at the Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts. Evening performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11, 12, 16, 18, and 19. Matinees will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 12, 13, 19, and 20. $18 for regular admission, $16 for seniors and students, $14 for children 12 and under. Not suitable for children under 5. 40 Stow St., Concord, Mass. 877-746-9755, www.NewLifeFineArts.org.
Merrimack Repertory Theatre. "Heroes" by Gerald Sibleyras, adapted by Tom Stoppard, through Dec. 13. 50 East Merrimack St., Lowell. 978-654-4678, www.merrimackrep.org.
Nutcracker Ballet. Performed by the New England Civic Ballet Friday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Performing Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and children under 12. Group rates available. 978-975-0289, www.newenglandcivicballet.org.
'The Nutcracker.' Performed by the Boston Dance Company Sunday, Dec. 13, 4 p.m. at the Collins Center For Performing Arts. $25 for adults, $18 for children 12 and under, seniors 60 and over. 100 Shawsheen Road, Andover. 617-491-8615.
'THE VELVETEEN RABBIT.' Performed by Boston Children's Theatre through Dec. 20, at The Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts, 186 Tremont St., Boston. Recommended for children ages 4 to 12. Families welcome. 617-424-6634, e-mail tschine@bostonchildrenstheatre.org, www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org.
Tru Grace: Holiday Memoirs. Through Dec. 27 at Central Square Theater. Performance schedule: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; one Sunday show on Dec. 27, 7 p.m. Matinees: Saturdays, 2 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. $35 for general admission, $25 for seniors, $20 for students with valid ID, $15 for children 12 and under. 450 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 866-811-4111, www.centralsquaretheater.org.
ETC.
'An American Christmas Story.' An exhibit of "history inspired" trees provides the backdrop for Andover Historical Society's month of holiday programming that includes tea events, craft activities, story time, open houses and exhibit tours, and a holiday fashion show. The exhibit can be viewed through Dec. 23, free of charge during regular hours, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 97 Main St., Andover. 978-475-2236, www.andoverhistorical.org.
Holiday Show & Sale. The Ceramics Program of the Office for the Arts at Harvard will present its annual Holiday Show and Sale Dec. 10 through 13, at 219 Western Ave., Allston. Free cups made by exhibitors will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis during the opening reception, Thursday, Dec. 10, 3 to 8 p.m. The Holiday Show and Sale will continue Friday through Sunday, Dec. 11-13, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wheelchair accessible. 617-495-8680, www.fas.harvard.edu.
Pastel & Oil Painting Class. Mondays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Robin Thornhill's Amesbury studio. Open to beginner/intermediate artists. Focus is on¬ the use of color, shapes and edges while painting the landscape from photos or direct from still life. Walk-ins are welcome. 603-339-1000.
POETRY SOCIETY. The society meets five times a year, sponsors several contests and has three chapters. Dues are $15 per year. Contests are open to all. Anyone wanting more information or an application to join can contact President Jeanette Maes at MSPS, 64 Harrison Ave., Lynn, MA 01905.
Purple World Publishing. The independent publisher based in New Hampshire, is seeking submissions for a number of new anthologies, journals, and contests. New England Voices, a biannual journal of the arts, features writers and visual artists from all of the New England states. Essays, short fiction, poetry, and art are accepted. Words of Tolerance is an annual anthology of creative non-fiction on topics of culture, diversity, peace, and tolerance. For complete submission guidelines, deadlines, and additional information: www.purpleworldpublishing.com, e-mail info@purpleworldpublishing.com.
Third Annual seARTS Wearable Arts Show & Sale. Dec. 11, 5 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Saunder's House, Sawyer Free Library. Free and open to the public. 2 Dale Ave., Gloucester. 978-525-0219.
'Tis The Season Planetarium Show. "Friday Nights Under the Stars," planetarium shows at the Dunn Planetarium, through Friday, Jan. 8. Each Friday at 7 P.M. Tickets are on sale at 6:45 p.m. and are $2.50 each. A tour of the night sky with music, science, stories, and other topics of current interest about outer space. Handicap access. Free parking. No shows Christmas Day and New Year's Day. 64 Cabot Road, Danvers. 978-774-1801, e-mail dunnplan@danvers.org, www.danvers.mec.edu.
SClB
