AUDITIONS
Auditions for Children's Choir. Monday, Jan. 11, 4 to 5 p.m. in the Phillips Music Center, Room 107, Gordon College, 255 Grapevine Road, Wenham. 978-867-4429.
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.
THEATER CLASSES & auditions. Acting Out! will hold classes and auditions beginning this month. For ages 5-15. New classes to choose from. Visit the Web site for dates and times. 978-794-0001, e-mail actingouttheater@comcast.net, www.actingout.biz.
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 with Bruce Marshall Thursday, Jan. 7, 6 to 9 p.m. Free entertainment. 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.
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 Rick DiMuzio Quintet Tuesday, Jan. 12, 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.
The Peddler's Daughter. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. No cover. Wheelchair accessible. 45 Wingate St., Haverhill. 978-372-9555, www.thepeddlersdaughter.com.
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.
Saturday Night Ballroom Dancing. Saturday, Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m. at the Methuen Senior Activity Center. Music by Boots and Co. $8 per person. 77 Lowell St., Methuen. 978-983-8825.
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 Exhibit. Works by Deb Cinamon-Whalen will be on display in the Hampstead Public Library's second-floor meeting room during January and February. An artist's open house will be held Saturday, Jan. 9, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 9 Mary E. Clark Drive, Hampstead, N.H. 603-329-6411, www.debcinamonwhalen.com.
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. 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.
'Dog Sledding in New Hampshire.' Pam Lacombe-Connell of Coyote Farm Fine Arts will display her collection of portraits, artist cards, folk art and posters from Jan. 9 through Feb. 19 at the Massabesic Audubon Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, N.H. 603-668-2045, www.sleddogfineart.com.
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.
'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. $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.
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.
'Light Forms.' The fine art landscape photography of James Faist will be on view through Jan. 22, at Greystone Farm at Salem, a Benchmark Senior Living Community. An opening reception for the artist will be held Thursday, Jan. 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m. 242 Main St., Salem, N.H. www.FaistFoto.com.
Local Colors Artists' Cooperative. The annual Holiday Exhibit is featured. Offers original art by 16 local artists. Includes paintings, pastels, watercolors, sculptures, photographs, jewelry, stained glass, sun catchers, mobiles, pottery, fiber arts, metal arts, mixed media, holiday ornaments and greeting cards. Hours: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 121 Main St., Gloucester. 978-283-3996, www.local-colors.org.
Mary Bucci McCoy: 'Paintings.' On view through Jan. 31 at Kingston Gallery. An opening reception will be held Friday, Jan. 8, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. 450 Harrison Ave., No. 43, Boston. 617-423-4113, www.kingstongallery.com.
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. 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.
'Summer in Winter.' Paintings by Anthony Apesos will be on view from Saturday, Jan. 9 through Saturday, March 6, at Arnold Arboretum. A reception will be held Saturday, Feb. 20, 1 p.m. An artist talk will be presented Thursday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m. Exhibit admission and related events are free. 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain. 617-384-5209, www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
'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.
'Waking with you.' New and recent embroidery drawings and photography by Joetta Maue will be on view from Friday, Jan. 8 through Feb. 19, at the Elizabeth A. Beland Gallery at Essex Art Center. An opening reception will take place Jan. 8, 5 to 7 p.m. Gallery hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Jan. 18 and Feb. 15. 56 Island St., Lawrence. 978-685-2343, www.essexartcenter.com.
Lecture
The Civil War Roundtable of the Merrimack. Bob Sullivan will present "The February 1864 Battle of Olustee, Fla." on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. at The Hilton Senior Center, 43 Lafayette Road, Salisbury. Free. 978-462-8518.
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.
MUSIC
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.
'Ball in the House.' The a capella concert will be held Saturday, Jan. 9, 8 p.m. at Crossroads Coffeehouse, Old Center Hall, 3 Great Pond Road, North Andover. $18. 978-687-3960, www.crossroads-coffeehouse.org.
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 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.
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.
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.
Jim Douglas in Concert. The folksinger/historical balladeer will perform the program "A House Divided: Songs of the Civil War" Sunday, Jan. 10, 3 p.m. at The Gould Barn, Howlett Street, Topsfield. Free. Refreshments will be served. Presented by the Topsfield Historical Society. 508-641-8814, 978-887-8321.
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.
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.
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.
Tenth Anniversary Hot Stove Cool Music Concert. Saturday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m. at the House of Blues Boston. Doors open at 6 p.m. Features performances and appearances by sports, music and entertainment all-stars along with a live and silent auction, all to raise money for local children's charities. Tickets are $40. 15 Lansdowne St., Boston. 866-448-7849, www.ticketmaster.com.
Traditional Old Time Jam. Every Monday, 8 p.m. at Sandy's Music, 896A Mass Ave., Cambridge. 617-491-2812.
Theater
'Harriet Jacobs.' The play will run from Thursday, Jan. 7, through Sunday, Jan. 31, at Central Square Theater. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with matinees on Sundays at 2 p.m. Additional evening performances on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. $35 for adults, $25 for seniors, $20 for students with a valid ID, $15 for student rush (day of performance). 450 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 1-866-811-4111, www.centralsquaretheater.org.
Merrimack Repertory Theatre. "Fabuloso," A Play by John Kolvenbach Jan. 7 through 31. 50 East Merrimack St., Lowell. 978-654-4678, www.merrimackrep.org.
'Strega Nona.' The musical will be performed Saturday, Jan. 9, at 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. at Boston's Colonial Theatre. Recommended for ages 4-9. Tickets are $20-$35. 106 Boylston St., Boston. 1-800-982-2787, www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.
ETC.
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.
'Tis The Season Planetarium Show. "Friday Nights Under the Stars," planetarium shows at the Dunn Planetarium, through 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. 64 Cabot Road, Danvers. 978-774-1801, e-mail dunnplan@danvers.org, www.danvers.mec.edu.
Zumba Class. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 12, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the North Andover Senior Center. Exercise to the beat of Latin music with instructor Barbara Selima. Cost for the six-week class is $24. Walk-ins welcome. 120 Main St., North Andover. 978-688-9560.
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