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.

Young Opera Company of new England auditions. The Young Opera Company and Young Classical Singers are holding auditions for their 2009-2010 season. Included in next year's season is a new adaptation of "The Fairy Queen" by Henry Purcell, Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and a choral program of American music. Call to schedule an audition. The company is based at the Collins Center, Andover. 978-664-4705.

CHILDREN/FAMILIES

Cirque du Soleil Alegria. At the Verizon Wireless Arena July 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m.; July 10 and 11 at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; July 12 at 1 and 5 p.m. Features a cast of 55 performers and musicians. $40-$95 for adults, $32-$76 for children 12 and under. 603-669-7377.

STORY HOUR. The Book Rack, Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Free. 52 State St., Newburyport. 978-462-8615.

CLUBS

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. Harry Allen and Ken Peplowski Tuesday, July 7, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. $15 cover. Wheelchair accessible. 34 Bates St., Methuen. 603-898-1591 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. DJ St. Julian Thursday, July 2, through July 4. 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.

Carmel Club Dance. Monday, July 6, 7:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Main Street, Peabody. Refreshments. Music by the Preferred Sounds. Singles and guests welcome. Paul Micale, 16 Summit Terrace, Peabody, MA 01960-4024.

Friday Night Dances. Jocelyn's Restaurant hosts dances every Friday from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover charge. The restaurant serves Mediterranean food and features a Martini Lounge. 355 South Broadway, Route 28, Salem, N.H. 603-870-0045, www.jocelynsrestaurant.com.

Line Dancing. Every Wednesday, 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the VFW, River Street, Methuen. $3. 603-329-5904.

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.

NEW ENGLAND SINGLES DANCES. Every Sunday in July, 7 to 11 p.m. at the Irish-American Club. DJs play a wide variety of music. For all ages over 40. Casual dress. Hors d'oeuvres. $10. 616 Middlesex Tpke., Billerica. 617-325-4900, www.singlesdances-newengland.com.

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, and 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.

Movie Night. "Happy Feet" will be shown Tuesday, July 7, 8:30 p.m. in Columbus Park, Haverhill. Free admission. 978-373-6400.

GALLERIES AND ART

Abstract Artist Group Show. The eighth annual exhibition will be through July 8 at Newburyport Art Association. Gallery hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. 65 Water St., Newburyport. 978-465-8769, e-mail NAA@newburyportart.org.

All Gallery. Hours: Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. 246 Market St., Lowell. www.buddingartist.net.

Art exhibition. Neil E. Wilkins' "Natural Abstractions, Selected Works 2002-09" will be on display through July 31 at Washington Mills, 270 Canal St., Lawrence. 978-685-3333.

Artists at the Brush Go Green. View various interpretations of "Going Green" through July 31. Artists reception Friday, July 24, 7 to 10 p.m. Free. Brush Art Gallery and Studios, 256 Market St., Lowell. www.thebrush.org.

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.

Art Show. Works by Denyse Murphy of Merrimac will be on display at Willow Community Gallery, Lynn Arts Building. Features a new twist on an old medium, cyanotype. 25 Exchange St., Lynn. 781-598-5244, www.lynnarts.org.

Bridge Gallery. Gallery hours: Thursday through Monday, noon to 6 p.m. 1R Water St., Newburyport. www.BridgeGalleryNewburyport.com.

Celebrate ARTS Endicott 1939-2009 exhibit. On display in the Halle Library Archive and Museum Gallery at Endicott College through July 24. Features the work of Endicott College alumni artists. Free. Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 376 Hale Street, Beverly. 978-232-2257.

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.

Community Art Show. Through Aug. 4 in the Spencer Presentation Gallery, Endicott College's Center for the Arts. Gallery hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free to the public. 376 Hale St., Beverly. 978-232-2655, e-mail kmoore@endicott.edu.

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.

'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 Thanksgiving, 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.

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.

Kingston Gallery. Catelin Mathers-Suter's "Naturally Man-Made" and Karen Meninno's "Confections of a Baroque Mind," will be on view through Saturday, Aug. 1. Opening reception Friday, July 10, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. or by appointment. 450 Harrison Ave., No. 43, Boston. 617-423-4113, www.kingstongallery.com.

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.

Loading Dock Gallery. The gallery is featuring the artwork of Ashlee Welz Smith and Meghan Moore through July 26, Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free. 122 Western Ave., Lowell. 978-349-8069.

Local Colors Artists' Cooperative. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. 121 Main St., Gloucester. 978-283-3996, www.local-colors.org.

Nights on the Neck. First Thursdays through October, 5 to 9 p.m. at Rocky Neck Art Colony. Gallery receptions and entertainment. July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct. 1. 53 Rocky Neck Ave., Gloucester. 978-282-0917, www.rockyneckartcolony.org.

Painting-by-the-Sea. Plein Air Painting exhibition through July 30 at The Historic Trask House, 10 Union St., Manchester-by-the-Sea. Free admission. E-mail info@ACM-gallery.com.

POSITIVE IMAGES GALLERY 61. Fine art photography, cards and gifts. Currently featuring images from Patricia J. Bruno's "The Kitchen" collection. Also on exhibit: Scott Leonhart, John Anderson, Martin Miller. Hand-blown glass items, hand-crafted jewelry and purses from local artists, fair-trade and environmentally-friendly gifts, including the Peace Bank. Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 61 Wingate St., Haverhill. 978-556-9366.

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.

The Revolving Museum Gallery. "Show and Tell: The Art of the Narrative" through Nov. 29. Free. Hours: Through Aug. 31, Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 1 through Nov. 29, Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 22 Shattuck St., Lowell. 978-YES-ARTS, www.revolvingmuseum.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.

Peabody Essex Museum. "The Golden Age of Dutch Seascapes" exhibit will be on view through Sept. 7. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $11 for students. East India Square, Salem. 866-745-1876, www.pem.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

ALL THINGS SICILIAN. The Sunset Café at All Things Sicilian is open to emerging musical artists every Friday, 7:30 to 10 p.m. All Things Sicilian also hosts Italian classes and cooking demonstrations. 500A Merrimack St., Lawrence. 978-686-7667, www.allthingssicilian.com or e-mail alfredmzappala@yahoo.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 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.

BOB ALLISON HOSTS PIANO BAR. Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m.; Lighthouse Trio and Friends show first Wednesday of every month, 7 to 9 p.m. at Hobo's Café. No cover charge. 5 Broadway, Salisbury Beach. 978-270-9242, www.CasablancaPiano.com.

Casino Ballroom. Badfish! A tribute to Sublime Friday, July 3. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. All ages. General admission $19. Jamie Cullum Sunday, July 5. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. 18 and over. Gold $41, reserved $31, general admission $21. Joe Cocker Tuesday, July 7. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. 18 and over. Gold $86, reserved $66, general admission $41. Reel Big Fish and The English Beat Wednesday, July 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. All ages. General admission $23. 169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, N.H. 603-929-4100, www.ticketmaster.com, www.casinoballroom.com.

Castle Hill's Summer Picnic Concert. Melissa Ferrick Thursday, July 2, 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is at the gate only. $25 per car or $20 per car for members of The Trustees of Reservations. Six person per car maximum; each additional passenger will be charged $5. 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich. www.craneestate.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. 61 River St., 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.

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.

Live Music. The Band "Country Friends" performs every Friday from 6 10 p.m. at American Legion Post 227, 69 River St., Middleton. No cover. 978-777-2711.

Maudslay Arts Center summer concert. Barrence Whitfield and the Savages Saturday, July 4, 7 p.m. Saturday patio seating at tables is $20, lawn seating is $18, lawn seating is free for children 12 and under. Rain or shine, moving inside to the MAC Concert Barn when weather dictates. 95 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. 978-499-0050, www.maudslayartscenter.org.

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.

Tanglewood. Stephen Kovacevich, piano Thursday, July 2, 8 p.m. at Ozawa Hall. Boston Symphony Orchestra prelude concert Friday, July 3, 6 p.m. at Ozawa Hall. "This Week at Tanglewood" Friday, July 3, 7:15 to 7:45 p.m. at Koussevitzky Music Shed. Opening Night at Tanglewood Friday, July 3, 8:30 p.m. at Koussevitzky Music Shed. Diana Krall Saturday, July 4, 7 p.m. at Koussevitzky Music Shed. Grounds open at 4 p.m.; fireworks to follow the concert. Boston Symphony Orchestra Sunday, July 5, 2:30 p.m. at Koussevitzky Music Shed. Christian Tetzlaff, violin and Alexander Lonquich, piano Sunday, July 5, 8 p.m. at Ozawa Hall. Christian Tetzlaff, violin and Alexander Lonquich, piano Tuesday, July 7, 8 p.m. at Ozawa Hall. 413-637-5284, www.bso.org.

Traditional Old Time Jam. Every Monday, 8 p.m. at Sandy's Music, 896A Mass Ave., Cambridge. 617-491-2812.

THEATER

'Gypsy.' Through Aug. 23 at Seacoast Repertory Theatre. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 3 and 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. $28-$24. 125 Bow St., Portsmouth, N.H. 603-433-4472, www.seacoastrep.org.

'HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING.' Through Aug. 9 at Seacoast Repertory Theatre. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 3 and 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. $28-$24. 125 Bow St., Portsmouth, N.H. 603-433-4472, www.seacoastrep.org.

'Last of the Red Hot Lovers.' Thursday, July 2 through 19 at Gloucester Stage. $37, $32 for students and seniors. 267 East Main St., Gloucester. 978-281-4433, www.gloucesterstage.org.

Marblehead Little Theatre. "Once On This Island" will be presented Thursday and Friday, July 2 and 3, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 5, 2 p.m. Caribbean dessert bar on the terrace prior to each performance. $25 at the door. 12 School St., Marblehead. 781-631-9697, www.m-l-t.org.

'Rumors.' Runs July 7 through 12 at Callan Studio Theatre. Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Salem State College, 352 Lafayette St. 978-542-6290, www.salemstate.edu.

The Rocky Horror Show. Live Saturday, July 4 through Aug. 22 at Seacoast Repertory Theatre. Fridays and Saturdays at midnight. All seats $20. 125 Bow St., Portsmouth, N.H. 603-433-4472, www.seacoastrep.org.

ETC.

Fourth of JULY SAND SCULPTING SPECTACULAR. Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, July 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Salisbury Beach. Live music and fireworks. 978-462-7274, www.beachfests.org.

Old Sturbridge Village Fourth of July celebrations. After daytime activities end at 5 p.m., OSV will close and reopen from 6 to 10 p.m., offering music, magic, family games and activities followed by the fireworks display at dusk. A buffet will be offered at OSV's Oliver Wight Tavern, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Free parking. Cost for evening entertainment and fireworks program is $12 per person, free for children under 3, and is separate from daytime museum admission. Rain date is July 5. 1-800-733-1830, www.osv.org.

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.

SailGloucester. The Gloucester Museum School Project Adventure Summer Camp: family trip to Tall Ship Parade of Sail in Boston Harbor, July 7 through 9, from Gloucester; four night Camp and Sail Adventure, July 28 through Aug. 1. Participants spend their days and nights aboard the Tall Ship Spirit of Massachusetts. E-mail joanne@gmscamp.org, www.gmscamp.org.

Stevens Coolidge Place Historic House Tours. Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m., through Oct. 11. Also first Thursdays, June, July and August, 6 to 7 p.m. The gardens are open daily, from sunrise to sunset. Free admission, donations accepted. Recommended for children 8 and up. 139 Andover St., North Andover. 978-921-1944.