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.
CORO STELLA MARIS AUDITIONS. Coro Stella Maris has openings in all voice sections for the 2008-2009 season concerts. Auditions are by appointment through September. Rehearsals are Mondays at 7 p.m. in Salem and begin Sept. 9. 867-919-4218, 617-964-6609, www.corostellamaris.org.
NYSO AUDITIONS. The Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra is accepting musicians for its ensembles for the 2008-2009 season beginning in the fall. Auditions take place over the summer by appointment. Symphony Orchestra, NYSO's advanced orchestra, is open to advanced violinists, violists, cellists and double bass players; intermediate string players will be considered for Intermezzo Orchestra, the intermediate orchestral ensemble. All orchestral ensembles and the NYSO Wind Ensemble have openings for the following wind instruments: trumpet, bassoon, French horn and trombone. The Flute Choir and Clarinet Choir also have several openings. NYSO Chorale invites any advanced vocalists, grades eight through 12, to audition. Young strings players may audition for Prelude Strings or for Overture. www.nysorchestra.org or 978-578-6353.
BOOK READINGS/SIGNINGS/DISCUSSIONS
BOOK DISCUSSION. Alvin F. Oickle will discuss his book, "Disaster in Lawrence: The Fall of Pemberton Mill," Tuesday, Sept. 2, 6 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library. Free. Books will be available for purchase. 51 Lawrence St., Lawrence. 978-682-1727 or e-mail lsandberg@mvlc.org.
BOOK SIGNING. The Lawrence History Center will host a book signing event Wednesday, Sept. 3, 6 to 8 p.m. Author Alvin F. Oickle will discuss his new books "Pemberton Casualties" and "Disaster in Lawrence: The Fall of the Pemberton Mill." Free. 6 Essex St., Lawrence. 978-686-9230 or www.lawrencehistory.org.
CHILDREN/FAMILIES
FREE BIRDING PROGRAMS. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island. For schedule, contact Sue McGrath at Newburyport Birders, 978-462-4785, newburyportbirders@comcast.net or www.newburyportbirders.com.
STORY HOUR. The Book Rack, Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Free. 52 State St., Newburyport. 978-462-8615.
CLUBS
CAPRI SEASIDE GRILLE & BAR. White Lightning, Saturday, Aug. 30, from 9 p.m. to midnight. Offers live music every Saturday. Salisbury Beach, 3 Central Ave. No cover charge..978-462-7543 or www.capriseaside.com.
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. "Nostalgia Night" with the Lighthouse Trio the first Wednesday of the month, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 Broadway, Salisbury. 978-465-4626.
JOCKO'S JAZZ AT THE SAHARA. The Chris Taylor Trio, featuring flutist Marc Adler, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. $5 cover. Wheelchair accessible. 34 Bates St., Methuen. 978-683-9200 or www.jockosjazz.com.
J.P. MCBRIDE'S. "Karaoke and Dance Evenings," every Thursday, featuring DJ Denny Curtis from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. 27 Lafayette Square, Haverhill. 978-469-8011 or www.jpmcbrides.com.
LIGHTSHIP SPORTS BAR. Kevin Gaudreau Entertainer, Friday, Aug. 29, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Lightship Sports Bar, 118 South Union St., Lawrence. 978-687-2233.
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 PRESS ROOM. Chris Klaxton Combo (Jazz), 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28. No cover. Scala Wag, 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29. $5 cover. Henri Smith with the Nat Simkins Band, 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30. $7 cover. Closed on Sunday, Aug. 31. 77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, N.H. 603-431-5186.
COMEDY
STAND-UP COMEDY. Featured every Friday and Saturday, 9:30 p.m., The China Blossom Restaurant, 946 Osgood St., North Andover. Teddy Bergeron, from The Tonight's Show; Larry Lee Lewis, direct from Vegas; and Johnny Joyce, Boston favorite. $20 per person. Call 978-455-0978 or www.chinablossomcomedy.net.
DANCE
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.
FILM
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS. Movies are shown Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. in Columbus Park, downtown Haverhill. Free. The series will continue throughout the summer. 978-373-6400.
SATV. "Local Haunts of Salem," a 30-minute program of local ghost and mystery lore, is scheduled regularly at SATV, 285 Derby St., Salem, on Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and also at Cat-n-the-Fiddle, 61 Pickering Wharf, Salem, Sundays and holidays, noon to 4 p.m. An educational, entertaining, factual, and thought-provoking family program. Admission charge. 978-777-2711.
SCREENING ROOM. "Elsa and Fred," Friday, Aug. 29, at 6:15 and 8:45 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 30, at 3:45, 6:15 and 8:45 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 31, at 5 and 7:30 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, Sept. 1–4 at 7:30 p.m. 82 State St., Newburyport. 978-462-3456 or www.newburyportmovies.com.
GALLERIES AND ART
ANNUAL MEMBERS' SHOW. Kingston Gallery's annual Members' Show, "Take Out," Tuesday, Sept. 2, through Sept. 27. Opening reception, Friday, Sept. 5, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. 450 Harrison Ave., No. 43, Boston. 617-423-4113 or www.kingstongallery.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 or e-mail events@veaseypark.org.
AUGUST ART EXHIBIT. The August Art Exhibit features recent works of art by Marina Forbes, through Aug. 31, at the New England Language Center, 16 Hillside Drive, Rochester, N.H. 603-332-2255.
BRIDGE GALLERY. Award-winning photographer Frank Winters is the featured artist for the month. His collection of images titled "Urban Scenes and Natural Images," runs through Aug. 31. An additional exhibit, "Boats, Boats, Boats," will also run through August. Gallery hours: Thursday through Monday, noon to 6 p.m. The gallery is at 113 Merrimac St., Newburyport. www.BridgeGalleryNewburyport.com.
CHIMERA GALLERY. Photographer Art Ferrier's exhibit, "Tools of the Trade," will run through Sept. 27, at Chimera Gallery, The Picker Building, 99 Factory St. Ext., Nashua, N.H. The gallery is typically open Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. and on other days by appointment. 603-888-2661 or www.chimeragallery.net.
CHURCHILL GALLERY. A new 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. 941/2 Lime St., Newburyport. 978-465-0494.
COREY TEVAN GALLERY. The Mermaid paintings by Brooklyn artist Hawley Hussey and Tevan's latest fantasy seascapes will be displayed through Sept. 15. 17 Mount Pleasant St., Rockport. 978-546-6660.
CURRIER MUSEUM OF ART. Museum's entrance now 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.
ESSEX ARTS CENTER. At Essex Arts Center, artists create and display their work and teach young people and adults. Open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 56 Island St., Lawrence. 978-685-2343 or www.essexartcenter.com.
EXPERIMENTAL ART GALLERY & STUDIO. "Any Fish Dish You Wish," through Aug. 31. Features work by 25 artists. Gallery hours: Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 6 p.m. 24 New Derby St., Salem. 781-439-1540 or e-mail ehmankes@comcast.net.
FERRY WHARF GALLERY. Art with a musical theme will be featured at Ferry Wharf Gallery. Artist Paul Neverette and John Tavano, artist and classical guitarist. 1R Water St., Newburyport. 978-462-2740 or www.ferrywharf.com.
GAGA GALLERY. The work of Joan Rademacher (watercolors) and Gigi Mederos (acrylics) will be featured at Gaga Gallery, 459 Humphrey St., Swampscott. Gallery hours: Fridays, 2 to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. and by appointment. 781-596-7596.
LAWRENCE HERITAGE STATE PARK EXHIBIT. "In Honor of St. Jean Baptiste Day," about the French community in Lawrence, on display throughout the summer in the third-floor community room at the Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitor Center, 1 Jackson St., Lawrence. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free, fully accessible. 978-794-1655.
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.
LESLANE GALLERY AND DESIGN. Gallery hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 144 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley. 978-948-2105 or www.leslanegallery.com.
LOCAL COLORS COOPERATIVE GALLERY. "By The Sea," artwork by 18 local artists is now being featured at the gallery. Local Colors Gallery, 121 Main St., Gloucester. 978-283-1876.
McCOY GALLERY. "Consequences of Geometry" exhibition, from Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Oct. 16, at the McCoy Gallery, Merrimack College. Reception: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2 to 4 p.m. 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. 978-837-5000.
NEWBURYPORT ART ASSOCIATION. "Light Impressions," a showcase of 30 of David Whitney's photographs, will be on display through Sept. 3, at the Laura Coombs Hills Gallery at the Newburyport Art Association. Open to the public. Gallery hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m. 65 Water St., Newburyport. 978-465-8769 or www.newburyportart.org.
OPEN STUDIO EXHIBITION. The exhibition "Portraits and Personal Imagery: Reduction Relief Prints and Solar Plate Etchings," will hang in the Community Gallery in the Currier Museum of Art through Sept. 1. Features the work of the Open Studio students under the direction of artist-In-residence John O'Shaughnessy. 150 Ash St., Manchester, N.H. 603-669-6144 or www.currier.org.
POSITIVE IMAGES GALLERY 61. Fine art photography and gifts. Through September, images by local photographers Scott Leonhart and Patricia J. Bruno. Hand-painted tiles from Besheer Studios, N.H. Pottery by Llyod Hamovit, Amesbury. Basic Spirit pewter from Nova Scotia. Pairpoint Glass from Cape Cod. Fair trade and environmentally-friendly gifts. Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 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 BRUSH ART GALLERY. Art Quilts Lowell 2008: A national juried exhibition, through Oct. 26. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. Hours will be extended during the Quilt Festival; check festival schedule. 256 Market St., Lowell. 978-459-7819 or www.thebrush.org.
MUSEUMS
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 or 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.
LIBRARY ART EXHIBIT. Through August the Pelham Public Library will present an exhibit of photographs by David and Marion Chesemore of North Spirit Photography. All of the photographs are for sale and 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the library. 24 Village Green, Pelham, N.H. 603-635-7581.
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 or 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 or www.spnea.org.
NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM. "Raw Nerve: The Political Art of Steve Brodner" will be on view through Oct. 26, at the Norman Rockwell Museum, Route 183, Stockbridge. 413-298-4100, ext. 239, or www.nrm.org.
PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM. "Polar Attractions" on display in the Art and Nature Center through June 7, 2009. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $15, adults; $13, seniors; $11, students. Additional admission to Yin Yu Tang, $4. Members 16 and under, and residents of Salem, free general admission and free admission to Yin Yu Tang. East India Square, Salem. 866-745-1876 or 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 or www.spnea.org.
THE REVOLVING MUSEUM. As part of the "Toys and Games: More Than Amusement" exhibition, Artbotics unveils its latest creations. Through Dec. 31. Gallery hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 22 Shattuck St., Lowell. 978-YES-ARTS, www.revolvingmuseum.org, www.artbotics.org.
THE STEVENS-COOLIDGE PLACE. The Stevens-Coolidge Place is open for tours. The one-hour tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays, May 31 through Oct. 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. For children 8 years and older. $8 for adults (18 and over); $5 for children. 137 Andover St., North Andover. 978-921-1944.
MUSIC
ALL THINGS SICILIAN. The Sunset Café at All Things Sicilian is open to emerging musical artists every Friday, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. All Things Sicilian also hosts popular 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.
CASINO BALLROOM. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Saturday, Aug. 30. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. For ages 18 and over. Gold $50; reserved $37; general admission $28. 169 Ocean Boulevard Hampton Beach, N.H. 603-929-4100 or www.casinoballroom.com.
LICORICE & SLOE COMPANY. Bob Allison, Sunday, Aug. 31. Live music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. No cover. 21 Middle St., Newburyport. 978-499-8327.
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, call 978-291-0220.
MAUDSLAY ARTS CENTER. Rebecca Parris, called the "First Lady of Jazz," Saturday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m. at the Maudslay Arts Center, 95 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. Saturday evening patio seating at tables is $20 and lawn seating overlooking the stage (bring chairs and/or blankets) is $18. Children 12 and under are invited to all performances free to the lawn. Concerts are held rain or shine, moving inside to the MAC Concert Barn when weather dictates. Concert goers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner. Desserts and beverages may be purchased during intermission. 978-499-0050 or www.calmvalley.org.
MERRIMACK VALLEY STRING ORCHESTRA. The community orchestra for string players of all ages offers three levels of advancement: Junior Orchestra, Senior Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, plus the Cello Choir and Advanced Cello Ensemble. Weekly rehearsals are Thursdays in Haverhill. Two or more concerts are performed each year. 978-372-9158 or www.mvsostrings.org.
2008 ORGAN RECITAL SERIES. The Methuen Memorial Music Hall presents its 2008 Organ Recital Series, Wednesdays at 8 p.m., through Sept. 3. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $10 for adults; $5 for children under 12. 192 Broadway, Route 28, Methuen. 978-685-0693 or www.mmmh.org.
ETC.
FARMERS MARKET. The Farmers Market continues on Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through Oct. 29, at Appleton Way, between Essex and Common streets, in downtown Lawrence. Free. 978-974-0770.
NEW ENGLAND ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL. The Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1 in Topsfield, will host the 30th annual New England Arts and Crafts Festival Saturday, Aug. 30 through Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Features American-made arts, crafts, specialty foods, live music and craft demonstrations. r 603-332-2616 or www.castleberryfairs.com.
PHOTO CONTEST. The Rowley Historical Society is accepting entries for its annual Photo Contest through Sept. 30. Participants will be classified as students, amateurs or professionals. One entry fee of $5 for as many photos entered. Entry fee is waived for students under 18. Entry fee for historic photos is waived. Acceptable categories of recent photos (within the past three years) are children, animals, landscapes and historic photos. Two photos of each entry are required, no exceptions; size must be 5x7 or 8x10 only (no mats or frames); no printing on front of photos, back of the photo only. Include name, description and location. Graphic enhancements or computer augmentations will not be accepted. Mail to The Rowley Historical Society, Main Street, Rowley, MA 01969.
POETRY SOCIETY. The Massachusetts State Poetry Society now has available its 2008 Brochure of National Poetry Day Contest featuring 25 categories plus the sixth annual Poetry Contest's flier. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to MSPS, 64 Harrison Ave., Lynn, MA 01905. 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 the above address.
THE MERRIMACK RIVER FELINE RESCUE SOCIETY. Now accepting photos of local cats and kittens for its 2009 calendar. For $250, you can have your cat as cat of the month; for $25, you guarantee placement and for $5 your picture goes into the running for the cover cat. No electronic photos will be accepted. The calendar will be on sale in September with all proceeds going to fund the nonprofit's programs. Mail photos to MRFRS, 63 Elm St., Salisbury, MA 01952. 978-462-0760 or www.mrfrs.org.
