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.

BOOK READINGS/SIGNINGS/DISCUSSIONS

Book Reading. Thursday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. at Andover Bookstore. Benjamin Wallace will read from "Billionaire's Vinegar." Free. All welcome. 89 Rear Main St., Andover. 978-475-0143.

GLBT Book Group. The group will meet Thursday, Oct. 9, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Nevins Memorial Library, 305 Broadway, Methuen. "The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All" by Allan Gurganus will be discussed. Free. New members welcome. 978-686-4080, ext. 20.

Reading Women Book Group. "The House in Amalfi" by Elizabeth Adler will be discussed Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Nevins Memorial Library, 305 Broadway, Methuen. Copies are available at the library. Free and open to the public. 978-686-4080, ext. 20.

Wednesday Afternoon Book Group. "The Way the Crow Flies" by Ann-Marie McDonald will be discussed Wednesday, Oct. 15, 1 to 2 p.m. at Nevins Memorial Library, 305 Broadway, Methuen. Free. Open to the public. 978-686-4080, ext. 16.

CHILDREN/FAMILIES

Canal IllumiNations. Sunday, Oct. 12, 5 to 8 p.m. at Lawrence Heritage State Park. Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Family-friendly. Music and dance. At sundown, hundreds of handmade lanterns will be launched into the North Canal. Free. 978-857-5389.

Pumpkin Patch & Family Pumpkin Fair. The Pumpkin Patch Festival, hosted by Community United Methodist Church, 6 Central St., Byfield, begins Saturday, Oct. 11 and is open weekends through the end of October. Highlights include the Family Pumpkin Fair on Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free games, bouncy house, crafts, food booths. Proceeds benefit local and national mission projects. 978-465-5946.

Zooarchaeology Lab Open House. Monday, Oct. 13, noon to 4:30 p.m. at Peabody Museum. Peabody museum zooarchaeologists will demonstrate what bones reveal using modern animal skeletons. Children welcome. Bring a bone to get it identified. 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge. 617-495-8317.

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

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 Paul Broadnax Trio, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. $5 cover. Wheelchair accessible. 34 Bates St., Methuen. 978-683-9200 or www.jockosjazz.com.

Lightship Sports bar. Dydamics, Friday, Oct. 10, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Blues Your Daddy, Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 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 PEDDLER'S DAUGHTER. DJ Julian, Thursday, Oct. 9; Knock Off Band, Friday, Oct. 10; Colm O'Brien, Saturday, Oct. 11. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. No cover. Wheelchair accessible.

45 Wingate St., Haverhill. 978-372-9555 or www.thepeddlersdaughter.com.

COMEDY

Comedy Nights. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10 and 11, 9:30 p.m. in the China Blossom Comedy Room. Features John Turco, Larry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Joyce. 946 Osgood St., North Andover. 978-682-2242 or www.chinablossomcomedy.net.

DANCE

BALLROOM DANCING. Beginner Ballroom Dancing is being offered at the Andover/North Andover YMCA. Learn basic steps in Swing, salsa, tango, rumba, merengue, fox trot and waltz. Classes will be taught by DNE school of dance, Fridays, 7:30 to 9 p.m. through Oct. 31. Couples and singles welcome. To sign up, call 978-685-3541.

Halloween Dance. The Boxford American Legion is having a Halloween Dance Saturday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. to midnight at the Georgetown VFW Hall, Route 133, Georgetown. Music by Coastal Music Services. Free buffet and cash bar. Those attending are encouraged to wear costumes. Cost of admission is $10 per person. Tickets at the door. Profits benefit Legion scholarships, Boy's State and Girl's State. 978-887-4274.

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 DANCE. Sunday, Oct. 12, 7 to 11 p.m. at the Irish-American Club, 616 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica. Casual dress. Sandwich bar. $10. For adults of all ages. 617-325-4900 or www.singlesdances-newengland.com.

Singles Dance Party. Saturday, Oct. 11, 7 to 11:30 p.m. at Temple Shalom Emeth, 16 Lexington St., Burlington. For ages 30 to 50. $12. All denominations welcome. Bring a bottle of wine or food assignment. Registration is necessary. www.dance.meetup.com or 781-280-0750.

FILM

NEWBURYPORT SCREENING ROOM. "Burn After Reading," Friday, Oct. 10, at 6:30 and 8:45 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 11, at 4:15, 6:30 and 8:45 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 12, at 5:15 and 7:30 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, Oct. 13 to 16 at 7:30 p.m. 82 State St., Newburyport. 978-462-3456 or www.newburyportmovies.com.

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.

GALLERIES AND ART

ART EXHIBITIONS. The Essex Art Center will present two new exhibitions. In the Main Gallery: "A Visit to Cuba," paintings and photography by Joan Bediz, Bobbie Bush, and Stephen LaPierre. In the Elizabeth A. Beland Gallery: "I Don't Know the Details," installation and prints by Liz Shepherd. The exhibitions will run through Oct. 17. Free and open to the public. Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Oct. 13, Nov. 11, and Nov. 26 to 28. 56 Island St., Lawrence. 978-685-2343 or www.essexartcenter.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.

BRIDGE GALLERY. Gallery hours: Thursday through Monday, noon to 6 p.m. The gallery is at 113 Merrimac St., Newburyport. www.BridgeGalleryNewburyport.com.

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. 94 1/2 Lime St., Newburyport. 978-465-0494.

CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBIT. "The New Academy: Selected Masters of Fine Arts, Program of Visual Arts, Columbia University," through Oct. 25. Robert Lehman Art Center at Brooks School, 1160 Great Pond Road, North Andover. Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Free. 978-725-6232 or www.lehmanartcenter.com.

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. Through Dec. 19, "Teaching Matters" will be on display Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Halle Library Archive and Museum Gallery, Endicott College. Includes student art work, photographs, paper ephemera and a film. Free. 376 Hale St., Beverly. 978-232-2257.

Fall Art Festival. A mixed media art and fine crafts festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the Riverwalk Bead Shop and Gallery. Barbecue and live Celtic harp music. Free and open to the public. Rain date is Oct. 12. 32 Elm St., Amesbury. 978-388-3499 or www.riverwalkbeads.com.

Ferry Wharf Gallery. The gallery will feature Erik Minzner's "Images of Newburyport" through October. Work by other Ferry Wharf artists will also be exhibited. Open daily, noon to 5 p.m., closed Tuesday and Wednesday. 1R Water St., Newburyport. 617-240-6780 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.

Gallery exhibition. Selected Works by Blake Shirley will be featured from Tuesday, Oct. 14, through Nov. 6 at the University Gallery at UMass Lowell. Includes large-scale paintings and video. Artist talk and reception Wednesday, Oct. 15, 3 to 5 p.m. in O'Leary 222. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. 71 Wilder St., Lowell. 978-934-3491 or www.uml.edu.

KINGSTON GALLERY. Rose Olson's exhibition "Just Color No Curves" will be featured at Kingston Gallery through Nov. 1. 450 Harrison Ave., No. 43, Boston. 617-423-4113 or 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.

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, through Oct. 16, at the McCoy Gallery, Merrimack College. 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. 978-837-5000.

NEWBURYPORT ART ASSOCIATION. Douglas W. Johnson, seed bread weaving, through Oct. 15. 65 Water Street, Newburyport. 978-465-8769.

October Art Exhibit. The International Gallery of Art will host an exhibit of paintings by Marina Forbes through Oct. 30. New England Language Center, 16 Hillside Drive, Rochester, N.H. 603-332-2255 or e-mail info@anylanguage.org.

Photography exhibition. "Gabrielle Keller: Within Reach," bird series portfolio, at Winfisky Gallery, Ellison Campus Center, Salem State College. Gallery hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment. Free. Artist reception Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2 to 3 p.m. 978-542-7890.

POSITIVE IMAGES GALLERY 61. Fine art photography and gifts. Photo greeting cards, hand-crafted jewelry and pottery, fair-trade items. Pairpoint Glass, Serenity Angels, Basic Spirit Pewter. Photo exhibit, through October, includes Scott Leonhart, John Anderson, Patricia J. Bruno. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, noon to 7 p.m. Extended hours in November. 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.

Rockport Art Association. The "Emile A. Gruppé, 1876-1978" exhibition will run through Nov. 23 at the Rockport Art Association. 12 Main St., Rockport. 978-546-6604.

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.

WATERCOLOR EXHIBITION. Brenda B. Sloane will exhibit her watercolor paintings through Nov. 1, in The Art Gallery of the Boxford Village Library, 10 Elm St., Boxford. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Handicapped accessible. 978-887READ.

LECTURE

Author Lecture. Author Jean M. Twenge will speak Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m. at the Halle Library Little Theatre, Endicott College, 376 Hale St., Beverly. Free and open to the public. A book sale and signing will take place after the lecture. 978-232-2154.

SANDY BAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY. "Architectural Houses of Cape Ann" will be presented on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Community House, 58 Broadway, Rockport. Dale Pope will do a presentation of various styles of architecture found on Cape Ann. 978-546-9533.

Side scan sonar exhibit & Talk. Tuesday, Oct. 14, reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed with a talk by Martin Klein from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the MIT Museum. Focus is on U.S. Navy and MIT involvement in side scan sonar development. Klein will also discuss the present importance of side scan sonar and related acoustic technologies for energy, environment and security. 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 617-253-5942.

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.

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.

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 or www.thetrustees.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

Alfonso Maya in Concert. Love Without Borders International (LWBI) celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Mexican singer/songwriter Alfonso Maya Friday, Oct. 10, 7 to 9 p.m. at Bell Tower Square. $15. All proceeds go to LWBI's infant and children programs in Mexico and Kenya. 60 Island St., Lawrence. 847-902-9244 or www.lwbi.org.

All Ireland Champions in Music Concert. Sunday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m. at the Rogers Center, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. Features song and dance. For tickets, call 978-837-5355.

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.

Blackburn Performing Arts. Grammy Award winning saxophonist Charles Neville and Mardi Gras Indian drummer Gerald "The Giant" French will perform with Henri Smith's New Orleans Friends and Flavours Sunday, Oct. 12, at 4 and 8 p.m. at Blackburn Performing Arts. $25 at the door, $20 in advance. 1 Washington St., Gloucester. 978-281-0680 or www.blackburnperformingarts.org.

Boston Symphony Orchestra. The BSO will perform Friday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 11, 8 p.m.; and Tuesday, Oct. 14, 8 p.m. James Levine, conductor. Mahler Symphony No. 6. 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. For ticket information, 617-638-9284 or www.bso.org.

Casino Ballroom. Celebrate the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix through the talents of: Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox (original Experience rhythm section), Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Brad Whitford (of Aerosmith), Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Eric Johnson, Wednesday, Oct. 15. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. For ages 18 and over. Gold tickets: $90. Reserved tickets: $60. General admission: $40. 169 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, N.H. 603-929-4100, www.ticketmaster.com, www.casinoballroom.com.

Irish tales & Irish Music. St. Patrick's Irish Cultural Committee presents "The Donkey Pilgrim Returns: The Rest of the Story" with Kevin O'Hara and the Corcoran Brothers Thursday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. at the Old Court Pub. $15 donation. Proceeds support the 26th Irish Cultural Week, planned for the week of March 8-14, 2009. 29 Central St., Lowell. 978-758-0093.

LICORICE & SLOE COMPANY. Lynn Taylor, Sunday, Oct. 12. 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.

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.

ME & THEE COFFEEHOUSE. Erin McKeown, Iain Campbell Smith opens, Friday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m., doors open at 7:30 p.m. $20. Me & Thee Coffeehouse is at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead, 28 Mugford St., Marblehead. www.meandthee.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.

Musical performance. "The Virtuosic Violin," Baroque Trio Sonatas Sunday, Oct. 12, 4 p.m. at Grace Church. Donations at the door. Fellow artists, students, seniors welcome. $15-$20. Post concert party/artist reception to follow at Salem's Passage to India. 385 Essex St., Salem. 978-744-1119 or www.ensembletres.com.

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.

THEATER

Amesbury Playhouse. Performances of "Social Security" run Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. dinner, 8:30 p.m. show; two shows on Sundays, noon dinner, 1:30 p.m. show and 5 p.m. dinner, 6:30 p.m. show; Wednesdays, 6 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show. Through Oct. 12. Reservations required. Amesbury Playhouse, 194 Main St., Amesbury. 978-388-9444 or www.amesburyplayhouse.com.

ETC.

Amesbury's Annual Fall Festival. Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Millyard, downtown Amesbury. Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 12. Features DJ Jon Mansfield, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wendy the Balloon Twister, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Roaming Railroad, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crafters, vendors, farmer's market and food. Food donations will be collected. Raffle tickets for gift baskets will be sold to benefit Our Neighbor's Table. 978-388-9600.

Bog Walk. Sunday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m. at Ward Reservation, 65 Prospect Road, Andover. Introduction to the ecology of a quaking bog. Free. 978-475-6414.

Castle Hill Landscape Tours. The Crane Estate, Ipswich. Tours: Thursdays and Saturdays, May 29 through Oct. 11, 10 a.m. Recommended for children 8 years and older. Full (90-minute) and half (45-minute) tours. Members: free. Adult nonmembers: $8, children $5. 978-921-1944 or www.thetrustees.org.

Drumming For Joy. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7 to 9 p.m. at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center, North Andover. Led by storyteller/drummer Jane Gossard. Drumming experience is not necessary. Drums will be supplied, or bring a set. Dessert and coffee to follow. Cost is $15 with pre-registration. $20 at the door. 978-682-8815 or www.rollingridge.org.

Fall Open House. Sunday, Oct. 12, 2 to 4 p.m. at Sandown's Historic Old Meeting House, Sandown, N.H. Free. Tours, refreshments. Children and grandchildren welcome. Bring questions and cameras. 603-887-3453 or e-mail abassett@gsinet.net.

FARMERS MARKET. The Farmers Market continues on Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Oct. 29, at Appleton Way, between Essex and Common streets, in downtown Lawrence. Free. 978-974-0770.

Fine Fiber Fest. The second annual Fine Fiber Fest will be at the Exeter Town Hall Gallery. Open every Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. from Saturday, Oct. 11 through Nov. 9. Weavings, art quilts, felted items and hooked rugs will be displayed. Opening reception will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, noon to 4 p.m. Includes refreshments and music. Free admission. 10 Front St., Exeter, N.H. 603-772-6840.

Foxwood Casino Trip. Saint Anne Sodality sponsored trip will take place Wednesday, Oct. 15. The motor coach will leave the All Saint Church parking lot, off Friend Street in Amesbury, at 6:30 a.m. It will return at 8 p.m. Cost is $27 per person. Open to the public. To sign up, call 978-388-2211.

Nevins Memorial Library Teen Idol Contest. Practice date is Monday, Oct. 20, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Competition date is Friday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. Open to teens in grades 7-12. Free. Great Hall, Nevins Memorial Library, 305 Broadway, Methuen. 978-686-4080, ext. 17.

PHOTO CONTEST. The Rowley Historical Society is accepting entries for its annual Photo Contest through Oct. 25. 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.

RUSSIAN ICON ART CLASS. Marina Nazarova Forbes will offer a four week art class Mondays, Oct. 14 and 21, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Newburyport Art Association. Includes discussion and demonstration of materials and methods of icon making. Students will then create their own icons. Registration is needed. 65 Water St., Newburyport. 978-465-8769.

STAINED GLASS GROUP. Learn the skills to create stained glassworks of art using copper foil technique, Saturdays, through Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to noon at the Spartz Home Workshop in Lawrence. For beginners and experienced artisans. $25 for materials. 1-800-556-8207.

WILDLIFE FESTIVAL. Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. All activities are free and open to all ages. 978-465-5753 or www.fws.gov.