Out of town adventures - hgazette.com, Haverhill, MA

Thursday, Aug. 7

"The Archaeology of the Great Marsh" from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Visitor Center at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Join State Archaeologist Thomas Mahlstedt on a journey through time to investigate the prehistoric land use of the great marsh as evidenced by the many archaeological sites located within and around it. No registration necessary. For more information, call 978-465-5753.

"Galapagos George" by Barefoot Puppets at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at The Showplace Puppet Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Inspired by the true story of Lonesome George, a giant tortoise discovered in 1971 on an island in the Galapagos where his species was believed to be extinct. This show is an excellent way to learn about man's impact on the environment. Tickets are $10 general, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.

Saturday, Aug. 9

Opening reception for "Art Quilts Lowell 2008: A National Juried Exhibition" from 3 to 5 p.m. at The Brush Art Gallery, 256 Market St, Lowell. For more information, call 978-459-7819.

Sunday, Aug. 10

"Sleeping Beauty" at 1 p.m. A classic tale that appeals to children of all ages. "Sleeping Beauty" begins in King Felix's great hall during the christening of Princess Aurora. The party goes awry when the Wicked Witch arrives and curses the princess. Tickets are $10 general, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.

Tuesday, Aug. 12

"The Story of a Bad Boy" is Pontine Theatre's original adaptation of Thomas Bailey Aldrich's tale of growing up in Portsmouth in the 1850s. Performances are at 2 and 8 p.m. as part of Act One's Festival of Fun at West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St., Portsmouth, N.H. Tickets are $18, $16 for seniors. For reservations or more information, call 603-300-2986 or visit www.actonenh.blogspot.com.

Wednesday, Aug. 13

Navy reunion: USS O'Bannon (DD-450) in Reno, Nev. For more information, contact William Jones at DD-450@HullNumber.com.

Puppet Showplace Theatre presents "Case of the Missing Woodpile" by Len Gerwick at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Marylou and Bruce are busy with all sorts of summer activities, when suddenly the pile of wood for a chicken coop they want to build disappears! The audience will help solve the mystery. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $10 general, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. Puppet Showplace Theatre is at 32 Station St., Brookline. For information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.

"Ida — Woman Who Runs with the Moose" is full of wit, wisdom and side-splitting Maine humor starring Susan Poulin at 2 and 8 p.m. as part of Act One's Festival of Fun at West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St., Portsmouth, N.H. Tickets are $18, $16 for seniors. For reservations or more information, call 603-300-2986 or visit www.actonenh.blogspot.com.

Thursday, Aug. 14

Gerry Johnston will perform at 7 p.m. for a night of guitar music with Broadway favorites and other popular tunes at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 978-837-5355 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday Evening Birding: Join Refuge volunteer Sue McGrath for a guided bird walk and discussion from 6 to 8 p.m. at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. The walk provides the opportunity to view birds that nest on the refuge. Interpretative materials are provided. All skill levels are welcome, including children age 8 and older if accompanied by an adult. Participants should dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. The group meets at Parking Lot 1. This program are free but space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, call 978-465-5753. Registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from a staff member. For more information, visit www.parkerriver.fws.gov.

Friends of Parker River Coffeehouse and Lecture Series: "The Humble Clam: A Salty Story of a Culinary Icon" from 7 to 8 p.m. at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Many consider the soft-shelled clams from the Great Marsh to be the best on the East Coast. Join Joe Carlin, nutritionist and founder/owner of Food Heritage Press, for an enlightening and entertaining look at the clam and how it became a cultural icon and symbol of New England. No registration necessary. For more information, visit www.parkerriver.fws.gov.

Friday, August 15

"Over the River and Through the Woods" is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy about the family at 2 and 8 p.m. as part of Act One's Festival of Fun at West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St., Portsmouth, N.H. Tickets are $18, $16 for seniors. For reservations or more information, call 603-300-2986 or visit www.actonenh.blogspot.com.

Saturday, August 16

Water Safety Training Course: The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course will be offered on Aug. 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the YWCA of Newburyport, 13 Market St., Newburyport. Cost of the course is $325 members, $375 non-members. Prior registration required. For more information or to register, call 978-465-9922.

Sunday, August 17

Puppet Showplace Theatre presents "Case of the Missing Woodpile" by Len Gerwick at 1 p.m. Marylou and Bruce are busy with all sorts of summer activities, when suddenly the pile of wood for a chicken coop they want to build disappears! The audience will help solve the mystery. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $10 general, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. Puppet Showplace Theatre is at 32 Station St., Brookline. For information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.

Lucie Therrian in concert at 7 p.m. as part of Act One's Festival of Fun at West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St., Portsmouth, N.H. Tickets are $18, $16 for seniors. For reservations or more information, call 603-300-2986 or visit www.actonenh.blogspot.com.

PLAN AHEAD

Mass of Healing and Hope will be offered Thursday, Aug. 21, at Mary, Mother of the Church, 12 Amesbury Road, Newton, N.H. Celebrant will be the Rev. Michael Monette. Participants will be anointed with holy oil after the Mass. Prayer teams will also be available. For more information, call 603-382-8324.

Lebanese festival: St. Anthony's Maronite Catholic Church annual Mahrajan, a two-day Lebanese festival, on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 5 to 11 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 31, from noon to 11 p.m. at the church grounds, 145 Amesbury St., Lawrence. Homemade food and pastries will be served, including beef and chicken kabob, kibbee, hummus, baba ghanouj, tabouleh, spinach pies, hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries and more. There will be live Lebanese entertainment, raffles, games and activities. Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information, call the Rectory at 978-685-7233.

An Evening of Rock! The Friends of The Parker River Wildlife Refuge and the Plum Island Airfield will be hosting a benefit concert to help preserve natural wildlife resources and support the communities history on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Plum Island Airfield, Hangar No. 1, Newbury. Guests will be treated to live entertainment from local rock band, The Brew, an array of culinary delights and beer and wine from RedHook Brewery and Leary's Fine Wines. Raffle packages will also be available to raise funds for the the non-profit organizations. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at www.eveningofrock.org.

The Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra is currently accepting musicians for their ensembles for the 2008-2009 season beginning in the fall. Auditions take place over the summer by appointment. NYSO's advanced orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, is open to advanced violinists, violists, cellists and double bass players. Intermediate string players will be considered for Intermezzo Orchestra, NYSO's intermediate orchestral ensemble. Openings for wind and string instruments and vocalists, grades 8 - 12, are available. For more information, call 978-578-6353 or visit www.nysorchestra.org.

Wayne Newton will perform a fundraiser concert in Lawrence on Monday, Sept. 15, to benefit the Adopt-A-Patient Foundation. Sal Lupoli, president and CEO of Sal's Pizza retail and Wholesale Division will host the event along with renowned author and therapist Dr. Rene Thomas. For more information, call 978-681-7777 ext. 24.

Trails and Sails: A Weekend to GO! The Essex National Heritage Commission presents its seventh annual Trails and Sails weekend from Sept. 26 through 28. The weekend event is designed to showcase the unique array of historic, cultural and natural resources within the Essex National Heritage Area and includes over 200 free events spread out over 135 locations throughout Essex County. The weekend features guided hikes, walks, sails, paddles, historical tours and special art happenings for all ages, skill levels and interests. A "kick off" celebration entitled "A Taste of Trails and Sails" will be held on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Willowdale Estate in Bradley Palmer State park, Topsfield. The commencement celebration features fresh native produce, local cheeses and spirits from area wine and beer makers, live music and stargazing under the summer night's sky. Tickets are $25. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 978-740-0444 or visit www.trailsandsails.org.

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society is in need of wet and dry cat and kitten food to feed more than 250 cats and kittens. Canned food is most needed. Ground or classic style food is preferred rather than sliced, chunks or shredded food. Items may be dropped off at anytime at the MRFRS adoption centers in Salisbury, Danvers and Danville, N.H. To access a complete wish list or for more information, call 978-462-0760 or visit www.mrfrs.org.

New Hampshire Walk for Autism on Sunday, Oct. 5, in Greeley Park, Nashua, N.H. Registration is at 10 a.m. The walk will begin at 11 a.m. To register for the walk, visit www.walknowforautism.org/nh. For more information, e-mail newhampshire@autismspeaks.org.

YMCA of the North Shore: Space is still available in the YMCA of the North Shore summer camps where campers will learn skills and leadership through character-building experiences. Campers will enjoy a broad range of age-appropriate programs, events and activities. Various schedules are available. Registration for any camp can be done in person at any North Shore YMCA. For more information, visit www.northshoreymca.org.

Auditions: The Concord Players will be holding open auditions on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 24 from 2 to 5 p.m. at 51 Walden St, Concord, for Noel Coward's comedy "HAY FEVER," directed by Mickey Coburn. Call backs will be held on Aug. 24 for the November production. For more information, visit www.concordplayers.org.

Jacob's Pillow dance festival will run from now through Sunday, Aug. 24. It will include more than 100 ticket events and 200 free events, such as stage performances, moderated interviews, talks by experts, film showings, exhibitions, receptions, tours, community dance classes and master classes, by 20 companies from four continents and nine countries. Five of the programs are performed to live music, and five engagements offer special "Pillow Exclusive" programs which will not be performed anywhere else. For more information, call 413-243-9919 or e-mail mhulbert@jacobspillow.org.

Fall bulb and perrenial sale: The Middlesex Conservation District will be holding its annual Fall sale on Friday, Sept. 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon at the 4H Fairgrounds in Westford. Offerings include daffodils, tulips, specialty bulbs, perennials and various hard goods. All items can be preordered through Sept. 2 and picked up on the sale days. Early ordering is encouraged as items are sold on a first-come first-serve basis. For more information or to place an order, visit www.middlesexconservation.org or call 978-692-9395.

USS Columbus shipmates reconnect: Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS Columbus (CA-74/CG-12) from 1944 through 1976 and the USS Columbus SSN-762 past and present who would like to share memories and camaraderie with old friends or make new ones, please contact Allen R. Hope at 260-486-2221 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time or e-mail hope4391@comcast.net.

The Firehouse Center for the Arts Gallery is accepting submissions from artists for their work to be exhibited in the gallery until Dec. 31. Artists may submit proposals for exhibition of two-dimensional work in any medium. Exhibits consist of one or two people, group or themed shows, and normally run for four weeks. Submissions to include: an artist biography and resume; 10 to 20 images, preferably in a digital format, of work that is indicative of the current style of the artist; and a cover letter with name and contact information. If digital images are not available, 35 millimeter slides are acceptable. There is a $20 submission fee. Printed guidelines are available at www.firehouse.org or by calling 978-499-9931.

Holy Family programs and events

Senior supper on Aug. 20 and Sept. 17 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Caritas Holy Family Hospital auditorium in Methuen. Cost is $5. Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call 800-488-5959, ext. 375.

Care for Cancer Walk on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at Caritas Holy Family Hospital, featuring an all-you-can-eat family barbecue. Proceeds benefit the William L. Lane Cancer Management Center. For sponsorship and registration information, call the Foundation office at 978-687-0156, ext. 2104.

Museum House Tours

The Great house at Castle Hill will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from now until Oct. 11. The cost is $10 adults, $5 children, members free.

Castle Hill landscape tours: Thursdays and Saturdays beginning at 10 a.m. from now through Oct.11. Full tours last 90 minutes; half tours last 45 minutes.

The Stevens-Coolidge Place will be open every weekend from 1 to 3 p.m. from now through Oct. 12. The cost is $8 adults, $5 children, members free.

The Paine House at Greenwood Farm will be open the first weekend of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. from now through Oct. 12. The cost is $8 adults,$5 children, members free.

All museum houses offer one-hour tours unless otherwise indicated. All tours are recommended for children ages 8 years or older. For more information, call The Trustees of Reservations at 978-921-1944 ext. 4009.

YWCA of Newburyport

Teen summer fun: "Fit and Swim" offers children ages 12 to 17 the opportunity to enjoy the pool during scheduled open swim and work out in the fitness center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 8 p.m. now through August 31.

Water Safety Training Course: The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course will be offered on Aug. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost of the course is $325 members, $375 non-members.

Scamper Camp allows children, ages 3 years to Kindergarten, to enjoy swimming lessons, dancing, movement, fitness, art and science projects. The program will be held in four two-week sessions that run Monday through Thursday from 8:45 a.m. to noon. Children must be toilet trained. The cost is $200 per session for members.

Kids Club Camp offers swimming lessons, open swims, dance, yoga, fun fitness, activity projects and science games for children in grades 1 - 4. The program will be held in eight one-week sessions that run Monday through Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. The cost is $100 per session.

Lunch Bunch allows children to extend their camp day and enjoy a lunch from home with friendship and camp counselor supervision from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The cost is $12 per week.

Schools out: The EEC licensed School's Out Program, designed for families needing full days of child care this summer, will run at one of the Newburyport Public schools. The program includes outdoor fun, sports, art, science, gardening and field trips. Limited three-day options are available. Children in grades 1 - 4 are welcome.

The YWCA of Newburyport at 13 Market St., Newburyport. All programs require prior registration unless otherwise indicated. For more information on any program or to register, call 978-465-9922.

Free film and concert series

"The Lady of the Eve" will be shown on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m., with commentary at 6:30 p.m. Distaff card shark (Barbara Stanwyck) spots a cast-iron sucker in beer heir "Hopsie" Pike. Hopsie is too engrossed in his lifelong project, a book called "Are Snakes Necessary," to care much for his millions and Eve's father, Handsome Harry Harrington, who can produce more aces than a playing card factory, sends her into action in this statement on the battle of the sexes. This black-and-white film is 94 minutes.

All events take place at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College. For more information, call 978-837-5355 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Volunteers needed: The Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge needs volunteers to help staff The Plover's Nest gift shop and bookstore at the Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center. The store will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will be needed to help customers and act as cashiers during those times. Training will be provided. The store is expected to open in May. For more information or to volunteer, call Kate Toniolo at 978-465-5753.

"What's Happening to our Bats?" on Thursday, Aug. 28, from 7 to 8 p.m. Bats are an essential part of our ecosystem and are often misunderstood. Recently, a disease has been afflicting hibernating bats and causing die-offs, sounding the alarm for scientists. Join Susi VonOettingen, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service scientist, to learn more about the natural history of the bats in our area and what this disease means for them and us. No registration necessary.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Participants should meet at the Visitor Center unless noted otherwise. All programs are free but space is limited and advance registration is required unless otherwise indicated. To register, call 978-465-5753. Registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from a staff member. Please note that outdoor programs may be canceled due to inclement weather. For more information, visit www.parkerriver.fws.gov.

Puppet Showplace Theatre:

"Puppet Potpourri" by The Puppet People on Aug. 20 and 21 at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. This fun festival of frolics is an original variety show accompanied by musical favorites. It showcases hand puppets, mouth puppets, rod puppets and trick marionettes. This show is an excellent way to introduce audiences to the art of puppetry and some terrific music. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

"Peter Rabbit" by Pumpernickel Puppets on Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. Peter ventures into Farmer McGregor's garden in search of a tasty treat. He very narrowly escapes becoming rabbit stew with the help of his little sister, Flopsy.

"The Twig Family" by Deborah Costine on Aug. 27 and 28 at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Twig Family lives in an oak tree in harmony with nature. Their neighbors in the tree include Robin and Baby Bird, Hyla the tree frog and Gray Squirrel. In this show, the audience learns about nature, living simply and confronting our fears.

Puppet Showplace Theatre is at 32 Station St., Brookline. All shows are recommended for ages 4 and up unless otherwise noted. Tickets are $10 general, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.

Navy reunions

USS Nantahala (AO-60) on Aug. 20 in Livonia, Mich. For more information, contact Hank O'Connell at AO-60@HullNumber.com.

USS Boxer (CV-21) on Aug. 20 in Gaithersburg, Md. For more information, contact Richard Yanko at CV-21@HullNumber.com.

USS Boxer (LPH-4) on Aug. 20 in Gaithersburg, Md. For more information, contact Richard Yanko at LPH-4@HullNumber.com.

USS Boxer (LHD-4) on Aug. 20 in Gaithersburg, Md. For more information, contact Richard J. Yanko at LHD-4@HullNumber.com.

USS Philip (DD-498) on Aug. 24 in Pittsburg, Pa. For more information, contact Joe Kuhar at DD-498@HullNumber.com.

USS Renshaw (DD-499) on Aug. 25 in Providence, R.I. For more information, contact Jim Giddings at DD-499@HullNumber.com.

USS Wisconsin (BB-64) on Aug. 26 in Norfolk, Va. For more information, contact Ladonna Bradshaw at BB-64@HullNumber.com.

USS Eldorado (AGC-11) on Aug. 27 in St. Louis, Mo. For more information, contact Mark Gage at AGC-11@HullNumber.com.

USS Abnaki (AT-96) on Aug. 27 in St. Louis, Mo. For more information, contact Pete Kingsley at AT-96@HullNumber.com.

USS Abnaki (ATF-96) on Aug. 27 in St. Louis, Mo. For more information, contact Pete Kingsley at ATF-96@HullNumber.com.

USS Bergall (SSN-667) on Aug. 31 in Louisville, Ky. For more information, contact Richard Fiske at SSN-667@HullNumber.com.

USS Hyades (AF-28) on Sept. 3 in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, contact Robert Stearns at AF-28@HullNumber.com.

USS Collett (DD-730) on Sept. 3 in Irving, Texas. For more information, contact Frank Olderr at LHD-4@HullNumber.com.

USS West Virginia (BB-48) on Sept. 4 in Colorado Springs, Colo. For more information, contact Joe Variot at BB-48@HullNumber.com.

USS Graffias (AF-29) on Sept. 4 in Nashville Tenn. For more information, contact John Morrow at AF-29@HullNumber.com.

USS Neches (AO-47) on Sept. 4 in Rock Island, Ill. For more information, contact Ed Anderson at AO-47@HullNumber.com.

USS Toledo (CA-133) on Sept. 4 in Seattle, Wash. For more information, contact Bob Nadeau at CA-133@HullNumber.com.

USS Rigel (AF-58) on Sept. 6 in New York, N.Y. For more information, contact Tom Burke at AF-58@HullNumber.com.

USS Essex (CV-9) on Sept. 8 in Seattle, Wash. For more information, contact Gerald McDonell at CV-9@HullNumber.com.

USS Cascade (AD-16) Sept. 15 through 22 at the Sheraton Park Ridge Hotel, 480 North Gulf Road, King of Prussia, Pa. For more information, contact Bob Croghan at 314-954-7801 or bobcroghansr@yahoo.com or Barb Kennovin at 302-945-2719.

USS Paricutin (AE-18) on Sept. 17 in Cincinnati, Ky. For more information, contact Jerry King at AE-18@HullNumber.com.

USS Columbus CA-74/CG-12/SSN-762 Oct. 1 through 4 at the Holiday Inn North, Dayton, Ohio. For more information, contact Allen R. Hope at 260-486-2221 or hope4391@comcast.net.

Act One's Festival of Fun

"Ida — Woman Who Runs with the Moose" is full of wit, wisdom and side-splitting Maine humor starring Susan Poulin on Aug. 20 and 27 at 2 and 8 p.m.

"Over the River and Through the Woods" is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy about the family. Performances are Aug. 22 and 23 at 2 and 8 p.m.

"Spousal Deafness and Other Bones of Contention" is a terrific comedy with great songs by husband and wife, Gordon Carlyle and Susan Poulin. Performances are Aug. 21 and 28 at 2 and 8 p.m.

"We Stayed Together for the Puppets," recovering puppeteer Pat Spalding's hilarious and touching account of the backstage life and marital mayhem, on Aug 26 at 2 and 8 p.m.

"The Story of a Bad Boy" is Pontine Theatre's original adaptation of Thomas Bailey Aldrich's tale of growing up in Portsmouth in the 1850s. Performances are Aug. 19 at 2 and 8 p.m.

Ed Gerhard in concert on Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. All tickets are $22.

All performances take place at West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St., Portsmouth, N.H. Tickets are $18, $16 for seniors unless noted otherwise. For reservations or more information on any show above, call 603-300-2986 or visit www.actonenh.blogspot.com.

Art

"Art Quilts Lowell 2008: A National Juried Exhibition" will be on display through Oct. 26 at The Brush Art Gallery, 256 Market St, Lowell. The exhibition provides an overview of art quilts by artists representing many of the states in the U.S. It includes work by 33 quilt artists whose nontraditional quilts reflect the expanding boundaries of the Art Quilt Movement.

For more information, call 978-459-7819.

Newburyport Art Association: Fall class schedule announced. "Watercolor All Levels," taught by renowned watercolorist and Copley artist Beverly Mitchell; "Foundation Drawing" with Alan Bull, who will guide students through the basic skills needed to draw well; "Painting Bold and Free," taught by Edith Heyck, who will offer students the opportunity to explore abstract art through painting and collage; "Figure Sculpture: All Levels," instructed by Marilyn Coon, for those students who want to work in clay; "Oil Painting Studio," taught by NAA Education Director Lully Schwartz through demonstration, individual instruction and motivating examples in art history; "Pastel Painting for Colorists," taught by Karen Jones, for students who want to experiment with color. In addition to these classes, the NAA will offer a variety of after-school art classes for children and teens. Classes are taught by professional artists/instructors working with students and artists of all levels with class sizes of no more than 10 students. All classes are taught in the NAA studio/gallery space and are open to members and nonmembers. Registration will begin Tuesday, Sept. 2, and will continue until classes are full. For more information, call 978-465-8769 or visit www.newburyportart.org.

New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods presents the Big Bugs Sculpture Exhibit and Web-of-Life Extravaganza now through Oct. 31. The exhibit features an 18-foot, 1,200-pound praying mantis and 12 other enormous natural sculptures by New York artist David Rogers. There will be special events each weekend. Schedule: Wild Nights on Aug. 8, Ants on Aug. 9 and 10, Damselfly on Aug. 16 and 17, Butterfly Festival on Aug. 21 and 22, Praying Mantis on Sept. 6 and 7, Daddy Longlegs on Sept. 13 and 14, Monarch Migration on Sept. 20 and 21, Grasshoppers on Sept. 27 and 28, Assassin Bugs on Oct. 4 and 5, Student art show on Oct. 5, Spiders on Oct. 18 and 19, Bye Bye Bugs on Oct. 25 and 26. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 students and seniors, $4 youths 3 through 18, free for members and children younger than 3. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 2 through Oct. 31, rain or shine. Tours are on weekdays at 10 a.m. and weekends at 2 p.m. and are included with admission. All proceeds support the conservation. New England Wild Flower Society is at 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham. For information, call 508-877-7630 or visit www.newenglandwild.org.

"Fishes of the Bahamas" watercolor paintings by Newburyport artist John Soward, on exhibit at MASS Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, now through Sept. 21. For more information, call 978-462-9998.

Mass Audubon Society's Joppa Flats presents "Bahamian Fishes," an exhibit of watercolor paintings by John Soward, in the center's Juliet Kellogg French Room through Aug. 17. For more information, call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org.

The Abstract Artist Group will exhibit its work at the Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St., Newburyport, Aug. 7 through 17. Exhibit hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. This year's show will feature 17 artists from a wide variety of backgrounds and styles who have connections with the North Shore. There will be an opening reception on Aug. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. The artists will be present and refreshments will be served.

"Remix: Indigenous Identities in the 21st Century" will be on exhibit through Aug. 31 at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. "Remix" features the work of four visual artists — Doug Miles (San Carlos Apache), Ryan Red Corn (Osage), Courtney Leonard (Sinnecock) and Bunky Echo-Hawk (Pawnee and Yakama) — who have blended Native American tradition with modern ideas to create powerful contemporary art. The museum is at 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge. For more information, call 617-496-1027 or visit www.peabody.harvard.edu.

Nights on the Neck, a series of music, dance, lectures, readings and other forms of entertainment as well as gallery receptions, will be held the first Thursday of the month from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Bryan Gallery, 53 Rocky Neck Ave., through October. To speak or perform, contact Amanda at NoTeaParty@yahoo.com.

Music

Nichols Village presents "Concerts on the Lawn" with the Merrimack Valley Concert Band on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating and your own refreshments. This event is sponsored by Bethany Community Services Inc., Pentucket Bank, Spring Hill Pure Water and Nichols Village. Rain date is Aug. 20. For more information, call Nichols Village at 978-372-3930.

World Music:

KAL will be performing on Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. A seven-piece band from Belgrade brings Romani(Gypsy) musical traditions from Bosnia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Serbia into the 21st century. Balkan blues, flamenco guitar, Middle Eastern rhythms and Turkish clarinets are all part of the disparate sounds of KAL. Tickets are $28. KAL will hold a free demonstration from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the New England Conservatory of Music, 290 Huntington Ave, Boston.

Al-kindi and the Whirling Dervishes of Damascus will be playing on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 8:30 p.m. at the Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge. The Al-kindi ensemble is devoted to the classical musical traditions of the Near and Middle East. Showcasing the Sufi repertoire from Damascus's Great Mosque of Omeyyad these master musicians from Syria, Egypt and France create an inspiring blend of sacred and earthly music. Tickets are $28, $32 or $40 depending on location of seating.

Vieux Farka Toure will perform Saturday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. Vieux Farka Toure crafts Malian blues songs in the rich Sonrai tradition of his late father, Ali Farka Toure. Joined by a quintet, Toure draws on haunting Saharan blues and traditional Malian melodies and infuses them with his own global influences to create an afro-pop sound. Tickets are $25-$30 depending on location of seating.

Lo Cor de la Plana will perform Friday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. With deep Mediterranean roots, African influences and touches of Gregorian chant, Lo Cor de la Plana stirs the soul. Singing in the medieval Occitan language of Southern France, the groups intricate a cappella harmonies transcend translation with lively songs that soar between the dissonant and the sacred. Tickets are $28.

Carolina Chocolate Drops will perform on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. The Carolina Chocolate Drops revitalize the old-time string and jug-band music of the Piedmont region with velocity and virtuosity. Raw and evocative arrangements of the music are played by the group's three young musicians: Justin Robinson and Rhiannon Giddens on fiddle, banjo and vocals and Dom Flemons on guitar, banjo, harmonica, jug and snare. Tickets are $22-$28 depending on location of seating.

Lura will perform on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. Lura is a captivating performer steeped in traditional Cape Verdean styles but also influenced by a vast range of international pop sounds. Tickets are $28, $32 or $37 depending on location of seating.

Celtic Tap: An Evening with James Devine on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave., Boston. A thrilling mix of tap, step dance and urban rhythms, Celtic Tap features Irish tap dancer, James Devine - the Guinness World Record's "Fastest Dancer in the World." Tickets are $35.

Toumani Diabate will perform on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. Toumani Diabate is regarded by many as the greatest living kora player. He performs a very special concert of beautiful solo work, a timeless blend of traditional melodies, original compositions and impressive improvisations. Tickets are $22-$28 depending on seating location. A free pre-performance Q&A session will be held from 6 to 6:45 p.m.

Philadanco will perform on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. at the Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave., Boston. Philodanco performs joyous and adventurous works with universal appeal that blends African-American based dance with ballet, jazz and modern dance. Tickets are $35. A free pre-performance talk with dance critic, Debra Cash will begin one hour before each show. A post performance Q&A session will be held Friday, Nov.14.

Huun Huur Tuva will perform on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. From the independent republic of Tuva, bordering Mongolia, Huun Huur Tu performs and ear-twisting vocal technique called, khoomei, where two or three notes are simultaneously produced in a low drone along with a high pitched whistle. Accompanied by traditional string and percussion instruments, the four-member ensemble sings rhythmic songs that capture the magic of the Siberian steppe. Tickets are $28. A throat singing workshop with Huun Huur Tuva will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost is $25.

World Music is located at 720 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge. All events take place at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Sq., Somerville, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 617-876-4275 or visit www.WorldMusic.org.

The Boston Early Music Festival 2008-09 concert series consists of these performances:

Collegium Vocale Gent under guest director and fortepianist Kristian Bezuidenhout on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m. at First Church Congregational, 11 Garden St., Cambridge. Their program entitled "The Haydn Songbook" will feature songs written by Joseph Haydn during the 1790s.

Jordi Savall leading the eight-piece instrumental ensemble Hesperion XXI in a program of "Music from the Time of Cervantes" on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 8 p.m. at Sanders Theatre at Harvard University, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge.

Chamber Opera Series on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m. at New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St., Boston. The evening will feature John Blow's "Venus and Adonis" and Marc Antoine Charpentier's "Acteon," each of which depicts the fates of two fortunate hunters when they encounter powerful female deities.

Venice Baroque Orchestra directed by harpsichordist Andrea Marcon and joined by violinists Giuliano Carmignola and Viktoria Mullova for a program of "Music of Vivaldi, Galuppi and Albinoni" on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at 8 p.m. at Emmanuel Church, 15 Newbury St., Boston.

Sarasa Ensemble with guest artists Dominique Labelle and Michael Chance in a program of "Arias and Duets by Handel, Purcell and Pergolesi" on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at 8 p.m. at First Church Congregational, 11 Garden St., Cambridge.

Concerto Palatino directed by cornetto players Bruce Dickey and Charles Toet will perform "A Magnificent Noise: Music from Venice to Hamburg" on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at 8 p.m. at Wellesley College's Houghton Chapel, 106 Central St., Wellesley.

Violinist Petra Mullejans and fortepianist Kristian Bezuidenhout in a new program titled "Mozart Sonatas and Variations" on Saturday, March 21, 2009, at 8 p.m. at Paine Hall at Harvard University, Oxford St., Cambridge.

Tallis Scholars directed by Peter Phillips in "Music for Double Choir by Palestrina, Lassus, Gibbons, Praetorius and others" on Friday, April 3, 2009, at 8 p.m. at St. Paul Church, Bow and Arrow St., Cambridge.

For information about these events, contact executive director Kathleen Fay at 617-661-1812 or kathy@bemf.org.

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