July 23, 2008

Out of town adventures

Friday, July 25

Friday evening paddle for beginners: Paddle around the Merrimack River Islands between Newburyport and Amesbury and enjoy summer sights and sounds from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. The cost is $35 members; $45 non-members. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call 978-462-9998.

Saturday, July 26

Annual Rockingham County 4-H Benefit Auction begins at 5 p.m. in the 4-H Exhibit Hall at the Stratham Fair, Rte. 33 at Stratham Hill Park from 5 p.m. until the last item is sold. The auction features merchandise and gift certificates donated by businesses throughout Rockingham County as well as home baked goodies and craft items. Some featured items include quilts, wall hangings, a signed footbal from the New Engalnd Patriots and an autographed picture of Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox. Funds raised at the auction will benefit scholarships to 4-H programs for youth and volunteers, club community service project grants, and 4-H college scholarships. For more information, call 603-679-5616.

New Hampshire Feline Fanciers Cat Club has its summer cat show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the ICenter, 60 Lowell Road, Salem, N.H. All household cat owners as well as pedigreed cat owners are welcome to enter the competition. All cats must be in excellent health, fully vaccinated, bathed and groomed and cannot be declawed. Cats must be at least four months of age to compete. Household pet cats eight months of age or older must be spayed or neutered. Cat food donations are welcomed and will be donated to local shelters. Admission is $7 adults, $5 senior citizens and kids ages 7-15. Free for children under seven. For more information, call 603-424-9781 or visit www.nhff.org.

Isle of Shoals Adventure by Kayak: Experienced kayakers can enjoy an all-day trip to the Isle of Shoals to see wildlife on from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $150 members; $160 non-members. Participants should meet at the boat docks at the north end of Plum Island. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call 978-462-9998.

Sunday, July 27

New Hampshire Feline Fanciers Cat Club is holding its summer cat show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the I-Center, 60 Lowell Road, Salem, N.H. All household cat owners as well as pedigreed cat owners are welcome to enter the competition. All cats must be in excellent health, fully vaccinated, bathed and groomed and cannot be declawed. Cats must be at least four months of age to compete. Household pet cats eight months of age or older must be spayed or neutered. Cat food donations are welcomed and will be donated to local shelters. Admission is $7 adults, $5 senior citizens and kids ages 7-15. Free for children under seven. For more information, call 603-424-9781 or visit www.nhff.org.

Monday, July 28

Seabirds and Whales on the Prince: Board the "Prince of Whales" for a birding and whale watching trip guided by marine mammal naturalists and Joppa Flatts staff from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. On deck BBQ lunch included. Participants should meet on the boardwalk off Merrimack Street in downtown Newburyport. The cost $47. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call Newburyport Whale Watch at (800) 848-1111.

Wednesday, July 30

"Leopard Learns a Lesson" by Magpie Puppets at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Puppet Showplace Theatre; 32 Station St., Brookline. Leopard is always bullying and frightening smaller animals until Rabbit turns the tables on her with the help of the jungle's two largest beasts, Elephant and Rhinoceros. The audience learns, along with Leopard, that cooperation works better than intimidation. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $10 general, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.

Thursday, July 31

Original Shepherd's Pie Dixieland Band will be performing a free concert at 7 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College. This is a group of serious amateur musicians, located west and north of Boston, who enjoy playing Dixieland music together, with digressions into blues, swing, ragtime and jazz. For more information, call 978-837-5355 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Eco-tours aboard the "Joppa Flats": Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Newburyport Harbor Tours are offering guided "Eco-tours" of Newburyport Harbor, the Great Marsh and the Refuge at 9:30 a.m. This boat tour features opportunities to view wildlife up close and affords breathtaking views of Plum Island. The cost is $30 for adults, $15 for children under 12. Advance registration required. For more information or to register for this event, call Harbor Tours at 603-682-2293.

"There She Scoons": New England Coasting Schooners: Join William Fowler, history professor from Northeastern University, to learn about the history of the coasting trade in New England, the Merrimack Valley and Newburyport from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center; 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. For information, visit www.parkerriver.fws.gov.

"Leopard Learns a Lesson" by Magpie Puppets at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Puppet Showplace Theatre; 32 Station St., Brookline. Leopard is always bullying and frightening smaller animals until Rabbit turns the tables on her with the help of the jungle's two largest beasts, Elephant and Rhinoceros. The audience learns, along with Leopard, that cooperation works better than intimidation. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $10 general, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400 or visit www.puppetshowplace.org.

Saturday, August 2

Redcoats to Rebels: The country's largest Revolutionary War re-enactment. See what life was really like for those who fought to win and preserve America's freedoms. Watch the battle re-enactment, enjoy fife and drum corps performances, and watch encampment cooking, firearm and cannon demonstrations, a military fashion show, and much more at Old Sturbridge Village. Admission is $20, $18 seniors, $6 children 3 through 17, children under 3 are free. For more information, call 1-800-733-1830 or visit www.osv.org.

Twilight Encampment: Visitors can stay at the village to enjoy the Twilight Encampment, extending their experience to the everyday activities of soldiers throughout America's history. Witness the activities of the soldiers away from the heat of battle, and mingle with the soldiers around the campfires at Old Sturbridge Village. Admission is $20, $18 seniors, $6 children 3 through 17, children under 3 are free. Village admission includes extended stay through 8 p.m. For more information, call 1-800-733-1830 or visit www.osv.org.Village admission includes extended stay through 8 p.m.

Sunday, August 3

Redcoats to Rebels: The country's largest Revolutionary War re-enactment. See what life was really like for those who fought to win and preserve America's freedoms. Watch the battle re-enactment, enjoy fife and drum corps performances, and watch encampment cooking, firearm and cannon demonstrations, a military fashion show, and much more at Old Sturbridge Village. Admission is $20, $18 seniors, $6 children 3 through 17, children under 3 are free. For more information, call 1-800-733-1830 or visit www.osv.org.

PLAN AHEAD

Kittens for adoption: From now until July 27, Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley is reducing its adoption fee to $100 for cats over six months old and $125 for kittens under six months old. The cats will be available at the Plaistow, N.H Petco on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m., North Andover Petco on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Salem, N.H., Petco on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ARMV will be giving away a $20 gas card with every adoption. The cats are pre-neutered, tested, microchipped and have shots up to date. A one-month pet health insurance and a bag of food is also included. To view the cats and for more information visit www.ARMV.org or call 978-374-7233.

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, Hanger #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.

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.

Greek food festival: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Newburyport will host its annual Greek Food Festival July 25 through 27. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is held indoors, air-conditioned and held rain or shine. Menu includes homemade Greek entrees such as gyros, lamb shanks, moussaka, chicken, lamb and pork kabobs, keftethes, spinach pie, pastichio, Greek salad, plaki, Greek pastries and more. Admission is free.

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.

Greater Merrimack Valley Restaurant Week: Fine dining establishments across the Greater Merrimack Valley will take part in the first annual Greater Merrimack Valley Restaurant Week from Sunday, July 27 through Saturday Aug. 2, and Sunday, Aug. 3 through Saturday, Aug. 9. The event is hosted by the Greater Merrimack Valley Conventions & Visitors Bureau and is produced by Drinkwater Productions. All participating restaurants will offer three-course fixed menus with selections unique to Restaurant Week. Lunches will be available at $20.08 and dinners at $33.08. For more information, visit www.merrimackvalleyrestaurantweek.com.

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.

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. 16 and 17 and 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 Women" will be shown on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m., with commentary at 6:30 p.m. An all-female cast sparks this adaptation of Clare Booth Luce's comedy about divorce and female friendship. The story progresses from harmless gossip to vicious verbal backstabbing. This black-and-white film is 134 minutes.

Gerry Johnston will perform on Thursday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m. for a night of guitar music with Broadway favorites and other popular tunes.

"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.

Old Sturbridge Village summer 2008 activities

Discovery Camp: Discovery Camp allows children to enjoy five days of fresh air and fun. Dress in 1830s costume and explore the past through hands-on history. Children 8-17 will have an unforgettable summer experience while indulging their curiosity and venturing into another world. Camp dates are: July 28 through Aug. 1; Aug. 4 through 8; and Aug. 11 through 15. Cost is $275 per youth, $250 for OSV member youths, 10 percent off for each additional child. Reservations required.

Old Sturbridge Village celebrates New England life in the 1830s and is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Admission is $20, $18 seniors, $6 children 3 through 17, children under 3 are free. For more information on any event above, call 1-800-733-1830 or visit www.osv.org.

Navy reunions

USS O'Bannon (DD-450) on Aug. 13 in Reno, Nev. For more information, contact William Jones at DD-450@HullNumber.com.

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. 13, 14, 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. 15, 16, 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. 12 and 19 at 2 and 8 p.m.

Lucie Therrian in concert on Aug. 17 at 7 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

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: Ladybugs on July 19 and 20, Animal Ambassadors on July 21 and Aug. 11, Dragonflies on July 26 and 27, Bees on Aug. 2 and 3, 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.

Annual "Artists at the Brush" exhibition through July 27 at Brush Art Gallery and Studios, 256 Market St., Lowell. The exhibit will showcase 14 artists who maintain rented studios at the gallery. It includes diverse media and artistic expression of all artists, highlighting the artwork of Carol Boileau, Bill Giavis, Deirdre Grunwald and Cindy Hughes. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For information, call 978-459-7819 or visit www.thebrush.org.

"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.

"Teaching Matters!" exhibit through Monday, July 28, in the Halle Library Archive & Museum Gallery at Endicott College, 376 Hale St., Beverly. Free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call Barbara Broudo at 978-232-2257.

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.

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.