Thursday, Nov. 6
Comedy night: Patty Ross, a former American Comedy Award nominee, headlines the Rotary Club of Newburyport Comedy Night at 7:30 p.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. Ross headlines with Stephen Bjork, Jon Rineman and host Dave Rattigan. A cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the show are $25.
Puppet Showplace Theater: "The Badger & the Fairies" by Galapagos Puppets at 10:30 a.m. at Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400.
The Nora Theater Company: Jodi Rothe's "Martha Mitchell Calling" at 7:30 p.m. at the Central Square Theater, 450 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. Tickets are $32 general admission, $22 seniors and students with valid ID. For tickets, call 866-811-4111 or visit www.centralsquaretheater.org. For more information, call 617-576-9278 ext. 213.
friday, Nov. 7
Wine and food fundraiser: A Wine and Food Pairing from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Andover Country Club will feature selected wines with autumn-inspired samplings of fine cheeses, specialty pasta, savory entree and sweet endings, as well as lusical entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets are $60 per person. All proceeds benefit the Merrimack Valley Hospice. Space is limited. For tickets or to secure sponsorships, contact Brett Bovio at 978-552-4927 or bbovio@homehealthfoundation.org.
The Nora Theater Company: Jodi Rothe's "Martha Mitchell Calling" at 8 p.m. at the Central Square Theater, 450 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. Tickets are $32 general admission, $22 seniors and students with valid ID. For tickets, call 866-811-4111 or visit www.centralsquaretheater.org. For more information, call 617-576-9278 ext. 213.
Rogers Center for the Arts: "The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion" at 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover at Merrimack College. The Spencers have redefined the art of illusion and are shattering stereotypes of the traditional magician and assistant. They are the only artists to be named Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year for six consecutive years and have twice been named America's Best Entertainers. These skilled performers combine theatrical elements (music, movement, storytelling, dramatic lighting, and more) in an original way with state-of-the-art illusions and audience interaction. Advance tickets are $18 general admission; college employees, students, seniors, $15; and $20 at the door. Reservations are recommended. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 978-837-5355 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or visit www.merrimack.edu/rogers.
Saturday, nov. 8
Beer & Food Phest: The Phantom Gourmet Beer & Food Phest will run from noon to midnight at Suffolk Downs, 111 Waldemar Ave., East Boston. Beers include Shock Top, Jack's Pumpkin Spice, Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Leffe, Bass, Beck's, Landshark, Michelob, Budweiser and more. Foods include waffle ice cream sandwiches, fried clams, pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, chili and more. Tickets are $4 in advance at PhantomGourmet.com or $5 at the door. Price of admission does not include food and beverages. The Phantom Gourmet suggests that "phans" wear purple.
Fall discovery hike: A hike through refuge habitats shows how plants and wildlife adapt to the changing seasons. 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Meet at the Refuge parking lot 4, Hellcat Wildlife Observation area. Recommended for ages 6 through 11. This program is free but space is limited. Advanced registration is required. For more information or to register, call 978-465-5753 and press "0" to talk to a staff member. Registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from a staff member.
Armenian music concert: The Phillips Academy Music Department will present the Palimpsest Ensemble performing a concert of Armenian music at 7:30 p.m. in the Timken Room at Graves Hall on the Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St. The concert will feature Biliana Voutchkova on violin, Junko Fujiwara Simons on cello and Ara Sarkissian on piano. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 978-749-4263 or e-mail music@andover.edu.
U2 tribute band: The Atkinson Women's Civic Club will hold a concert extravaganza at 7:30 p.m. at the Timberlane Performing Arts Center, Plaistow, N.H. The concert features "Zootopia," a U2 tribute band, and warm up act "Something Green." Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for reserved seating, $20 premium seating. For tickets, call 603-382-6541 ext. 243 or visit www.TimberlanePAC.org.
Puppet Showplace Theater: "Moccasin Stew" by Magpie Puppets at 1 and 3 p.m. at Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400.
The Nora Theater Company: Jodi Rothe's "Martha Mitchell Calling" at 8 p.m. at the Central Square Theater, 450 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. Tickets are $32 general admission, $22 seniors and students with valid ID. For tickets, call 866-811-4111 or visit www.centralsquaretheater.org. For more information, call 617-576-9278 ext. 213.
Sunday, nov. 9
Puppet Showplace Theater: "Moccasin Stew" by Magpie Puppets at 1 and 3 p.m. at Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400.
Merimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra: Program No. 1 at 2:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover at Merrimack College. Program features Claude Debussey "Prelude to the Afternoon of Faun" and "Danses Sacred and Profane for Harp and Strings," Maurice Ravel "Introduction and Allegro for Harp and Orchestra," Emily Halpern Lewis, harp soloist and Sergei Prokofiev "Symphony No. 6 in e-flat minor, Op. 111. Tickets are $60 general admission, $42 seniors and students ages 13 to 18 or with college ID. For more information, call 978-685-3505 or visit www.mvpomusic.org.
The Nora Theater Company: Jodi Rothe's "Martha Mitchell Calling" at 3 p.m. at the Central Square Theater, 450 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. Tickets are $32 general admission, $22 seniors and students with valid ID. For tickets, call 866-811-4111 or visit www.centralsquaretheater.org. For more information, call 617-576-9278 ext. 213.
WEDNESday, nov. 12
Preschool fair: The Mother Connection, Inc. will host its annual preschool fair from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Wyndham Hotel in Andover. The event offers visitors the opportunity to meet with representatives from 35 area preschools and enrichment programs. Attendees will also receive the complementary Fair Booklet, a comprehensive directory of participating schools. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Heather Ryan at preschoolfair@themotherconnection.org or visit www.themotherconnection.org.
Puppet Showplace Theater: "Funny Bone Tales" by Sarah Lamstein at 10:30 a.m. at Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline. "Silly Sam" is about a little boy who's trying to find a suitable birthday present for his friend. "Bendemolena" is about a cat that finds everything she hears is all mixed up. Finally, a gentle version of the famous "Punch and Judy" show has children laughing and calling out directions to the trickster Mr. Punch. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400.
Winter adaptations homeschool program: Learn about migration, hibernation, and other adaptations wildlife use to survive the harshest time of year from 9 to 11 a.m. at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. This program is designed for ages 6 through 10. Participants should dress for indoor and outdoor activities. For more information or to register, call 978-465-5753. Registration is not complete until you have received confirmation from a staff member.
thursday, nov. 13
Puppet Showplace Theater: "Funny Bone Tales" by Sarah Lamstein at 10:30 a.m. at Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline. "Silly Sam" is about a little boy who's trying to find a suitable birthday present for his friend. "Bendemolena" is about a cat that finds everything she hears is all mixed up. Finally, a gentle version of the famous "Punch and Judy" show has children laughing and calling out directions to the trickster Mr. Punch. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400.
friday, nov. 14
World Music: Philadanco will perform at 7:30 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 the show. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 617-876-4275 or visit www.WorldMusic.org.
Saturday, nov. 15
Open house and sale: Purple Sage Pottery will open its doors for tours and a sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3 Mechanic St., Merrimac. Fourteen potters and sculptors will exhibit and sell a variety of works in clay, from functional ware in stoneware and porcelain to one-of-a-kind decorative pieces and more. Call 978-346-9978 or visit www.purplesagepottery.com.
Holiday fair: The Andover Country Club will hold a holiday fair to benefit Creative Living Inc. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features more than 20 vendors offering a variety of specialty items, including jewelry, ornaments, scarves, holiday baskets, handmade soaps, crafts, Christmas centerpieces and more. Admission is a $5 donation. For more information, call 978-749-9759.
Puppet Showplace Theater: "A Woodland Cinderella" by Deborah Costine at 1 and 3 p.m. at Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline. In this new version of Cinderella, the story takes place in the land of Woodland Fairies. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400.
World Music: Philadanco will perform at 8 p.m. at the Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave., Boston. Philodanco 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 the show. A post-performance question-and-answer session will also be held. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 617-876-4275 or visit www.WorldMusic.org.
Sunday, nov. 16
Thanksgiving dinner: Island Pond Baptist Church will serve a Thanksgiving dinner at 6 p.m. at 26 N. Salem Road, Hampstead, N.H. A traditional Thanksgiving dinner will include turkey with the trimmings, vegetables and desserts. A special Thanksgiving service will follow. Free to the public. Call 603-329-5959.
Puppet Showplace Theater: "A Woodland Cinderella" by Deborah Costine at 1 and 3 p.m. at Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline. In this new version of Cinderella, the story takes place in the land of Woodland Fairies. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400.
World Music: Philadanco will perform at 8 p.m. at the Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave., Boston. Philodanco 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 the show. A post-performance question-and-answer session will also be held. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 617-876-4275 or visit www.WorldMusic.org.
holiday fairs
Holiday craft fair: The Townsend Congregational Church, United Church of Christ will have its annual indoor Holiday Craft & Greens Fair on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 5 Brookline St., Townsend. For more information or to rent a table, call Cathy at 978-597-5864.
Christmas fair: St. Anthony of Padua Parish will have its annual Christmas extravaganza craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the church hall, 33 Chapel St., Shirley. For more information, call the church office during the day at 978-425-4588 or 978-425-4604 evenings.
Annual Yuletide Fair: The Exeter Area General Federation of Women's Clubs will have their annual Yuletide Fair on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooperative Middle School, Stratham, N.H. For more information, visit www.gfwcnhexeterjrs.org/yuletidefair.htm.
Christmas craft fair: The Rolling Ridge Conference Center will hold its annual Christmas craft fair on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 660 Great Pond Road, North Andover. The space fee is $45. Interested vendors can call 978-682-8815 or visit www.rollingridge.org for more information. Space is limited.
Olde Tyme craft fair: First Congregational Church of Rowley will hold an Olde Tyme Country Fair on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 175 Main St., Rowley. Admission is free and on-site parking is available. For more information, contact Susan Hazen at 978-948-2603 or 978-948-2082 or the church office at 978-948-3993.
Craft fair: All That Cheer and Tumble will have a craft fair on Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 110 Haverhill St., Amesbury. Proceeds will benefit the All Star Cheer Teams. Crafters are needed for the event. For more information, call Debbie at 978-432-1024.
PLAN AHEAD
Train and toy show: Greenberg's Train and Toy Show will be Saturday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington. Admission is $7 for adults and is good for both days. Children 11 and under are admitted free. For more information, visit www.GreenbergShows.com.
Book awards: Massachusetts Book Awards ceremony will be Thursday, Nov. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Great Hall at the Statehouse, Boston. A reception and book signing will follow. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.massbook.org.
Class reunion: The Methuen High Class of 1983 will have its 25-year class reunion on Nov. 29 at the Wyndham Hotel in Andover. Please send correct mailing addresses to methuenhigh83@comcast.net or call 978-346-4860 for more information.
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, contact Allen R. Hope at 260-486-2221 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time or e-mail hope4391@comcast.net.
Artists wanted: 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.
Support group: "DivorceCare" support group will meet every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Atkinson Community Center, 4 Main St., Atkinson, N.H. The weekly seminar will focus on ways to heal from the hurt of divorce. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call Jean at 603-362-4753 or Denise at 603-489-1172 after 6 p.m.
Puppet Showplace Theater
"Tricksters & Noodleheads" by Sparky's Puppets on Nov. 19 and 20 at 10:30 a.m. Meet some crafty animals and foolish people in this medley of silly folktales. Watch Brie Rabbit sneak into the vegetable patch to steal a prize-winning pumpkin. Follow the adventures of a man who travels to meet a wise woman. And see what happens when a pesky goblin tries to outwit a clever gardener in a tale called "Tops and Bottoms."
"Puss in Boots" by Spring Valley Puppets on Nov. 22 and 23 at 1 and 3 p.m. In this original adaptation, Puss rushes headlong into a series of misadventures, only to discover that he is happiest being himself. Michael Graham mixes merriment and message into this feline favorite. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
"Raccoon Tales" by Paul Vincent Davis on Nov. 26 at 10:30 a.m. Three humorous tales inspired by the Native American Tales of the Seneca tribe: "How the Fox and the Raccoon Trick Each Other," "Why the Blue Jay is Blue and the Gray Wolf Isn't," and "Why the Bear has a Stumpy Tail." Recommended for ages 4 and up.
"The Dragon King" by Tanglewood Marionettes on Nov. 28, 29 and 30 at 1 and 3 p.m. An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore tells the tale of a fearless grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea to seek the Dragon King, ruler of all things water, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above during a terrible drought. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Puppet Showplace Theater is at 32 Station St., Brookline. All shows are recommended for ages 3 and up unless noted otherwise. Tickets for all performances are $10 general admission, $8 members. Prepaid reservations are recommended. For more information or tickets, call 617-731-6400.
Merimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra 2008-2009 Season
Program No. 2 on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2:30 p.m. features "Family Holiday Concert" with The Andover Choral Society, directed by Allen Combs.
Program No. 3 on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. features Felix Mendelssohn "Hebrides Overture, Op. 26, Fingal's Cave," Richard Wagner "Wesendonck Songs," Susan Trout, soprano and Franz Schubert "Symphony No. 9 in C Major, D 944, "The Great."
Program No. 4 on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. features Richard Rodgers "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" from "On Your Toes," William Grant Still "Symphony No. 1 Afro-American Symphony," George Gershwin "Concerto in F Major for Piano and Orchestra" and Louis Stewart, piano soloist.
All Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra events take place at The Rogers Center for the Arts, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover at Merrimack College. Tickets are $60 general admission, $42 seniors and students ages 13 to 18 or with college ID. For more information, call 978-685-3505 or visit www.mvpomusic.org.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Nature Tots: Gobble gobble!: Celebrate Thanksgiving and introduce your preschooler to the wonderful world of wild turkeys on Monday, Nov. 24, or Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. to 1 to 2 p.m. Kids, ages 3 through 5, will discover how turkeys live through stories, songs, and much more in this hands-on, interactive program.
Wings of Autumn: Join Newburyport birder and refuge volunteer Sue McGrath for a birding tour to discover the "wings of autumn" on Sunday, Nov. 30, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. This slow paced program will include bird identification and natural history of species on the refuge, one of the premiere birding sites in the country. Participants should dress in layers for the weather. Recommended for ages 8 and older with an adult. Meet in the parking lot at sub-headquarters.
Berry picking permits: Beginning this year, a permit will be required for picking beach plums and cranberries at the refuge. Permits may be obtained free of charge at the refuge headquarters and visitors center at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Failure to obtain a permit prior to berry picking may result in a citation and fine. For more information, call 978-465-5753 or to download a copy of the berry picking regulations, visit parkerriver.fws.gov/berrypicking.
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.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. For more information or to register for any event above, call 978-465-5753. Registration is not complete until you have received confirmation from a staff member.
Art
Ferry Wharf Gallery: "Heart & Wonder," a breakthrough exhibit of abstract art by Eva Maria Lee, will be on display through Nov. 16 at the Ferry Wharf Gallery, 1R Water St., Newburyport. For more information, call 978-462-2740 or visit www.ferrywharf.com.
University Gallery at UMASS Lowell
"Grid" by Jamey Morrill will be on exhibit from Nov. 17 through Dec. 11. "Grid" is a modular site-specific installation made of PVC pipe and wood. Its floor-based, interconnected forms use a pared-down aesthetic to represent engineering projects such as aqueducts, electrical substations and oil refineries. It is intended as a tribute to the natural evolution of complex infrastructure from simple forms. Artist talk and reception will be held on Nov. 19 from 3 to 5 p.m.
The University Gallery at UMASS Lowell is located at the McGauvran Student Union, 71 Wilder St., Lowell. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, call 978-934-3491 or 978-934-3494.
Music
Jazz concert: The Donn Carr Jazz Band will perform on Dec. 1 at the Donn Carr Performance Center, 13 Rear Main St., Peabody. All ages are welcome. Seating is limited. Admission is $10. For more information or to make reservations, call 978-531-9262 or visit www.donncarr.com.
World Music
Huun Huur Tuva will perform on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m. From the independent republic of Tuva, bordering Mongolia, Huun Huur Tuva performs an 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 at 720 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. All events take place at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, 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:
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 Street, 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.
