Comprehensive listings for galleries, plays, music, and other happenings in the area.
ARTS
Beverly: "Corn Dogs, Blue Ribbons, & the American Pastoral: Photographs by Meg Birnbaum" continues through Jan. 24 at Montserrat College of Art's Carol Schlosberg Alumni Gallery, 23 Essex St. The exhibit features images of summer fairs in New England by Somerville photographer Meg Birnbaum. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturday noon-5 p.m. Events hotline, 978-921-4242, ext. 1319. montserrat.edu.
Beverly: Redbrick Art Center, 95 Rantoul St. Through Jan. 25: paintings by Paul Schexnayer, Katrina Grant recipient from New Iberia, La.; Redbrick's Printmaker in Residence Erin Smith; and the "Whimsical" show featuring ceramic work of artists nationwide. Open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 978-927-5615.
Gloucester: Cape Ann Historical Museum, 27 Pleasant St., presents an exhibition of photographs by Leslie D. Bartlett, "Chapters on a Quarry Wall," featuring 40 vertical images displayed as unmounted scrolls, through Jan. 31. There are hands-on activities for children relating to the exhibition. Free. An exhibition of paintings and drawings by Cape Ann artist Jeff Weaver continues through Jan. 31. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. $6.50 adults, seniors $6, students $4.50, children younger than 6 free. 978-283-0455, capeannhistoricalmuseum.org.
Marblehead: Thirty-two new artist members juried into Marblehead Arts Association in 2007 exhibit their diverse artwork through Jan. 27 at Marblehead Arts Association, King Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper St. 781-631-2608, marbleheadarts.org.
Marblehead: Through Jan. 29, Cloister Gallery at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 135 Lafayette St., Route 114, presents an exhibit of paintings by members of the Gardner family, long-time residents of Marblehead. Artwork by Katherine Seward Gardner, Katherine Gardner Bryant, and Donald Watt Gardner Jr. is featured in "A Mother and Her Children."
Marblehead: Through Jan. 30, Virginia Carten Gallery at Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant St., is showing the work of Benjamin Gross, a modern storyteller, who conveys a story through visual means. Gross is the director of the Winfisky Art Gallery at Salem State College. Reception, Jan. 19, 2-4 p.m. 781-631-1481, abbotlibrary.org.
Newburyport: Bridge Gallery, 113 Merrimac St., is showing the art exhibit "An Enchanted Forest." Reception Jan. 25, 5-8 p.m.
Newburyport: Oil paintings by Haverhill artist Richard Winmill are displayed in the exhibition "Local Impressions," through Jan. 28 in the Juliet Kellogg French Room at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike. Open Tuesday-Sunday and Monday holidays, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Call in advance; the exhibit hall is occasionally unavailable due to other events held in the room. 978-462-9998, joppaflats@massaudubon.org, massaudubon.org.
Salem: Salem State College faculty member Ken Reker presents selections from 30 years of creative output in various media and styles, through Feb. 7 in Winfisky Gallery at Salem State College, Lafayette Street. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and by appointment. Free. Reception, Jan. 22, 2-3 p.m. 978-542-7890.
Salem: The Gallery at Grosvenor Park, at Vinnin Square, 7 Loring Hills Ave., presents an exhibit by watercolorist Patricia Worth, through Jan. 31. Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 978-741-5700.
AUDITIONS
Salem: Theatre of Light will hold auditions for actors and singers, ages 6-15, for the musical version of "Charlotte's Web," Jan. 20 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Scheduled appointments 2-8 p.m. Read from script and be prepared to sing a song from any Broadway musical. Rehearsals begin Jan. 27. Performances the second two weekends in May. Cast members will receive professional training in acting and theater techniques including movement, character development, and speech. For appointment, 978-210-9818.
Salem: Coro Stella Maris, a Renaissance music vocal ensemble, will hold auditions for soprano, tenor, and bass voices, by appointment through Jan. 31. Choral experience and good sight reading preferred. Rehearsals Mondays at 7 p.m. in Salem, beginning Feb. 25. For appointment, 857-919-4218 or e-mail aleclair@clausura.org. corostellamaris.org.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Hamilton: Children's program at Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St. Cyndy and Don Bourquard, volunteer teachers and naturalists with the Massachusetts Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center, in conjunction with the Hamilton-Wenham Library's Children's Room present "Tracks, Scat, & Signs: A Family Introduction to Animal Tracking in Winter," Jan. 19, 1-3 p.m. Learn to recognize animal tracks and signs, make a tracking guide, hear about which animals are active in winter, and go on a scavenger hunt to see where animals live. Indoor and outdoor (weather dependent) activities. Dress appropriately. For ages 4-12, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free. Preregistration required. 978-468-5577, hwlibrary.org.
CHORAL MUSIC
Danvers: St. John's Preparatory School will hold a concert featuring a cappella groups from six area schools, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall on campus, 72 Spring St. SwingTown! from St. John's Prep will be joined on stage by The Dell-Bells from Hamilton Wenham High School, The Chieftones and the Treblemakers from Masconomet Regional High School, Luminescence and the Jewel-Tones from Marblehead High School, the A Caffellas from Shore Country Day School, and SoundScape from Wilmington High School. $10, students and children $5. Tickets at the door. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Peabody's Haven from Hunger. 978-774-6727, ext. 297 or ddechristoforo@stjohnsprep.org.
Hamilton: Convivium Musicum, a 20-voice Renaissance vocal ensemble, will perform "Josquin Was Here - Franco-Flemish Musicians in Italy," Jan. 19, 7 p.m., at Christ Church, 149 Asbury St. The concert highlights the works of Josquin, Mouton, Ockeghem, Giaches de Wert, and other composers employed in the courts and chapels of Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries. $15, students, seniors and low-income $8. 617-773-6913, convivium.org.
Newburyport: The Candlelight Chorale, a non-sectarian chamber choir, seeks singers for a celebration of spring - the Haydn Creation, to be performed April 6, 7 p.m., at First Religious Society, UU. A $20 fee will be charged to adults who sing in the Candlelight Chorale to help pay for the professional orchestra. Students are free. Rehearsals Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 p.m. and March 29 and April 5, in the choir room of the First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant St. 978-465-0602.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Gloucester: Cape Ann Symphony will perform Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf," at its Family Concert, Jan. 26, 2 p.m., at Fuller Auditorium Blackburn Circle, Route 128. Actress and Gloucester native Heidi Dallin narrates Prokofiev's story of a brave boy called Peter and his pursuit of the wolf. $15, youth $5. 978-281-0543, capeannsymphony.org.
Salem, Newbury: Symphony by the Sea will perform music by Lister, Bach, Purcell, and Copland, Jan. 26, 8 p.m., at Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. Pre-concert talk at 7 p.m. $35. The concert will also be performed Jan. 27, 3:30 p.m. at Governor's Academy Performing Arts Center, 1 Elm St., Byfield. $30. Tickets at symphonybythesea.org, 978-745-4955, and at the door.
Wenham: Kammerwerke, a winds chamber group, and Gordon music students will perform a wind chamber concert together, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Phillips Recital Hall at Gordon College, 255 Grapevine Road. "Kammerwerke & Friends" is a benefit concert for an upcoming Gordon Wind Ensemble European tour. Free; donations accepted. 978-867-4751, gordon.edu.
COMEDY
Beverly: Jan. 26 at 8 p.m., the comedy night "Jokes & Jeans" features comedian Dan Wilson, Jan. 26, 8 p.m., at Temple B'nai Abraham, 200 East Lothrop St. $30, includes beer, wine and desserts. Tickets, 987-927-3211.
FESTIVALS
Groveland: The fourth annual Winter Festival will be held at Veasey Park, 201 Washington St., Jan. 27, noon-5 p.m. Free outdoor and indoor activities, entertainment and demonstrations for all ages. Complete schedule at veaseypark.org. 978-521-9345.
FILMS
Salem: Films from new and established international filmmakers, spotlighting war, violence, gender inequalities, and judicial barriers around the world, will be shown Jan. 17, 19 and 20 during the Human Rights Film Festival at Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square. Screenings are included with museum admission. Reservations are required for all films. See pem.org for film schedule. Reservations, 978-745- 9500, ext. 3011. Museum admission $13, seniors $11, students $9. Youth 16 and younger and residents of Salem are free.
FUND-RAISERS
Gloucester: Cape Ann Animal Aid Comedy Night features comedians Paul D'Angelo and Bob Siebel, Jan. 17, 8 p.m., Upstairs at The Rhumb Line, 40 Railroad Ave. Cash bar. Raffles. For ages 21+. Proceeds benefit Cape Ann Animal Aid. $25. Tickets at 978-283-6055, 978-283-9732 or CAAA at 260 Main St. capeannanimalaid.com.
Newburyport: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society's annual Sip, Savor & Swing fund-raising party will feature a raffle, wine, beer and chocolate tasting, dancing, music from the Thomas Machine Works Band, and hors d'oeuvres. Held Feb. 8, 7-11 p.m. at Nicholson Hall, 9 Harris St. Proceeds benefit feral and locally owned cats and kittens and help fund MRFRS's free and low-cost programs and services. $50. Tickets at 978-462-0760, mrfrs.org, and at the door.
Salem: North Shore Arc will host a Benefit for ArcWorks, an arts initiative for artists with disabilities, Feb. 8, 7:30-10:30 p.m. at Old Town Hall in Derby Square. The Mardi Gras dance party will feature Cajun, Zydeco and New Orleans Jazz by The Squeezebox Stompers and a guest performance by local country artist Paula Morin. Cash bar. Refreshments served. $15. 978-624-2318.
LECTURES/FORUMS
Nahant: Northeastern University's Marine Science Center Lecture Series presents "Shell Disease: A Sad Lobster Tale?," Jan. 29, 7 p.m., at Marine Science Center, 430 Nahant Road. Senior Scientist Michael Tlusty will talk about new and unique research tools being used to understand "Ugly Lobster Syndrome." Free. t.hajduk@neu.edu, 781-581-7370, ext. 321. marinescience.neu.edu.
Newburyport: The Chaplaincy Institute of Maine, Massachusetts Satellite, will sponsor a series of free talks "Understanding Others' Worship." Each talk will take place on the third Thursday of the month, January through May, 7-8 p.m., at Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St. A spiritual leader of each faith tradition will speak about the worship services in their tradition for 20-30 minutes, followed by a question and answer period. Greek Orthodox, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism traditions will be represented. Schedule: Jan. 17, Rev. Constantine Newman, pastor of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Newburyport; Feb. 21, Rabbi Stanley Sadinsky, spiritual leader of Congregation Ahavas Achim of Newburyport; March 20 and April 17 will be announced later; May 15 - Geshe Gendun Gyatso, spiritual director of the Healing Dharma Center (Buddhism), West Newbury. Light refreshments served. 978-363-2063, joelandsheilag@earthlink.net, Anna47@comcast.net.
Salem: As part of the Preservation Lecture Series at The House of the Seven Gables, Jean Carroon will discuss the techniques and costs of transforming a historic residence into a high performing green building. The free lecture will be held Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. (snow date Jan. 24) in Seamans' Visitor Center at The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St. Reservations, 978-744-0991, ext. 126 or awaywell@7gables.org.
LITERARY EVENTS
Newburyport: Jabberwocky BookShop, 50 Water St., Tannery Mill No.1, begins its 2008 Author Series with bestselling author Patricia O'Brien reading from "Harriet and Isabella," Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. "Harriet and Isabella" is historical fiction, based on the real-life events of Harriet Beecher Stowe and her family when Henry Ward Beecher was put on trial for adultery in 1875. O'Brien will also show images of the Beecher family and of Brooklyn Heights, where they lived. Douglas Preston reads from his new novel "Blasphemy," Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. Richard Marinick will read from his novel "In For a Pound," Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. Free. 978-465-9359, jabberwocky.booksense.com.
Peabody: Johnny Pesky and Maureen Mullen sign their new book "Diary of a Red Sox Season," Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 210 Andover St. (behind NorthShore Mall). Free. 978-573-3268, bn.com.
MUSEUMS & HISTORY
Gloucester: Virtuoso guitarist Robert Squires presents a varied program of classical guitar throughout the galleries, Jan. 19, 2-4 p.m. at Cape Ann Historical Museum, 27 Pleasant St. Free. 978-283-0455, capeannhistoricalmuseum.org.
Salem: Jan. 26 at 11 a.m., Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, hosts the premiere of "Old Places, New Faces: Immigrant Experiences Shaping Boston's North Shore," a film project by PEM interns participating in the Museum Action Corps Program. The film is an oral history of North Shore immigrant communities and examines the impact of immigrants in some of the region's more diverse cities, including Lynn, Salem, Beverly, Peabody, Danvers, and Gloucester. Free with museum admission. After its premiere, "Old Places, New Faces: Immigrant Experiences Shaping Boston's North Shore" will be available at no charge to schools and communities interested in viewing the film. Museum admission $15; seniors $13; students $11. Free for ages 16 and younger and residents of Salem. 866-745-1876, pem.org.
MUSIC
Beverly: Local artists including storytellers, musicians, filmmakers, actors, writers, poets and playwrights are showcased in the Thursday night "Garden Party" performance series at Monet's Garden Art Cafe. Jan. 19, 8 p.m., the acoustic 4-piece band Whose Muddy Shoes will perform original tunes and American classics. Monet's Garden Art Cafe is on the ground floor of Red Brick Art Center, 95 Rantoul St., in Beverly's Arts District. $5. Reservations suggested. 978-927-9270. monetsgardenartcafe.com.
Essex: The folk duo Tamarac will perform Jan. 19, 8 p.m. at One World Coffeehouse at First Universalist Church, 59 Main St. $15. Reservations, 978-768-7056.
Haverhill: The Americana NY trio Red Molly will perform Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. at New Moon Coffeehouse at UU Church of Haverhill, 16 Ashland St. Ed Felker opens the show. $15. Advance tickets at redmolly.com or newmooncoffeehouse.org. 978-459-5134.
Marblehead: Singers, songwriters, poets, and storytellers are invited to display their talents at the Second Annual Open Mike, Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m. at me & thee coffeehouse at Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St. Performers will be allowed 10 minutes each. Featured performer Joe Jencks will be joined by surprise singer-songwriter guests. $5. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets, 781-631-8987, at Spirit of '76 Bookstore, Arnould Gallery, and at the door. meandthee.org.
Marblehead: Jessica Prouty Band debuts its CD "Saving My Sanity" at the Marblehead High School Freshman Fundraiser "Rock and Ock," Jan. 25, 7 p.m., at Marblehead High School Theater, 2 Humphrey St. Also performing, the high school a cappella groups Jewel Tones and Luminescence. $5, at the door. JessicaProuty.com.
Marblehead: Three voices - coloratura soprano Rachele Schmiege, mezzo soprano Christina English, lyric soprano Molly Crookedacre - perform "Arias in the Afternoon" in King Hooper Mansion, home of Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St. The three sopranos will sing a selection of opera favorites Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. A reception follows the performance. $20. Reservations recommended. 781-631-2608, marbleheadarts.org.
NATURE
Newburyport: Free programs at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike. Jan. 19, 9-11 a.m., join Refuge volunteer Sue McGrath to explore habitats of the refuge and search for wintering birds. All levels of bird enthusiasts, including children accompanied by an adult, welcome. Dress in layers for the weather including warm and waterproof boots. Follow animal tracks and become a wildlife detective in the fun and educational program "Whose Clues?," Jan. 26, 1-2:30 p.m. This program, for ages 6-9, includes both indoor and outdoor activities. Advance registration required for both programs. Call 978-465-5753 (press "0" to talk to a staff member) to register. Registration is complete when you receive confirmation from a staff member. Outdoor programs may be cancelled if there is inclement weather. parkerriver.fws.gov.
NIGHTCLUBS
Manchester-by-the-Sea: The Landing at 7 Central. Friday and Saturday entertainment, 9 p.m.-midnight. Jan. 19, The Closers; Jan. 20, New Celtic Music session; Jan. 26, Toni & Dave. Casual dress. No cover charge. 978-526-7494.
Marblehead: The Marblehead Landing, 81 Front St., at State Street Landing. Entertainment from 8:30 p.m. in the pub. Jan. 18, Acoustic Alligators; Jan. 19, MERJ; Jan. 25, Guy Ford Band; Jan. 26, Code 51; Jan. 31, Skip Cobin & Kevin Leahy. Casual dress. No cover charge. 781-639-1266.
THEATER
Beverly: "Le Grand David and His Own Spectacular Magic Company" is performed every Sunday at 3 p.m. at Cabot St. Cinema Theatre, 286 Cabot St. $20, ages 11 and younger $12. 978-927-3677, legranddavid.com.
Beverly: Neverland Theatre presents "Annie Jr.," a one hour, 45-minute version of the classic Broadway musical. Performances Jan.19 at 4:30 and 8 p.m., Jan. 20 at 2 and 6:30 p.m. and Jan. 21 at 1 and 5:30 p.m. at Temple B'nai Abraham Theater, 200 East Lothrop St. Premium seating (first 6 rows) $19, regular seating $16.50. neverlandtheatre@comcast.net, neverlandtheatre.com.
Beverly: Le Grand David and his Spectacular Magic Company perform "An Anthology of Stage Magic," Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m., at Larcom Theatre, 13 Wallis St. $20, ages 11 and younger $12. 978-927-3677, legranddavid.com.
Newburyport: Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, hosts the 2008 New Works Festival, Jan. 24-27, showcasing full-length plays, one acts, youth plays, and standalone scenes by New England talent. Each play or scene will be presented as a staged reading and will appear once in the Festival lineup. Eight short scenes will be on stage Thursday; full length and short scenes will be presented Friday and Saturday. Meet the writers at the post show Wine and Cheese reception on Saturday. Youth Submissions, written and directed by students ages 6-17, are featured Sunday. Performances Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets Thursday-Saturday $12; Sunday $5. Three-night pass (Thursday-Saturday), $28. Reserve tickets at 978-462-7336 or online at firehouse.org.
Salem: Salem State College's Theatre Department presents "Antigone," Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. in Mainstage Theatre, Salem State College, Lafayette Street. The performances will raise money for this production's trip to the Kennedy Center's Regional College Theatre Festival. $15, students and seniors $10. salemstate.edu/arts, 978-542-6290.
Salem: Salem Theatre Company presents Shelagh Stephenson's comedy "The Memory of Water," Jan. 25-Feb. 10, at Griffen Theatre, 7 Lynde St. "The Memory of Water" explores the lives of three sisters who are reunited for their mother's funeral. The sisters clash and commiserate as they compare their imperfect memories of childhood life with their mother. Performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets $18, seniors and youth $15. Reservations, salemtheatre.com or 978-790-8546.
Wakefield: Theatre To Go presents "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller to be performed at Greenwood Union Church, Main and Oak streets. Shows Jan. 18, 19 and 25-27. Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m., matinee Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. $13 in advance; $15 at the door. Not handicap accessible. Concessions available at the theater. Greenwood Wakefield commuter rail station is across the street from the theater. Reservations, theatretogo.com or 781-279-0835.
Wenham: Gordon College music students will present staged scenes from eight works in "Opera Scenes," Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 26 at 3 and 7:30 p.m. in Margaret Jensen Theatre in Barrington Center for the Arts at Gordon College, 255 Grapevine Road. $16, for seniors and children $13. Tickets, 978-867-4273. Tickets also at the door. gordon.edu.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Durham: Two new exhibitions will be on view Jan. 24-April 9 at The Art Gallery, UNH, at Paul Creative Arts Center, 30 College Road. "On Gilded Pond: The Life and Times of the Dublin Art Colony," features works by artists who were associated with the Dublin Art Colony in New Hampshire's Monadnock region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. "What's New? Recent Additions to the Collection" showcases works recently accepted into The Art Gallery's permanent art collection. The ArtBreak Series, held Wednesdays noon-1 p.m., offers free programs related to the current exhibitions. Jan. 30: film: "The Dublin Art Colony Collection at The Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery." Gallery open Monday-Wednesday10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m. (closed March 14-23, University holidays, and during exhibition changes). Guided group tours for schools and other organizations are available with advance reservation (catherine.mazur@unh.edu or 603-862-3713). 603-862-3712, art.gallery@unh.edu, unh.edu/art-gallery.
Exeter: Lamont Art Gallery presents "ART x 7: Works by Phillips Exeter Academy Art Department Faculty Nick Dawson, L. Gene Howard, Vivian Moreira Komando, Steve Lewis, Tara Misenheimer, Karen Burgess Smith, and Gallery Manager Sara Zela," through Jan. 31. Lamont Gallery is in Frederick R. Mayer Art Center, Tan Lane. Free. 603-777-3461, exeter.edu. For directions, 603-777-4330.
Portsmouth: Gallery 280 at The Children's Museum, 280 Marcy St., presents "Making an Impression: The Process of Printmaking," through Feb. 26. Works by two Seacoast printmakers will be featured: Victoria Elbroch's hand-colored etchings and aquatints of English villages, cottages, gardens, and rooftops and Lisa Grey's compositions combining printmaking, quilting, weaving, and creative sewing. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free. Regular admission rates apply for the rest of the museum: $6, children and seniors $5, children younger than 1, free. 603-436-3853, childrens-museum.org.
Portsmouth: The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., presents "The Met @ The Music Hall." Eight matinee performances of the Metropolitan Opera will be broadcast live from Lincoln Center and shown on The Music Hall screen in high definition and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. The opera program is enhanced by live interviews and specially produced features to give audiences a look at the behind-the-scenes action. Schedule: Feb. 16, 1 p.m., Manon Lescaut; March 22, 12:30 p.m., Peter Grimes; March 22, 12:30 p.m., Tristan und Isolde; April 5, 1:30 p.m., La Boheme; April 26, 1:30 p.m., La Fille du Regiment. Broadcasts run two to five hours; see themusichall.org for running times. $27.50; all eight shows $199. 603-436-2400.
Portsmouth: Sacred Circle Dance, Jan. 25, 7 p.m. at Portsmouth Center for Yoga and the Arts, Brewery Lane No. 9. Dances are from a multicultural folk dance tradition. Steps taught; no experience or partner needed. $5. 603-750-7506, amyla44@juno.com.
Portsmouth: New Hampshire poet Walter Butts will read and sign his latest chapbook "What To Say if the Birds Ask," Jan. 20, 5 p.m., at RiverRun Bookstore, 20 Congress St. Free. 603- 431-2100, riverrunbookstore.com.
Portsmouth: Teen tap professionals take to the Music Hall stage in Tap Kids, Feb. 9 at 2 and 8 p.m. In a series of musical vignettes Tap Kids tells the story of a group of high-school kids facing challenges as they prepare for the big school dance and graduation. Produced by New York Stage Originals. Tickets $34 and $15. Phone, mail, Internet sales only. 603-436-2400, themusichall.org. With lobby renovations underway, there is no walk up service to the box office during January. The Music Hall is at 28 Chestnut St.
Rye: Jan. 24, Ken Colburn, a national leader in climate policy, will provide an overview of climate science and describe what states, municipalities and corporations are doing in response, as part of the Seacoast Science Center Heritage Dinner Series. Sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire, the evening begins with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the presentation. Held at Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Blvd. $45. Reservations required by Jan. 18. 603-436-8043, ext. 20, registrar@seacentr.org, or seacoastsciencecenter.org.
Rye: An exhibit of then-and-now photographs of Odiorne Point and the seacoast opens with a reception Jan.18, 2:30 p.m., in the Learning Studio Gallery at Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Blvd. "Odiorne Point: Twice-seen" features digitally combined contemporary images with century-old photographs of Odiorne by photographer Richard Moore. The exhibit continues through March 16. seacoastsciencecenter.org, 603-436-8043.
Items may be sent three weeks in advance to carson@globe.com or mailed to Sharon Carson, Boston Globe North, 1 Corporate Place, Suite 200, 55 Ferncroft Road, Danvers 01923. Listings are not accepted over the telephone.
