A comprehensive listing of galleries, plays, music, and other happenings in the area.
MUSIC
Andover: Concerts at Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St. At Cochran Chapel: Jan. 27, 3 p.m., faculty voice recital. Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m., "A Far Cry." Free. 978-749-426.
Ayer: J.P. O'Hanlon's Irish Pub, 9 Main St. Jan. 26, 8 p.m., Chris McDermott and Stuart Schulman; $12-$15. Feb. 2, Loose Tongues, rock and roll. $5-$7. jpohanlons.com, 978-772-9282.
Bedford and Littleton: The Halalisa Singers will perform choral works from India, Cuba, Africa, and the Philippines, and Jewish, gospel, and jazz selections Jan. 26, 8 p.m., at First Parish Church, 75 Great Road, Bedford, and Jan. 27, 3 p.m., at First Church Unitarian, 19 Foster St., Littleton. $12-$17. halalisa.org, 781-862-6353.
Bedford: At Middlesex Community College Campus Center Cafe, 591 Springs Road. Feb. 4, 12:30-1:45 p.m., America's Got Talent entrant, Ahmir. Free. 781-280-3923.
Concord: The Concord Orchestra will perform works by Stravinsky and Schumann. Concord Orchestra's Ehler's Young Artists Competition winner, Robert Anenome, will perform Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1 Jan. 25 and 26, 8 p.m., at 51 Walden St. Recitals at 7:15 p.m.: Jan. 25, Eric Lu; Jan. 26 Mackenzie Melemed. $16-$20. concordorchestra.com, 978-369-4967.
Concord: Colonial Inn at 48 Monument Square. At 8 p.m., unless noted. Mondays, roots music jam session. Wednesdays, Jimmy Mazzy and the Last Minute Men. Thursdays, John Fitzsimmons. Saturday, Workingman's Jazz Band and guests. Sundays, 7 p.m., Folk Tradition. Feb. 1, Just Another Guru. concordscolonialinn.com; 978-369-9200.
Groton: Stage Coach Inn and Tavern, 128 Main St. Irish music every Wednesday, 8:30-11 p.m. Fridays open mike with Skip Jackson. Jan. 26, bluegrass jam. 978-448-5614.
Lexington: Organist Scott Lamlein will perform works of Bach, Buxtehude, Locklair and hymn arrangements Jan. 27, 3:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 1580 Massachusetts Ave. Free. 508-862-9050.
Lexington: The Lexington Bicentennial Band will perform a winter concert of marches and military-themed pieces Jan. 27, 3 p.m., at Lexington High school. Free. lexbicband.org, 781-862-8473.
Littleton: Indian Hill Music Center, 36 King St. Jan. 26, 7 p.m., Indian Hill Chamber Players perform Mendelssohn's Octet for Strings in E flat Major. $15. indianhillmusic.org, 978-486-0540.
Lowell: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St.: Feb. 1, 8 p.m., Bowfire. $29.50-$55.50. March 9, 7 p.m., Trisha Yearwood. $34-50-$54.50. March 14, 7:30 p.m., Frank McNamara's "If You're Irish." March 20, 8 p.m., Anne Murray. $44.50-$69.50. April 3, Tony Orlando. April 23, 8 p.m., Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. $39.50-$69.50. lowellauditorium.com, 978-454-2299.
Medford: Tufts University's Granoff Music Center, 20 Talbot Ave. Feb. 2, 8 p.m., Dvorak in America. $5-$10. Free unless noted. 617-627-4042.Medford: At Springstep Center for Traditional and Contemporary Arts, 98 George P. Hassett Drive, Jan. 26, 8 p.m., "Triomphe de L'Amour," performed by Ensemble Chaconne and Ken Pierce Baroque Dance Company. $16-$19. springstep.org, 781-395-0402.
Pepperell: Lawrence Library, 15 Main St. Jan. 26, 7:30-9 p.m. "Shocks, Meds and Rock 'n' Roll," a concert to benefit Pepperell seniors in need of heating assistance. All ages welcome. Reservations suggested. Free. lawrencelibrary.org, 978-433-0330.
Shirley: At the Bull Run Restaurant, Route 2A. At 8 p.m. Jan. 26, Cafe Murder, dinner theater, $25. Feb. 1, Jonathan Byrd and Karen Mal. $12-$15. Feb. 2, Henri Smith's New Orleans Friends and Flavors. $20-$25. Feb. 2, Mardi Gras Dance Party with Charles Neville. $25. Feb. 9, James Montgomery Band. Feb. 16, Spread Eagle. Feb. 22, Heartland, Tim Roche. $35-$40. Feb. 23, Marty Nestor and Jeff Root. $12-$16. Feb. 28, Kym Tuvim, Rebecca Katz and Liz Stahler. 978-425-4311.
Westford: Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln St. Feb. 2, 8 p.m., Syncopation . cabaret seating. $5-$15. Reservations recommended. 978-692-6333. Wilmington: The Merrimack Valley Chorus, a women's choral group, will offer free a cappella harmony lessons Jan. 24 and 31, 7 p.m., at Wilmington Arts Council Building, 219 Middlesex Ave. merrimackvalleychorus.org, 800-928-6151.
THEATER
Acton: Acton-Boxborough Regional High School drama department will perform "Brigadoon" Feb. 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 3 and 9 at 3 p.m. at the school, 36 Charter Road. $12-$17. abdrama.org.
Bedford: Bedford High School Music Department will perform "Little Shop of Horrors" Feb. 6, 8, 9 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. at the John Glenn Middle School, 99 McMahon Road. $8-$12. Tickets on sale at Bedford Council on Aging and Fetch It. 781-275-1700, ext. 5206.
Concord: The Concord Players, 51 Walden St., will perform "The Lion in Winter" Feb. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. $15. concordplayers.org, 978-269-2990, ext. 1.
Concord: The Concord Orchestra, Concord Band, and Concord Players will hold auditions for April concert performances of "HMS Pinafore": Jan. 27, 7 p.m., at 51 Walden St., and Feb. 3, 2 p.m., at Tri-Con Church, 54 Walden St. Principals and chorus needed. Chorus need not audition but must sign up. 978-369-7911.
Lowell: Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 East Merrimack St., Through Jan. 27: "2 Pianos, 4 Hands." Performances Wednesday through Sunday. $25-$55. merrimackrep.org, 978-654-4678.
Lowell: Lowell Performing Arts Series at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St. Feb. 7, "Chicago." March 6, "Blast." March 28, "Movin' Out." April 10, "The Producers." For full information, lowellauditorium.com, 978-454-2299.
Reading: The Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins St., will perform "Hide and Seek" Feb. 1-3, 8-10 and 15 and 16. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. $16-$18. qptheater.com, 781-942-2212.
Reading: Reading Memorial High School Drama Club will perform "The Grey Zone" Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the school at 62 Oakland St. $7-$10. 781-670-9234.
Stoneham: Stoneham Theatre, 395 Main St. Through Jan. 27: "Antoine Fevel." Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $20-$40. stonehamtheatre.org, 781-279-2200.
CHILDREN
Acton: The Discovery Museums at 177 Main St. Open daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Children's Museum, for toddlers and preschoolers; the Science Museum, for school-age children. $8 per museum, $12 for both. discoverymuseums.org, 978-264-4200.
Arlington: Regent Theater, 7 Medford St. Family Fun Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 26, Matt Roberts present "Now That's What I Call Magic!" $12, children $10. 781-643-4488.
Arlington: Magician Janine Rogers will perform Jan. 26, 11 a.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 300 Massachusetts Ave. $5; $15 for family of four. Proceeds benefit Thompson Elementary school. 781-648-4746.
Lexington: The Tanglewood Marionettes will perform "The Dragon King" Jan. 26, 1 and 3 p.m., at the National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road. $7. Sponsored by The Lexington Preschool. LPPTA.org, 781-274-1250.
Lowell: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St. "Sesame Street Live: Ready for Action." Jan. 24, 7 p.m.; Jan. 25, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m.; Jan. 27, 1 and 4:30 p.m. $14-$27. lowellauditorium.com, 978-454-2299.
HISTORICAL HOUSES
Harvard: The Harvard Historical Society, Still River Meeting House, 215 Still River Road, Jan. 27, 2-4 p.m., "Harvard 2007: A Photo History." Free. 978-456-8285.
Lexington: Programs of the Lexington Historical Society's Depot Square Building, 13 Depot Square: Jan. 25, 8 p.m., Forrest Church, author of "So Help Me God: The Founding Fathers and the First Great Battle Over Church and State." Free. lexingtonhistory.org,781-862-1703.
GALLERIES
Acton: Powers Gallery, 144 Great Road, through Feb. 17: "Explorations," oils by Suzanne Crocker. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free. powersgallery.com, 978-263-5105.
Acton: Acton Memorial Library at 486 Main St. Through February: "Hotscapes," paintings by Whitney Alexander Heavey. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 2-5 p.m. Free. 978-264-9641.
Acton: Acton Memorial Library at 486 Main St. is seeking entries for its 2008-2009 art exhibition schedule. Various media welcome. Submit five slides, 8-inch-by-10-inch photos, digital prints or jpeg 300dpi disks by March 1 to Arts Committee in care of the library, 01720. 978-264-9641.
Andover: Addison Gallery of American Art on the Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St. Through January: "Ipswich Days: Arthur Wesley Dow and His Hometown." Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free. addisongallery.org, 978-749-4015.
Belmont: At the Belmont Gallery of Art, 19 Moore St., third floor. Through Feb. 5, "Afghan Women: Giving Women a Voice," photographs by Paula Lerner and "Strange Rain: New Work by Kaetlyn Wilcox." Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Jan. 27, 1-4 p.m. Free. 617-484-5727.
Belmont: The Massachusetts Audubon Society Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Road. Through Jan. 31: Bird paintings by Jeffrey Ellse, Cary Rahmberg, and Jonathan Hutchins. Weekdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 617-489-5050.
Chelmsford: Chelmsford Public Library, 25 Boston Road. Through Jan. 31: Chelmsford Art Society's Members Art Show. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free. 978-256-5521.
Concord: Lacoste Gallery, 25 Main St., through Feb. 10: "Intimate and Universal Stories," works by Margaret Keelan and Dawn Southworth. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Thursday until 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Free. 978-369-0278.
Groton: Kalliroscope Gallery, 264 Main St. Feb. 3, 2-5 p.m., Valentine's Day sale of one-of-a kind art works. Proceeds from sales support a juried exhibition which funds grants to artists. artval.org.
Lawrence: Essex Art Center at 56 Island St. through Feb. 29: "Landscapes" by Nancy Grice, John Mulcahy, and Carmelo Polcano; "Evidence: Footprints, Driplines" by Joyce Audy Zarins. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 978-685-2343.
Lexington: Depot Square Gallery, 1837 Massachusetts Ave. Through Feb. 3: Improvisations in 2D and 3D. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Free. 781-863-1597.
Lowell: Brush Art Gallery and Studios, 256 Market St. On exhibit through March 2: "Historical Muse: Contemporary Artists Influenced by Traditional Chinese Painting." Reception Jan. 27, 3-4 p.m.; artists' talk, 1 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Free. thebrush.org, 978-459-7819. Medford: At Springstep, 98 George P. Hassett Drive. Through May 29: "Drawing in Space: Sculptures by Joe Wheaton." Weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. springstep.org, 781-395-0402.
Medford: Tufts University Art Galleries at Aidekman Arts Center, 40 Talbot Ave. Through March 30: "Ivan Navarro: No Man's Land" and "Branded and on Display." Curator's Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m. Guided tours of both exhibits Feb. 9, March 6, and March 30, 2 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, until 8 p.m. Free. 617-627-3518.
North Andover: At the Lehman Art Center at the Brooks School, 1160 Great Pond Road. Through Feb. 16: "Celebrating Cambodia," photography, ceramics, and paintings. Gallery talk Jan. 31, 7 p.m. Weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon; Sundays, 2:30-5 p.m. Free. brooksschool.org, 978-725-6232.
Pepperell: At the Lawrence Library, 15 Main St., through Feb. 9: "Heavy Heart," photographs by Lauren Ceike. Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. lawrencelibrary.org, 978-618-6048.
Winchester: At the Griffin Museum of Photography, 67 Shore Road. Jan. 24 through March 30: "The Portrait Collages" of Paula Gillen; "Running Through the Wind," photographs by Frank Rothe; and "Stephen Wilkes, Ellis Island: Ghosts of Freedom" by Steven Wilkes. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. $5; seniors $2; children younger than 12 and members free; free to all on Thursdays. griffinmuseum.org, 781-729-1158.
Winchester: At the Aberjona Nursing Center, 184 Swanton St. through Feb. 14: photographs by Belmont native Alexander Brelsfoard. Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 781-729-9370.
DANCE
Westford: Square and Contra dance Jan. 26, 8 p.m., at Parish Center for the Arts, Boston Road and Lincoln Street. Music by Oh, Contraire! Instruction at 7:30 p.m. $3-$5; family maximum, $12. 978-692-6333.
NATURE
Belmont: The Massachusetts Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Road, is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Trails, formal gardens, art gallery. $3-$4 for nonmembers; free admission to gallery. 617-489-5050.
North Andover: Coolidge-Stevens Place, 139 Andover St. Gardens and grounds are open year-round, 8 a.m.-sunset daily. Free. thetrustees.org.
Stoneham: Botume House Visitor Center, Middlesex Fells Reservation, 4 Woodland Road, offers hikes and programs for all ages on its 2,575 acres of scenic and recreational areas. Open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 781-662-5214.
LECTURES
Acton: Peter Skerry will discuss "Illegal Immigration: A Crisis, Not a Crime" Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m., at R.J. Grey Junior High School on Charter Road. $10; students free. 978-266-0148.
Andover: Frances Moore Lappe will discuss her books, "Diet for a Small Planet" and "Getting a Grip: Clarity, Creativity and Courage in a World Gone Mad" Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 6 Locke St. Free. 978-475-4640.
Andover: At Massachusetts School of Law, 500 Federal St. Jan. 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., panel discussions on the US Supreme Court with Peter Agnes, justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Court, Massachusetts School of Law dean Lawrence R. Valvel and journalist Jan Crawford Greenberg. Four hour-long sessions will be held, with book signing by Greenberg. Free. 978-681-0800.
Andover: Andover Memorial Library on Elm Square "Fish On!" Fishing movies at 6 p.m.; lectures at 7 p.m. Feb. 5, "For Big Trout Use a Ladder." Feb. 12, "Light Tackle Angling, Cape Ann." Feb. 19, "Big Water, Big Fish." Feb. 26, "Fishing the Elbow of Cape Cod." Free. 978-623-8401.
Billerica: Billerica Public Library, Jan. 31, 7 p.m., Michael Tougias will present a slide lecture on his book, "Fatal Forecast: An Incredible True Tale of Disaster and Survival at Sea." Free. 978-671-0949, ext. 4.
Concord: At the Concord Art Association, 37 Lexington Road Jan. 24, 7 p.m., Dan Ross will discuss "Building an Art Collection." $10; members free. 978-369-2578.
Concord: At the Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main St. Jan. 25, 7 p.m., poet Gerald Stern reads from his works. Free. 508-364-8119.
Harvard: At Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road. Jan. 27, 3-5 p.m., Harvey Green, author of "Grain of Truth" will discuss and sign copies of his book. Free. Feb. 9, 2-3:30 p.m., poetry reading and tea with Susan Edwards Richmond. $10-$15. 978-456-3924. 712
North Reading: At Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park St. Jan. 31, 7 p.m., Jay Atkinson, "City in Amber." Free. 978-664-4942.
Winchester: "Pakistan: A Glimpse into Its History and Culture," a panel discussion, will be presented Jan. 24, 7 p.m., at Jenks Senior Center, 109 Skillings Road. Free. 781-721-7171, ext. 18.
BENEFITS
Bedford: Bridge tournament to benefit Habitat for Humanity, Feb. 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 Great Road. $25 entry fee. 781-275-7281.
Lowell: Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities will host a Mardi Gras Ball Jan. 26, 8 p.m.-midnight, at the DoubleTree Hotel. Music by Fred Williams and The Fundraisers, Dixieland grand march. $60 per person; $100 per couple. 978-452-1421.
Lowell: Middlesex Community College Foundation will present "A Table for Two," a valentine's dinner for couples, Feb. 14, 6 p.m., at the John Nesmith House. Reservations required By Feb. 7. $145 per couple. 978-458-3722.
MUSEUMS
Concord-Lexington: Minute Man National Historical Park's North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St., Concord and Minute Man Visitor Center, Route 2A, Lexington, open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Both feature Revolutionary War exhibitions and artifacts. Grounds open daily, sunrise to sunset. Free. 978-369-6944.
Lawrence: Lawrence Heritage State Park, 1 Jackson St., and the Immigrant City Archives. Ongoing: "City of Workers," "Bread and Roses Strike," video and changing art, and historical exhibitions. Open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 978-794-1655.
Lexington: National Heritage Museum at 33 Marrett Road. On exhibit: "Raymond Loewy: Designs for a Consumer Culture." Also on exhibit: "Remember Me: Highlights from the National Heritage Museum," and "Sowing the Seeds of Liberty: Lexington and the American Revolution." Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Free. nationalheritagemuseum.org, 781-861-6559.
Lowell: Mogan Cultural Center, 40 French St. "Mill Girls and Immigrants" exhibition. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1:30-5 p.m. Free. 978-275-1826.
Lowell: Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St., open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Exhibits include National Streetcar Museum, Boston & Maine Railroad, and River Transformed. Boott Museum, 115 John St. (formerly 400 Foot of John St.), features weave room, interactive exhibitions about the Industrial Revolution, and Lowell history. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fees for some activities and programs. nps.gov/lowe; 978-970-5000; TDD 978-970-5002.
EXTRA
Lexington: Chinese New Year celebration Feb. 9, 6 p.m., at Minuteman Regional High School, 758 Marrett Road. Includes dinner and entertainment. $20; children 12 and younger, $10. No tickets will be sold at the door. 781-862-0390.
North Andover: "Jews, Christians and Muslims: Together in Prayer," music, prayer and talks, Jan. 24, 3:30 p.m. at Cascia Hall, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St. Free. 978-837-5428.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Nashua: On exhibit at the Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St., through February: watercolors and illustrations by Yong Chen. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free. nashualibrary.org, 603-589-4600.
Nashua: Fishing lecture at the Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St.: Jan. 24, 6 p.m., fly-tying demonstrations, videos with Trout Unlimited. 7 p.m., The Wildlife Refuges. Free. 603-589-4610.
Items may be sent, three weeks in advance, to Libbie Payne, Globe NorthWest, Box 55819, The Boston Globe, 135 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston 02205-5819, or to epayne@globe.com. Photographs and high-resolution jpegs are welcome.
