A comprehensive listing of galleries, plays, music, and other happenings in the area.
MUSIC
Acton: Acton Jazz Cafe at 452 Great Road. Open 6 p.m.-midnight Wednesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. Sundays. Music usually at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Sunday brunch, noon-3 p.m.; jazz, 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, Star Child and BJ Magoon blues jam. Cover $5-$15. actonjazzcafe.com, 978-263-6161.
Arlington: The Longwood Opera will perform "Broadway Meets Opera" May 4, 3 p.m., at Park Avenue Congregational Church, 50 Paul Revere Road. Reception follows. $8-$15. pacc-ucc.org, 781-643-8680.
Arlington: Cantilena will perform "A Little Evening Music" May 4, 7 p.m., at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 630 Massachusetts Ave. $10-$15; advance purchase $10. cantilena.org, 781-648-2456.
Arlington: The Arlington Belmont Chamber Chorus will perform Hindemith's "Six Chansons" and Veloso's "Executive Order" May 16, 8 p.m., at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 630 Massachusetts Ave. $5-$15. psarlington.org,
Ayer: J.P. O'Hanlon's Irish Pub, 9 Main St. May 10, Loose Tongues. May 17, North Shore Acapella. $7-$10. jpohanlons.com, 978-772-9282.
Carlisle: Organist Brian Jones will perform a concert of works by Bach, Saint-Saens, Schumann, and Widor May 2, 7:30 p.m., at the First Religious Society. Free. 978-369-9113.
Chelmsford: Spirit Fiddle will perform swing, waltzes, jigs, reels, and gypsy music May 17, 7 p.m., at All Saints Episcopal Church, 10 Billerica Road. $10-$12, 13 and younger free. Proceeds benefit the church's refugee immigration ministry. 978-256-5673.
Concord: Janis Ian will perform May 17, 8 p.m., at Emerson Umbrella Theater, 40 Stow St. $30; reception and concert $100. Proceeds benefit Animals as Intermediaries. aai-nature.org, 978-369-2585.
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. concordscolonialinn.com; 978-369-9200.
Concord: Recorders/Early Music MetroWest hosts choral and instrumental sessions at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm St. May 10, 9:30 a.m., Coaches Favorites, consort. Session fee: $12-$18, members free. recordersearlymusic.org, 978-264-0584.
Groton: Stage Coach Inn and Tavern, 128 Main St. Irish music every Wednesday, 8:30-11 p.m. Fridays, open mike with Skip Jackson. 978-448-5614.
Lexington: The Concord Chorus will perform Bach's "Abendlieder" and choral works of Mozart and Brahms May 10, 8 p.m., Cary Memorial Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave. $5-$20. concordchorus.org, 978-263-7404.
Lexington: Friday Noon Concerts at First Parish, 7 Harrington Road. May 2, Lycium Woodwind Quintet. May 9, Bradford Connor and friends perform Schubert. May 16, Art-Poem Music Project. May 23, Shaylor Lindsay and friends perform Bartok. May 30, Brass Works Chamber Music, Handel, Britten, Gabrielli. June 6, Esprit de Cors. June 13, Lexington Symphony Chamber Players, Thomas Oboe Lee premiere. June 30, American Guild of Organists. June 27, Minuteman Chamber Orchestra, Stravinsky, Joplin. July 4, The Battle Green Brass. July 11, Duo con Anima. July 18, Susan Craft and Thomas Dawkins, Poulenc, Messiaen. July 25, Benjamin Sears and Brad Connor. Free. fplex.org, 781-862-8200.
Lexington: The Master Singers will perform works by Bach and Schubert May 10, 8 p.m., at First Parish Church, 7 Harrington Road. $18-$22. themastersingers.com, 781-862-6459.
Lexington: Winsor Music Outreach Quartet and students will perform Haydn, Harbison, Mozart, and Vivaldi May 4, 2 p.m., at Follen Community Church, 755 Massachusetts Ave. $25, children free. Proceeds benefit Project Step, assisting music students of color for professional careers in the field. projectstep.org, 617-267-5777.
Lexington: Troyz Bras, Music and Dance of Brittanay will be performed May 31, 8 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 1580 Massachusetts Ave. $7-$18. musicforrobin.org, 781-862-7837.
Littleton: Indian Hill Music Center, 36 King St. May 3, 7 p.m., all-Schubert program. $15. May 11, 7 p.m., strong honors concert. Free. May 15, noon, soprano Nancy Leinonen Howells performs Debussy and Pioulenc. Free. May 16, 8 p.m., May 17, 2 and 8 p.m., "A Little Night Music." $15. Recommended for ages 12 and older. indianhillmusic.org, 978-486-0540.
Lowell: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St.: July 18 and 19, Melissa Etheridge. $35-$100. lowellauditorium.com, 978-454-2299.
North Andover: Crossroads Coffeehouse, Old Center Hall, 3 Great Pond Road. May 10, 8 p.m., Don White. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. $15. crossroads-coffeehouse.org,978-687-7948.
North Andover: The New England Classical Singers will perform "Sumer is icumin in" May 3, 7 p.m., at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St. $5-$15. newenglandclassical.org, 978-474-6090.
Reading: Reading Community Singers will perform a choral concert of spirituals, sea chanties, Ellington, Mozart, Beach Boys, and Broadway May 3, 7 p.m., at Parker Middle School, 45 Temple St. $10-$15. readingcommunitysingers.org.
Shirley: Concerts at Shirley Meeting House on the Common: May 4, 2 p.m., Stratus Ensemble performs "Spring is Coming, Spring, My Joy." May 10, 7 p.m., Ladies Night Out, music dance and stories. Free. shirleymeetinghouse.org, 978-425-2600, ext. 211.
Shirley: At the Bull Run Restaurant, Route 2A. At 8 p.m. April 25, Jody Williams and His All-Star Band. May 2, Kimberly and Country Dave. May 3, Coming Alive. May 9, Andrea Beaton. May 10, Rory Raven. May 16, Geoff Muldaur. May 17, Rust Never Sleeps. bullrunrestaurant.com, 978-425-4311.
Westford: Orchestra of Indian Hill spring pops concert May 4, 3 p.m., at Nashoba Valley Tech Performing Arts Center, 100 Littleton Road. $20-$46. 978-486-9524.
Winchester: Winchester Community Music School, 407 Highland Ave. May 5, 7:30 p.m., pianist Kari Johnson performs Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Ravel, and Albright. Free. winchestermusic.org, 781-821-2950.
THEATER
Acton: Voyagers Shakespeare Company will perform "A Midsummer Night's Dream" through May 4 at Voyagers Homeschool Coop, 530 Main St. Performances Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m., Sunday, 4 p.m. $10-$16, family maximum $30-$48. voyagersinc.org.
Acton: Theatre III, 250 Central St., will perform "Man of LaMancha" May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 at 8 p.m.; May 18, 2 p.m. $15-$18. theatreiii.org. 978-263-9070.
Lexington: The Lexington Players perform "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" May 18-20, 8 p.m., at Hancock United Church of Christ, 1912 Massachusetts Ave. $14-$18. lexingtonplayers.org. 781-862-2866.
Lowell: Performances by the Image Theater at the Old Court Tavern at Middle and Center streets: May 16, 17, 23 at 8 p.m., May 24 at 4 and 8 p.m.: "Tales from a Tavern." $19. imagetheater.com,978-441-0102.
Lowell: In celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, Christina Chan will perform her one-woman play, "Unbinding Our Lives," May 6, 4 p.m., at O'Leary Hall, Room 222, UMass Lowell South, 61 Wilder St. Free. 978-934-2209.
Lowell: Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 East Merrimack St. Through May 11: "The Four of Us." Performances Wednesday through Sunday. $26-$56. merrimackrep.org, 978-654-4678.
Lowell: Lowell Performing Arts Series at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St. May 1, 9:30 p.m., comedian Kathy Griffin. $39.50-$49.50. lowellauditorium.com, 978-454-2299.
Reading: The Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins St., will perform "True West" by Sam Shepard May 2-17, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. $16-$18. qptheater.com, 781-942-2212.
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: Girl Authority will perform May 9, 7 p.m., at Regent Theater, 7 Medford St. $11.50-$13.50. 781-646-4898.
Ayer: Three Rivers Youth Theatre will perform Disney's "High School Musical" May 3, 7 p.m., and May 4, 1:30 p.m., at Ayer High School, 140 Washington St. $5-$10. grotoncenterforthearts.org, 978-448-3001.
Concord: Concord Youth Theatre at Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts, 40 Stow St., will perform "Alice in Wonderland" May 10 and 17, 2 and 7 p.m., at the Thoreau School, 29 Prairie St. $9-$12. For ages 4 and older. $9-$12. concordyouththeatre.org, 978-371-1482, ext. 1.
Groton: Prescott School third- and fourth-grade students will perform "Tied to the Tracks" May 2, 7 p.m., and May 3, 4 p.m., at Groton-Dunstable Performing Arts Center, 344 Main St. $3-$5, younger than 2 free. 978-448-3998.
Lexington: Lexington Youth Summer Theatre will hold auditions for "Willy Wonka" May 11 and 12, 6-8 p.m., at Temple Emunah, 9 Piper Road. For students in grades 3-12. Prepare a song from a musical. 781-860-9791.
Lowell: The Discovery Series for Children presents puppeteer Jim West performing "Mozart, Monsters, and Matisse" May 4, 2 p.m., at Durgin Hall, 35 Wilder St., University of Massachusetts at Lowell. $12. 978-934-4444.
HISTORICAL HOUSES
Arlington: The 1740 Jason Russell House and Smith Museum, 7 Jason St., home of the Arlington Historical Society, are open for tours Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. $1-$3. arlingtonhistorical.org, 781-648-4300.
Bedford: The 1713 Job Lane Farm Museum, one of the oldest houses and barns in Bedford, is open for tours the second Sunday of the month, 2-4 p.m. $2; $5 per family. 781-275-8794.
Concord: Orchard House, 399 Lexington Road, home of the Louisa May Alcott family. May 24, 4:45 p.m., "Welcome to Our Home: A Living History Tour." $4-$12, family rate, $30. Tours with a patriotic theme offered throughout April. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. $9; seniors and students, $7; ages 6-17, $5; family rate, $25. louisamayalcott.org,
Concord: The Ralph Waldo Emerson House, 28 Cambridge Turnpike, home of the author from 1835 to 1882, opens for guided tours April 24. Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. $6-$8. 978-369-2236.
Concord: The Old Manse, 269 Monument St., home of the Emerson, Hawthorne, and Ripley families, is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays and holidays, noon-5 p.m. House admission: $5-$8; family rate, two adults and up to three children, $25. Trustees of Reservations members admitted free. oldmanse.org; 978-369-3909.
Lexington: Lexington Historical Society properties are open for the season. The Buckman Tavern on the Green is open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours on the half-hour. The Munroe Tavern, 1332 Massachusetts Ave., is open weekends, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., through June 15, then daily. Tours on the half-hour. The Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock St., is closed for restoration. One-house admission: $6; ages 6-16, $4; younger than 5, free. Two-house admission: $8; ages 6-16, $5. lexingtonhistory.org, 781-862-1703.
North Andover: The North Andover Historical Society, 53 Academy Road, features exhibitions on 19th-century New England, an archive, and library. May 7, 7 p.m., preservation specialists discuss North Shore restoration projects. $5-$7. Reservations through nahistory@juno.com. May 8, 7 p.m. "Speak Easy" forum on community preservation. May 21, 7:30 p.m., slide presentation on the 1740 Samuel Osgood House. $5; members free. The 1715 Parson Barnard House, 179 Osgood St., which also features period furniture and artifacts from 1715 to 1830, opens May 18: Sundays, 1-3 p.m. House admission: $5, seniors $3, age 16 and younger $2. Members free. 978-686-4035.
Reading: The Parker Tavern, 103 Washington St., the oldest house in Reading, is open Sundays, 2-5 p.m. May 10, 10 a.m-3 p.m. Colonial Faire Day. Free. parkertavern.org, 781-944-7240.
GALLERIES
Acton: Acton Memorial Library at 486 Main St. Through May: "Earth Works," paintings by Karma Shaath-Massoud. 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.
Andover: Addison Gallery of American Art on the Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St. through July 13: "Accommodating Nature: The Photographs of Frank Gohlke." Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free. addisongallery.org, 978-749-4015.
Arlington: Jam'n Java Cafe, 594 Massachusetts Ave. Through May 3: "Local Color: The Heavens and Earth," photographs and watercolors by Mary Lynn Cramer. Reception May 3, 2-6 p.m. Free. 781-648-1431.
Arlington: Arlington Center for the Arts, 41 Foster St. May 4-June 20: "Arlington: My Take Community Photographic Exhibit," photos by 44 citizen photographers. Reception May 4, 1-3 p.m. Free. acarts.org, 781-648-6220.
Arlington: 13FOREST Gallery, 167A Massachusetts Ave. through June 6: "Sharp Objects," metal sculpture, mosaics, and stained glass. Reception May 16, 7-9 p.m. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. 13forest.com, 781-641-3333.
Bedford: At the Bedford Public Library, 7 Mudge Way. Through May 15: Wildlife photography by Michael Milicia. Open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Free. bedfordlibrarygallery.org, 781-275-6765.
Belmont: The Massachusetts Audubon Society Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Road. Through June 2: "New Work" by Fay Lamson Hannon. Reception May 1, 6-8 p.m. Open weekdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. massaudubon.org, 617-489-5050.
Concord: At Concord Art Association, 37 Lexington Road. Through May 4: "New England Impressions II: Exploring the Woodcut." Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Free. concordart.org. 978-369-2578.
Concord: At Concord Library, 129 Main St. Through May 31: sculpture by Maggie Stern and pastels by Kay Hartung. Reception May 4, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free. 978-371-8782.
Groton: Owen Smith Schuman Gallery of the Groton Public Library, 99 Main St. Through June 14: "Botanical Inspirations," multimedia exhibit. Reception May 10, 12:30-2:30 p.m.; gallery talk 1 p.m. Open Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. gpl.org, 978-448-1167.
Lawrence: Essex Art Center at 56 Island St. May 9-June 20: "Symbols of Search" by Goodloe Suttler and "Ten Years of New Paint." Reception May 9, 5-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 978-685-2343.
Lexington: Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, 130 Waltham St. Artist Demonstration Series: May 13, 7:30 p.m., Caleb Stone, landscapes in oils. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free. 781-862-9696.
Lexington: Francesca Anderson Gallery, 56 Adams St. Through May 24: annual portrait show featuring works by 40 artists. May 4, noon, portrait painting demonstration by Jeff Martin. $10. Reservations required. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 2-6 p.m. Free. fafineart.com, 781-862-0060.
Lexington: Depot Square Gallery, 1837 Massachusetts Ave. Through May 25: "Earthtones," ceramics by Joan Carcia, landscapes by Carole Parrish. Reception May 4, 3-5 p.m. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Free. 781-863-1597.
Littleton: Gallery at Indian Hill Music Center, 36 King St. Through June: "Drawings from the Kitchen." Open weekdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 978-486-0540.
Lowell: Congressional Archives Exhibits highlighting chancellor Martin T. Meehan's congressional career will be on display through December at UMass-Lowell's Lydon Library, 84 University Ave., 978-934-3205, and O'Leary Library, 61 Wilder St., 978-934-4550. Both open Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-midnight; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-midnight. Free. 978-934-4808.
Lowell: At the 119 Gallery, 119 Chelmsford St. Through May 3: multiartist exhibition. Reception May 3, 3-6 p.m. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. 978-452-8138.
Lowell: The Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Ave. Through May 25, "Floral Studies: Photography, Pastels" by Thaddeus Miles and Roland Crosby. Reception May 3, 6-9 p.m. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Open studio day the first Saturday of each month. Free. 978-508-8740.
Lowell: Western Avenue Studios, 122 Western Avenue. May 3 and 4, noon-5 p.m. Spring Fling Art Extravaganza open studios. Free. 978-453-1992.
Lowell: University Galleries at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. McGauvran Student Center, 71 Wilder St. Through May 8: "Materia Oscura/Dark Matter," photographs of Africa and the Diaspora by Kerry Stuart Coppin. Open Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 978-934-3491.
Medford: At Springstep, 98 George P. Hassett Drive. Through May 29: "Drawing in Space: Sculptures by Joe Wheaton." Open 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 May 18: MFA Thesis Exhibition. May 8, 6 p.m., gallery talk with artists Yaron Dotan and Elizabeth LeDoux, Youngsun Lee, Hilary McBride, Sarah Williamson. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday until 8 p.m. Free. 617-627-3518.
Pepperell: At the Lawrence Library, 15 Main St., through May 30: photos of Pepperell conservation lands by Ken Hartlage. Free. 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. Through May 18: "Photosynthesis II," a collaboration between Boston Arts Academy and Winchester High School; "Convolutions," photographs by Georganne Mennin; "Salisbury," photographs by Marla Sweeney. Open 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 May 15: "Tranquility East," watercolors by Robyn Samiljan. Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 781-729-9370.
NATURE
Acton: Friends of the Acton Arboretum will host tours of Arboretum gardens: May 3, 10 a.m.-noon, wildflower gardens. June 14, 10 a.m.-noon, hosta, butterfly, and herb garden tour. $5 for one or both tours. Register at acton.ma.gov. Information at actonarboretum.org.
Arlington: The Arlington Garden Club will hold a plant sale May 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Jason Russell House, Massachusetts Avenue and Jason Street. Proceeds benefit civic planting projects. 781-646-6814.
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. May 18, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., herb plant sale. $3 each. Trails, formal gardens, art gallery. $3-$4 for nonmembers; free admission to gallery. 617-489-5050.
Concord: Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Road, will hold an asparagus festival May 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Includes trip to fields, luncheon, cooking tips. $25. Reservations required. verrillfarm.com, 978-369-4494.
Groton: Programs at the Nashua Watershed Association Resource Center, 592 Main St. May 7, 7 p.m., "The Role of Wilderness in Massachusetts Land Conservation." Free. 978-448-0299.
Lexington: The Lexington Field and Garden Club will hold a plant sale May 21, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., on the grounds of the National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road. Free. 781-862-1453.
North Andover: Coolidge-Stevens Place, 139 Andover St. May 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., plant sale. Gardens and grounds are open year-round, 8 a.m.-sunset daily. Free. thetrustees.org.
Stoneham: Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday and major holidays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $6-$10, ages 2 and younger free. stonezoo.org, 617-541-LION.
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.
Stoneham: The Stoneham Garden Club will hold a plant sale and lobster roll luncheon May 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at All Saints Episcopal Church, 79 Central St. Luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit club projects. 781-438-9529.
LECTURES
Belmont: Ken Gloss will discuss "Treasures in Your Attic: Old and Rare Books" May 7, 7 p.m., Belmont Public Library, 120 Crestview Road. Free. 800-447-9595.
Concord: Readings at the Poetry Center at Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts, 40 Stow St. May 18, 3 p.m., Afaa Michael Weaver, Bob Clawson, and Caroline Hunter. $3-$6. concordpoetry.org,
Concord: E.L. Doctorow will discuss and sign copies of his books May 20, 7:30 p.m., at Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden St. $5-$15. Proceeds benefit the Walden Woods project. Reservations recommended. 781-259-4707.
Lexington: Spring Lecture Series at National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road. May 10, Gretchen Murphy, "The Monroe Doctrine and the Geography of the United States." May 17, 2 p.m., Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman, "Flying to the Aid of Humanity: Hope and Reality in JFK's Peace Corps." June 5, 7 p.m., Crocker Snow Jr., "Speak Softly and Carry a Soft Stick." Free. 781-861-6559.
Lexington: Christie Higgenbottom will discuss "The Family Nurse: Home Medical Care in the Early 19th Century," May 14, 10 a.m., at the National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road. Free. Sponsored by the Lexington Field and Garden Club. 781-862-1453.
Lowell: Jay Leno will speak at the 10th anniversary of the Middlesex Community College
North Reading: At Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park St. May 20, 7 p.m., John Veneziano, "Numbelieveable: The Dramatic Stories Behind the Most Memorable Numbers in Sports History." Free. 978-664-4942.
Pepperell Lawrence Library, 15 Main St. May 8, 7 p.m. "Tea and Chocolate," information and tastings. Free, but registration required through lawrencelibrary.org or 978-433-0330.
Reading: Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave. May 27, 7:30 p.m., John Galluzzo, "Lighthouses Far and Near." Free. 781-944-0840.
Winchester: Readings and book signings at Book Ends, 559 Main St. May 3, 1-3 p.m., Niles Unger, "Magnifico: The Brilliant Life and Violent Times of Lorenzo de Medici." May 10, 2 p.m., children's author Matt Tavares, "Lady Liberty." Free. 781-721-5933.
BENEFITS
Arlington: "The Ding Ho Reunion," a benefit for comedian Bob Lazarus, will be held May 4, 7 p.m., at Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St. Stars Lenny Clarke, Steven Wright, Barry Crimmins, Steve Sweeney, Jimmy Tingle, and others. $40-$55. regenttheatre.com, 617-694-6612.
Lawrence: "Hair of the Dog," a wine tasting and art show to benefit the Methuen MSPCA, will be held May 2, 6-9 p.m., at Essex Art Center, 56 Island St. $25, $20 in advance. No pets. mspca.org/nevinsfarm.
Lexington: The Friends of Cary Memorial Library will hold a book sale May 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and May 4, 1-4 p.m., at the library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave. 781-862-2023.
Medford: Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge, Charlie Thomas and the Drifters, and comedian Paul DeAngelo will perform a "Blast from the Past to Support Our Future" May 2, 7 p.m., at Chevalier Theater, 30 Forest St. $30-$50. Proceeds benefit Medford Vocational-Technical High School. 781-760-5038.
North Andover: Book sale at Stevens Memorial Library, 345 Main St. May 2, 4-7 p.m. May 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., May 4, noon-3 p.m. ($3 per bag day). 978-686-1557.
North Andover: Performing artist Michael Israel will create huge portraits on stage May 9, 8 p.m., at Roger center for the Arts at Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St. $25. proceeds benefit Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley Inc. 800-892-0890.
MUSEUMS
Billerica: Middlesex Canal Museum, 71 Faulkner St., featuring exhibits about the 27-mile canal and narrow-gauge railroad, is open Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Free. 978-667-2316.
Concord-Lexington: Minute Man National Historical Park's North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St., Concord, and Minute Man Visitor Center, Route 2A, Lexington, are open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Both feature Revolutionary War exhibits and artifacts. Grounds open daily, sunrise to sunset. Free. 978-369-6944.
Concord: Concord Museum at Lexington Road and Cambridge Turnpike. Through May 18: "American Style: Russell Kettell's Pine Furniture." May 11, 1 -3 and 2-4 p.m., Mother's Day Tea and Tour. $15-$20. Reservations required. Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. $5-$10. concordmuseum.org. 978-369-9609.
Harvard: Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road. May 4: 1 p.m., opening of museum for the season and a new exhibit "Branching Out." 2 p.m., "Encountering the Land," slide show with Tom Wessels. 3 p.m., Wessels book signing. Through May 11: "More for Bird Lovers," art from Mass. Audubon's collections. Parking $5; members free. fruitlands.org; 978-456-3924.
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. May 9, 7-9 p.m., Stuart Whitehurst of Skinner Inc. will appraise 50 items. One item per person; unlimited number may attend. To register item, call 781-457-4156. $5-$7. On exhibit: "The Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts: Celebrating 275 Years of Brotherhood." "Remember Me: Highlights from the National Heritage Museum," May 18-Feb. 8, 2009: "Keepers of Tradition: Art and Folk Heritage in Massachusetts" and "Sowing the Seeds of Liberty: Lexington and the American Revolution." Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Free. nationalheritagemuseum.org. 781-861-6559.
Lowell: American Textile History Museum, 491 Dutton St. The museum's exhibition halls are closed for renovation; the collections department and library are open by appointment. Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $3-$4. athm.org, 978-441-0400.
Lowell: The New England Quilt Museum at 18 Shattuck St. On exhibit through June 15: "The Whole Story: Wholecloth Quilts Made by Hand and Machine." May 3, 1 p.m., "Stitched Mono-prints," lecture and book signing with Jeanne Williamson. May 10, 1 p.m., "Quilty Conscience: The Impact of Patchwork on Aesthetics Worldwide," lecture and reception with Laura Fisher. $10-$15. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. $4-$5. nequiltmuseum.org, 978-452-4207.
Lowell: Revolving Museum, 22 Shattuck St. Through Dec. 31: "Toys and Games: More Than Amusement." Opening May 1: 7-9 p.m., opening reception for Artbotics Program interactive paparazzi-esque exhibit. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 978-937-2787.
Lowell: Mogan Cultural Center, 40 French St. "Mill Girls and Immigrants" exhibition. Open 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., is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibits include National Streetcar Museum, Boston & Maine Railroad, and River Transformed. Walking tours are offered daily at 2:30 p.m., Boott Museum, 115 John St. (formerly 400 Foot of John St.), features weave room, interactive exhibitions about the Industrial Revolution, and Lowell history; open daily 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fees for some activities and programs. nps.gov/lowe, 978-970-5000; TDD 978-970-5002.
EXTRA
Andover: Crafts in the Park, May 10 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Chestnut and Bartlet streets. 100 local and regional crafters and food vendors. Rain date: May 11 at Andover High School field house on Shawsheen Road. 978-475-0668.
Bedford: The "Move Experts," realtors, auctioneers, appraisers, house cleaners, and movers, will discuss the ins and outs of moving May 5, 10:30 a.m., at Bedford Council on Aging, 12 Mudge Way. $3 lunch may be reserved by calling 781-275-8542.
Belmont: The documentary film "For the Bible Tells Me So," about homosexuality and the scriptures, will be shown May 14, 7 p.m., at Belmont High School, 221 Concord Ave. Free. 617-489-5082.
Dracut: Dick Doherty's Beantown Comedy Pro Tour at Lo Kai Restaurant, 1155 Riverview Ave. Shows at 9 p.m. May 2, Joey DeVito, Corey Rodrigues, Maggie MacDonald. $20, $15 in advance. 800-401-2221.
Lowell: Medium and clairvoyant Lisa Williams will appear at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St., May 8, 8 p.m. $38.50-$68.50. 978-454-2299.
North Andover: "The Courage to Remember: the Holocaust, 1933-1945," a traveling exhibit from the Simon Wiesenthal Center, will be on display May 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Sakowich Center, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St.; Free. 978-837-5428.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Brookline: Brookline Public Library book and bake sale May 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Kilduff-Wirtanen Legion Hall, 38 Main St. Buck-a-bag, 3-4 p.m. 603-673-1417.
Derry: Kids Coop Theatre will perform "Willy Wonka Jr." May 9-17 (Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m.) at Adams Memorial Opera House, 29 West Broadway. kids-coop-theatre.org, 603-437-0505.
Hollis: Beaver Brook at Maple Hill Farm, 117 Ridge Road. The farm offers nature hikes, workshops, and classes. beaverbrook.org, 603-465-7787.
Milford: Exhibits at the New Hampshire Antique Co-Op, 323 Elm St. Through June 30: "Antique Bridal Collection" and works by Prism Painters. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 603-673-8499.
Nashua: At Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St. May 22, 7 p.m., transplant surgeon Pauline W. Chen will discuss her book "Final Exam: A Surgeon's Reflections on Mortality." Free. 603-589-4610.
Nashua: The Peacock Players will perform "Peter Pan" May 9-18, Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. at Court Street Theater, 14 Court St. 10-$17. peacockplayers.org,603-886-7000.
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.
