Comprehensive listings for galleries, plays, music, and other happenings in the area.
CONCERTS
Braintree: Benefit concert, First Congregational Church, 12 Elm St. May 31, 7 p.m. The inaugural "Young Musicians Concert" features soprano Martha Labelle Banks performing operatic selections from Mendelssohn, Strauss, Puccini, and Poulenc, and contemporary pieces by Gershwin, Hayes, and King, accompanied by pianist William Merrill. In addition, Breanna Hewson, 14, will sing a solo. Donations will benefit AIMS scholarship fund and to help support the cost of Labelle's summer study abroad. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 781-843-3616.
Cohasset: South Shore Music Circus, 130 Sohier St. Tickets on sale for the 2008 Eastern Bank Summer Concert Series. Box office open noon-6 p.m. daily. All shows 8 p.m., except where noted. June 13, Boz Scaggs, $42.25-$57.25. June 21, Blondie, $37.75-$52.75. June 22, 7:30 p.m., Little Feat and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, $32.75-$47.75. June 27, Lyle Lovett, $45.25-$60.25. July 2, RAIN-The Beatles Experience, $35.25-$50.25. July 5, John McDermott, $31.75. July 11, comedian Brad Garrett, $39-$54. July 18, comedian Frank Caliendo, $50-$65. July 19, Linda Eder and Steve Tyrell, $39.25-$54.25. July 23, Michael McDonald, $42.75-$57.75. July 25, ABBA, $33.75-$48.75. July 26, WWE Summer Slam Tour, $32.75-$47.75. Aug. 1, B.B. King, $54.25-$69.25. Aug. 2, Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, $62.75-$90. Aug. 9, Kenny Rogers, $48.75-$63.75. Aug. 10, Hootie and the Blowfish Homegrown Concert, $48.25-$63.25. Aug. 13, The Saw Doctors, $35.25. Aug. 14, comedian Jeff Dunham, $47-$62. Aug. 16, Tony Bennett, $67.25-$82.25. Aug. 21, Sugarland/SOLD OUT. Aug. 22, Gretchen Wilson, $57.75-$72.75. Aug. 23, The Beach Boys, $44.25-$59.25. Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m., comedian Brian Regan, $43-$58. Aug. 28, Chris Isaak, $42.25-$57.25. Aug. 29, comedian Artie Lange, $59-$74. Aug. 30, Vince Gill, $42.75-$57.75. Sept. 1, An Evening With Garrison Keillor: "A Prairie Home Companion, The Rhubarb Tour," $51.25-$66.25. Children's shows: June 28, 5 p.m. Kidz Bop Live, $25. July 10, 10:30 a.m. Russian American Kids Circus, $14.50. Kaleidoscope Children's Theatre Productions; Thursdays 10:30 a.m. (all shows $8): July 17, Snow White. July 24, Jack and the Beanstalk. July 31, Cinderella. Aug. 7, Rapunzel. Aug. 14, Cinderella, Too! Aug. 21, Rumpelstilskin. Aug. 28, Hansel and Gretel. 781-383-9850, themusiccircus.org.
Mansfield: Tweeter Center, 885 South Main St. May 31, JAM'N 94.5 Summer Jam. June 1, WBCN River Rave with Stone Temple Pilots, Everlast, Pennywise, Filter, and others. June 4, Eric Clapton with Robert Randolph and the Family Band. June 7, R.E.M. with Modest Mouse and the National. June 14, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Steve Winwood. June 15, Rush "Snakes and Arrows Tour." June 20, Iron Maiden. June 22, Stevie Wonder. June 24, Dave Matthews Band with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. June 25, Dave Matthews Band with Michael Franti and Spearhead. June 28 and 30, Pearl Jam with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. July 12, John Mayer with Brett Dennen. July 16, Projekt Revolution Tour with Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, The Bravery, Ashes Divide. July 18, 311 with Snoop Dogg and Fiction Plane. July 19, Steve Miller Band with guest Joe Cocker. July 23, Vans Warped Tour. July 30, Sheryl Crowe, James Blunt, and Toots and the Maytals. July 31, The Police with guest Elvis Costello and The Imposters. Ticket prices vary. 617-931-2000, tweetercenter.com.
Norton: EPOCH Senior Assisted Living, 184 Mansfield Ave. May 23, at 2 p.m. Broadway show tune and sing-along vocalist Meredith Arico will perform. May 28, 2:30 p.m. Vocalist Jackie Brown will lead a sing-along performance of favorite tunes from various genres. Free. 508-285-7745.
NIGHTLIFE
Bridgewater: Castaways Bar and Grille, 425 Bedford St. Thursdays, 9-11 p.m., karaoke. Fridays, live bands, and DJ plays between sets. Cover varies. 508-697-4800.
Canton: Irish Cultural Centre, 200 New Boston Drive. Weekly events include Friday night traditional music with fiddler Aidan Maher and a Saturday music session led by singer-songwriter Sean Kane, 8-11 p.m. Both in the pub on the ground floor. Free. 781-821-8291, irishculture.org.
Cedarville: British Beer Company, 2294 State Road. Live music Thursday-Saturday. No cover. 508-888-9756, britishbeer.com.
Halifax: All Seasons Cafe, 327 Plymouth St. (Route 106). Live music Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m. Cover varies. 781-293-4135.
Hanson: Damien's, 279 Spring St. Live bands Thursdays, 8:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m. No cover. 781-447-6556.
Hanover: Kiskadee Coffee, 53 Merchants Row. Open mike night every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Free. 781-354-0419.
Hingham: Asian C, 48 Whiting St. Live entertainment Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. Karaoke on Saturdays. 6-8 p.m. Free food and wine tasting, reservations required. 781-740-0688.
Lakeville: Coffeehouse concerts, Somethin's Brewin' Book Cafe, 241 Main St. Entertainment every Friday, 7-9 p.m. 508-946-5055, somethinsbrewin.com.
Marshfield: Venus II, Brant Rock, 277 Ocean St. Live music Friday and Saturday. No cover. 781-837-6368.
Norwell: Mount Blue restaurant, Route 123. Live music Thursday-Saturday, 9 p.m.-midnight. May 22, Rachel Parsons. May 23, The Vibe. May 24, Johnny Vance. May 29, Matt Chase. May 30, The Dan Byrnes Trio. May 31, Forgetful Jones. No cover. 781-659-0050, mountblue.com.
Plymouth: The Vine, 18 Main St. Extension, under Cafe Strega. Sundays, 6-10 p.m., live bands. Closed Mondays. Tuesday-Sunday, 4 p.m.; Wednesdays, wine tastings, 6-8 p.m., $15, includes appetizers. Open mike Thursdays, 8 p.m. Music Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.-midnight. No cover. 508-830-1942, thevineplymouth.com.
Plymouth: Run o' the Mill, 6 Spring Lane. Traditional Irish sessions Saturdays, 5:30-9 p.m., featuring chanteys, rebel songs, jigs, hornpipes, and sing-alongs. No cover. 508-830-1262.
Plymouth: Kiskadee Coffee, 18 Main St. Open mike every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Free. 508-830-1410.
Plymouth: Pub at Radisson Hotel, 180 Water St. Entertainment Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. May 23 and 24, 8:30 p.m. Double Trouble featuring Ruth Debrot and Fred Lungo, perform Top 40 and other music. No cover. 508-591-5036, harborgrille.org.
Quincy: Beachcomber, 797 Wollaston Beach Blvd. Sundays, 2 p.m.-1 a.m., Erin's Melody, Inchicore; 9 p.m., original '80s dance party. Every Wednesday, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Showstopper's Karaoke, free pizza, 10 p.m.-midnight. Cover varies. 617-479-8989, beachcomberquincy.com.
Quincy: Cagney's, 214 Washington St. Sundays, 8 p.m., karaoke with Paul B. Thursdays, 7 p.m., Stump: Team Trivia Game Night. No cover. 617-847-3940.
Quincy: Cathay Pacific, 111 Hancock St. Sundays, 8-9 p.m. The New Blue Revue with Satch Romano, the HouseRockers, and Cheryl Aruda. No cover. 617-328-1115.
Quincy: The Holy Ground, 600 Hancock St. Thursdays at 9 p.m., Blues Club house night hosted by Joe Hajjar. Mondays, 9 p.m., dinner blues jam, hosted by Joe Hajjar and the Stubbies. Every Friday, 5-7 p.m., Sparkles the Clown. Cover varies. 617-773-4334, yardrock.com.
Quincy: Kilroy's Cafe, 132 East Howard St. Thursdays at 9 p.m., blues open mike. Bands Friday-Saturday, 9 p.m., and Sunday, 8:30-11:30 p.m. First Friday of the month, open mike blues jam, no cover. 617-773-2660.
Quincy: Bad Abbots, 1546 Rear Hancock St. Live music Fridays and Saturdays. No cover. 617-774-1434, badabbots.com.
Quincy: Club 58, 58 Ross Way. Live music and DJs Friday and Saturday. Cover varies. 21 and over. 617-471-7788, club58.com.
Quincy: My House, 609 Washington St. Jazz every Wednesday, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 617-201-2918.
Quincy: Skyline Club Upstairs, Skyline Bar and Grille, 305 Victory Road, Marina Bay. Sunday night blues, 9 p.m.-midnight. 617-471-1453, skylinemarinabay.com.
Rockland: R&R Tavern, 354 Liberty St. Live music Thursday-Saturday, 9:30 p.m. No cover. 781-792-2446.
Stoughton: Cabaret dinner theater, Starline Room Dinner Theatre, 49 Monk St. May 31, and June 7, 14, 21, and 28, 7 p.m. Forever Broadway musicals of "Phantom of the Opera," "Les Miserables," and "Baby." $10 show charge with dinner purchase. 781-297-7469, starlineroom.com.
Walpole: British Beer Company, 85 Providence Highway. Live music Thursday-Saturday. No cover. 508-668-9909, britishbeer.com.
Wareham: Onset Bay Blues Cafe, 2 West Central Ave. Live bands Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 8:30 p.m., country and western music. Sundays, 7-11 p.m., blues jams with house instruments available, including a drum kit, guitars, harmonica mike, keyboards, and a Hammond H112. 508-291-2471, onsetbaybluescafe.com.
Weymouth: Next Page Blues Cafe, 550 Broad St. All shows 9:15 p.m. Wednesdays, 8-11 p.m., karaoke night with Miss Beverly D. Thursdays 9 p.m. May 22, Satch's New Blue Revue-Blues Jam. May 23, Greg MacKenzie and Greenbacks. No cover. 781-878-8767, 781-335-9796, nextpagecafe.com.
Weymouth: Hajjar's Bar and Grille, 969 Washington St. Entertainment daily, except Monday, 9 p.m.-12:45 a.m., in front lounge. Sundays, live blues band and open jams. Tuesdays, Team Trivia competitions. Wednesdays, DJ Suzie Cue. Thursdays, Memphis Rockabilly Band. Fridays and Saturdays, feature bands. No cover. 781-340-1870, hajjars.net.
DANCE
Abington: Saturday night dances, Veterans of Foreign Wars post, 500 Gliniewicz Way. Saturdays at 6:30 p.m., live music for dancing provided by the Corvairs. Light refreshments served, door prizes. $10. 781-878-3170.
Dedham: Ballroom and country dancing, Moseley's on the Charles, 50 Bridge St. Wednesdays, ballroom dancing with live music; dance lessons, 7-8 p.m.; and live music for dancing, 8-11 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. 781-326-3075, 781-925-1170, moseleysonthecharles.com.
FAMILY FARE
Duxbury: Opening of the Bay, Duxbury Bay Maritime School, Washington Street. May 23-24. The 11th annual event features a dockside reception on the town pier May 23, 6:30-11:30 p.m. and includes a tour of the Tall Ship Friendship, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, dancing and silent auction. $60, reservations required. May 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Family Day features tours of the Tall Ship, food, live entertainment, craft tent, vendors, ecology exhibits, and tugboat rides. Free. 781-934-7555, duxbayms.com.
Easton: Children's Museum at the Old Fire Station, 9 Sullivan Ave. Thursdays 10:15 a.m., drop-in activities. Ages 10 and younger participate in play areas such as storybook cottage, post office, SS Rosemarie, camping exhibit, clinic, and workshops. Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. $6, younger than 1 free. 508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston.org.
Mansfield: Black Doll Collectors Convention, Mansfield Holiday Inn, 31 Hampshire St. May 30-June 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The convention features a collection of more than 5,000 dolls, a marketplace of doll-related vendors, courses on African wrap dolls and doll wigs, seminars on developing self-esteem to developing cultural learning tools. A panel discussion on the need for more multiracial dolls to encourage growth in child self-esteem featuring the Rev. Diane Johnson; Salome Yilma, cofounder of EthiDolls (ethidolls.com); Barbara Whitman, executive director of the Philadelphia Doll Museum; and Georgette Taylor, cofounder of Big Beautiful Dolls. Proceeds will support development of the Doll E. Daze Project and Museum in Mansfield. $10, $5. 508-339-2200, blackdollcollectors.com.
Marshfield: Pow-Wow, Marshfield fairgrounds, 140 Main St., Route 3A. May 24 and 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness annual "Spring Planting Moon Pow-Wow and Arts and Crafts Festival." The powwow will feature the Wolf Cry Singers; dance demonstrations; intertribal dancing; craft making, educational presentations and visits inside a wickiup and a tipi; storytelling, resource and membership tables, arts, crafts and Native food for sale: Buffalo Indian tacos, fried clams, scallops, and more. $5, $4, seniors, $2, children, 3 and under, free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. 617-642-1683, mcnaa@aol.com.
Marshfield: Festival of the Arts, Old Main and Pleasant streets. May 26 and 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 31st annual North River Arts Society festival features works by more than 200 artists, craftspeople, and performers. Events include juried art and sculpture exhibit, Art Sale-in-the-Barn, juried photography exhibit, artisan's sale, feature barn, silent auction, food tent, children's activities, young artists' exhibit, and a full live entertainment schedule. Free. A gala reception opens the festival, May 25, 7 p.m., with an awards presentation for juried photography and art and sculpture inside the G.A.R. Hall, 157 Old Main St. 781-837-8091, northriverarts.org.
LECTURES AND READINGS
Duxbury: Music Education talk, Duxbury High School, Alden Street. May 28, 7:30 p.m. Duxbury Music Promoters present a forum for students and parents on how to apply to colleges as a music major, the college application process, audition pieces, writing a music resume, and organizing an itemized repertoire. Representatives from the South Shore Music Conservatory and College music major students will share their recent experiences. Free. 781-934-6492.
Norton: EPOCH Senior Assisted Living, 184 Mansfield Ave. May 29, 2:30 p.m. Rabbi Carol Mitchell will present "Strong Women in the Bible," a presentation that focuses on 10 strong women who influenced our culture, values, and existence. Free. 508-285-7745.
Sharon: Community forum, Sharon Community Center, 90 South Main St. May 22, 7:30 p.m. "One Town Many Conversations," forum featuring Janet Penn of Interfaith Action Inc. and Rabbi Meir Sendor of Young Israel of Sharon. They will present "Sharing Spiritual Wisdom: Love and Forgiveness," and share their recent experiences meeting with the Dalai Lama, Baba Ji Mohinder Singh, Prince Hassan of Jordan, and other top political and faith leaders spanning the religious spectrum. The forum includes a slide presentation on Rabbi Sendor's recent trip to India for a Conference of World Religious Leaders and Penn's recent trip to Jordan and Egypt to meet with religious and political leaders. Free. 781-784-1500.
Stoughton: Photographic travel series, Stoughton Public Library, 84 Park St. At 7:30 p.m. June 5, "The Four Corners: The American Southwest." Free. 781-344-2711.
FILMS
Marshfield: Documentary, Congregation Shirat Hayam, 185 Plain St. May 31, 7 p.m. The film, "Hineini," a documentary about a teenage lesbian's attempt to establish a gay, lesbian, and straight alliance at Gann Academy, a Jewish religious day school in Waltham. Free. 781-582-2700, shirathayam.net.
Quincy: Documentary, Thomas Crane Public, 40 Washington St. May 22, 7 p.m. "Turning Point: The Making of Dance of the Midnight Moon," screening of documentary video that follows Plymouth musician Michael Duggan's journey from the early stages of a song's development to the completion of the finished piece, with accompanying music video. Quincy Access Television's Mark Crosby and Duggan will introduce the video and share their experiences after the screening. Free. 617-376-1301, thomascranelibrary.org.
THEATER
Mansfield: "Broadway Bound," Black Box Theater, 30 Crocker St. May 23 and 24, 8 p.m., and May 25, 2 p.m. Mansfield Music and Arts Society presents the Neil Simon musical. $18-$20. 508-339-2822, mmas.org.
Marion: "Annie," Marion Art Center, 80 Pleasant St. June 13 and 14, 7 p.m., and June 15, 3 p.m. The musical by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. Directed by Wendy Bidstrup and Nancy Sparklin. $12.50. 508-748-1266, marionartcenter.org.
Norwell: "Emma and the Lost Unicorn," Dreamchasers Inc. Theatre Arts, Norwell Grange Hall, 142 Main St. June 12, 4 p.m.; June 13, 7 p.m.; and June 14, 2 and 7 p.m. $10, $8 seniors. Premiere of the play about magic and fairies by Trisha Sugarek. 508-224-4548.
BENEFITS
Abington: Sage benefit, Veterans of Foreign Wars post, 500 Gliniewicz Way. May 31, 7:30 p.m.-midnight. Event features light refreshments, music, raffles, and both silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit the Kathryn and Henry Sage trust for young Abington family of five who lost their father in February 2008. $25. 781-878-8926, 781-447-6036, or 617-201-5800, myspace.com/sage_benefit.
Mansfield: Flamingo treatment, Mansfield Elm Tree Academy, 510 Elm St. Through May, $10 will buy an opportunity to blanket an unsuspecting resident's Mansfield home with a lawn full of pink flamingos, which comes with a "You've Been Flamingoed" sign for 48 hours. Fund-raiser for new garden and sandbox at the preschool playground. 508-339-2030.
Plympton: Relay for Life, Plymouth South High School, Longmeadow Road. June 20 and 21. An all-night event and fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society. 508-269-2247, imgoodnu@hotmail.com.
ON THE WATER
Plymouth: Mayflower II, Water Street downtown, open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dockside exhibit at Plymouth State Pier features the history of Mayflower II from conception to construction to trans-Atlantic voyage. Profiles the men, women, and kitten that sailed to Plymouth in 1957. Also, a 17th-century Wampanoag customs booth where visitors explain the reason for their visit, declare valuables, and find out whether they are permitted to stay in the New World. 508-746-1622, plimoth.org.
Regional: The Office of Coastal Zone Management has produced a free guidebook that features nearly 400 destinations for day trips and coastal activities. The Massachusetts Coast Guide to Boston and the North Shore has 83 pages of information about sites from Hingham to Salisbury. Online version, mass.gov/czm/coastguide. To request a copy of the guide, write to Office of Coastal Zone Management, 251 Causeway St., Suite 800, Boston 02114, e-mail czm@state.ma.us, or call 617-626-1212.
NATURE
Trustees of Reservations:
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Reservation at Route 128 and Route 138 in Canton has 90 acres with 3 miles of trails. Daily 8 a.m.-dusk; free. Visual Arts Center at 963 Washington St. (Route 138) offers exhibitions, classes, and tours. The 20t- century estate features a country home, farm buildings, manicured lawns, and a walled garden. Once a farm known as Cherry Hill, Arthur Tracey Cabot hired architect Charles Platt to design a complex of buildings, gardens, and open fields. Tours: May 27, 31, June 3 and 10, 9:30 a.m. Free, but must preregister, 781-821-8853.
Signal Hill, University Road in Canton. Property has 150 acres of walking trails, open meadows, access to the Neponset River for canoeing and kayaking. Dogs welcome on leashes. 781-784-0567, ext. 7000.
Whitney Thayer Woods on Route 3A in Cohasset and Hingham has 824 acres with 10 miles of trails; free; 10 a.m.-dusk daily.
World's End Reservation on Martins Lane in Hingham. Horseback riding permits available; 4 miles of trails. Daily 10 a.m.-dusk; $4.50; younger than 2 free.
Weir River Farm on Turkey Hill Lane in Hingham features 75 acres with 1 1/2 miles of hiking trails; free. Daily 8 a.m.-sunset.
Two Mile Reservation on Union Street in Marshfield features easy hiking trails to the North River. Sunrise to sunset; free.
Albert F. Norris Reservation features 129 acres with 2 miles of trails on Dover and West streets in Norwell. Wooded upland and salt marsh with trails along North River. Daily, 10 a.m.-dusk; free.
The Holmes Reservation on Court Street in Plymouth features 26 acres of open fields with views of Duxbury Harbor and Plymouth Beach. 781-837-9400. Daily, sunrise to sunset.
Bridgewater: Observatory, Bridgewater State College Observatory, Summer Street. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., through August and weather permitting. Adults and children 6 and older welcome. Free. Call ahead for weather-related cancellations, 508-531-3275, bridgew.edu/observatory.
Easton: Borderland State Park on Massapoag Avenue. The 1,570-acre property has six ponds and four trails, former home of Oakes and Blanche Ames. $3, free for 12 and younger. 508-238-6566.
Easton: Natural Resource Trust Easton Sheep Pasture, 307 Main St. Features 150 acres of farm and wildlife areas with 6 miles of hiking trails, farm animals, picnic areas, community gardens, and programs throughout the year. Every other Saturday at 10 a.m., "Sheep Thrills Fiber Circle," welcomes new members to join group of knitters, crocheters, and spinners. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Outdoor Adventures Preschool Classes: May 27, and June 3, 10, 17. Each week children and a preschool naturalist discuss a nature-related theme, take hikes, and may also read stories, do crafts, and activities for ages 3 1/2-5 years old. Drop-ins allowed, space permitting. $30 for three weeks; $40 for four weeks. NRT Farmers Market, May through October, Tuesdays, 2-6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., is held in front of the blue barn on Main Street across the street from the NRT 261R Main St. entrance. Free. Open dawn to dusk. 508-238-6049, nrtofeaston.org.
Freetown: State forest, Slab Bridge Road. Near the main entrance is a day-use area, with picnic area, wading pool, fields, and restrooms. The remainder of the forest consists of 50 miles of unpaved roads and trails. Horseback riders, mountain bikers, and seasonal motorcycle and snowmobile users are welcome, as are hunters and anglers in season. Rattlesnake Brook, which meanders through much of the property, is stocked with brook trout each spring. Profile Rock, a 50-foot outcropping, shows a profile of what the Wampanoags believe to be Chief Massasoit. The 5,441-acre forest also includes the 227-acre Watuppa Reservation, which belongs to the Wampanoag Nation, and is the site of annual tribal meetings. 508-644-5522, mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/free.htm.
Hingham: Wompatuck State Park, Union Street, Route 228. The 3,526-acre park offers 262 wooded campsites, 12 miles of paved bicycle trails, and miles of wooded bridle paths and hiking trails. The park is popular with trailer campers: electrical and water hookups are available. Fishing is allowed in the Cohasset Reservoir. A boat ramp is provided for car-top boats. The park is named for an Indian chief the local Colonists knew as Josiah Wompatuck. In 1665, Chief Wompatuck deeded the park and the surrounding land to the English settlers. During World War II, the park was used as an ammunition depot by the US military. Free. 781-749-7160, mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/womp.htm.
Kingston: Herring count, Elm Street. Through May 31, The Jones River Watershed Association encourages individual or group participation in the fourth annual fish count at the fish ladder on Elm Street. 781-585-2322, volunteer@jonesriver.org.
Milton: Blue Hills Reservation, 695 Hillside St. A revised trail guide and map is available for $2. Open dawn to dusk, with more than 7,000 acres of walking trails, a walking club, and free outdoor activities sponsored by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Blue Hills Adult Walking Club meets weekly at 1 p.m. for recreational walks. May 24, moderate walk, 3 miles. Walk to St. Moritz Pond green dot loop. Meet at Shea Rink parking lot, 251 Willard St. May 31, easy walk, 2 miles. Meet at main parking lot, 840 Hillside St. Free. 617-698-1802, mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/blue.htm.
Norwell: South Shore Natural Science Center, 48 Jacobs Lane. The center has a nature store and six walking trails; interactive indoor exhibits include the EcoZone, which incorporates animals in a re-creation of their natural habitat. Every Saturday at 10 a.m., feed an animal Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The center also features a nature preschool and function room. $5, $3 children older than 2. 781-659-2559, ssnsc.org.
Plymouth: Astronomy program, Blake Planetarium, Plymouth Community Intermediate School, 117 Long Pond Road. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m., May 22, 27, and 29. "The High Energy Sky: You Can Call Me Gamma-Ray" program describes the launch and upcoming mission of a new NASA satellite, GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope), scheduled for launch from Florida by the end of May. The satellite will make detailed maps of the most extreme environments of the universe - gamma ray bursts, black holes, solar flares, pulsars, and dark matter. $4, $2.50. 508-830-4470, plymouthschools.com, select District Resources, select District Programs, then Planetarium.
Massachusetts Audubon and other properties:
Visual Arts Center at 963 Washington St. in Canton houses an extensive collection of natural history art and photography. Trails open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, and the gallery is open 1-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Admission $4, $3 seniors and children. 781-821-8853 or massaudubon.org.
North Hill Marsh on Mayflower Street in Duxbury. Dawn to dusk. 138 acres. $3, $2 for seniors, children. 781-837-9400.
South Shore Regional Center and North River Sanctuary at 2000 Main St. (Route 3A) in Marshfield Hills. Every Friday morning, join a group in search of the birds of Massachusetts in and around Plymouth County. Free. One Saturday a month, Massachusetts Audubon educator John Galluzzo retraces the steps taken by the Friday morning birders during a "Friday Morning Rewind." Registration required, $15. 781-837-9400, ext. 7909. More than 2 miles of nature trails open dawn to dusk. South Shore Regional Office with library, gift shop, art displays, open 8:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; $3, $2 seniors and children. 781-837-9400, massaudubon.org/southshore.
Daniel Webster Sanctuary off Winslow Cemetery Road, Marshfield. 781-837-9400, ext. 7909. Dawn to dusk; trails, wildlife blinds. 781-837-9400.
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary trails at the Massachusetts Audubon sanctuary at 293 Moose Hill St. in Sharon offers 2,000 acres and 25 miles of trails. Through June 30, "Alien Invasives," collection of images of the stems, leaves, pods, and seeds of nonnative and native plants by Marcella Stasta. June 8, noon-4 p.m. opening reception followed by "Collaborating With Nature: Hands on Workshop," 1:30-3 p.m. Free, but registration required. Gallery open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Gift shop and office open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. Trail $4, $3 for children and seniors. 781-784-5691 or e-mail moosehill@massaudubon.org.
MUSEUMS
Brockton: Fuller Craft Museum, 455 Oak St. Saturdays, 10-11 a.m., workshops for children led by professional artists. Experiment with different craft media each week; $8 a child or $15 for two. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays, 2 p.m., guided tours with docents; $8, $5 seniors and students, younger than 12 free. 508-588-6000, fullercraft.org.
Cohasset: Our World Children's Global Discovery Museum, 100 Sohier St. Geared to children up to age 12. "Biodiversity 911: Saving Life on Earth," crawl through a coral reef, look at life in a giant tropical tree, or select sustainably harvested "catch of the day" at market. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday to Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday. $5. 781-383-3198, ourworldcgdm.org.
Dedham: Museum of Bad Art, 580 High St., Dedham Community Theater. Includes paintings and sculptures from around the world. Monday-Friday, 2-10 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 1-10 p.m. Free. 781-444-6757. dedhamcommunitytheater.com.
Duxbury: Art Complex Museum, 189 Alden St. On 13 acres of woodland and fields, founded by the
Hull: Lifesaving Museum, 1117 Nantasket Ave. Restored lifesaving station, includes shipwreck displays, observation tower, navigation and exhibits for children. The museum features several rooms: The Orientation Room helps visitors trace the history of organized lifesaving from its 18th-century roots to today's Coast Guard. The Keeper's Room celebrates the life and deeds of Joshua James, introduces visitors to the Massachusetts Humane Society, and tells the story of the Great Storm of 1888. The Boat Room displays the lifesavers' actual apparatus, including the massive surf boat Nantasket, a rigged Beach Cart, and a working Breeches Buoy. The Edward Rowe Snow Room features lighthouse models, exhibits about Boston Harbor, the museum's rare book collection, video library, and research room. The Children's Navigation Loft is a special play attic for children, complete with dress-up trunks, games, puzzles, maritime activities, and a climb-on sailing ship. The Observation Cupola, atop the station, allows for views of Boston Harbor and the islands. Wednesday-Sunday and Monday holidays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5, $3 seniors. 781-925-5433, lifesavingmuseum.org.
Milton: Captain Forbes House Museum, 215 Adams St. Home of a family prominent in the China trade, includes Abraham Lincoln collection of Mary Bowditch Forbes, with Lincoln and Civil War memorabilia. Tuesday-Thursday, 1-4 p.m. $8, $5 for seniors and students, 12 and younger free. 617-696-1815, forbeshousemuseum.org.
Plymouth: Cordage Museum, 10 Cordage Park Circle. Memorabilia from the era when Plymouth was a major producer of rope. Free. Saturdays and Sundays, noon-4 p.m. 508-746-7707, plymouthcordagemuseum.org.
Plymouth: Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court St. The oldest public US museum in continuous operation, founded in 1824 by Mayflower descendants. Pilgrim and Native American artifacts. Through Dec. 1, "It Came on the Mayflower!" exhibition highlighting the museum's collection of artifacts from the 1620 voyage. Admission $6, $5 seniors, free for children. Daily, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., $7, $6 seniors, $4 children 5-7. Plymouth residents free. 508-746-1620, pilgrimhall.org.
Plymouth: Plimoth Plantation, 137 Warren Ave. Living history museum, 1627 Pilgrim Village, Hobbomock (Wampanoag Indian) home site, carriage house, crafts center, Nye rare breeds barn. Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Mayflower II is on Water Street downtown, open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Every day at 2:30 p.m., the film, "Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower," shot at Plimoth Plantation with members of the Wampanoag community and staff, will be shown. New exhibit of photographs and text, titled "FlightPath," which explores the crucial yet largely unknown role that Plymouth Beach plays in an ancient system of shorebird migration routes running from the tip of South America to the Arctic tundra. 508-746-7222, plymouthguild.com. Tickets: Plantation only $24, $19 seniors, $14 ages 6-12; with tour of Mayflower $28, $22 seniors and students, $18 ages 6-12, free age 6 and younger. Mayflower II only: $10, $7 seniors and students, $7 ages 6-12. 508-746-1622, plimoth.org.
Scituate: Maritime and Irish Mossing Museum, 30 Driftway. In the 1739 residence of Captain Benjamin James, exhibitions on shipbuilding, Irish mossing, rescue, lighthouses, mariner antiques, and shipwrecks. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. $4, $3 seniors, $2 children, younger than 6 free. 781-545-1083.
HISTORY
Dedham: Fairbanks House Museum, 511 East St. The house has functioned as a museum since 1904. Exhibits on life from the mid-17th through the late-19th centuries. Timbers in the Fairbanks House were tested and through tree-ring dating were found to be from trees felled between 1637 and 1641, indicating it as the oldest American timber-framed structure known in North America. Home to eight generations of the Fairbanks family, the house is owned and operated by The Fairbanks Family in America Inc. Tours on the hour for 45 minutes, last tour begins at 4 p.m. $5, $2 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are admitted free. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Docent opportunities available. 781-326-1170, fairbankshouse.org, homestead@fairbankshouse.org.
Dedham: Dedham Historical Society Museum, 612 High St. The museum exhibits the largest collection of original Dedham pottery. The society owns the Dedham Pottery trademark and has issued a limited-edition Turkey Plate, reproduced from its collection; 300 plates are available. To purchase a plate, send a check for $106, plus 5 percent tax for Massachusetts residents, and $8 if shipping is required. Mail to Dedham Historical Society, Box 215, Dedham 02027-0215. Open Tuesday-Friday, noon-4 p.m.; on even-dated Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.; and by appointment. 781-326-1385, DedhamHistorical.org.
Hingham: Cemetery walking tour, Hingham bell tower, next to Old Ship Church, 107 Main St. May 31, 1 p.m., a walking tour includes the history of the cemetery dating from 1672, important monuments and notable burials, as well as social commentary. The cemetery's 150-year-old arboretum contains hundreds of specimen trees, both native and exotic. $5, under 12, free. Rain date June 1.781-749-4868.
Marshfield: Winslow House, 634 Careswell St. 1699 house with tearoom, herb garden. Guided tours Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $3, $1 children. 781-837-5753.
Plymouth: The Jenney Grist Mill, 6 Spring Lane. The 16th-century nonprofit living history museum educates visitors to Plymouth about the agricultural, economic, and historic significance of the 1636 mill. The mill will be open for tours with a costumed miller who will talk about the importance of fish to the Pilgrims and how fish helped them to survive. Learn about the original mill built in 1636 and see how it is operated. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. $6, $4 ages 5-12, 4 and under free. 508-747-4544, jenneygristmill.org.
Quincy: Adams National Historical Park, Visitor Center, 1250 Hancock St. The park tells the story of four generations of the Adams family from 1720 to 1927. Two main sites: the birthplaces of the second US president, John Adams, and the sixth US president, John Quincy Adams. Old House, 135 Adams St., was home to four generations of the Adams family, and the Stone Library containing more than 14,000 historic volumes. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Guided tours required in order to view interiors of the houses. Tours are two hours, leave regularly from the Visitor Center, 1250 Hancock St. Last tour departs daily at 3:15 p.m. $5, free for 16 and younger. 617-773-1177, nps.gov/adam.
ARTS
Marion: Marion Art Center, 80 Pleasant St. May 23 through June 25, "A Month in Sicily," paintings and photographs by Judith Rosbe, Anthony Miraglia and Maura McGurk. May 23, 6-8 p.m. opening reception. Tuesday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 508-748-1266, marionartcenter.org.
Norwell: James Library and Center for Performing Arts, 24 West St. Through May 28, "Design by Nature: Fine Art Photography by Cindy Vallino" of Cohasset. Tuesday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 781-659-7100, jameslibrary.org.
Scituate: Front Street Art Gallery, 124 Front St. Through May 25, exhibit of original watercolor paintings by Wendy Hale. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30-5 p.m. Free. 781-545-6150.
WORKSHOPS/COURSES
Manomet: Writer's workshop, Manomet Branch Library, 12 Strand Ave. Every third Thursday at 7 p.m. through June. A writer's group workshop designed for beginner and amateur writers. Participants should bring a short written piece on a character and will be invited to share it with the group for feedback. New members welcome. Free. 508-830-4185, plymouthpubliclibrary.org.
Mansfield: Summer Theater Education Programs, Mansfield Music and Arts Society, Blackbox Theater, 30 Crocker St. The society is accepting enrollment for summer programs. Class offerings online. 508-339-2822, mmas.org.
Marshfield: North River Arts Society, 157 Old Main St. Accepting registration for summer workshops and classes in drawing, sculpture, fashion design, and sewing offered for adults and youths ages 12-18. 781-837-8091, northriverarts.org.
Plymouth: Art classes, The Plymouth Guild for the Arts, Russell Building, 11 North St. June 6 through July 25, "Members' Florabunda Gallery Show." June 27, 6-8 p.m. Fourth Friday art reception. The guild has added six additional art classes to its June session: kids' clay, ages 8-13; adult clay, comic strip art for middle school grades and comic strip art for high grades. In addition, wheel throwing, both private and semiprivate classes available. A free open painting studio on Saturdays, 1-3 p.m. Other classes include drawing, pastel, life drawing, oil and acrylic painting, pen and ink, watercolor, still-life painting, photography, abstract-expressionist painting, batik, and invitations. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. 508-746-7222, plymouthguild.org.
Items and photos may be sent to Pamela Teehan Miele, Calendar, Globe South, 1165 Washington St., Hanover 02339, or to southcalendar@globe.com. Include date, time, location, price, and phone.
