Globe North listings

Comprehensive listings for galleries, plays, music, and other happenings in the area.

ARTS

Beverly: Redbrick Art Center, 95 Rantoul St., hosts its seventh annual Open Studios, showcasing more than 50 local artists, June 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and June 22, noon-3 p.m. The creative weekend includes free family fun activities. 978-927-5615.

Beverly: An exhibition of New York-based artist Joanne Mattera's encaustic paintings "Hue Again: Paintings by Joanne Mattera" continues through July 3 at Montserrat College of Art's Carol Schlosberg Alumni Gallery, 23 Essex St. 978-867-9604, montserrat.edu/galleries.

Beverly: "On the Edge: New Work in Encaustic," a juried show of encaustic painting and sculpture, continues through July 3 at Montserrat College of Art's 301 Gallery, 301 Cabot St. Twenty seven artists from 16 states are included in the exhibit. Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday noon-5 p.m. 978-921-4242, ext. 3.

Beverly: The exhibit "Therefore & Because: Decoding Norman Laliberte" is displayed through July 26 at Montserrat Gallery, 23 Essex St. 978-867-9604, montserrat.edu/galleries.

Danvers: Work by local artist George S. Patton Jr. is displayed through June 20 at North Shore Arc's Gallery at Southside, 6 Southside Road. Free. 978-624-2318.

Essex: Greenbelt's Art in the Barn, June 13-15, is an art exhibit and sale to benefit Essex County Greenbelt Association. View work by 150 regional artists including painters, potters, jewelers, photographers, sculptors and woodcarvers. The reception, June 13, 6-8:30 p.m., features jazz favorites and originals by Krendel-Clark Duo. Greenbelt is a member-supported, nonprofit land trust dedicated to conserving land of ecological, agricultural or scenic significance in Essex County, with an emphasis on protecting open space corridors. Free. ecga.org, 978-768-7241, ecga@ecga.org.

Essex, Gloucester, Rockport: Celebrating 25 years as an artisans' collaborative, Cape Ann Artisans will hold its 25th Anniversary Studio Tour, June 21 and 22 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Meet 19 professional artists during this self-guided tour and see artwork and demonstrations in the artists' studios. The work represented includes painting, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, pastels, photography, mosaics, fabric art and glass beads. The tour route follows the coast of Essex, Gloucester and Rockport. Free. Handicap accessibility varies by location. Brochures with route maps will be available in Gloucester at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 33 Commercial St., and at Harbor Loop Information Booth, Rogers St., in Rockport at the Rockport Information Booth, Route 127, and at each of the artisans. A bright magenta studio tour banner will mark each location. 978-281-3347, capeannartisans.com.

Gloucester: North Shore Art Association, 11 Pirates Lane, presents its first show of the season, with works by more than 175 artists, through June 15. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. northshoreartsassoc.org.

Gloucester: The Rocky Neck Art Colony presents the national juried exhibition "The Shapes of Emotion" through June 15 at Bryan Gallery, 53 Rocky Neck Ave. rockyneckartcolony.org.

Ipswich: Oil paintings by Ipswich artist Janice Colby are featured through June 22 at River Gallery, 4 Market St. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m. 978-356-1559, rivergalleryipswich.com.

Malden: The sixth annual Malden Sketch Group Exhibition, including paintings, drawings, collage and etchings, is displayed at Commerce Place, 350 Main St., through July 25. View the exhibition during lobby hours Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Judy.Gruelich@comcast.net, 781-245-2337.

Manchester-by-the-Sea: "Light Caught Daily Genre Paintings: a Year" by Johanna Bohoy, a show of pastel and watercolor genre paintings, through July 2 at Sovereign Bank, 17 Union St.

Marblehead: "Girls Night Out" Artisans Show, June 12, 6-9:30 p.m., at Boston Yacht Club, 1 Front St. Free admission. Cash bar and appetizers. Artisans will be showing Nantucket baskets, quilts, glasswork, soaps, photography. Directions, bostonyachtclub.net/AboutBYC/Directions.htm.

Marblehead: Erlich Gallery, 96 Washington St., presents "The Summer Show," with paintings of landscapes, seascapes and florals, through July. Also featured are the works of sculptor Gaylord Ho. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. 781-631-1202, erlichgallery.com.

Marblehead: Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St. Through June 22: "Summer Days," paintings by Mark Shasha; "Glorious Enigma of Journey," etchings and paintings by Nina Kussow; "The Light of Inspiration," watercolor, oils and egg tempura by Concetta Donovan and Suzanne Hogan. marbleheadarts.org, 781-631-2608.

Marblehead: Fifty watercolors by Marblehead painter Ingrid Selmer-Larsen are exhibited at Marblehead Museum and Historical Society, 170 Washington St., through August. Selmer-Larsen (1913-2005) was the youngest founding member of the Marblehead Arts Association. marbleheadmuseum.org.

Newburyport: Paintings by Newburyport artists Margaret Bernier and Susan Luca are displayed in the exhibition "Views of Essex County," through June 22 in the Juliet Kellogg French Room at Massachusetts Audubon Society's Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike. Free. To view the exhibit, contact Joppa Flats Education Center at 978-462-9998. massaudubon.org.

Rockport: Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St. June 14-July 15: The Second Summer Photography Show and Second Summer Show of Paintings, Graphics and Sculpture. Reception for Photography Show, June 22, 2-4 p.m. Painting and photography workshops and classes for adults, summer classes for children, and sketch groups. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. rockportartassn.org, 978-546-6604, rockportart@verizon.net.

Salem: Salem Arts Association Gallery kicks off its 2008 season at Artists Row, 24 New Derby St., with "Salem Sketches: Studies from the Derby Square Kiosk Public Art Project," through June 29. Reception, June 14, 4-6 p.m. The exhibit highlights studies submitted for the Derby Square Kiosk Public Art Project, a joint effort between the City of Salem and the SAA. Exploring the theme "Salem Neighborhoods," a jury will select six of the submitted studies to be painted on the ring that encircles the top of the kiosk. salemartsassociation.org., info@salemartsassociation.org.

Salem: Beverly photographer Brian G. Lewandowski's comical photographic works are displayed at Cinema Salem, Museum Place Mall, through June. bglewandowski.com.

AUCTIONS

Newburyport: Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St., will hold its annual art auction "An Artful Feast" on June 21. Champagne reception with hors d'oeuvres 5-6 p.m., silent auction 6-7 p.m., live auction 7:30-9:30 p.m. Food and wine served throughout the evening. More than 100 pieces of 20th century and contemporary artwork, plus fun non-art items will be auctioned. Proceeds benefit NAA's exhibition, education and outreach programs. Preview auction artwork online at newburyportart.org. Preview exhibition June 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and June 21, noon-4 p.m. Champagne reception $50; general admission $20. 978-465-8769.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Haverhill: Winnekenni Castle hosts its fifth annual Dolly-n-Me Princess Tea, June 22, 1 p.m. Girls are invited to dress up and bring along their favorite doll for an afternoon of tea and refreshments, activities, souvenirs, a visit from a Princess and more. An American Girl doll will be raffled during the event (winner must be present). $20. Advance ticket purchase required. Tickets at winnekenni.com, winnekenni@yahoo.com or 978-521-1686. Winnekenni Castle is on Castle Road in Winnekenni Park at 347 Kenoza Ave.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

Danvers/Ipswich/Beverly: The chamber music ensemble Music at Eden's Edge introduces its Emerging Artists at the Edge program, designed to showcase promising young artists. Violinist Joshua Peckins, will perform in the first concert of the season "June Classically Discovered." The program includes works by Beethoven, Gyrowetz, Mozart and Boccherini. A performance will be held June 17, 2 p.m. at Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church, 323 Locust St., Danvers. This free performance is part of the senior/family series. The site is accessible to the handicapped. Families with young children are encouraged to attend. For individual assistance for individuals with disabilities, call 978-270-4463. The performance on June 20, 8 p.m., at New England Biolabs, 240 County Road, Route 1A, Ipswich, is also free. A portion of New England Biolabs' art collection will be open for viewing. The final performance will be held June 21, 8 p.m., at Endicott College Chapel, 376 Hale St., Beverly. $20, students and seniors $15, family $60. 978-270-4463, edensedge.org.

Newburyport: A free organ and flute concert June 13 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 166 High St., celebrates the restoration project of the building and historic pipe organ of St. Anna's Chapel. Organist Joyce Painter Rice and flutist Martha Woodward will present a concert in the chapel, including works by Vivaldi (Sonata No. 4), Mozart (Andante in C Major), and Thoma Simaku (Sea Images). Music for organ solo by Mendelssohn, Boellmann, Hine and C. V. Stanford will also be performed. Donations are welcome and will go toward restoration of the William Stevens organ and St. Anna's Chapel. 978-465-5131, stpauls-nbpt.org.

Rockport: Rockport Chamber Music Festival continues through July 2 with concerts Thursday-Sunday at Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St. rcmf.org, 978-546-7391.

COMEDY

Danvers: Beverly native Jimmy Dunn headlines the June 14 Comedy Night at Onion Town Grill, 175 Water St. Also performing, Joe Wong, Maria Ciampa, and Erin Livingston Carroll. Showtime is 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. $15. 978-774-3343, ScampsComedy.com.

DANCES

Danvers: Riverside Squares will hold its first summer dance of the season, June 18, 7:30-10 p.m., at Knights of Columbus Club, 35 Elm St. Dance level, Mainstream with 2 Plus Tips. Caller, Red Bates. $7. Air conditioned. riversidesquares.freeservers.com, riverside_squares@hotmail.com, 978-774-8159.

FESTIVALS

Beverly: Solar Now will hold the fourth annual "Solar Field Day" Renewable Energy Fair, June 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Greenergy Park, adjacent to Beverly High School, at Sohier and Tozer roads (exit 19 off Route 128). The fair celebrates renewable energy as an alternative to fossil fuels. Exhibitors will give talks on solar electric, solar heating, wind power, biodiesel, hybrid and flex fuel vehicles. Take a tour of the 100-kilowatt photovoltaic array, the 10-kilowatt wind turbine and the new inverters that generate electricity for Beverly High School. Children's activities including an ice cream SUN-Day stand, wind wigglers, tie dye T-shirt and face painting booths, plus a play area. Live, solar-powered music. Food and drink concessions. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. $5; children younger than 12 are free. Proceeds benefit Greenergy Park. Free parking at 55 Tozer Road. The main gate at Tozer Road opens at 11 a.m. Rain date, June 22. 978-927-9786.

Gloucester: Twenty restaurants plan to participate in the 23rd annual New Fish Festival, June 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Gloucester House Restaurant, 67 Rogers St., Route 127. Begun in 1985 to call attention to underutilized species of fish, the New Fish Festival is a nonprofit, joint venture of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, local fishermen, processors, Cape Ann restaurants, and cooking enthusiasts. $25, includes a variety of entrees and hors d'oeuvres, salad and dessert. Cash bar. For reservations, call Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce at 978-283-1601. info@CapeAnnChamber.com.

FILMS

Hamilton: Hamilton Anti-War Association presents "War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death" featuring Norman Solomon, narrated by Sean Penn, June 12, 7 p.m., at Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St. Free. hwlibrary.org, 978-468-5577.

Salem: Young filmmakers from the Real to Reel Digital Film School at RAW Art Works in Lynn, will show their latest work June 14 at 7 p.m. in Morse Auditorium at Peaboby Essex Museum, East India Square. The students take full responsibility for preparing, shooting and finishing a film. A question-and-answer session with the filmmakers follows the screenings. Some films may not be suitable for young children. Free with museum admission. Reservations required by June 12. Call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011. Museum admission is $15; seniors $13; students $11. Free admission for residents of Salem and ages 16 and younger. 866-745-1876, pem.org.

FUND-RAISERS

Lynn: LynnArts, 25 Exchange St., kicks off the summer with RED HOT 3, Auction and Beer-Tasting, June 21, 7-10 p.m. Enjoy music, beer samples from regional microbreweries, hors d'oeuvres, and silent and live auctions of artwork, goods and services. Proceeds support artists and cultural programming in Lynn. $35. For $100 attend a pre-party art preview at 6:30 p.m. 781-598-5244.

Salem: Salem Arts Association will host a benefit for The Art Corner, June 28, 7-10 p.m., at the Ward 2 Social Club. The Art Corner was devastated by fire in April 2008. Music by Charlie Chesterman and the Motorbikes with a special guest appearance by Barrence Whitfield. Raffles for juried works of craft and art, artist designed jewelry and gift certificates donated by local artists and business owners. Tickets $10, available at Salem Chamber of Commerce, 265 Essex St. 978-744-0044; Experimental Art Gallery and Studio on Artists Row; and 978-771-2587. salemartsassociation.org.

Swampscott: Bremer School of Irish Dance of Salem will host a fund-raiser cocktail party, the Sunset Ceili, June 21, 6-11 p.m., at Blythswood Estate, 29 Little's Point Road, near Marian Court College. The event will raise money to help 26 dancers from the Bremer School to attend the North American Irish Dance Championships in Nashville, Tenn. in July. $25. Tickets available at irishthymes.com/sunsetceili. Reserved tickets will be held at the door. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Information, Bremerdancers@gmail.com.

Wenham: Project Adventure will host "Savour," a garden dinner soiree, with gourmet food prepared by North Shore chefs and caterers, wine, and musical entertainment, June 26, 6-10 p.m., under a tent, overlooking Wenham Lake, on grounds of Moraine Farm, 701 Cabot St. Also featured will be an exotic wine tasting, Mercury Brewing's tap mobile, live music, adventure raffle and open bar. Raffle opportunities include a Florida escape, a Boston getaway, original artwork, children's theme party and more. $100. Online registration at pa.org/donors. 978-524-4640, dbernier@PA.org. Project Adventure is a nonprofit, international teaching organization that is committed to providing leadership in the use of experiential programming to promote individual growth, effective organizations and healthy communities.

HOUSE & GARDEN TOURS

Danvers: Danvers Garden Club will hold "Quilts, Art and Bloom," a house and garden tour, June 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The tour includes homes built in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a Tea House that is a National Historical Landmark and gardens located in the town's historic district. Each of the homes on the tour will feature vintage, hand-stitched quilts, along with an appropriate floral design by DGC designers. Artists from the Danvers Art Association will be demonstrating their skills at each site. $18 in advance, $20 day of tour. Tickets available at Glen Magna Farms, Ingersoll St.; 978-774-4802; and 978-777-0793.

Ipswich: The Crane Estate, Argilla Road, will hold summer teas on Wednesdays, June 25, July 30, Aug. 27, and Sept. 24. A ticket to the high tea includes a tour of the Great House, a seaside mansion. The tour begins at 2:30 p.m. A catered tea follows at 3:30 p.m. Tickets $30-$40. Preregistration required. 978-921-1944, ext. 8815. The first floor of the Great House is accessible to the handicapped. The Crane Estate includes the properties of Castle Hill, Crane Beach and The Crane Wildlife Refuge, which are all open to the public. craneestate.org.

Newburyport: The Historical Society of Old Newbury will hold its annual House and Garden Tour, June 14 and 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., to benefit Cushing House and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark. Three period homes, with matched period gardens, are featured. An antique parsonage garden, two High Street gardens, a church, a federal building's rediscovered secret garden, and a blacksmith shop turned residence are also on the tour. Take a break at the Garden Cafe and shop at the Garden Gift Shop and plant sale. $25, seniors $20. Tickets in Newburyport at The Cushing House Museum, 98 High St., 978-462-2681; the Chamber of Commerce, 978-462-6680, and Beach Plum Too, 978-465-1739; in Newbury at Newbury Perennial Gardens, 978-462-1144; and in Salisbury at Beach Plum Farms, 978-465-3542. newburyhist.com.

LECTURES-FORUMS

Newburyport: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society presents "What Are They Thinking?," a lecture by animal behavior consultant Monique Chretien, June 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St. The lecture will examine why animals do what they do and explore some of the methods behaviorists use to correct unwanted behavior. Free. RSVP, 978-462-0760 or e-mail podcast@mrfrs.org with your name, phone number and e-mail address. mrfrs.org.

LITERARY EVENTS

Newburyport: June 13, 7 p.m., author Nicholas Dawidoff will read from "The Crowd Sounds Happy: A Story of Love, Madness and Baseball" at Jabberwocky Bookshop, 50 Water St., Tannery Mill No. 1. Free. jabberwocky.booksense.com, 978-465-9359.

Salem: Twelve undergraduate Salem State College poets and four artists-in-residence will read from their work during the Salem Poetry Seminar. Free readings at 7:30 p.m., June 16, 17 and 19 at 7:30 at Salem Athenaeum, 337 Essex St. 978-542-7890.

MUSEUMS & HISTORY

Regional: Explore the homes of early settlers in Essex County during 17th Century Saturdays. The summer program encourages visitors to learn about the many "First Period" homes throughout the region. Several historic houses and structures built during America's "First Period" of architecture (1625-1725) will be open for tours, special events, family programs and more, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month through October. Program dates are July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6 and Oct. 4. Admission varies by site. Visit EscapesNorth.com for a complete list of participating sites.

Beverly: "Teaching Matters!" continues through July 28 in Halle Library Archive & Museum Gallery at Endicott College, 376 Hale St. The exhibit highlights faculty recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Award, which is presented to one Endicott College faculty member at each graduation. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 978-232-2257.

Gloucester: Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St. The exhibition "The Paintings of Emma Fordyce MacRae (1887-1974)" continues through July 20. Gallery talks by museum staff offered Saturdays at 11 a.m. The talks are included with admission. The annual Captain's Party will be held at the museum, June 14, 6-9 p.m. $70, includes hors d'oeuvres, open bar, and entertainment by The Billy Novick Trio. Hours, Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m. $8, Cape Ann residents and seniors $6, students $4.50. Children younger than 2 are free. 978-283-0455, capeannmuseum.org

Marblehead: The G.A.R. Meeting Room & Civil War Museum, second floor of The Old Town House, Market Square, will be open on the following Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: June 14 and 28; July 4, 12 and 26; Aug. 9 and 23; Sept. 13 and 27, Nov. 11 and Dec. 7. The G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) was a post-Civil War veteran's organization founded to provide support for soldiers and their families. The G.A.R. Room is preserved as it was when the last meeting was held in the 1930s.Tours are self-guided. Volunteers are on site to answer questions. The Marblehead Museum's award-winning DVD "Marblehead and the Civil War" runs throughout the day and is available for purchase. Free. marbleheadmuseum.org/GARMuseum.htm, 781-631-1768.

Newburyport: The Custom House Maritime Museum Lecture Series "Connecting the past to the living history of today," continues June 12 at 7 p.m., with the lecture "Genealogy - The Who, What, When, Where and Why" by Marcia Iannizzi Melnyk, professional genealogist, author, and president of The Italian Genealogy Society of America, at The Custom House Maritime Museum, 25 Water St. The program is followed by a reception. $10. Tickets at the door, starting at 6:30 p.m. thechmm.org, 978-462-8681.

Wenham: Experience what it's like to be a firefighter today and learn about the progress made over the last 300 years through historic and contemporary equipment, artifacts, apparel and hands-on activities at the exhibition "Rescue Me: Fighting Fire in America" at Wenham Museum, 132 Main St. A Rescue Roundup celebrates firefighting traditions, June 28, 4-8 p.m. Inspect antique fire engines from North Shore collectors as well as Wenham's contemporary fire and rescue vehicles. This event is free with admission. The exhibit continues through Sept. 22. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $7; seniors $6; ages 2-16, $5. 978-468-2377, wenhammuseum.org.

MUSIC

Esssex: David Mallett will perform June 21, 8 p.m., at One World Coffee House, First Universalist Church, 59 Main St. $15. Reservations, 978-768-7056.

Haverhill: Boston based vocalist Leah Souza and her jazz quintet will perform jazz, blues and R&B at the free Father's Day concert at Winnekenni Castle, June 15 from 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be available and fathers will receive one complimentary soft drink. Winnekenni Castle is on Castle Road in Winnekenni Park, 347 Kenoza Ave. winnekenni.com, winnekenni@yahoo.com, 978-521-1686.

Haverhill: Winnekenni Castle will host its first free Senior Show of the season, June 18 at noon, featuring music and song with The Sunset Tappers Dance Troupe from Andover. Doors open at 11 a.m. Guests are welcome to bring a lunch and enjoy it inside the Castle before or during the show. Visitors may also picnic outdoors before or after the show, which lasts about an hour. Reservations are required due to limited seating. Call 978-521-1686 or e-mail winnekenni@yahoo.com. Winnekenni Castle is on Castle Road in Winnekenni Park at 347 Kenoza Ave. winnekenni.com.

Newburyport: Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro will perform two concerts at Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, on June 22. The performance times are 7 and 9 p.m. Renowned for his lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques, his repertoire includes jazz, blues, funk, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, rock and classical genres. $25. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org.

Peabody: Folk singer, Jay Mankita will perform June 24 at 7 p.m. at Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main St. At the end of the show, tour Mankita's vegetable oil-powered van. Free. Preregistration required. 978-531-0100, ext.10 or peabodylibrary.org/adultsregistration.html.

Rockport: The Rockport Chamber Music Festival presents the Aardvark Jazztet, a small ensemble drawn from the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, in a concert of jazz, blues and standards, July 1, 8 p.m. at Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St. $21-$38. Students ages 19-25 $10. Free for ages 18 and younger. 978-546-8351, rcmf.org.

Salem: Saturday afternoon Derby Square jazz concerts, a series of free summer concerts leading up to the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival in August, are held 5-7 p.m. in front of Old Town Hall, Front St. June 14, The Zach Hillyard Band; July 12, Paulo Stagnaro and Aug. 9, Manami Morita. salemjazzsoul.com, info@salemjazzsoul.com.

Saugus: Saugus Senior Center, 466 Central St., holds a Third Thursday free music series. Andrew Celentano will perform June 17 at 12:30 p.m. Door prize. 781-231-4178.

Wakefield: Linden Tree Coffeehouse, at Unitarian-Universalist Church, 326 Main St., presents An Evening with Peggy Seeger, June 14, 8 p.m. Peggy is a member of the musical Seeger family. She plays six instruments, has written music for films, television, and radio, has made 22 solo albums and collaborated with other performers on numerous recordings. $15. 781-246-2836, LindenTreeCoffeehouse.org, Lindentree85@comcast.net.

NATURE

Newburyport: Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, is a natural history education and visitor center. Joppa Flats sanctuary director Bill Gette leads a weekly birding field trip in the Newburyport/Plum Island area, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $15. Gette and Education Coordinator Dave Larson lead the Wednesday Evening Birding program, Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $10. Preregistration is not required for these programs. Open Tuesday-Sunday and Monday holidays, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Topsfield: Family programs at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row. The program "Saturday Explorations - Pondemonium," June 14, 1-2:30 p.m., is for families with children 5 years and older. Use dip nets and hand lenses to take a closer look at pond critters and learn about the life within the pond ecosystem. $9, children $7. Family Dusk Paddle, June 19, 6-8 p.m. For families with children 6 years and older. Paddle down the gentle river to look for plants and animals. Basic instruction and all equipment provided. Participants must be able to swim. $15, children $13. Preregistration required for all programs. 978-887-9264.

NIGHTCLUBS

Gloucester: The Barbara & Al Boudreau Quintet will perform June 15, 5-9 p.m., at The Studio Restaurant at Rocky Neck Art Colony, Rocky Neck Ave. $5 music charge. Reservations recommended. 978-283-4123.

THEATER

Beverly: North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, presents the New England regional premiere of "Contact," a three-part dance play, through June 29. The three separate stories "Swing," "Did You Move?" and "Contact" are about ways to pursue love. Appropriate for ages 16 and older. $77-$40. Senior and youth discounts and rush tickets available. Special ticket packages for "Date Night" and "Girl's Night Out." Performances Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., matinees Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Free pre-show swing dancing classes, taught by a member of the cast, will take place June 19, 5-6 p.m. and June 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Studio One in the Theatre Arts and Education Building. Reservations are required for the dance classes. E-mail class reservation to pr@nsmt.org. NSMT offers a Kids Club program for parents and children. With the purchase of an adult ticket to the June 22 production, parents are invited to enroll their children in a free theater workshop on site at NSMT while they attend the show. NSMT's teaching staff will lead classes in acting, dancing, and singing at the theater. The Kids Club is open to ages 4-11. Reservations are required by June 20 for this free program. Free Audience Enrichment events: Meet the Theatre, a post-show audience discussion with the artists, June 17 after the 7:30 p.m. performance and June 28 after the 2 p.m. performance; Spotlight on History, a pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance on June 22; Out at the North Shore, an evening for the gay and lesbian community with a post-show reception on June 26. nsmt.org, 978-232-7200.

Beverly: "Le Grand David and his own Spectacular Magic Company" present their full stage magic extravaganza, Sundays at 3 p.m., through July 13, at the Cabot St. Cinema Theatre, 286 Cabot St. $20, ages 11 and younger $12. 978-927-3677, legranddavid.com.

Gloucester: Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main St., presents "Billy Bishop Goes to War." Set to music, the play follows a World War I fighter pilot as he attempts to reconcile his love of flying with the horrors of war. Performances at 8 p.m. June 12-14 and 18-21; at 3 p.m. on June 14 and 21; and at 4 p.m. on June 15 and 22. $35, seniors and students $30. 978-281-4433, gloucesterstage.org.

Newburyport: Theater in the Open presents "The Master Cat," an adaptation of the classic fairytale "Puss in Boots" at Maudslay State Park, 76 Curzon Mill Road. Performances at 2 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, through June 29. $8, children and seniors $5. Children 3 and younger are free. Park in Maudslay State Parking lot and follow the flags to the play site. Allow for a 10 minute walk. 978-465-2572, theaterintheopen.org.

Newburyport: Sirius Theatre Company presents the play "House of Gold," written by Newburyport native Gregory S. Moss, through June 14 at Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square. Performances Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. $20, seniors and students $18. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org.

Newburyport: Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, presents the comedy "Funny Money" by Ray Cooney, June 19-22 and 26-29. Performances Thursday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. $20, students and seniors $18. 978- 462-7336, firehouse.org.

Salem: Salem Theatre Company presents "Moments of Play; A Festival of One Acts," June 15, 7:30 p.m., in Morse Auditorium at Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex St. From more than 100 original scripts submitted this year by playwrights all over the world, eight were selected for this festival. This third annual festival offers two hours of assorted entertainment, with each act directed and performed by local thespians. $20, students and seniors $15. 978-790-8546, salemtheatre.com.

Salem: Summer Theatre at Salem kicks off its 14th season with the classic musical "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," directed by David Allen George and starring Peter Zachari. Performances June 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. and June 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. in Mainstage Theatre at Salem State College, Lafayette St. $20, seniors and students $15. 978-542-7890.

Salem: Erik Rodenhiser, artistic director of the Griffen Theatre, portrays Charles Dickens with readings from his works including "Oliver Twist" and "A Christmas Carol," June 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at Griffen Theatre, 7 Lynde St. $15, seniors and children $12. 978-317-1169, erodenhiser@hotmail.com.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Durham: The University of New Hampshire celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution with the exhibition, "The Freedom '56: Commemorating the Hungarian Revolution." The exhibition, showing the struggle and success of the Hungarian Revolutionaries' heroic fight for freedom, continues through July 3 at University Museum at Dimond Library, 18 Library Way. Free. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, noon-4 p.m. The museum is closed Saturdays between semesters and during the summer. 603-862-1081.

Exeter: "Summer Floral and Gardens," an exhibit of watercolors by Janet Labrecque of Seabrook, is displayed at Blue Moon Natural Foods, 8 Clifford St., through July. Reception, June 20, 5-7 p.m. The natural foods store and restaurant hosts art exhibits by members of Seacoast Artist Association.

Exeter: Potter Sibylle Tornow is the June Artist of the Month at Exeter Fine Crafts, 61 Water St. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Sunday noon-4 p.m. 603-778-8282.

New Castle: Visit a variety of gardens in Pontine Theatre's annual New Castle Village Walk and Garden Tour, June 15 from 1-4:30 p.m. The self-guided walking tour takes participants to seven private gardens. Ride the trolley from one garden to the next. Tickets, $12 in advance, available in Portsmouth at Portsmouth Gardens, 1000 Woodbury Ave.; Maine-ly New Hampshire, 33 Deer St.; and in Rye at Portsmouth and Rye Ridge Greenery, 630 Washington Road. Day of event tickets are $15, at Maude Trefethen School, Route 1B, where participants also can pick up their map. Proceeds benefit Pontine Theatre's cultural and educational programs. 603-436-6660, info@pontine.org.

Portsmouth: Historic tours of the 1878 Victorian music hall are held every other Wednesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St. Tour dates are June 18, July 2, 16, 30, and Aug. 13 and 27. Tickets $6, available in advance or the day of the tour. themusichall.org, 603-436-2400.

Portsmouth: The Music Hall's Intimately Yours series presents Michael Franti & Spearhead performing reggae, hip hop and soul, June 26, 8 p.m. $47 and $34. Tickets, 603-436-2400, at the box office (28 Chestnut St.), and themusichall.org.

Portsmouth: Fifteen artists exhibit paintings and jewelry at the first exhibition of the season at Coolidge Center for the Arts on the grounds of the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion, 375 Little Harbor Road. The exhibition runs through June 15. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10 am.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., or by appointment. Free.

Portsmouth: Forty paintings by Russell Cheney (1881-1945) are included in the exhibit "The Art of the Domestic: Kittery and Southern Maine" at The Portsmouth Athenaeum, 6-8 Market Square. Another 50 works are displayed in the Portsmouth Historical Society exhibit "From Impressionism to Yankee Modernism: Portsmouth and the New Hampshire Coast" at the Discover Portsmouth Center, Middle and Islington streets. A visit to Cheney's studio will be part of a daylong symposium on Aug. 2, "Yankee Modernism in Maine." Sponsored by Kittery Art Association, Kittery Historical Society and Portsmouth Athenaeum, the day includes lectures, lunch, a tour and exhibits. $35. Preregistration required. Other events related to the Athenaeum exhibit include gallery talks by curator Richard Candee on Russell Cheney: June 28, "New Discoveries;" July 19, "The Art of the Domestic;" Aug. 9, "Yankee Modernism in Kittery;" and Aug. 30, "Russell Cheney: American and New England Master." All talks are at the Athenaeum at 11 a.m. Reservations, 603-431-2538. The Portsmouth Historical Society will also host a series of talks: July 12, "Cheney's Training and Early Work;" July 26, "Depression Portsmouth;" Aug. 16, "Cheney's New Castle paintings;" Sept. 6, "Coal Pockets and Triton, Portsmouth Waterfront;" Sept. 20, "Painting the Seasons: Snow or No Snow;" Oct. 4, "Photography and Painting;" and Oct. 25, "Yankee Modernism and the Seacoast." All lectures at 11 a.m. Reservations, 603-436-8420. The Portsmouth Historical Society exhibit runs through Oct. 31 and is open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Athenaeum exhibit continues through Sept. 6 and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. portsmouthhistory.org, portsmouthathenaeum.org.

Portsmouth: The 19th annual Pocket Gardens of Portsmouth house and garden tour will be held June 20, 5-8 p.m., and June 21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The two-mile walking or biking tour includes 9 private homes in historic South End neighborhoods and the Thomas Bailey Aldrich garden at Strawbery Banke. Also, a plant sale. Master gardeners will answer gardening questions. $17 in advance, $20 day of tour. Children younger than 12 are free. Tickets available Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at South Church, 292 State St. or by calling 603-436-4762.

Portsmouth: Singer/songwriter and Grammy nominee Greg Brown will perform June 15, 7 p.m. at South Church, 292 State St. Opening the show is Seacoast Folk Act of the Year, Susie Burke and David Surette. $32. Tickets at mktix.com/heptunes; 978-462-9630; and at Ganesh Imports, Portsmouth; Exeter Music; and all Bullmoose Music locations.

Portsmouth: ellO gallery & shop, 110 State St., presents "Good Luck/Bad Luck," a group exhibition about the eternal struggle of good and evil, June 13-July 7. Reception, June 13, 5-9 p.m., with music by hybrid duo Venn Died. Free. Fluorescent Grey music series features Aneth and Jordan Brooks, June 20, 8 p.m. $3 music charge. ellogallery.com, 603-433-9110.

Portsmouth: Novelist Brian Hall will read from his new novel "Fall of Frost," a novel of Robert Frost's life, June 18, 7 p.m., at Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrott Ave. Cosponsored by RiverRun Bookstore and the library. riverrunbookstore.com, 603- 431-2100.

Portsmouth: June 13, 7 p.m., Christopher Phillips, author of several books on philosophy and regularly featured on NHPR's Socrates Cafe, will give a talk on a his latest book "Socrates in Love" at RiverRun Bookstore, 20 Congress St. Free. riverrunbookstore.com, 603- 431-2100.

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.