Globe North listings

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

ARTS

Amesbury: Provident Bank celebrates the artistic talents of its employees and their family members in the current exhibition. Textiles, oil paintings, photography, and ship models are displayed through Aug. 8 in the lobbies of the bank's Amesbury branches at 5 Market St. (main office) and Route 110 (Haverhill Road branch). Reception, July 31, 5:30-7 p.m., at 5 Market St. 978-834-8540.

Gloucester: Nights on the Neck at Rocky Neck Art Colony is an evening of gallery receptions and entertainment, Aug. 7, 5-9 p.m. Leslie Bartlett will present "A Stonecutter's Tale," a live shadow puppet play about the history of quarrying on Cape Ann. Sarah Dunlap and Stephanie Buck read from their book "Fitz Henry Lane: Family and Friends." Kathleen Mari performs belly dance. Rick Drost sings romantic ballads and country. Three Sheets to the Wind, local musicians and Schooner Adventure crew members, will sing maritime work songs. See signs in the Rocky Neck Avenue parking lot for times and locations. RockyNeckArts@yahoo.com.

Gloucester: Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St., presents an exhibition of sculpture by James T. McClellan (1910-2005), Aug. 2-Oct. 19. Reception, Aug. 2 at 3 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Museum hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Admission $8; Cape Ann residents, students and seniors $6. Children younger than 12 are free. 978-283-0455, capeannmuseum.org.

Gloucester: North Shore Arts Association, 11 Pirates Lane, is showing work by artist members in Exhibition II, through Aug. 10. Free. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. 978-283-1857, nsarts.org.

Hamilton: Photography by Paula Stephens of Hamilton is exhibited at Hamilton-Wenham Library, 14 Union St., through August.

Malden: MATV Gallery, 145 Pleasant St., presents an exhibit that highlights the new short film, "Server," written, directed, filmed, and edited by Patrick Gordon, MATV's director of Programming and New Media. Composed entirely of still photos, the film premieres Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. The exhibit gives a behind-the-scenes look at a Malden Access Television film, including props, details on the technology used, background on the creation process, and framed stills that stand alone as works of art. The movie addresses the theme man vs. machine. "Server: The Exhibit" will be on view through Sept. 19. The artist's reception is Aug. 8, 7-9 p.m., with the premiere of the film at 8 p.m. Exhibit hours are Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. MATV and the Gallery will be closed Aug. 25-Sept. 1. matv.org/gallery, 781-321-6400.

Marblehead: Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St. August exhibits will be shown Aug. 2-31. Reception, Aug. 3, 2-4 p.m. Painted wood sculpture by Don Howard in "Seventy years of making Art - @ age 75" in the Ballroom Gallery. Photography and watercolors by Judy Arnold and Mike Dupuis in "Pixels and Palettes II" in the Parlor Gallery. Watercolors by Virginia Hill in "Celebrating Sea & Shore" in the Dining Room Gallery. Oil paintings and mixed media by Jeri Rabchenuk in "What I Think About" in Hendrick Gallery. 781-631-2608, marbleheadarts.org.

Marblehead: "Highlights from Patagonia," an exhibit of photographs of Torres del Paine and National Glacier Park of Patagonia by Garrow Throop, is displayed at the Cloister Gallery at the Episcopal Church of St. Andrew, 135 Lafayette St., Route 114, through Aug. 12.

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: Massachusetts Audubon Society's Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, presents "Bahamian Fishes," an exhibit of watercolor paintings by Newburyport artist John Soward, through Aug. 17. Free. To view the exhibit contact Joppa Flats Education Center at 978-462-9998. massaudubon.org.

Newburyport: Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St., presents its annual Abstract Artist Group Show, Aug. 7-17 in Sargent Gallery. Reception, Aug. 9, 7-9 p.m. Open Monday-Saturday 11 am.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. The group consists of NAA members who meet monthly to encourage abstract artists, share information and promote abstract art in the surrounding area. "Big Works," an invitational show of large paintings by NAA members, continues through Aug. 6 in Hartson gallery. 978-465-8769, newburyportart.org.

Rockport: Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St., offers free lectures during its Community Outreach Summer Lecture Series. Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Charles Movalli will conduct a tour of art treasures discovered during his extensive travels around the world in the lecture "Travels with the Maestro." Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m., the lecture "Isabella Stewart Gardner" will be presented by Valentine Talland, senior objects conservator at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Artist demonstrations held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. $5. Aug. 5: Paul George, watercolor. Aug. 7: Line Tutwiler, oil painting. Through Aug. 19: The Third Summer Photography Show and Third Summer Show of Paintings, Graphics and Sculpture. Dress up as your favorite musician, interpretation of your favorite song, musical instrument or other creative attire for Costume Ball 2008: "Musical Icons: From Mozart to Madhouse," Aug. 23, 7:30-11 p.m. Enjoy an evening of music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, wine and spirits. $1,000 prize for best costume. Cash bar. For ages 21 and older. $25. Reservations required. 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. 978-546-6604, rockportartassn.org.

Salem: The exhibit "Vibrant Reflection" features paintings by Wheaton graduate artists Kristin Ford and Hailey O'Donnel, Aug. 1 through Sept. 14, at New Civilitea, 318 Derby St. Reception, Aug. 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. newcivilitea.com.

Salem: Salem Arts Association members explore the theme Opposites Attract in a curated exhibit, displayed Aug. 1-31 in Salem Arts Association Gallery at Artists' Row, 24 New Derby St. Reception, Aug. 9, 4-7 p.m. SAA presents free performances on Artists Row Plaza, 24 New Derby St. The Art of Bellydance, Aug. 2, 1-2 p.m., features dancer Aepril Schaile along with other performers and MC Memie-Ayat of the North Shore Northeast Belly Dance Association. Radio Scotvoid performs Aug. 9, noon-4 p.m. Scotvoid, an experimental electronica artist and DJ, promotes raw talent from the North Shore music scene. info@salemartsassociation.org, salemartsassociation.org.

Salem: Salem Arts Association hosts its annual juried show "Mementos of Celebration," through Aug. 3, at Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square. The exhibition showcases contemporary work by local and national artists and is a companion exhibit to the Peabody Essex Museum exhibit "Wedded Bliss, The Marriage of Art and Ceremony." Free. salemartsassociation.org, info@salemartsassociation.org.

Beverly: North Shore Music Theatre will hold auditions for its production of "42nd Street" to be presented Oct. 28-Nov. 23. Auditions held in NSMT's Theatre Arts & Education Building behind the theater at 62 Dunham Road. Male and female adults 19 and older can audition for ensemble and principal parts by appointment only. AEA and non-AEA auditions start at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 1. E-mail Mark Jacobsen, assistant to the producers, at mjacobsen@nsmt.org to schedule an audition appointment. Male and female teens between the ages of 12 and 18 who are excellent tap dancers may attend an open chorus call, Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. Bring appropriate dancewear and tap shoes (singing not required). Rehearsals for the teen ensemble are Oct. 9-27 and do not conflict with regular school hours. NSMT encourages all actors to audition regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or the presence of a disability. nsmt.org.

Marblehead: Mugford Street Players will hold open auditions for all roles in its production of Friedrich Durrenmatt's "The Visit" to be performed Oct. 24-Nov. 9 at the MLT Firehouse Theater. A cast of 25 skilled actors of all ages, sizes and talents is needed, including those who possess circus skills such as bodybuilding, singing, dance and mime. Auditions, Aug. 7, 7-9 p.m., and Aug. 9 and 10, 5-7 p.m., at Piranha Sail Loft, 12R Atlantic Ave. 781-962-0409, mugfordstreet.com.

Salem: Coro Stella Maris, a Renaissance music vocal ensemble, will hold auditions for all voice parts for the 2008-2009 season. Choral experience and good reading required. Call 867-919-4218 or 617-964-6609 or e-mail aleclair@clausura.org for an audition appointment on Aug. 10 from 2-5 p.m., or Aug. 18 from 6-9 p.m. Alternate dates and times possible. Rehearsals Mondays at 7 p.m. at Grace Church in Salem beginning Sept. 8. corostellamaris.org.

Beverly: The Children's Summer Series at North Shore Music Theatre presents the Russian American Kids Circus, Aug. 1 and "Circo Comedia" on Aug. 22. Shows at 9:45 and 11:45 a.m. For ages 4 and older. $17 and $12. Tickets at nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or at the box office, 62 Dunham Road.

Haverhill: Aug. 3 at 2 p.m., Winnekenni Castle, on Castle Road in Winnekenni Park, 347 Kenoza Ave., Route 110 (exit 52 off Route 495), presents a free show for children and families "The Ugly Duckling," a musical production with puppets, set and costumes, performed by the children's theater group Little Red Wagon. The show will be followed by Balloon Fun with Dr. Goose. The show will be inside the Castle; Balloon Fun will be outdoors on the lawn. Refreshments available. 978-521-1686, winnekenni.com, winnekenni@yahoo.com.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

Rockport: Aug. 2 at 3:30 p.m. violinist Andrea Dawson and pianist Kenneth Saxon will give a free violin and piano recital at Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport, 4 Cleaves St. The program includes Beethoven Sonata No. 5 in F Major, op. 24 ("Spring"); Dvorak Romance in F Minor, op. 11; and Brahms Sonata No. 1 in G Major, op. 78.

Ipswich: The annual Crane Beach SandBlast! sand sculpture competition begins at 8 a.m., Aug. 9 at Crane Beach. Judging at 4 p.m. Rain date is Aug. 10. Competition levels are: Kids, Teens, Family, Adult, Corporate/Organizations and Master Blasters. "Super Heroes Go Green" is this year's theme. Advance registration fee (includes parking) $29. Day of registration fee is $7 per team plus regular beach admission. To ensure entrance, preregister by e-mail at hbellocchio@ttor.org. View rules and regulations online at craneestate.org or call 978-921-1944, ext. 402. No advance sales for spectators/beachgoers. Directions: From Route 128 (exit 20A) follow Route 1A north for 8 miles to Ipswich. Turn right onto Route 133 east and follow for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Northgate Road and follow for 0.5 mile. Turn right onto Argilla Road and follow for 2 miles to entrance to Crane Beach.

Topsfield: The 10th annual Paso Fino Fandango Horse show will be held Aug. 9 and 10, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1. Free.

FESTIVALS

Haverhill: Wingate Street will come alive with music and food, Aug. 1, 7-9 p.m. Elle Gallo and her band perform. Bring a chair. Sponsored by Whittier Health Management with the Wingate Street Art District.

Merrimac: Old Home Days, an annual summer event, will take place Aug. 8 and 9 at Donaghue School field, Locust Street. Free. New events include a chalk drawing contest, train rides and pony rides. Entertainment by the female harmonic trio Maeve, comedic folk music by Vic and Sticks, and the Merrimack Valley Concert Band. Also, a bonfire, craft fair, Anything on Wheels parade, Bake Off baking contest, block dance, and the free CHIPS program for child identification sponsored by the Masons. Food for sale and many charities will hold fund-raisers such as the Boy Scouts chicken barbecue and the Santa Parade's Duck Race. Open Friday 5-9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. List of events at merrimac01860.info or e-mail oldhomedays@gmail.com.

Salem: The 20th Salem Maritime Festival kicks off on historic Derby Wharf at Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Aug. 1, with a free concert by Entrain, the Martha's Vineyard-based six-piece band. Entrain will perform rock, blues, calypso, zydeco, jazz and funk from 7-9 p.m. The free Maritime Festival presents traditional craft demonstrations; children's activities including kite making, radio-controlled boats, and horse-drawn wagon rides; and demonstrations aboard the National Park Service's tall ship Friendship, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Aug. 3, noon-5 p.m. Performances by maritime music groups Atwater & Donnelly and the New Bedford Sea Chantey Chorus, Michael O'Leary and the Stroms, Sharks Come Cruisin', Casual Labor Band, maritime singer-songwriter Jon Campbell, and Buddy Walker and his band playing traditional Polish music. The Squeezebox Stompers will be on stage Aug. 2, 6-9 p.m. Free. nps.gov/sama, 978-740-1650.

Hamilton: Free Friday Film Fest at Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St., presents "Surf's Up" (rated PG), Aug. 8 at 10:30 a.m. Free. Young children must be accompanied by an adult. 978-468-5577, hwlibrary.org.

Amesbury: The Whittier Home Association and Tapestry of Voices present the 10th annual Collaborative Readings from the poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier, Aug. 10, 3-4:30 p.m. in the garden of the John Greenleaf Whittier Home, 86 Friend St. The program of readings and original works by featured readers will be followed by an informal reception. Free. In case of bad weather, the program will be held in the home's meeting room. 617-723-3716, 978-388-1337.

Peabody: Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 210 Andover St. (behind the North Shore Mall), will host a Breaking Dawn Prom Party on Aug. 1 starting at 10 p.m. The store will remain open late and sell the fourth and final book in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga "Breaking Dawn" starting at midnight when the book officially goes on sale. The store encourages vampire prom attire for the night of activities which will include a Twilight Trivia Hunt, crafts, and a best and worst prom dress/outfit contest. Bring your camera for the Vampire Prom photo shoot. 978-573-3261. bn.com.

Rockport: Rockport Public Library, 17 School St., presents free programs as part of its Summer Literary Series. All programs begin at 7 p.m. Aug. 7: A Literary Sense of Place - Cape Ann: Peter Anastas, Gregory Gibson, and Rodman Philbrick discuss how a sense of environment colors their writing. Aug. 14: Julia Glass will discuss her new book "I See You Everywhere" and her award winning novel "Three Junes." Aug. 28: Andre Dubus III will discuss his new work "The Garden of Last Days." rockportlibrary.org, 978-546-1011.

MUSEUMS & HISTORY

Regional: Explore the homes of early settlers in Essex County during "17th-century Saturdays," a summer program 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 Aug. 2, Sept. 6, and Oct. 4. Admission varies by site. Visit EscapesNorth.com for a list of participating sites.

Gloucester: Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St., presents "Greenheads: Paintings by Sam Holdsworth," through Sept. 6. The 30 paintings in the exhibition comprise a narrative cycle chronicling the habits of the greenhead fly. An exhibit of paintings by Rockport artist Oliver Balf, representing 60 years of his painting on Cape Ann, continues through Sept. 14. Ages 6-12 are invited to participate in Morning at the Museum programs, featuring art and history activities designed around the museum's collections. Held 10-11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each program includes a take-home craft project and an outdoor activity or walk. Registration, 978-283-0455 or e-mail courtneyrichardson@capeannmuseum.org. Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Admission $8, Cape Ann residents, students, and seniors $6. Children younger than 12 are free. 978-283-0455, capeannmuseum.org.

Marblehead: A model of the destroyer USS Mugford is on view throughout the summer at Marblehead Museum & Historical Society, 170 Washington St. Recently donated by former Marbleheader and USS Mugford crew member, Carl E. Wilson. Commissioned in 1937, the ship saw action at Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The detailed 1/96 scale model, built for Wilson, was given to the museum along with copies of the ship's log books from 1937-1946 and other World War II artifacts. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 781-631-1768, marbleheadmuseum.org.

Marblehead: The GAR 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.: Aug. 9 and 23; Sept. 13 and 27; Nov. 11 and Dec. 7. The GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) was a post-Civil War veterans' organization founded to provide support for soldiers and their families. The GAR Room is preserved as it was when the last meeting was held in the 1930s. 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.

Wenham: Experience what it's like to be a firefighter 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., 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

Beverly: The barbershop chorus the Northshoremen will provide an evening of barbershop harmony, Aug. 6 on Beverly Common starting at 7:15 p.m. The 30-man chorus sings a variety of music under the direction of Andrew Shryock. Free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. No rain date. 978-744-3592, northshoremen@verizon.net.

Gloucester: Artistry of the Guitar, a concert with performances by Ken Bonfield, Peter Janson, and special guest Teja Gerken, editor of Acoustic Guitar magazine; an accomplished international player, will be held Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m., at Blackburn Performing Arts, 1 Washington St. Hear music ranging from country blues, ragtime, and folk, to traditional Celtic, jazz, classical, contemporary, and more. Players' workshop offered Aug. 3 at 4 p.m. Workshop $15. Concert $15. Attend both for $25. Reservations, 978-281-0680.

Hamilton: Sundays in Patton Park, a free weekly summer concert series, is held at the bandstand at Patton Park, Route 1A, Sundays 5-7 p.m. Bring blanket or lawn chairs. Hot and cold refreshments available for purchase. Aug. 3, South Wind performs traditional Celtic tunes; Aug. 10, Squeezebox Stompers play Cajun, zydeco, and blues. In case of rain, call 978-468-4818 after 3 p.m. for information on alternate location and directions. PattonParkConcerts.org.

Ipswich: Castle Hill's Thursday picnic concert series presents free concerts every Thursday, 7-9 p.m., through Aug. 28, on the Grand Allee of Castle Hill, 290 Argilla Road. Schedule: July 31, Jake Armerding, folk and bluegrass. Aug. 7, Squeezebox Stompers, Cajun zydeco. Aug. 14, Entrain, groove music ranging from jazz and funk to rock and blues. Aug. 21, Beantown Swing Orchestra, big band '40s swing. Aug. 28, Orville Giddings Band, boogie blues. $25 per car. Tickets available at the gate only. In case of severe weather, concerts will be canceled. thetrustees.org, 978-921-1944, ext. 4028.

Lynn: Each Thursday through Aug. 21, the Friends of Lynn 7 Nahant Beach Summer Concert Series presents free concerts from 6 to 8 p.m. at Red Rock Park on Lynn Shore Drive. July 31: Curragh's Fancy playing Celtic favorites and sea chanteys. Aug. 7: Billy McGee Band plays Dixie swing music. Aug. 14: White Lightnin'. Brian Maes closes out the series on Aug. 21. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Coffee, soda, water, home made bakery items, and T-shirts and sweatshirts available for purchase. All proceeds go toward the cost of the concerts. lynn-nahantbeach.org.

Marblehead: Marblehead Summer Jazz 2008 Stage holds concerts at the Unitarian-Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St. Schedule: Aug. 9, jazz singer Ernie Andrews; Aug. 23, vocalist and pianist, Karrin Allyson. Tickets $27, $25 in advance. Preferred seats $30. Tickets available at Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington St., and Spirit of '76 Bookstore, 107 Pleasant St., and online at marbleheadjazz.org.

Newburyport: The 16th annual Maudslay Arts Center summer season presents concerts Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at Maudslay State Park, Curzon Mill Road (exit 57 off Route I-95). The Gerry Barrett Big Swing Band. Aug. 9, Paul Broadnax Quintet, concert of jazz standards. Aug. 10, Wayne From Maine, music for the young at heart. Aug. 16, Shirim Klezmer Orchestra, klezmer jazz band. Aug. 17, Duffin-Murphy School of Irish Dance, Irish step dancing. Aug. 23, Barrence Whitfield & the Savages, rhythm and blues. Aug. 24, John Penny Band, country western band. Aug. 30, Rebecca Parris, the "First Lady of Jazz." Saturday evening patio seating at tables $20; lawn seating overlooking the stage (bring your own chairs or blanket) $18. Lawn seating for children 12 and younger is free at all performances. Sunday afternoons, admission to patio and lawn seating is $10, seniors $8, children younger than 12 are free. Concerts move inside to the MAC Concert Barn when weather dictates. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner. Desserts and beverages may be purchased during intermission. 978-499-0050, calmvalley.org.

Revere: The Swing band Rico Barr and the Jump 'n' Jive Revie, nominated as swing band of the year by the National Swing Awards, will perform a free concert, Aug. 3, 6-8 p.m. at the Revere Summer Concert Series, next to American Legion hall, 249 Broadway.978-857-9457.

Salem: The annual Salem Jazz and Soul Festival, a family-friendly event presenting jazz, funk, and soul performed by bands from Boston and the North Shore, offers two weekends of events and performances. Aug. 10, two bands perform in the "Downtown Concert Showcase." The Nat Simpkins Band featuring Henri Smith will play at Derby Square from 1-3 p.m. and the Boston Horns will perform at the Museum Place Mall fountain from 2-4 p.m. Aug. 15-17, concerts held at Salem Willows, 158 Fort Ave. Main Stage schedule: Aug. 15, 6-8 p.m., the Dan King Band; Aug. 16, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Ken Clark Organ Trio, Brothers from Another Planet, Parker Wheeler Blues Project, The Mystics and Los Sugar Kings; Aug. 17, 1-4 p.m., Follow Hymn Gospel Choir, and Marty Rowen and Last Call for Blues. Proceeds from the Festival support music education and cover the expenses for putting on the festival. All shows are free. salemjazzsoul.com, info@salemjazzsoul.com.

Salem: The Salem Willows Summer Concert series presents free concerts by North Shore Concert Band, Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., at the Band Shell at Salem Willows Park, Fort Ave, through Aug. 5.

NATURE

Newburyport: The Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge present a coffee house and lecture series. Lectures will be held in the Visitor Center Auditorium, 6 Plum Island Turnpike. Free; no registration necessary. July 31, 7-8 p.m., join William Fowler, history professor from Northeastern University, to learn about the history of the coasting trade in New England, Merrimack Valley and Newburyport in the lecture "There She Scoons': New England Coasting Schooners." Bird-friendly coffee and pastries will be for sale with proceeds benefiting the Friends of Parker River, a nonprofit organization that supports the refuge. parkerriver.fws.gov, 978-465-5753.

THEATER

Georgetown: Moonlight Productions brings Frank Loesser's musical "Guys & Dolls" to the stage July 31, Aug. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 3 at 2 p.m., at First Congregational Church, routes 97 and 133. The show features a cast of local talent and classic musical numbers including "Luck Be a Lady," "A Bushel and a Peck," and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat." Tickets at the door. $12; reserved seats $15; seniors and students younger than 12, $10.

Gloucester: Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main St., presents Lee Blessing's "Going To St. Ives" featuring Gloucester resident and Academy Award nominee Lindsay Crouse and Elliot Norton Award winner Jacqui Parker, through Aug. 3. Performances July 31-Aug. 2 at 8 p.m.; Aug. 2 at 3 p.m. and Aug. 3 at 4 p.m. $35, seniors and students $30. Air-conditioned. 978-281-4433, gloucesterstage.org.

Haverhill: A Cafe Variety Show Night will be performed Aug. 8, 8 p.m., at Winnekenni Castle, 347 Kenoza Ave, off Route 110, featuring comedy and comic tunes by Dan Margarita of Stoneham and comedy skits by the DNA Players with psychedelic music by Astro Al, songs from singer/songwriter Michael Bloom of Somerville, folk music by Katfish 4, and singer Karen Westphalen. Tickets online ($10 plus fee) at winnekenni.com, or at the door on the night of the performance ($15). 978-521-1686.

Newburyport: Theater in the Open performs "Peer Gynt" by Henrik Ibsen, through Aug. 10. Considered one of Ibsen's most celebrated works, "Peer Gynt" explores the virtues and vices common to all humanity. Theatre in the Open performs the play in a special adaptation for the outdoors. Performances Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. at Maudslay State Park, 76 Curzon Mill Road. From the parking lot, follow the flags to the play site. Allow 10 minutes to walk to the play site. Performances are $8, seniors and students $5. 978-465-2572, theaterintheopen.org.

Rockport: Theatre in the Pines will perform William Shakespeare's "As you Like It" at Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, 257 Granite St., July 31-Aug. 3. $15, students and seniors $12. Reservations, 978-546-3611. Tickets also at Toad Hall Bookstore, 51 Main St.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Exeter: Carol Keiser is August Artist of the Month at Exeter Fine Crafts, 61 Water St. Keiser will talk about her handpainted tiles Aug. 2, noon-3 p.m. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. 603-778-8282.

North Hampton: Makoto Nakura, a musician whose performances reveal the versatility and expressive range of the marimba, will be on stage Aug. 11, 7 p.m., at Centennial Hall, 105 Post Road. The program "Music from Five Continents" celebrates the globe and includes music from Danny Boy to Australian marimba dances to Bach This is the final concert of the summer music series presented by Seacoast Academy of Music. Proceeds benefit the restoration of Centennial Hall. $14; students and seniors $10. 603-964-3660, seacoastacademyofmusic.org.

Portsmouth: Aug. 3 at 5 p.m., writer of international intrigue and spy novels Daniel Silva, will read from his latest book "Moscow Rules" at RiverRun Bookstore, 20 Congress St. Aug. 5 at 7 p.m., Brunonia Barry reads from her debut novel "The Lace Reader." Free. riverrunbookstore.com, 603-431-2100.

Portsmouth: Join former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter and special guests Lizzie West and Baba Buffalo for a lively discussion about the "War on Terror" and Iran in the crosshairs, Aug. 3, 7 p.m., at South Church, 292 State St. Ritter recommends diplomatic engagement with Iran and supports local and national efforts to pass resolutions urging President Bush to refrain from ordering any military attack against Iran without congressional authorization. Lizzie West and Baba Buffalo will perform songs from their upcoming album "The Tumbleweed Cabaret (Dream #1)." $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Ritter is the author of "Target Iran," "Waging Peace" and "Iraq Confidential." A book signing follows the event. Information and tickets, realintelligence.org, 800-838-3006. Sponsored by US Tour of Duty, Cuzin Richard Entertainment Associates, Portsmouth Community Radio, Holy Road Tours Union, Smuttynose Brewing Company, Portsmouth Brewery, Hilton Garden Inn, New Hampshire Peace Action, Codepink New Hampshire, Seacoast Peace Response, and RiverRun Bookstore.

Portsmouth: Coolidge Center for the Arts presents "Shoals and Shorelines," a summer exhibition of beaches, waves, and shoreline vistas by 16 regional artists, at Coolidge Center for the Arts on the grounds of the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion, 375 Little Harbor Road. The exhibition runs through Aug. 24. Free. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., or by appointment. wentworthcoolidge.org, 603-436-6607.

Portsmouth: Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m., the documentary "Soldiers of Conscience" will be shown, followed by discussion at Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrott Ave. The film takes a realistic look at war, peace, and the power of the human conscience. Post-film discussion led by Iraq War veterans Will Hopkins and Mike Hamilton. This free event is sponsored by NH Codepink and Seacoast Peace Response. Not recommended for children. 603-431-0138, socfilm.com.

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. Tours held Aug. 13 and 27. Tickets $6, available in advance or the day of the tour. themusichall.org, 603-436-2400.

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. 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: "Inspired Creations," a furniture exhibit featuring furniture created and inspired by the architecture of the Wentworth-Gardner House by artists from the Mills at Salmon Falls, through Oct. 13, at Wentworth-Gardner House, 50 Mechanic St. 603-436-8420, wentworthgardnerandlear.org.

Portsmouth: Live music at ellO gallery & shop, 110 State St. Aug. 1 at 8 p.m.: Breakfast Song. $3. ellogallery.com, byrdy@ellogallery.com, 603-433-9110.

Rye: Enjoy music and dancing, food and family fun during the Music-by-the-Sea Concert Series, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m., in Odiorne Point State Park, Route 1A. Schedule: July 31, SoulMate; Aug. 7, Johnny Wad and the Cash; Aug. 14, Jumbo Circus Peanuts. All concerts begin at 6 p.m.; gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $2 for ages 3-12. Purchase tickets at the Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Blvd., in advance or at the gate the evening of the concert. Held rain or shine under a seaside tent. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. No dogs allowed. The Seacoast Science Center and Nature Store will be open during all concerts. All proceeds benefit the Seacoast Science Center. seacoastsciencecenter.org.

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.