Globe North listings
Comprehensive listings for galleries, plays, music, and other happenings in the area.
ARTS
Gloucester: North Shore Arts Association's Art Auction & Gala will be held Aug. 16. Preview party, 5:30-7 p.m., includes an open wine bar and live music by What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? Live auction at 7 p.m. Hosted by Frank Kaminski of Kaminksi Auctions in Beverly, the auction will include paintings from North Shore Arts Association's artists. $25. Purchase tickets at NSAA, 11 Pirates Lane, or by calling 978-283-1857. nsarts.org.
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), through Oct. 19. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. $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.
Ipswich: Watercolor paintings by Ann Jones of Groveland will be displayed Aug. 12-17 at Hall-Haskell House Gallery at Ipswich Visitors Center, Route 1A. Open Tuesday-Sunday noon-7 p.m. annjonesart.com.
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. Through Aug. 31: 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, through Aug. 17 in Sargent Gallery. Reception, Aug. 9, 7-9 p.m. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-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. 978-465-8769, newburyportart.org.
Rockport: Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St., offers free lectures during its Community Outreach Summer Lecture Series. 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. 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.
Rockport: "Gift of the Grain," a group woodcut show, continues through Sept. 8 at Wenniger Gallery, 19 Mount Pleasant St. White-line woodcut printing and cutting demonstration and conversations with Kim and Philippe Villard, Aug. 14, 3-7 p.m. Free. 978-546-8116, wennigergallery.com.
Salem: The exhibit "Vibrant Reflection" features paintings by Wheaton graduate artists Kristin Ford and Hailey O'Donnel, through Sept. 14, at New Civilitea, 318 Derby St. newcivilitea.com.
Salem: Salem Arts Association members explore the theme Opposites Attract in a curated exhibit, displayed through Aug. 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. 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: The exhibit "Freeze Frame: Shake, Rattle and Roll" presents photographs chronicling the local music scene by Tom Uellner. Open Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Aug. 10, noon-4 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square. Presented by Salem Arts Association. info@salemartsassociation.org, salemartsassociation.org.
Topsfield: Topsfield Town Library, presents an exhibition of watercolors by Rockport artist Oliver Balf through August. Balf was a founding faculty member and professor emeritus of Montserrat College of Art. Reception, Aug. 16, 2-4 p.m. 978-887-1528.
AUDITIONS
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.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Beverly: The Children's Summer Series at North Shore Music Theatre presents "Circo Comedia" Aug. 22 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.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Danvers, Salem, Beverly: Music at Eden's Edge presents "The French-American Connection," a musical journey with Cello e Basso, narrated by French double bassist Pascale Delache-Feldman and American cellist Emmanuel Feldman. The world premiere of a work by composer and violist Mark Berger, commissioned by MEE for Cello e Basso, is the highlight of the program. Performances: Aug.19, 2 p.m., at Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church, 323 Locust St., Danvers. This free performance is part of Senior/Family Series. This site is accessible to handicapped. Families with young children are encouraged to attend this performance. For information or for individual assistance for individuals with disabilities, call 978-270-4463. Aug. 22, 8 p.m., at Peabody Essex Museum, Phillips Library, East India Square, Salem. $20, students $15, family $60. 978-745-9500, ext. 3011. Aug. 23, 8 p.m., Endicott College Chapel, 376 Hale St., Beverly. $20, students and seniors $15, family $60. 978-270-4463, edensedge.org.
DANCES
Danvers: Riverside Squares will hold its last dance of the summer, Aug.13, 7:30-10 p.m., at Knights of Columbus Club, 35 Elm St. $7. Air conditioned. www.riversidesquares.freeservers.com, riverside_squares@hotmail.com, 978-774-8159.
DANCE PERFORMANCES
Newburyport: BREAK! The Urban Funk Experience, performs a tribute to hip-hop, Aug. 16, 8 p.m., at Firehouse Center for the Arts, One Market Square. $22-$29. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org.
EXTRA
Haverhill: Vintage baseball game between the Essex Ball Club and the Fitchburg Rollstones, Aug. 17, noon-4 p.m., at Riverside Park, Diamond #1, 17 Nichols St. Free. Sponsored by the Buttonwoods Museum/Haverhill Historical Society. 978-374-4626, haverhillhistory.org.
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
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: Area restaurants and caterers compete for the honor of being selected as the Best Chowder in Greater Haverhill at Winnekenni Castle's first Chowderfest, Aug. 10, noon-4 p.m. Family fun includes a waterslide, a bouncy world jumper, and racing rubber ducks. Live music and entertainment by Lee Lewis and the Doo Wop All Stars at noon, followed by the Incredible Band. The B Street Bombers perform 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. Children's musical artists Judy Pancoast performs at 2 p.m. Winnekenni Castle is on Castle Road in Winnekenni Park, 347 Kenoza Ave., Route 110 (exit 52 off Route 495). $8, children $5. 978-521-1686, winnekenni.com, winnekenni@yahoo.com.
Lynn: The Friends of the Lynn Public Library host the Lynn Public Library Family Fun Day, Aug. 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the lawn of the library, 5 North Common St. Activities include a moon bounce, face painting, tie-dye, games, and more. Rain date, Aug. 16. 781-595-0567.
Malden: Saint Rocco's Feast, Aug. 8-10, offers Italian food, rides, games, and entertainment along Pearl Street. Aug. 8 a procession led by the statue of Saint Rocco will be followed by musical entertainment by the New Life Band. Saturday night features the singing group Ambrosiani. Sunday the festival honors Saint Rocco with a full procession. The evening closes with performances by North Shore Acapella and Beetlejuice. Hours: Friday and Saturday 7-11 p.m., Sunday 2-10 p.m. 617-733-7552, saintroccosfeast.org.
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.
FILMS
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.
FUND-RAISERS
Newbury: "An Evening of Rock," a live concert with refreshments, will benefit the Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and the Plum Island Airfield. The live outdoor event, held Aug. 23, 5-9 p.m., at Plum Island Airfield, Hanger No. 1, offers live entertainment by the local rock band, The Brew, culinary delights, beer and wine, and raffles. $50, includes food and beverages. For ages 21 and older. Purchase tickets online at eveningofrock.org. ParkerRiver.fws.gov.
LITERARY EVENTS
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.
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 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 compose 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.
Salem: Atrium Alive programs, Aug. 9 and 10 at Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, celebrate Chinese Art and Culture. Get into the spirit of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics with athletic and martial arts activities, music and art making. Also, tai chi demonstrations, music, table tennis demonstration and workshop, art activities, and films. Programs are included with museum admission. Some activities require advance reservations. $15, seniors $13, students $11. Free to Salem residents and ages 16 and younger. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 866-745-1876, pem.org.
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
Essex: The 15th annual Essex Music Festival will be held Aug. 16, noon-7:30 p.m., at Centennial Grove, Route 22. Sweet Loretta's Snake Oil Jug Band hosts this outdoor, acoustic music festival. Eighteen musical acts - folk, bluegrass, blues, Celtic, ragtime, maritime and country - will perform to benefit the restoration of Centennial Grove, the historic lakeside park. Performances by Julie Dougherty, Daisy Nell and Captain Stan, Old Cold Tater, Squeezebox Stompers, Tom Eaton and Pick 3, the Essex duo Tamarac, Orville Giddings Acoustic Band, the Backwoods Ramblers, Paul Prue, and Three Sheets to the Wind. Herb Broadbent will host the Flamingo Stage where you'll hear vocal harmonies of Not That Blonde and Carol Littlefield McIntyre playing Irish folk harp, Dusty and Joanna performing old-time country favorites on guitar and autoharp, along with Joe Boyd; Bob and Jen Strom and Michael O'Leary; and Allan Aunapu. All musicians are invited to bring your instrument and join the Jam Circle. Swim in Chebacco Lake, watch the jugglers, bring a picnic or enjoy the food provided by volunteers and businesses. $6; children are free. No pets permitted. essexmusicfestival.com.
Gloucester: Pour Down Silver, a tribute to Richard Thompson, will be performed by North Shore players and singers Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. at Blackburn Performing Arts, 1 Washington St. The evening is a celebration of English folk/rock guitar and songwriting legend Richard Thompson. $15. 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. 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: 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. 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). 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.
Newburyport: Folk and alternative country music performer Steve Earle will perform Aug. 15, 8 p.m., at The Theatre at Newburyport High School, 241 High St. Opening the show is his wife, singer/songwriter Allison Moorer. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased online at MKTix.com/heptunes; by phone at 978-462-9630; and at Dyno Records in Newburyport, Ipswich Music; Gloucester Music; Casa de Moda in Beverly; Ganesh Imports in Portsmouth, N.H.; and at all Bull Moose locations.
Newburyport: Singer Tom Russell will perform Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m. at Firehouse Center for the Arts, One Market Square. $22-$29. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org.
Salem: Saturday afternoon Derby Square jazz concert by Manami Morita, Aug. 9, 5-7 p.m. in front of Old Town Hall, Front St. salemjazzsoul.com, info@salemjazzsoul.com.
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 1-3 p.m. and the Boston Horns will perform at the Museum Place Mall fountain 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.
Wakefield: Concert on Wakefield Common, Common and Main streets, features Middlesex Concert Band, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. Free. Rain date, Aug. 14. 781-245-0741, chamber@wakefieldma.org.
THEATER
Beverly: The Tony Award winning musical comedy "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" will be on stage Aug. 12-31 at North Shore Music Theater, 62 Dunham Road. At each performance, four audience volunteers are selected and invited on stage to participate in the Bee, making each performance unique. Recommended for ages 13 and older. $77-$40. Senior and youth discounts, rush tickets, and special ticket packages available. Performances Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; matinees Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. With the purchase of an adult ticket to the Aug. 24 production, parents are invited to enroll their children (ages 4-11) in a free theater workshop on site while they attend the show. This program is free, but reservations are required by Aug. 22. Free audience enrichment events: Meet the Theatre, a post-show audience discussion with the artists, Aug.19 after the 7:30 p.m. performance and Aug. 30 after the 2 p.m. performance; Spotlight on History, a pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance (co-presented by the Wenham Museum) on Aug. 24; Out at the North Shore, an evening for the gay and lesbian community with a post-show reception on Aug. 28. nsmt.org, 978-232-7200.
Beverly: Neverland Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz," a nonmusical audience participation version where children get to come up on stage, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Aug. 10 at 4 p.m. at Temple B'nai Abraham Theater, 200 East Lothrop St. Children invited to come in favorite Wizard or fairy-tale costume. $12 and $14. 978-948-7925, neverlandtheatre.com.
Gloucester: John Patrick Shanley's "Doubt, A Parable" is on stage through Aug. 24 at Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main S. Performances at 8 p.m. Aug. 7-9, 13-16, and 20-23. Matinees Aug. 9, 16, and 23 at 3 p.m. and Aug. 10, 17, and 24 at 4 p.m. $35, seniors and students $30. 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.
Lynn: Mass Theatrica presents "Naughty, Bawdy, Broadway, Too!," naughty, but tastefully entertaining for mature audiences, Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. at LynnArts, in the Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre, 25 Exchange St. The program offers songs and duets from the shows "Cabaret," "Candide," "The Wild Party," "Call Me Madame," "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," and "Chicago." $15, seniors and students $13. 508-757-8515, masstheatrica@yahoo.com, www.masstheatrica.org. Directions to LynnArts at lynnarts.net.
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.
Salem: Improv on the Bricks, presented by Salem Theatre Company, invites the community to take part in an afternoon of unpredictable interaction with the actors. There is no set script, plot, or theme for this production, which means the spontaneity of creating performance material will rely on the audience's willingness to participate alongside the actors. In the relaxed nontraditional outdoor setting, Improv on the Bricks gives the audience an opportunity to be on center stage. Performances Aug. 9 and 10 at 3:30 p.m. on the Front Street side of Old Town Hall in Derby Square (weather permitting). Free. For all ages. Contact Salem Theatre Company at 978-790-8546 or salemtheatrecopr@gmail.com.
Salem: Young actors from North Shore communities will perform in Theatre of Light's production "Alice in Wonderland," Aug. 14 at 3 and 7 p.m., Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 19 at 3 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 24 St. Peter St. Tickets at the door, but reservations are recommended. $10, children $5. 978-210-9818.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Exeter: Carol Keiser is August Artist of the Month at Exeter Fine Crafts, 61 Water St. 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: 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.
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: 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 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.
