Globe North listings
Comprehensive listings for galleries, plays, music, and other happenings in the area.
ARTS
Gloucester: Bryan Gallery, 53 Rocky Neck Ave., will celebrate its founders, Alden and Mary Bryan, and the historic building that now displays work by artists of the Rocky Neck Art Colony, Aug. 17, 4-6 p.m. The Bryan Gallery artists will exhibit new work that highlights the heritage and history of Cape Ann. Judith Curtis, art historian and author of the book, "The Rocky Neck Art Colony, 1850-1950", will read excerpts about the Bryans and a history of the Bryan Gallery building will be presented. Refreshments. The Bryan Gallery features local artists in many media including oil, acrylic, watercolor, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and mixed media.
Gloucester: Aug. 17, Cape Ann Museum and Historic New England present "A Day with Cecilia Beaux." Learn about this turn-of-the-century figure-painter who was a trailblazer among women artists of her day. From 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., join a walking tour of Cecilia Beaux's Eastern Point neighborhood where Beaux resided at her home Green Alley and painted in her studio during the summer months. The program includes a tour of Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, the home of Beaux's friend and neighbor Henry Davis Sleeper, one of America's first interior designers. Contact Beauport for reservations for the tours at 978-283-0800. Beauport is located at 75 Eastern Point Blvd. At 4 p.m. Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St., will host a lecture by Sylvia Yount, Louise B. and J. Harwood Curator of American Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The lecture is entitled "Cecilia Beaux, Mary Cassatt, and Thomas Eakins: The Politics of Portraiture." Yount recently organized a traveling retrospective of Beaux's work with an accompanying exhibition catalogue. Copies of the catalogue will be available for purchase. A reception follows the lecture. Contact the museum for lecture reservations; 978-283-0455. Admission to each program is $15. capeannmuseum.org.
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: 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.
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 are displayed through Aug. 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. The film is composed entirely of still photos. 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" is on view through Sept. 19. 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: 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. www.massaudubon.org.
Newburyport: Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St., presents its annual Abstract Artist Group Show, through Aug. 17 in Sargent Gallery. 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. 14: Sue Daly, monotype techniques; Aug. 21: Hagop Kelejian, portrait in oil. 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. 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.
AUCTIONS
Gloucester: "Let's Go Sailing," the Schooner Adventure Gala Auction, will be held Aug. 16, 6-8 p.m., at Annisquam Village Hall, 34 Leonard St., in Annisquam. $35 advanced reservation, $40 at the door. Senator Bruce Tarr will conduct the silent and live auctions. Cash bar. Buffet dinner. schooner-adventure.org, 978-281-8079.
AUDITIONS
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. 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.
Wenham: Gordon College will hold open auditions for its Symphonic Chorale, a choral ensemble of members from the area community, and Gordon College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Auditions held on Gordon College campus, 255 Grapevine Road, in Phillips Music Center (office L110), Aug. 25 and 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Rehearsals Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m., starting Sept. 2. To schedule audition, call 978-867-4429 or e-mail chorale@gordon.edu.
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.
Wakefield: A Teddy Bear Picnic Concert on Wakefield Common features children's entertainer Bill Shontz, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. The free concert is sponsored by Wakefield Chamber of Commerce. Wakefield Common is at Common and Main streets. 781-245-0741, chamber@wakefieldma.org.
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.
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.
FESTIVALS
Gloucester: Nearly 200 juried artists and crafters from around the country will participate in the annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival at historic Stage Fort Park along Gloucester Harbor, Aug. 16 and 17. Other attractions include live music; ethnic foods; a pancake breakfast, Saturday from 7:30-11 a.m.; and a New England Lobster Bake, Sunday from noon-5 p.m. Children will enjoy the free magic shows, giant inflatables, sand art, and face painting. The North Shore Old Car Club will display dozens of antique autos, Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Re/Max Hot Air Balloon will offer tethered rides for a nominal fee Sunday from 5-7 p.m. Proceeds from balloon rides will benefit the Labor Day Fireworks Fund. Numerous artisans will give demonstrations of their work including flame work glass, painting, and stone carving. The festival is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days, rain or shine. Free. Pets must be on leashes. 978-283-1601, capeannvacations.com.
Salem: See vintage motor yachts and sailboats up close, meet skippers and crews, tour the vessels and vote for your favorite boat at the 26th annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival, Aug. 23 and 24 at Hawthorne Cove Marina, 10 White St. A crafts market, artists, old-time band music, the Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats are also part of the event. Open Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission $5, children younger than 12 are free. 617-422-1703, 617-666-8530, boatfestival.org. Take the ferry from Boston and visit the Festival next door to the ferry terminal. 978-741-0220 or salemferry.com for the ferry schedule.
FILMS
Newburyport: The Screening Room, 82 State St., hosts an appearance by filmmaker Alison Ellwood of New York City and Plum Island. Ellwood is the editor/co-producer of "Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson" and the Academy Award winning documentary "
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.
HOUSE & GARDEN TOURS
Ipswich: The Crane Estate, Argilla Road, will hold summer teas 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.
LITERARY EVENTS
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. 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.
Amesbury: The John Greenleaf Whittier Home, 86 Friend St., will hold an old-fashioned tea party in its garden, Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. Tea, lemonade, sandwiches and desserts served. $15. Reservations, 978-388-1337.
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. 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. 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.
Marblehead: Marblehead Museum and Historical Society will host its annual Party in the Garden at the 1768 Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington St., Aug. 20 from 6-8 p.m. The community is invited to celebrate the season and enjoy the Lee Mansion Gardens, which are maintained by the Marblehead Garden Club. Admission is free. Cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. Attire is "smart casual." RSVP is appreciated. 781-631-1768, marbleheadmuseum.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 an 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. essexmusicfestival.com.
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. 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. 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. 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 at marbleheadjazz.org.
Marblehead: Ronda Matson, singer and songwriter, will perform Aug. 19, 7 p.m., at Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant St. The concert will include a mix of original and cover songs, stories about Matson's musical inspiration, and an opportunity to join in on the fun. Free. For all ages. Matson sings and plays piano, guitar, harmonica, and mandolin. abbotlibrary.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. 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: 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, continues Aug. 15-17 with concerts 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. Other festival attractions at Salem Willows are a music education tent, a childrens' entertainment area, a display on the history of jazz in Salem and the North Shore, demonstrations by the Boston Hoop Troop, and numerous artisans, artists and vendors from the North Shore. Throughout the Festival Week there will be jazz performances at many Salem area clubs including the Edgewater Cafe, the Grapevine Restaurant, the Gulu Gulu Cafe, and other venues. salemjazzsoul.com, info@salemjazzsoul.com.
NATURE
Newburyport: Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center,1 Plum Island Turnpike, is a natural history education and visitor center. Aug. 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., celebrate the beauty of butterflies and butterfly gardens at Joppa Flats with indoor/outdoor family fun during the program "Butterflies and Blossoms." For all ages. Held rain or shine. $3 for children. Learn about identifying characteristics, life cycles, host plants, and flight times of butterflies during the "Introduction to Butterflying" program, Aug. 19, 10 a.m.-noon. Children age 8 and up welcome with an adult. $7 Preregistration is not required. 978-462-9998, massaudubon.org/joppaflats.
THEATER
Beverly: The Tony Award winning musical comedy "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is on stage through Aug. 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.
Georgetown: Moonlight Productions presents William Shakespeare's comedy "Twelfth Night," Aug. 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregation Church, Andover St. $12; seniors and children younger than 12, $10. Tickets at the door.
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. 14-16 and 20-23. Matinees Aug. 16 and 23 at 3 p.m. and Aug. 17 and 24 at 4 p.m. $35, seniors and students $30. 978-281-4433, www. gloucesterstage.org.
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, masstheatrica.org. Directions to LynnArts at lynnarts.net.
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
Durham: Aug. 23, folk artists from Canada and the US come together for an afternoon of food, fun, and folk music outdoors at The Mill Pond Center, 50 Newmarket Road. The all-star lineup includes Lunch at The Dump, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Craig Werth, David Francey, and Bill Staines. Food and drink available. No coolers or pets permitted. Advance tickets $30, available at RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth, at Big Bean Cafe in Newmarket, or at Mill Pond Center Box Office (603-868-8999) or cuzinrichard.com. Day-of-show tickets $40, available at the door. Gates open at 3 p.m., music begins at 4 p.m. In case of rain, the festival will move to Oyster River High School, 55 Coe Drive. millpondcenter.org.
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.
Exeter: Pastel paintings by Nancy Hubbe and monotypes and collages by Barbara Cowan are displayed at Blue Moon Natural Foods, 8 Clifford St., through September. Reception, Aug. 15, 5-7 p.m.
Portsmouth: The 2008 Portsmouth Tall Ship Festival will be held Aug. 15-17 at the State Pier, 555 Market St. Festivities begin with the Parade of Ships at 10:45 a.m. from Buoy 2KR in the mouth of Portsmouth Harbor. The Tall Ships will be escorted by two fireboats with their hoses spraying and a flotilla of private yachts. Anyone interested in having their boat in the parade should call 603-431-7447. Best viewing is from Newcastle Common, Four Tree Island and Prescott Park. The docking at the State pier and welcoming ceremonies with Governor Lynch will open at 11 a.m. Ships will be open for tours Friday 1:30-5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $8 per person; $25 for an immediate family group. The Friendship, a 171-foot fully rigged ship, is a replica of the late 1700s New England East Indiaman trader vessel. There will be tours above and below decks. The ship is accessible to the handicapped. The 137-foot Roseway is an original 1925 Grand Banks private fishing schooner built in New England. The Gundalow is a replica of an 1800s Piscataqua River Barge. Docents from the University of New Hampshire Marine Department will be on hand to discuss the history of the Roseway and Gundalow. Open to the public for the first time is the new Portsmouth Fire Boat. Tours and demonstrations will introduce this new addition to the Portsmouth Fire Department. The UNH Docents Sea Shanty group will join the Dog Watch Singers in singing sea shanties. Saturday night, the Piscataqua Maritime Commission will host a Captain's Reception under the tent dockside. Tickets are $30 and reservations are required. Call 603-431-SHIP for reservations. See free exhibits related to the maritime history of the region during the festival. Free parking is available at the Bethany Church on Market Street, the Albacore parking lot, and the City of Portsmouth Public Parking Garage.
Portsmouth: Historic tour of the 1878 Victorian music hall, Aug. 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St. 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. 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. 