Globe North listings
Comprehensive listings for galleries, plays, music, and other happenings in the area.
ARTS
Beverly: An exhibition of New York-based artist Joanne Mattera's encaustic paintings "Hue Again: Paintings by Joanne Mattera" opens June 6 at Montserrat College of Art's Carol Schlosberg Alumni Gallery, 23 Essex St. Reception, June 7, 6-7:30 p.m. Exhibition continues through July 3. 978-867-9604, montserrat.edu/galleries.
Beverly: "On the Edge: New Work in Encaustic," a juried show of encaustic painting and sculpture, opens June 6 with a reception from 4-6 p.m. at Montserrat College of Art's 301 Gallery, 301 Cabot St. Twenty seven artists from 16 states are included in the exhibit. Shana Dumont, assistant director of the Montserrat Galleries, will give a gallery talk "How the Work in 'On the Edge' Relates to Trends in the Larger Contemporary Art World" June 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Laura Moriarty, director of exhibitions at the Gallery at R&F in Kingston, N.Y., will discuss the show with three artists from the exhibition, June 8, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Exhibit continues through July 3. Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday noon-5 p.m. 978-921-4242, ext. 3.
Beverly: The exhibit "Therefore & Because: Decoding Norman Laliberte" will be displayed June 6-July 26 at Montserrat Gallery, 23 Essex St. Reception, June 6, 6-8:30 p.m. 978-867-9604, montserrat.edu/galleries.
Danvers: Work by local artist George S. Patton Jr. is displayed through June 20 at North Shore Arc's Gallery at Southside, 6 Southside Road. Free. 978-624-2318.
Essex: Greenbelt's Art in the Barn, June 13-15, is an art exhibit and sale to benefit Essex County Greenbelt Association. View work by 150 regional artists including painters, potters, jewelers, photographers, sculptors and woodcarvers. The reception, June 13, 6-8:30 p.m., features jazz favorites and originals by Krendel-Clark Duo. Greenbelt is a member-supported, nonprofit land trust dedicated to conserving land of ecological, agricultural or scenic significance in Essex County, with an emphasis on protecting open space corridors. Free. ecga.org, 978-768-7241, ecga@ecga.org.
Gloucester: North Shore Art Association, 11 Pirates Lane, presents its first show of the season, with works by more than 175 artists, through June 15. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. northshoreartsassoc.org.
Gloucester: The Rocky Neck Art Colony presents the national juried exhibition "The Shapes of Emotion" through June 15 at Bryan Gallery, 53 Rocky Neck Ave. Book signing of "Rocky Neck Art Colony 1850-1950" by art historian and writer Judith Curtis, May 31, 5-8 p.m. at Bryan Gallery. rockyneckartcolony.org.
Ipswich: Oil paintings by Ipswich artist Janice Colby are featured through June 22 at River Gallery, 4 Market St. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m. 978-356-1559, rivergalleryipswich.com.
Malden: The sixth annual Malden Sketch Group Exhibition, including paintings, drawings, collage and etchings, is displayed at Commerce Place, 350 Main St., through July 25. View the exhibition during lobby hours Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Judy.Gruelich@comcast.net, 781-245-2337.
Manchester-by-the-Sea: "Light Caught Daily Genre Paintings: a Year" by Johanna Bohoy, a show of pastel and watercolor genre paintings that span a year, are displayed at Sovereign Bank, 17 Union St., through July 2. Reception, June 7, 9 a.m.-noon.
Marblehead: "Girls Night Out" Artisans Show, June 12, 6-9:30 p.m., at Boston Yacht Club, 1 Front St. Free admission. Cash bar and appetizers. Artisans will be showing Nantucket baskets, quilts, glasswork, soaps, photography. Directions, bostonyachtclub.net/AboutBYC/Directions.htm.
Marblehead: Erlich Gallery, 96 Washington St., presents "The Summer Show," with paintings of landscapes, seascapes and florals, June 7 through July. Also featured are the works of sculptor Gaylord Ho. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. 781-631-1202, erlichgallery.com.
Marblehead: Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St. Through June 22: "Summer Days," paintings by Mark Shasha; "Glorious Enigma of Journey," etchings and paintings by Nina Kussow; "The Light of Inspiration," watercolor, oils and egg tempura by Concetta Donovan and Suzanne Hogan. Susan Regis, the award winning Boston-based chef, will conduct a culinary demonstration and food tasting, June 8 at 3 p.m. "The Art of the Grill" will take place in the garden of the Hooper Mansion. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample foods prepared on the grill. $20. Reservations required. marbleheadarts.org, 781-631-2608
Marblehead: Fifty watercolors by Marblehead painter Ingrid Selmer-Larsen are exhibited at Marblehead Museum and Historical Society, 170 Washington St., through August. Selmer-Larsen (1913-2005) was the youngest founding member of the Marblehead Arts Association. marbleheadmuseum.org.
Marblehead: The Cloister Gallery and St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 135 Lafayette St., Route 114, presents "Everything Under The Sun," an exhibit of artwork by St. Andrews parishioners that celebrates the arrival of spring, through June 10. Free.
Newburyport: Paintings by Newburyport artists Margaret Bernier and Susan Luca are displayed in the exhibition "Views of Essex County," through June 22 in the Juliet
Rockport: Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St. Through June 10: First Summer Photography Show and First Summer Show of Paintings, Graphics and Sculpture. Painting and photography workshops and classes for adults, summer classes for children, and sketch groups. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. rockportartassn.org, 978-546-6604, rockportart@verizon.net.
Salem: Salem Arts Association Gallery kicks off its 2008 season at Artists Row, 24 New Derby St., with "Salem Sketches: Studies from the Derby Square Kiosk Public Art Project," through June 29. Reception, June 14, 4-6 p.m. The exhibit highlights studies submitted for the Derby Square Kiosk Public Art Project, a joint effort between the City of Salem and the SAA. Exploring the theme "Salem Neighborhoods," a jury will select six of the submitted studies to be painted on the ring that encircles the top of the kiosk. salemartsassociation.org., info@salemartsassociation.org.
Salem: Beverly photographer Brian G. Lewandowski's comical photographic works are displayed at Cinema Salem, Museum Place Mall, through June. bglewandowski.com.
AUCTIONS
Newburyport: Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St., will hold its annual art auction "An Artful Feast" on June 21. Champagne reception with hors d'oeuvres 5-6 p.m., silent auction 6-7 p.m., live auction 7:30-9:30 p.m. Food and wine served throughout the evening. More than 100 pieces of 20th century and contemporary artwork, plus fun non-art items will be auctioned. Proceeds benefit NAA's exhibition, education and outreach programs. Preview auction artwork online at newburyportart.org. Preview exhibition June 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and June 21, noon-4 p.m. Champagne reception $50; general admission $20. 978-465-8769.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Haverhill: Winnekenni Castle, Castle Road in Winnekennni Park, 347 Kenoza Ave., begins its summer program Tots-n-Tykes Tuesdays on June 10 at 10 a.m. Crafts and activities are held inside the Castle. The featured presentation, Kindermusik, at 11 a.m. Outdoor activities if weather permits. Snacks and drinks served. For ages 2-5. Older siblings welcome. $5 per child. 978-521-1230, 978-521-1686, winnekenni.com, winnekenni@yahoo.com.
CHORAL MUSIC
Wenham: Chorus North Shore will perform "Creations Choral, A Concert for the Earth," June 7, 8 p.m., at Gordon College Chapel, 255 Grapevine Road. The 140-member chorus is joined by soloists Barbara Kilduff, soprano; Ray Bauwens, tenor; Mark Andrew Cleveland, bass; the Honors Youth Choir of Chorus North Shore, and the Festival Orchestra. "Crying for a Dream" by Rene Clausen will be performed with narration by Joni Offron and Donald Cheney both of Ipswich, the Honors Youth Choir, flute, and 2 pianos. The voices of the wolves recorded at Wolf Hollow in Ipswich will be heard in this performance. $20, students and seniors $17, children younger than 12 are free. Tickets at the door or online at chorusnorthshore.org. 978-356-3807. Free admission to Wolf Hollow, 114 Essex Road, Ipswich, at a future date by showing concert ticket stub.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Danvers/Ipswich/Beverly: The chamber music ensemble Music at Eden's Edge introduces its Emerging Artists at the Edge program, designed to showcase promising young artists. Violinist Joshua Peckins, will perform in the first concert of the season "June Classically Discovered." The program includes works by Beethoven, Gyrowetz, Mozart and Boccherini. A performance will be held June 17, 2 p.m. at Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church, 323 Locust St., Danvers. This free performance is part of the senior/family series. The site is accessible to the handicapped. Families with young children are encouraged to attend. For individual assistance for individuals with disabilities, call 978-270-4463. The performance on June 20, 8 p.m., at New England Biolabs, 240 County Road, Route 1A, Ipswich, is also free. A portion of New England Biolabs' art collection will be open for viewing. The final performance will be held June 21, 8 p.m., at Endicott College Chapel, 376 Hale St., Beverly. $20, students and seniors $15, family $60. 978-270-4463, edensedge.org.
Rockport: Rockport Chamber Music Festival begins June 5, with a performance featuring soprano Sarah Wolfson, the winner of the 2007 Concert Artists Guild Competition in New York City, accompanied by pianist David Shimoni. The opening night performance also features RCMF Artistic Director David Deveau, piano, Irina Muresanu, violin, Yinzi Kong, viola, and Emmanuel Feldman, cello. A champagne reception follows the 8 p.m. performance. The music festival continues through July 2 with concerts Thursday-Sunday at Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St. The Educational Outreach Program of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival presents a free Family Jazz Concert, June 7 at 10.a.m. featuring Made in the Shade. The interactive program, for children of all ages, will take listeners on a musical journey of American jazz. Listeners will learn about blues, swing, bebop, jazz fusion, and Latin jazz. The group will demonstrate the art of improvisation, with each player taking a simple tune and putting his own personal stamp on it. Snacks served after the program. rcmf.org, 978-546-7391.
FILMS
Hamilton: Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St., presents a free showing of the movie "Ratatouille" (rated G), June 11, 2-4 p.m. Hamilton Anti-War Association presents "War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death" featuring Norman Solomon, narrated by Sean Penn, June 12, 7 p.m. Free. hwlibrary.org, 978-468-5577.
FUND-RAISERS
Lynn: LynnArts, 25 Exchange St., kicks off the summer with RED HOT 3, Auction and Beer-Tasting, June 21, 7-10 p.m. Enjoy music, beer samples from regional microbreweries, hors d'oeuvres, and silent and live auctions of artwork, goods and services. Proceeds support artists and cultural programming in Lynn. $35. For $100 attend a pre-party art preview at 6:30 p.m. 781-598-5244.
Newburyport: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society's 13th Annual Strut for Strays will be held June 8. The three-mile walk will feature Randy Price as honorary chairman, music by Sunchunk, food, children games and activities including face painting and more. Leashed dogs are welcome and water stations will be available along the walk route. "Strutters" collecting at least $50 in pledges will be given a Strut for Strays t-shirt. Proceeds benefit homeless cats and kittens and support MRFRS's programs caring for cats and kittens in the community. Held rain or shine, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Bartlet Mall, Pond and High streets. 978-462-0760, mrfrs.org.
Salem: Salem Arts Association will host a benefit for The Art Corner, June 28, 7-10 p.m., at the Ward 2 Social Club. The Art Corner was devastated by fire in April 2008. Music by Charlie Chesterman and the Motorbikes with a special guest appearance by Barrence Whitfield. Raffles for juried works of craft and art, artist designed jewelry and gift certificates donated by local artists and business owners. Tickets $10, available at Salem Chamber of Commerce, 265 Essex St. 978-744-0044; Experimental Art Gallery and Studio on Artists Row; and 978-771-2587. salemartsassociation.org.
Swampscott: Bremer School of Irish Dance of Salem will host a fund-raiser cocktail party, the Sunset Ceili, June 21, 6-11 p.m., at Blythswood Estate, 29 Little's Point Road, near Marian Court College. The event will raise money to help 26 dancers from the Bremer School to attend the North American Irish Dance Championships in Nashville, Tennessee in July. $25. Tickets available at irishthymes.com/sunsetceili. Reserved tickets will be held at the door. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Information, Bremerdancers@gmail.com.
Wenham: Project Adventure will host "Savour," a garden dinner soiree, with gourmet food prepared by North Shore chefs and caterers, wine, and musical entertainment, June 26, 6-10 p.m., under a tent, overlooking Wenham Lake, on grounds of Moraine Farm, 701 Cabot St. Also featured will be an exotic wine tasting, Mercury Brewing's tap mobile, live music, adventure raffle and open bar. Raffle opportunities include a Florida escape, a Boston getaway, original artwork, children's theme party and more. $100. Online registration at pa.org/donors. 978-524-4640, dbernier@PA.org. Project Adventure is a nonprofit, international teaching organization that is committed to providing leadership in the use of experiential programming to promote individual growth, effective organizations and healthy communities.
HOUSE & GARDEN TOURS
Danvers: Danvers Garden Club will hold "Quilts, Art and Bloom," a house and garden tour, June 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The tour includes homes built in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a Tea House that is a National Historical Landmark and gardens located in the town's historic district. Each of the homes on the tour will feature vintage, hand-stitched quilts, along with an appropriate floral design by DGC designers. Artists from the Danvers Art Association will be demonstrating their skills at each site. $18 in advance, $20 day of tour. Tickets available at Glen Magna Farms, Ingersoll St.; 978-774-4802; and 978-777-0793.
Newburyport: The Historical Society of Old Newbury will hold its annual House and Garden Tour, June 14 and 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., to benefit Cushing House and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark. Three period homes, with matched period gardens, are featured. An antique parsonage garden, two High Street gardens, a church, a federal building's rediscovered secret garden, and a blacksmith shop turned residence are also on the tour. Take a break at the Garden Cafe and shop at the Garden Gift Shop and plant sale. $20 before June 10; $25 after. Seniors $20. Tickets in Newburyport at The Cushing House Museum, 98 High St., 978-462-2681; the Chamber of Commerce, 978-462-6680, and Beach Plum Too, 978-465-1739; in Newbury at Newbury Perennial Gardens, 978-462-1144; and in Salisbury at Beach Plum Farms, 978-465-3542. newburyhist.com.
LECTURES-FORUMS
Ipswich: Alan MacMillan will give an illustrated talk "Traveling the United States by Train," June 11, 7:30 p.m., at Ipswich Public Library, 25 North Main St. Free. 978-356-6648.
Newburyport: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society presents "What Are They Thinking?," a lecture by animal behavior consultant Monique Chretien, June 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St. The lecture will examine why animals do what they do and explore some of the methods behaviorists use to correct unwanted behavior. Free. RSVP, 978-462-0760 or e-mail podcast@mrfrs.org with your name, phone number and e-mail address. mrfrs.org.
Wakefield: The Sweetser Lecture Series presents author Gregory Maguire, June 11 at Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon St. Lecture, "The Man from Wicked," 7:30-8:30 p.m., followed by refreshments. $8. Net profits go to the Wakefield Interfaith Food
LITERARY EVENTS
Newburyport: Ellen Cooney will read from her latest novel "Lambrusco," set on the Adriatic Coast during the Second World War, June 6, 7 p.m., at Jabberwocky Book Shop, 50 Water St., Tannery Mill No.1. June 12 at 7 p.m., author Daniel Robb will read from "SLOOP: Restoring My Family's Wooden SailboatAn Adventure in Old-Fashioned Values." Free. 978-465-9359, jabberwocky.booksense.com.
Peabody: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 210 Andover St. (behind the Northshore Mall), presents James Van Praagh, best selling author and co-executive producer of the CBS series "The Ghost Whisperer," June 5 at 7 p.m. Van Praagh will sign his newest book "Ghosts Among Us," a guide to the supernatural. 978-573-3268, bn.com.
MUSEUMS & HISTORY
Regional: Explore the homes of early settlers in Essex County during 17th Century Saturdays. The summer program encourages visitors to learn about the many "First Period" homes throughout the region. Several historic houses and structures built during America's "First Period" of architecture (1625-1725) will be open for tours, special events, family programs and more, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month through October. Program dates are June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6 and Oct. 4. On June 7 the events and sites will be free of charge, and then admission will vary by site for the subsequent 17th Century Saturdays. Sites open Saturday include: Macy Colby House (c. 1654), 257 Main St., Amesbury; The Balch House (c. 1636), 448 Cabot St., and The Hale Farm (c. 1694), 39 Hale St., Beverly; Judge Samuel Holten House (1670), 171 Holten St., Danvers; Essex Shipbuilding Museum (1668), 66 Main St., Essex; The White-Ellery House (1709), 244 Washington St., Gloucester; John Ward House (Buttonwoods Museum, 1710-1820), 240 Water St., and John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace (1688), 305 Whittier Road, Haverhill; Paine House at Greenwood Farm (1694), Jeffrey's Neck Road, and Whipple House (1677), 1 South Village Green, Ipswich; walking tour of Marblehead (1630-1720's), Beacon Street at Norman Street (tour 10 a.m.-noon); Coffin House (1678), 14 High Road, and Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm (c. 1690), 5 Little's Lane, Newbury; Gedney House (1665), 21 High St., and Jonathan Corwin House, (The Witch House, before 1675), 310 Essex St., Salem; Boardman House (1687), 17 Howard St. and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site (1646), 244 Central St., Saugus; Claflin-Richards House (Wenham Museum, 1660), 132 Main St., Wenham. Visit EscapesNorth.com for a complete list of participating sites.
Essex: Essex Shipbuilding Museum presents "Row Hard No Excuses," June 6, 7:30 p.m. The documentary tells the story of two middle-aged men who set out to win "the world's toughest race," 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in a rowboat. $15. essexshipbuildingmuseum.org, info@essexshipbuildingmuseum.org, 978-768-7541.
Gloucester: Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St. The exhibition "The Paintings of Emma Fordyce MacRae (1887-1974)" continues through July 20. Gallery talks by museum staff offered Saturdays at 11 a.m. The talks are included with admission. The White-Ellery House, a rarely-shown First Period structure built in 1709, will be open for guided tours as part of 17th Century Saturdays, an Escapes North program. The house is at 244 Washington St., Grant Circle rotary. The house will be open June 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. On July 5, Sept. 6 and Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., tours of the house are free with the price of admission to the museum. Cape Ann Museum's annual Captain's Party will be held at the museum, June 14, 6-9 p.m. $70, includes hors d'oeuvres and open bar. Entertainment by The Billy Novick Trio. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m. $8, Cape Ann residents and seniors $6, students $4.50. Children younger than 2 are free. 978-283-0455, capeannmuseum.org
Newburyport: The Custom House Maritime Museum Lecture Series "Connecting the past to the living history of today," continues June 7 with a lecture by maritime artist Paul Garnett, "Interpreting Maritime History Through Maritime Art." Garnett, who combines fine art with historical research to create his marine paintings, will discuss his research and artistic techniques. Marcia Iannizzi Melnyk, professional genealogist, author, and president of The Italian Genealogy Society of America will talk about "Genealogy - The Who, What, When, Where and Why" and answer questions on June 12. Programs begin at 7 p.m. at The Custom House Maritime Museum, 25 Water St., and are followed by a reception. $10. Tickets at the door, starting at 6:30 p.m. thechmm.org, 978-462-8681.
Wenham: Experience what it's like to be a firefighter today and learn about the progress made over the last 300 years through historic and contemporary equipment, artifacts, apparel and hands-on activities at the exhibition "Rescue Me: Fighting Fire in America" opening June 6 at Wenham Museum, 132 Main St. A Rescue Roundup celebrates firefighting traditions, June 28, 4-8 p.m. Inspect antique fire engines from North Shore collectors as well as Wenham's contemporary fire and rescue vehicles. This event is free with admission. The exhibit continues through Sept. 22. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $7; seniors $6; ages 2-16, $5. 978-468-2377, wenhammuseum.org.
MUSIC
Gloucester: Rocky Neck Art Colony presents "Open Mic on the Neck," June 5, 5-9 p.m. Open to all performers - musicians, dancers, poets, prose readers, and others8. Galleries, front porches, and lawns along Rocky Neck Avenue will be available for performances. Sign up by e-mailing NoTeaParty@yahoo.com or just show up and find a space. No amplified music permitted outside; low amplification inside only. 617-417-3777.
Salem: Saturday afternoon Derby Square jazz concerts, a series of free summer concerts leading up to the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival in August, are held 5-7 p.m. in front of Old Town Hall, Front St. June 14, The Zach Hillyard Band; July 12, Paulo Stagnaro and Aug. 9, Manami Morita. salemjazzsoul.com, info@salemjazzsoul.com.
Wakefield: Linden Tree Coffeehouse, at Unitarian-Universalist Church, 326 Main St., presents An Evening with Peggy Seeger, June 14, 8 p.m. Peggy is a member of the musical Seeger family. She plays six instruments, has written music for films, television, and radio, has made 22 solo albums and collaborated with other performers on numerous recordings. $15. 781-246-2836, LindenTreeCoffeehouse.org, Lindentree85@comcast.net.
NATURE
Ipswich: Trustees of Reservations offers a Farmstead Tour, June 8, 3 p.m., at Appleton Farms. The two-hour guided walk leads visitors through meadows and historic barns. Visit the dairy during milking time and see the newest spring calves. Meet at Waldingfield Road Parking Area, off Route 1A. The walk covers approximately 2 miles of dirt-road terrain. Minimum age 8. $5. Preregistration required. 978-921-1944, ext. 8815 or needucation@ttor.org.
Newburyport: Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week by taking the family to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for GO FISH! Kids Fishing Day, June 7, 9 a.m.-noon. Plum Island offers some of the best surf fishing around. Children will learn how to cast a line, identify local fish, and try their hand at fishing along the beach. Fishing mentors will be available for instruction. Bait and poles provided (limited quantities) with grab bags for the first 25 children. Meet at the first parking lot at Sandy Point State Reservation at the southern end of Plum Island. Free; no registration required. Parking is limited. Call 978-465-5753 for more information. parkerriver.org.
Newburyport: June 7, 1-4 p.m., Parker River National Wildlife Refuge will host an information and training session on how to identify and control perennial pepperweed. Held at Refuge Headquarters, 6 Plum Island Turnpike. The first hour will be spent indoors learning about pepperweed and control techniques. Afterwards, participants are invited to gain hands-on experience by pulling pepperweed at a site along the Plum Island Turnpike. This meeting is open to the public with no obligation to volunteer. Throughout the summer, Parker River NWR and Mass Audubon society will lead pepperweed pulls at sites throughout Essex County. The goal is to control or eradicate pepperweed before it becomes as pervasive as Phragmites or purple loosestrife, two invasive plants in New England. Anyone interested in volunteering for this project, but cannot make the training is encouraged to contact Sarah Janson at sarah_janson@fws.gov or 978-465-5753, ext. 203.
Newburyport: Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, is a natural history education and visitor center. Joppa Flats sanctuary director Bill Gette leads a weekly birding field trip in the Newburyport/Plum Island area, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $15. Gette and Education Coordinator Dave Larson lead the Wednesday Evening Birding program, Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $10. Traveler and photographer Bill Lawless will give a slide presentation "Birding New Mexico - Land of Enchantment," June 11, 7:30-8:30 p.m. $3. Preregistration is not required for these programs. Open Tuesday-Sunday and Monday holidays, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit massaudubon.org/joppaflats.
Topsfield: Family programs at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row. The program "Saturday Explorations - Pondemonium," June 14, 1-2:30 p.m., is for families with children 5 years and older. Use dip nets and hand lenses to take a closer look at pond critters and learn about the life within the pond ecosystem. $9, children $7. Family Dusk Paddle, June 19, 6-8 p.m. For families with children 6 years and older. Paddle down the gentle river to look for plants and animals. Basic instruction and all equipment provided. Participants must be able to swim. $15, children $13. Preregistration required for all programs. 978-887-9264.
NIGHTCLUBS
Gloucester: The Barbara and Al Boudreau Quintet performs June 8, 5-9 p.m. at The Studio Restaurant, at Rocky Neck Art Colony, Rocky Neck Ave. Music charge $5. Reservations recommended. 978-283-4123.
THEATER
Beverly: North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, presents the New England regional premiere of "Contact," a three-part dance play, June 10-29. The three separate stories "Swing," "Did You Move?" and "Contact" are about ways to pursue love. Appropriate for ages 16 and older. $77-$40. Senior and youth discounts and rush tickets available. Special ticket packages for "Date Night" and "Girl's Night Out." Performances Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., matinees Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Free pre-show swing dancing classes, taught by a member of the cast, will take place June 19, 5-6 p.m. and June 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Studio One in the Theatre Arts and Education Building. Advanced reservations are required for the dance classes. E-mail class reservation to pr@nsmt.org. NSMT offers a Kids Club program for parents and children. With the purchase of an adult ticket to the June 22 production, parents are invited to enroll their children in a free theater workshop on site at NSMT while they attend the show. NSMT's teaching staff will lead classes in acting, dancing, and singing at the theater. The Kids Club is open to ages 4-11. Reservations are required by June 20 for this free program. Free Audience Enrichment events: Meet the Theatre, a post-show audience discussion with the artists, June 17 after the 7:30 p.m. performance and June 28 after the 2 p.m. performance; Spotlight on History, a pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance on June 22; Out at the North Shore, an evening for the gay and lesbian community with a post-show reception on June 26. nsmt.org, 978-232-7200.
Beverly: "Le Grand David and his own Spectacular Magic Company" present their full stage magic extravaganza, Sundays at 3 p.m., through July 13, at the Cabot St. Cinema Theatre, 286 Cabot St. $20, ages 11 and younger $12. 978-927-3677, legranddavid.com.
Gloucester: The Gloucester Stage 2008 season opens June 5 with "Billy Bishop Goes to War" at Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main St. Set to music, the play follows a World War I fighter pilot as he attempts to reconcile his love of flying with the horrors of war. Performances at 8 p.m. June 5-7, 11-14, and 18-21; at 3 p.m. on June 7, 14, and 21; and at 4 p.m. on June 8, 15, and 22. $35, seniors and students $30. 978-281-4433, gloucesterstage.org.
Newburyport: Theater in the Open presents "The Master Cat," an adaptation of the classic fairytale "Puss in Boots" at Maudslay State Park, 76 Curzon Mill Road. Performances at 2 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, June 7-29. Free admission to the June 7 show. All other performances $8, children and seniors $5. Children 3 and younger are free. Park in Maudslay State Parking lot and follow the flags to the play site. Allow for a 10 minute walk. 978-465-2572, theaterintheopen.org.
Newburyport: Sirius Theatre Company will perform the play "House of Gold," written by Newburyport native Gregory S. Moss, until June 14, at Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square. Performances Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m., and June 9 at 3 p.m. $20, seniors and students $18. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Exeter: "Summer Floral and Gardens," an exhibit of watercolors by Janet Labrecque of Seabrook, is displayed at Blue Moon Natural Foods, 8 Clifford St., through July. Reception, June 20, 5-7 p.m. The natural foods store and restaurant hosts art exhibits by members of Seacoast Artist Association.
Exeter: Potter Sibylle Tornow is the June Artist of the Month at Exeter Fine Crafts, 61 Water St. Tornow will be at the gallery to introduce the new Botanical Impressions Collection, June 7, noon-3 p.m. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Sunday noon-4 p.m. 603-778-8282.
New Castle: Visit a variety of gardens in Pontine Theatre's annual New Castle Village Walk and Garden Tour, June 15 from 1-4:30 p.m. The self-guided walking tour takes participants to seven private gardens. Ride the trolley from one garden to the next. Tickets, $12 in advance, available in Portsmouth at Portsmouth Gardens, 1000 Woodbury Ave.; Maine-ly New Hampshire, 33 Deer St.; and in Rye at Portsmouth and Rye Ridge Greenery, 630 Washington Road. Day of event tickets are $15, at Maude Trefethen School, Route 1B, where participants also can pick up their map. Proceeds benefit Pontine Theatre's cultural and educational programs. 603-436-6660, info@pontine.org.
Portsmouth: Historic tours of the 1878 Victorian music hall will be held every other Wednesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St. Tour dates are June 18, July 2, 16, 30, and Aug. 13 and 27. Tickets $6, available in advance or the day of the tour. themusichall.org, 603-436-2400.
Portsmouth: The Music Hall's Intimately Yours series presents Michael Franti & Spearhead performing reggae, hip hop and soul, June 26, 8 p.m. $47 and $34. Tickets, 603-436-2400, at the box office (28 Chestnut St.), and themusichall.org.
Portsmouth: Fifteen artists exhibit paintings and jewelry at the first exhibition of the season at Coolidge Center for the Arts on the grounds of the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion, 375 Little Harbor Road. The exhibition runs through June 15. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10 am.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., or by appointment. Free.
Portsmouth: Waterfront residences on both sides of the Piscataqua River will open their doors to the public, June 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., as part of a benefit tour for the new Children's Museum of New Hampshire, opening in Dover this summer. (The Children's Museum of Portsmouth closed May 26.) The Waterfront Condominium Walking Tour includes homes in Kittery, Maine, and Portsmouth. All homes are within walking distance of each other, and tour participants can start on either side of the river. A map and tour booklet is available. Advance reservations $15; day of tour $20. 603-436-3853. childrens-museum.org.
Portsmouth: Forty paintings by Russell Cheney (1881-1945) are included in the exhibit "The Art of the Domestic: Kittery and Southern Maine" at The Portsmouth Athenaeum, 6-8 Market Square. Another 50 works are displayed in the Portsmouth Historical Society exhibit "From Impressionism to Yankee Modernism: Portsmouth and the New Hampshire Coast" at the Discover Portsmouth Center, Middle and Islington streets. A visit to Cheney's studio will be part of a daylong symposium on Aug. 2, "Yankee Modernism in Maine." Sponsored by Kittery Art Association, Kittery Historical Society and Portsmouth Athenaeum, the day includes lectures, lunch, a tour and exhibits. $35. Preregistration required. Other events related to the Athenaeum exhibit include gallery talks by curator Richard Candee on Russell Cheney: June 28, "New Discoveries;" July 19, "The Art of the Domestic;" Aug. 9, "Yankee Modernism in Kittery;" and Aug. 30, "Russell Cheney: American and New England Master." All talks are at the Athenaeum at 11 a.m. Reservations, 603-431-2538. The Portsmouth Historical Society will also host a series of talks: July 12, "Cheney's Training and Early Work;" July 26, "Depression Portsmouth;" Aug. 16, "Cheney's New Castle paintings;" Sept. 6, "Coal Pockets and Triton, Portsmouth Waterfront;" Sept. 20, "Painting the Seasons: Snow or No Snow;" Oct. 4, "Photography and Painting;" and Oct. 25, "Yankee Modernism and the Seacoast." All lectures at 11 a.m. Reservations, 603-436-8420. The Portsmouth Historical Society exhibit runs through Oct. 31 and is open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Athenaeum exhibit continues through Sept. 6 and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. portsmouthhistory.org, portsmouthathenaeum.org.
Portsmouth: The 19th annual Pocket Gardens of Portsmouth house and garden tour will be held June 20, 5-8 p.m., and June 21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The two-mile walking or biking tour includes 9 private homes in historic South End neighborhoods and the Thomas Bailey Aldrich garden at Strawbery Banke. Also, a plant sale. Master gardeners will answer gardening questions. $17 in advance, $20 day of tour. Children younger than 12 are free. Tickets available Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at South Church, 292 State St. or by calling 603-436-4762.
Portsmouth: June 8 at 2 p.m., poet Elaine Sexton will read from her book of poetry "Causeway" at RiverRun Bookstore, 20 Congress St. June 10, 7 p.m., Boston Globe book reviewer Hallie Ephron will talk about her new book "1001 Books for Every Mood." Free. riverrunbookstore.com, 603-431-2100.
Portsmouth: Singer/songwriter and Grammy nominee Greg Brown will perform June 15, 7 p.m. at South Church, 292 State St. Opening the show is Seacoast Folk Act of the Year, Susie Burke and David Surette. $32. Tickets at mktix.com/heptunes; 978-462-9630; and at Ganesh Imports, Portsmouth; Exeter Music; and all Bullmoose Music locations.
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.
