Events Calendar for July 17 to 27 - Andover Townsman, Andover, MA

Thursday, July 17

Live music: Jon Shain, a veteran singer-songwriter, combines improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing and ragtime, 7 p.m., free, Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover; 978-837-5367.

"Bye Bye Birdie" North Shore Music Theatre, with local actors Wendy Mellin and Corey Desjardins, both 2008 graduates of Andover High School, at Dunham Woods, 7:30 p.m., 62 Dunham Road, Beverly, through Aug. 3; 978-232-7235 or clarosa@nsmt.org.

Talk: "Global Climate Change in the Northeast," by Erika Spanger-Siegfried, Northeast climate project manager with the Union of Concerned Scientists for presentation on climate change and its potential impacts in Massachusetts and on Plum Island. 7 to 8 p.m.

Art opening: New collection of oils by Newburyport native and Copley Master Robert Scott Jackson. His landscapes are characterized by impressionist color theory with the techniques and simple structure of luminism. Churchill Gallery, 6 Inn St, Newburyport; 978-462-9891, www.thechurchillgallery.com. Gallery hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5p.m., Sunday, 12:30 to 5 p.m.

Free outdoor concert: The public is invited to a free lawn concert featuring music from The Black and White Band, 5 p.m., at Ashland Farm at North Andover, 700 Chickering Road, North Andover. A complimentary barbecue cookout will be served and the music begins at 6 p.m. To RSVP or for more information, call Ashland Farm at North Andover at 978-683-1300.

Live music: Bela Fleck & Sparrow Quartet, virtuosic quartet of musicians, part of the University of Lowell summer music series, $21 in advance, $25 at the gate; LowellSummerMusic.org.

Friday, July 18

Live reggae music, featuring the Wailers, part of the University of Lowell summer music series, $21 in advance, $25 at the gate; LowellSummerMusic.org.

"An Evening With Mark Twain," featuring Michael Mauldin, 8 p.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport. Members, $28; students/seniors, $30; nonmembers, $32.

Saturday, July 19

Family Nature Walk: Learn the trees, shrubs and flowers on the Ward reservation, guided by North Andover naturalist Chris Bowe, children especially welcome, free, 10 a.m., meet in parking lot on Prospect Road; John Kimball 978-475-6414.

Tall ships: Three Class A and B vessels will be docked at Salisbury State Reservation, Salisbury, for public viewing and tours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: the Spirit of South Carolina, a 140-foot replica of an 1879 two-masted schooner; the Roseway, a 1925, 137-foot National Historic Landmark fishing schooner, which remains one of only six original Grand Banks Schooners; and the Tall Ship Mystic, a 170-foot three-masted ship that calls Mystic, Conn., home. For more information, visit the Merrimack River Maritime Festival Web site at www.beachfests.org, or call 978-462-7274.

Live music, featuring J immie Vaughan with Lou Ann Barton, part of the University of Lowell summer music series, $21 in advance, $25 at the gate; LowellSummerMusic.org.

Live country music: The Don Campbell Band, national grand prize winner at the Grand Ole Opry's Country Showdown, will perform at Maudslay Arts Center, 7 p.m., Maudslay Arts Center , 95 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport.

"An Evening With Mark Twain," featuring Michael Mauldin, 8 p.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport. Members, $28; students/seniors, $30; nonmembers, $32.

Sunday, July 20

Book signing, talk: With Andover native Chris Klein, author of "Boston Harbor Islands," Spectacle Island Visitor Center, Boston Harbor, 1 and 3 p.m.; www.bostonharborislands.org.

Live music, featuring Jerry Douglas, premier dobro player from Alison Krauss and Union Station, part of the University of Lowell summer music series, $16 in advance, $20 at the gate; LowellSummerMusic.org.

Children's show: Girl Authority is a group of girls with different personalities and interests coming together to sing, dance and put their own spin on girl power pop hits, 7:30 p.m., North Shore Music Theatre. Tickets: $25 and $20, Ages 6 and up. Tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.

Wednesday, July 23

Free movie screening: "Dinner at Eight," 6:30 p.m. commentary, 7 p.m. screening at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. The film version of the George S. Kaufman/Edna Ferber stage hit. For more information, call the Rogers Center box office Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 978-837-5355.

Live music: 7 Hills Renaissance Wind Ensemble: "Siglo de Oro: Music for wind band from Spain's Golden Age," 8 p.m., $20, $15 seniors/students, The Chapel at West Parish, 129 Reservation Road; visit www.sohipboston.org to purchase tickets online, tickets available at the door, or call 508-212-6038.

New gallery opening: The Griffin Museum of Photography celebrates the opening of its new gallery at the Stoneham Theatre in Stoneham, with an exhibit of the work of Fran Forman, "Alchemy of Memory," runs through Aug. 30 in the Griffin Museum's Atelier Gallery at the Stoneham Theatre. A reception with the artist is Aug. 16, 4:30 to 6 p.m., 395 Main St, Stoneham; www.stonehamtheatre.org.

Thursday, July 24

Paula Poundstone: Stoneham Theatre, Stoneham, two shows, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $42 for adults and $37 for seniors. 395 Main St., in Stoneham Square. To purchase tickets or for information on the summer concert series or other events, visit or call the Box Office at 781-279-2200 or visit www.stonehamtheatre.org. The Box Office is open Tuesday through Saturday 1 to 6 p.m.

"Between the Lions" appearance: Since 2000, the popular PBS KIDS's series "Between the Lions" has been helping children learn how to read, and this summer, the Lions are hitting the road yet again to engage live audiences in read-alouds and performances and to celebrate the show's upcoming eighth season on the air. On July 24, mother of the pride, Cleo, and cub Lionel will be joined by executive producer Chris Cerf when they visit Lowell and Lawrence on the first leg of the show's 2008 summer road tour: 2 p.m. at Showcase Cinemas, Lowell, 32 Reiss Ave., Lowell, and at 6 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library (sign up on guest list at library), 51 Lawrence St.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre will be holding auditions between 3 and 6 p.m., by appointment, for the role of The Mute in its production of the musical "The Fantasticks." Director Jonathan Silverstein is looking to cast a young person (male or female) between the age of 10-15 as the real or adopted child of El Gallo, the lead singing character of the show. Call-back date is July 31 in the evening (probably 8 p.m.). To make an audition appointment, send a photo of the child and contact information to Peter Crewe, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 132 Warren Street, Lowell, MA 01852.

Nature Tots: Incredible Insects: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m., ages 3 to 5. Introduce your preschooler to world of the creepy crawly insect through stories, songs and more in this hands-on interactive program. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. All programs are free but space is limited, registration is required. Call 978-465-5753 (press "0" to talk to a staff member) to register. Please note that outdoor programs may be canceled if there is inclement weather; http://parkerriver.fws.gov.

Friday, July 25

Lowell Folk Festival opens: The largest free folk festival in the nation, with continuous music on six outdoor stages, takes place July 25-27, in downtown Lowell (use 246 Market St. for GPS), all within reasonable walking distance. For more information, including full artist bios, audio samples, and maps, visit www.lowellfolkfestival.org, or call 978-970-5200.

Live music: Beatle Juice performs a night of favorite Beatles songs, 8 p.m., Stoneham Theatre. Tickets for all shows are $42 for adults and $37 for seniors. To purchase tickets or for information on the summer concert series or other events, visit or call the box office at 781-279-2200 or visit www.stonehamtheatre.org. The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 6 pm.

"Guys and Dolls," featuring local talent ranging in age from 7 to 13, at the wheelchair accessible Second Congregational Church, Washington Street in West Boxford Center, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 or $10 for seniors and students under 12. The show is directed by Boxford's Kimberly Robertson and Sandi Nason is musical director.

Greek food festival: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Harris Street, Newburyport, will be hosting its annual three-day Greek Food Festival July 25-27. Today's hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event is indoors, air conditioned, and held rain or shine. Homemade Greek entrees such as gyros, lamb shanks, moussaka, chicken, lamb and pork kabobs, keftethes (meatballs), spinach pie, pastichio, Greek salad, plaki (fish), Greek pastries and more will be served. Free admission.

Super Scientific Circus: With boomerangs, bubbles and bullwhips, rolling globes, spinning plates, and students floating in midair, the Super Scientific Circus demonstrates and explains scientific concepts in fun and interesting ways. Shows at 9:45 and 11:45 a.m. at the North Shore Music Theatre. Tickets: $17 and $12, ages 4-12. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, (978) 232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915.

Saturday, July 26

The Count Basie Orchestra: Trombonist William H. "Bill" Hughes leads the Grammy Award-winning jazz orchestra that carries on the soul of Count William Basie. The Count Basie Orchestra of today is comprised of eighteen performers. Shows at 4 and 8 p.m. at the Stoneham Theatre in Stoneham. Tickets for all shows are $42 for adults and $37 for seniors. To purchase tickets or for information on the summer concert series or other events, visit or call the box office at 781-279-2200 or visit www.stonehamtheatre.org. The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m.

Sunday, July 27

Little Sprouts and Imajine That host the "One Love" benefit concert, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Imajine That in Lawrence. The concert is to help support parents and their families in moving from homelessness to homes. Little Sprouts, in conjunction with Imajine That, is going to be donating all proceeds from this concert to the families of the Compass program. The production team for "Between the Lions," WGBH's award winning PBS KIDS television series, will bring two of their main characters, Cleo and Lionel, to put on an interactive show for the children that day. Aaron Nigel Smith, the creator of the California-based FUNdamentals of Music and Movement, will also be present with his band. To learn more about the concert, visit www.littlesprouts.com.

Greek food festival: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Harris Street, Newburyport, will be hosting its annual three-day Greek Food Festival July 25-27. Today's hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is indoors, air conditioned, and held rain or shine. Homemade Greek entrees such as gyros, lamb shanks, moussaka, chicken, lamb and pork kabobs, keftethes (meatballs), spinach pie, pastichio, Greek salad, plaki (fish), Greek pastries and more will be served. Free admission.

Ongoing

The Lawrence Farmers' Market will be held every Wednesday through Oct. 29. The market will feature extended hours this season, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The market is located on Appleton Way between Essex and Common streets, near City Hall at 200 Common St.

Serenity Yoga: Wednesdays from 7:15 to 8:20 p.m. through Aug. 20. $45 for 7 weeks. Bring a yoga mat, towel and pillow. Gentle, restorative yoga emphasizing stretching and flexibility. Beginner's class. Download registration form at www.boomerventure.com and mail to BoomerVenture, 36 Bartlet St., ASC, Andover, MA 01810, or call 978-623-8321. All classes held at 30 Whittier Court.

Energize with Exercise: Wednesdays from 6 to 7:10 p.m. through Aug. 20. $45 for 7 weeks. Low-impact aerobics plus stretching and weights. No prior exercise experience necessary. Fit beginners always welcome. Download registration form at www.boomerventure.com and mail to BoomerVenture, 36 Bartlet St., ASC, Andover, MA 01810, or call 978-623-8321. All classes held at 30 Whittier Court.

Nordic walking: Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. through Aug 19. $45/session. No prior exercise experience required. Rain or shine; meet outside building. Space limited. Download registration form at www.boomerventure.com and mail to BoomerVenture, 36 Bartlet St., ASC, Andover, MA 01810, or call 978-623-8321. All classes held at 30 Whittier Court.

"Wild Reads" Summer Reading Program at Memorial Hall Library began the week of June 23. Programs are available for children, teens and adults. Call 978-623-8401, ext. 31, or visit www.mhl.org for more information and a complete list of programs.

Peabody Essex Museum offers drop-in yoga classes on Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Art Studios. Cost is included with museum admission. For more information, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3043.

Introduction to Judaism: Registration is open for Introduction to Judaism, a free 25-week course designed for individuals in interfaith relationships wishing to explore Judaism as well as those considering conversion to Judaism. The course is provided free by the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation in collaboration with the North Shore Rabbinic Association. Classes are Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning Sept. 9. Hebrew will be taught at the beginning of each session by Sandy Hoffman. At a cost to the Foundation of $10,000 for the entire class, it is provided free to those living in the Foundation service area, but there is a $100 book fee. Tuition for those outside the Foundation service area is $425 plus the $100 for books. To register or for more information, call Andrea Katz, program manager, 978-740-4404 or e-mail akatz@rilcf.org.

Peabody Essex Museum exhibits: "Stage Idols" through Jan. 25, 2009, in the Japanese Kabuki Theater; "The Art of Maori Tattoo" through Feb.1, 2009; "Wedded Bliss: The Marriage of Art and Ceremony," through Sept. 14; "Life Boat" Nov. 8 through March 1, 2009; "To the Ends of the Earth: Painting the Polar Landscape" Nov. 8 through March 1, 2009; "Gateway Bombay" through Dec. 7; "Perfect Imbalance: Exploring Chinese Aesthetics" through May 19, 2009; "Of Gods and Mortals: Traditional Art from India," ongoing; "Intersections: Native American Art in a New Light," ongoing; "All of My Life: Contemporary Works by Native American Artists," ongoing. Peabody Essex Museum is in East India Square, Salem. Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission is $13 adults, $11 seniors, $9 students. For more information, call 866-745-1876 or visit www.pem.org.

"Teaching Matters!" exhibit through July 28 in the Halle Library Archive & Museum Gallery at Endicott College, 376 Hale St., Beverly. Free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call Barbara Broudo 978-232-2257.

"Cat Club Challenge" will be ongoing on the second Saturday of every month at one80 Sports & Fitness, 226 Andover St., Wilmington. Participants will be tested in standard assessments including the vertical jump, 5/10/5 "Pro Agility," chin-ups, 10-, 20- and 40-yard dash and 5-hop bound. Food and beverages will be provided. Fitness testing is free. For more information, call 978-658-1999.

Churchill Gallery, 6 Inn St. Newburyport. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, call 978-462-9891 or visit www.thechurchillgallery.com.

"Elements of Art Education," an exhibit showcasing art education graduates of Montserrat College of Art. The exhibition can be viewed during the college's gallery hours, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, e-mail ristuben@gmail.com or dianeayott@comcast.net.

"Keepers of Tradition: Art and Folk Heritage in Massachusetts," will run through Feb. 8, 2009, at the National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington. The exhibit will feature more than 100 works by 70 Massachusetts artists who preserve and revitalize deeply rooted traditions. Funding for the exhibit is provided by Bank of America, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the National Heritage Museum, and the National Endowment for the Arts. A series of performing arts programs will be presented in conjunction with the exhibition. A schedule will be available at www.nationalheritagemuseum.org. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 781-861-6559.

Lawrence Heritage State Park indoor and outdoor guided tours exploring the history of Lawrence. Free; all welcome. Reservations required. 1 Jackson St., Lawrence. 978-794-1655.

Printing Museum contains the world's largest collection of antique printing, typesetting and bindery machines. Includes extensive printing collection of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $5. 800 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover. 978-686-0450.

Artists at the Brush, 26th Annual Exhibition, through July 27. Brush Art Gallery and Studios, 256 Market Street, Lowell, Mass. Sunday, July 13: Gallery Talk by Artists, 2 to 4 p.m. Features the works by Carol Boileau, Andover, Gay Tracy, North Andover, and Steve Noroian, North Andover.

GROUPS

The Merrimack Valley People for Peace meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the First United Methodist Church in North Andover. More information and directions to the meeting can be located at www.merrimackvalleypeopleforpeace.org.

New England Classical Singers, a regional group of singers devoted to the presentation of demanding and interesting choral music, holds tryouts and rehearsals Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. at South School in Andover. 978-465-0181 or 978-857-3067 or www.newenglandclassical.org.

Newcomers Club of the Andovers holds a coffee hour the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at Panera Bread, Route 114, North Andover. Gathering is geared toward new members, but established residents who are interested in joining or volunteering for the club are welcome. Kids are also welcome. For more information, call Vickie Gallant at 978-809-7404 or Heather Ryan at 978-794-7926.

Andover Choral Society is seeking additional voices for the upcoming concert season. Group rehearses every Monday at 7:20 p.m. at Christ Church on Central Street and performs at the Rogers Center for the Arts. For more information, call 978-682-0196 or visit www.AndoverChoral.org.

Andover Great Books Group meets second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. to discuss book of the week. Memorial Hall Library, Andover. Call Jean McGreehan at 603-667-9610.

Downtown Women's Club, professional network of women, meets first Wednesday of each month at Glory, 19 Essex St., Andover. Free; open to the public. Visit www.downtownwomensclub.com or call Jennifer Tortorella at 978-270-8060.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous meets every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wingate at Andover, 80 Andover St., Andover, and every Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 58 Peters St., North Andover. Visit www.foodaddicts.org or call 781-321-9118.

Men's woodcarving group meets Mondays at 9 a.m. at Andover Senior Center, 36 Bartlet St., Andover. 978-623-8321.

Merrimack Valley Chapter of PFLAG — Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, providing support, education and advocacy, meets the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover, 6 Locke St., Andover. Co-facilitators are Bob Zimmerman and the Rev. Ralph Galen. Call 978-475-4454, or send an e-mail to PFLAGinAndoverMA@aol.com.

Treble Chorus of New England auditions for the youth choir for children ages 6 to 18. Joining the youth choir provides children with an opportunity to learn about fine choral music of all periods. Rehearsals held Mondays in Andover. To schedule an audition time, call 978-837-5461 or e-mail to anovello@treblechorus.com.

Embroiderers Guild of America meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Dedicated to teaching and preserving needlework as an art form. Tewksbury Congregational Church, 10 East St., Tewksbury. Call Rosemary Carter at 781-893-0959 or e-mail mvc-membership@neonflamingo.com.

Lowell Opera Company holds rehearsals every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Western Avenue Studios, 122 Western Ave., Lowell. New members welcome; auditions not required. 978-441-6926 or www.operalowell.org.

Merrimack Toastmasters Club meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Stevens Memorial Library, 345 Main St., North Andover. Call Bill Cashman at 978-475-0721.

Merrimack Valley Camera Club meets every Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. at Trinitarian Congregational Church, 72 Elm St., North Andover. Call 978-686-0900.

Merrimack Valley Chorus, a women's a cappella group, rehearses every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Wilmington Arts Council Building, 219 Middlesex Ave., Route 62, Wilmington. Call Kate at 978-692-1843.

Merrimack Valley Townsmen Barbershop Chorus rehearses Mondays at 7 p.m. at All Saints Church, Bellevue Avenue, Haverhill. No experience necessary. 978-688-5306.

Methuen Community Band rehearses every other Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. All instruments and skill levels welcome. Methuen High School, 1 Ranger Road, Methuen. Call Lori at 978-794-1973.

North Parish Quilters meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., September through June. New members welcome; guest fee $5. Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading. Call Susan Reichter at 978-475-6973.

North Reading Community Chorale welcomes new members and rehearses Mondays at 7:30 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 235 Park St., North Reading. Free membership. Call 978-664-4800 or visit www.nrcc.us.

North Regional Theatre Workshop, rehearsals every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at First Church Congregational, 26 Pleasant St., Methuen. Singers and dancers ages 18 and older welcome. Call 978-681-0355 or visit www.nrtwinc.com.

Skirts and Flirts Square Dance Club dances held every Thursday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Shawsheen Elementary School, Shawsheen and Hopkins streets, Route 12, Wilmington. 978-658-4022.

Stompers Country Line Dance Production holds dances every Wednesday and Sunday, 7 to 11 p.m. at GuestHouse Inn & Suites, Exit 47 off I-93, Methuen.

Toastmasters International meets second and fourth Mondays of the month, 7 to 9 p.m. at Haverhill Public Library. Improve your public speaking skills. All welcome. www.friendlypersuasion.org.

Turkey Town Trotters Square Dance Club meets Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, Sutton Street, North Andover. 978-682-3280 or 978-682-2403.

Search Site: