Thursday, July 31

Live Dixieland music: The Original Shepherd's Pie Dixieland Band is a group of serious amateur musicians who enjoy playing Dixieland music together, with digressions into blues, swing, ragtime, and jazz. 7 p.m., free, Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover; 978-837-5367.

History talk: Northeastern University history professor William Fowler will speak about the history of the coasting trade in New England, the Merrimack Valley and Newburyport in "There She Scoons: New England Coasting Schooners." Talk is held at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport from 7 to 8 p.m. Program is free but advance registration is required. To register, call 978-465-5753 and press "0" to talk to a staff member. For more information, visit http://parkerriver.fws.gov.

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program kick-off: Less pain, more flexibility, and the sense of feeling better overall are what many people with arthritis gain from this free low-impact class designed specifically for those with arthritis. The program will now be available to the public locally through a six-week course at Ashland Farm at North Andover, located at 700 Chickering Road in North Andover. A kick-off event for the class will take place today at 9:30 a.m. and the exercise sessions will run Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Aug. 5 at 9:30 a.m. Class participants may register by calling 978-683-1300.

Evening of Psychic Readings from 6 to 9:30 p.m. inside the Winnekenni Castle in Haverhill. Cost is $20 per 15-minute reading block. This month's readers will be castle regulars Judy Camasso, Valeria, Olga and guest reader Fay. Readings are booked at the door only.

Friday, Aug. 1

Summer Theater Ensemble will perform "West Side Story" at 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors and students and are available at Learning Express in Andover, at the box office before the show, and from cast members.

Russian American Kids Circus: Trained and produced by veterans of the world-famous Moscow Circus, these artists perform synchronized acrobatics, unicycling, expert juggling, aerial feats, and balancing acts. Shows are at the North Shore Music Theatre at 9:45 and 11:45 a.m. Tickets are $17 and $12, ages 4 and up. For tickets, visit www.nsmt.org, call 978-232-7200, or purchase at the theater at 62 Dunham Rd. Beverly.

Audition: North Shore Music Theatre is holding auditions for its production of "42nd Street," which will be presented at the theater Oct. 28 through Nov. 23. All auditions will be held in NSMT's Theatre Arts and Education Building behind the theater at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly. Male and female adults 19 and older can audition for ensemble and principal parts by appointment only. AEA and non-AEA auditions will be held starting at 11:30 a.m. For information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Free community yoga at UnionStudio Yoga, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free weekly community class is a multi-level, form-based yoga synthesizing the styles of Iyengar, classical hatha and other influences. Beginners and drop-ins welcome. Instructor is Sarah Lopes. UnionStudio Yoga is at 305 N. Main St., Tactician Bld., Andover. Call 978-886-7944 for more information.

Saturday, Aug. 2

The Shawsheen River Watershed Association's annual "Shawsheen in Bloom" Paddle from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Meet at the Ballardvale Dam and make the 10-minute shuttle to the put-in point. Anyone interested in the plants that grow along the river is invited. Canoes, equipment and logistics will be supplied. Preregistration required. For more information, call the association at 978-851-9505 or visit www.shawsheen.org.

Summer Theater Ensemble will perform "West Side Story" at 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors and students and are available at Learning Express in Andover, at the box office before the show, and from cast members.

Krysta Youngs performs songs from her newly released "Stories" CD at the Yankee Homecoming Festival Waterfront State in Newburyport from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Concert is free. For more information, visit http://www.yankeehomecoming.com.

The Gerry Barrett Big Swing Band, a 16-piece dance band specializing in swing, jazz and standard songs of today and yesteryear, at Maudslay Arts Center at 7 p.m. Maudslay Arts Center is located at 95 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. Visit www.maudslayartscenter.org.

Sunday, Aug. 3

Summer Theater Ensemble will perform "West Side Story" at 4 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors and students and are available at Learning Express in Andover, at the box office before the show, and from cast members.

Tuesday, Aug. 5

Free Pranic Healing Clinic offers no-touch energy treatments at the Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill St., Route 133, Andover from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. Contact Miriam Smith at mgsenergy@comcast.net or 978-683-6129. Walk-ins welcome.

Wednesday, Aug. 6

Free movie screening: "The Women," 6:30 p.m. commentary, 7 p.m. screening at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. An all-female cast sparks this adaptation of Clare Booth Luce's comedy about divorce and female friendship. For more information, call the Rogers Center box office Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 978-837-5355.

"Salut D'Amour": Julie Scolnik, flute, and Sophie Scolnik-Brower, piano, both of Andover, in a farewell collaboration before Scolnik-Brower goes off to college, 7 p.m., Phillips Exeter Academy, Class of 1945 Library, Exeter, N.H., free; www.andoverchambermusic.org.

Friday, Aug. 8

Cafe Variety Show Night at 8 p.m. at Winnekenni Castle, 347 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill. Features comedy and comic tunes by Dan Margarita and a mix of comedy skits by the DNA Players in the style of "Saturday Night Live" and "Monty Python" with psychedelic music by Astro Al, songs from singer/songwriter Michael Bloom and folk music by Katfish 4. The show will also feature songstress Karen Westphalen. Refreshments will be served. Call the castle at 978-521-1686 for more information and tickets. Tickets can be ordered online for $10 pp plus ticket fees at www.winnekenni.com or at the door on the night of the performance for $15.

The Firehouse Center for the Arts presents regional favorites Susan Poulin and Gordon Carlisle in "Spousal Deafness ... and Other Bones of Contention" at 8 p.m. Real-life husband and wife Carlisle and Poulin combine original songs, sketch comedy and wacky props for this return engagement at the Firehouse. Tickets for the performances are $16 members, $18 nonmembers and can be purchased by calling the box office at 978-462-7336 or online at www.firehouse.org. For more information on the show visit www.poolyle.com.

Saturday, Aug. 9

Parker Gallery reception: For the show "Art Quilts at the Whistler IV," an exhibit running through Aug. 15. Reception 1-3 p.m. In conjunction with the Quilt Festival Weekend, "Art Quilts in Bloom" will be on exhibit as well. Gallery hours (valid today only): 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Whistler House Museum of Art, 243 Worthen St., Lowell; 978-452-7641 or www.whistlerhouse.org.

The Timothy P. Roberts "Reeling In a Dream" Foundation will host the fourth annual Tourney for Tim Wiffleball Tournament and Rockin for Roberts battle of the bands starting at 8 a.m. Both daylong events take place at North Andover Middle School.

Manami Morita performs as part of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival "Berklee Summer Series" at Derby Square from 5 to 7 p.m. on Front Street in Salem, Mass. The concert is free and open to the public. This venue is within walking distance of the Salem stop on the Newburyport/Rockport line. For more information, visit www.salemjazzsoul.com or call 978-744-8258.

The Firehouse Center for the Arts presents regional favorites Susan Poulin and Gordon Carlisle in "Spousal Deafness ... and Other Bones of Contention" at 8 p.m. Real-life husband and wife Carlisle and Poulin combine original songs, sketch comedy and wacky props for this return engagement at the Firehouse. Tickets for the performances are $16 members, $18 nonmembers and can be purchased by calling the box office at 978-462-7336 or online at www.firehouse.org. For more information on the show visit www.poolyle.com.

Ongoing

Merrimack Valley Philharmonic's 2008-2009 season, conducted by George Monseur, will feature four performances at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College: Sunday, Nov. 9, Debussy, Ravel and Prokofiev; Sunday, Dec. 7, Family Holiday Concert with the Andover Choral Society, directed by Allen Combs; Sunday, March 1, 2009, Mendelssohn and Schubert; Sunday, May 3, 2009, Richard Rodgers, William Grant Still and George Gershwin. All performances are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale in September. Subscriptions available. For information, call 978-685-3505 or visit www.mvpomusic.org.

Andover Chamber Music's 12th season opens on Sept. 13. Eight concerts are scheduled with five in the Andover/North Andover area, two in Cambridge and one in Lowell. Five-concert series season subscriptions for the Andover-area concerts are $140 and $125. Single tickets to all concerts are $30 and $25, depending on location and seating. Student rush and group sales are available. For tickets and for more information, call 978-474-6222 or go to www.AndoverChamberMusic.org.

Trails and Sails: The Essex National Heritage Commission presents its seventh annual Trails and Sails: "A Weekend to GO! Experience Essex Heritage," Sept. 26-28. Designed to showcase the unique array of historic, cultural, and natural resources within the Essex National Heritage Area, the weekend includes more than 200 free events spread out over 135 locations throughout Essex County. Involving non-profit and community organizations, as well as recreation-based businesses, the weekend offers guided hikes, walks, sails, paddles, as well as historical tours and special art happenings for all ages, skill levels and interests. Visit www.trailsandsails.org or call 978-740-0444 for information.

Massachusetts Poetry Festival: A diverse group of partner organizations will come together to present the first-ever Massachusetts Poetry Festival in various locations in Lowell, Oct. 10-12. The event will feature readings by well-known poets such as Robert Pinsky, Lucie Brock-Broido, Andre Dubus III, Martin Espada, Rhina Espiaillat, Reggie Gibson and many more, as well as workshops for writers and educators, symposia, small press fair, teen poetry, literary heritage tours, children's programs and street poetry. Some events are free, and others have a nominal entrance fee. A complete lineup, with schedule and locations, will be available in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.masspoetry.com/festival or call 978-275-1831.

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.