Andover Townsman, Andover, MA

August 28, 2008

Events Calendar

Thursday, Aug. 28

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Friday, Aug. 29

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Saturday, Aug. 30

The Maudslay Arts Center summer season will conclude with Rebecca Parris at 7 p.m. at Maudslay Arts Center, 95 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. The concert will be held rain or shine, moving 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. For tickets, call 978-499-0050.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 2 and 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Sunday, Aug. 31

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Tuesday, Sept. 2

WCCM 1110 AM will host a show of Irish music and conversation from 9 to 10 a.m. The show will also be carried online at www.1110wccmam.com. Tom Garvey of Andover will host the show.

North Regional Theatre Workshop is looking for adult choral singers to perform in its annual holiday musical revue "Home for the Holidays." Any one interested in becoming involved is encouraged to come join in. Rehearsals for "Home for the Holidays" will begin today at 7 p.m. at First Church in Methuen. Performances are scheduled for Dec. 12, 13 and 14 and will be held at Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen. For more information, call 978-681-0355 or visit www.nrtwinc.com.

Wednesday, Sept. 3

Auditions for the New England Classical Singers 2008-2009 season will take place at South Church in Andover. Artistic Director David Hodgkins seeks strong, experienced singers, particularly tenors, basses and sopranos. For an audition form and more information go to www.newenglandclassical.org, or call 978-465-0181 or 978-957-3067.

Thursday, Sept. 4

Brunonia Barry will be reading from "Lace Reader," a novel set in Salem, Mass., about generations of women who can read the future in lace, at 7 p.m. at the Andover Bookstore, 89 Rear Main St., 978-475-0143.

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet will perform at the Firehouse in Newburyport at 7:30 p.m. Members, $33; nonmembers, $38. Order tickets online at www.firehouse.org or call 978-462-7336, Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 5

Flea market, rummage sale: First-Calvary Baptist Church, corner of Rte. 125 and Mass. Ave, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., free admission, light refreshments; 978-685-1502.

Saturday, Sept. 6

Flea market, rummage sale: First-Calvary Baptist Church, corner of Rte. 125 and Mass. Ave, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., free admission, light refreshments; 978-685-1502.

Kids Fest hosted by the North Andover Youth Hockey League at the Lucent Field on Route 125 in North Andover. Kids Fest will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will offer a variety of games and activities for the entire family, including sack races, a moonwalk, hockey shootouts, a dunking tank, baseball, soccer, tug-of-war, entertainment and more. Trophies and medals will be awarded and refreshments will be available for sale at Kid Fest. Proceeds will benefit the North Andover Youth Hockey League.

The Joshua Tree, a U2 tribute band, will celebrate the 25-year anniversary of the release of the live EP "Under A Blood Red Sky" with a theatrical recreation of U2's first concert video, "Live At Red Rocks," followed by an encore set spanning U2's full catalog. Performance is at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 and may be purchased in person at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 50 E. Merrimack St. in Lowell, by calling the box office at 978-454-2299, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.lowellauditorium.com for more show details.

Nikon Photo Safari, "Ramble! Newburyport," Custom House Maritime Museum. Participants will receive hands-on instruction from Hunt's Photo & Video of Melrose. Preregistration is required. Cost for this 4-hour session is $50 ($25 for Essex Heritage members). Register online at essexheritage.org/photosafari or call Essex Heritage at 978-740-0444.

Sunday, Sept. 7

Archdiocesan bicentennial celebration: Eleven parishes from the communities of Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, North Andover and Wilmington will come together at Saint Michael Church, 196 Main St., North Andover, to celebrate the bicentennial of the Archdiocese of Boston with a Mass and family picnic. The concelebrated Mass with combined parish choirs will take place at noon, followed by a picnic, rain or shine, with entertainment, parish history tables and activities for all ages. Picnic tickets, priced at $5 each or $15 for a family of four or more, are available at parish offices and at the event.

Hooks & Needles knitting and crochet group will meet at 7 p.m. The group meets on the first Monday of each month. Participants should bring their own knitting or crochet supplies.

Monday, Sept. 8

The Treble Chorus of New England is holding auditions for all choirs, students ages 7 to 18. Contact vbecker@treblechorus.com to schedule an audition time. Auditions will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at West Parish Church in Andover.

Tuesday, Sept. 9

The Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra invites classical musicians to join the orchestra for an open rehearsal on September 9 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pawtucket Congregational Church, 15 Mammoth Road, Lowell. There are openings in all string sections, especially double bass, and also for English horn, bassoon, French horn, trombone and percussion. Student musicians are encouraged to participate. Musicians should bring their instruments and music stands.

Wednesday, Sept. 10

Thursday, Sept. 11

Author reading: Novelist Gary Braver will read from his newest book, "Skin Deep," at 7 p.m. at the Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park St., North Reading.

Friday, Sept. 12

Genealogy Lock-In from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the Memorial Hall Library. Beginning and experienced genealogists are invited to an exclusive evening of genealogy research using databases, historic microfilm, and the Andover Room collection. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, contact Emily Classon at 978-623-8401, ext. 49, or eclasson@mhl.org. $10 fee.

Saturday, Sept. 13

Fall sale: Gently used children's equipment, toys, clothes, books and more, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Central Congregational Church, 1 Worthen St., Chelmsford. Admission is $1; under 14 free. Cash only. Sponsored by the Nashoba Valley Mothers of Multiples, a nonprofit organization. For more information, call 978-376-2939 or visit www.nashobavalleymom.org

The Brentano String Quartet opens the Andover Chamber Music season at 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College, North Andover, and will perform the Haydn String Quartet No. 3, Op. 20; Mendelssohn String Quartet, Op. 13; and Mozart Oboe Quartet, K. 370 (flute transcription). 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.

Responsible Dog Ownership Day event: Best Friends Pet Care Centers in Boxford invites families to a free event of fun and education in observance of the American Kennel Club's Responsible Dog Ownership Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Best Friends in Boxford at 126 Killam Hill Road. Event includes pets for adoption, Canine Good Citizen testing, "Ask the Vet" pet health table, low cost microchipping clinic, pet first aid and agility demonstrations. Doggy games, activities and contests with prizes, kids pet safety workshops and more. For more information, visit www.bestfriendspetcare.com or call 978-887-5760.

"Old House Restoration: How to Do It the Right Way," 11 a.m. at the Memorial Hall Library. Architect Mathew Cummings and Woodright James Whidden have restored some of the most historically significant 17th- and 18th-century houses still standing on the North Shore. Hear what these experts can teach about the restoration process, and take a virtual tour of the recently restored circa 1747 Day-Dodge House in Ipswich. For more information, contact Emily Classon at 978-623-8401, ext. 49, or eclasson@mhl.org.

Sunday, Sept. 14

The Treble Chorus of New England is holding September auditions for all choirs, students ages 7 to 18. Contact vbecker@treblechorus.com to schedule an audition time. Auditions will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at West Parish Church in Andover.

Tom Rush will perform at the Firehouse in Newburyport at 3 and 7 p.m. Order tickets online at www.firehouse.org or call 978-462-7336 Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

The fourth annual North Shore Walk-A-Thon to Cure Scleroderma from the Proctor School in Topsfield. Sign-in will take place in the Proctor School gym, 60 Main St., starting at 10 a.m., where pledges will be turned in and T-shirts distributed. The 5K walk steps off at noon. Walk will be followed by refreshments, entertainment, silent auctions and raffles.

Ninth annual Pops Concert featuring the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra at 2:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. Advance tickets, $15; tickets at the door, $18. Student rush tickets available. For reservations and information call 978-837-5355 or visit www.merrimack.edu/rogers.

Lecture and book signing: Dr. William Mahon will discuss his most recent publications, "Thomas Griffin and the Irish Speaking People of Lawrence" and "Irish Manuscripts at Villanova University by the Way of Lawrence," at 1:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitor's Center, 1 Jackson St. Lawrence. Sponsored by the Irish Foundation, Division 8 AOH and LAOH, the Friends of the Lawrence Public Library, the Friends of the Harvard University Celtic Department and the Cumann, na Gaeilge League of Boston. Event is free and wheelchair accessible. For more information, contact the Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitor's Center at 978-794-1655 or visit the Division 8 AOH Web site, www.homestead.com/div8aoh.

Auditions for "The Nutcracker" ballet: New England Civic Ballet will hold open auditions at New England Civic Ballet studios, Dracut Street, Lawrence. There is a $10 registration fee. Call the studio at 978-975-0289 for information regarding ages, times and proper attire. Performances will be in December at the Rogers Center for the Performing Arts on the Merrimack College Campus in North Andover.

AMC hike on Goldsmith Reservation: Meet at Goldsmith trailhead, 491 S. Main St., at 1:30 p.m. Led by Helen Palmer, 978-657-9153, hpalmer.fournature@verizon.net.

Monday, Sept. 15

Wayne Newton will play a fundraising concert at Salvatore's Restaurant at the Riverwalk in Lawrence at 7:30 p.m. Sal Lupoli is working in conjunction with Dr. Rene Thomas of the New Hope Health Center to host Wayne Newton's outdoor fundraising concert to benefit the Adopt-A-Patient Foundation. Tickets range in price from $50 to $150 and are available online through ticketmaster.com or by calling 617-931-2000 or 603-868-7300. Some select seating tickets will be made available by Joseph Bevilacqua, president of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Tuesday, Sept. 16

Merrimack Valley Hospital hosts Senior Suppers with guest Dr. Sunny Srivasatava to speak on the topic "Your Heart Health." Registration is at 3:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 4 p.m. The cost for the event is $5 and includes a full dinner and dessert. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet various members of the Merrimack Valley Hospital medical and administrative team. This event is open to the public and requires preregistration by calling Kathy at 978-521-8140. The hospital is located at 140 Lincoln Ave. in Haverhill.

The Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra invites classical musicians to join the orchestra for an open rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. at the Pawtucket Congregational Church, 15 Mammoth Road, Lowell. There are openings in all string sections, especially double bass, and also for English horn, bassoon, French horn, trombone and percussion. Student musicians are encouraged to participate. Musicians should bring their instruments and music stands.

Wednesday, Sept. 17

Golf outing: The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is hosting a golf outing with a shotgun start at 12:30pm, at the Old Newbury Golf Club. Entry fee is $100 and includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, gifts, prizes, dinner and a raffle. Dinner will follow at Nicholson Hall on Harris St., Newburyport. For more information and to register, please contact Byron Matthews at 978-462-2750.

Thursday, Sept. 18

Andre Dubus III will be reading from his new novel, "The Garden of Last Days," at 7 p.m. at the Andover Bookstore, 89 Rear Main St., 978-475-0143. Free.

Merrimack Valley Hospital hosts Senior Suppers with guest Dr. Seth Bilazarian to speak on the topic "Your Heart Health." Registration is at 3:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 4 p.m. The cost for the event is $5 and includes a full dinner and dessert. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet various members of the Merrimack Valley Hospital medical and administrative team. This event is open to the public and requires preregistration by calling Kathy at 978-521-8140. The hospital is located at 140 Lincoln Ave. in Haverhill.

Saturday, Sept. 20

The Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center celebrates its 60-year anniversary from 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Try yoga, chanting and meditation at Point of Pines; walk the labyrinth; view color mandalas and other art projects; receive a massage (chair, feet, or hands); get blood pressure checked, and more. A naturalist will lead tours of the grounds and mansion. A gourmet luncheon will be served under the tent for a cost of $15 per person. Speakers will include the Revs. Cynthia Good, Larry Peacock and Jim Todd. RSVP for the luncheon to 978-682-8815 or e-mail thestaff@rollingridge.org.

Sunday, Sept. 21

The 16th annual Alzheimer's Association Northeastern Massachusetts Memory Walk begins at Brickstone Square in Andover at 9 a.m. This walk combines two others, formerly known as the Northern Essex and Northern Middlesex walks. Form a team or walk as an individual. Money raised by Memory Walk helps provide care and support for individuals and families touched by Alzheimer's. For more information about the Northeastern Massachusetts Memory Walk, call Debra Katt-Lloyd at 978-937-5576 or debra.katt-lloyd@alz.org, or visit www.memorywalkma.org.

"Investigating Sherlock Holmes" at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Hall Library. Attorney and Holmes scholar Daniel M. Polvere will speak about the character and his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle; Holmes' most famous cases; and his portrayals in film and television. For more information, contact Emily Classon at 978-623-8401, ext. 49, or eclasson@mhl.org.

Tuesday, Sept. 23

"Show Boat" will be performed at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced from $77 to $40 and are available at www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.

Wednesday, Sept. 24

Fifth annual Prayer Shawl Tea: Communities Together Inc., formerly The Greater Lawrence Council of Churches, will sponsor the fifth annual Prayer Shawl Tea at First-Calvary Baptist Church, 586 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy tea and pastry and celebrate the Prayer Shawl Ministry in this area, offer shawls for a blessing by clergy, honor knitting groups, and share stories of how the shawls touch lives. Knitters, crocheters, clergy, shawl recipients, supporters, and those interested in learning more are all welcome. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP by Sept. 22 to Barbara at the Communities Together office at 978-686-4012, or e-mail Barbara at CTstaff@conversent.net.

Cheryl Richardson, nationally renowned author and regular guest on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," shares her story on how adopting a cat changed her life and the lives of others at the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society's annual meeting from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Phoenix Room of Newburyport, 19 Inn St., Newburyport. General tickets are $50 per person and include a buffet dinner provided by Harborside Catering and a cash bar. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour of MRFRS' new mobile spay/neuter clinic. Tickets for a private reception with Richardson are $100 and include admission to the regular event, dinner, open bar and a personalized gift from the author. The private reception will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Tickets must be reserved by Sept. 17. Call 978-462-0760 or visit www.mrfrs.org to order tickets or for more information.

"Show Boat" will be performed at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced from $77 to $40 and are available at www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.

Thursday, Sept. 25

Trails & Sails will kick off with a celebration entitled "A Taste of Trails & Sails" from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Willowdale Estate in Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield. This event will bring together Essex Heritage Area residents, constituents, supporters and event hosts to celebrate the "best of" Trails & Sails while raising funds to underwrite the weekend's free events. Offerings include fresh native produce, local cheeses and spirits from area wine and beer makers, and live music. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at www.trailsandsails.org or by calling 978-740-0444.

"Show Boat" will be performed at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 2 and 7:30 p.m. with a special opening night ticket price of $35. Tickets available at www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.

Friday, Sept. 26

Tewksbury Community of Artists 15th annual Art Festival at John Wynn Middle School, Tewksbury. A judged show with ribbons and private reception for artists and their guests from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Three pieces per person at $5 per piece for nonmembers (adults only). To review the guidelines and download an application, please visit http://www.tewksbury.info/tca/annualartfestival_event.htm.

"Show Boat" will be performed at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced from $77 to $40 and are available at www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.

Saturday, Sept. 27

Tewksbury Community of Artists 15th annual Art Festival at John Wynn Middle School, Tewksbury. Free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Show Boat" will be performed at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are priced from $77 to $40 and are available at www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.

Sunday, Sept. 28

Haverhill Downtown Association's sixth annual "North of the North End" Italian festival, noon to 6 p.m. in Washington Square and along Washington Street in downtown Haverhill.

"Show Boat" will be performed at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced from $77 to $40 and are available at www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.

Tuesday, Sept. 30

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Thursday, Oct. 2

Friday, Oct. 3

Saturday, Oct. 4

Beatles tribute band: 1964 The Tribute performs at the Collins Center for the Performing Arts at Andover High School at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 each. The concert is presented by the NECC Foundation Inc., Women of NECC and the NECC Alumni Association and is sponsored by Covanta Energy. For additional information or to reserve tickets, call Lori Smerdon in NECC Institutional Advancement at 978 556-3789 or e-mail lsmerdon@necc.mass.edu. Purchase tickets online at www.mvarts.info. Visit the band's Web site at http://www.1964thetribute.com/home.html.

"An Evening with Groucho" starring Frank Ferrante at 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. Accompanied by his onstage pianist, Jim Furmston, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho Marx of stage and film and reacquaints attendees with the likes of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo, and Gummo; Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields; Greta Garbo; Marx foil Margaret Dumont; and MGM's Louis B. Mayer. Advance tickets, $22; tickets at the door, $25. Student rush tickets available. For reservations and information call 978-837-5355 or visit www.merrimack.edu/rogers.

Sunday, Oct. 5

Tuesday, Oct. 7

Wednesday, Oct. 8

Thursday, Oct. 9

Friday, Oct. 10

Saturday, Oct. 11

Sunday, Oct. 12

Saturday, Oct. 18

The Capitol Steps at 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. Together the performers have worked in a total of 18 congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience. A pre-election laugh riot. Advance tickets, $22; tickets at the door, $25. Student rush tickets available. For reservations and information call 978-837-5355 or visit www.merrimack.edu/rogers.

Friday, Oct. 24

Devil Music Ensemble presents "Red Heroine," a silent film with live musical accompaniment, at 7 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. This is the only extant silent Chinese martial arts film still in existence. The soundtrack created by the DME for "Red Heroine" is the first modern score to be composed and performed with this film. All tickets are $12; student rush tickets available. For reservations and information call 978-837-5355 or visit www.merrimack.edu/rogers.

Sunday, Oct. 12

The Irish Foundation, The Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient order of Hibernians present The All Ireland Champions in Music, Song and Dance in concert at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College, North Andover, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22. To order tickets, call the Rogers Center box office at 978-837-5355, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Hike AVIS Baker's Meadow, Indian Ridge and West Parish Meadow reservations, led by Jim Batchelder, 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at arch at West Parish Cemetery, corner of Lowell Street and Reservation Road. Hike will be canceled in case of rain.

Monday, Oct. 27

Andover Chamber Music presents "Hope and Harmony," a benefit concert for early detection and treatment of breast cancer among underserved women, at 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College, North Andover. The concert will feature a full symphony orchestra drawn from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and other acclaimed ensembles, all of whom will be donating their services. World-renowned soloists include violist Kim Kashkashian and violinist Miriam Fried, guitarist Jason Vieaux, cellist Andres Diaz, and pianist Max Levinson. The concert will be followed by a champagne and dessert reception. All proceeds will be donated to organizations that will help low-income women in Greater Boston and the Merrimack Valley to gain access to appropriate medical, emotional and psychological support services for breast cancer. For applications to sponsor this concert or to be a beneficiary, contact LeslieKaplan@AndoverChamberMusic.org. For tickets and more information, call 978-474-6222 or visit http://www.andoverchambermusic.org/concertschedule.html.

Thursday, Oct. 30

Sol y Canto present "Noche de Muertos," "Welcoming our Ancestors Home," 7 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College in North Andover. A multimedia collaboration featuring projected images by photographer Susan Wilson of the Mexican "Day of the Dead and Night of the Dead" celebration with original and popular Mexican and Pan-Latin compositions by Sol y Canto's guitarist/composer Brian Amador. Also featuring the vocals of Rosi Amador, a sextet, and guest violist/violinist Rebecca Strauss of Melodic Vision. Advance tickets, $15; all tickets at the door, $18. Student rush tickets available. For reservations and information, call 978-837-5355 or visit www.merrimack.edu/rogers.

Saturday, Nov. 1

"War Bonds: Songs and Letters of World War II" at 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College in North Andover. A multimedia living history cabaret interspersed with personal letters from the Front and headline news of the war. Artists Serena Ebhardt and David zum Brunnen fill the stage with wartime memories and nostalgic tunes. Advance tickets, $22; all tickets at the door, $25. Student rush tickets available. For reservations and information, call 978-837-5355 or visit www.merrimack.edu/rogers.

Friday, Nov. 7

The Spencers: "Theatre of Illusion" at 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College in North Andover. The Spencers combine theatrical elements (music, movement, storytelling, dramatic lighting) with state-of-the-art illusions and audience interaction. Advance tickets, $18; all tickets at the door, $20. Student rush tickets available. For reservations and information, call 978-837-5355 or visit www.merrimack.edu/rogers.

Sunday, Nov. 9

Andover Chamber Music Series concert at 4 p.m. at Andover's West Parish Church. Concert features the New York Festival of Song's "The Last Time I Saw Paris" with Steven Blier, NYFOS artistic director and pianist; Paul Appleby, tenor; and Julie Boulianne, mezzo-soprano, offering songs by Roussel, Poulenc, D'Ollone, Auric, Milhaud, Weill and Treneta, among others. 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.

Friday, Dec. 5

Andover Chamber Music Series holiday concert: "A Baroque Banquet" brings back ensemble-in-residence Mistral in Baroque concertos of Bach, Telemann, Handel and Vivaldi. Concert is at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Church United in Lowell. 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.

Saturday, Dec. 6

Andover Chamber Music Series holiday concert: "A Baroque Banquet" brings back ensemble-in-residence Mistral in Baroque concertos of Bach, Telemann, Handel and Vivaldi. Concert is at 5 p.m. at First Church Congregational in Cambridge. 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.

Sunday, Dec. 7

Andover Chamber Music Series holiday concert: "A Baroque Banquet" brings back ensemble-in-residence Mistral in Baroque concertos of Bach, Telemann, Handel and Vivaldi. Concert is at 5 p.m., at South Church in Andover. 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.

Ongoing

Essex Heritage Photo Contest submissions are due by Oct. 1, and any photos captured between Nov. 10, 2007, and Oct. 1, 2008, are eligible. Amateur photographers are invited to submit any images taken in the Essex National Heritage Area, assigning them to one of three categories: "A Winter Wonderland," "On the Trail" or "A Trails & Sails Experience." Photos should capture the essence of an Essex Heritage experience and/or speak to Essex Heritage's role in preserving and promoting the rocky coasts and harbors, farms and forests, historic districts, rivers and marshes of Essex County. More details on how to submit are posted on the Essex Heritage Web site at: EssexHeritage.org/photocontest/.

Tickets for the Merrimack Repertory Theatre