Thursday, May 15
Author reading, Kathleen Benner Duble will be readfrom her new novel, "Quest", the suspenseful tale of the last voyage of explorer Henry Hudson and his search for the fabled Northwest Passage, 7 p.m., Andover Bookstore, 89 Rear Main St.; 978-475-0143.
Friday, May 16
Clown Town, 6 to 10 p.m., The Park, corner of Chestnut & Bartlet streets, held rain or shine, proceeds benefit various youth and education programs in town, run by the Andona Society; www.AndonaSociety.org.
Andover Rotary Club breakfast meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., the Lanam Club, 260 North Main St., Andover; rotaryandover.org.
Live jazz with saxophonist Pete Robbins, an Andover native and New England Conservatory graduate, The Cambridge YMCA Theater, Cambridge; www.cambridgeymca.org.
Live music, the Phillips Academy Concert Band and ensembles under the direction of Vincent Monaco, 7:30 p.m., free and open to the public, Cochran Chapel located on the Phillips Academy campus; (978)749-4263 or music@andover.edu.
Bird-a-thon, hosted by Mass Audubon Society, is a 24-hour competition starts at 6 p.m. and runs through 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 17; 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or www.massaudubon.org.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 8 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
"True West," a play about brothers bonding, at the Quannapowitt Playhouse, 55 Hopkins St., Reading, 8 p.m. $18 regular admission, $16 senior/students. Reservations strongly recommended. Call the box office at 781-942-2212 or purchase online by credit card at www.qptheater.com. Credit cards cannot be accepted at the door.
Saturday, May 17
Clown Town, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., The Park, corner of Chestnut & Bartlet streets, held rain or shine, proceeds benefit various youth and education programs in town, run by the Andona Society; www.AndonaSociety.org.
Community Yard Sale, Ballard Vale United Church, 23 Clark Road, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., snack bar available, proceeds to benefit the Samaritans Teen Crisis Hot Line.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performances 2 and 8 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Spring historic walk through the West Parish Garden Cemetery at 10 a.m., rain or shine. Learn about some of Andover's history while experiencing a beautiful setting. No charge for the walk; donations accepted. Questions call, 978-475-3902 or visit www.westparishgardencemetery.org.
"Carmina Burana," by Carl Orff, performed by Harvard Pro Musica, Nashoba Valley Chorale, and the Schola group of Treble Chorus New England, 8 p.m., Durgin Concert Hall, UMass Lowell, South Campus. $15/$12 at the door, or purchase in advance at www.nashobachorale.org.
Sunday, May 18
The Ponds of Harold Parker, 1-4 p.m., hike the Ponds of Harold Parker State Forest, including Stearns Pond, Sudden Pond, and Salem Pond, approximately 5 miles, meet at the Ranger Station at the intersection of Salem Street and Harold Parker Road, Andover; Jeff LaFountain at 978-470-2980 or at jefflaf@comcast.net
North Andover Garden Club Annual Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stevens Memorial Library, North Andover. Features stunning annuals and proven perennials from Garden Club members' own gardens, as well as great gardening advice from the Garden Club members working the sale. For more information, e-mail northandovergardenclub@yahoo.com.
TeamWalk for CancerCare fundraiser at the Tsongas Arena, Lowell. Every dollar raised through TeamWalk stays in the community, directly improving the quality of life for area cancer patients. The event is at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell. Sign up online at www.lowellgeneral.org or call 978-937-6434 for more information.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 2 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Tuesday, May 20
Preservation awards, in honor of Historic Preservation Month in Massachusetts, the Andover Preservation Commission in collaboration with the Andover Historical Society and the Ballard Vale Historic District Commission will recognize 11 outstanding examples of preservation effort within the town, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall Library, community welcome.
Energy healing, for stress reduction and minor ailments, Free Pranic Healing Clinic offers no touch energy treatments at the Andover/North Andover YMCA,165 Haverhill St., 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., continues the first and third Tuesday of the month; Miriam Smith mgsenergy@comcast.net. (978-683-6129), Walk-ins welcome.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Wednesday, May 21
Desserts, film screening, hosted by Congregation Beth Israel's Sisterhood, includes delicious desserts and a screening of "Learning, Learning, Learning," a video featuring the personal stories, struggles, and triumphs of students at the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Zeigler School of Rabbinic Studies, 7:30 p.m., 501 S. Main St, Andover, $18 donation; lizcontipr@hotmail.com.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly. There will be a post-show audience discussion with the artists after the 7:30 p.m. performance.
Thursday, May 22
Author reading, Jeff Talarigo will be reading from his latest novel, "The Ginseng Hunter", about a farmer living in present-day China along the river that is the border with North Korea and learns from refugees about the tragedy on the other side of the river, 7 p.m., free, Andover Bookstore, 89 Rear Main St.; 978-475-0143.
Reading with playwright, Merrimack Repetory Theatre announces its collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Lowell Urban Village Art Series for a full-length reading of Massachusetts-native playwright Richard Dresser's "A View of the Harbor", 7:30 p.m., Liberty Hall, Merrimack Repertory Theatre's performance space, free admission and open to the community, first come, first served; www.merrimackrep.org.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Friday, May 23
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 8 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Saturday, May 24
AVIS picnic, Shawsheen River Reservation, noon. Bring lunch, picnic blanket, family and friends. Outdoor games. Hike or canoe over, or park on Abbot Bridge Drive or Lupine Road; call Peggy Kruse at 978-474-0176. Rain date is Sunday, May 25.
Topsfield Antiques Market, Topsfield Fairgrounds in Topsfield, with 150 dealers, including a special section for book and ephemera dealers, will display their antiques indoors and under tents, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., .admission is $7 for adults, and free for children 12 and under; 781-862-4039, www.neantiqueshows.com.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performances at 2 and 8 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Sunday, May 25
Topsfield Antiques Market, Topsfield Fairgrounds in Topsfield, with 150 dealers, including a special section for book and ephemera dealers, will display their antiques indoors and under tents, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., .admission is $7 for adults, and free for children 12 and under; 781-862-4039, www.neantiqueshows.com.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 2 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly. Spotlight on History, a free pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance, will be held today.
Tuesday, May 27
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Wednesday, May 28
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 2 and 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Thursday, May 29
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly. Out at the North Shore, an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community, will hold a post-show reception today.
Friday, May 30
Andover Rotary Club breakfast meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., the Lanam Club, 260 North Main St., Andover; rotaryandover.org.
Atria Marland Place and Angel Home Care will host "Seniors Art in Bloom" opening and reception from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring the artwork of three seniors: a current resident of Marland Place, a former resident of Marland Place and a local photographer, at 15 Stevens St., Andover.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 8 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Saturday, May 31
Plant sale, The Village Garden Club of Andover, at the home of author, lecturer, and natural gardener, Betsy Williams, proceeds support the Village Garden Club's civic beautification projects at Elm Green, the Senior Center Garden, two Welcome to Andover signs, the veteran's memorial at Ballardvalegreen, garden therapy, and the junior garden club at Esperanza Academy in Lawrence; Nan James, 978-475-2895.
An Evening of Jule Styne with the Doug Hammer Orchestra and Special Guests, 8 p.m., Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, Newburyport, $20. Information, call 978-462-7336 or visit www.firehouse.org.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 8 p.m., with an ASL interpreted performance at 2 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Sunday, June 1
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 2 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Ongoing
Woodworking classes: "Hand Planes & Wireless Routers" will be offered Oct. 25 through Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Andover Historical Society. The six-week course is designed to meet the needs of woodworkers, from the novice looking for an introduction to traditional woodworking skills to the advanced woodworker. Novices will learn from the instructors and the more advanced students. Novice students can make a basic, introductory project, such as a footstool or candlebox, from premilled stock. The cost for the course is $60 for members, $75 nonmembers. For more information, call 978-475-2236 or visit www.andoverhistorical.org.
Antique Auto Raffle: The Andover Historical Society will raffle off a fire-engine red 1981 380 SL Mercedes Benz Coupe convertible with only 75,000 miles. It has an 8-cylinder, 3.8-liter engine, automatic transmission, power steering brakes and windows, and air conditioning. Included in the package are two sets of rims and tires, a black soft top and a red hard top. A maximum of 250 tickets will be sold at $100 each. All proceeds support the educational mission of the Andover Historical Society. Credit card orders may be placed by calling 978-475-2236 or by faxing the information to 978-470-2741. The winning ticket will be drawn on June 15, and the winner need not be present to win. Faxed ticket orders must be received by June 1. For more information, call 978-475-2236 or visit www.andoverhistorical.org.
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.
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; "Origami Now" through June 8; "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.
"Impermanence," photography by Shelley Zatsky, will be on exhibit through May 2 at the Elizabeth A. Beland Gallery at the Essex Art Center, 56 Island St., Lawrence. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m For more information, call Cathy at 978-685-2343 or e-mail cathyessexartcenter@yahoo.com.
"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 open May 18 and 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.
GROUPS
The Merrimack Valley People for Peace meet 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.
