The Lookout
The Newburyport Choral Society ushers in the holidays 120-voices strong with Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" and other music of the season during its holiday concert series this weekend.
The choral group, under the direction of Gerald Weale, will be joined by professional soloists and orchestra for its performances Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Belleville Congregational Church, 300 High St., Newburyport.
"Carmina Burana" is a series of songs by the 19th century composer based on a 13th century manuscript discovered in a monastery in Bavaria. The poems in the manuscript, written in medieval Latin, old German and old French, varied from poetic lyrics to rhyming ditties.
Newburyport's Neil Ferreira will deliver the tenor solo part in "Carmina Burana." Ferreira, who performs regularly with Boston Lyric Opera and has also appeared with numerous New England opera companies, first sang with the Newburyport Choral Society last spring during its 75th anniversary concert series of J.S. Bach's "Mass in B Minor."
The holiday concert series will also feature the choral society's traditional guest conductor program, in which a sponsored guest leads the chorus in one of the classic holiday carols performed in the first half of the program. State Rep. Harriett Stanley will be the guest conductor for Saturday night's concert. She was instrumental in helping the chorus obtain a Massachusetts Council on the Arts and Humanities grant for its 65th anniversary concert series.
Concert tickets are $20, $18 for students and seniors, and $15 for parties of 12 or more. For tickets or information, visit www.newburyportchoralsociety.org or call 978-462-0650.
Railway Express 2009 Christmas train show
Railway Express 2009, the annual Christmas train and model railroad show and open day, pulls into the Salisbury Point Railroad Historical Society headquarters in Amesbury on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More than six operating train layouts in a variety of gauges, including N, OO (Thomas the Tank), HO, S (American Flyer), O (Lionel) and G, will be on display at the society's headquarters in the Carriage Mills, Building #2, at 9 Water St.
There will be opportunities to drive some of the trains, particularly the Thomas the Tank, and visitors are welcome to bring an old locomotive to test out on the layouts. The society will be running live steam in HO as well.
The "Railroad Prints of Amesbury" gallery of framed historic photographs will be open for viewing, and the society's collection of thousands of photos, maps, books, dockets, lamps and other artifacts will also be on display or available for examination. Videos will be shown in the library throughout the day. Trains and railroad items will be for sale, as well as light refreshments.
The Amesbury Hat Museum, which is housed in the train museum, will also be open, presenting its collection of locally made hats with videos highlighting the hat-making process.
The Salisbury Point Railroad Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and making available information pertaining to the history of the Boston & Maine Railroad, especially the Amesbury branch; its predecessors and related materials pertaining to the history of railroads in New England. The organization meets on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and welcomes visitors and new members.
Admission to Saturday's show is $4 for adults, $2 for children under 13. Kids under 6 are invited for free. For more on the show or the society, call 978-884-1639, e-mail info@tnsing.com or visit http://salisburypoint.tnsing.com.
Firehouse celebrates 'A Very Ida Christmas'
Ida LeClair is ready to update audiences about life in Mahoosuc Mills, Maine, when she returns to Newburyport's Firehouse Center for the Arts this weekend to perform "A Very Ida Christmas." Ida, aka writer/actress Susan Poulin, performs her high-spirited, one-woman show tomorrow and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the theater in Market Square.
Ida will offer up stories and reminiscences of the Christmas season in her tiny town, show off her latest craft project with her pals, the Women Who Run with the Moose; share some of her holiday decorating do's and don'ts and divulge her not-so-secret Santa plan.
Working in collaboration with artist, musician and actor Gordon Carlisle, Poulin and her Poolyle Productions have been creating and touring original theatrical productions for 17 years. She has previously performed her "Ida: Woman Who Runs with the Moose" and "Ida's Havin' a Yard Sale" shows at the Firehouse.
Tickets for this weekend's shows are $18, $16 for students, seniors and Firehouse members. Call the Firehouse box office at 978-462-7336 or visit www.firehouse.org or www.poolyle.com.
Theater collaborative spotlights new drama
The Northshore Readers Theatre Collaborative tackles local playwright Jay Harris' new play, "Ruthie," on Sunday at 5 p.m. at The Actors Studio in The Tannery, 50 Water St., Newburyport.
Directed by Maureen Daley, the drama follows the sometimes tense and explosive results, as 16-year-old Jewish-American Ruthie, played by Newburyport High School junior Jasmyn Gudaitis, suddenly discovers that Stanley Goldstein, played by Tom Kenison, isn't her biological father, and her dad is actually African-American.
The tension continues as Ruthie grows up and moves away from her Jewish upbringing until she eventually marries the black activist Charlie, played by Terlonzo Amos. Meanwhile, Ruthie's mother, Marsha, played by Sam Boyd, struggles to maintain her relationships with both husband and daughter at a time when interracial relationships were not as common as today.
"Ruthie" is presented by the Northshore Readers Theatre Collaborative's workshop series. A discussion will follow the show. Admission is a suggested $7 donation. Call 978-465-1229 for reservations. Visit www.newburyportacting.org.
Port library branch hosts Cookie Walk
The temporary closure of the 104-year-old Emma Andrews Branch Library on Purchase Street in Newburyport pending the removal of lead paint isn't stopping its Improvement Association from going forward with its annual Cookie Walk. The community fundraiser is set for Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon down the street at the People's United Methodist Church, 64 Purchase St.
A selection of cookies will be available for $4 a dozen. The association will also be selling its cookbook for $10 as well as handmade ornaments and T-shirts. Proceeds benefit the Emma L. Andrews Scholarship Fund, which supports local graduating high school seniors pursuing an education in teaching or library science.
Area artists unwrap annual Free Art Show
A group of area artists is once again spreading cheer this season with its ninth annual Free Art Show. More than 20 artists have distributed copies of their work throughout Newburyport as well as Portsmouth, N.H., and Portland and Biddeford, Maine, for the public to take and enjoy.
The way the event works is that each artist contributes 30 pieces of art — either original works or reproductions, which are then given away anonymously for free around the communities.
This year's artists are Nikole Beckwith, Alan Bull, Karen Kelly Dardinski, Mike Gravel, Derek LaPlante, Bonnie Jean Malcolm, Erika Marquardt, Dylan Metrano, Kevin Ormby, Elizabeth Personeni, Gordon Przybyla, Mandy Sabine, Kathy Seekamp, Eric Smith, Trev Stair, Ellen Sullivan Taylor, Mia Thurlow and Tom Tolley.
The free art boxes are in Newburyport at The Actors Studio in The Tannery, 50 Water St.; Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square; Fowle's Newsstand, 17 State St.; Ganesh Imports, 33 State St.; and Plum Island Coffee Roasters, 54 Merrimac St. A sampling of the work can be found at the free art blog at www.freeartshow.blogspot.com.
Open houses at Amesbury artists' studios
Two artists' studios in Amesbury are hosting sales and open houses this weekend. Here is what's planned:
The artists and artisans of the Oakland Street Studios at 7 Oakland St. will be open for their holiday art sale Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Participating artists are Scott Patt, a painter and mixed-media artist; Lisa DeJohn, a painter, mixed-media artist and illustrator; Edith Heyck, an expressionist painter; Leslie Aisner Novak, a mixed-media artist and painter; Jess Esche of the Occasional Gallery featuring Kaari Sullivan, a maritime and landscape photographer and cyber artist; and Bill Withum of Withum Sails & Canvas.
The more than 30 artists and crafters of 14 Cedar Street Studios in Amesbury are holding a Holiday Open House the next two Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be crafting demonstrations, light refreshments and plenty of holiday cheer. The studios are home to painters, photographers, ceramic artists, jewelry makers and more. Food donations for Our Neighbors' Table in Amesbury will be collected in the main lobby.
Christmas concert, auction at Unity on River in Amesbury
Unity on the River in Amesbury presents its annual Christmas Concert and Auction tomorrow night at the church at 58 Macy St. (Route 110), Amesbury.
The concert, which starts at 7 p.m., will feature "The Best of Unity on the River" and include performances by Patty Barkas, Brian Doser, Lesley Smith and more, plus Christmas caroling. Admission is by voluntary contributions.
The auction, which will include both silent and live components, opens at 6 p.m. A barbecue dinner for 10 with singer Sweet Willie D, a plane ride over Amesbury, one year of life design coaching with Jackie Woodside and a full day of handyman services will be up for grabs.
Desserts will be available after the concert. Call Unity at 978-834-7830 or visit www.unityontheriver.org.
New England Puritans focus of film
Regional filmmaker Dan Tremblay screens "Puritans' Arrival in New England," his holiday-style film made in Essex County, on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St.
The film covers the Puritans' arrival in Essex County in 1630 through their life, strife, trade and developments to the 1775 Revolution. Admission is free. Call 978-777-2711.
Joy of harp and song at Musical Suite
Harpist Moira Kelly presents harp music and songs on Saturday from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. at The Musical Suite in Newburyport as part of this season's "Kids Give Back" program at The Tannery marketplace at 50 Water St.
The presentation is designed for children of all ages as well as adults. Admission is free with a donation of a canned good. Call The Musical Suite at 978-462-8225.
Hope Family Christmas at Port church
Hope Community Church at 11 Hale St. in Newburyport is hosting its annual Hope Family Christmas featuring caroling, hayrides and more on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Bill McGowan and Bob Manseau will lead the holiday sing-along. Iron Moon Farm in Newbury will offer free hayrides. There will be a children's story time, performances by the Hope Bell Choir and festive food. Admission is one canned good to help the Pettengill House based in Salisbury. Call the church at 978-463-HOPE (4673) or visit www.hope-community-church.com.
Christmas concert at Merrimac Library
A Christmas concert is on tap for Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Merrimac Public Library at 86 West Main St.
Ron St. Jean will lead the event on keyboard. He'll be accompanied by a guitarist who also will lend his vocals, as well as the Nelson twin girls who will supply instrumentals as well.
Admission is free. However, donations to support the library will be accepted. Call the library at 978-346-9441.
'Snowbound' and more at Whittier Museum
The Whittier Home Association hosts its annual community open house at the Whittier Home, 86 Friend St., Amesbury, on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.
Former Amesbury Mayor Nicholas Costello will portray Whittier, welcoming visitors to the historic Garden Room study, which features the desk where the poet wrote "Snowbound." Guests may tour the recently renovated museum and related exhibits, browse the gift shop featuring locally themed gifts and enjoy refreshments. Admission is free.
The association will mark Whittier's birthday with a celebration and luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 17, at noon at Ristorante Molise in Amesbury's Market Square. Guests are requested to bring a nonperishable food item and a new toy for the giving basket, which will be donated to Our Neighbors' Table in Amesbury. Tickets are $25; reservations are required by Monday. Call association president Cynthia Costello at 978-388-2552 to save a seat.
The association is holding a holiday raffle drawing for a $500 cash prize. Tickets are $1, sold in blocks of five; get one free with every five tickets purchased. The winner will be drawn at the Dec. 17 luncheon. Proceeds will support the club's efforts. Tickets are available in the Whittier Home gift shop, at http://whittierhome.org/wordpress or call Maureen Leahy, raffle chairwoman, at 978-388-2793.
For more on any of the Whittier Home Association holiday events, call 978-388-1337.
Area youth singing with Chorus North Shore
Three local youths are joining Chorus North Shore for its performances of Handel's "Messiah" this weekend.
Emily Beckingham of Rowley, Anna Moreland of Newburyport and Emma Costanzo of Groveland will perform with Chorus North Shore's Honors Youth Choir in the concerts on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Our Lady of Hope Church in Ipswich and Sunday at 2 p.m. at St. Richard's Church in Danvers.
The Honors Youth Choir, which rehearses weekly in Beverly, will sing three of the arias usually performed by an adult contralto soloist.
Known for innovative programming, Chorus North Shore is a choral arts organization composed of 130 musicians under the direction of artistic director Sonja Dahlgren Pryor.
Tickets for the weekend concerts are $20, $17 for seniors and students. Children 12 and under get in free. Visit www.chorusnorthshore.org or call 978 468-3128.
Locals toeing up for 'The Nutcracker'
Jessica Beal of Salisbury and Victoria Hull of Groveland will be among the cast of New England Civic Ballet's 14th annual production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" this weekend at the Rogers Center for the Performing Arts at Merrimack College in North Andover.
Performances are tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for children and seniors. For tickets or information, visit www.newenglandcivicballet.org or call 978-975-0289.
National comedian hosting open mike
Comedian Joe Wong, who made his national TV debut on the "Late Show with David Letterman" earlier this year and has since appeared twice on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," will host the Winner's Circle in Salisbury's weekly open mike on Tuesday at 8 p.m.
Admission is free, but patrons are being asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to Pettengill House in Salisbury. For more, call the Winner's Circle at 211 Elm St. (Route 110), at 978-462-8994.
Liz Frame kicking it up at the Playhouse
Take five from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and settle in for some music with acoustic rockers Liz Frame and the Kickers next Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. at Amesbury Playhouse, 194 Main St., Amesbury.
Frame has been writing and performing her own brand of rootsy music since her teens. She was an active member of the country music/rockabilly scene in Boston during the 1980s and '90s, fronting her own band and delivering her own material with vocals that are said to fall somewhere between Dwight Yoakam's twang and k.d. lang's soul.
After garnering interest from major and independent record labels during the height of her career, Frame took time off to raise her daughter, who is now a musician herself. With her daughter now grown, Frame has returned to redeveloping music that combines traditional country, soulful blues and rockabilly.
When she's not making music, Frame is the owner of Fancy Schmancy, a shop that she started in Amesbury and moved to Newburyport two years ago.
The Playhouse concert is part of its new monthly music series. In the spirit of the season, Frame and her band are asking audience-goers to bring a nonperishable food item to benefit Our Neighbors' Table in Amesbury.
Tickets for the show are $5. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Call the Playhouse at 978-388-9444 or visit www.amesburyplayhouse.com or www.reverbnation.com/lizframeandthekickers.
Holiday sampler from Merrimack Valley Band
The Merrimack Valley Concert Band tunes up for its holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. in the Technology Center at Northern Essex Community College at 100 Elliott St. in Haverhill.
Forty wind musicians and percussionists from more than 25 area communities will present a variety of holiday music, ranging from the traditional carol "Adeste Fideles" to the laid-back jazz of "Baby, It's Cold Outside."
The concert will also mark the release of the band's new CD, "Songs from the Bandstand," a compilation of the best music from the group's summer seasons.
Admission is free; however, a freewill donation will be collected to benefit the American Red Cross. The snow date is Monday at 7 p.m. Visit www.mvcband.org.
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