Still lifes to landscapes to abstract work and everything in between highlight the Newburyport Art Association's eighth annual "Artful Feast" auction on Saturday at its galleries at 65 Water St. in Newburyport.

More than 100 pieces of 20th century and contemporary pieces by area artists, as well as some fun, non-art items, will be auctioned off in both live and silent auctions.

The event is the primary fundraiser of the year for the art association.

The festivities begin with a VIP champagne reception with hors d'oeuvres and live music from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the silent auction, featuring more than 25 items, from 6 to 7. Bidding in the live auction gets started at 7:30. Food and wine will be served throughout the night.

Tickets are $50 for the champagne reception and $20 for general admission to the auction. Proceeds will support the association's exhibition, education and outreach programs benefiting children and adults throughout the region.

All auction artwork may be previewed online at www.newburyportart.org as well as in the art association's galleries tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Absentee bids are being accepted for anyone unable to attend the auction. For more, call 978-465-8769.

Local voice sounds for Finch's season-closer

Finch (Fridays in Newburyport Coffeehouse) closes out its inaugural season tomorrow night with the help of Newburyport singer-songwriter Susan Levine. The show starts at 8 p.m. at the First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist, 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport.

Levine's sophomore album, "Atlas," is a song cycle of longing, of people and places lost and found, and of the journey home.

It was recorded and produced by her husband, Tom Eaton, at his Newburyport recording studio, and features a core band — including John Sands on drums, Richard Gates on bass and Sean Staples on mandolin — plus Eaton on piano, vibes, and guitars; Mark Erelli, John Curtis, Duke Levine and Rob Laurens on guitars and Sandy Martin on pedal steel. Special guests Jennifer Kimball and Jon Nolan contribute harmonies.

Levine has amassed several awards over the years, including finalist in the 2008 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition, Tricentric Showcase Artist at the 2008 Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference, and finalist in 2005 and semifinalist in 2007 in the International Songwriting Competition.

Doors for tomorrow's show at Finch open at 7 p.m. for coffee and light fare. Tickets are $15 and available in advance at Dyno Records on Middle Street in Newburyport and at the door. Finch will close for July and August, and prepare to launch its second season of monthly concerts on Sept. 19 with blues artist Les Sampou.

Tuba quartet blows into Georgetown church

The newly formed New England Tuba Quartet ups the volume with a mix of jazz, rock and classical music from the 16th century to today when it performs a free concert Saturday at 7 p.m. at Byfield Parish Church, 132 Jackman St., Georgetown.

The quartet is composed of members from the New England Brass Band. It features Travis Anderson of Rowley and Lief Reslow of Rhode Island on euphonium, and Bill Gray of Haverhill and Steve Noel of Rhode Island on tuba.

The program will include works by such composers as Arthur Frackenpohl, John Stevens, Anton Bruckner, John Phillips Sousa and Steve Bulla.

Motown dance party for Yankee Homecoming

Yankee Homecoming is celebrating Motown's 50th with a dance party tomorrow from 8 to 11 p.m. at Mission Oak Grill, 26 Green St., Newburyport.

The night will feature music from Motown greats like Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Jr. Walker & the All Stars, The Four Tops and Smoky Robinson, played by personalities from WNBP radio.

Tickets are $10 in advance, available at Mission Oak Grille and the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Merrimac Street, or $15 at the door. There will be a cash bar and door prizes. Proceeds will support Yankee Homecoming's first Youth Community Service Awards and the annual parade. Contact Dennis at Yhc2007@aol.com or call 978-417-6118.

Caribbean flair for Anna Jaques fundraiser

A cheeseburger in paradise is on the menu for tomorrow's Buffett on the Beach fundraiser to benefit Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport. The hospital's Community Health Foundation is hosting the summer bash from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Pavilion at Salisbury Beach State Reservation.

The event will be catered by Carry Out Cafe in Newburyport, and there will be plenty of dancing to the sounds of Jimmy Buffett. Dress is resort casual. Admission is 21-plus.

Tickets for the fundraiser, which goes off rain or shine under a tent along the water, are $125. There will also be a raffle to win two tickets to the June 25 Jimmy Buffett concert at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, as well as Boston Red Sox and Bruins tickets, an autographed Boston Celtics team ball, golf outings, spa packages and more. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Ticket-holders don't need to be present to win.

Louis and Cyndi Barry Rubenfeld once again host the annual fundraiser. Proceeds will support the creation of comprehensive cancer care provided by Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport and Commonwealth Hematology Oncology at the new Commonwealth Newburyport Cancer Center.

For tickets to the fundraiser or for the raffle or more information, call 978-463-1176 or visit www.ajh.org.

Clambake, auction on tap for Ethiopian humanitarian project

A clam bake and auction to benefit humanitarian projects in Ethiopia gets cooking Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Nicholson Hall, 9 Harris St., Newburyport.

The event will support Wide Horizons for Children's work in Ethiopia. It is being organized by families who have adopted children from Ethiopia and want to help the country where their children were born.

The evening opens with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by the New England clam bake at 7. There will be silent and live auctions led by local auctioneer John McInnis throughout the night as well as a cash bar. Auction items up for grabs include a Disney World vacation for a family of four, hotel overnights, Red Sox tickets, gift certificates and many Ethiopian handiwork and items.

Tickets are $40; a kids meal is available for $10. Tickets are available online at www.whfc.org/events. For more, e-mail Kristen Fudge of Newburyport at k.fudge@comcast.net.

Father's Day hayrides trot through Maudslay

Hop a hayride and take dad on a tour of Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Sunday to celebrate Father's Day.

The free horse-drawn hayrides will journey through the park along Curzon Mill Road from noon to 4 p.m., with the last one boarding at 3:30. They will leave every 45 minutes from the field across from the main parking and last about 30 minutes. The outings will feature a visit to the former Moseley family estate known for its historic plantings and floral landscape and glimpses of the park's famed mountain laurel in bloom.

A busy weekend is on tap at Maudslay. Here's a look at what else is planned:

Kidleidoscope, a weekly program for preschoolers ages 3 to 6, takes place Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. A different nature topic is highlighted every week with a story, craft and an activity that includes outdoor exploration. This week's theme is fireflies.

A flower walk heads out Saturday at 2 p.m. with the focus on the mountain laurel, which blooms for only a short time in June. The park features one of the largest natural stands of mountain laurel in the Northeast. The 90-minute walk will also highlight the park's natural, historic and cultural resources.

Kids ages 5 and up are invited for a ponding adventure on Sunday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The group will meet at the park headquarters and then head to the back pond to discover what's living in the aquatic habitat. Waterproof boots and long pants are recommended. Nets and buckets will be provided.

Monday night is devoted to fireflies. The park interpreter will lead a twilight walk from 8 to 9 p.m. to observe the wonders of nature at night and enjoy the fireflies' light show. Participants ages 5 and up are encouraged to bring a jar to catch fireflies.

Evening strolls continue at Maudslay on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Admission to all park programs is free. They start from the park headquarters and are co-sponsored by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Maudslay State Park Association. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by adults. Bug spray and comfortable shoes are recommended. For more, call the park at 978-465-7223.

Concert band start for West Newbury's summer series

West Newbury kicks off its 2009 Summer Community Bandstand Series tonight with the Merrimack Valley Concert Band.

The 35-member community band will perform Broadway songs, patriotic music, marches and dance tunes from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the first in a series of free weekly concerts at the gazebo behind the 1910 Town Office Building at 381 Main St.

Food and beverages will be for sale. Bring a chair or blanket and sit back and enjoy. In the event of rain, the concerts will be held in the Town Hall Annex.

The series continues Thursday, June 25, with the acoustic trio City of Roses, and runs through Aug. 27. For more, visit www.town.west-newbury.ma.us.

Cabaret night supports local theater troupe

The Tricycle Dance Troupe leads an evening of cabaret and modern dance to benefit The Valley Players at Amesbury Playhouse Saturday at 8 p.m. at Amesbury High School Auditorium, 5 Highland St.

Formed last year, Tricycle's style is deeply rooted in modern dance. Its performances are akin to modern-day vaudeville and feature stilt walking, trapeze, aerial skills and more.

Proceeds will support the nonprofit theater troupe as well as the Save the Ta-tas Foundation for breast cancer research. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Playhouse, 194 Main St., Amesbury, and the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce at 5 Market Square. Call 978-388-9444 or visit www.amesburyplayhouse.com or www.tricycledancecompany.com/index for more.

'Zombie Prom' lives on for one night at Triton

Triton Theatre presents "Zombie Prom — The Musical" Saturday at 7 p.m. at Triton Regional High School Auditorium, 112 Elm St., Byfield.

The classic 1950s love story turns the fictional Enrico Fermi High School upside down, as students rally for zombie rights and Jonny tries to win back the girl of his dreams.

Sharon Riordan directs the production with musical direction by Jennifer Conant, assistant musical direction by Holly Libert and technical direction by Nathan Hunter. Lisa Johnson handled the costumes, and Joyce Bell provides the choreography.

The suggested donation is $10, which will go toward stage drapery and lighting for Triton Regional High School. There will also be zombie face painting, photos, a pre-show movie feature, 50/50 raffle and concessions. Contact Libert at hlibert@trsd.net or 978-462-8171, ext. 4528.

Local knitwear designer debuting fall line

Knitwear designer Leslie Scanlon of Newbury will unveil her fall line of Mac & Me patterns tomorrow from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at A Loom with a View, 31R Pleasant St., Newburyport.

The wine and cheese reception will offer a chance to meet Scanlon, the founder and owner of Mac & Me, and sample the shop's yarns. Admission is free. Call 978-463-9276.

'The Big One' and '5 Words' authors at The Book Rack

Author David Kinney highlights his new book, "The Big One: An Island, An Obsession and the Furious Pursuit of a Great Fish," tomorrow at 7 p.m. at The Book Rack, 52 State St., Newburyport.

Kinney's book takes readers inside the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, considered the most celebrated fishing contest on the East Coast. Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks Studio has bought the film rights.

A former newspaperman, Kinney shared a Pulitzer Prize in 2005 with the staff of The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J., for coverage of Gov. Jim McGreevey's resignation. He previously wrote for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Associated Press.

On Saturday, Newburyport's Fran Larkin visits The Book Rack to discuss his first book, "5 Words & Then Some." Larkin helps define what is needed to succeed in today's world in the self-published book. His reading starts at 3 p.m.

Admission to both programs is free. Call The Book Rack at 978-462-8615 or visit www.bookrackbookstore.com for more.

Solstice Sing for Peace Picnic greets summer

Become part of a global grass-roots event celebrating the solstice on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at "The Meadow" at 52 Rogers St. in West Newbury.

A local group will be joining others around the world in gathering to sing songs of peace on the longest day of the year. Special guests will include singer-songwriter Meg Rayne, flutist Sue Blessing and Jim Ballard streaming shamanic sound healing, Prajna Halstrom leading chants, Solstice Sing for Peace founder Rebekah Frasey, spirit singer Micheal O'Leary, Lucian Parkin, sound healer Dierdre Drennen, contemplative harpist Catherine Brockbank with musician Stan Strickland, Odonata singers and more.

Bring a picnic blanket and lunch to enjoy. Admission is free. In the event of rain, the picnic will be canceled and the concert will be moved indoors at the Bennett Forest Retreat on the property, starting at 1:30 p.m.

Call Lyra Engel at 978-465-3935 or visit www.odonatavillage.org.

'C'mon Get Happy' with N.H. dance academy

The Seabrook-based New Hampshire Academy of Performing Arts with the Seacoast Civic Dance Company toes up its 52nd annual dance production "C'mon Get Happy" this weekend at Winnacunnet High School Auditorium in Hampton, N.H.

The show features hundreds of performers ages 3 through adult in an array of high-energy, diverse choreography and dance styles. The program will include music from hit films such as "Hairspray," "Mama Mia" and "High School Musical" as well as classical pieces set to the score from "La Bayadere," Straus and Cirque de Soleil.

Performances are tomorrow at 7 p.m., which features the company gala with solo performances by graduating seniors; Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets are $16. Call 603-474-2444 or visit www.nhapa.org.

Port playwright's monologue on Boston festival stage

See Newburyport's Ron Pullins' original monologue, "The List," take the stage this weekend as part of the Playwrights' Platform 2009 Festival of New Plays at the Boston Playwrights' Theatre, 949 Commonwealth Ave., Boston.

His play, starring equity actress Zillah Glory, will be presented tonight through Saturday at 8 p.m.

The Playwrights' Platform is Boston's only cooperative developmental theater for new plays. The festival is now in its 37th year and is designed to provide a fully produced showcase for local playwrights' work on a Boston stage.

Tickets for this weekend's shows are $17, $14 for seniors and students. Call 866-811-4111 or visit www.playwrightsplatform.org.

Firehouse Center annual meeting next week

The Firehouse Center for the Arts holds its annual meeting on Tuesday, June 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the theater in Newburyport's Market Square.

The meting is open to the public. Call 978-462-7336 or visit www.firehouse.org for more.

'Wild Thing' exhibit makes the heart sing

Award-winning Gloucester photographer Richard Seeley shares his wildlife images in the second edition of his "Wild Thing II" exhibit opening next week in the Laura Coombs Hills Gallery at the Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St., Newburyport.

Seeley spends his days focusing his lens on eagles, egrets, osprey, foxes, wolves, elk, herons, loons, moose, otters and other wildlife throughout New England, Colorado, California, Florida, Washington, Montana and Wyoming. His photographs have graced the covers and pages of books, magazines and newspapers, and his egret and fox collections have garnered numerous awards in national, regional and local shows, including a Best in Show at the Newburyport Art Association.

"The challenge in wildlife photography is to capture the animal in a unique moment and scenic setting that will evoke an emotional response from the viewer," he says in a press release.

The exhibit, a follow-up to Seeley's successful one-man show at the art association in 2007, opens Tuesday and runs through July 8. A reception takes place Friday, June 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesday). Call 978-465-8768 or visit www.newburyportart.org.

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