Ticketmaster events are sold at Macy’s and Giant Eagle, both Hermitage; ticketmaster.com; and at 330-747-1212.
Art
• Marc Sijan’s super realistic sculptures of people (critics have said, “All that’s missing is the pulse”) will fascinate viewers through Sunday at the Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown. Info: www.butlerart.com
• Local photographer David Hoye’s work will be displayed at the Community Library of the Shenango Valley in Sharon through the end of the month.
• Former Greenville resident and contemporary artist Ed Stitt shows some of his paintings through January in the Gallery Grille, 365 Mercer Road, Hempfield Township.
• Hoyt Art Center presents a new exhibit by Eva Zeisel, “The Shape of Life,” through Dec. 31 in the gallery in New Castle. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Free. Tour info: 724-652-2882, ext. 13, or hoytprograms@hoytartcenter.org
• The Blue Heron Art Gallery features artists Karen Hoagland, Nancy Connelly and the Wednesday Morning Artists from Eastbrook Presbyterian Church, as directed by Mary Jane Winder. Hoagland’s exhibit “Safari of Stone Creatures” will be on view through Friday, with the Wednesday Morning group’s work providing its backdrop. Connelly’s exhibition, “Pastels and Paintings” will be on view through Jan. 24. The gallery is at 600 Main St., Volant. Info: www.theblueherongallery.com
• Enjoy the rich tapestries created by fiber artists Lainie Addessi, Victoria Brogdon and Deborah Sementelli through Dec. 6 in the Campbell Pottery Store and Gallery, Cambridge Springs. Gallery is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: www.campbellpotterystore.com or 814-734-8800.
• The Butler Institute of American Art presents its 39th annual American Holiday Arts and Crafts Show and Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Butler, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown. Admission: $5 adults and free for children younger than 12.
• Christmas “Artie Gras” will start at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at Quaker Steak & Lube. Local artists and artisans are invited to socialize and display their merchandise. Info: www.artiegras.com
Christmas
• The Shenango Valley Chorale plays “An Olde English Feast” Dec. 3 through 6 at Tara, a country inn, Clark, by reservation only. Cost is $45; reservations: 724-699-6948
• Geneva College’s Christmas concert, “Glory in the Highest” is at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Metheny Fieldhouse. Tickets: itickets.com, $10 general admission, $15 reserved seats
• Top Hat Productions presents “Nativity,” the story of the birth of Christ, by reservation at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, and 12 in The Fairview Arts & Outreach Center, Youngstown. Reservations: www.tophatproductions.org or 800-838-3006; suggested donation: $10
• Slippery Rock University Theatre presents “Inspecting Carol,” by Daniel Sullivan, Tuesday through Dec. 6. Curtain times are 8 p.m., except for a 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 6. It’s staged in Miller Auditorium on campus. Tickets: $5 for students with ID and $10, general admission
• The Westminster College Symphony Orchestra presents its holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Orr Auditorium, New Wilmington. Free.
• The Victorian Players invite people to “In the Spirit of the Season,” at 8 p.m. Dec. 4 and 4 p.m. Dec. 6 in The Victorian Players Theatre, 702 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown. Reservations and info: 330-746-5455.
• Thiel College invites the community to its 57th annual Thiel College Christmas Festival at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 in William A. Passavant Center. Prelude music begins at 3:40 p.m. Concert free, but offerings accepted
• The Bach Society holds its Christmas concerts, “Noel We Sing,” at 8 p.m. Dec. 4 in Center Presbyterian Church, Slippery Rock, and Dec. 5 in Tower Presbyterian Church, Grove City. Free.
• The New Castle Music Club Chorus presents its 69th annual presentation of George Frederick Handel’s “Messiah,” at 3 p.m. Sunday in St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Parish, New Castle. Offering taken
• The Youngstown Playhouse presents “Miracle on 34th Street” at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays Dec. 11 through 20 in the theater at 600 Playhouse Lane. Reservations: 330-788-8739. Info: www.youngstownplayhouse.com
• Cahal Dunne presents his “Wonderful World of Christmas Concert” at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 in the McQuiston Center by the Park, 29 Railroad St., Sandy Lake. Tickets: $18, refreshments included; call 724-376-3608 or the center
• Canfield (Ohio) Community Theatre presents the holiday musical “Believe: White Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Family Life Center of St. Michael Church, Canfield. Tickets: $13.50 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens; call 330-533-3181
• The Keelings will play a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Harvest Community Church, Kittanning; at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 in First Friends Church, Salem, Ohio; and at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 in New Beginnings Church of God, Meadville. Info: 724-253-3339, free ticket required. Take a non-perishable item for a food drive.
• The Mercer County Historical Society’s Chamber Players hold their annual candlelight Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in Helen Black Miller Memorial Chapel, Mercer. Donations accepted
• Main Street Theatre presents “In the Spirit of Christmas” at 8 p.m. Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 and 4 p.m. Dec. 6 in Columbiana (Ohio) Main Street Theatre.
• Taste chestnuts roasted on an open fire, give Santa your wish list, buy unique gifts and be entertained by a juggler, balloon artist, and many fine musicians at Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Mill, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Lanterman’s Mill in Youngstown. Help decorate a Giving Tree by bringing new or gently used mittens, hats, and scarves. Your donation will warm up area children in need. Details: 330-740-7126.
Dance
• Join a polka dance at Adam’s Birthday Bash at 3 p.m. Sunday in Croation Club, 601 E. Poland Ave., Bessemer. Info: 724-667-8997, dinner buffet available
• Dance to the oldies with Ivory Coach at 8 p.m. Friday or try polka with The Polka Tones at 8 p.m. Saturday in Kuzman’s Lounge, Girard, Ohio. Catch a jitterbug Wednesday.
• Take ballroom dance lessons from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 4 through Jan. 22, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day, in iXL Rehab and Fitness Center, 139 N. Erie St., Mercer. No experience is necessary, couples are recommended but not necessary. Cost is $75 for couples or $50 for singles. Reserve a spot at 724-662-1776
Etc.
• The Washington Mission Commemoration, which marks the anniversary of 21-year-old George Washington’s 1753 mission precipitating the French and Indian War, starts and ends with Harmony Museum tours and a hot-apple-cider-and-cookies reception in the museum’s Stewart Hall.
Event hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday with hike departures scheduled for 11 and 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are strongly encouraged to secure a hiking time. The first 100 hikers to reserve a spot will receive a free “Washington’s Trail 1753” button. Info: 724-452-7341 or www.harmonymuseum.org
• A “Cinderella Brunch” feature a full buffet with costumed characters from the beloved fairy tale interacting with guests. at noon Saturday, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 in Trinity United Methodist Church, 30 W. Front St., Youngstown. Reservations required: 330-788-8739. Info: www.youngstownplayhouse.com, $10 for children and $12 for adults.
• Students in grades seven through 12 from western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio may audition for the “14th Annual Stars of Tomorrow” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the Augustine Auditorium at New Castle Playhouse, 212 E. Long Ave. Acts can be individuals or small groups and can represent any type of performing art – vocal, dance, instrumental, comedy or variety. Auditioners should be prepared to perform as if it were the actual show. Two shows are set: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 in the auditorium. Info: 724-657-9369
• “Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries,” is unleashed at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History through Jan. 31. Info: www.cmnh.org or 216-231-4600
• The Drue Heinz Lectures in Pittsburgh continue at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 with Lidia Bastianich. Tickets: www.pittsburghlectures.org
Karaoke
• Today: Sing along to oldies with Scott at 7 p.m. in the Okay Corral, Stoneboro.
• Friday: Jim Hicks runs karaoke at 9 p.m. in Sidebar & Grille, Mercer; Simply Ed Karaoke plays at 9:30 p.m. in Tully’s Irish Pub in the Quaker Steak and Lube complex, Sharon.
• Sunday: Sherryokie plays at 9 p.m. Sunday in Jerry’s Tavern, Sharpsville.
Local bands
• The Hern Brothers Band plays at 9:30 p.m. Friday in Splitz Bar & Grille, Hermitage. Band info: www.hernbrothers.com
• Sonic Age puts on a high energy rock show combining favorite cover songs and original material Saturday in McMenamy’s, Niles, Ohio. Info: www.sonicage.net
• Soundbite plays classic rock just the way you remember it at 9 p.m. Saturday in The Grist Mill, Austintown, Ohio. Info: 724-347-2508
• Variety on the Square presents Boosel & Co. playing from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the old G.C. Murphy Building at 110 N. Pitt St., Mercer. There is an admission charge. Take a chair. Info: 724-662-1490
• Enjoy the music in Millbrook, this week featuring In Transition and Hearts of Heaven from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the former Schoefield Methodist Church. Admission at the door, snacks and beverages available.
• Terry Dach and Max Schang play 9 p.m. Friday in The Wave Restaurant, Sharon.
• Yukon Jack holds a reunion show at 9 p.m. Friday in Tully’s Irish Pub, Sharon. Catch Jason Antagnoli and The North Eastern Highway Vagabond Boys at 9 p.m. Monday. No cover
• Catch Ovation at 9 p.m. Friday in the Rosetta Stone Cafe and Wine Bar, 110 Federal Plaza W., Youngstown. Grove City band The Intent plays at 9 p.m. Saturday. There’s “An Evening with Frank Sinatra” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
• Stoned Sober plays at 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the Drawbar, Greenville. Band info: www.stonedsober.myeweb.net
• Brother Mary plays and holds open mic night at 9 p.m. Saturday in the Royal Cafe, Sharpsville.
• The Hellbenders play acoustic blues, rock, rockabilly and country at 8 p.m. Friday in EZ’s Orangeville Tavern, South Pymatuning Township. Info: 724-646-4525
• Steve Vuich hosts an open mic night at 9:30 p.m. Thursday in Tully’s, Sharon. Catch him at 7 p.m. Friday in Combine Bros. Bar & Grille, Hermitage; at 8 p.m. Saturday in The Wave Restaurant, Sharon; and at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Combine Bros.
• Eric Stevens plays at 9 p.m. Friday in JW’s Other Club in the Radisson Hotel, Shenango Township. See Savoy at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Info: 724-528-2501, ext. 420, and www.radisson.com/westmiddlesexpa
• Remedy rocks at 9:30 p.m. Saturday in Jacob’s Gable Inn, Jamestown. Band info: www.remedybandrocks.com
Musical stage
• The New Castle Playhouse presents Disney’s classic “Beauty and the Beast” at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 6 in the theater, 212 E. Long Ave. Reservations: 724-654-3437. Tickets: www.TicketLeap.com and at the door. Info: info@newcastleplayhouse.org
• The Performing Arts Series at Slippery Rock University is bringing American Stars in Concert for the Holidays at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 in Miller Auditorium, Slippery Rock. The show features American Idol Stars: R.J. Helton, Season 1; Trenyce Cobbins, Season 2; Mikalah Gordon, Season 4; and Chikezie, Season 7. Tickets: 724-738-2018.
• Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theatre presents “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in the theater at 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown. Box office: 330-788-8739
• The Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s featured performer for its upcoming holiday concert is internationally renowned opera singer Marianne Cornetti. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in Butler Intermediate High School, 551 Fairground Hill Road. Cornetti, a native of Cabot, received the Pittsburgh Opera’s highest honor, the Renaissance Award, and is the feature cover story (“The Pittsburgh Diva”) in the summer edition of Fanfare The Magazine. Tickets and info: 724-283-1402 or www.butlersymphony.org.
Send items for publication to diversions@sharonherald.com or by fax to: 724-981-5116. Information is not taken over the phone.
Compiled by Herald Staff Writer Matthew Snyder
