MERCER COUNTY — Art

• Get in free to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History between 3:30 and 8 p.m. Thursdays in March, thanks to the Buncher Family Foundation.

Info: 412-622-3131 or www.cmoa.org or www.carnegiemnh.org

• The art gallery named 29 Logan Ave., Sharon, holds open houses from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. As part of its Sunday series, the gallery also features art doll-maker Tony Kropp at noon Sunday. Info: 724-981-5652 or at 29loganave@gmail.com

• Uncover the color of the snow-laden landscape with a vibrant new exhibit of oils and pastels by Charles Basham through April 23 in Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts, New Castle. Info: 724-652-2882.

• Two exhibits of photographs by award-winner Charlee Brodsky are on display through March 31 at the American Jewish Museum at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, 5738 Forbes Ave. Free. Info: 412-521-8011, ext. 105, or www.jccpgh.org

•  Thiel College presents “Schindler,” an art exhibit from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum that tells the story of the German-Catholic industrialist and rescuer of Jews, Oskar Schindler, who was the subject of the film “Schindler’s List.” The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays through April 7 in the Langenheim Memorial Library on the campus in Greenville.

• April Fools-Easter “Artie Gras” will be held indoors at 6 p.m. April 1 in Quaker Steak & Lube. Local artists and artisans are invited to socialize and display their merchandise. Info: www.artiegras.com

•  Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (pittsburgharts.org) and Society for Contemporary Craft (contemporarycraft.org) host Fiber International Exhibition of Contemporary Fiber Art, April 16 to Aug. 22 with 84 artists from 14 countries. Fiberart Forum: A Dialogue with the Artists, is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 16. Info: fiberartinternational.org

CALL FOR TALENT

•  The Mercer Community Band, directed by Dr. Hendley D. Hoge, is looking for members for its 2010 concert series. The 90-piece band is in its 33rd year and plays Friday evening summer concerts on the courthouse square in Mercer, practicing for 2.5 hours the evening prior to each concert. Mature musicians in the areas of woodwinds and brass are being sought and should contact Hoge at 724-699-9124



CLASSICAL

•  The boys are back, with Phil Keaggy, Daniel Pecchio and John Sferra of “Glass Harp” playing at 8 p.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Ford Family Recital Hall. Tickets: 330-744-0264, info: www.youngstownsymphony.com



COMMUNITY CONCERTS

•  The Northwest Pennsylvania GBS Rally hosts the Symphonic Wind & String Ensemble at 7 p.m. Friday in Lakeview High School, Stoneboro. Info: 724-475-3448

ä The Keelings will play a night of praise and worship for a food drive that will benefit the Lakeview Area Helping Hands at 7 p.m. Saturday in Emmanuel Christian Church, Stoneboro. Info: 724-253-3339 Free ticket and two or more nonperishable food items required at the door

•  Sharpsville Historical Society presents an evening with singer-songwriter Adam Crossley at 8 p.m. April 23 and 24 in Pierce Opera House, Sharpsville. Tickets: $15 Info: www.sharpsvillehistorical.com or 724-962-2392

•  Sharpsville Area Historical Society and Valley Lyric Opera present Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love,” featuring a New York cast under the tutelage of Maestro Francisco Casanova, at 8 p.m. May 13 and 15 in Pierce Opera House, 100 N. Mercer Ave., Sharpsville. Tickets: $25 at Sharpsville borough building and other locations, or www.sharpsvillehistorical.com

•  Catch liturgical musicians Rory Cooney, Gary Daigle, and Theresa Donohoo in concert at 7 p.m. April 16 in St. Luke Catholic Church, Boardman, Ohio. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children, at the door or the parish office, 330-782-9783

•  The Guthrie Arts Guild presents the last of its 2009-10 Lunchtime Concert Series, students from the Slippery Rock University Jazz program. It all happens at noon April 9 in the Guthrie Theatre, Broad Street, Grove City. Tickets at the door or around Grove City, $8

•  The Westminster College Festival Chorus plays with the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra at 8 p.m. Saturday in Christ Episcopal Church, Warren, Ohio.

ETC.

•  Dance to the oldies with Cross Roads at 8 p.m. Friday or try polka with Stephanie at 8 p.m. Saturday in Kuzman’s Lounge, Girard, Ohio. Also, catch a jitterbug dance Wednesday.

•  The Buhl Community Recreation Center holds a “Raise the Roof” dodge ball tournament at 10 a.m. April 17 in the recreation center. Info: $7 per player, each receives t-shirt, prizes, rosters due by April 3, more info at the recreation center’s front desk or jkweino@msn.com

•  Stop by the Lemon Grove Cafe, 122 Federal Plaza W. in downtown Youngstown, 8 p.m. Saturday for Save the Music Festival with the Zou. Also: Tickets are on sale for Unwed Sailor on April 13. The cafe offers a full calendar of live talent and events amid a varied selection of organic/fair trade coffee, drinks and food. The free Sunday Film Series is at 8 p.m.; Mondays discussions are at 7 p.m. and Monday Night Revival, 9 p.m.; Jazz Open Mic is at 8 p.m. Tuesdays; Lemonaoke at 10 p.m. Wednesdays. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Monday through Friday and 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Info: www.lemongrovecafe.com or 330-744-7683

•  Interested in UFOs or Bigfoot? The Butler Organization for Research of the Unexplained and Center for Unexplained Events will hold its third annual Butler Paranormal Conference April 10 in the Tanglewood Senior Center at 10 Austin Ave., Lyndora. Info: 724-284-9734

•  Viewers are invited to relive the Penn State Dance Marathon’s history over the decades in an exhibit on display through April 30 in Penn State Shenango’s Lartz Memorial Library. Exhibit hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.



FILM

•  The 34th Cleveland International Film Festival, Ohio’s premier film event, continues through March 28 in Tower City Center and elsewhere. It features more than 240 films originating from close to 60 countries. Visiting filmmakers, panel discussions, and student screenings are highlights. Info and tickets: www.clevelandfilm.org

KARAOKE

• Today: Karaoke with Dave at 8 p.m. in Jerry’s Tavern, Sharpsville.

• Friday: D.J. with Pat and LonDog at 8 p.m. in Jerry’s Tavern, Sharpsville; there’s Simply Ed Karaoke plays at 9:30 p.m. in Thunder Alley in the Quaker Steak and Lube complex;  DJ and karaoke with David Ford at 9 p.m. in  Stevenson Restaurant, 1144 Broadway Ave., Masury, Ohio; Beth & Brad will be rockin’ karaoke at 10 p.m. in Charlie B’s, Mercer; and there’s karaoke at 9:30 p.m. in the Royal Cafe, Sharpsville.



• Saturday: D.J. Party and karaoke is at 9 p.m. in Rock-A-Billies Bar and Grill, Masury, Ohio; and Beth & Brad will be rockin’ karaoke  again at 10 p.m. in Charlie B’s, Mercer;

• Sunday: Catch CD’s Karaoke with Dave at 9 p.m. in Rock-A-Billies Bar and Grill, Masury, Ohio.

• Tuesday: Catch CD’s Karaoke with Dave again at 9 p.m. in Rock-A-Billies Bar and Grill, Masury, Ohio.



LOCAL BANDS

• Variety on the Square presents Backwoods Bluegrass 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

•Southern Justice plays at 9 p.m. Saturday in Stevenson Restaurant, 1144 Broadway Ave., Masury, Ohio. Info: 330-619-5354

• Catch Shakedown at 9:30 p.m. Friday in the Rosetta Stone Cafe and Wine Bar, 110 Federal Plaza West, Youngstown. Then, see Bustin’ Loose at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

• Steve Vuich hosts an open stage with The Bugera Brothers at 8:30 p.m. tonight in Lanai Lounge, Boardman, Ohio. Then, Vuich plays solo at 6:30 p.m. Friday in Combine Bros., Hermitage. Catch The River Saints at 10 p.m. Saturday in Nick’s Inn 62, Hermitage. Then catch The Bugera Brothers again for an open mic night at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in Chipper’s, Austintown, Ohio.

• FX Project plays the blues at 8 p.m. Monday in Tully’s Irish Pub, downtown Sharon. No cover



•Come on out and get your Rockabilly on with the Hellbenders at 9 p.m. Friday in Sharpsville American Legion Post 162.

• The Beckman Band plays Southern rock, classic rock, classic country, and today’s country at 9 p.m. Saturday in Joseph’s, West Middlesex.



• The Wild Turkey Band will be playing its brand of variety at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday in The Clark House, Clark.

• The Mudd Brothers play Saturday night in The Anchorage, Jamestown. Info:  www.myspace.com/muddbrothers

• There’s an open jam every week, including at 8 p.m. tonight in the Clark House, Clark. Jam with Jam Jimmy Burns from the Lost Highway Band. PA, mics, drums, amps provided – bring guitar, keyboard, etc., and plug in; info: 724-646-1429

•  Mike (Mic) Hubitz and Terry Dach play at 8 p.m. tonight in PJ’s.



•  The Sensations play at 9:30 p.m. Saturday in JW’s Other Club, inside the Radisson Hotel, Shenango Township. Info: 724-528-2501 ext. 420 and www.radisson.com/westmiddlesexpa

•  Pipe Dreams plays at 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the Royal Cafe, Sharpsville.

• Enjoy the music in Millbrook, this week featuring S.L.I.M. Brothers Gospel from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the former Schoefield Methodist Church. Admission at the door, snacks and beverages available.

SPOKEN WORD

•  Humorist David Sedaris will speak at 8 p.m. April 21 at E.J. Thomas Hall, University of Akron, 198 Hill St. Info: 330-972-7570 or www.barclayagency.com/sedaris.html

•  Tickets are on sale for An Evening with Bill Maher, May 2 at the Carnegie Library Hall of Homestead, 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. Info: 412-368-5225.

•  Chef, author and media star Anthony Bourdain will appear June 14 at Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh. Bourdain is the host of the Travel Channel’s “No Reservations” and the author of “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly.” Tickets, $37.50 to $47.50, go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at the Heinz Hall box office. A limited number of VIP tickets, which include a post-show book signing and meet-and-greet, will be available for $85. Details: 412-392-4900 or www.pittsburghsymphony.org



STAGE

•  Several one-act plays will be performed by the Covenant Players a theme reflecting faith and life in preparation for Easter, all part of a dinner theater going on at 6 p.m. Sunday in First Presbyterian Church, Sharon. Tickets: 724-342-3551

• The Pulitzer Prize-winning “Dinner With Friends” runs through Saturday at the Oakland Center for the Arts, Youngstown. Tickets: 330-746-0404.

•  The curtain rises on Thiel Players’ spring production, the classic musical “She Loves Me” from April 8 through 10 in the college’s William A. Robinson Theater. Reservations: 724-589-2029

•  “Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” takes the Salem (Ohio) Community Theatre stage at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The theater’s gospel-singing Sanders Family is together again with hilarious and touching stories and 25 toe-tapping Bluegrass Gospel favorites. The third in a series, “The Adventures of the Sanders Family” continues as a son returns from war and the pastor prepares to leave for a new congregation. Reservations: 330-332-9688.

  • Kent Trumbull Theatre presents “Tartuffe,” a 16th century French farce. Performances are today through Sunday, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. The theater is at 4314 Mahoning Ave., Champion, Ohio. Info: 330-675-8887 or trumbullboxoffice@kent.edu

• Set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland in 1934, the strange comic tale “The Cripple of Irishmaan” is a tale in the grand Irish storytelling tradition, playing at 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday and April 1 through 3, and at 3 p.m. Sunday in Ford Theater, Bliss Hall, Youngstown State University. Box office: 330-941-3105

• Meet an all-star lineup of muppets “When Elmo Grows Up,” at 7 p.m. April 30; 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 1; and 1 and 4:30 p.m. May 2 in Powers Auditorium, Youngstown. Tickets: 330-744-0264 or www.ticketmaster.com

•  The Benedum Center stage in Pittsburgh will feature “Grease,” through Sunday, “August: Osage County” April 6-11 and “Young Frankenstein,” May 4-9. Info: 412-456-6666 or pgharts.org

•  Follow the yellow brick road to “The Wizard of Oz” Tuesday to April 4 at Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh. Info: 412-392-4900 or www.pgharts.org

•  Pittsburgh CLO presents “’S Wonderful,” the new all-singing, all-dancing musical revue celebrating the genius of George and Ira Gershwin, playing June 17 through Sept. 5 in CLO Cabaret. Tickets on sale March 29 at 412-325-1582



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