Good causes

BENEFIT CONCERT. Friday, Sept. 10, 6 to 11 p.m., at Moose Hall, 50 Grove St., Salem, raises money to purchase ramp and handicapped-accessible van for boy with Duchene's muscular dystrophy. $15; proceeds and donations go directly to "The Tanis Price Benefit Fund." 603-418-5017.

COMMUNITY YARD SALE. Saturday, Sept. 11, 8 a.m., Hastings House, 14 Oak St., Beverly. $35 to rent space to sell personal treasures, or donate treasures to Hastings House and 100 percent of sales go to Farms Prides Community Association. Food for purchase. In honor of 9/11, bring donation item for troops overseas. 978-927-6370.

DANVERS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CHEERLEADERS CAR WASH. Saturday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Liberty Tree Mall Firestone parking lot, 159 Endicott St., Danvers. $5. Rain date Sept. 12. 978-774-8468.

BOOK SALE. Saturday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St., Hamilton. The Friends of the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library's book sale will continue the following Monday through Thursday during library hours (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Includes antique/collectible book sale on the second floor from noon to 3 p.m. 978-468-5527.

HOUSE AND GARDEN PLANT SALE. Saturday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church, 188 Elliott St. (Route 62), Danvers. Christ the Redeemer is a new church trying to purchase its $1.6 million property. 978-774-3163 or www.ctr-anglican.org.

SALEM ATHENAEUM BOOK SALE. Saturday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Salem Athenaeum, 337 Essex St., Salem, select from a broad assortment of previously owned and gently used paperback and hardcover books. Offerings include recent and older fiction, mysteries, travel, biography, cookbooks, general nonfiction, children's literature, and audiobooks. All books $2. Children purchasing their own books will receive a discount. Book donations accepted through Sept. 10. All proceeds benefit Salem Athenaeum. To volunteer, contact Jean Marie at 978-744-2540.

NORTH SHORE WALK-A-THON FOR SCLERODERMA. Sunday, Sept. 12, noon, begins at Proctor School, 60 Main St., Topsfield. Registration is at 10 a.m. No registration fee or minimum pledge requirement. Two options for 5K route followed by refreshments, entertainment, silent auctions and raffles. 978-887-0658.

MYOPIA HUNT CLUB FUNDRAISER. Northeast Arc's 41st annual Mike Frangos Commodore Invitational Charity Golf Tournament, on Monday, Sept. 13, 7 a.m. or 12:15 p.m., at Myopia Hunt Club, Hamilton. All proceeds go to Northeast Arc, for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided. Morning run costs $300 per person, afternoon costs $2,000 per foursome. Raffle, golf prizes, live/silent auctions. Dinner-only packages available. To register, donate an item, volunteer or inquire about sponsorships, contact Becky Landry at 978-762-4878, ext. 2401, or blandry@ne-arc.org.

FASHION SHOW AND AFTERNOON TEA. Monday, Sept. 13, 3 to 5:30 p.m., at the Beverly Senior Center, 90 Colon St., Beverly. Co-hosted by Bargains for a Cause and Beverly Council on Aging. $3 admission, includes coffee, tea and snacks. Raffles, accessories and collectibles for sale. Purchase tickets at Beverly Senior Center. 978-921-6017, kseavey@beverlyma.gov, 978-927-1561, aganem@beverlybootstraps.org.

"PAWS-ITIVELY FASHIONABLE." Preserving Animal Welfare fashion show to benefit local animal shelters on Sunday, Sept. 19, 1 to 4 p.m., in the Hawthorne Hotel Ballroom, Salem. $30/ticket. Pet food donation for foster homes appreciated. Fashions provided by Signatures and Fashion Playtes, to be modeled by shelter volunteers and children. Boutique featuring items for pets and accessories for owners. Local businesses will exhibit in ballroom. Comedian Tony V. will host event. Buffet, raffle and business networking opportunities. Limited availability at the door on day of the event. Ticket and raffle sales go to PALS Animal Life Savers, Friends of Marblehead's Abandoned Animals, and MassPAWS. Tickets at Signatures, 181 Essex St., Salem, and from Donna at 781-535-8635.

Auditions

"IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE." Thursday, Sept. 9, 7 to 9 p.m., at Hogan Regional Auditorium, 6 Hathorne Circle, Danvers. The North Shore Players, a community theater, will hold open auditions for the musical. Callbacks are Sept. 10. www.northshoreplayers.org or 978-921-0297.

"BEAUTY AND THE BEAST." North Shore Children's Theatre auditions for fall 2010 season will be held at Swampscott Public Library, Meeting Room, 61 Burrill St., Swampscott. For ages 5 to 9, Tuesday, Sept. 14, 4 to 6 p.m., and Thursday, Sept. 16, 4 to 5 p.m. Ages 10 to 18, Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6 to 8 p.m., possible callbacks Thursday, Sept. 16, 5 to 8 p.m. 781-248-9458.

Children and Families

CONNORS FAMILY FARM CORN MAZE. Open from Sept. 11 to Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily, at 30 Valley Road, Danvers. An intricate network of twists and turns carved into 7 acres of corn. Daytime admission: $9.50 ages 12 and up, $7.50 seniors, $7.50 ages 3 to 11, free for kids under 3. Combo tickets available for "MAiZE," bounce house, jumping pillow and hayrides. Discounts offered for groups. $18 haunted cornfield; $20 singles night; $10/child Halloween kids' days. Food and beverages available. 978-777-1245, info@connorsfarm.com, www.connorsfarm.com/cornmaze.htm.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRUCK DAY FOR KIDS. Police cars, firetrucks, concrete mixers, loaders, graders, helicopters, bulldozers, dump trucks for children and grown-up kids to play in and explore on Saturday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Endicott Park, 57 Forest St., Danvers. Sponsored by Danvers Recreation. Anyone with a unique, interesting, large vehicle to display. cmarshall@mail.danvers-ma.org.

MASS AUDUBON'S DISCOVERY DAY. Saturday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. Guided canoe trips, nature walks, ponding, garden tours, scavenger hunt, quest activities, children's crafts and more. Free admission; food for purchase. www.massaudubon.org/ipswichriver or 978-887-9264.

Community service

"ONE HEALTHY OCEAN" FAMILY BEACH CLEANUP. Saturday, Sept. 11, 8 to 10 a.m., at Gas House Beach, Gas House Lane, or Devereux Beach, Ocean Avenue, Marblehead. Rain or shine. All are welcome. Bring sunscreen, work gloves, water bottle, snacks. Safety briefing, garbage bags; thank-you gift will be provided. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 617-233-4120.

ANNUAL CRANE BEACH CLEANUP. Saturday, Sept. 11, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Crane Beach parking lot, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich. Clean up beach from summer use. Drop in anytime; leave whenever. 978-356-5728, ext. 15, or hhannaway@ttor.org.

Concerts

JAZZ. Sunday, Sept. 12, 4 to 8:30 p.m., at the Historic Barn at the Crane Estate, 280 Argilla Road, Ipswich. Gates open at 4 p.m., for picnicking, concert from 6 p.m. Cider doughnuts, apple cider and ice cream cones available for purchase. With Orville Giddings, Tom M. Palance, Mark Earley, Bert Seager, John Lockwood, Joe Hunt. Proceeds from this concert will benefit the North Shore Jazz Project. Tickets $17 in advance, $20 at the door, students half-price. www.northshorejazzproject.org.

PIANO RECITAL. With Beverly Soll and Sanae Kanda on Monday, Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m., at Salem State University, Recital Hall, 71 Loring Ave., Salem. Music faculty members present "Dance for Twenty Fingers," an evening of music written specifically for two pianists at one keyboard. Varying from small pieces for a teacher and pupil to virtuosic concert works, the program includes music by Brahms, Schubert, Ravel, Stravinsky and others. Free. 978-542-7890 or www.salemstate.edu/arts.

Clubs

BANGKOK PARADISE. Rock, funk, reggae, 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Jazz jam every Monday night, 7 to 10 p.m. With Darq, goth/industrial every second and fourth Saturday night. Preacher Jack and Willie Alexander, Thursday, Sept. 9; Improper Gentlemen, Friday, Sept. 10; Darq, Saturday, Sept. 11; open mike, Tuesday, Sept. 14, 7:30 to 10 p.m. 90 Washington St., Salem. 978-825-9202.

CAPONE'S. Bad Kitty, Sept. 9; Lisa Love, Sept. 10; Wildfire, Sept. 11. $5 cover, proper dress required. 147 Summit St., Peabody. 978-977-0520.

CHIANTI Tuscan Restaurant and Jazz Lounge. Boston Horns: Unplugged, Sept. 9; Goldberg, Miksis, Langone, Sept. 10; Greg Hopkins Band, Sept. 11; Whose Muddy Shoes, Sept. 12, 6 to 9 p.m.; Fats Hammond, Sept. 14; Soul Force V, Sept. 15. All shows 9 p.m. to midnight unless noted. 285 Cabot St., Beverly. 978-921-2233 or www.chiantibeverly.com.

DODGE STREET BAR AND GRILL. Tokyo Tramps, Sept. 9; Westgate, Sept. 10; World of Enemies, Sept. 11; Service Industry Night, Sept. 12; open mike hosted by Sound Carnival, Sept. 13; anti-karaoke singalong with Mike Paolucci, Sept. 14; college night with DJ Tanner, Sept. 15. All shows 9:30 p.m. 7 Dodge St., Salem. 978-745-0139.

GULU-GULU. Sept. 9, Heather Maloney, 8 to 11:30 p.m.; Sept. 10, DJ Seth, 8 to 11:30 p.m.; Sept. 11, open bluegrass jam, 2 to 5 p.m., JP Jazz Collective, 8 to 11:30 p.m.; Sept. 14, Best of Anime "Ghost in the Shell" (1995), 8 to 10 p.m.; Sept. 15, open mike 8 to 11 p.m. 247 Essex St., Salem. 978-740-8882.

IN A PIG'S EYE. Orville Giddings and Alan Estes, Sept. 9; blues jam, Sept. 10, 4 to 7 p.m.; Tearing Up Jake, Sept. 11; Ervin Dhimo, Sept. 12, 6 to 9 p.m.; open mike with Lisa Marie, Sept. 13. 148 Derby St., Salem. 978-741-4436.

ROCKAFELLAS. Sept. 9, Billy Garzone Band; Sept. 10, Spike the Punch; Sept. 11, Wired; Sept. 15, 8 to 11:30 p.m., Latin dance party. 231 Essex St., Salem. 978-745-2411.

VICTORIA STATION. Open mike night with Ross Livermore, Sept. 9, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.; Julie Dougherty, Sept. 10, 9 p.m. to midnight; Mike Troy and Tramack, Sept. 11, 9:30 p.m. to midnight; Guy Ford Band, Sept. 12, 6 to 9 p.m.; Wii bowling tournaments, Sept. 13, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.; karaoke, Sept. 15, 8 to 11 p.m. 86 Wharf St., Pickering Wharf, Salem, 978-745-3400.

VILLAGE GREEN. Swing dancing every Wednesday. Stump Trivia, dancing and karaoke every Thursday. Dances every Friday and Saturday night. Sept. 10, DJ Russ and karaoke with Louise; Sept. 11, Keep It Reel and karaoke with Louise. 225 Newbury St. (Route 1 north) Danvers, 978-774-7270.

Fairs and festivals

"FALL BACK" VENDORS FAIR. To benefit Cadette Girl Scout Troop No. 695, Saturday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 221 Cabot St., Beverly. Tables are available for rent. 978-239-5622 or viacoz@comcast.net.

27TH PEABODY INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL. Eat your way around the world on Sunday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in Peabody Square. Continuous entertainment provided on stages by the Bremer Academy of Irish Dance, Comunidade de Cristo dance and choir, Crystal PanJammers Youth Steel Orchestra, The Musical Mavens, North Shore Acappella and the Brian Maes Band. Also features more than 50 artists.

Meetings

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP. Monday, Sept. 13, 6 to 7 p.m., at Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly, in the Doctor's Conference Room. A free diabetes support group. Discussion of the importance of good nutrition and diabetes presented by Erica Cintron, RD, LDN. Registration requested, 978-236-1653.

DANVERS BI-PEDS MONTHLY MEETING. Monday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m., at the Carriage House at Endicott Park, 57 Forest St., Danvers. Be part of planning monthly walks, the Safe Routes to School program, and efforts to make Danvers safer for bikers and walkers. All welcome. 978-774-8159, ibarry@danversbipeds.org or danversbipeds.org.

BEVERLY MOTHERS CLUB KICK-OFF EVENT. Tuesday, Sept. 14, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Mandrake Bar and Bistro, 252 Cabot St., Beverly. Mothers or mothers-to-be interested in joining the BMC are welcome. Free admission. Beverly residency is not required. www.beverlymothersclub.com

SIGN-UP NIGHT AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL. For Cub Pack No. 88, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Carroll School, 60 Northend St., Peabody. Applications for membership. For boys ages 7 to 10 (grade one to five) who want to have fun while learning life skills.

Theater

"BITTERSWEET MIDNIGHT." Storyteller Judith Black explores the power of female hungers and relationships both here and in the hereafter in a tragi-comic performance on Sept. 30 through Oct. 16, Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m., at the Salem Theatre Company, 90 Lafayette St., Salem. Written and performed by Judith Black, directed by John Fogle. $22/adults; $18/seniors; $12/students. On Sept. 30, $35/ticket will benefit HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change) and Salem Theatre Company; on Oct. 3, "pay what you will" performance; on Oct. 7, post-show talk-back and question-and-answer session with cast and director. Purchase tickets online at www.salemtheatre.com/tickets, or reserve tickets for pickup at the box office, by calling 978-792-8546 or e-mailing info@salemtheatre.com.

Movies

"FOOD INC." Movie night on Friday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m., at Topsfield Public Library, 1 S. Common St. Free, and no sign-up is required. "A Book Grows in Topsfield" program. 978-887-1528.

Books

GOULD BARN. Francis Moore Lappe, local food advocate and author of "Diet for a Small Planet," will speak about her work promoting a local food diet and how it benefits you and your community on Thursday, Sept. 9, 7 p.m., at Gould Barn, 1 Howlett St., Topsfield. No sign-up is required for this "A Book Grows in Topsfield" program. 978-887-1528.

BOOK SIGNING AT FARMER'S MARKET. Local Herbalist Margi Flint will sign copies of her book, "The Practicing Herbalist, meeting with clients, reading the body," on Saturday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Marblehead Farmer's Market, 217 Pleasant St., Marblehead. Flint will offer quick, free readings to help people understand what the lines and colors on their face, nails and tongue say about their health. www.earthsongherbals.com or 781-631-4312.

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP MEETING. Focus on "Breakfast at Tiffany's" on Monday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m., at Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main St., Peabody. Watch movie and read book prior to meeting. All welcome. 978-531-0100, ext. 10, or www.peabodylibrary.org.

"ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, MIRACLE." Tuesday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m., at Masconomet Regional High School Library, 20 Endicott Road, Boxford. Discussion of Barbara Kingsolver's book on gardening and food, as part of Topsfield Public Library's Community Read program, with English Department's David Donavel. No sign-up required for this family event. 978-887-1528.

BETSY WILLIAMS ON HERBS. Wednesday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m., at Topsfield Public Library, 1 S. Common St., Topsfield. Local who grows, sells, decorates and teaches about living with herbs and flowers, has appeared on Discovery Channel and written several books on use of herbs of flowers, will talk about everyday use of herbs. Part of library's Community Read program focusing on Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Mineral." No sign-up required. 978-887-1528.

History

HISTORIC SALEM WALKING TOURS. Sunday, Sept. 12, 2 p.m., in front of 17th-century Gedney House, 21 High St., Salem, meet local historian Margherita Desy and trace the remains of the South River, "read" the topography of the original "bed"/path of the river, learn about the impact of the Great Salem Fire of 1914. Suggested donation of $5/members, $10/nonmembers. 90 minutes. 978-745-0799 or www.historicsalem.org.

IPSWICH MUSEUM. Brown Bag Lunch on Monday, Sept. 13, noon, at the Ipswich Museum, 54 S. Main St., Ipswich. Museum member Bill Nelson will discuss the history of industries in the Ipswich Mills building, where EBSCO is now. This is a preview to the walking tours he is giving on Sept. 18 and 26, as part of the Trails and Sails weekends. Members free; nonmembers $5. 978-356-2811.

Lectures and forums

LANDSCAPES AND LANDMARKS LECTURE SERIES. "A Grand Undertaking: The Allee Restoration at Castle Hill" illustrated presentation with award-winning landscape designer and preservationist Lucinda Brockway will be held on Thursday, Sept. 9, 7 p.m., at The Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich. $15 (discount for Trustee members). www.thetrustees.org.

IPSWICH GARDEN CLUB. Presents "A Biologist's Look at the Seashore Plants of Ipswich," Tuesday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m., at Boone Hall, Ascension Church, 32 County St., Ipswich. Lecture by professor Don Cheney about plants growing on and near Ipswich shores. Free. All welcome. 978-356-0445.

NORTH SHORE MEDICAL CENTER STROKE SURVIVORS CLUB. Wednesday, Sept. 15, 10:30 a.m., at Salem Hospital, Room D-102-A,81 Highland Ave., Salem, on ground floor. Speaker Tom Kelly, RN, MSN, clinical coordinator for stroke/PCT programs at Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospital on "Let's Talk About Stroke: Recognition and Risk Reduction." Refreshments served. New members, along with caregivers and family members, welcome.

"MERCHANTS, MINISTERS, LADIES AND CHILDREN: PORTRAITS OF EARLY AMERICANS." Lecture is on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 11 a.m. at Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main St., Peabody. Part of "Picturing America" series. Free; registration required. 978-531-0100, ext. 10, or www.peabodylibrary.org.

Workshops

LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER. Monday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to noon, at Beverly Hospital, Kauders Conference Room, 85 Herrick St., Beverly. Female cancer patients who participate in this class will learn how to use makeup and skin care techniques to overcome the appearance-related effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Women also learn ways to disguise hair loss with wigs, scarves and other accessories. Participants receive makeup kit valued at more than $200. Register at Beverly Hospital, 978-922-3000, ext. 3087.

Art

ARTISTS BEYOND CHALLENGES. Exhibit on view Monday, Sept. 13, through Friday, Oct. 22, at Desnoyers Overlook Room, Endicott College, 376 Hale St., Beverly. Artists Beyond Challenges is a diverse group of artists working with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to achieve professional development, self-support and independence through exhibitions, networking and marketing. 20 pieces of varied media will be presented, including sculpture, hand-knitted afghan, jewelry in a shadow box, oil paintings and photography, focusing on the theme "Philosophies of Life." Reception Monday, Sept. 20, 5 to 7 p.m. Artists will offer poetry readings and storytelling, and an opportunity to discuss their works. Kathleen Moore at 978-232-2655 or kmoore@endicott.edu.

DUCK STAMPS. The winning design for the 2011 Waterfowl Stamp and other noteworthy entries will be on display from Tuesday, Sept. 14, through Sept. 23. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. Also presented are winning entries from the 2010 Junior Duck Stamp competition by students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Free. Co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. 866-745-1876, www.pem.org.

ARCHIVE MUSEUM EXHIBIT RECEPTION. Tuesday, Sept. 14, 4 to 6 p.m. at Halle Library, Endicott College, 376 Hale St., Beverly. The School of Sport Science and Fitness Studies and School of Business art exhibit on display through Dec. 17. Exhibit hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 978-232-2257 or broudo@endicott.edu.

"THE EMPEROR'S PRIVATE PARADISE: TREASURES FROM THE FORBIDDEN CITY." On view Sept. 14 through Jan. 9, Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. Exhibit will reveal the contemplative life and refined vision of one of history's most influential rulers, the Qianlong emperor, with artworks including murals, paintings, furniture, architectural and garden components, jades, and cloisonne. $15/adults; $13/seniors; $11/students; members, youths 16 and under, and residents of Salem enjoy free general admission. In partnership with the Palace Museum, Beijing, and in cooperation with World Monuments Fund. 866-745-1876 or www.pem.org.

ENDICOTT FACULTY ART EXHIBIT. Through Saturday, Oct. 3, at Spencer Presentation Gallery, Endicott College, 376 Hale St., Beverly. Exhibit includes faculty's most recent works in painting, photography, ceramics, multimedia and 3-D design. Reception will be held on Friday, Oct. 1, 5 to 7 p.m. 978-232-2655 or kmoore@endicott.edu.

"IN THE MOMENT." Pastel and watercolor paintings by Michele Kenna are in view through Saturday, Oct. 9, at mimi gift gallery, 26 Market St., Ipswich, with additional pieces featured at mimi by-the-sea, 19 Central St., Manchester-by-the-Sea. Artist's reception will be held on Friday, Sept. 10, 4 to 7 p.m. at mimi in Ipswich. 978-356-0804, 978-525-0385 or www.mimigiftgallery.com.